Intraoral and Impression Scan Alignment for Precise Prosthetics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3-D scanning technologies face challenges in obtaining accurate data due to movement of the scanner during real-time measurement, leading to reduced data quality and quantity, especially in oral scanning where margin lines, post areas, and metal areas are difficult to scan accurately.

Innovation Solution

A combined oral and impression scanning system that aligns impression scan data with oral scan data using an oral scanner, selectively storing and applying impression scan data to oral scan data based on preset conditions, and simulating selection areas to enhance data accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If real-time scanning is performed by moving the scanner at high speed, then scanning efficiency is improved, but data quality is reduced due to movement-induced location changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning efficiencyVSAvoiddata quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple patterns (first, second, and third patterns) at different positions before final data processing. The scanner captures patterns at multiple locations (first position, second position, third position) and stores these preliminary data sets, which are then processed to compensate for movement effects and generate accurate 3D data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the number of patterns is reduced to simplify the scanning process, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddata quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning process is segmented into multiple independent pattern capture steps. Instead of using a single complex pattern, the system divides the measurement into multiple simpler pattern captures (first pattern, second pattern, third pattern) at different positions. Each pattern capture is a simple operation, but their combination provides comprehensive and precise measurement data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If oral scan data is used directly for prosthetics fabrication, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to unclear margin lines and metal areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprosthetics fabrication efficiencyVSAvoidprosthetics precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces an intermediary processing step between oral scanning and prosthetics fabrication. The determination unit acts as a mediator that analyzes oral scan data and identifies areas requiring improvement (unclear margin lines, metal areas). It then selectively applies impression scan data as an intermediary data source to supplement or replace problematic oral scan data, ensuring manufacturing precision while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables the fabrication of elaborate prosthetics by merging oral and impression scan data in real time, improving accuracy in scanning margin lines, post areas, and metal-covered teeth portions, and ensuring precise occlusion alignment.

Implementation Method 1

a structured light method of projecting a structured pattern onto an object to be measured by using an optical projection device, obtaining an image of the object through an imaging device, and computing 3-D data by analyzing the obtained image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStructured light method:

Data Source

PatentEP4406475B1Combined intraoral and impression scanning method
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 MEDIT CORP
  • EP4406475B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4406475B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4406475B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~4

AI summary

According to a combined intraoral and impression scanning system and method of the present invention, intraoral scan data of an intraoral object can be obtained and stored, and impression scan data of the oral object can be selectively stored from an intraoral scan data area that satisfies a preset determination condition. By applying the intraoral scan data area corresponding to the preset determination condition as the impression scan data, highly reliable final scan data can be obtained and a precise prosthesis can be manufactured.