Intraoral 3D Scanner Angular Color Vector Shade Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for accurately modeling tooth color shades in dentistry are prone to human error and are time-consuming, expensive, and often yield disappointing results, despite advancements in colorimetric imaging and 3D scanning.
Innovation Solution
A method for intraoral 3D scanning that obtains a 3D tooth surface representation with spatially resolved angular distribution of color vectors, identifies shade values by comparing these distributions to reference values, and displays or stores the data with indicated shade values, utilizing Bi-Directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) to characterize color shades independently of illumination and observation geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional colorimetric imaging and 3D scanning are used, then some level of color shade characterization is achieved, but the process remains time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color shade characterization into two independent components: geometric shape data and material color properties. By separating these components and using BRDF to characterize only the material properties independently of geometry, the system reduces computational complexity and scan time while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter space from conventional colorimetric measurements to BRDF-based angular distribution of color vectors. This parameter transformation allows the system to capture material color properties in a way that is independent of illumination and observation geometry, reducing the time needed for comprehensive characterization.
2Measurement precision
If conventional colorimetric imaging is used, then color shade data is obtained, but human error and subjectivity remain in the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual comparison method (practitioner comparing teeth to shade tabs) with an automated optical measurement system using BRDF. The system objectively measures the angular distribution of color vectors and compares them to reference data, eliminating human subjectivity and improving reliability while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-characterization by automatically measuring and storing the angular distribution of color vectors for the tooth, then using this data to independently identify shade values without requiring practitioner intervention or subjective judgment.
3Measurement precision
If conventional 3D scanning is used, then spatial data is obtained, but accurate color shade characterization is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement task into obtaining spatial data (already provided by conventional 3D scanners) and separately characterizing material color properties using BRDF. This segmentation allows the system to leverage existing scanner capabilities while adding color characterization without requiring a completely new complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the 3D scanning system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both geometric shape capture and material color property characterization using the same device and data acquisition process, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If shade tabs and visual comparison are used, then shade selection is performed, but the process is subjective and experience-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective visual comparison process with an automated optical measurement system that objectively quantifies color properties through BRDF analysis, eliminating the dependency on practitioner experience while maintaining or improving shade accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides objective feedback by measuring and displaying the angular distribution of color vectors and the corresponding identified shade values, allowing the practitioner to verify and confirm the shade selection based on quantified data rather than subjective perception.
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
This approach provides accurate and reliable tooth color shade characterization, reducing human error and improving efficiency by using BRDF to capture the material's color properties while accounting for illumination and observation angles, leading to more precise dental shade matching.
Implementation Method 1
spatially resolved angular distribution of color vectors... Bi-Directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) to characterize color shades independently of illumination and observation geometry
Data Source
AI summary
A method for color shade matching obtains a 3D tooth surface representation using an intraoral scanner wherein the 3D tooth surface representation comprises surface data and a spatially resolved angular distribution of color vectors, wherein the spatially resolved angular distribution of color vectors associates one or more point positions from the surface data to the corresponding angular distribution of color vectors. The method identifies one or more shade values, where each shade value is associated with one angular distribution of color vectors from the spatially resolved angular distribution of color vectors, by comparing the angular distribution of color vectors to a set of reference angular distributions of color vectors, wherein each reference angular distribution in the set is associated with a corresponding shade value. The method displays, stores, or transmits the surface data with an indication of the one or more shade values.