Intraoral 3D Scanner Fluid Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoral scanning technologies face challenges in accurately characterizing tooth surfaces due to the distorting effects of saliva and other bodily fluids, which cause image distortion and reflection issues in reflective imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
A method employing depth-resolved imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound, or photo-acoustic imaging, to segment fluid from tooth surface information and adjust for spatial distortions caused by fluid presence, enabling accurate 3D surface reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reflective imaging systems are used for intraoral scanning, then surface contour information can be obtained, but image distortion and reflection issues occur due to saliva and bodily fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system segments the optical path into distinct regions: air space, fluid layer, and tooth structure. By depth-resolved imaging, the system separately identifies and processes signals from different depths, allowing it to distinguish between fluid interfaces and actual tooth surfaces, thereby eliminating fluid-induced distortion in the final 3D reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses depth-resolved response signals as an intermediary to indirectly measure tooth surface geometry. Instead of directly imaging the tooth surface through fluid (which causes distortion), the system measures depth-resolved optical properties and uses computational algorithms to reconstruct the true surface geometry, effectively using the depth-resolved data as a mediator between the distorted image and the actual surface
2Manufacturing precision
If structured light imaging is used for 3D surface mapping, then detailed surface information is obtained, but fluid presence causes light refraction and image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from 2D surface imaging to 3D depth-resolved volumetric imaging. By adding the depth dimension through optical coherence tomography or similar depth-resolved techniques, the system can distinguish between structures at different depths, allowing it to identify and compensate for fluid layers that would otherwise distort 2D surface measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct optical reflection-based surface mapping with depth-resolved optical coherence tomography or photo-acoustic imaging. Instead of relying on reflected light patterns that are distorted by fluid refraction, the system uses depth-resolved measurements of optical properties to reconstruct surface geometry, substituting a different physical measurement mechanism that is less sensitive to fluid-induced optical distortion
3Productivity
If conventional optical imaging is used in intraoral environment, then imaging speed is maintained, but fluid reflection creates saturated spots that cannot be used for reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes fluid-related signals from the depth-resolved response data before performing surface reconstruction. By identifying depth regions corresponding to fluid layers and excluding those signals from the reconstruction algorithm, the system eliminates saturated reflection spots while preserving valid tooth surface data, maintaining both imaging speed and reconstruction reliability
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 undistorted 3D surface imaging of teeth and intraoral structures by compensating for fluid effects, improving the precision of dental procedures and surface characterization.
Implementation Method 1
A method employing depth-resolved imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound, or photo-acoustic imaging
Implementation Method 2
Light projected from a projector P will be refracted by a fluid F and partially reflected at the air-fluid interface
Implementation Method 3
Light projected from a projector P will be refracted by a fluid F and partially reflected at the air-fluid interface
Implementation Method 4
A method employing depth-resolved imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound, or photo-acoustic imaging
Implementation Method 5
A method employing depth-resolved imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), ultrasound, or photo-acoustic imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A method for imaging a tooth surface, the method executed at least in part on a computer, directs an excitation signal toward the tooth from a scan head and obtains a depth-resolved response signal emanating from the tooth, wherein the response signal encodes tooth surface structure information. Liquid and tooth surfaces are segmented from the depth-resolved response signal. The tooth surface structure information is adjusted based on the segmented liquid. A 3D image of the tooth is reconstructed according to the depth-resolved response signal and the adjusted tooth surface structure information. The 3D image content is displayed, stored, or transmitted.