Intraoral Scanner Mirror Layout for Extended Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraoral scanning devices face challenges in achieving a large field of view (FOV) while maintaining a minimal tip height, often resulting in issues such as large magnification variation, unwanted reflections, and increased tip height due to the use of close-focus optics.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates multiple scan units, each with a projector unit and a camera, and at least one reflecting element, such as a mirror, to redirect light, allowing for an extended FOV and reduced tip height by positioning scan units in series.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional intraoral scanner uses a single camera and light source, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and cannot capture entire arches in a single image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning system into multiple independent camera units and light source units, each capturing a specific portion of the oral cavity. This segmentation allows the field of view to be extended by combining multiple views while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions multiple camera units and light source units within a compact handheld probe structure, nesting them in a space-efficient arrangement. This allows the extended field of view system to be integrated into a portable device that can be easily maneuvered in the patient's mouth.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras and light sources are used to extend field of view, then the entire arch can be captured, but the device becomes more complex and harder to calibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a known calibration object with predetermined geometric features that can be easily captured by all camera units. This calibration object serves as a reference copy that allows the system to establish spatial relationships between multiple cameras and light sources without complex calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the calibration problem from a complex multi-parameter adjustment task into a simpler process by using an object with known geometric parameters. The predetermined geometry provides fixed reference points that automatically define the spatial relationships, eliminating the need for manual parameter tuning.
3Measurement precision
If the scanner captures more anatomical detail, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the file size and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent processes and transmits scanning data in segmented portions corresponding to different regions captured by individual camera units. This allows selective processing and storage of only the necessary detail levels for each region, reducing overall data volume while maintaining diagnostic accuracy where needed.
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 configuration enables a larger FOV, faster data capture, improved accuracy, and reduced registration errors, while maintaining a compact design and minimizing unwanted reflections and magnification variation.
Implementation Method 1
capturing images of the calibration object and the patient's oral cavity structures
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5F
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an intraoral scanning device for scanning a dental object, the scanning device comprising an elongated probe defining a longitudinal axis of the scanning device; one or more scan units, each scan unit comprising: at least one projector unit configured to project a light pattern onto a surface of the dental object, wherein the projector unit defines a projector optical axis; and at least one camera comprising an image sensor for acquiring images, wherein the at least one camera defines a camera optical axis, wherein at least one of the scan units further comprises a reflecting element, wherein each scan unit defines a field of view (FOV). In particular, the present disclosure relates to an intraoral scanning device having an extended field of view.