Intraoral Scanner Mono Sensor Micro-Lens Array Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoral scanners face limitations in achieving high axial and lateral resolutions due to their compact size and the use of color sensors, which complicate the structure and lead to issues like power consumption and heat generation.
Innovation Solution
The intraoral scanner employs a micro-lens array and a mono sensor to acquire 3D image data with high axial and lateral resolutions. The micro-lens array allows for high axial resolution with a single sensor, while using emitted light of different wavelengths and a mono sensor enhances lateral resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are placed far apart to improve axial resolution, then axial resolution is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light-receiving function into multiple micro-lenses arranged in an array, where each micro-lens captures light from a specific direction. This segmentation allows a single sensor to effectively function as multiple sensors positioned at different locations, achieving high axial resolution without increasing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional sensor arrangement to a two-dimensional micro-lens array configuration. By arranging micro-lenses in multiple rows and columns, the system captures light field information from multiple spatial dimensions, enabling high axial resolution measurement with a compact single-sensor design.
2Loss of information
If color sensors are used to acquire color image data, then color information is obtained, but lateral resolution decreases due to subpixel allocation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sequential illumination with different wavelengths (colors) of light to capture color information. By periodically switching between different wavelength illuminations and capturing the reflected light with a mono sensor, the system obtains full color data without the lateral resolution penalty of color filter arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength-selective illumination as an intermediary to transfer color information to a mono sensor. Different wavelengths of light are used to illuminate the object sequentially, and the mono sensor captures the reflected light intensity for each wavelength, effectively converting color information into intensity variations that a mono sensor can detect with high spatial resolution.
3Measurement precision
If structured light is used to increase resolution, then resolution is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses simple point-source light emission without complex structured light patterns. By illuminating the object with basic light and using the micro-lens array to capture the reflected light field information, the system achieves high resolution without the excessive complexity of structured light projection systems.
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 the acquisition of 3D color image data with high axial and lateral resolutions, overcoming the limitations of existing intraoral scanners and improving image quality without increasing the size of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array disposed between the object and the sensor to allow the reflected light to pass through
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to generate image data by receiving reflected light from an object
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an intraoral scanner and a method for obtaining image data therefrom. According to the intraoral scanner and method for obtaining image data therefrom according to the present invention, intraoral scanning can be performed using a mono sensor instead of a color sensor and R/G/B color light instead of white light.