Intraoral Scanner Compact Multi-Aperture Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoral scanners (IOS) are bulky due to the combination of multiple optical components like image sensors, light emitters, lenses, mirrors, and beam splitters, leading to a large form factor and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A downscaled multi-aperture optics IOS with a small form factor, featuring a head that includes multiple optical components such as imagers and light projectors integrated in a compact design, allowing for adjustments in image acquisition parameters like spatial orientation, light projection, and movement without moving parts, using wafer level optics and structured light patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical components (image sensors, light emitters, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters) are combined in traditional IOS design, then image acquisition capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (light emitters, image sensors, lenses, mirrors, beam splitters) into an integrated optical module, merging their functions into a single compact unit that maintains measurement precision while reducing overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - light emission, image capture, optical path splitting, and focusing - allowing a single component to replace multiple separate components, thereby reducing device size while maintaining acquisition capability
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical components are combined in traditional IOS design, then image acquisition capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components into a unified optical module with a standardized interface, reducing the number of separate components and connections required, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining image acquisition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is divided into modular components that can be independently designed and assembled, with each module performing a specific function. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the complex optical functionality needed for high-quality image acquisition
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
The solution results in a more compact, accurate, and efficient IOS that can acquire high-resolution 3D images of teeth with improved precision and reduced complexity, enabling better oral cavity scanning without the need for bulky components.
Implementation Method 1
using wafer level optics and structured light patterns
Implementation Method 2
acquiring an image of a region of interest (ROI)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for intraoral scanning, including introducing an intraoral scanner (IOS) head into an oral cavity, acquiring an image of a field of view (FOV), processing the acquired FOV image and adjusting at least one image acquisition parameter based on said processing, and an intraoral scanner (IOS) including an IOS head including at least one imager imaging a field of view (FOV), at least on light emitter that illuminates said FOV and circuitry that controls said imager and/or said light emitter.