Negative Lens Attachment for Dental Camera Field Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dental cameras are limited to measuring only teeth and cannot effectively capture larger objects, such as the face, due to their restricted measurement field or volume.
Innovation Solution
An optical attachment with a negative focal length is designed to be detachably connected to a dental camera, expanding its measurement field or volume by a magnification factor of at least 5, allowing it to capture both teeth and larger facial features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional dental camera is used, then it can measure teeth with sufficient detail, but it cannot capture larger objects such as the face due to restricted measurement field
Solution Approach 1:
The optical attachment segments the optical path by inserting a negative lens between the object and the camera lens, creating a virtual image that expands the measurement field while maintaining the camera's ability to capture detailed images of specific regions
Solution Approach 2:
The negative lens acts as an intermediary optical element that modifies the light paths from the object to the camera sensor, enabling the camera to capture a larger measurement field while preserving image quality through virtual image formation
2Area of stationary object
If the measurement field is enlarged to capture larger objects, then the camera can measure facial features, but the measurement precision for small details may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement task into two modes: using the optical attachment for large-area facial measurements and using the camera alone for detailed dental measurements, allowing both large field of view and high precision to be achieved in appropriate contexts
Solution Approach 2:
The optical attachment changes the optical parameters of the camera system by introducing a negative lens with specific focal length, which expands the measurement field while the camera's sensor and processing maintain the precision required for dental applications
3Area of stationary object
If an optical attachment with negative focal length is added, then the measurement field is enlarged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical attachment is designed as a detachable component that can be attached or removed based on measurement requirements, allowing the system to dynamically adjust between high-field-mode (with attachment) and precision-mode (without attachment), thereby managing complexity only when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The optical attachment serves as a simple intermediary component consisting of a negative lens and mounting structure, adding minimal complexity while achieving the goal of field expansion through a straightforward optical modification
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
Enables the dental camera to measure and capture detailed images of both teeth and facial features, facilitating the creation of composite images that aid in designing dental prostheses by considering facial aesthetics and anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
the optical attachment comprises at least one lens, which is shaped and arranged in such a way that the optical attachment has a negative focal length, so that a measurement field or a measurement volume of the dental camera is enlarged by the optical attachment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a measurement system for optically measuring an object, comprising a dental camera and an optical attachment. In this case the optical attachment comprises at least one lens, which is shaped and arranged in such a way that the optical attachment has a negative focal length so that a measurement field or a measurement volume of the dental camera is enlarged by the optical attachment.