Structured-Light Scanner Layout for Reflective 3D Surface Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Scanners struggle to obtain accurate two-dimensional and three-dimensional scan data of highly reflective objects such as metal structures due to high reflectivity, leading to inaccurate virtual models.

Innovation Solution

A scanner system with a projector, a first camera, and a second camera arranged to capture image data from opposite optical paths, using pattern light to generate accurate three-dimensional models by comparing image data with pattern data, and adjusting radiance levels for improved data capture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single camera is used to capture scan data, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient for highly reflective objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan data accuracyVSAvoidcamera system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The scanning system is segmented into multiple functional components: a first camera for capturing initial image data, a second camera for capturing reference image data, and a projector for emitting pattern light. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, improving overall measurement precision for highly reflective objects while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A projector is introduced as an intermediary device that emits pattern light onto the object being scanned. This intermediary element enables the cameras to capture structured light patterns that reflect off the object, providing additional geometric information that improves measurement precision without requiring the cameras themselves to be more complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If pattern light is projected onto the object, then the manufacturing precision of the three-dimensional model improves, but the loss of information increases due to light interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional model accuracyVSAvoidimage data quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The projector emits pattern light in periodic sequences that are synchronized with the camera capture timing. This periodic action ensures that the structured light patterns are clearly defined and captured, improving three-dimensional model accuracy while the timing coordination minimizes light interference and information loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the captured image data from both cameras is processed to generate a three-dimensional model, which is then used to refine the scanning process. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for any information loss due to light interference and continuously improve manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple cameras are used to capture data from opposite optical paths, then the reliability of scan data for reflective objects improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescan data reliabilityVSAvoidscanner structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second cameras are positioned at asymmetric angles relative to the object, with their optical paths arranged to capture reflections from different directions. This asymmetric configuration improves reliability by ensuring that at least one camera can capture accurate data from non-specular reflection angles, while the overall scanner structure remains relatively simple through strategic component placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 system effectively generates precise three-dimensional models of high-reflectivity objects by enhancing image data capture and processing, ensuring accurate representation of complex dental structures.

Implementation Method 1

a scanner may obtain scan data of the surface of an object by using light reflected from the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260083534A1Scanner, data processing device and data processing method
Publication Date: 2026.03.26 MEDIT CORP
  • US20260083534A1 patent drawing
  • US20260083534A1 patent drawing
  • US20260083534A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A scanner includes a communicator configured to transmit or receive information to or from a data processing apparatus, a projector configured to emit pattern light generated based on pattern data, and a data obtainer configured to obtain two-dimensional image data of an object, where the data obtainer includes a first camera and a second camera spaced apart from each other, at least one of the first camera and the second camera is configured to obtain image data of the object to which the pattern light is projected, and the first camera is configured to obtain first image data, and the second camera is configured to obtain second image data, and an optical path of the pattern light projected to the object coincides in an opposite direction with an optical path of incident light incident on the second camera.