Rotating Camera-Projector Unit for Dental 3D Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional desktop three-dimensional scanners for dental use require additional fixing means or jigs to prevent objects from inclining during scanning, which is inconvenient and costly due to the need for variously shaped jigs to accommodate different dental prostheses.
Innovation Solution
A desktop three-dimensional scanner design where a camera and projector are mounted on a unit that can rotate 90° along the horizontal axis of the imaging stage, allowing objects to be scanned without inclining, thus eliminating the need for additional fixing means or jigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a target object is placed on the imaging stage and rotated along the horizontal axis of rotation, then the entire shape of the target object can be scanned, but the target object is dropped from the stage by gravity after being inclined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by mounting the camera and projector on a unit that can rotate along the horizontal axis, rather than inclining the imaging stage itself. This allows the scanning system to change its observation angle without causing the object to tilt or drop, resolving the contradiction between scanning capability and object stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary unit that carries both the camera and projector, allowing this unit to rotate along the horizontal axis. This intermediary mechanism enables the scanning system to achieve multiple scanning angles without directly manipulating the imaging stage or the object, thus maintaining object stability while preserving scanning versatility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional fixing means or receiving jigs are placed on the stage to prevent the subject from dropping, then the target object can be scanned, but inconvenience is caused due to the need to fit various shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal solution by making the camera and projector mountable on a unit that can rotate along the horizontal axis. This single mechanism serves all objects regardless of shape, eliminating the need for multiple shape-specific fixing jigs and reducing device complexity while maintaining object stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fixing function from the object itself and transfers it to the scanning system. Instead of requiring objects to be fitted with specialized jigs, the system provides a universal rotating mount that stabilizes objects of various shapes, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fixing jigs are provided for different shapes to enable precise scanning, then scanning accuracy is improved, but high costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal rotating mount that can accommodate objects of various shapes. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces the need for multiple shape-specific fixing jigs, thereby maintaining scanning accuracy across different object types while significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the scanning system by introducing rotational movement along the horizontal axis. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different object shapes dynamically, eliminating the need for multiple fixed jigs and reducing costs while preserving scanning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
In a desktop three-dimensional scanner for dental use of the related art, a two-axis rotation motion unit, on which a target object can be placed and rotated in order to image the entire shape of the target object, is coupled to the scanner, and thus, when a subject is placed on the imaging stage and is rotated along the horizontal axis of rotation of the stage, the subject is dropped from the stage by gravity after being inclined, and accordingly, additional fixing means or a receiving jig should be placed on the stage together with the subject to prevent same. In such a case, inconvenience is caused because the target objects to be scanned have various shapes and the fixing means or receiving jigs should fit the shapes thereof. According to one embodiment of the desktop three-dimensional scanner for dental user of the present invention, a camera and a projector are provided on the unit for changing the horizontal axis of rotation of the imaging stage, and thus a target object does not have to be inclined during the scanning process and dental prostheses of various shapes can be three-dimensionally scanned even without additional fixing means or a receiving jig.