3D Scanner Alignment Feedback via Projected Light Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
In 3D scanning of oral cavities, users experience fatigue and reduced data accuracy due to the need to continuously check a display screen for alignment errors, leading to dispersed concentration and increased fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An alignment state indicating apparatus that uses a light radiation unit to emit different patterns or colors when an alignment error occurs, allowing users to intuitively perceive errors without looking away from the scanning area, combining visual and tactile feedback through an actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the user continuously checks the display screen to detect alignment errors, then the alignment error detection capability is improved, but the user fatigue increases and concentration on the oral cavity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by projecting different light patterns directly onto the oral cavity. When alignment is normal, a first pattern (e.g., concentric circles) is projected, and when misalignment occurs, a second pattern (e.g., radial lines) is projected. This immediate feedback allows the user to detect alignment errors without looking at the display screen, maintaining focus on the oral cavity while ensuring accurate alignment detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light projection system as an intermediary between the alignment detection mechanism and the user. Instead of requiring direct visual contact with the display screen, the system uses projected light patterns on the oral cavity as a mediator to convey alignment status, allowing the user to perceive alignment information peripherally while maintaining primary focus on the scanning area.
2Measurement precision
If the user focuses on the display screen to check alignment, then the alignment error detection is improved, but the scanning efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time visual feedback through projected light patterns that immediately indicate alignment status. The first pattern indicates normal alignment while the second pattern indicates misalignment, allowing users to detect and correct alignment issues without interrupting the scanning workflow, thereby maintaining high scanning efficiency while ensuring alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The light projection system operates continuously throughout the scanning process, providing uninterrupted alignment feedback. This allows the user to maintain continuous scanning motion without periodic interruptions to check the display screen, ensuring both continuous productivity and ongoing alignment monitoring.
3Reliability
If the user occasionally checks the display screen while scanning, then the alignment monitoring is reduced, but the user concentration on the oral cavity is maintained, however alignment errors may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback through projected light patterns that are always visible in the user's field of view. The first pattern continuously indicates proper alignment while the second pattern continuously indicates misalignment, ensuring that alignment information is never lost even when the user maintains continuous focus on the oral cavity without checking the display screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions alignment information from a two-dimensional display screen to a three-dimensional spatial projection directly onto the oral cavity. This dimensional change allows the alignment information to be perceived in the same spatial plane as the scanning activity, eliminating the need to shift attention between different planes (screen vs. oral cavity) and preventing information loss.
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 approach minimizes data blanks and enables the capture of precise 3D models by allowing users to quickly respond to alignment errors while maintaining focus on the oral cavity, improving data accuracy and reducing user fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
a light radiation unit disposed inside the case and configured to emit light in a first form having a predetermined rule through the opening
Implementation Method 2
an imaging unit formed on one side of the light radiation unit and configured to obtain raw data by receiving incident light through the opening of the case
Data Source
AI summary
In an alignment state indicating apparatus and method according to the present invention, scanning is performed by means of a scanner, raw data is formed through light incident into the scanner, 3D data is formed through the raw data, and alignment is performed. When it is determined that such an alignment process of 3D data is not performed normally, the alignment state indicating apparatus and method according to the present invention provide visual feedback to a user on an alignment error in the form of a specific pattern, thereby allowing the user to quickly recognize whether to perform the alignment. Accordingly, the alignment state indicating apparatus and method have the advantage of improving the reliability of scanning by allowing the user to scan an object closely.