Intraoral Scanner Calibration Target With Sensor-Based Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intraoral scanners experience accuracy degradation over time, necessitating calibration to maintain precision, with existing methods being either cumbersome or less accurate.

Innovation Solution

A calibration device comprising a base, moving portion, circuit board, and sensor, where the moving portion includes a position determining portion with distinct feature portions detected by sensors to determine its position, enhancing accuracy through various signal types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If static objects of known volume are used for calibration, then the calibration process is simple, but the calibration accuracy decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration process simplicityVSAvoidcalibration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic calibration target that moves along a predetermined path rather than using static objects. The calibration target includes a moving component that traverses through multiple positions, allowing the intraoral scanner to capture calibration data at various locations. This dynamic approach maintains calibration accuracy over time by continuously verifying the scanner's spatial coordination across different regions, while the automated movement mechanism keeps the calibration process simple and repeatable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If dynamic movement kit with known moving path is used, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration target is designed to be self-moving along a predetermined path without requiring external control systems. The moving component automatically traverses through calibration positions based on its own mechanical structure, eliminating the need for complex external actuators or control mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains high calibration accuracy through systematic coverage of calibration points while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by integrating the movement function within the calibration target itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and feature portions are used, then the calibration accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration target is segmented into multiple distinct feature portions, each with unique geometric characteristics that can be detected by sensors. These segmented features are distributed at different positions along the movement path, allowing the system to determine the calibration target's position and orientation at multiple locations. The segmentation approach improves calibration accuracy by providing rich positional information while keeping device complexity manageable through modular feature design rather than requiring complex sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12495970B2Calibration device for an intraoral scanner
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 QISDA CORP
  • US12495970B2 patent drawing
  • US12495970B2 patent drawing
  • US12495970B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A calibration device for an intraoral scanner is provided. The calibration device includes a base, a moving portion, a circuit board, and a sensor. The moving portion is disposed on the base. The moving portion is moveable on the base along an extending direction of the calibration device. The moving portion includes a driving structure, a position determining portion, and a target plate. The position determining portion is coupled to and driven by the driving structure. The position determining portion has a first feature portion and a second feature portion different from the first feature portion. The target plate is coupled to the position determining portion. The circuit board is disposed at one side of the moving portion. The sensor is disposed on the circuit board. The sensor is configured to detect the first feature portion and the second feature portion to determine a position of the moving portion.