Intraoral Scanner Calibration with Transparent Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intraoral scanners face challenges in maintaining precision and flexibility in detecting three-dimensional surface geometries due to lens distortions and the need for regular calibration, which increases costs and energy consumption, while devices not calibrated regularly cannot adapt to changes like a hygienic protective film, compromising accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Generating and using multiple calibration data sets by measuring optical properties with and without a transparent layer in the beam path, allowing for adaptive calibration without extensive recalibration, enabling flexible operation and maintaining precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If regular calibration is performed to maintain measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calibrating the device for multiple transparent layer configurations (with and without protective films) and storing multiple calibration data sets. This allows the system to automatically select the appropriate calibration data based on the current state, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by storing multiple calibration data sets corresponding to different optical conditions (with different transparent layers). The system dynamically changes the calibration parameters based on the detected transparent layer type, allowing adaptation to varying optical properties without physical recalibration, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the device is calibrated once during production without moving parts, then operating costs are reduced, but adaptability to changed conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a calibration system that handles multiple scenarios (with and without different types of transparent protective layers) within a single device. The device stores and selects from multiple calibration data sets, making it universally adaptable to different operational conditions without requiring separate calibration procedures or additional hardware, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration for various transparent layer configurations during manufacturing and stores these calibration data sets. This advance preparation enables the device to adapt to changed conditions automatically by selecting the appropriate pre-calibrated data, eliminating the need for manual recalibration and maintaining ease of operation while achieving adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple calibration data sets are stored for different transparent layers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating multiple calibration data sets that represent different optical conditions (with different transparent layers). Instead of physically modifying the device for each condition, the system copies the calibration information into digital data sets that can be stored and selected electronically, reducing physical complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages multiple calibration data sets by changing software parameters (selecting different calibration data based on detected transparent layer type) rather than physically reconfiguring hardware. This parameter-based approach enables adaptability to different conditions while keeping the physical device structure simple, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
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 combines the advantages of regular and non-regular calibration systems, allowing for energy-efficient and flexible operation, ensuring precise geometry detection even with changes in optical properties, such as those caused by a protective cover, while adhering to hygiene standards.
Implementation Method 1
a device for optically detecting the three-dimensional geometry of objects
Data Source
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AI summary
In a method for operating a device for optically sensing the three-dimensional geometry of objects (16), the optical properties of optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14) of the device (4) are measured before sensing and stored on a storage medium, thereby generating a first calibration data set. This first calibration data set is used during the sensing of the three-dimensional geometry of the object (16) to computationally rectify the two-dimensional surface characteristics of the object (16) that are detected and/or projected by the optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14). Additionally, a second calibration data set is generated by measuring the optical properties of the optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14) after at least one transparent layer (2) of a first type has been at least partially positioned or replaced in a beam path (15) of the optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14).The second calibration data set is used to computationally rectify the two-dimensional surface characteristics of the object (16) recorded and/or projected during the acquisition of the three-dimensional geometry of the object (16) by the optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14), if at least one transparent layer (2) of the first kind is arranged at least partially in the beam path (15) of the optical elements (11, 12, 13, 14).