3D Scanner Image Processing for Orthodontic Device Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D scanning methods for oral cavities require removal of orthodontic devices to obtain accurate images, increasing scanning time and complicating the process when devices are present.
Innovation Solution
A method using an artificial neural network to detect specific regions within scanned images from a 3D scanner, generating 3D scan data that excludes unnecessary information, allowing for accurate and concise representation of necessary regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If orthodontic devices are removed before scanning to obtain accurate oral cavity images, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the additional removal and reattachment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes orthodontic devices from the scanned image data using image processing algorithms. The system identifies metal regions corresponding to orthodontic devices in the scanned images and selectively removes them through inpainting techniques, allowing the original devices to remain in the patient's mouth while achieving clean scan data without physical removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physically removing and reattaching orthodontic devices with an automated image processing system. The system uses computer vision algorithms to detect, segment, and remove orthodontic device regions from scanned images, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated digital processing
2Loss of time
If orthodontic devices are left in place during scanning to save time, then loss of time is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing step between scanning and 3D model generation. The system processes the raw scanned images to identify and remove orthodontic device regions, acting as a mediator that allows scanning with devices present while delivering clean data equivalent to scanning without devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts orthodontic device regions from the scanned image data using metal detection algorithms and inpainting techniques. This extraction occurs in the digital domain, allowing the physical devices to remain in place during scanning while being removed from the final scan data
3Loss of information
If comprehensive 3D scan data including all regions is generated to ensure complete information, then loss of information is reduced, but device complexity increases due to need to process and manage unnecessary data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes orthodontic device regions from the 3D scan data after generation. The system identifies metal regions in the point cloud data and selectively removes them through inpainting algorithms, delivering clean scan data without the complexity of preventing device interference during scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image processing to generate comprehensive 3D scan data including all regions, then subsequently removes orthodontic device regions. This preliminary generation ensures no information is lost, while the subsequent removal step eliminates unnecessary data complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing scanned images of a 3D scanner is provided. The method is performed by an electronic apparatus, and includes: acquiring, from the 3D scanner, a 2D image set of an object generated by scan of the 3D scanner, the 2D image set including at least one 2D image; inputting an input image to an artificial neural network, which has been trained to detect at least one predetermined region in an image of the object, based on the 2D image set; detecting a first region in the input image based on an output of the artificial neural network; and generating 3D scan data of the object based on the first region.