Intraoral Scanner Window Fluorescence for Sleeve Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intraoral scanners face challenges in accurately detecting the presence of a sleeve and determining its alignment with the probe, which is crucial for hygiene and scanning accuracy, especially when using disposable sleeves for dental impressions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluorescent transparent film or material on the probe window or a couplable sleeve, which emits light of a longer wavelength that can be detected by the scanner's cameras, allowing the processor to identify the sleeve's presence and alignment, and optionally authenticate it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a transparent window is used on the probe for light transmission, then light can enter and exit the probe effectively, but it becomes difficult to detect the presence and alignment of disposable sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a fluorescent coating to the transparent window that changes its optical properties under specific wavelengths. The coating appears transparent under normal light but fluoresces (emits light at a different wavelength) when illuminated by the scanner's light source, enabling the detection system to distinguish the window from surrounding structures and detect sleeve presence and alignment.
2Reliability
If disposable sleeves are used for hygiene, then patient safety is improved, but the scanner cannot accurately detect whether the sleeve is present or properly aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the scanner emits light that interacts with the fluorescent coating on the sleeve's window. The camera captures the fluorescent emission, and the processor analyzes this signal to determine sleeve presence and alignment. This closed-loop feedback system provides real-time information to the operator, ensuring hygiene compliance without compromising measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If the window is made transparent for optical access, then scanning can proceed, but reflection from the window surface interferes with image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the window by applying a fluorescent coating that has different reflectivity and emission characteristics than the bare transparent material. The coating is designed to emit light at wavelengths distinct from the incident light, allowing the system to differentiate between reflected light (harmful) and fluorescent emission (useful for detection), thereby reducing interference with image quality.
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
Ensures proper hygiene by ensuring a sleeve is present before scanning and enhances scanning accuracy by aligning the focal depth of cameras, thereby improving the precision of dental impressions.
Implementation Method 1
The projected light also stimulates the fluorescent transparent film to emit photons of a longer wavelength than the wavelength of the projected light. The photons emitted by the fluorescent transparent film are emitted in all directions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for intraoral scanning comprises an elongate wand comprising a probe at a distal end of the elongate wand, one or more structured light projectors coupled to the elongate wand at a distal end of the elongate wand, the one or more structured light projectors configured to project a light pattern comprising a plurality of structured light features, one or more cameras coupled to the elongate wand at the distal end of the elongate wand, a window through which light exits and enters the probe, wherein the window reflects structured light features of the projected light pattern responsive to exposure of the window to the projected light pattern, and a processor. The processor is configured to run a three-dimensional image reconstruction algorithm based on the projected light pattern and a reflected light pattern returning from an object exposed to the projected light pattern to generate a three-dimensional surface of the object, wherein the reflected structured light features that have been reflected off of the window are excluded from the three-dimensional image reconstruction algorithm.