Single-Camera Stereo Oral Scanner for Compact 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D oral scanners require multiple camera lens groups, sensors, and image combining boards, leading to increased size, weight, material costs, and development expenses.
Innovation Solution
A 3D-image oral scanner with a stereo optical system configured using a single camera, incorporating a single camera lens group, sensor, and integral reflective mirrors and prisms to capture stereo images, eliminating the need for additional image combining boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two or more camera lens groups and sensors are used to achieve stereo vision, then 3D imaging capability is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate optical paths into a single camera by using beam splitters and reflective mirrors. The first optical path includes a first lens group and first reflective mirror, while the second optical path includes a second lens group and second reflective mirror. Both paths are merged to converge light onto a single image sensor, eliminating the need for two separate cameras and their associated housing spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters as intermediary components to divide and redirect light from the single lens group into two separate optical paths. The beam splitter separates incoming light into first and second light beams, which are then directed through different reflective mirrors to capture stereo images, effectively acting as a mediator that enables dual-path imaging through a single camera system.
2Measurement precision
If two camera lens groups and sensors are used, then stereo imaging is achieved, but material costs and development expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate camera systems into one by combining their optical paths. Instead of purchasing and integrating two complete camera modules with their own sensors, lenses, and housings, the system uses a single camera with integrated beam splitters and reflective mirrors, significantly reducing component count and material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system performs multiple functions by capturing images through two different optical paths. The beam splitters and reflective mirrors enable the single sensor to simultaneously acquire stereo images, effectively making the single camera system as versatile as a dual-camera system while reducing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If two images from different cameras are synchronized and combined, then stereo vision is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing both stereo images simultaneously through the single camera's dual optical paths. Since both images are captured at the same moment by the single sensor, synchronization is inherently achieved, eliminating the need for complex post-capture synchronization algorithms and reducing processing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the image processing paths by using a single camera sensor for both optical paths. This merging eliminates the need for separate image buffers, synchronization controllers, and coordination mechanisms that would be required for two independent cameras, significantly simplifying the overall system architecture.
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
The solution reduces the overall size, weight, and material costs while ensuring spatial freedom and shortening the development schedule by integrating components and eliminating redundant parts.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective mirror and a second reflective mirror spaced apart from each other to reflect beams of light traveling inside at different angles after reflecting from a measurement object in an oral cavity
Implementation Method 2
a double-sided prism reflecting a first light image and a second light image reflecting from the first reflective mirror and the second reflective mirror, respectively, while changing paths of the first and second light images
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D-image oral scanner with a stereo optical system configured using a single camera according to the present disclosure includes a stereo image optical unit 3-dimensionally photographing measurement objects in an oral cavity through one camera, wherein the stereo image optical unit includes: a first light path changer changing paths of a first light image and a second light image traveling inside at different angles after reflecting from a measurement object in an oral cavity to an image light path; and one camera sensor taking the first light image and the second light image together that have traveled inside at different angles and of which the paths have been changed by the light path changer.