Stereoscopic Scanning With Split Optical Paths for Tooth and Plaque Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oral scanners only detect the surface contour of teeth and fail to effectively identify dental plaque or decay, which is a critical issue in dental medical equipment.
Innovation Solution
A stereoscopic scanning device with integrated visible and invisible light sources, a structured pattern creator, and a light splitting component that alternates or separates light beams to project structured patterns and excitation beams, allowing for simultaneous detection of tooth structure and dental plaque using monochromatic and color light sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If visible light source and invisible light source are used simultaneously, then detection capability is improved, but light interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternately activating the visible light source and invisible light source at different time intervals. The visible light source projects structured light patterns during its activation period, while the invisible light source activates during separate periods to excite fluorescent substances. This temporal separation prevents light interference while maintaining enhanced detection capability for both tooth structure and dental plaque.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection process into distinct functional modules: a visible light projection module for structural detection, an invisible light projection module for fluorescent substance detection, and separate imaging paths. This modular segmentation allows each light source to operate independently without interfering with the other, while the integrated system provides comprehensive detection capabilities.
2Device complexity
If structured light pattern and excitation light beam are detected by same sensor, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical component that separates the detection paths for structured light and excitation light. The beam splitter directs reflected structured light to one sensor while directing emitted fluorescent light to another sensor. This intermediary component enables precise separation of detection signals without requiring complex sensor configurations or processing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different detection characteristics to different parts of the imaging system. The first imaging path is optimized for detecting reflected structured light with specific optical filters, while the second imaging path is optimized for detecting emitted fluorescent light. Each sensor and its associated optical components are locally optimized for their specific detection task, ensuring high measurement precision.
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
Enables efficient detection of both tooth structure and dental plaque by preventing interference between light beams, providing accurate structural and lesion information for dental assessment.
Implementation Method 1
The invisible light source is adapted to emit an invisible light beam to the target object for generating at least one excitation light beam
Implementation Method 2
The light splitting component is adapted to reflect one of the structured light pattern and the excitation light beam, and further to allow passing of the other of the structured light pattern and the excitation light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic scanning device is applied by a stereoscopic scanning method and includes a projection module and an imaging module. The projection module includes a pattern creator, a visible light source and an invisible light source. The pattern creator and the visible light source create a structured light pattern projected onto a target object. The invisible light source emits an invisible light beam to the target object for generating an excitation light beam. The imaging module is disposed adjacent to the projection module and includes a light splitting component, a first optical sensor and a second optical sensor. The light splitting component respectively reflects the structured light pattern and the excitation light beam and allows passing of the structured light pattern and the excitation light beam. The first optical sensor receives light reflected from the light splitting component. The second optical sensor receives light passing through the light splitting component.