Systems and methods for generating high-resolution three-dimensional topographical measurements using differential interferometry are disclosed. Multiple interferometers transmit coherent light, which may comprise diffraction fringes, along similar optical paths to physical target and reference objects to be measured. The target object may vary in scale, such as a tooth at a smaller scale or a geographic region at a larger scale. An imaging device captures interferograms containing phase information from the target object, the reference object, and various noise sources such as thermal variations, air turbulence, micro-scatterers, external light sources, mechanical vibrations, and electromagnetic interference. Common-mode noise from the interferograms is effectively canceled out, yielding substantially noise-free phase information from the target object that can be processed to produce a three-dimensional target object model. The disclosure is of particular utility with portable instruments since the typical noise sources limiting the use of interferometry outside a controlled environment are largely eliminated.
Systems and methods for performing multispectral quality control inspection scans of a physical object are disclosed. A handheld scanning device separately illuminates a physical object with a plurality of light sources and captures corresponding images of the physical object. The physical object may comprise an article of manufacture. The light sources, such as laser diodes and light-emitting diodes, use wavelengths selected for investigative and three-dimensional modeling efficacy, which may be based on translucence and fluorescence characteristics in objects being observed. The images, and a three-dimensional model derived therefrom potentially substantially immediately thereafter, form an investigative rendering that may be stored, presented, and analyzed to identify discrepancies to be further examined. Additional images, such as x-ray images obtained from other instruments, may be added to the rendering, to help more completely determine if the physical object meets particular specifications. Defective and counterfeit products may thus be more easily detected.
Systems and methods for performing multispectral intra-oral and other diagnostic scans of a physical object are disclosed. A handheld scanning device separately illuminates the physical object with a plurality of light sources and captures corresponding images of the physical object, which may comprise a patient's tooth, intra-oral tissue, or skin. The light sources, such as laser diodes and light-emitting diodes, use wavelengths selected for diagnostic and three-dimensional modeling efficacy, which may be based on translucence and fluorescence characteristics in objects being observed. The images, and a three-dimensional model derived therefrom potentially substantially immediately thereafter, form a diagnostic rendering that may be stored, presented, and analyzed to design and evaluate medical treatment plans. Additional images, such as x-ray images obtained from other instruments, may be added to the rendering, to help more completely inform patients and care providers of the patient's diagnostic situation. Patient care may thus be improved.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
Systems and methods for performing multispectral quality control inspection scans of a physical object are disclosed. A handheld scanning device separately illuminates a physical object with a plurality of light sources and captures corresponding images of the physical object. The physical object may comprise an article of manufacture. The light sources, such as laser diodes and light-emitting diodes, use wavelengths selected for investigative and three-dimensional modeling efficacy, which may be based on translucence and fluorescence characteristics in objects being observed. The images, and a three-dimensional model derived therefrom potentially substantially immediately thereafter, form an investigative rendering that may be stored, presented, and analyzed to identify discrepancies to be further examined. Additional images, such as x-ray images obtained from other instruments, may be added to the rendering, to help more completely determine if the physical object meets particular specifications. Defective and counterfeit products may thus be more easily detected.
G01N 21/88 - Investigating the presence of flaws, defects or contamination
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
Systems and methods for performing multispectral intra-oral and other diagnostic scans of a physical object are disclosed. A handheld scanning device separately illuminates the physical object with a plurality of light sources and captures corresponding images of the physical object, which may comprise a patient's tooth, intra-oral tissue, or skin. The light sources, such as laser diodes and light-emitting diodes, use wavelengths selected for diagnostic and three-dimensional modeling efficacy, which may be based on translucence and fluorescence characteristics in objects being observed. The images, and a three-dimensional model derived therefrom potentially substantially immediately thereafter, form a diagnostic rendering that may be stored, presented, and analyzed to design and evaluate medical treatment plans. Additional images, such as x-ray images obtained from other instruments, may be added to the rendering, to help more completely inform patients and care providers of the patient's diagnostic situation. Patient care may thus be improved. Systems and methods for performing multispectral quality control inspection scans of a physical object are disclosed. A handheld scanning device separately illuminates a physical object with a plurality of light sources and captures corresponding images of the physical object. The physical object may comprise an article of manufacture. The light sources, such as laser diodes and light-emitting diodes, use wavelengths selected for investigative and three-dimensional modeling efficacy, which may be based on translucence and fluorescence characteristics in objects being observed. The images, and a three-dimensional model derived therefrom potentially substantially immediately thereafter, form an investigative rendering that may be stored, presented, and analyzed to identify discrepancies to be further examined. Additional images, such as x-ray images obtained from other instruments, may be added to the rendering, to help more completely determine if the physical object meets particular specifications. Defective and counterfeit products may thus be more easily detected.
Systems and methods for generating multiple mutually variant wavelengths of coherent radiation for three-dimensional imaging of a physical object, such as a tooth, are disclosed. A single radiation source, such as a laser diode, emits coherent electromagnetic radiation. A highly dispersive optical element, such as an echelle diffraction grating, separates radiation having specific wavelengths from the emitted spectrum into distinct beams. Optical components, such as optical masks, mirrors, and lenses, select and orient desired beams to illuminate the object. Small changes in drive current or heatsink temperature of the radiation source similarly affect all wavelengths of the emitted spectrum, so the relative wavelength differences of the desired beams of radiation remain constant. This wavelength stability is useful for synthetic wavelength generation for digital holography and minimizes errors in object shape profile measurements at various scales. Use of a single radiation source also reduces system cost and complexity.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
G03H 1/22 - Processes or apparatus for obtaining an optical image from holograms
7.
Intra-oral scanning device with active delete of unwanted scanned items
An intra-oral scanning device and system are augmented to provide an active delete (or filter) tool. The tool automatically detects and deletes unwanted items and artifacts capturing as the scan is being done. The technique provides a better user experience by automatically removing items the deletion of which that may otherwise be time-consuming, frustrating, or impossible for the user to delete any other way.
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device has a reduced form factor as compared to prior devices, and it provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
9.
Intra-oral scanning device with integrated optical coherence tomography (OCT)
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images. It integrates OCT scanning with RGB-based scanning. In operation, the device is used for recording topological characteristics of teeth, dental impressions, or stone models by digital methods and for use in CAD/CAM of dental restorative prosthetic devices. To that end, the RGB-based scan obtains surface data (e.g., a margin), while the OCT scan penetrates the surface. The two scanners operate from within the same physical housing and preferably at the same time such that only one scanning pass (to obtain all necessary data) is required. The 3D data obtained from the OCT scan is registered with the 3D data obtained from the RGB-based scan by virtue of being captured using a common return path. Preferably, the 3D surface data is used to align the volume data, such that the OCT scan operates over a much sparser scanning volume than would otherwise be required if the OCT scan were carried out separately. In this manner, there is less stitching of data required to build the output images, thereby enabling a “one-pass” operation.
G01B 9/02004 - Interferometers characterised by controlling or generating intrinsic radiation properties using two or more frequencies using frequency scans
G01B 9/02091 - Tomographic interferometers, e.g. based on optical coherence
G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
10.
Intra-oral scanning device with active delete of unwanted scanned items
An intra-oral scanning device and system are augmented to provide an active delete (or filter) tool. The tool automatically detects and deletes unwanted items and artifacts capturing as the scan is being done. The technique provides a better user experience by automatically removing items the deletion of which that may otherwise be time-consuming, frustrating, or impossible for the user to delete any other way.
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images. It integrates OCT scanning with RGB-based scanning. In operation, the device is used for recording topological characteristics of teeth, dental impressions, or stone models by digital methods and for use in CAD/CAM of dental restorative prosthetic devices. To that end, the RGB-based scan obtains surface data (e.g., a margin), while the OCT scan penetrates the surface. The two scanners operate from within the same physical housing and preferably at the same time such that only one scanning pass (to obtain ah necessary data) is required. The 3D data obtained from the OCT scan is registered with the 3D data obtained from the RGB-based scan by virtue of being captured using a common return path. Preferably, the 3D surface data is used to align the volume data, such that the OCT scan operates over a much sparser scanning volume than would otherwise be required if the OCT scan were carried out separately. In this manner, there is less stitching of data required to build the output images, thereby enabling a "one-pass" operation.
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images. It integrates OCT scanning with RGB-based scanning. In operation, the device is used for recording topological characteristics of teeth, dental impressions, or stone models by digital methods and for use in CAD/CAM of dental restorative prosthetic devices. To that end, the RGB-based scan obtains surface data (e.g., a margin), while the OCT scan penetrates the surface. The two scanners operate from within the same physical housing and preferably at the same time such that only one scanning pass (to obtain all necessary data) is required. The 3D data obtained from the OCT scan is registered with the 3D data obtained from the RGB-based scan by virtue of being captured using a common return path. Preferably, the 3D surface data is used to align the volume data, such that the OCT scan operates over a much sparser scanning volume than would otherwise be required if the OCT scan were carried out separately. In this manner, there is less stitching of data required to build the output images, thereby enabling a “one-pass” operation.
G01B 11/24 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures
G01B 9/02091 - Tomographic interferometers, e.g. based on optical coherence
G01B 9/02004 - Interferometers characterised by controlling or generating intrinsic radiation properties using two or more frequencies using frequency scans
14.
INTRA-ORAL SCANNING DEVICE WITH ACTIVE DELETE OF UNWANTED SCANNED ITEMS
An intra-oral scanning device and system are augmented to provide an active delete (or filter) tool. The tool automatically detects and deletes unwanted items and artifacts capturing as the scan is being done. The technique provides a better user experience by automatically removing items the deletion of which that may otherwise be time-consuming, frustrating, or impossible for the user to delete any other way.
An intra-oral scanning device and system are augmented to provide an active delete (or filter) tool. The tool automatically detects and deletes unwanted items and artifacts capturing as the scan is being done. The technique provides a better user experience by automatically removing items the deletion of which that may otherwise be time-consuming, frustrating, or impossible for the user to delete any other way.
A milling machine calibration technique, and article of manufacture are described. The article comprises a calibration fixture, together with a calibration pin. The calibration fixture preferably is shaped as a cube, and each of the side faces of the cube comprise a set of indentations (dimples or features) that are configured in a predetermined pattern. A preferred pattern is a “5-dimple” pattern. To find a mapping between axis coordinates (of a mill spindle) and the mill mandrel at some orientation, the calibration fixture is inserted into the mandrel, and the calibration pin is inserted into a collet. Using an x-axis directional position error-based probing mechanism, the system then registers the exact position of each of the five (5) dimples on the surface of the die. Using the positional information so determined, spindle-mandrel spatial relationships for one or more orientations of the mandrel are then identified for calibration purposes.
B23Q 17/20 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring workpiece characteristics, e.g. contour, dimension, hardness
B23Q 17/22 - Arrangements for indicating or measuring on machine tools for indicating or measuring existing or desired position of tool or work
17.
MILLING MACHINE CALIBRATION METHOD, AND ARTICLE OF MANUFACTURE
A milling machine calibration technique, and article of manufacture are described. The article comprises a calibration fixture, together with a calibration pin. The calibration fixture preferably is shaped as a cube, and each of the side faces of the cube comprise a set of indentations (dimples or features) that are configured in a predetermined pattern. A preferred pattern is a "5-dimple" pattern. To find a mapping between axis coordinates (of a mill spindle) and the mill mandrel at some orientation, the calibration fixture is inserted into the mandrel, and the calibration pin is inserted into a collet. Using an x-axis directional position error-based probing mechanism, the system then registers the exact position of each of the five (5) dimples on the surface of the die. Using the positional information so determined, spindle-mandrel spatial relationships for one or more orientations of the mandrel are then identified for calibration purposes.
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device has a reduced form factor as compared to prior devices, and it provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 6/02 - Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planesStereoscopic radiation diagnosis
A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
A61B 5/107 - Measuring physical dimensions, e.g. size of the entire body or parts thereof
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device has a reduced form factor as compared to prior devices, and it provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images.
A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
A61B 1/04 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
A dental CAD/CAM application generates a 3D model representing a patient's dental anatomy. This model may be a 3D surface. The surface may also be textured with either a monochrome or color image superimposed. The display routine that is used to display the 3D model is enhanced to adjust the contrast in the region of a displayed mouse pointer (or other input device) as a user explores the display image. When this feature is activated and the mouse pointer positioned, preferably the texturing on the 3D model is recomputed in that local area and redisplayed showing greater contrast and detail. Preferably, the contrast is increased from a center to an edge of the area of contrast. Having the texturing of the model being improved and highlighted around the margin is desirable, as it allows the user to see more easily where the margin is located.
G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
22.
Display method and system for enabling an operator to visualize and correct alignment errors in imaged data sets
A method to visualize and correct alignment errors between paired 2D and 3D data sets is described. In a representative embodiment, a display interface used for dental implant planning includes one or more display areas that enable the operator to visualize alignment errors between the paired 2D and 3D data sets. A first display area renders 3D cone beam data. A second display area renders one or more (and preferably three (3) mutually orthogonal views) slices of the cone beam data. A third display area displays a view of a 2D scanned surface map (obtained from an intra-oral scan, or the scan of a model). According to a first aspect, the view of the 2D scanned surface map in the third display area is “textured” by coloring the 2D surface model based on the intensity of each 3D pixel (or “voxel”) that it intersects.
G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
A dental CAD/CAM application generates a 3D model representing a patient's dental anatomy. This model may be a 3D surface. The surface may also be textured with either a monochrome or color image superimposed. The display routine that is used to display the 3D model is enhanced to adjust the contrast in the region of a displayed mouse pointer (or other input device) as a user explores the display image. When this feature is activated and the mouse pointer positioned, preferably the texturing on the 3D model is recomputed in that local area and redisplayed showing greater contrast and detail. Preferably, the contrast is increased from a center to an edge of the area of contrast. Having the texturing of the model being improved and highlighted around the margin is desirable, as it allows the user to see more easily where the margin is located.
A technique to enable an existing monochrome camera in an intra-oral scanner to capture color images without making hardware changes to the camera. This operation is achieved by retrofitting a "tip" assembly of the scanner with red, green and blue light emitting diodes (LEDs), and then driving those diodes to illuminate the scene being captured by the scanner. Electronics in or associated with the scanner are operative to synchronize the LEDs to the frame capture of the monochrome camera in the device. A color image is created by combining the red-, green- and blue-illuminated images. Thus, color imagery is created from a monochrome camera and, in particular, by illuminating the screen with specific colors while the camera captures images. In this manner, single colored images are captured and combined into full color images. The system captures the color images with full resolution and sensitivity, thus producing higher quality full color images.
A61B 1/247 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors
G06T 5/50 - Image enhancement or restoration using two or more images, e.g. averaging or subtraction
26.
Intra-oral scanning device with illumination frames interspersed with image frames
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device captures images of an object of interest, e.g., patient teeth or associated anatomy, by projecting the light source as a first series of frames, and a second series of frames. The first series of frames projects first pattern data, and the second series of frames projects second data. The second series of frames are interleaved between frames in the first series of frames. The frames in the first series are partially-illuminated and are used to capture data for a 3D model. The frames in the second series are preferably fully-illuminated and are used to generate a live preview of the object. By displaying the live preview frames in juxtaposition to the 3D model, the operator is provided with visual feedback of the object.
G01C 11/12 - Interpretation of pictures by comparison of two or more pictures of the same area the pictures being supported in the same relative position as when they were taken
A61B 1/253 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors with means for preventing fogging
A61C 1/08 - Machine parts specially adapted for dentistry
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 1/05 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
A61B 1/12 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with cooling or rinsing arrangements
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
27.
Intra-oral scanning device with illumination frames interspersed with image frames
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device captures images of an object of interest, e.g., patient teeth or associated anatomy, by projecting the light source as a first series of frames, and a second series of frames. The first series of frames projects first pattern data, and the second series of frames projects second data. The second series of frames are interleaved between frames in the first series of frames. The frames in the first series are partially-illuminated and are used to capture data for a 3D model. The frames in the second series are preferably fully-illuminated and are used to generate a live preview of the object. By displaying the live preview frames in juxtaposition to the 3D model, the operator is provided with visual feedback of the object.
G01C 11/12 - Interpretation of pictures by comparison of two or more pictures of the same area the pictures being supported in the same relative position as when they were taken
A61B 1/253 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth with means for viewing areas outside the direct line of sight, e.g. dentists' mirrors with means for preventing fogging
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device captures images of an object of interest, e.g., patient teeth or associated anatomy, by projecting the light source as a first series of frames, and a second series of frames. The first series of frames projects first pattern data, and the second series of frames projects second data. The second series of frames are interleaved between frames in the first series of frames. The frames in the first series are partially-illuminated and are used to capture data for a 3D model. The frames in the second series are preferably fully- illuminated and are used to generate a live preview of the object. By displaying the live preview frames in juxtaposition to the 3D model, the operator is provided with visual feedback of the object.
An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device captures images of an object of interest, e.g., patient teeth or associated anatomy, by projecting the light source as a first series of frames, and a second series of frames. The first series of frames projects first pattern data, and the second series of frames projects second data. The second series of frames are interleaved between frames in the first series of frames. The frames in the first series are partially-illuminated and are used to capture data for a 3D model. The frames in the second series are preferably fully- illuminated and are used to generate a live preview of the object. By displaying the live preview frames in juxtaposition to the 3D model, the operator is provided with visual feedback of the object.
A milling machine for a dental item comprises a six (6) axis motion system. A workpiece is fixed in space. Each of a pair of opposed tool spindles operates in 3DOF, with an x-axis (laterally, left or right) being along an axis of each working tool, a rotational (theta (θ)) axis (rotationally in or out), and a z-axis (up or down). On each respective side of the block, the x-axis rides on a θ-axis, and the θ-axis rides on the z- axis. Each z-axis supports a first carriage adapted to move up or down along the z-axis, and the first carriage supports a motor having a shaft. The shaft's rotational axis is the θ-axis. A second carriage is mounted on the shaft for rotation about the θ-axis. A spindle assembly is mounted on the second carriage for lateral (left or right) movement along the x-axis carried by the θ-axis.
Methods, systems, and devices for generating textured 3D models are provided. The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and devices for combining multiple images onto a 3D model. In some instances, the textures of the images are applied to the 3D model dynamically so that the textured 3D model is viewable from different viewpoints in real time on a display. The present disclosure also describes methods, systems, and devices for selecting the images and, in particular, the portions of the selected images to map to defined portions of the 3D model. In addition, the present disclosure describes how to adjust the images themselves to remove the effects of directional lighting. Some aspects of the present disclosure are particularly useful in the context of a 3D modeling of dental preparations. In some instances, a 3D digitizer is used to produce 3D models of dental preparations.
A method to visualize and correct alignment errors between paired 2D and 3D data sets is described. In a representative embodiment, a display interface used for dental implant planning includes one or more display areas that enable the operator to visualize alignment errors between the paired 2D and 3D data sets. A first display area renders 3D cone beam data. A second display area renders one or more (and preferably three (3) mutually orthogonal views) slices of the cone beam data. A third display area displays a view of a 2D scanned surface map (obtained from an intra-oral scan, or the scan of a model). According to a first aspect, the view of the 2D scanned surface map in the third display area is “textured” by coloring the 2D surface model based on the intensity of each 3D pixel (or “voxel”) that it intersects.
A method to visualize and correct alignment errors between paired 2D and 3D data sets is described. A display interface used for dental implant planning includes one or more display areas that enable the operator to visualize alignment errors between the paired 2D and 3D data sets. A first display area renders 3D cone beam data. A second display area renders one or more (and preferably three (3) mutually orthogonal views) slices of the cone beam data. A third display area displays a view of a 2D scanned surface map (obtained from an intra-oral scan, or the scan of a model). The view of the 2D scanned surface map in the third display area is "textured" by coloring the 2D surface model based on the intensity of each 3D pixel (or "voxel") that it intersects. The textured view provides the operator with a unique perspective to conform alignment using the visualized hard and soft tissue landmarks. Each of the preferably mutually orthogonal cone view data slices is overlaid with a wireframe projection from the 2D surface model data. The operator can rotate and move the 2D surface model in any view by clicking and dragging with a data entry device (such as a mouse or keyboard). The visualizations update, preferably in real-time, as one data set is transformed with respect to the other.
A digitized image of an object may include representations of portions of the object that are obscured, occluded or otherwise unobservable. The image may be a multi-dimensional visual representation of dentition. Characteristics of the dentition and its surfaces, contours, and shape may be determined and/or analyzed. A light may be directed toward and reflected from the dentition. The reflected light may be combined with a reference to determine characteristics of the dentition, including obscured areas such as subgingival tissue.
A method and apparatus are provided for a swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system utilizing a fast scanning mechanism in the sample arm and a slowly swept light source. The position data is collected rapidly while the wavelength of the source is swept slowly. The system reduces the sweep speed requirements of the light source enabling higher power, greater imaging range, and linear sweeps of the source frequency. The OCT components (or most of them) may be implemented within a hand held imaging probe. In operation, a triangulation scan may be used to orient the imaging probe with respect to a fixed coordinate system; preferably, OCT data captured by the device is then transformed to that same orientation with respect to the fixed coordinate system to improve the scanning results.
A method and apparatus are provided for a swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT) system utilizing a fast scanning mechanism in the sample arm and a slowly swept light source. The position data is collected rapidly while the wavelength of the source is swept slowly. The system reduces the sweep speed requirements of the light source enabling higher power, greater imaging range, and linear sweeps of the source frequency. The OCT components (or most of them) may be implemented within a hand held imaging probe. In operation, a triangulation scan may be used to orient the imaging probe with respect to a fixed coordinate system; preferably, OCT data captured by the device is then transformed to that same orientation with respect to the fixed coordinate system to improve the scanning results.
The present disclosure describes methods, systems, and devices for combining multiple images onto a 3D model. The textures of the images are applied to the 3D model dynamically so that the textured 3D model is viewable from different viewpoints in real time. The present disclosure also describes methods, systems, and devices for selecting the images and portions of the selected images to map to defined areas of the 3D model. In addition, the present disclosure describes how to remove the effects of directional lighting from the images. Some aspects of the present disclosure are particularly useful in the context of dental preparations. In some instances, a 3D digitizer is used to produce 3D models of dental preparations that are rendered on a display in real time and are fully 3D dimensional, while accurately depicting the surface textures of the item(s) being digitized.
A method of producing a crown for a custom implant abutment is carried out as follows. The method begins by preparing a patient's existing dental structures, viz., positioning a dental implant in the patient's mouth. Using a scanner device and associated modeling software, a first 3D model is obtained of a sufficiently large portion of an implant abutment to be attached to the implant. This scan is performed extra-orally. Preferably, the sufficiently large portion is that portion of the abutment bounded by a margin curve. After the implant abutment is attached to the implant (intra-orally), the scanner is used to obtain a second 3D model of the implant abutment attached to the implant (i.e., an intra-oral scan). Using the modeling software, the first 3D model is then aligned to the second 3D model. Thereafter, a boundary curve on the first 3D model is identified. Using the boundary curve to trim the first 3D model, the system then produces a third 3D model. Using the boundary curve, the third 3D model and the second 3D model, the system then creates a fourth 3D model, which is a model of a virtual dental item. Using a computer-assisted milling machine, the model of the virtual dental item is then used to produce an actual crown, which is then attached to the implant to complete the process.
A structured light pattern digitizing method is combined with photogrammetry to determine a 3D model of an object. The structured light digitizing operation generates a 3D model of the object being scanned, and this model is then used to compute a higher accuracy model using photogrammetry.
A structured light pattern digitizing method is combined with photogrammetry to determine a 3D model of an object. The structured light digitizing operation generates a 3D model of the object being scanned, and this model is then used to compute a higher accuracy model using photogrammetry.
A system provides high-speed multiple line digitization for three-dimensional imaging of a physical object. A full frame of three-dimensional data may be acquired in the same order as the frame rate of a digital camera.
A61C 13/34 - Making or working of models, e.g. preliminary castings, trial denturesDowel pins
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
A digitized image of an object may include representations of portions of the object that are obscured, occluded or otherwise unobservable. The image may be a multi-dimensional visual representation of dentition. Characteristics of the dentition and its surfaces, contours, and shape may be determined and/or analyzed. A light may be directed toward and reflected from the dentition. The reflected light may be combined with a reference to determine characteristics of the dentition, including obscured areas such as subgingival tissue.
