Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.