Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for characterizing interaction between surfaces, comprising: a deformable transmissive layer coupled to an interface membrane, wherein the interface membrane is interfaced against at least one aspect of an interfaced object; a first illumination source operatively coupled to the deformable transmissive layer and configured to emit first illumination light into the deformable transmissive layer at a known first illumination orientation relative to the deformable transmissive layer, such that at least a portion of the first illumination light interacts with the deformable transmissive layer; a detector configured to detect light from within at least a portion of the deformable transmissive layer; and a computing system configured to operate the detector to detect at least a portion of light directed from the deformable transmissive layer, to determine surface orientations pertaining to positions along the interface membrane based at least in part upon interaction of the fi

Abstract: A topographical measurement system may include a tactile sensor using a contained fluid as an imaging medium.

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced.

Abstract: Continuous measurement of surfaces larger than a sensor is facilitated by the use of a sensor matrix of a clear elastomer and a reflective surface that scrolls, rolls, or otherwise moves over a target surface. A variety of web materials, camera configurations, and handling systems are described to achieve continuous three-dimensional measurement in this context.

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: A topographical measurement system uses an imaging cartridge formed of a rigid optical element and a clear, elastomeric sensing surface configured to capture high-resolution topographical data from a measurement surface. The imaging cartridge may be configured as a removable cartridge for the system so that the imaging cartridge, including the rigid optical element and elastomeric sensing surface can be removed and replaced as a single, integral component that is robust/stable over multiple uses, and easily user-replaceable as frequently as necessary or desired. The cartridge may also usefully incorporate a number of light shaping and other features to support optimal illumination and image capture.

Abstract: Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced.

Abstract: A three-dimensional measurement is refined by warping two-dimensional images of an object from offset camera positions according to a three-dimensional model of the object, and applying any resulting discrepancies to refine the three-dimensional model, or to refine one of a number of three-dimensional measurements used to create the three-dimensional model.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a scanning system for capturing highly detailed digital dental models. These models may be used within a dentist's office for a wide array of dental functions including quality control, restoration design, and fitting. These models may also, or instead, be transmitted to dental laboratories that may, alone or in collaboration with the originating dentist or other dental professionals, transform the digital model into a physical realization of a dental hardware item.

Abstract: Video data acquired during a three-dimensional scan of dentition provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model of the dentition, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during interactive model processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a scanning system for capturing highly detailed digital dental models. These models may be used within a dentist's office for a wide array of dental functions including quality control, restoration design, and fitting. These models may also, or instead, be transmitted to dental laboratories that may, alone or in collaboration with the originating dentist or other dental professionals, transform the digital model into a physical realization of a dental hardware item.

Abstract: Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced.

Abstract: Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration.

Abstract: Continuous measurement of surfaces larger than a sensor is facilitated by the use of a sensor matrix of a clear elastomer and a reflective surface that scrolls, rolls, or otherwise moves over a target surface. A variety of web materials, camera configurations, and handling systems are described to achieve continuous three-dimensional measurement in this context.

Abstract: A hierarchical pattern matching process is improved for use in three-dimensional reconstruction by calculating a disparity field for low-resolution data, and using this low-resolution disparity field to estimate the disparity field for higher-resolution images. By pre-warping a template according to the estimated disparity field, improved correlation results can be obtained.