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: 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 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 3 DOF, with an x-axis (laterally, left or right) being along an axis of each working tool, a rotational (theta (?)) 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 ?-axis, and the ?-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 ?-axis. A second carriage is mounted on the shaft for rotation about the ?-axis. A spindle assembly is mounted on the second carriage for lateral (left or right) movement along the x-axis carried by the ?-axis.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An intra-oral laser digitizer system provides a three-dimensional visual image of a real-world object such as a dental item through a laser digitization. The laser digitizer captures an image of the object by scanning multiple portions of the object in an exposure period. The intra-oral digitizer may be inserted into an oral cavity (in vivo) to capture an image of a dental item such as a tooth, multiple teeth or dentition. The captured image is processed to generate the three-dimension visual image.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.

Abstract: A “digital impression” is provided in lieu of a physical “dental” impression. A 3D digitizer is used to capture the digital impression, e.g., by scanning in a patient's oral cavity. A digital impression “data set” is formed using a computer-implemented method. The method begins by generating a three dimensional (3D) restoration model. Then, a bounding volume of the restoration model is computed. The bounding volume is defined as at least a minimum 3D volume that contains the 3D model. Thereafter, a lower solid 3D model, and an upper solid 3D model are created; these lower and upper models have a predetermined relationship with one another. In particular, when superimposed upon one another within the bounding volume, the lower and upper 3D models define a cavity into which the restoration model is adapted to fit. The restoration model, the lower solid 3D model and the upper solid 3D model are then aggregated into the data set to form the digital impression.

Abstract: The improved milling machine makes use of individually controlled x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis carriages. These carriages provide positive and precise control of the position of the cutting tools and the blank to be cut. The tools are located in spindles that are moved in the x-axis. A work piece or blank is manipulated in the y-axis and the z-axis. The tools are offset in the x-axis. Lights on a work space door are used to signal the condition of the mill machine and the milling operation. A tool changer allows the tools to be changed to accommodate other materials. A camera or other sensor is used to detect the location and wear on the tools.

Abstract: An augmented reality system for integrating video imagery of an actual dental restoration into a computer-implemented display of a model (that represents a preparation, mesial/distal neighbors, and opposing occlusion) that has been generated from a 3D scan of a patient. The 3D scan data may be generated at a dental office remote from a location at which the augmented reality system is implemented. In one embodiment, the 3D scan data is provided to the augmented reality system as a digital impression.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a realistic visual representation of forecast weather conditions. A “future time-lapse” video image of weather conditions effecting a given area may be generated automatically from a meteorologist's weather forecast. The resulting presentation may include a photo-realistic terrain background, an image of a landmark, such as a cityscape familiar to users, realistic three-dimensional cloud images, as well as informative textual and/or graphical overlays. Realistic fractal cloud images may be generated in an efficient manner by combining a plurality of slices taken through a spherical solid fractal texture to create three-dimensional cloud images.