Abstract: Systems, methods, and/or computer-readable media described herein provide technical solutions to the highly technical problems of machine generation of dental restorations. In particular, these systems, methods and/or computer readable media may provide technical solutions to aid in the creation of dental restorations that more closely resemble a natural tooth (including its internal optical structure). These systems, methods and/or computer readable media may help in virtually rendering a tooth, including its internal optical structure, and apply these renderings (e.g., digital models) to the fabrication of the dental restoration.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a first and second light source, focusing optics, a probe, a detector, an optical transmission medium and a color sensor. The first light source is to generate light beams that travel through the focusing optics along an optical path to the probe. The probe directs the light beams toward a three dimensional object to be imaged. The detector detects returning light beams that are reflected off of the three dimensional object and directed back through the probe and the focusing optics. The second light source is to generate multi-chromatic light. The optical transmission medium is outside of the optical path and is to receive a ray of the multi-chromatic light reflected off of a spot on the three dimensional object and through the probe. The color sensor is to receive the ray from the optical transmission medium and determine a color of the spot on the three dimensional object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a model of a subject's teeth. Described herein are intraoral scanning methods and apparatuses for generating a three-dimensional model of a subject's intraoral region (e.g., teeth) including both surface features and internal features. These methods and apparatuses may be used for identifying and evaluating lesions, caries and cracks in the teeth. Any of these methods and apparatuses may use minimum scattering coefficients and/or segmentation to form a volumetric model of the teeth.

Abstract: Processing logic makes a comparison between first image data and second image data of a dental arch and determines a plurality of spatial differences between a first representation of the dental arch in the first image data and a second representation of the dental arch in the second image data. The processing logic determines that a first spatial difference is attributable to scanner inaccuracy and that a second spatial difference is attributable to a clinical change to the dental arch. The processing logic generates a third representation of the dental arch that is a modified version of the second representation, wherein the first spatial difference is removed in the third representation, and wherein the third representation comprises a visual enhancement that accentuates the second spatial difference.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a model of a subject's teeth. Described herein are intraoral scanning methods and apparatuses for generating a three-dimensional model of a subject's intraoral region (e.g., teeth) including both surface features and internal features. These methods and apparatuses may be used for identifying and evaluating lesions, caries and cracks in the teeth. Any of these methods and apparatuses may use minimum scattering coefficients and/or segmentation to form a volumetric model of the teeth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a model of a subject's teeth. Described herein are intraoral scanning methods and apparatuses for generating a three-dimensional model of a subject's intraoral region (e.g., teeth) including both surface features and internal features. These methods and apparatuses may be used for identifying and evaluating lesions, caries and cracks in the teeth. Any of these methods and apparatuses may use minimum scattering coefficients and/or segmentation to form a volumetric model of the teeth.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for generating a model of a subject's teeth. Described herein are intraoral scanning methods and apparatuses for generating a three-dimensional model of a subject's intraoral region (e.g., teeth) including both surface features and internal features. These methods and apparatuses may be used for identifying and evaluating lesions, caries and cracks in the teeth. Any of these methods and apparatuses may use minimum scattering coefficients and/or segmentation to form a volumetric model of the teeth.

Abstract: A computing device comprises a processor that uses a field curvature model that is calibrated to a confocal imaging apparatus. The processor receives intensity measurements generated by pixels of a detector of the confocal imaging apparatus. The processor determines, for each pixel, a focusing setting of the confocal imaging apparatus that provides a maximum measured intensity. The processor determines, for each pixel, a depth of a point of a 3D object associated with the pixel that corresponds to the determined focusing setting. The processor adjusts the depth of at least one point of the 3D object based on applying the determined focusing setting for the pixel associated with the at least one point to the field curvature model to compensate for a non-flat focal surface of the confocal imaging apparatus. The processor determines a shape of the 3D object based at least in part on the adjusted depth.

Abstract: A confocal imaging apparatus includes an illumination module to generate an array of light beams. Focusing optics perform confocal focusing of an array of light beams onto a non-flat focal surface and direct the array of light beams toward a three dimensional object to be imaged. A translation mechanism adjusts a location of at least one lens to displace the non-flat focal surface along an imaging axis. A detector measures intensities of an array of returning light beams that are reflected off of the three dimensional object and directed back through the focusing optics. Intensities of the array of returning light beams are measured for locations of the at least one lens for determination of positions on the imaging axis of points of the three dimensional object. Detected positions of one or more points are adjusted to compensate for the non-flat focal surface.

Abstract: An optical inspection system including a first multiplicity of cameras operative to image a second multiplicity of regions on an object, a third multiplicity of illumination sources and at least one illumination manager operative to combine illumination from the third multiplicity of illumination sources and thereafter to direct illumination therefrom to the second multiplicity of regions, the at least one illumination manager including a beam distributor receiving a composite input beam of a multiplicity of non-mutually coherent, spatially concentrated laser pulses and directing a multiplicity of composite output beams of a plurality of the non-mutually coherent, spatially concentrated laser pulses to a corresponding plurality of spatially distinct locations corresponding to the second multiplicity of regions.

Abstract: A confocal imaging apparatus includes an illumination module to generate an array of light beams. Focusing optics perform confocal focusing of an array of light beams onto a non-flat focal surface and direct the array of light beams toward a three dimensional object to be imaged. A translation mechanism adjusts a location of at least one lens to displace the non-flat focal surface along an imaging axis. A detector measures intensities of an array of returning light beams that are reflected off of the three dimensional object and directed back through the focusing optics. Intensities of the array of returning light beams are measured for locations of the at least one lens for determination of positions on the imaging axis of points of the three dimensional object. Detected positions of one or more points are adjusted to compensate for the non-flat focal surface.

Abstract: A distance measuring system is provided for auto focusing a camera of an inspection system for inspecting a planar surface that is patterned. The system includes a pattern generator, an image sensor, an optical element(s) and a processor. The pattern generator projects a spatially random pattern toward the planar surface at an oblique angle. The optical element(s) forms the image of the reflected pattern on the image sensor and the image sensor captures an image of the spatially random pattern reflected off the planar surface. The processor processes the image of the spatially random pattern and provides auto-focus information.

Abstract: An optical inspection system including a first multiplicity of cameras operative to image a second multiplicity of regions on an object, a third multiplicity of illumination sources and at least one illumination manager operative to combine illumination from the third multiplicity of illumination sources and thereafter to direct illumination therefrom to the second multiplicity of regions, the at least one illumination manager including a beam distributor receiving a composite input beam of a multiplicity of non-mutually coherent, spatially concentrated laser pulses and directing a multiplicity of composite output beams of a plurality of the non-mutually coherent, spatially concentrated laser pulses to a corresponding plurality of spatially distinct locations corresponding to the second multiplicity of regions.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspection includes an imaging assembly, including a plurality of cameras, which are mounted in different, respective locations in the imaging assembly and are configured to capture respective images of a sample. A motion assembly is configured to move at least one of the imaging assembly and the sample so as to cause the imaging assembly to scan the sample with a scan accuracy that is limited by a predetermined position tolerance. An image processor is coupled to receive and process the images captured by the cameras so as to locate a defect in the sample with a position accuracy that is finer than the position tolerance.

Abstract: Apparatus for high resolution processing of a generally planar workpiece having microscopic features to be imaged, comprising a video camera acquiring at least two candidate images of a microscopic portion on generally planar workpiece; a motion controller operative to effect motion, relative to the workpiece, of at least an optical element of the video camera along an optical axis extending generally normally to a location on a surface of the workpiece, the video camera acquiring the at least two candidate images at selected time intervals, each of the at least two candidate images differing by at least one image parameter; an image selector operative to select an individual image from among the at least two candidate images according to predefined criteria of image quality; and a selected image analyzer operative to analyze at least a portion of the individual image selected by the image selector.

Abstract: An inspection system operative to inspect patterned devices having microscopic conductors, the system comprising a camera viewing a location of a candidate defect on a patterned substrate and acquiring thereat at least one image of the location, the camera defining an optical axis, the at least one image being illuminated by at least one illumination offset from the optical axis, the illumination being supplied along at least first and second axes of illumination that are mutually non-parallel in a plane corresponding to a plane of the patterned substrate, wherein a response to the illumination supplied along the first axis is differentiable from a response to the illumination supplied along the second axis and a defect classifier operative to receive the at least one image and to distinguish therewithin a candidate defect caused by a cut or a candidate defect caused by excess material, from one another and/or from other types of candidate defects.

Abstract: A method for printing includes providing a substrate on which a matrix of color elements is defined, the color elements having respective center lines. A printhead assembly is positioned over the substrate. The printhead assembly includes multiple controllable nozzles. At least one of the substrate and the printhead assembly is translated so that the printhead assembly scans over the substrate in a scan direction transverse to the center lines of the color elements. Droplets of ink are ejected from the nozzles onto the substrate at selected times while the printhead assembly scans over the substrate. The times at which to eject the droplets are selected so as to cause the droplets to land on the color elements at respective locations, such that respective locations are displaced from the center lines.

Abstract: A method for printing includes providing a substrate on which a matrix of color elements is defined, the color elements having respective center lines. A printhead assembly is positioned over the substrate. The printhead assembly includes multiple controllable nozzles. At least one of the substrate and the printhead assembly is translated so that the printhead assembly scans over the substrate in a scan direction transverse to the center lines of the color elements. Droplets of ink are ejected from the nozzles onto the substrate at selected times while the printhead assembly scans over the substrate. The times at which to eject the droplets are selected so as to cause the droplets to land on the color elements at respective locations, such that respective locations are displaced from the center lines.

Abstract: A method for printing includes providing a substrate on which a matrix of color elements is defined, the color elements having respective center lines. A printhead assembly is positioned over the substrate. The printhead assembly includes multiple controllable nozzles. At least one of the substrate and the printhead assembly is translated so that the printhead assembly scans over the substrate in a scan direction transverse to the center lines of the color elements. Droplets of ink are ejected from the nozzles onto the substrate at selected times while the printhead assembly scans over the substrate. The times at which to eject the droplets are selected so as to cause the droplets to land on the color elements at respective locations, such that respective locations are displaced from the center lines.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing includes depositing a material on a surface of a substrate in a liquid form using an inkjet process, whereby the material dries in an initial shape on the substrate. A photolithographic process is applied using a mask that is separate from the substrate in order to modify the initial shape.