Scanner system and method for mapping surface of three-dimensional object
US7609875B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61C13/0003
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A scanning system is disclosed including a hand-held scanning device for capturing three-dimensional information of an object. The scanner system includes a high-speed transceiver having a high-speed laser light source, a high frequency MEMS oscillating scanning mirror and software for frame registration. Laser based range finding technique is used to map the scanned object. MEMS oscillating at high speed enables rapid and accurate scanning of an object. The scanning can be performed without knowledge or even precise control of the position of the object relative to the scanner. Random movement of the object during scanning is also possible. The scanner can be used for a variety of purposes, including medical and industrial purposes. The illustrated embodiment is in-vivo scanning of human teeth for purposes of orthodontic treatment planning and diagnosis. Several benefits from the scanner are possible: much higher resolution of the scanned object, improved acquisition speed of the three-dimensional information of the surface of the object to be mapped, and the improvement in virtual image clarity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.