Powder for enhancing feature contrast for intraoral digital image scanning
Assignee3M Innovative Properties Company
InventorsDavid B. Stegall, Zhisheng Yun
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for intraoral image scanning using a powder with enhanced feature contrast. The method includes applying the powder to an intraoral structure and using an intraoral scanner in order to obtain electronic digital scan images of the intraoral structure. The powder includes a material providing enhanced feature contrast of the intraoral structure such as black particles combined with a white powder. The scan images can be used to create a 3D digital impression or model of the intraoral structure.
Claims10
A method for intraoral image scanning using a powder with enhanced feature contrast, comprising the steps of:
- applying a powder to an intraoral structure, wherein the powder includes a material providing enhanced feature contrast of the intraoral structure, wherein the applying step comprises first applying a white powder and then applying a dark-color powder onto the white powder while leaving portions of the white powder exposed;
- projecting a scan light to the intraoral structure, wherein the scan light has a spectral range less than wavelengths of visible light;
- and
- scanning the intraoral structure having the applied powder and illuminated by the projected scan light with an intraoral scanner in order to obtain electronic digital images of the intraoral structure,
- wherein the dark-color powder absorbs light within the spectral range of the scan light in order to enhance feature contrast of the intraoral structure.
2-3. (canceled)
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7-9. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.