Method and apparatus for colour imaging a three-dimensional structure

摘要

A device for determining the surface topology and associated color of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing color data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the color data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional color virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associate color of a structure is also provided.

主权项

1. A method of determining surface topology and associated color of at least a portion of a three-dimensional structure, the method comprising:
within a time interval selected to ensure that a spatial disposition of an image gathering member of an apparatus is substantially fixed with respect to the structure portion,
using the apparatus to generate depth data of the structure portion corresponding to a two-dimensional reference array substantially orthogonal to a depth direction,using the apparatus to generate two-dimensional first image data of the portion associated with the reference array, andusing the apparatus to generate two-dimensional second image data of the portion associated with the reference array, the second image data being different from the first image data; generating two-dimensional estimated image data based on the first image data and the second image data so as to account for when the first image data and the second image data were generated relative to when the depth data was generated so that the estimated image data corresponds to when the depth data was generated; and mapping the estimated image data to the depth data for the reference array.