Method and device for carrying out optical pick up
Disclosed is an optical imaging method and device enabling display and 3D measurement of tridimensional objects ( 1 ), whereby at least two individual images are captured one after the other and the image conversion is controlled or regulated differently for these individual images. By employing adustable optical means ( 10 - 14 ) for the illumination of the object or in the optical path for the imaging of the object on the image converter ( 15 ) it is possible to acquire a larger amount of visual information on the object observed than that which is available in an individual image due to the limitations imposed by the design of the converter used ( 15 ). The invention relates to processes and design forms of the device enabling recording units to be designed, using simply and generally commercial components, which are able to display and measure larger objects ( 1 ) despite a reduced field of vision imposed by the design. This is especially useful for diagnosis in invasive applications in the bodies of humans or animals.
1. A method for in-vivo scanning of teeth of a human or animal patient with a scanner to acquire three-dimensional information as to said teeth, said scanner comprising a first beam source and a second beam source, a two-dimensional electronic image converter and a carrier directing radiation from said beam sources towards said teeth, comprising the steps of:
a) inserting a portion of said carrier into the oral cavity of said patient;
b) operating said first beam source at a first illumination intensity so as to illuminate said teeth and substantially simultaneously obtaining a first image of said teeth with said electronic image converter at a first level of received beam energy;
c) operating said second beam source so as to illuminate said teeth at a second illumination intensity and substantially simultaneously obtaining a second image of said teeth with said electronic image converter at a second level of received beam energy different from said first level;
d) projecting a pattern onto said teeth during at least one of said steps b) and c) and subsequently analyzing said first and second images to generate three dimensional information for said teeth;
e) wherein said steps b) and c) are performed in rapid succession to thereby obtain two consecutive images of the object with the electronic image converter at different effective amounts of received beam energy.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of moving said portion of said carrier to a new position in said oral cavity and repeating the performance of steps b), c), d) and e).
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said electronic image converter comprises a charge coupled device and operates at a refresh rate, and wherein steps b) and c) are performed in substantial synchronism with said refresh rate.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first and second beam sources comprises a flash lamp.