Method and system for processing printed part

Abstract

The present application provides a method for processing a printed part formed by additive manufacturing. The method comprises: providing a printed part having an identifier; identifying the identifier on the printed part, and on the basis of at least the identified identifier and / or database information, transmitting a target signal or generating a target indication; and in response to the target signal or the target indication, a target prompting device among a plurality of prompting devices issuing a prompt, wherein the target prompting device is associated with a storage device for storing the printed part.

Description

Method and system for handling printed items

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411294227.1, filed on September 14, 2024; Chinese Patent Application No. 202411551945.2, filed on November 1, 2024; Chinese Patent Application No. 202510719126.2, filed on May 30, 2025, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of additive manufacturing, and in particular, to a system and method for sorting printed items. BACKGROUND

[0004] Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) techniques manufacture three-dimensional entities from three-dimensional model data of an object, in a layer-by-layer additive manner.

[0005] 3D printing is often used for customized production of various products. With increasing automation of 3D printing devices, 3D printing devices are capable of producing a large number of different products in succession, for example, working for 48 hours in succession. In some scenarios, operators face the challenge of a large number and variety of printed items piling up as a result of the continuous production, and the operators need to sort these printed items and place them in different containers for subsequent transport steps. The inventors have found that when an operator, based on the printed item being processed, looks for the corresponding container, a long time can be spent, and a container that is not suitable or not matching can be found.

[0006] Manufacturers now manufacture multiple objects based on a single order, starting the manufacturing of the next order after completing one order. This extends the delivery time of multiple orders. In another strategy, when objects for multiple orders are manufactured simultaneously, the storage of individual objects manufactured is a challenge, because each object is customized and thus needs to be placed in a matching box, so that all objects in the box are packaged and delivered together later.

[0007] Sorting, for example in the express industry, uses a method of scanning a two-dimensional code on a packaging bag. However, this does not work well for the additive manufacturing industry, because multiple different objects are manufactured simultaneously, and it is difficult to sort the manufactured objects immediately, at which time there is no packaging bag and two-dimensional code thereon, for example. SUMMARY

[0008] The present application provides a method of producing dental objects, comprising: obtaining three-dimensional data models of a plurality of dental objects, and determining estimated weights of the plurality of three-dimensional data models based on a volume of each dental object and a density of a material associated with each dental object; manufacturing a dental object composed of the material; measuring an actual weight of the manufactured dental object; and determining a difference between the actual weight and each of the plurality of estimated weights, and in response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices issues a prompt, wherein each of the plurality of prompt devices is associated with at least one storage device configured to store a dental object.

[0009] In some embodiments, the dental object comprises at least one of: a base, a crown, a tray, a bracket.

[0010] In some embodiments, manufacturing a dental object composed of the material comprises at least one of: obtaining the dental object by at least additive manufacturing, obtaining the dental object by at least subtractive manufacturing, or obtaining the dental object by at least post-processing.

[0011] In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing comprises at least one of: DLP printing, LCD printing, SLA printing, BJT printing, SLS printing, DIW printing; the subtractive manufacturing comprises at least one of: milling, cutting, turning; or the post-processing comprises: sanding, cleaning, curing, baking.

[0012] In some embodiments, the material associated with each dental object comprises a first material and a second material, the density of the first material being different from the density of the second material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices issuing a prompt comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and a single estimated weight of the plurality of estimated weights is within a predetermined range, a prompt device associated with the single estimated weight issues a prompt.

[0014] In some embodiments, the response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices issuing a prompt comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and at least some estimated weights of the plurality of estimated weights is within a predetermined range, at least some prompt devices associated with the at least some estimated weights issue a prompt.

[0015] In some embodiments, the response to the difference being within the predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt, comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and at least some of the plurality of estimated weights is within the predetermined range, at least some prompt devices associated with the at least some estimated weights emit prompts in different prompt manners.

[0016] In some embodiments, the different prompt manners include any one of the following: emitting light of different colors, flashing at different frequencies, emitting different prompt contents, vibrating differently.

[0017] In some embodiments, the response to the difference being within the predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt, comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and at least some of the plurality of estimated weights is within the predetermined range, determining the minimum difference, and causing the prompt device associated with the minimum difference to emit a prompt.

[0018] In some embodiments, the response to the difference being within the predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt, comprises: when the difference between the estimated weight of the three-dimensional data model and the actual weight is within the predetermined range, determining the candidate three-dimensional model; when the number of candidate three-dimensional models is within a predetermined number range, screening a target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models; and

[0019] Based on the target three-dimensional model, at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt.

[0020] In some embodiments, the screening of the target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models comprises at least one of the following:

[0021] - image acquisition of the manufactured dental object to obtain image information of the manufactured dental object, and matching based on the image information of the manufactured dental object and image information of the plurality of three-dimensional data models of dental objects to screen the target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models;

[0022] - point cloud acquisition of the manufactured dental object to obtain a three-dimensional scanning model of the manufactured dental object, and matching based on the three-dimensional scanning model and the plurality of three-dimensional data models of dental objects to screen the target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models; or

[0023] - identifying an identifier on the manufactured dental object to screen the target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models, wherein the identifier comprises at least one of the following: a bar code, a two-dimensional code, a number.

[0024] In some embodiments, the predetermined range is 70% to 130%, such as 80% to 120%, such as 90% to 110%, such as 95% to 105% of the actual weight; or is 0 to 5000g, such as 0.1g to 100.0g, such as 0.2g to 10.0g, such as 0.5g to 5.0g.

[0025] In some embodiments, the prompting, in response to the difference being within the predetermined range, comprises: emitting a target signal or generating a target indication based on the three-dimensional data model associated with the difference within the predetermined range; and in response to the target signal or the target indication, the target prompting device of the plurality of prompting devices emits the prompt.

[0026] In some embodiments, the target prompting device is detachably or non-detachably connected to the storage device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the prompting device is capable of at least one of:

[0028] - emitting an audible prompt;

[0029] - emitting an optical prompt; or

[0030] - vibrating.

[0031] In some embodiments, the foregoing method further comprises establishing a matching relationship, the matching relationship comprising order information and target prompting device information.

[0032] The present application also provides a system for producing a dental object, comprising:

[0033] a 3D printing device configured to manufacture the dental object;

[0034] a weighing device configured to measure an actual weight of the dental object;

[0035] a processing unit configured to determine estimated weights of a plurality of three-dimensional data models in a database, and to calculate differences between the actual weight and the plurality of estimated weights;

[0036] a prompting device configured to emit a prompt in response to the difference being within a predetermined range; and

[0037] a storage device configured to store the dental object and to be associated with the prompting device.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one of:

[0039] - a photographing device configured to acquire image information of the manufactured dental object;

[0040] - a scanning device configured to obtain point cloud information of the manufactured dental object; or

[0041] - an identification device configured to obtain identification information on the manufactured dental object.

[0042] In some embodiments, the processing unit comprises at least one of: a local server, a cloud server, a mobile communication device, or a base station.

[0043] In some embodiments, the prompting device is capable of at least one of:

[0044] - emitting an acoustic prompt;

[0045] - emitting an optical prompt; or

[0046] - vibrating.

[0047] In some embodiments, the estimated weight of the three-dimensional data model is determined based on a volume of the three-dimensional data model and an associated material.

[0048] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a database configured to store at least one set of matching information, wherein each set of matching information comprises: information associated with the three-dimensional model and information associated with at least one prompting device.

[0049] The present application also provides a method of producing a printed object, characterized in that it comprises:

[0050] obtaining a three-dimensional data model of a plurality of printed objects and determining an estimated weight of the plurality of three-dimensional data models based on a volume of each printed object and a density of a material associated with each printed object;

[0051] manufacturing a printed object composed of the material;

[0052] measuring an actual weight of the manufactured printed object; and

[0053] determining a difference between the actual weight and each of the plurality of estimated weights, and in response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompting device of a plurality of prompting devices emits a prompt, wherein each of the plurality of prompting devices is associated with at least one storage device configured to store the printed object.

[0054] The present application also provides a system for producing a printed object, characterized in that it comprises:

[0055] a 3D printing device configured to manufacture a printed object;

[0056] a weighing device configured to measure an actual weight of the printed object;

[0057] a processing unit configured to determine an estimated weight of the plurality of three-dimensional data models in the database and to calculate a difference between the actual weight and the plurality of estimated weights;

[0058] a prompting device configured to issue a prompt in response to the difference being within a predetermined range;

[0059] a storage device configured to store a printed object and associated with the prompting device; and

[0060] a database configured to store at least one set of matching information, wherein each set of matching information comprises information associated with a three-dimensional model and information associated with at least one prompting device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0061] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the drawings in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present application, and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope of protection.

[0062] FIG. 1 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments.

[0063] FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments.

[0066] FIG. 5 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments.

[0067] FIG. 6 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments.

[0068] FIG. 7 shows a tooth model with an identification formed by additive manufacturing.

[0069] FIG. 8 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present application, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, the same or like reference numerals are used to designate the same or like components and features.

[0071] Additive manufacturing or 3D printing involves DLP, LCD, SLA, FDM, SLS, etc. branch technologies, and the "printed piece" used herein can be an object obtained using any additive manufacturing.

[0072] It is an object of the present application to quickly and accurately place manufactured printed objects into matching storage devices (or "storage locations"). An operator provides characteristic information of a printed object by identifying, weighing, photographing, or scanning. A processing system determines one or more three-dimensional data models corresponding to the printed object from a plurality of three-dimensional data models based on matching of the characteristic information, and then informs the operator of a storage device in which the manufactured printed object should be placed via a prompting device.

[0073] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic of a processing system according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 1, a plurality of identical or different printed pieces 112a, 112b are stacked or stored at a collection area 110.

[0074] For example, 100 dental models are stored in 3 collection buckets, which include 20 dental models for user A, 50 dental models for user B, and 30 dental models for user C.

[0075] The 20 dental models for user A include, for example, 4 dental models for testing or inspection, which need to be stored in box Al, 8 dental models for use within the next month, which need to be stored in box A2, and 8 dental models for use within the next one to three months, which need to be stored in box A3. Similarly, the 50 dental models for user B need to be stored in boxes B1-B15, and the 30 dental models for user C need to be stored in boxes C1-C12. Therefore, an operator needs to distribute the 100 dental models into 30 boxes.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, an operator 120 reads the identification on a printed piece 112a in the collection area 110, and then the operator 120 inputs the information associated with the identification into, for example, a local computer 130. The local computer stores database information containing at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating to information associated with the identification and information associated with a storage device 170. When the operator inputs the information associated with the identification into the local computer 130, the local computer 130 automatically associates or retrieves the information associated with the storage device 170 to indicate the box in which the current printed piece should be placed. Thereafter, the local computer 130 can send a signal associated with the storage device 170 to a prompting device 150. One of the plurality of prompting devices 150 will respond to the signal to issue a prompt.

[0077] As an example, a tooth model of user A has an identification "USER-A-A1-202409" on it. An operator 120 reads the identification on the tooth model and then enters the identification information "A1-09" into, for example, a local computer 130 or a mobile communication device (such as a cell phone). The local computer or the mobile communication device has stored matching information for the identification information, for example, "identification A1-09 corresponds to box A1" is stored. The local computer 130 or the mobile communication device will automatically retrieve and obtain the information of the storage device corresponding to the identification information "A1-09" and thus determine that box A1 is the box where the current tooth model should be placed. The local computer or the mobile communication device can directly send a storage device signal (or called "call signal" or "wake-up signal") to a plurality of prompting devices 150 (each prompting device 150 has a unique identification code), and only one of the plurality of prompting devices 150 will respond to the call signal to issue a prompt, such as a sound or vibration. The prompting device 150 that responds is associated with the box A1 for accommodating the tooth model of user A.

[0078] FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of identical or different printed pieces 212a, 212b are stacked or stored at a collection area 210.

[0079] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, an operator 220 reads the identification on the printed piece 212a in the collection area 210 and then the operator 220 enters information associated with the identification into, for example, a local computer 230. The local computer has stored database information containing at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating to information associated with the identification and information associated with a storage device 270. When the operator enters the information associated with the identification into the local computer 230, the local computer 230 will automatically associate or obtain the information associated with the storage device 270 to indicate the box where the current tooth model should be placed. Thereafter, the local computer 230 can send a signal associated with the storage device 270 to a signal relay device 280 (for example, a base station), which sends the storage device signal to a prompting device 250. One of the plurality of prompting devices 250 will respond to the signal to issue a prompt, such as a sound or vibration. The prompting device 250 that responds is associated with the box for accommodating the tooth model of the user.

[0080] FIG. 3 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of identical or different prints 312a, 312b are stacked or stored at a collection area 310. An identification device 340 (e.g., a camera unit) can identify the indicia on the print 312a. For example, the identification device 340 captures an image that includes the indicia on the print. The identification device 340 sends the image to a cloud server 330, which can analyze the indicia and generate information associated with the indicia (or referred to as "indicia information").

[0081] The cloud server 330 stores database information that includes at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating to information associated with the indicia and information associated with a storage device. After the cloud server 330 generates the indicia information, the cloud server 330 can retrieve or obtain the information associated with the storage device to indicate the bin where the current print 312a should be placed. Thereafter, the cloud server 330 can send a signal associated with the storage device to a relay signal device 380 (e.g., a base station), which sends the storage device signal to a prompt device. One of the plurality of prompt devices 351, 352, 353... the prompt device 352 will respond to the signal by issuing a prompt, such as a sound or a vibration. The prompt device 352 that responds is associated with the bin 372 that is used to house the print for the user. Each of the prompt devices 351, 352, 353... is associated with a corresponding bin 371, 372, 373...

[0082] As an example, a dental model 312b of user B has an identification "USER-B-B2-202410" on it. An operator captures the characters using an OCR (optical character recognition) device or captures an image using a camera unit, the characters or image including "USER-B-B2-202410". The OCR device or camera unit 340 sends the characters or image to the cloud server 330. The cloud server 330 analyzes the identification "USER-B-B2-202410" and generates identification information or an identification string "B-B2-10" associated with the identification. The cloud server 330 has database information stored therein, the database information containing at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating to information associated with the identification and information associated with a storage device. For example, the database information has "identification B-B2-10 corresponds to box B2" stored therein. After the cloud server 330 generates the identification information or the identification string "B-B2-10" associated with the identification, the cloud server 330 determines that the current dental model 312b should be placed into the box B2. Thereafter, the cloud server 330 can send a signal associated with the storage device to a relay signal device 380 (e.g., a base station), which sends the storage device signal to a prompt device. One of the prompt devices 351, 352, 353... 352 responds to the signal by issuing a prompt, such as a sound or a vibration. The prompt device 352 that responds is associated with the box 372 for housing the dental model of the user.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows a simplified schematic diagram of a processing system according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of identical or different prints 412a, 412b... are stacked or stored at a collection area 410. An identification device 440 (e.g., a camera unit) can identify an identification on a print 412a. For example, the identification device 440 captures an image, the image including the identification on the print. The identification device 440 sends the image to a cloud server 430, which sends the image to a local processor 460. The local processor 460 can analyze the identification and generate information associated with the identification (or referred to as "identification information").

[0084] The local processor 460 stores database information that includes at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating to information associated with the indicia and information associated with the storage device. After the local processor 460 generates the indicia information, the local processor 460 can retrieve or obtain information associated with the storage device (or "storage device information") to indicate the bin in which the current print 412a should be placed. Thereafter, the local processor 460 sends the storage device information to the cloud server 430, which sends the storage device information to the relay signaling device 480 (e.g., a base station), which sends a storage device signal to the alert device. One of the plurality of alert devices 451, 452, 453... the alert device 452 that responds to the signal emits an alert, such as a sound or a vibration. The alert device 452 that responds is associated with the bin 472 in which the print for the user should be placed. Each of the alert devices 451, 452, 453... is associated with a respective bin 471, 472, 473...

[0085] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified schematic of a processing system, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of identical or different prints 512a, 512b are stacked or stored at a collection area 510. An identification device 540 (e.g., a camera unit) can identify the indicia on the print 512a. For example, the identification device 540 captures an image that includes the indicia on the print.

[0086] The identification device 540 includes a processor and a memory. Based on the image captured by the identification device 540, the processor of the identification device 540 can analyze the indicia on the print and generate information associated with the indicia (or "indicia information"). The memory of the identification device 540 stores database information that includes at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating to information associated with the indicia and information associated with the storage device. After the processor of the identification device 540 generates the indicia information, the identification device 540 retrieves or obtains information associated with the storage device to indicate, for example, the bin in which the current print 512a should be placed. The identification device 540 also includes a signal-emitting device that can send a signal associated with the storage device to the alert device. One of the plurality of alert devices 551, 552, 553... the alert device 552 that responds to the signal emits an alert, such as a sound or a vibration. The alert device 552 that responds is associated with the bin 572 in which the print for the user should be placed. Each of the alert devices 551, 552, 553... is associated with a respective bin 571, 572, 573...

[0087] As an example, a dental model 512b of user C has an identification "USER-C-C3-202411" on it. An operator captures the characters using an OCR (optical character recognition) device or captures an image using a camera unit, the characters or image including "USER-C-C3-202411". A processor of the OCR device or camera unit 540 analyzes the identification "USER-C-C3-202411" on the print and generates identification information, e.g., "C3". The memory of the recognition device 540 stores database information containing at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating information associated with an identification and information associated with a storage device. For example, the database information stores that "identification C3 corresponds to box C3". After the processor of the recognition device 540 generates the identification information, the recognition device 540 retrieves or obtains information associated with a storage device to indicate, for example, a box where the current print 512b should be placed. A signal emitting device of the recognition device 540 can send a signal associated with the storage device to a prompting device. One of the prompting devices 551, 552, 553... 552 will respond to the signal by giving a prompt, e.g., a sound or a vibration. The prompting device 552 that responds is associated to the box 572 for housing the print of the user.

[0088] Figure 6 shows a simplified schematic of a processing system according to some embodiments. As shown in Figure 6, a plurality of identical or different prints 612a, 612b are stacked or stored at a collection area 610. A recognition device 640 (e.g., a camera unit) can recognize an identification on a print 612a. For example, the recognition device 640 captures an image including the identification on the print.

[0089] The identification device 640 includes a processor and a memory. Based on the images captured by the identification device 640, the processor of the identification device 640 can analyze the indicia on the print and generate information associated with the indicia (or "indicia information"). The memory of the identification device 640 stores database information that includes at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information relating to information associated with the indicia and information associated with storage devices. After the processor of the identification device 640 generates the indicia information, the identification device 640 retrieves or obtains information associated with storage devices to indicate, for example, the bin in which the current print 612a should be placed. The identification device 640 also includes a signal-emitting device that can send a signal associated with the storage device to the relay signal device 680 (e.g., a base station), which sends the storage device signal to the alert device. One of the plurality of alert devices 651, 652, 653... 652 will emit an alert, such as a sound or vibration, in response to the signal. The alert device 652 that responds is associated with the bin 672 in which the print for the user should be placed. Each of the alert devices 651, 652, 653... is associated with a corresponding bin 671, 672, 673...

[0090] Any of the cloud server, local computer, or mobile communication device can load a program for processing images, video information as needed. Such a program can extract information from images or image frames and convert it to predetermined information for images or video captured by the identification device. For example, an image or image frame of a print being identified includes the indicia "HEYGEARS 68666," which indicates that the print is for the user HEYGEARS, was completed on Saturday, should be placed in bin number 86 for storage or transfer, and is the 66th print of its kind. The aforementioned program can directly match the indicia to storage device information (e.g., bin number) in a database. For example, there can be a matching relationship in the database information that "HEYGEARS 68666" in the set of indicia information is associated with "86" in the set of storage device information. In some embodiments, the aforementioned program can also translate the indicia and then match it to storage device information (e.g., bin number) in a database. For example, the aforementioned program translates the indicia "HEYGEARS 68666" to indicia information "A86" and then looks for a matching relationship based on the indicia information "A86." At this time, there can be a matching relationship in the database information that "A86" in the set of indicia information is associated with "86" in the set of storage device information.

[0091] The identification on the printed piece can be formed by additive manufacturing. The printed piece and the identification are obtained by, for example, DLP, LCD and FDM technologies. FIG. 7 shows a dental model obtained according to DLP technology, with the identification "CP-0.03-0.07" thereon.

[0092] The printed piece formed by photosensitive resin is taken as an example. The manufacturer receives an order, designs an order number on the data model of the printed piece, and performs printing to obtain a printed piece with an identification. For example, the order number of the order received by the manufacturer is "ABCD-35-48", and the manufacturer can choose to add the identification "ABCD-35-48" to the data model or add the identification "ABCD-48" derived from the order number. The data model of the printed piece can undergo multiple processes before being printed. For example, in the modeling program or modeling software, the first identification is added when the data model of the printed piece is generated or constructed. Alternatively or additionally, in the slicing program or slicing software, the second identification is added to the data model of the printed piece during the slicing process of the data model of the printed piece, and then the data model with the second identification is sliced.

[0093] In the production process of, for example, light-cured printing, the printed piece formed by curing the photosensitive resin also needs to be post-processed, such as washing and post-curing.

[0094] In some embodiments, washing and / or post-curing are performed simultaneously for a plurality of printed pieces with the same or similar identification, for example, 10, and then they are transferred to the corresponding boxes.

[0095] In some embodiments, washing and / or post-curing are performed simultaneously for a plurality of printed pieces with different identifications, for example, 50, and then they are transferred to the corresponding boxes. In some scenarios, compared to sorting and sequentially processing a plurality of printed pieces with different identifications, simultaneously washing and / or post-curing these printed pieces can save costs, however, it can increase the difficulty of finding the boxes or storage devices by manual.

[0096] The identification can also be attached to the physical printed piece, for example, to the printed piece that has completed washing or post-curing. The identification can be adhered to the printed piece by, for example, glue. The identification can be sprayed on the printed piece by, for example, a spraying device. For some printed pieces with specific three-dimensional structures, the physical identification can also be mechanically coupled to the printed piece, such as hanging, embedding, etc.

[0097] The position of the identification is arbitrary. For example, the identification is located on the bottom surface of the printed piece, the side surface of the printed piece, the top surface of the printed piece, or any combination thereof.

[0098] The identification can be in various forms, for example, the identification includes at least one of the following: a bar code, a two-dimensional code, an OCR code, a number. The number includes at least one of the following: a number, a letter, a pattern.

[0099] The identified content relates to, for example, order number information, print information, user information.

[0100] In some embodiments, the plurality of prints needs to be transferred into a plurality of storage devices accordingly. The storage devices can be, for example, boxes, containers, drawers of shelves, etc. Each storage device is associated with a unique prompting device, which allows the prompting device to issue a prompt to indicate that the current storage device is desired. The prompting device has a unique ID number, so that only one of the plurality of prompting devices responds to the signal to issue a prompt. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of prompting devices has a unique ID number, but at least one of the plurality of prompting devices will issue a prompt according to the storage device signal, and the at least one (e.g., two, three, or more) prompting devices are available to accommodate the print currently identified or to be processed. For example, 100 prints need to be transferred into 20 boxes, and three of the 20 boxes numbered “1”, “2”, and “3” (each of the three boxes has an upper limit of capacity, for example, up to 20) are available to accommodate 50 of the same kind of prints in the 100 prints. When any of the 50 prints “A” is identified or processed, the processing unit determines a plurality of matching relationships in the database, for example, (i) print “A” is assigned to box “1”; (ii) print “A” is assigned to box “2”; and (iii) print “A” is assigned to box “3”. The processing unit sends a storage device signal based on these matching relationships, and the three prompting devices associated with boxes “1”, “2”, and “3” respectively will all issue a prompt to indicate that the three boxes are available.

[0101] In a factory of a manufacturer for manufacturing dental objects, a large number of dental objects need to be produced based on a plurality of received orders. Each order can require the manufacturer to produce a different number of dental objects. As understood by those skilled in the art, the dental objects manufactured are usually customized because the target object of each dental object is a different person or patient, and the dental object required by each person or patient is different in form.

[0102] In one example, the manufacturer receives orders A~D, order A requires the manufacturer to produce 10 bases, 20 incisors, and 30 canines for user A; order B requires the manufacturer to produce 5 brackets and 60 incisors for user B; order C requires the manufacturer to produce 3 bases, 60 incisors, and 2 canines for user C; and order D requires the manufacturer to produce 2 bases, 20 incisors, and 10 canines for user D.

[0103] In some embodiments, the manufacturing of the dental objects is done in association with a single order. For example, 3 bases, 60 incisors and 2 canines are first produced for order C. After order C is completed, 10 bases, 20 incisors and 30 canines are produced for order A. Similarly, the tasks for order B and order D are completed in sequence.

[0104] The manufacturing method is different for different dental objects.

[0105] In some embodiments, the dental objects are obtained using additive manufacturing. For example, the dental cast is manufactured using DLP printing, LCD printing, SLA printing, etc. The base is manufactured using SLS printing, BJT printing, DIW printing, etc.

[0106] In some embodiments, the dental objects are obtained using subtractive manufacturing. For example, the base is manufactured using mechanical machining such as turning, milling.

[0107] In some embodiments, post-processing is required. For example, the partial porcelain tooth needs to be baked.

[0108] To improve the efficiency of completing multiple orders, the same type of dental objects for different orders are manufactured at the same time. For example, 10 bases for order A and 2 bases for order D are manufactured at the same time. Or, for example, 20 incisors for order A and 60 incisors for order B are manufactured at the same time, or in the same batch.

[0109] In some embodiments, the multiple same type of dental objects for different orders are distinguished in different ways. For example, the dental cast for order E has a 3D mark with the word "E" on it, and the dental cast for order F has a 3D mark with the word "F" on it, and these 3D marks are manufactured together with the dental cast.

[0110] In some embodiments, the dental objects have a small size and are therefore difficult to be identified by the operator. For example, the identification (if any) of the incisors of order A and order B is not easy for the operator to observe. Other dental objects are also possible, such as crowns, especially full porcelain crowns.

[0111] The inventors provide some improvements to solve the above problems.

[0112] In some embodiments, three-dimensional data models of a plurality of dental objects are obtained. The weight of each dental object can be calculated via a processor. For example, the weight of an individual dental object is the product of the material density and the volume. After a dental object is manufactured based on a three-dimensional data model, the weight of the manufactured dental object can be measured, for example, by a weighing sensor, and compared with the calculated weight to obtain a difference. When the difference falls within a predetermined range, it indicates that the measured weight of the dental object is the same or close to the calculated (or estimated) weight, and thus the measured dental object is considered to be placed in the storage device associated with the calculated (or estimated) weight.

[0113] FIG. 8 illustrates a manufacturing system according to some embodiments. The manufacturing system includes a plurality of storage devices 811, 812, 813, 814. Each storage device is used to store, for example, the items of a single order. For example, the storage device 811 is used to store the paper order information of Order A and the dental products (e.g., dental models, dental crowns) of Order A. The storage device 812 is used to store the paper order information of Order B and the associated dental products. After the manufacturing of a single order is completed, an operator packs the dental objects in the storage device 811 for subsequent shipping.

[0114] The manufacturing system also includes a plurality of prompting devices 841, 842, 843, 844. Each prompting device is associated with one or more storage devices. In FIG. 8, the prompting device 841 is associated with the storage device 811, the prompting device 842 is associated with the storage device 812, the prompting device 843 is associated with the storage device 813, and the prompting device 844 is associated with the storage device 814. The prompting devices issue prompts to instruct an operator to place the manufactured dental objects into the corresponding storage devices.

[0115] The manufacturing system also includes a weighing device 830. A manufactured dental object 880 is placed on the weighing device 830 to obtain a weight. A processing unit (or processor) 820 of the manufacturing system is able to find the storage device for the dental object 880 to be placed based on the weight measured by the weighing device 830.

[0116] The database of the manufacturing system stores the weight information of a plurality of dental objects to be manufactured. As previously described, the estimated weight of each dental object to be manufactured depends on the material density and the volume. After the actual weight of an individual manufactured dental object 880 is measured by the weighing device 830, the processor compares or calculates the difference between the measured weight and the plurality of estimated weights stored in the database 850. When the difference falls within a predetermined range, it is determined that the dental object measured by the weighing device 830 is associated or matched to: the corresponding estimated weight, the three-dimensional data model of the dental object associated with the corresponding estimated weight, the order information of the dental object associated with the corresponding estimated weight, the storage device associated with the order information, and the prompting device associated with the storage device.

[0117] In some embodiments, the database 850 stores estimated weights PW1-PW100 of a plurality of dental objects M1-M100 to be manufactured. The weighing device 830 measures an actual weight AW of a single manufactured dental object 880. Through computation by the processor 820, AW is within a predetermined range of difference from PW10. At this time, the dental object M10 associated with PW10 is considered to be the manufactured and measured dental object 880. The processor 820, through data association and signal transmission, causes the prompting device 842 associated directly or indirectly with the dental object M10 to issue a prompt.

[0118] In some embodiments, the database 850 stores estimated weights PW1-PW100 of a plurality of dental objects M1-M100 to be manufactured. The weighing device 830 measures an actual weight AW of a single manufactured dental object 880. Through computation by the processor 820, AW is within a predetermined range of difference from PW10-PW12. At this time, one of the dental objects M10-M12 associated with PW10-PW12 is considered to be the manufactured and measured dental object 880. The processor 820, through data association and signal transmission, causes the prompting devices 841, 842, 843 associated directly or indirectly with the dental objects M10-M12 to issue a prompt.

[0119] It can be appreciated that although multiple prompting devices are activated and issue prompts, the search range is narrowed, facilitating the operator to search for the matching storage device. For example, a warehouse is provided with 100 storage devices, each associated with a single prompting device. Although a weight difference causes, for example, 3 or 4 prompting devices to issue prompts, the operator's search target is limited to the 3 or 4 corresponding storage devices.

[0120] In some embodiments, the database 850 stores estimated weights PW1-PW100 of a plurality of dental objects M1-M100 to be manufactured. The weighing device 130 measures an actual weight AW of a single manufactured dental object 880. Through computation by the processor 820, AW is within a predetermined range of difference from PW10-PW12. At this time, the differences are compared to determine the smallest difference. For example, the difference between AW and PW11 is the smallest, and the dental object M11 associated with PW11 is considered to be the manufactured and measured dental object 880. The processor 820, through data association and signal transmission, causes the prompting device 842 associated directly or indirectly with the dental object M11 to issue a prompt.

[0121] In some embodiments, the database 850 stores the estimated weights PW1-PW100 of a plurality of dental objects M1-M100 to be manufactured. The weighing device 830 measures the actual weight AW of a single manufactured dental object 880. Through the calculation of the processor 820, the difference between AW and PW10-PW12 is within a predetermined range. At this time, one of the dental objects M10-M12 associated with PW10-PW12 is considered to be the manufactured and measured dental object 880.

[0122] The difference between AW and PW10-PW12 can be ranked, for example, the difference between AW and PW10 is the largest, the difference between AW and PW12 is the smallest, and the difference between AW and PW11 is in the middle. Based on the ranking of the difference size, the prompting devices 841, 842, 843 associated with the dental objects M10-M12 directly or indirectly can be controlled to issue different prompts.

[0123] For example, the prompting devices 841, 842, 843 respectively issue red light, yellow light, and purple light. For example, the prompting devices 841, 842, 843 respectively flash at a frequency of 1 s / time, 0.5 s / time, and 0.25 s / time. For example, the prompting devices 841, 842, 843 respectively play the words “priority”, “ordinary”, and “possible”. For example, the prompting devices 841, 842, 843 respectively play the sounds “priority”, “ordinary”, and “ordinary” (note that the prompting devices here will only provide two categories of prompts). For example, the prompting devices 841, 842, 843 respectively vibrate at different amplitudes or frequencies.

[0124] Alternatively, the difference between AW and PW10-PW12 can be range ranked, for example, the difference between AW and PW10, the difference between AW and PW12 fall into a first range (such as 0-0.02 g) within a predetermined range, and the difference between AW and PW11 falls into a second range (such as 0.02 g-0.05 g) within a predetermined range. Based on the ranking of the difference range size, the prompting devices 841 and 843 associated with the dental objects M10 and M12 directly or indirectly can be controlled to issue blue light, and the prompting device 842 associated with the dental object M11 directly or indirectly can be controlled to issue white light.

[0125] It can be understood that the product categories of the plurality of dental objects to be manufactured are the same or different, such as dental molds, teeth, brackets, etc.

[0126] In some embodiments, a single dental object is made of at least one material. For example, the dental object includes two parts connected to each other, each part having different hardness, color, wear resistance, etc.

[0127] It can be understood that the system or method provided by the present application is based on the matching of data to transmit signals, which shortens the time-consuming of the operator in the sorting stage when a large number of dental objects are produced.

[0128] A specific example is described below.

[0129] The order involves manufacturing at least one dental mold (for example, including gums and abutments) and at least one dental crown (placed on the abutment). The 3D printed resin dental mold has been placed in a box (i.e., a storage device), and the box may also have an order (or be associated with an order) attached to it. Now it is expected to place the sintered dental crown (such as a zirconia dental crown) in the corresponding box. A single order may only involve 1-5 dental crowns, and it takes 10 hours to sinter once in a zirconia sintering furnace. It is inefficient to use a sintering furnace to sinter the dental crowns of a single order. Usually, a sintering furnace is used to sinter the dental crowns of multiple orders (such as 5-20), for example, 20-40 dental crowns can be sintered per furnace. In multi-order production, the dental crowns of each order are machined by a machine before sintering, and after machining, they need to be placed in the corresponding box (bound or associated with the order).

[0130] For example, 3 dental crowns are taken out of box A1 and placed in sintering furnace S1, then 2 dental crowns are taken out of box A2 and placed in sintering furnace S1,..., and 4 dental crowns are taken out of box A10 and placed in sintering furnace S1. After a period of sintering, each dental crown in the pile needs to be taken out and placed in the corresponding original box.

[0131] First, the weight of the sintered dental crown is calculated by the zirconia density + the volume of the dental crown data (in 3D software). Then the sintered dental crown is weighed by a weighing device. Based on the weight data, the dental crown corresponding to the weight data range is found in the database where the weight of the sintered dental crown has been calculated. Finally, the controller sends a signal to make the display device on the corresponding box flash to prompt the sintered dental crown to find the corresponding box.

[0132] Processing method one:

[0133] 1. Use a code scanning gun to bind the order bar code of the goods to the indicator light bar code, and place the indicator light on the box (this step has been completed before printing the model, and is the same operation as model sorting).

[0134] 2. The manufacturer inputs the STL data of each sintered dental crown into the developed software at one time, and the software has built-in zirconia brand and corresponding density. After inputting the data, the weight of each STL is calculated. In addition, each batch of data will have an independent code, for example, furnace 1 is S1.

[0135] 3. After sintering, enter the code on the software (such as S1 to enter the corresponding data set), place the crown on the scale, and the software will find the corresponding crown weight in the data set with the weight feedback from the scale. The indicator light on the corresponding box flashes.

[0136] Processing method two:

[0137] 1. Use the code scanner to bind the order bar code and indicator bar code of the goods, and place the indicator light on the box.

[0138] 2. After the technician uses the CAM software to lay out and cut the zirconium oxide, the CAM software outputs the XML format order details of each cutting version. The black grid software extracts the crown data in the corresponding XML format details for each sintered crown, and then retrieves the corresponding density by using the zirconium block brand in the order. Finally, the weight of the sintered crown is calculated. At the same time, the code corresponding to the crown of the furnace is generated.

[0139] 3. After sintering, enter the code on the software, place the crown on the scale, and the software will find the corresponding crown weight in the code with the weight feedback from the scale. The indicator light on the corresponding box flashes.

[0140] In one example, a plurality of different dental objects T1-T100 are assigned a tag or identification P in a virtual environment (e.g., software capable of handling three-dimensional data models) to obtain a plurality of different dental objects PT1-PT100. The plurality of different dental objects PT1-PT100 are placed into a single post-processing device (associated with the tag "P") for post-processing (e.g., baking) after being manufactured (e.g., cut). An operator removes the post-processed dental objects PT1-PT100 and determines a storage device for the dental objects measured for weight based at least on the tag "P" and the aforementioned weight measurement.

[0141] In one example, a plurality of different dental objects T1-T100 are assigned a tag P in a virtual environment (e.g., software capable of handling three-dimensional data models) to obtain a plurality of different dental objects PT1-PT100. A subset of the plurality of different dental objects PT1-PT100, PT1-PT10, are assigned a new tag "N" to obtain new tags NT1-NT10 after being manufactured (e.g., cut) simultaneously (e.g., within a 10 min time interval). The dental objects NT1-NT10 are then placed into a single post-processing device (associated with the tag "N") for post-processing (e.g., baking). An operator removes the post-processed dental objects NT1-NT10 and determines a storage device for the dental objects measured for weight based at least on the tag "N" and the aforementioned weight measurement.

[0142] In some embodiments, a user obtains a three-dimensional model of a printout. The estimated weight of a print object manufactured using the three-dimensional model can be calculated or estimated based on the obtained three-dimensional model. For example, by determining the volume of the three-dimensional model and the density of the material associated therewith.

[0143] For example, the volume of the three-dimensional model A is 120 mm3, and the density of the material required for 3D printing using the three-dimensional model A is 0.1 g / mm3, then the estimated weight of the print object expected to be manufactured is 12 g. For example, the volume of the three-dimensional model B is 95 mm3, and the density of the material required for 3D printing using the three-dimensional model A is 0.2 g / mm3, then the estimated weight of the print object expected to be manufactured is 19 g. 3 When the actual weight of the print object is measured using the weighing device, the actual weight can differ from the estimated weight. This is for example because the calculated volume, the manufactured volume, the density of the material are biased. For example, the estimated weight of the three-dimensional model A is 12 g, and the detected actual weight is 11.9 g.

[0144] When the volumes of multiple three-dimensional models are similar, the actual weight can be the same or similar to the multiple estimated weights. For example, the estimated weight of the three-dimensional model AM1 of customer A is 10.5 g, the estimated weight of the three-dimensional model BM1 of customer B is 10.4 g, and the estimated weight of the three-dimensional model CM1 of customer C is 10.4 g. When a certain uncertain print object is weighed using the weighing device, the actual weight obtained is 10.4 g, at this time, the three-dimensional models AM1, BM1, CM1 can all be the three-dimensional model associated with the uncertain print object. In other words, the uncertain print object can be manufactured based on any one of the three-dimensional models AM1, BM1, CM1.

[0145] When the weighing device sends the detected actual weight to the processing unit, the processing unit will find the three-dimensional model matching or associated with the print object measured.

[0146] In some embodiments, the processing unit calculates the difference between the actual weight and the estimated weight of at least one three-dimensional model. When the difference between the estimated weight of a three-dimensional model and the aforementioned measured actual weight is within a predetermined range, the three-dimensional model is determined as a candidate three-dimensional model.

[0147]

[0148] ​The predetermined range is determined, for example, according to different rules. For example, the predetermined range is 0-5000 g, 0-500 g, for example 0.1 g-100.0 g, for example 0.2 g-10.0 g, for example 0.5 g-5.0 g. For example, the predetermined range is 70%-130% of the actual weight, for example 80%-120%, for example 90%-110%, for example 95%-105%. In this way, the number of candidate three-dimensional models determined by the processing unit is one or more. For example, the difference between the estimated weight and the actual weight of only one three-dimensional model is within 0.1 g-100.0 g or 92%-108% of the actual weight. Alternatively, the difference between the estimated weight and the actual weight of two or more three-dimensional models is within 0.1 g-100.0 g or 92%-108% of the actual weight.

[0149] In some embodiments, the processing unit calculates the difference (the term "difference" refers to the absolute value of the difference in weight) between the actual weight and the estimated weight of at least one three-dimensional model, and sorts the difference values. The processing unit can determine one or more three-dimensional models associated with the smallest difference value as the candidate three-dimensional model. In this way, the number of candidate three-dimensional models determined by the processing unit is one or more. For example, the processing unit calculates 100 difference values, some of which include the smallest difference values of 0.05 g, 0.1 g, 0.1 g, 0.2 g, 0.3 g, 0.8 g, 1.2 g, 1.5 g, and so on. At this time, the candidate three-dimensional model is a single three-dimensional model associated with the difference value of 0.05 g. Alternatively, the candidate three-dimensional model is two three-dimensional models associated with the difference values of 0.05 g and 0.1 g. Alternatively, the candidate three-dimensional model is three three-dimensional models associated with the difference values of 0.05 g, 0.1 g, and 0.2 g. Alternatively, the candidate three-dimensional model is four three-dimensional models associated with the difference values of 0.05 g, 0.1 g, 0.2 g, and 0.3 g.

[0150] When the number of candidate three-dimensional models determined by the processing unit is one. The processing unit communicates with the prompting device to cause the prompting device to issue a prompt. For example, the display screen displays the order information of the candidate three-dimensional model, etc.

[0151] When the number of candidate three-dimensional models determined by the processing unit is two or more. The processing unit communicates with the prompting device to cause the prompting device to issue different prompts. For example, the prompting device emits red light, yellow light, and purple light, respectively, or flashes at a frequency of 1 s / time, 0.5 s / time, and 0.25 s / time, respectively.

[0152] When the number of candidate three-dimensional models determined by the processing unit is one, the system can further determine the unique three-dimensional model by other means. Alternatively, when the number of candidate three-dimensional models determined by the processing unit is two or more, the system can further screen by other means to reduce the number of candidate three-dimensional models. These schemes are beneficial to improve the accuracy of the prompt.

[0153] For example, the system comprises a recognition device for recognizing an identification on the printed object that is measured by the weighing. The recognition device is for example an OCR recognition device.

[0154] For example, the system comprises a camera device for capturing image information of the printed object that is measured by the weighing. The image information of the printed object that is captured by the camera device can be compared or matched with image information of the three-dimensional models in the database.

[0155] For example, the system comprises a scanning device for capturing point cloud information of the printed object that is measured by the weighing. The point cloud information of the printed object that is captured by the scanning device is for example transformed into a reconstructed three-dimensional scan model and compared or matched with the three-dimensional models in the database.

[0156] The following exemplary provides an embodiment using a camera device.

[0157] At least one picture of the printed object that is measured by the weighing is captured by the camera device, for example a plurality of pictures from different perspectives. Contour information of the pictures is extracted and corresponding Hu invariant moment feature vectors are generated, which are used for similarity measurement of different projections, a sign-preserved logarithmic transformation is performed on each Hu invariant moment feature vector to obtain image information of the three-dimensional model under each perspective.

[0158] For at least one of the plurality of three-dimensional models in the database, a plurality of pictures of the three-dimensional model under different perspectives are obtained in a software environment. These pictures can be used for matching and comparing with the pictures obtained by the camera device.

[0159] For the results of the comparison, the processing unit can provide a confidence ranking. For example, the confidence of the printed object matching with three-dimensional model A is 0.92, the confidence of the printed object matching with three-dimensional model B is 0.90, the confidence of the printed object matching with three-dimensional model C is 0.48, the confidence of the printed object matching with three-dimensional model D is 0.92, and so on. For example, the three-dimensional model A with the highest confidence is the target three-dimensional model that needs to provide a prompt. Alternatively, the three-dimensional models A and B with the highest confidence are two target three-dimensional models that need to provide a prompt.

[0160] After comparing the pictures obtained by the camera device and the pictures obtained by the three-dimensional models in the database, the most likely target three-dimensional model(s) (i.e. the three-dimensional model(s) that is actually associated with the printed object that is measured by the weighing) can be determined. As described previously, after determining the three-dimensional model, the processing unit can determine the order information, the storage device information, the prompt device associated with the three-dimensional model. The processing unit can transmit the matched or filtered information to cause the prompt device to issue a prompt. The operator places the printed object that is measured by the weighing into the storage device or storage location according to the issued prompt.

[0161] The following exemplary provides an embodiment using a scanning device.

[0162] When the number of candidate three-dimensional data models is within a preset range, for example, the preset range is 1-10, and the number of candidate three-dimensional data models is 5, the requirement is met. At this time, the printed object is scanned by the three-dimensional scanning device to obtain the point cloud information of the printed object. The three-dimensional scanning device, such as a three-dimensional stereoscopic scanner (three-dimensional scanner), can measure the three-dimensional coordinate point set on the surface of the printed object through scanning, and obtain a large number of coordinate point sets, i.e. point cloud. The measurement result can be fed back to the three-dimensional design software.

[0163] After obtaining the point cloud information of the target printed object, the three-dimensional scanning model of the printed object can be generated based on the point cloud information through the three-dimensional design software. The system can directly convert the point cloud information into a three-dimensional scanning model, and then screen the three-dimensional scanning model with the candidate three-dimensional data model (such as image comparison or feature matching) to determine the target three-dimensional data model.

[0164] In some embodiments, the prompting device is fixedly connected to the storage device. For example, the prompting device is built into the storage device. In some embodiments, the prompting device is detachably connected to the storage device. For example, the prompting device is attached to the storage device by a clip. In some embodiments, the prompting device is not physically connected to the storage device, but is located, for example, at a location spaced apart from the storage device, but the prompting device is able to indicate where the storage device is located.

[0165] The prompting device can emit an acoustic prompt, for example, by means of a loudspeaker. Alternatively or additionally, the prompting device can emit an optical prompt, for example, by means of a light-emitting device. For example, the prompting device can emit red light, for example, in the form of a flash or a constant light. Alternatively or additionally, the prompting device can vibrate. Alternatively or additionally, the prompting device can provide positioning information, for example, by means of UWB technology.

[0166] The prompting device can be active or passive. In some embodiments, the prompting device has a battery, which is replaceable or non-replaceable.

[0167] The database of the processing unit should include at least one set of matching information, which is used to associate the printed object with the identification and the storage device used to store the printed object.

[0168] In some embodiments, when the manufacturer receives an order, it can set an identification on the data model to be printed according to the online order information, and establish a matching relationship between the order information and the identification content in the database. The processing unit automatically allocates a storage device for the current order or the currently set identification, or the operator manually establishes a relationship between the storage device and the current order or the currently set identification.

[0169] In some embodiments, an employee of the manufacturer receives a paper order and then physically associates the paper order with the box. For example, the employee attaches the paper order to the box using a clip, or the box has a groove for holding the paper order, etc.

[0170] Alternatively or additionally, the employee uses an information collection device, such as a scanning unit, to collect information on the paper order and information of the box. The information collection device automatically transmits the information of the order and the box to the processing unit, and the processing unit establishes a matching relationship between the order information and the storage device in the database.

[0171] In some embodiments, the employee uses an information collection device, such as a scanning unit, to collect information on the paper order. The information collection device automatically transmits the information of the order to the processing unit, and then the employee inputs the information of the box in the database to establish a matching relationship between the order information and the storage device.

[0172] The present application provides a method for processing a printed piece formed by additive manufacturing, the method comprising: providing a printed piece with an identification; identifying the identification on the printed piece, transmitting a target signal or generating a target indication based at least on the identified identification and / or database information; and in response to the target signal or the target indication, a target prompting device among a plurality of prompting devices emits a prompt, wherein the target prompting device is associated to a storage device for storing the printed piece.

[0173] In some embodiments, identifying the identification on the printed piece, transmitting a target signal or generating a target indication based at least on the identified identification and database information comprises: reading the identification on the printed piece, and inputting target information associated with the identification to a processing unit, the processing unit generating a target indication based on database information.

[0174] In some embodiments, identifying the identification on the printed piece, transmitting a target signal or generating a target indication based at least on the identified identification and database information comprises: identifying the identification on the printed piece with an identification device, and transmitting target information associated with the identification to a processing unit, the processing unit transmitting a target signal or generating a target indication based on database information.

[0175] In some embodiments, identifying the identification on the printed piece, transmitting a target signal or generating a target indication based at least on the identified identification and database information comprises: identifying the identification on the printed piece with an identification device and transmitting a target signal.

[0176] In some embodiments, the processing unit comprises at least one of: a local server, a cloud server, or a mobile communication device.

[0177] In some embodiments, the processing unit or the identification device is communicatively connected with a base station, and the base station is communicatively connected with the prompting device.

[0178] In some embodiments, transmitting the target signal or generating the target indication based at least on the identified identity and the database information comprises: encoding and decoding the target information associated with the identity.

[0179] In some embodiments, providing the printed piece with the identity comprises: forming the printed piece with the identity by additive manufacturing.

[0180] In some embodiments, forming the printed piece with the identity by additive manufacturing comprises: adding the virtual identity on a data model of the printed piece when the data model is generated or built; or adding the virtual identity on the data model during slicing processing of the data model of the printed piece.

[0181] In some embodiments, providing the printed piece comprises: forming a physical printed piece by additive manufacturing, and attaching the identity to the printed piece.

[0182] In some embodiments, attaching the identity to the printed piece comprises at least one of:

[0183] - adhering the identity to the printed piece;

[0184] - mechanically coupling the identity to the printed piece;

[0185] - spraying the identity to the printed piece.

[0186] In some embodiments, the identity is located at at least one of: a bottom surface of the printed piece, a side surface of the printed piece, or a top surface of the printed piece.

[0187] In some embodiments, the identity comprises at least one of: a bar code, a QR code, an OCR code, a number.

[0188] In some embodiments, the number comprises at least one of: a digit, a letter, a pattern.

[0189] In some embodiments, the identity comprises at least one of: order number information, printed piece information, user information.

[0190] In some embodiments, providing the printed piece with the identity comprises: washing and / or post-curing the printed piece.

[0191] In some embodiments, the target prompting device is detachably or non-detachably connected to the storage device.

[0192] In some embodiments, the target prompting device has a battery, which is replaceable or non-replaceable.

[0193] In some embodiments, the prompting device is capable of at least one of:

[0194] - emitting a sound prompt;

[0195] - emitting an optical prompt; or

[0196] - vibrating.

[0197] In some embodiments, the method for processing a printed piece further comprises establishing a matching relationship, the matching relationship comprising order information, identification information of the printed piece, and storage device information.

[0198] In some embodiments, the method for processing a printed piece further comprises obtaining an order, associating order information with a printed piece to be printed, and generating a data model of the printed piece with an identification.

[0199] In some embodiments, the method for processing a printed piece further comprises obtaining an order, associating order information with a storage device.

[0200] In some embodiments, associating order information with a storage device comprises attaching a paper order to the storage device; or retaining the paper order with the storage device.

[0201] In some embodiments, associating order information with a storage device comprises, in database information, associating order information with storage device information.

[0202] In some embodiments, associating order information with a storage device in database information comprises reading an order, inputting order information into database information, and associating order information with storage device information.

[0203] In some embodiments, associating order information with a storage device in database information comprises obtaining order information through an information obtaining device; inputting order information into database information; and assigning storage device information to the order information.

[0204] In some embodiments, the database information comprises at least one set of matching information, each set of matching information comprising information associated with an identification and information associated with at least one storage device.

[0205] The application also provides a system for processing a printed matter, the system comprising: a printed matter with an identifier; at least one storage device; an identification device configured to identify the identifier on the printed matter; a processing unit configured to receive target information associated with the identifier on the printed matter, and generate a target indication or emit a target signal based on database information; and at least one prompting device, each prompting device being associated with one or more storage devices, and the prompting device being configured to issue a prompt in response to the target signal or the target indication.

[0206] In some embodiments, the processing unit is integrated into the identification device; or the processing unit is communicatively connected to the identification device.

[0207] In some embodiments, the processing unit comprises at least one of: a local server, a cloud server, a mobile communication device, or a base station.

[0208] In some embodiments, the identification device, the processing unit, and the prompting device are communicatively connected by at least one of: Ethernet, LAN, Bluetooth, WIFI, UWB, UHF, ZigBee, Z-wave, RFID.

[0209] The embodiments provide a method for producing dental objects, comprising: obtaining three-dimensional digital models of a plurality of dental objects, and determining a plurality of estimated weights based on a volume of each dental object and a density of a material associated with each dental object; manufacturing a dental object composed of the material; measuring a weight of the manufactured dental object; and determining a difference between the measured weight and each of the plurality of estimated weights, and in response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompting device of a plurality of prompting devices issues a prompt, wherein each of the plurality of prompting devices is associated with at least one storage device configured to store the dental object.

[0210] As an optional example, the dental object comprises at least one of: a base, a crown, a tray, a support.

[0211] As an optional example, the manufacturing of the dental object composed of the material comprises at least one of: obtaining the dental object through additive manufacturing; obtaining the dental object through subtractive manufacturing; or obtaining the dental object through post-processing.

[0212] As an optional example, the additive manufacturing comprises at least one of: DLP printing, LCD printing, SLA printing, BJT printing, SLS printing, DIW printing; the subtractive manufacturing comprises at least one of: milling, cutting, turning; or the post-processing comprises: polishing, cleaning, curing, baking.

[0213] As an optional example, the material associated with each dental object includes a first material and a second material, and the first material has a different density than the second material.

[0214] As an optional example, the at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt in response to the difference being within the predetermined range includes: when the measured weight and a single estimated weight of the plurality of estimated weights have a difference within the predetermined range, a prompt device associated with the single estimated weight emits a prompt.

[0215] As an optional example, the at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt in response to the difference being within the predetermined range includes: when the measured weight and at least some estimated weights of the plurality of estimated weights have a difference within the predetermined range, at least some prompt devices associated with the at least some estimated weights emit a prompt.

[0216] As an optional example, the at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt in response to the difference being within the predetermined range includes: when the measured weight and at least some estimated weights of the plurality of estimated weights have a difference within the predetermined range, at least some prompt devices associated with the at least some estimated weights emit a prompt in different prompt manners.

[0217] As an optional example, the different prompt manners include any one of the following: emitting light of different colors, flashing at different frequencies, emitting different prompt contents, and vibrating in different manners.

[0218] As an optional example, the at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt in response to the difference being within the predetermined range includes: when the measured weight and at least some estimated weights of the plurality of estimated weights have a difference within the predetermined range, determining a minimum difference, and causing a prompt device associated with the minimum difference to emit a prompt.

[0219] The embodiment provides a system for producing dental objects, including: a database storing a plurality of estimated weights of a plurality of dental objects, each estimated weight being determined by a volume and a density of a dental object; a measuring device for measuring a weight of a single dental object; a processor for determining a difference between the measured weight and each estimated weight of the plurality of estimated weights; a plurality of prompt devices, at least one target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices emitting a prompt in response to the difference being within a predetermined range; and a plurality of storage devices, each of the plurality of prompt devices being associated with at least one storage device.

[0220] The embodiment of the present application provides a method for sorting printed pieces, and the method comprises:

[0221] acquire a plurality of three-dimensional data models of a plurality of printed pieces and determine estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces; weigh a target printed piece to be sorted to obtain an actual weight of the target printed piece, and determine at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the actual weight and the estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces, wherein the candidate three-dimensional data model is selected from the plurality of three-dimensional data models of the plurality of printed pieces; when the number of candidate three-dimensional data models is within a preset range, collect an image or a point cloud of the target printed piece to obtain image information or point cloud information of the target printed piece; filter the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the image information or the point cloud information of the target printed piece to determine a target three-dimensional data model, and determine candidate work order information associated with the target printed piece; and remind through a prompting device based on the candidate work order information.

[0222] In some embodiments, determining the estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces comprises: determining a volume of a predetermined printed piece in the plurality of printed pieces; determining a material density of the predetermined printed piece; and determining an estimated weight of the predetermined printed piece based on the volume and the material density of the predetermined printed piece.

[0223] In some embodiments, determining the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the actual weight and the estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces comprises: calculating a difference between the actual weight of the target printed piece and an estimated weight of a predetermined printed piece in the plurality of printed pieces; and determining a three-dimensional data model of the predetermined printed piece as a candidate three-dimensional data model when the difference is within a preset weight range.

[0224] In some embodiments, the preset weight range is 70% to 130% of the actual weight of the target printed piece, for example, 80% to 120%, for example, 90% to 110%, for example, 95% to 105%; or the preset weight range is 0 to 500g, for example, 0.1g to 100.0g, for example, 0.2g to 10.0g, for example, 0.5g to 5.0g.

[0225] In some embodiments, determining the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the actual weight and the estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces comprises: respectively acquiring a plurality of differences between the actual weight of the target printed piece and the estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces; sorting the plurality of differences in ascending order to obtain a difference sorting result; selecting a preset number of differences from the front of the difference sorting result, and determining three-dimensional data models of the printed pieces corresponding to the preset number of differences as candidate three-dimensional data models.

[0226] In some embodiments, the above method further comprises: when the number of candidate three-dimensional data models is less than a minimum value of the preset range, determining candidate work order information corresponding to the target printed piece based on the candidate three-dimensional data models; and reminding through a prompting device based on the candidate work order information.

[0227] In some embodiments, the image information of the target printed matter is obtained by image acquisition of the target printed matter, comprising:

[0228] The image information of the target printed matter is obtained by image acquisition of the target printed matter, comprising:

[0229] In some embodiments, the method further comprises: projecting the three-dimensional data models of the plurality of printed matters by a virtual camera respectively to generate multi-view projection images of each three-dimensional data model, the size of the multi-view projection image of each three-dimensional data model being the same as the actual physical size of the corresponding three-dimensional data model; for each three-dimensional data model of the plurality of printed matters, extracting the contour information under each view based on the multi-view projection image of the three-dimensional data model, and generating the corresponding Hu invariant moment feature vector, the Hu invariant moment feature vector being used for similarity measurement of different view projections; and performing a sign-preserved logarithmic transformation on the Hu invariant moment feature vectors of each three-dimensional data model under each view respectively to obtain the image information of the plurality of printed matters under each view.

[0230] In some embodiments, before the target three-dimensional data model is determined by screening the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the image information of the target printed matter, the method further comprises: acquiring images of the three-dimensional data models of the plurality of printed matters to determine the image information of the three-dimensional data models of the plurality of printed matters, the image information of the three-dimensional data models of the plurality of printed matters comprising the image information of the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model.

[0231] In some embodiments, before the target three-dimensional data model is determined by screening the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the image information of the target printed matter, the method further comprises: acquiring images of the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model to determine the image information of the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model.

[0232] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model is filtered based on the image information of the target printed piece to determine the target three-dimensional data model, including: for each candidate three-dimensional data model, determining a confidence value of the candidate three-dimensional data model according to a matching between the image information of the candidate three-dimensional data model at at least one view angle and the image information of the target printed piece; and sorting the confidence values of the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model.

[0233] In some embodiments, the confidence value is related to at least one of: a pixel area of the picture, an aspect ratio, a perimeter, and a similarity measure value.

[0234] In some embodiments, the reminding based on the candidate work order information is performed by a prompting device, including: controlling a first prompting device to perform a first prompting, the first prompting device corresponding to a candidate three-dimensional data model associated with candidate work order information having a first largest confidence value; and controlling a second prompting device to perform a second prompting, the second prompting device corresponding to a candidate three-dimensional data model associated with candidate work order information having a second largest confidence value.

[0235] In some embodiments, the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model is filtered based on the point cloud information of the target printed piece to determine the target three-dimensional data model, including: generating a three-dimensional scanning model of the target printed piece based on the point cloud information of the target printed piece; and filtering the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the three-dimensional scanning model to determine the target three-dimensional data model.

[0236] In some embodiments, the reminding based on the candidate work order information is performed by a prompting device, including: displaying, by a terminal device, the candidate work order information or sorting information associated with the candidate work order information.

[0237] In some embodiments, the prompting device is configured to: emit a sound prompt, emit an optical prompt, or vibrate.

[0238] In some embodiments, the preset range is determined based on a number of the plurality of printed pieces, and the preset range is 0.1%-50% of the number of the plurality of printed pieces, preferably 1%-30%, more preferably 2%-20%; or the preset range is 1-100, preferably 2-80, more preferably 3-70.

[0239] The application provides a system for sorting printed pieces, comprising a processor, a shooting device, a weighing device, a prompting device and a plurality of storage devices; the processor is configured to obtain three-dimensional data models of a plurality of printed pieces and determine estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces; the weighing device is configured to weigh a target printed piece to be sorted to obtain an actual weight of the target printed piece; the shooting or scanning device is configured to collect image information or point cloud information of the target printed piece; the storage device is configured to accommodate at least one of the plurality of printed pieces; and the prompting device is configured to provide a prompt, wherein the processor determines at least one candidate three-dimensional data model selected from the three-dimensional data models of the plurality of printed pieces based on the actual weight of the target printed piece and the estimated weights of the plurality of printed pieces; when the number of candidate three-dimensional data models is within a preset range, the shooting or scanning device collects image information or point cloud information of the target printed piece; the processor screens the at least one candidate three-dimensional data model based on the image information or point cloud information of the target printed piece to determine a target three-dimensional data model and determines candidate work order information associated with the target printed piece and the target three-dimensional data model; and the prompting device provides a prompt associated with the target printed piece and at least one storage device based on the candidate work order information.

[0240] The terms "comprise" and "have" as used herein are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring the specific order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically indicated as the order of execution. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps can be employed.

[0241] The various components or constituents in the various embodiments shown herein can be combined with each other, provided that no contradiction results. Embodiments obtained by such combination also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0242] The description of the present application is merely exemplary in nature and therefore, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present application are intended to be within the scope of the present application. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method of producing a dental object, characterized in that, comprising: obtaining three-dimensional data models of a plurality of dental objects, and determining estimated weights of the plurality of three-dimensional data models based on a volume of each dental object and a density of a material associated with each dental object; manufacturing a dental object composed of the material; measuring an actual weight of the manufactured dental object; and determining a difference between the actual weight and each of the plurality of estimated weights, and in response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices emits a prompt, wherein each of the plurality of prompt devices is associated with at least one storage device configured to store a dental object.

2. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the dental object comprising at least one of: a base, a crown, a tray, a bracket.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the manufacturing a dental object composed of the material comprising at least one of: obtaining the dental object by at least additive manufacturing; obtaining the dental object by at least subtractive manufacturing; or obtaining the dental object by at least post-processing.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the additive manufacturing comprises at least one of: DLP printing, LCD printing, SLA printing, BJT printing, SLS printing, DIW printing; the subtractive manufacturing comprises at least one of: milling, cutting, turning; or the post-processing comprises: sanding, cleaning, curing, baking.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the material associated with each dental object comprising a first material and a second material, the first material having a different density than the second material.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices emitting a prompt, comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and a single estimated weight of the plurality of estimated weights is within the predetermined range, a prompt device associated with the single estimated weight emits a prompt.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, the response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices emitting a prompt, comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and at least some estimated weights of the plurality of estimated weights is within the predetermined range, at least some prompt devices associated with the at least some estimated weights emit a prompt.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices emitting a prompt, comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and at least some estimated weights of the plurality of estimated weights is within the predetermined range, at least some prompt devices associated with the at least some estimated weights emit a prompt in different prompt manners.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, the different prompt manners comprise at least one of: emitting light of different colors, blinking at different frequencies, emitting different prompt contents, vibrating differently.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein, the response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices emitting a prompt, comprises: when the difference between the actual weight and at least some estimated weights of the plurality of estimated weights is within the predetermined range, determining a minimum difference, and causing a prompt device associated with the minimum difference to emit a prompt.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein, issuing a prompt by at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices in response to the difference being within a predetermined range, comprising: determining a three-dimensional data model as a candidate three-dimensional model when a difference between an estimated weight of the three-dimensional data model and the actual weight is within a predetermined range; selecting a target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models when a number of the candidate three-dimensional models is within a predetermined number range; and issuing a prompt by at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices based on the target three-dimensional model.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the selecting a target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models, comprising at least one of: - performing image acquisition of the manufactured dental object to obtain image information of the manufactured dental object, and matching based on the image information of the manufactured dental object and image information of the plurality of three-dimensional data models of dental objects to select a target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models; - performing point cloud acquisition of the manufactured dental object to obtain a three-dimensional scan model of the manufactured dental object, and matching based on the three-dimensional scan model and the plurality of three-dimensional data models of dental objects to select a target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models; or - identifying an identification on the manufactured dental object to select a target three-dimensional model from the candidate three-dimensional models, wherein the identification comprises at least one of: a bar code, a two-dimensional code, a number.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the predetermined range is: 70% - 130%, such as 80% - 120%, such as 90% - 110%, such as 95% - 105% of the actual weight; or 0 - 5000 g, such as 0.1 g - 100.0 g, such as 0.2 g - 10.0 g, such as 0.5 g - 5.0 g.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, the issuing a prompt by at least one target prompt device of a plurality of prompt devices in response to the difference being within a predetermined range, comprising: emitting a target signal or generating a target indication based on the three-dimensional data model associated with the difference being within the predetermined range; and issuing a prompt by the target prompt device of the plurality of prompt devices in response to the target signal or target indication.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the target prompt device is detachably or non-detachably connected to the storage device.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prompt device is capable of at least one of: - issuing an acoustic prompt; - issuing an optical prompt; or - vibrating.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising establishing a matching relationship comprising order information and target prompt device information. comprising: a 3D printing device configured to manufacture a dental object; 18. A system for producing a dental object, characterized by a weighing device configured to measure an actual weight of the dental object; a processing unit configured to determine an estimated weight of a plurality of three-dimensional data models in a database, and to calculate a difference between the actual weight and the plurality of estimated weights; a prompt device configured to issue a prompt in response to the difference being within a predetermined range; and ​ ​ ​ a storage device configured to store the dental object and associated with the prompting device.

19. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of: - a camera device configured to acquire image information of the manufactured dental object; - a scanning device configured to acquire point cloud information of the manufactured dental object; or - an identification device configured to acquire identification information on the manufactured dental object.

20. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, the processing unit comprising at least one of: a local server, a cloud server, a mobile communication device, or a base station.

21. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prompting device is capable of at least one of: - emitting an acoustic prompt; - emitting an optical prompt; or - vibrating.

22. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, the estimated weight of the three-dimensional data model is determined based on a volume of the three-dimensional data model and an associated material.

23. The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a database configured to store at least one set of matching information, wherein each set of matching information comprises: information associated with the three-dimensional model and information associated with at least one prompting device.

24. A method of producing a printed object, characterized by, comprising: acquiring a plurality of three-dimensional data models of printed objects and determining an estimated weight of the plurality of three-dimensional data models based on a volume of each printed object and a density of a material associated with each printed object; manufacturing a printed object composed of the material; measuring an actual weight of the manufactured printed object; and determining a difference between the actual weight and each of the plurality of estimated weights and, in response to the difference being within a predetermined range, at least one target prompting device of a plurality of prompting devices emits a prompt, wherein each of the plurality of prompting devices is associated with at least one storage device configured to store the printed object.

25. A system for producing a printed object, the system comprising: comprising: a 3D printing device configured to manufacture a printed object; a weighing device configured to measure an actual weight of the printed object; a processing unit configured to determine an estimated weight of a plurality of three-dimensional data models in a database and to calculate a difference between the actual weight and the plurality of estimated weights; a prompting device configured to emit a prompt in response to the difference being within a predetermined range; a storage device configured to store the printed object and associated with the prompting device; and a database configured to store at least one set of matching information, wherein each set of matching information comprises: information associated with a three-dimensional model and information associated with at least one prompting device. ​

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