Method for identifying dental consumables equipped in dental machine tools

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for identifying a dental consumable, wherein the dental consumable comprises at least one of a dental blank (2) and a dental tool (3) equipped in a dental machine tool (1), the method comprising: a step of causing the dental tool (3) to collide with the dental blank (2) or a dental blank holder of the dental machine tool (1); a step of detecting a signal indicating the collision, characterized in that it further comprises: a step of analyzing the detected signal by trained artificial intelligence; and a step of identifying the type and / or condition of at least one dental consumable based on the analysis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental processing system having a dental machine tool for manufacturing a dental restoration from a dental blank by using one or more dental tools. The present invention more particularly relates to a method for marking dental consumables such as dental tools and dental blanks equipped in a dental machine tool. Background Art

[0002] In general, a dental processing system has a dental machine tool for processing a dental blank, which is usually made of ceramic. The dental machine tool generally has one or more drive units, each of which movably holds at least one dental tool for processing the corresponding side of the dental blank. The dental tools are respectively mounted to the tool motors in the drive units. The dental tools can be replaced after their service life ends. The dental blank is mounted to a dental blank holder, which is relatively movable relative to the dental tool. A control device controls the operation of the dental machine tool. In general, CAD / CAM software is used to digitally construct a dental restoration and provide corresponding processing data to the dental machine tool. CAD / CAM software is usually run on a processing unit in a dental processing system, such as a PC.

[0003] Dental blanks and dental tools are consumables of dental machine tools. Dental consumables available on the market vary in size, shape and material. The operator must equip the dental machine tool with the correct dental blank and the correct dental tool that match the specific requirements of the processing. When equipped with a dental machine tool, the operator usually selects the correct dental consumables from a database managed by CAD / CAM software via a user interface, and the CAD / CAM software is partially used as an auxiliary identification device. Thus, information about the dental consumables equipped in the dental machine tool is also input into the dental machine tool and is therefore recognized by the dental machine tool. However, there is a risk that the user enters wrong information into the dental machine tool. Alternatively, each dental consumable is identified by a reading device that reads the information tag of the dental consumable, which is also used as an auxiliary identification device. The information tag can be, for example, an RFID tag, a QR code, a barcode, etc. The reading device can be an RF transceiver or an optical transceiver, a camera, etc. The reading device can be located in the control panel so that the operator can read the information tag of the dental consumable close to the control panel before the dental consumable is equipped in the dental machine tool. However, there is a risk that the user mixes up the dental consumables after the reading operation and before the dental consumables are equipped in the dental machine tool. Alternatively, the reading device can be positioned close to the installation location of the dental consumables so that the information tags can be read after they are equipped in the dental machine tool. However, integrating the reading device into the processing cabin increases costs. In addition, the reading device and the information tags increase the overall cost of the dental processing system.

[0004] In general, dental machine tools carry out a "contact process" before machining begins for calibration purposes. During the contact process, a slowly rotating dental tool moves against a dental blank on a defined free axis. During the contact process, the collision between the dental blank and the dental tool is detected by a sensor that generates a signal using a reference value. This signal is usually generated by using an acoustic sensor such as a microphone. At each collision, the position of the dental tool is recorded by the control device using a position encoder of the dental machine, and a geometric measurement of the dental blank is thus performed. The dental tool can also be measured by colliding it with a precision mechanical part of the dental machine tool (e.g. a dental blank holder on the machine side or the dental blank side) in a controlled manner. Through the contact process, it is generally possible to identify incorrect dental blank sizes or broken dental tools, but it is not possible to identify wrong dental blank materials or blunt dental tools.

[0005] If the dental consumables do not match the specific requirements of the processing, there is a risk that the dental restoration cannot be processed with the desired quality. In the worst case, if the dental tool has been previously used in a previous processing, it may exceed its total service life or its remaining service life. In such a case, the dental tool will break and the dental restoration will be damaged. In less serious cases, the processing of the dental restoration is completed with unacceptably low quality due to the use of inappropriate dental consumables. In all these cases, user satisfaction may be reduced and the user may complain about the quality. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to overcome the problems of the prior art as much as possible and to provide a method for marking dental consumables, such as dental tools and dental blanks equipped in a dental machine tool.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method as defined in claim 1 and a dental processing system as defined in claim 17. The subject matter of the other claims relates to further developments.

[0008] The present invention provides a method for identifying dental consumables, wherein the dental consumables include at least one of a dental blank and a dental tool equipped in a dental machine tool. The method includes the steps of causing the dental tool to collide with the dental blank or a dental blank holder of the dental machine tool; detecting a signal indicating the collision; analyzing the detected signal by trained artificial intelligence; and identifying the type and / or condition of at least one dental consumable based on the analysis.

[0009] The main advantageous effect of the present invention is that the contact process can be used in combination with trained artificial intelligence to identify the type and / or condition of the consumables equipped in the dental machine tool. Thus, the geometric measurement of the dental blank and the optional calibration of the dental machine tool can be carried out simultaneously with the identification of the dental consumables. Thus, the processing of the dental blank can be started relatively earlier, and the overall processing time can be reduced. Another main advantageous effect of the present invention is that the identification labels (such as RFID tags, QR codes, bar codes) on the dental consumables and the associated reading devices (such as RF transceivers, optical transceivers, cameras in the dental machine tool) can be omitted. Thus, the performance-cost ratio can also be improved. Thus, the risk of using counterfeit consumables can also be reduced. Another main advantageous effect of the present invention is that the need to manually input information about dental consumables into the dental machine tool can also be omitted. Thus, the identification of consumables can be achieved in a non-user interactive manner and faster. Thus, the dental machine tool becomes more user-friendly. Thus, the risk of entering any incorrect information can also be prevented, and processing can be performed more safely. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that the risk of using blunt dental tools can be prevented and the risk of damaging dental restorations and / or dental tools can thus be avoided or reduced as much as possible. Another major advantageous effect of the present invention is that unqualified counterfeit dental blanks and unqualified counterfeit dental tools can be identified. Thus, the quality of dental restorations can be guaranteed, dental machine tools can be operated more safely, and user satisfaction can be increased.

[0010] According to the present invention, the trained identification based on artificial intelligence can be used as the only device for identifying the dental consumables equipped in the dental tool machine. In this case, the dental tool machine is provided to the end user or customer without any auxiliary device as mentioned above for identifying the dental consumables.

[0011] According to the present invention, the trained artificial intelligence-based identification can be used alternatively to ensure the identification achieved by the auxiliary device in the dental tool machine. The user interface can be used in part as an auxiliary device for identifying dental consumables. Alternatively, the reading device can be used as an auxiliary device for identifying dental consumables with information tags. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment, the dental tool machine is provided with one or more auxiliary devices of the above-mentioned type. In an embodiment, one or more information tags of dental consumables are read by a reading device; the type and / or condition of each dental consumable is identified based on the read information; and thereafter, it is verified whether the identification is consistent with the identification. The information tag can be an RFID tag, a QR code or a barcode. And the reading device can be an RF transceiver, an optical transceiver / receiver, a camera, etc. If the verification is inconsistent, processing can be prohibited for safety. In addition, if the consumable is suitable for the upcoming processing and the verification is consistent, processing can be allowed. In an alternative embodiment, information about dental consumables is input through a user interface; dental consumables are identified based on the input information; and thereafter, it is verified whether the identification is consistent with the identification. Similar to the aforementioned embodiment, if the verification is inconsistent, processing can be prohibited for safety. And if the consumable is suitable for the upcoming processing and the verification is consistent, processing can be allowed.

[0012] According to the present invention, the identification based on trained artificial intelligence can be checked by the operator for safety reasons. Therefore, in an embodiment, the user is allowed to check the correctness of the identification and correct the identification when necessary. This check can be implemented via a user interface. The user interface preferably has a touch-sensitive display, etc., for displaying the identification and for allowing the user to confirm the correctness of the identification or enter the correct identification through the CAD / CAM software. If the identification is incorrect according to the user, processing can be prohibited for safety reasons. The user can correct the identification before allowing the upcoming processing. In the case where the dental tool machine adopts any of the above-mentioned auxiliary devices for identifying dental consumables, correction of the identification may also be permissible. In this case, verification is based on the corrected identification.

[0013] According to the present invention, the trained artificial intelligence is preferably implemented by a trained neural network, more preferably by a trained convolutional neural network. The trained neural network is part of a dental processing system. The trained artificial intelligence can be implemented by a computer-implemented algorithm, which is preferably part of a CAD / CAM software running on a processing unit or PC in the dental processing system. In either case, the trained artificial intelligence can be outside or inside the dental tool machine. In the former case, the trained artificial intelligence can be contacted by the dental tool machine via a wired and / or wireless communication line (such as the Internet, etc.). The trained artificial intelligence can be used by more than one dental tool machine. In view of the dental consumables that have become newly available on the market, the trained artificial intelligence can be continuously trained or updated.

[0014] According to the present invention, the method has a training phase and an inference phase. In the training phase, the artificial intelligence is trained by a signal indicating a collision and identification by auxiliary devices and / or user inspection. The training phase can be performed on a dental processing system that includes auxiliary devices and / or user inspection features, all of which are preferably not provided to the end user. The end user can be provided with a dental processing system including a trained artificial intelligence as the only device for identification, i.e., without auxiliary devices and / or user inspection features. Alternatively, in addition to the trained artificial intelligence for identification, the end user can be provided with a dental processing system including any auxiliary devices and / or user inspection features. Thus, the artificial intelligence can be further trained by the user or used to safeguard the dental tool machine. In the inference phase, a signal indicating a collision is detected, the detected signal is analyzed by the trained artificial intelligence, and the type and / or condition of at least one dental consumable is identified based on the analysis. In the analysis, preferably, a Fourier transform is applied to the signal to generate a spectrogram including a frequency spectrum versus time. The signal is time-dependent. The spectrum acts as a fingerprint. The same analysis is preferably also applied in the training phase.

[0015] The present invention also provides a dental processing system with a dental tool machine. The dental tool machine includes: consumables, including at least one of a dental blank and a dental tool; one or more drive units, each drive unit movably holding at least one dental tool for processing the corresponding side of the dental blank; a dental blank holder for holding at least one dental blank movably relative to the dental tool; a detection device for detecting a signal indicating that the dental tool collides with the dental blank or the dental blank holder. The dental processing system further includes a device for implementing a trained artificial intelligence, which is suitable for analyzing the detected signal and identifying the type and / or condition of at least one dental consumable based on the analysis; and a control device suitable for controlling the dental processing system according to the present method. The detection device preferably detects a signal based on the collision sound by an acoustic sensor. Alternatively, the speed, acceleration, vibration of the corresponding dental tool or the force, torque acting on the corresponding dental tool or the power supply current of the tool motor to the corresponding dental tool can be detected by using a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a force sensor, a torque sensor or a power supply current sensor, respectively. The reference value can be used in the detection of the signal.

[0016] According to the present invention, the dental processing system preferably has a reading device suitable for reading information tags on dental consumables, wherein the dental consumables have RFID tags, QR codes, bar codes, etc. Alternatively, the dental processing system may have a user interface for inputting information about dental consumables.

[0017] According to the present invention, the control device can selectively initiate a collision before the start of processing, when processing is paused, or after the dental blank is processed. And the detection device detects the signal accordingly. The collision is preferably initiated when the machine cabin is closed. Thereby, the type and / or condition of each dental consumable can be initially identified. The condition of the dental tool can be monitored between processing or at the end of processing. Information about the wear condition of the dental tool can be displayed to the user via a user interface and / or stored in a database.

[0018] The present invention also provides a computer program having computer readable code for causing a computer-based dental processing system to perform the method steps of the present invention. The computer program may also include an algorithm for implementing a trained artificial intelligence. The present invention also provides a computer readable data storage device storing the computer program. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the following description, further aspects and advantageous effects of the present invention will be described in more detail by using exemplary embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0020] Figure 1is a diagram showing the amplitude of the frequency distribution at any time in a signal detected by a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is a spectrogram showing a frequency spectrum with respect to time of a signal detected by a method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is a schematic partial view of a dental machine tool of a dental processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The reference numerals shown in the drawings designate elements as listed below and will be referred to in the subsequent description of the exemplary embodiments:

[0024] 1. Dental machine tools

[0025] 2. Dental blanks

[0026] 2a. Axis

[0027] 3. Dental tools

[0028] 4. Drive unit

[0029] 4a. Arm

[0030] 4b. Axis.

[0031] Figure 3 A dental machine tool (1) of a dental processing system according to an embodiment is shown. The dental machine tool (1) comprises: a consumable including a dental blank (2) and a dental tool (3); two drive units (4), each drive unit movably holding a dental tool (3) for processing a corresponding side of the dental blank (2); a dental blank holder for holding the dental blank (2) movably relative to the dental tool (3); and a detection device for detecting a signal indicating that the dental tool (3) collides with the dental blank (2) or the dental blank holder. Each drive unit (4) has a shaft (4b) and an arm (4a) radially fixed to the shaft (4b). Each shaft (4b) can be moved on the z-axis by a drive mechanism of the corresponding drive unit (4). Each arm (4a) can be moved around the z-axis by a drive mechanism. The dental tool (3) is respectively mounted to one or more tool motors in each arm (4a). The dental blank (2) is connected to the shaft (2a), which can be moved on the y-axis and rotated around the y-axis by another drive mechanism. The dental processing system further comprises means for implementing a trained artificial intelligence adapted to analyze the detected signals and identify the type and / or condition of each dental consumable based on the analysis; and control means adapted to control the dental processing system according to the method of the invention. The method may also be applied to a dental processing system having Figure 3 The figure shows different movement structures of dental machine tools.

[0032] The method of the present invention is used for the purpose of identifying dental consumables, wherein the dental consumables include at least one of a dental blank (2) and a dental tool (3) equipped in a dental machine tool (1). The method comprises: a step of causing the dental tool (3) to collide with the dental blank (2) or a dental blank holder of the dental machine tool (1); a step of detecting a signal indicating the collision; a step of analyzing the detected signal by a trained artificial intelligence; and a step of identifying the type and / or condition of at least one dental consumable based on the analysis. For the collision, the slowly rotating dental tool (3) is moved relative to the dental blank (2) or the dental blank holder along directions x, y, z defined by free axes, such as Figure 3 as shown in .

[0033] In an embodiment, in the analyzing step, a Fourier transform is applied to the signal to generate a spectrogram comprising a frequency spectrum versus time. Figure 1 The magnitude of the frequency distribution at any time in the signal detected during the collision is shown. Figure 2 A spectrogram, i.e. a frequency spectrum of the detected signal with respect to time, is shown. The spectrogram is used as a fingerprint of the collision to identify the type and condition of the consumable based on an empirical study of consumables available on the market. The type of consumable includes, for example, material and geometrical properties and preferably the manufacturer. The database is used for information about the manufacturer etc. The condition of the consumable includes, for example, the degree of wear of the dental tool and the shrinkage of the dental blank. The degree of wear can be shown in percentage. For example, 100% indicates a new dental tool (3) and 0% indicates a completely worn dental tool (3).

[0034] In an embodiment, the collision noise is recorded with a microphone to generate a signal indicating the collision. The signal is preferably fed to two (analog) filters connected in parallel: 1x high-pass filter, 1x low-pass filter. A comparator compares the level after the low-pass filter with the level after the high-pass filter. Depending on the output of the comparator, the material of the dental blank (2) can be classified as ceramic or plastic. Therefore, in the step of analyzing the signal, the high-pass filter and the low-pass filter can be used additionally or separately in the framework of the trained artificial intelligence.

[0035] In an embodiment, the trained artificial intelligence is implemented by software, i.e., by a computer-implemented algorithm. The trained artificial intelligence can alternatively be implemented by hardware. The trained artificial intelligence is implemented by a trained neural network, preferably a trained convolutional neural network.

[0036] In an embodiment, the control device is further adapted to initiate the collision before machining starts.Alternatively or additionally, the control device may initiate the collision when machining is paused and / or after machining of the dental blank.The detection device is further adapted to detect the signal accordingly.

[0037] In an embodiment, the detection device is adapted to detect a signal based on the sound of the collision by means of an acoustic sensor. Alternatively, the detection device may be adapted to detect a signal based on the speed, acceleration, vibration of the corresponding dental tool (3) or the force, torque acting on the corresponding dental tool (3) or the power supply current of the tool motor of the dental tool (3) by means of a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a force sensor, a torque sensor or a power supply current sensor, respectively. The speed is preferably the rotation speed of the dental tool (3). In this context, the speed, acceleration and force may be measured in any of the x, y and z directions corresponding to the degrees of freedom of the dental tool machine (1). The reference value / threshold value may also be used in the detection of signal preprocessing.

[0038] In an embodiment, the dental processing system may further include a reading device suitable for reading an information tag on a dental consumable. In this embodiment, the dental consumable may have an RFID tag, a QR code, a barcode, etc. The information tag may include information about the specifications of the dental consumable, such as type, manufacturer, production date, material, geometry, current remaining service life, etc. The reading device may be an RF transceiver, an optical transceiver, a camera, etc. In this embodiment, the method further includes: a step of reading one or more information tags of dental consumables; a step of identifying the type and / or condition of each dental consumable based on the read information; and a step of verifying the consistency of the identification with the identification. In this embodiment, according to the scenario to be explained later, the identification can be used to ensure identification by verification.

[0039] In an embodiment, the dental processing system further comprises a user interface for inputting information about dental consumables. The user interface is preferably located on the dental machine tool (1). Alternatively, the user interface can be implemented by a PC connected to the dental machine tool (1). In this embodiment, the method further comprises: a step of inputting information about dental consumables into the dental machine tool (1) via the user interface; a step of identifying the type and / or condition of each dental consumable based on the input information; and a step of verifying the consistency of the identification with the identification. In addition, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, the identification can be used to ensure the identification by verification.

[0040] In an embodiment, for the purpose of ensuring the operation of the dental tool machine, in the framework of the above-mentioned scenario, the method further comprises a step of prohibiting processing for safety if the verification is inconsistent. In this embodiment, the method further comprises a step of allowing processing if the consumable is suitable for processing and the verification is consistent in addition.

[0041] In an embodiment, the user can check the identification and if necessary correct it via the user interface.In this embodiment, the method further comprises the step of allowing the operator to check the correctness of the identification and if necessary correct the identification.

[0042] In an embodiment, for the purpose of ensuring the operation of the dental tool machine, within the framework of the above-mentioned scenario, the method further comprises a step of prohibiting processing for safety reasons if the identification is incorrect according to the user check. In this embodiment, the method further comprises a step of allowing processing if the consumable is suitable for processing and the identification is correct according to the user check.

[0043] In an embodiment, the method further comprises the step of training the artificial intelligence based on the detected signal and the identification. In an alternative embodiment, the method further comprises the step of training the artificial intelligence based on the detected signal and the corrected identification. Thus, the training phase can be supervised by a user or operator and subject to correction. In the training phase, the spectrogram is used as a fingerprint of the collision to identify the type and condition of the consumable. In addition, a database where the identity and specifications of the consumables are available can be used.

Claims

1. A method for marking a dental consumable, the dental consumable comprising at least one of a dental blank (2) and a dental tool (3) provided in a dental tool machine (1), the method comprising: A step of causing the dental tool (3) to collide with a dental blank (2) or a dental blank holder of a dental tool machine (1); the step of detecting a signal indicative of a collision based on the sound of the collision, It is characterized by further comprising: the step of analyzing the detected signal by a trained artificial intelligence, wherein a Fourier transform is applied to the signal to generate a spectrogram comprising a frequency spectrum versus time, the spectrogram serving as a fingerprint of the collision, wherein the trained artificial intelligence comprises a high pass filter and a low pass filter; and A step of identifying the type and condition of at least one dental consumable including material and geometrical properties based on the spectrogram, wherein the material of the dental consumable is classified by feeding the signal to a high pass filter and a low pass filter and comparing the level after the low pass filter with the level after the high pass filter.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Further including: The step of respectively reading one or more information tags of dental consumables; the step of identifying the type and / or condition of each dental consumable based on the read information; and Steps to verify consistency of identification and marking.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The information tag is an RFID tag, a QR code or a barcode; and in the reading step, an RF transceiver or an optical transceiver / receiver is used to read the information tag accordingly.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Further including: The step of inputting information about one or more dental consumables into the dental machine tool (1) via a user interface; the step of identifying the type and / or condition of each dental consumable based on the input information; and Steps to verify consistency of identification and marking.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that Further including: If the verification is inconsistent, the processing step is prohibited.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that Further including: If the consumable is suitable for processing and verified to be consistent, then the processing step is allowed.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Further including: A step that allows the operator to check the correctness of the identification and correct the identification if necessary.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Further including: If the identification is incorrect, the processing step is prohibited.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Further including: If the consumable is suitable for processing and is correct according to the operator identification, the processing step is allowed.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Further including: The step of training an artificial intelligence based on the detected signals and the corrected signatures.

11. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that Further including: Steps to train artificial intelligence based on detected signals and recognition.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that Trained artificial intelligence is achieved through computer-implemented algorithms based on neural networks.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that In the analysis step, a trained convolutional neural network is used.

14. A computer program product comprising computer readable code for causing a computer-based dental machining system to carry out the method steps according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A computer-readable data storage medium storing a computer program product according to claim 14.

16. A dental processing system, comprising: A dental machine tool (1), comprising: Consumables, including at least one of a dental blank (2) and a dental tool (3); one or more drive units (4), each drive unit (4) movably holding at least one dental tool (3) for machining a corresponding side of the dental blank (2); A dental blank holder for holding at least one dental blank (2) in a relatively movable manner relative to a dental tool (3); Detection means for detecting a signal indicating a collision of a dental tool (3) with a dental blank (2) or a dental blank holder based on the sound of the collision, It is characterized by further comprising: Means for implementing a trained artificial intelligence adapted to analyze a signal by applying a Fourier transform to the signal to generate a spectrogram comprising a frequency spectrum versus time, the spectrogram serving as a fingerprint of a collision, wherein the trained artificial intelligence comprises a high pass filter and a low pass filter, and identifies the type, including material and geometrical properties, and the condition of at least one dental consumable based on the spectrogram, wherein the material of the dental consumable is classified by feeding the signal to a high pass filter and a low pass filter and comparing the level after the low pass filter with the level after the high pass filter; and Control means adapted to control a dental machining system according to the method defined in any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. The dental processing system according to claim 16, characterized in that: The detection device is further adapted to detect the speed, acceleration, vibration of the corresponding dental tool (3), or the force, torque acting on the corresponding dental tool (3), or the supply current to the dental tool motor of the corresponding dental tool (3).

18. The dental processing system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: Further including: The reading device is suitable for reading the information label on the dental consumables, wherein the dental consumables have an RFID label, a QR code or a bar code.

19. The dental processing system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: Further included is a user interface for inputting information about the dental consumable.

20. The dental processing system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that: The control device is further adapted to initiate the collision before machining starts, when machining is paused or after machining of the dental blank, and the detection device is further adapted to detect the signal accordingly.

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