Machining device for machining dental indicators

Abstract

The invention relates to a machining device (100) for machining a dental indicator (103), comprising an electronic status detection device (105) for detecting status data of the machining device (100) and / or of a dental indicator (103); and an electronic generation device (107) for generating a code (109) comprising the status data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing apparatus for processing dental indicators, a processing system comprising the processing apparatus, and a method for processing dental indicators. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, device information is managed manually during the fabrication of dental indicators. Dental technicians or dentists manually input the data into the appropriate documentation tools or onto the order form. This is tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone. Consequently, information during the fabrication process is often not recorded and transmitted, or is not adequately recorded and transmitted. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a processing apparatus for processing dental indicators, wherein relevant status data can be transmitted and recorded in a simple manner.

[0004] This technical problem is solved by the objective described in the independent claims. Technically advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the specification, and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the technical problem is solved by a processing apparatus for processing dental indications, the processing apparatus comprising: an electronic state detection device for detecting state data of the processing apparatus and / or the dental indications; and an electronic generation device for generating a code including the state data. Dental indications are man-made objects used in a patient's oral cavity, such as crowns, bridges, complete or partial dentures, orthodontic appliances, molar splints, dental implants, abutments, or telescopic crown restorations. The processing apparatus is used to process or fabricate dental indications during a manufacturing process. The processing apparatus achieves the following technical advantages: state data can be exchanged easily via the generated code and can be transmitted to other devices.

[0006] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the processing apparatus, the apparatus includes a display device for displaying code. The display device is, for example, formed by an electronic matrix display. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the code can be read directly on the processing apparatus.

[0007] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the processing apparatus, the display device is configured to display the code in an optically detectable or scannable manner. For example, this provides the technical advantage that the code can be automatically read photoelectrically by another device having a camera or scanner.

[0008] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the processing apparatus, the code is a barcode, QR code, text code, or machine-readable code. For example, this achieves the technical advantage that status data can be integrated into the code in a valid and automatically detectable manner.

[0009] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the processing apparatus, the apparatus includes a data interface for electronically transmitting codes. This interface is, for example, a wireless or wired data interface for an electronic network, such as a network interface card (NIC) or a WLAN interface. This provides, for example, the technical advantage that codes can be directly transmitted electronically to other devices.

[0010] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the processing apparatus, the apparatus includes a detection interface for optically inspecting data of the manufacturing material. The detection interface is formed, for example, by an electronic camera for acquiring images and a corresponding scanning program for scanning the acquired images. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that data on the manufacturing material used can be acquired in a simple and rapid manner and can also be integrated into the code.

[0011] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the processing apparatus, the code includes data regarding: the apparatus's identification number, manufacturing materials, operating hours, calibrations performed, the due date of the next calibration, error messages and warnings, statistical data, the procedures or jobs used, the running process, process parameters, jobs processed during processing, materials used during processing, the installed software version, and / or error-free execution of the process. For example, this achieves the technical advantage of integrating data for further processing steps or documented steps into the code.

[0012] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the processing apparatus, the processing apparatus is a milling device, a 3D printer, a firing furnace, a pressing furnace, a sintering furnace, a scanner, a light curing device, a post-exposure device, a mixing system, a color measurement system, a polymerization device, a sterilization device, a dental technician's handpiece, or a cleaning device. For example, this achieves the technical advantage of integrating data from the dental processing procedure into the code.

[0013] According to the second aspect, the technical problem is solved by a processing system comprising: a processing apparatus according to one of the first aspects; and a software application for receiving code. The software application can be implemented on a mobile phone, tablet PC, augmented reality glasses, or computer. This achieves the following technical advantages: the ability to easily forward and process code.

[0014] According to the third aspect, the technical problem is solved by a method for processing dental indicators, the method comprising the steps of: detecting status data of the processing device and / or the dental indicator; and generating a code including the status data. This achieves the same technical advantages as the processing device according to the first aspect.

[0015] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the code is displayed optically or transmitted via a data interface. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage that the code can be transmitted quickly and easily.

[0016] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, data regarding the identification number of the processing apparatus, manufacturing materials, operating hours, calibrations performed, the due date of the next calibration, error messages and warnings, statistics on the programs or jobs used, the running process, process parameters, jobs processed during processing, materials used during processing, the installed software version, and / or error-free execution of the process are recorded and / or embedded in the code. For example, this also achieves the technical advantage that data for further processing steps or documented steps are integrated into the code.

[0017] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the code is transmitted to a data node. For example, the data node can be a local or remote computer, mobile phone, or tablet. The data node is connected to the processing device, for example, via a data channel, and further processing steps can be performed based on the code. This achieves, for example, the technical advantage of integrating data for further processing steps or recording steps into the code.

[0018] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the code is stored in an electronic patient file. The patient file can be stored digitally, both centrally and decentralizedly, for example, as a file stored on an internet server or local PC, or in a database. The patient file can be stored in a tamper-proof manner by digitally signing it using cryptographic methods or storing it as a data record in a blockchain. This has, for example, the technical advantage of providing dentists with secure records.

[0019] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, a rationale check is performed to determine whether the manufacturing materials or machine parameters are suitable for the intended dental indicator. This rationale check can examine whether the manufacturing materials are suitable for the processing apparatus or a specific processing method. The results of this rationale check can also be integrated into the code as status data. For example, this achieves the technical advantage of preventing or detecting errors during the processing.

[0020] Examples of embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail below. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the processing device is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 A diagram of a manufacturing system including processing equipment and a software application for receiving codes is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 A block diagram illustrating an exemplary manufacturing process is shown; and

[0024] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a method for manufacturing dental indicators. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the processing apparatus 100 is shown. The processing apparatus 100 is an apparatus used as part of a processing method for producing or processing dental indicators 103. This may be, for example, a milling apparatus, 3D printer, firing furnace, pressing furnace, sintering furnace, scanner, light curing apparatus, post-exposure apparatus, mixing system, color measurement system, polymerization apparatus, sterilization apparatus, dental technician handpiece, or cleaning apparatus for dental indicators 103.

[0026] The processing apparatus 100 includes an electronic state detection device 105 with suitable circuitry and / or sensors for detecting state data of the processing apparatus 100 and / or the dental indicator 103. Furthermore, the state detection device 105 may include one or more sensors for sensing the state data.

[0027] Status data can be, for example, static data of the processing apparatus 100 or dynamic data of the processing procedure. For instance, the internal identification number or digital timer of the processing apparatus 100 can be read by the electronic status detection device 105. The electronic status detection device 105 can determine the timing of calibrations performed by the processing apparatus 100. Numerical information regarding error messages and warnings can be obtained by the electronic status detection device 105.

[0028] Statistical data regarding the programs or operations in use, data regarding the ongoing processing, and / or process parameters can be detected by the electronic condition monitoring device 105. Furthermore, data regarding the currently processing job or the manufacturing materials currently being used can be collected. Additionally, the condition monitoring device 105 can detect data regarding the installed software version and / or the error-free execution of the process as condition data. Furthermore, data regarding the currently executing process can be detected as condition data for the processing unit 100, such as process parameters, the object / order being processed, loading status, and material information. However, this information can also typically be added manually.

[0029] The detected status data is transmitted by the status detection device 105 to the electronic generation device 107, which dynamically generates a code 109 from the data. The code 109 contains the status data provided in each case. For example, the code 109 may be a barcode, QR code, text code, or a machine-readable code generated by an appropriate algorithm based on the transmitted status data. For this purpose, the generation device 107 may be implemented using a microprocessor or digital circuitry. For example, the code 109 may be generated or displayed by pressing a button on the processing device.

[0030] The code 109 is then transmitted to and displayed on a display device 111. The display device can be, for example, an electronic display, on which the code 109 is displayed as a QR code, barcode, or text code. However, the code 109 can also be printed onto paper. From this display device 111, the code 109 can be scanned by another electronic device, such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or augmented reality glasses. The code 109 can also be transmitted to another device in a machine-readable form via a digital data interface 113.

[0031] In principle, any processing device 100 with a suitable display device 111 for visually displaying code 109 is suitable. If the resolution of the display device 111 is insufficient to display code 109 with appropriate information, the status data can also be divided into several smaller codes 109, which appear simultaneously or sequentially on the display device 111.

[0032] Figure 2 A diagram of a processing system 200 is shown, comprising a processing device 100 and a software application for receiving code 109. For example, computer 119 contains software that allows a user to design dental pointers 103. Once the dataset is completed at computer 119, it is digitally transmitted to processing device 100 via data channel 121.

[0033] The processing device 100 processes the dental indicator 103 based on the transmitted dataset. During this process, the aforementioned status data can be obtained. Code 109, which embeds the status data, is generated by the generation device 107 and then visually displayed on the display device 111.

[0034] This code 109 can then be optically read by a suitable device 123 (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet PC, or AR glasses). This device 123 can then extract and further process the status data transmitted from the code 109. For example, a log containing manufacturing data of the dental indicator 103 processed by device 123 can be added to a list of manufactured dental indicators.

[0035] At this point, a further rationality check can be performed, with the manufacturing material 117 being inspected first. This can be accomplished via an optical scanning process through a detection interface 115, which is used to acquire data on the manufacturing material 117. The detection interface 115 is, for example, formed by an electronic camera and image recognition software.

[0036] For example, manufacturing material 117 can be identified in the following ways:

[0037] - Character recognition on the label (product name, batch number);

[0038] - Coloring of labels or packaging;

[0039] - Comparison of tags with tags retrieved from the database; and / or

[0040] - Packaging format.

[0041] Subsequently, a feasibility check is performed to determine whether the tested manufacturing material 117 is also suitable for the dental indicator 103 and whether it can be processed by the processing device 100 in the desired manner.

[0042] For this purpose, the corresponding machine parameters of the processing apparatus 100 can be considered as status data. If the rationality check yields a positive result, processing is released by the processing apparatus 100. The rationality check status data thus obtained can also be embedded in code 109. Furthermore, information about the currently used manufacturing material 117 and other known information about the processing apparatus 100 can be acquired and read as status data, such as apparatus status, including calibration, service, and software update information, as well as other measurements. This status data can also be stored and embedded in code 109.

[0043] Other status data may include, but is not limited to, information about the following:

[0044] - Identify the corresponding processing device number (IOS data, device number, software version, hardware version);

[0045] - Device status;

[0046] - Manufacturing materials used (batch number, material description, material information, layering process);

[0047] - Operating hours of the processing unit;

[0048] - The date (date / time) of the last calibration of the processing unit;

[0049] - The due date (date / time) for the next calibration;

[0050] - Logs of process, error messages, and warnings;

[0051] -Statistical data regarding the procedures or orders used during processing;

[0052] - Information about the currently running process or process parameters;

[0053] - Orders currently being processed;

[0054] -Patient data;

[0055] -Proxy data;

[0056] -User data;

[0057] - Manufacturer data (dental clinics; dental laboratories);

[0058] - Order details (type, color, material; size; quantity of dental indicators); - Data format (STL—Standard Inlay Language)

[0059] -CAM material information (name, tool, batch number);

[0060] -CAM device information (identifier, device status, calibration status);

[0061] -CAM process information (milling strategy, build parameters, CAM software version);

[0062] - Digital sample (color);

[0063] - The opening status of the milling chamber door (open / closed);

[0064] - Valve open / closed status;

[0065] - Tool status (present / damaged); and / or

[0066] - Material status (existence / insertion).

[0067] Sensor data can contain information about the following:

[0068] -Physical quantities (velocity, temperature, pressure, frequency);

[0069] - Chemical quantity;

[0070] - The derivative (relative or absolute) of a chemical or physical quantity over time;

[0071] -Location data or location data;

[0072] - Identification (RFID, barcode);

[0073] - Status and signal (on, off); and / or

[0074] - Timestamp.

[0075] The sensor's data format includes:

[0076] -number;

[0077] -text;

[0078] - Images (2D, 3D);

[0079] -Video (gestures);

[0080] - Audio (voice); and / or

[0081] - Status (true, false).

[0082] Tasks that utilize sensors or sensor data include:

[0083] - Control and planning;

[0084] - Tracking (tracing and tracing);

[0085] - Visual inspection;

[0086] -Records;

[0087] - Guidance and assistance;

[0088] - Support (“Support”); and / or

[0089] - Tools and features (“tools and features”, such as a magnifying glass).

[0090] If the process proceeds without errors, code 109 is only output at the end of the process. If the processing unit 100 no longer meets the requirements, such as due to calibration failure, a warning is output and code 109 is no longer displayed.

[0091] This enables the simple and complete recording of all relevant device parameters by collecting dynamic and / or static code containing all the necessary information.

[0092] Furthermore, automated electronic reordering of the manufacturing materials 117 used can be performed, or risk management can be conducted based on status data. Statistical data on orders and material consumption can be obtained. Status data provides traceability and trackability of the manufacturing process, for example, based on batch number and equipment status.

[0093] Figure 3 A block diagram of an exemplary manufacturing process for dental indicators is shown.

[0094] In step S201, patient data, such as jaw impressions, intraoral scans, or tooth color, is first collected from the dentist, and an order is created for the dental technician. In addition to the patient data, the dental technician may have additional information about the materials to be used (e.g., cermets or zirconium oxide).

[0095] In step S202, the information is transferred from the dentist to the dental technician, who then creates a document for the patient's case or reuses an existing document from the dentist. This could work, for example, if the dentist and dental technician use shared software that allows patient cases to be recorded together. This software can run on mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, or augmented reality (AR) glasses.

[0096] In step S203, the dental technician may, for example, design a zirconia cap as a dental indicator 103 based on data from a computer, which is manufactured on a milling machine serving as a processing device 100. Upon completion of manufacturing, for example, a barcode may be displayed containing information from status data, such as the selected material, minimum wall thickness, and other parameters of the cap or processing device 100 as status data. This barcode can be scanned by the dental technician using a mobile phone, and the information can be added to the order using a recording tool.

[0097] During the manufacturing process, additional status data is generated on the milling machine. For example, the tools and materials used are detected. After the milling process is completed, this information, along with other information about the process, such as any error messages or warnings that occurred, or the unique identifier of the milling machine, can be read via a QR code and added to the order as status data via the QR code.

[0098] In step S204, the tooth cap is separated from the block, polished, and then sintered. In the sintering furnace, relevant information such as the unique identifier of the sintering furnace, the selected sintering program, the measured temperature, and error messages are recorded again and stored in code 109.

[0099] In step S205, the restored body is further constructed, for example, using a layering technique. Information about the materials used (e.g., ceramic powder) and how they are fired can also be recorded. For this purpose, a QR code containing information about the sintering furnace can be displayed on the sintering furnace. Material detection can be performed via a QR code provided on the packaging or on the material itself (e.g., the compact). If no code is available, the material can be identified by the following characteristics or corresponding combinations thereof:

[0100] - Character recognition on the label (product name, batch number);

[0101] - Coloring of labels or packaging;

[0102] - Comparison of tags with the database; and / or

[0103] - Packaging format.

[0104] In step S206, the information collected via code 109 is aggregated into the recording tool. This results in a complete, secure, and paperless document of the corresponding dental instruction, which can be provided to the dentist for insertion and (likely with some omissions) forwarding to the client. This document can be integrated into an electronic patient file.

[0105] Figure 4 A block diagram of a method for processing dental indicators is shown. In step S101, status data of the processing device and / or dental indicator are first detected. In step S102, a code 109 including the status data is generated electronically.

[0106] For data acquisition and recording purposes, the existing processing apparatus 100 can also be subsequently integrated into the process by modifying the software, without needing to modify another interface. In principle, if a display device 111 for code 109 is available, complex interface components can be omitted. This may also be advantageous if the battery-powered processing equipment operates in a power-optimized manner. To integrate an older processing apparatus 100 into the method, only a software update is needed, defining what information is stored in code 109, the size of code 109, the basic design of code 109, and when code 109 is displayed.

[0107] The method can be used for recording requirements in all medical fields, and therefore also in the dental field of dentists and dental technicians, because the status data of the processing device 100 plays an important role here, enabling the processing of dental indicators 103. Furthermore, time is saved due to the simple and complete recording of the status data.

[0108] The method can also be used for processing apparatus 100 that does not have an interface for integration into a higher-level system. However, processing apparatus 100 can be integrated via an interface (e.g., wireless (WLAN or Bluetooth)) or via cable (LAN), through which code can be transmitted to a higher-level system.

[0109] Alternative possibilities include the processing unit 100 maintaining a log file to provide information about the job processing, or outputting documents for paper recording via a connected printer during the processing operation.

[0110] All the features explained and illustrated in connection with the various embodiments of the present invention may be provided in different combinations within the subject matter of the present invention to achieve their beneficial effects simultaneously.

[0111] All method steps can be implemented by means of apparatus suitable for performing the corresponding method steps. All functions performed by the subject features can be process steps of the method.

[0112] The scope of protection of this invention is given by the claims and is not limited to the features explained in the specification or shown in the drawings.

[0113] List of reference numerals

[0114] 100 processing equipment

[0115] 103 Dental Indicators

[0116] 105 Condition Detection Device

[0117] 107 Generating Device

[0118] Code 109

[0119] 111 Display Device

[0120] 113 Data Interface

[0121] 115 Detection Interface

[0122] 117 Manufacturing Materials

[0123] 119 Computer

[0124] 121 Data Channel

[0125] Device 123

Claims

1. A processing apparatus (100) for processing dental indicators (103), comprising: - An electronic status detection device (105) configured to detect status data of the processing apparatus (100) and the dental indicator (103), the processing apparatus comprising at least one of: a milling device, a 3D printer, a firing furnace, a pressing furnace, a sintering furnace, and a post-exposure device, the dental indicator comprising a crown, a bridge, a complete or partial denture, a dental implant, an abutment, or a telescopic crown restoration; and - An electronic generation device (107) configured to generate code (109) including the state data, The status data of the dental indicator includes patient data related to the dental indicator; The status data of the processing device includes: the identification number of the processing device, operating hours, calibration status, error messages and warnings, process parameters and the installed software version, so as to provide a record of the relevant status data of the dental indicator and the processing device; The processing device (100) includes a display device (111) for displaying the code (109) of the processing device and the dental indicator. The display device (111) is configured to display the code (109) in an optically detectable or scannable manner; and The status data in the code is summarized in the recording tool.

2. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The code is a barcode, QR code, text code, or machine-readable code.

3. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The processing apparatus (100) includes a data interface (113) for electronically transmitting the code (109).

4. The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The processing apparatus (100) includes a detection interface (115) for optically detecting data of the manufacturing material (117).

5. A processing system (200) comprising: - The processing apparatus (100) according to claim 1; and - A software application for receiving the code (109).

6. A method for processing a dental indicator (103), comprising the following steps: - Detect (S101) status data of the processing device (100) and / or dental indicator (103); and - Generate (S102) code (109) including the state data. The dental indicators include dental crowns, dental bridges, complete or partial dentures, dental implants, abutments or telescopic crown restorations; The status data of the dental indicator includes patient data; The status data of the processing device includes: the device's identification number, operating hours, calibration status, error messages and warnings, process parameters, and the installed software version; The processing apparatus includes at least one of the following: a milling device, a 3D printer, a firing furnace, a pressing furnace, a sintering furnace, and a post-exposure device; The processing device (100) includes a display device (111) for displaying the code (109). The display device (111) is configured to display the code (109) in an optically detectable or scannable manner; and The status data in the code is summarized in the recording tool.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The code (109) is displayed visually or sent via the data interface (113).

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The code (109) is transmitted to the data node.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The code (109) is stored in the electronic medical record.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein, A feasibility check is performed to determine whether the manufacturing materials (117) or machine parameters are suitable for the intended dental indicator.

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