Disk manager, module and method for managing dental blanks

Abstract

The invention relates to a disk manager, module and method for managing dental blanks. The invention provides a disk manager (100) for managing dental blanks (101-1,..., 101-n), comprising a plurality of receiving compartments (103-1,..., 103-n), each receiving compartment (103-1,..., 103-n) for receiving a dental blank (101-1,..., 101-n); and a display device (105-1,..., 105-n) for displaying a receiving compartment (103-1,..., 103-n) in which the dental blank (101-1,..., 101-n) is received.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a tray organizer for managing dental blanks, a tray organizer module comprising at least one receiving compartment for receiving dental blanks and a method for managing dental blanks. Background Art

[0002] In the dental laboratory workflow, finding dental blanks in the form of discs or blocks is often associated with a search effort. Once the correct dental restorative material has been chosen, it is possible to choose between different dental blanks of the same type for which the dental restoration has already been manufactured. The more dental blanks available, the longer it takes to find the right one.

[0003] If the dental blank with the least amount of remaining material is not selected, or a new dental blank is used before the available remaining material is exhausted, the inventory level is unnecessarily increased. In addition to selecting and searching for dental blanks, time is required to insert and remove dental blanks from the tray holder.

[0004] When nesting or activating new dental blanks, they are first nested on the computer and then loaded into the manufacturing machine. If the computer and the manufacturing machine are physically separated from each other, further time loss occurs.

[0005] Blanks are stacked or stored on tables, drawers or shelves, which can lead to broken edges due to frequent handling. Once a dental blank is completely worn out, it is discarded and a new one is ordered. The remaining stock of the corresponding material in the warehouse can also affect the ordering time and ordering recommendations. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical task of the invention is to reduce the processing effort of dental blanks.

[0007] This object is achieved by the object according to the invention.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the technical task is solved by a tray manager for managing dental blanks, the tray manager comprising a plurality of receiving compartments, each for receiving one dental blank, and a display device for displaying the receiving compartments in which the dental blanks are received. The blanks can be in block or tray form. After an order has been placed by a CAM software or a manufacturing machine, the tray manager can reduce the search effort for the dental blanks, since only the blanks indicated by the display device are picked up, for example the blanks where the light-emitting diode is switched on (pick up by light). Contact with the blanks is only made when the blanks are actually needed. Loose stacking of the blanks can be omitted.

[0009] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, the tray organizer comprises storage means for storing the properties of the dental blanks in the respective receiving compartments. The storage means is for example a digital data storage device for digitally storing information about the properties of the blanks, such as a RAM memory or a hard disk. The data can also be stored online or in a network. The tray organizer can also comprise a read and write function via an RFID reader. The read data can then be further processed in the network. The properties of the dental blanks can comprise nesting data, in which the size and shape of the milled-out area previously milled out of the dental blank is specified. The nesting data can be used to determine whether further dental restorations can be milled out of the respective blank.

[0010] This offers technical advantages, such as the possibility of electronic storage of dental blanks.

[0011] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray manager, the attributes include the available remaining material, color, identification number, size and / or manufacturing material of the received blank. This information can be stored, managed and evaluated in the CAM software. This provides technical advantages, for example, blanks can be managed based on particularly suitable attributes.

[0012] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, the tray organizer can be composed of a plurality of modules having at least one receiving compartment. This provides technical advantages, for example, the tray organizer can be adapted to spatial conditions.

[0013] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray manager, the tray manager comprises an input interface for inputting properties of the dental blank. The input interface is used to read the blank. The tray manager may also comprise an input interface for communicating with CAM software or a manufacturing machine. This provides technical advantages, for example, data of a blank with the desired properties can be transferred to the tray manager.

[0014] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, the receiving compartment comprises a ramp or a foam insert for stably positioning the dental blank. This provides technical advantages, for example, preventing the blank from accidentally rolling out.

[0015] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, the tray organizer comprises a scanning device for scanning the dental blanks. This provides technical advantages, for example, data on blank properties can be easily determined. Data can be compared or exchanged via a network.

[0016] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, the scanning device comprises an optical camera, an RFID reader, a barcode reader and / or a QR code reader. This provides technical advantages, for example, the blanks can be scanned easily and quickly.

[0017] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, each receiving compartment is assigned an antenna or a sensor for detecting received dental blanks. The antenna or the sensor detects whether a dental blank is received in the receiving compartment. The sensor can be a mechanical button, a pressure sensor or an ultrasonic sensor. This provides technical advantages, for example, that the current actual occupancy of the receiving compartment can be known.

[0018] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, each receiving compartment is assigned a display device. This provides technical advantages, for example, the receiving compartment assigned to the blank can be easily and quickly identified.

[0019] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the tray organizer, the display device comprises a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal display or an electronic paper. The light emitting diode can be color-adjustable. This provides technical advantages, for example, the receiving compartment assigned to the blank can be clearly identified.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the technical task is solved by a module for a tray organizer, the module having at least one receiving compartment for receiving a dental blank. The module achieves the same technical advantages as the tray organizer according to the first aspect.

[0021] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the module, the module comprises a display device for displaying the receiving compartment. The display device can also be formed on the blank. This provides a technical advantage, for example, the receiving compartment assigned to the blank can be displayed on the module.

[0022] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the modules, the modules can be connected horizontally or vertically. This offers the technical advantage that, for example, the tray organizer can be arranged in a spatially flexible manner. This is also generally conceivable for tray organizers. In general, the modules can also be arranged spatially separated. Not only horizontally and vertically, but also spatially separated.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the technical task is solved by a method for managing dental blanks, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a dental blank in one of a plurality of receiving compartments; and displaying a receiving compartment in which a dental blank having a predetermined property is received. The method achieves the same technical advantages as the tray organizer according to the first aspect.

[0024] In a technically advantageous embodiment of the method, it is detected whether a dental blank is inserted into one of the receiving compartments. This provides the technical advantage that, for example, the occupancy of a receiving compartment can be determined.

[0025] In a further technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the remaining amount of dental blanks is detected. This offers technical advantages, for example, that stock levels can be managed.

[0026] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the dental blanks are automatically reordered if the remaining quantity is below a predetermined value. This provides the technical advantage that, for example, a sufficient quantity of each dental blank is available.

[0027] In another technically advantageous embodiment of the method, the stock level of dental blanks is managed. This provides technical advantages, for example, that dental blanks can be managed in such a way that a sufficient amount is always available. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in more detail below, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a disk manager is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a modularly constructed disk manager; and

[0031] Figure 3 A block diagram for managing dental blanks is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a tray organizer 100 is shown. The tray organizer 100 forms a structured storage system and comprises a plurality of receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n, each receiving compartment being used to receive a dental blank 101-1, ..., 101-n. Furthermore, the tray organizer 100 comprises a display device 105 (105-1, ..., 105-n) for displaying the receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n in which a particular dental blank 101-1, ..., 101-n is received.

[0033] The blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n can be stored individually in the receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n. The shape of the receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n is adapted to the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n. For example, the rear wall is adapted to the radius of the blanks. The blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n roll gently into the receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n at an angle without rolling out of the disk organizer 100. This can be further prevented by an additional edge or lip above the display device 105-1, ..., 105-n. The receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n can be equipped with foam. This can prevent the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n from breaking. Each receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n can include its own antenna. Thus, the antenna multiplexer can identify which receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n is occupied.

[0034] The tray manager 100 comprises a digital storage device 107 for storing attribute data of the dental blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n received in the respective receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n. Attribute data of the dental blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n may also be stored in the network. These attributes are related, for example, to the available remaining material, color, identification number, size and / or manufacturing material of the received blank. The tray manager 100 further comprises a processor (CPU) for evaluating the stored data.

[0035] ROM, RAM and HD are digital storage devices 107 for storing data and computer executable instructions that can be executed by the processor or compiled or interpreted to be executed by the processor. Suitable computer executable instructions can be located on a computer readable medium (e.g., ROM, RAM and / or HD), a hardware circuit, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0036] The storage device 107 may include any type of data storage medium that can be read by a processor. Examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, volatile and non-volatile computer memory and storage devices, such as random access memory, read-only memory, hard disk drives, direct access storage device arrays, flash drives, optical data storage devices, read-only compact disk storage devices, and other suitable computer memory and data storage devices. The storage device 107 may also be formed by a radio frequency identification tag (RFID tag) on ​​a corresponding blank.

[0037] The disk manager 100 may include one or more processors coupled to one or more user input / output (I / O) devices and storage devices. Examples of I / O devices may include, but are not limited to, keyboards, displays, monitors, touch screens, printers, electronic pointing devices (such as mice, trackballs, pens, touch pads, etc.).

[0038] The disk manager 100 can be connected to a display, information device, and various peripheral devices (such as a printer, a plotter, and a speaker). The disk manager 100 can also be connected to an external computer or other device via a network interface, a wireless transceiver, or other device connected to a network (such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the Internet).

[0039] The input interface 111 can be used to feed the attribute data about the searched blank 101-1, ..., 101-n, for example via CAM software. The disk manager 100 compares this data with the stored data of the received blank 101-1, ..., 101-n and displays the receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n in which the blank 101-1, ..., 101-n with the required attributes is received using the display device 105-1, ..., 105-n. This allows the blanks to be stored out of order, because the algorithm always finds an existing blank 101-1, ..., 101-n.

[0040] The sorting of the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n can also be performed based on the structure of the sorting algorithm or machine learning algorithm in the digital library. The disk manager 100 can also suggest the best or scrap optimized blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n. The screening and sorting of the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n can be performed in the CAM software.

[0041] First, for example, a new milling order is received from a manufacturing machine. If a dental blank 101-8 with the required material is stored in the tray organizer 100, the corresponding receiving compartment 103-8 lights up orange. When the blank 101-8 is taken out of the tray organizer 100, placed in the manufacturing machine 113 and recognized by the manufacturing machine, the corresponding receiving compartment 103-8 on the tray organizer 100 goes out.

[0042] If a new blank 101 - 3 is inserted in the meantime, it can be stored on the disk organizer 100 via an RFID reader as a scanning device 115 in a CAM library, a central database or on a cloud server and in the receiving compartment 103 - 3 that is lit green.

[0043] Once the job is completed, the blank 101-8 is taken out of the manufacturing machine 113 again, scanned at the RFID reader on the tray manager 100, and then stored again in the receiving compartment 103-8 that is lit green. The blank 101-8 can also be stored in any free receiving compartment 103, or in a receiving compartment 103 selected using a sorting algorithm. This can also be done randomly, because the blanks are sent out of the manufacturing machine at different times depending on the milling job.

[0044] The blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n may also be scanned during their insertion into the receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n. For this purpose, a receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n with an integrated scanner (scanning gate) may be used, by which the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n are scanned on their way into the receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n. A scanning device 115 coupled to the tray organizer 100 is movably arranged on a track. The scanning device 115 may also be formed by a barcode or QR code reader. The barcode or QR code may be arranged circumferentially around the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n. When the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n are scanned, automatic reordering may be performed. The delivery slip may be transmitted to a CAM database. In addition, digital inventory management or analysis and evaluation of nesting data is possible.

[0045] The nesting data indicates at which point of the dental blank 101 - 1 , ..., 101 - n the dental restoration has been milled and how much material has been used.

[0046] The nesting data can be used to determine at which point and in which size further dental restorations can be milled from the blanks 101 - 1 , ..., 101 - n. The nesting data can be transferred to a storage cabinet by exchanging information.

[0047] The tray organizer 100 may also include a printer for marking labels. The creation of a digital ID is independent of the marking. The marking may be placed on the tray holder, the blank or a marking flag. Color codes, bar codes or QR codes may be used for this purpose.

[0048] The input interface 111 is used to input the properties of the dental blank 101-1, ..., 101-n. The input interface may for example be formed by a data link with the CAM software or by a user interface (such as a touch screen) where the user can manually input this data. The input interface 111 may also be formed by an optical scanner (such as a barcode scanner or a QR code scanner).

[0049] The blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n can be scanned and stored on a cart or stand (2-axis processing). For this purpose, the RFID tags can be distributed around the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n so that they can be read from all directions. The electronic input interface 111 can also be configured to retrieve data stored on the RFID tags of the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n.

[0050] Monitoring the cross-sectional images of the blanks 101 - 1 , ..., 101 - n from above by a camera enables comparison with a CAM database and creation of a library of cross-sectional images. The blanks 101 - 1 , ..., 101 - n can be read directly at the manufacturing machine 113 or the tray manager 100 .

[0051] The tray organizer 100 generates bar codes that are synchronized with the manufacturing machine 113. A bar code reading and printing station can be directly coupled to the tray organizer 100. Similar to the tray organizer 100, a block organizer can also be designed that receives blocks in a matrix design.

[0052] The tray organizer 100 saves time in the production workflow and optimizes the inventory level of the dental laboratory. In addition, space is saved and a clearer tray collection is achieved. In addition, the tray organizer 100 can monitor the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n for loss and theft. For this purpose, the tray organizer 100 can authenticate the user, for example by means of a lock or a personal login.

[0053] The most wasteful optimized blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n may be prioritized on the tray organizer 100 to make the best use of inventory. The tray organizer 100 is able to store the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n more compactly than a drawer.

[0054] The tray manager 100 has a portable form factor and can be powered via a power supply unit, a manufacturing machine 113, a computer (USB) or a battery. The tray manager 100 can also be viewed as an external tray exchanger with integrated order coordination and inventory management. The tray manager 100 can be designed as a stand-alone tray manager, as a plug-in to a CAM software or a manufacturing machine.

[0055] Connecting the tray manager 100 to the cloud can prevent or enable multiple manufacturing machines 113 to access the same blank 101-1, ..., 101-n. This can prevent access conflicts. In addition, the tray manager 100 can be located next to the manufacturing machine 113, shortening the transportation path from the layout on the computer to the manufacturing machine 113. New blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n, still in packaging, can be scanned directly into the CAM software on the tray manager 100. Intelligent algorithms are used to record and evaluate data in order to determine the most commonly used materials and determine the best receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n for the corresponding blank 101-1, ..., 101-n.

[0056] The blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n can also be inserted into any receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n, and the disk organizer 100 recognizes which receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n the blank 101-1, ..., 101-n has been inserted into by means of differential adjustment, for example by means of an antenna in each compartment.

[0057] The properties of the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n can be communicated wirelessly or by wire between the tray manager 100 and the dental manufacturing machine 113. The tray manager 100 initializes the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n not only based on the material, but also initializes the blanks with the current milling profile, such as how much space is available for the dental restoration on the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n.

[0058] For this purpose, the CAM software and the disk manager 100 communicate and synchronize with each other, i.e. information about the used blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n is stored and kept until they are disposed of. A comparison can be made between the real blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n and the digital twin in the database (CAM library).

[0059] To manage and optimally sequence the blanks, the tray manager 100 may be connected to the warehouse and interact with the manufacturing machine 113 and the CAM software. A user receives at the manufacturing machine 113 the optimal blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n for the corresponding job.

[0060] After separation from the manufacturing machine 113, communication is also only between the CAM software and the disk manager 100. This makes it possible to connect the disk manager 100 to different manufacturing machines 113 and to store external blanks (open system).

[0061] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a modularly constructed tray organizer 100 is shown. The tray organizer 100 comprises a plurality of modules 109 (109-1, ..., 109-n) having receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n, which can be assembled horizontally and / or vertically. This design is more space-saving than a drawer and is expandable in length and height (C-shaped design). It is also possible to stack a plurality of tray organizers 100 of different sizes. For tray organizers 100 with wider receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n, the number of clamping and releasing operations is reduced.

[0062] The tray manager 100 can be arranged on a lower or upper cabinet on a manufacturing machine at a convenient height for operation so that the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n are close to the manufacturing machine. A plurality of tray managers 100 can be divided among a plurality of manufacturing machines 113. The tray manager 100 can be built into the manufacturing machine 113, for example in a side wall, where an arm grasps the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n, or a magazine is mounted so that it can be moved vertically or horizontally. This can be used to move to a transfer position in order to remove the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n with a robotic arm.

[0063] The adaptive design of the tray organizer 100 also makes it possible to store tray holders with inserted trays in addition to the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n. The tray organizer 100 or the module 109 can also be specially configured to receive tray holders with inserted trays 101-1, ..., 101-n. Different modules can also be combined with each other. The information about whether a blank 101-1, ..., 101-n is in a tray holder can be stored in an RFID tag on the tray holder.

[0064] Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to use written material names on the blanks. This is useful because written material names on the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n are sometimes milled off. Due to heavy use, the readability of the markings on the blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n may decrease.

[0065] Figure 3 A block diagram for managing dental blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n is shown. The method comprises a step S101 of receiving a dental blank 101-1, ..., 101-n in one of a plurality of receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n. In step S102, a receiving compartment 103-1, ..., 103-n is displayed in which a dental blank 101-1, ..., 101-n having predetermined properties is received.

[0066] If multiple manufacturing machines 113 and tray managers 100 are used, they can also communicate with each other in a color-coded form via lights. In addition, communication with warehouses or storage cabinets can also be performed. For example, the first manufacturing machine 113 is coded with a light color of blue, and the second manufacturing machine 113 is coded with a light color of green. In this way, the user can immediately recognize which manufacturing machine 113 the corresponding blank 101-1, ..., 101-n should be inserted into. However, the tray manager 100 can be permanently assigned to a specific manufacturing machine 113 so that it only receives orders from a specific manufacturing machine 113.

[0067] The communication with the warehouse is done on a computer. By connecting the tray manager 100 to the manufacturing machine 113, the stored materials can be checked. The tray manager 100 can have its own display. The display of the manufacturing machine 113 or calling a website via a mobile device can also be used to provide information to the user.

[0068] The tray manager 100 enables even an inexperienced user to identify which blank is currently needed by the manufacturing machine 113 and load it into the manufacturing machine 113, because the corresponding receiving compartments 103-1, ..., 103-n in the module 109 light up. Thus, the tray manager 100 provides a user-friendly operation. The tray manager 100 can automatically or regularly place new orders for blanks, because it always checks the current stock level. For example, if the stock is below a specified minimum amount, the tray manager 100 automatically orders new blanks.

[0069] It is also possible to make material forecasts and create statistics to support orders. This ensures that there is always a minimum stock level in the warehouse. The statistics can also record which blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n are used the most. This allows narrowing down. Only when there are no blanks 101-1, ..., 101-n available, a new blank 101-1, ..., 101-n is used. In addition, it is possible to issue suggestions for optimizing inventory management.

[0070] In order to better understand the user's behavior with blanks or materials, it is helpful to integrate the tray organizer 100 into the workflow so that optimal material flow can be achieved. The tray organizer 100 can be used as a storage machine by a dentist or dental laboratory.

[0071] All features explained and shown in conjunction with the various embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations within the subject matter of the invention in order to achieve their advantageous effects simultaneously.

[0072] All method steps may be performed by means suitable for carrying out the respective method steps.All functions performed by the features of the subject matter may be method steps of a method.

[0073] The scope of protection of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the drawings.

[0074] Reference numerals list

[0075] 100 disk manager

[0076] 101, 101-1, 101-3, 101-8, 101-n blanks

[0077] 103, 103-1, 103-3, 103-8, 103-n receiving compartment

[0078] 105, 105-1, 105-n display device

[0079] 107 Storage Device

[0080] 109, 109-1, 109-n modules

[0081] 111 Input interface

[0082] 113 Manufacturing Machines

[0083] 115 Scanning device.

Claims

1. A tray organizer for managing dental blanks, comprising: - a plurality of receiving compartments, each receiving compartment being adapted to receive a dental blank; as well as - display means for displaying said receiving compartment in which the dental blank is received.

2. The disk manager according to claim 1, wherein: The tray organizer comprises storage means for storing properties of the dental blanks in the respective receiving compartments.

3. The disk manager according to claim 2, wherein: The attributes include available remaining material, color, identification number, size, and / or manufacturing material of the received blank.

4. A disk organizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tray organizer can be composed of a plurality of modules having at least one receiving compartment.

5. A disk organizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tray manager comprises an input interface for inputting properties of a dental blank.

6. A disk organizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The receiving compartment comprises a ramp or a foam insert for stable positioning of the dental blank.

7. A disk organizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tray organizer comprises a scanning device for scanning dental blanks.

8. The disk manager according to claim 7, wherein: The scanning device includes an optical camera, an RFID reader, a barcode reader and / or a QR code reader.

9. A disk organizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each receiving compartment is assigned an antenna or a sensor for detecting the received dental blank.

10. A disk organizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each receiving compartment is assigned a display device.

11. A disk organizer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The display device includes a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal display or an electronic paper.

12. A module for a tray organizer comprising at least one receiving compartment for receiving a dental blank.

13. The module according to claim 12, wherein: The module comprises display means for displaying the receiving compartment.

14. A module according to claim 12 or 13, wherein: The modules can be coupled horizontally or vertically.

15. A method for managing dental blanks, comprising the steps of: - receiving a dental blank in one of a plurality of receiving compartments; as well as - displaying said receiving compartment in which a dental blank having predetermined properties is received.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: It is detected whether a dental blank is inserted into one of the receiving compartments.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: Detecting the remaining amount of dental blanks.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: If the remaining quantity is below a predetermined value, the dental blanks are automatically reordered.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: Manage inventory of dental blanks.

Images