Apparatus and method for an intraoral appliance with sensing device

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for an electronic device associated with monitoring a patient's use of an intraoral dental appliance are disclosed. The monitoring electronics may be in signal communication with near field communications (NFC). An NFC enhancer is disclosed to improve monitoring of NFC data transfer between an electronic device used by a patient and a communication device. The NFC enhancer may be included within the dental appliance housing and / or the mobile phone housing. Methods and apparatus for mounting monitoring electronics onto a dental appliance are also described. A compact sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, is also described, which can be included as part of a monitoring electronics unit.

Description

Priority claim

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 340,925, filed on May 11, 2022, entitled “APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INTRAORAL APPLIANCES WITH SENSING DEVICES,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Incorporated by Reference

[0002] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Background Art

[0003] The orthodontic process generally involves repositioning a patient's teeth to a desired arrangement in order to correct malocclusion and / or improve aesthetics. To achieve these goals, dental appliances such as braces, shell appliances, etc. may be applied to the patient's teeth by an orthodontist. The appliance may be configured to exert a force on one or more teeth in order to achieve the desired tooth movement according to a treatment plan.

[0004] During orthodontic treatment utilizing patient-removable appliances, the physician may rely on the patient to comply with the prescribed appliance use. In some cases, the patient may not wear the dental appliance as prescribed by the physician. Regardless of the reason, not wearing the appliance for an extended period beyond the recommendations may interrupt the treatment plan and prolong the overall treatment period. There is a need for methods and apparatus that allow monitoring of the wear and / or effectiveness of intraoral appliances.

[0005] Methods and apparatus for performing such monitoring and collecting monitoring information are described herein. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to dental appliances, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for transmitting data to and from one or more monitoring electronics units associated with a dental appliance.

[0007] Various devices (e.g., systems, devices, methods, etc.) are described herein that enable or improve data transmission between a monitoring device and a communication device. The monitoring device can be mounted on a dental appliance (such as a dental brace). The monitoring device can determine and track the time a patient has worn the dental appliance.

[0008] Mounting the monitoring device to the dental appliance may involve applying a surface treatment to the housing of the dental appliance and / or the monitoring device that enhances the bond formed by laser-based welding.

[0009] For example, this document describes a method for attaching a monitoring electronics unit to a dental appliance, the method comprising: manufacturing a dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes a mounting surface at a mounting position determined by a mounting position optimization protocol; positioning a shell that at least partially surrounds the monitoring electronics unit housing on the mounting surface; and welding the shell to the mounting surface.

[0010] Any of these methods may include determining a mounting surface at a mounting location by a mounting location optimization protocol, the mounting location optimization protocol including: optimizing the position of the mounting surface in a digital model of the dental appliance by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within constraints relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the dental appliance. Any of these methods may include placing a monitoring electronics unit into a housing. Any of these methods may include preparing a mounting surface of the housing. The dental appliance may include an orthodontic appliance. The monitoring electronics unit may include an electronics compliance indicator (ECI).

[0011] In any of these methods, preparing the mounting surface may include applying an infrared absorber spray to the mounting surface of the housing. Any of these methods may include applying an infrared absorber spray to the mounting surface of the appliance. Positioning the housing may include applying a clamping force to the housing. Welding may include heating the housing and the appliance via a laser (e.g., a Yttrium-Aluminum Garnet laser).

[0012] The present invention also describes a method for attaching a monitoring electronics unit to a dental appliance, the method comprising: manufacturing a dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes a mounting surface at a mounting position determined by a mounting position optimization protocol, wherein the mounting position optimization protocol: optimizes the position of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition, until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within a constraint range relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the appliance; placing the monitoring electronics unit into a housing; preparing a mounting surface of the housing; positioning a housing that at least partially surrounds the monitoring electronics unit housing on the mounting surface; and welding the housing to the mounting surface.

[0013] Also described herein is a method for setting the position of a mounting surface of a monitoring electronic unit on a dental appliance, the method comprising: optimizing the position of a mounting surface having a predetermined mounting area in a digital model of the dental appliance by iteratively adjusting one or more of a position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to a digital model of the patient's dentition, the digital model of the patient's dentition corresponding to the digital model of the dental appliance, until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within a constraint range relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the appliance; and outputting a digital model of the dental appliance or a digital model of a mold for forming the dental appliance including the optimized position of the mounting surface. Any of these methods may include iteratively adjusting the position by iteratively adjusting the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth, further wherein the constraint range of the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth is between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting the distance from the mounting surface to the gingival surface, further wherein the constraint range of the distance from the mounting surface to the gingival surface is between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting the distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip, further, wherein the constrained range of the distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip is less than 1.0 mm. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting the distance from the edge of the mounting surface to the treatment feature of the orthodontic device, further, wherein the constrained range of the distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip is 0.2 mm or greater. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting until the mounting surface does not collide with teeth or adjacent teeth on the opposing jaw. Iteratively adjusting the orientation may include iteratively adjusting the orientation between the normal of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition, further, wherein the constrained range of the orientation between the normal of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition is between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees. Iteratively adjusting the angle may include iteratively adjusting the orientation between the normal to the occlusal edge of the mounting surface and the normal to the mandibular occlusal plane of the patient's dentition, further wherein a constraint range of the orientation between the normal to the occlusal edge of the mounting surface and the normal to the mandibular occlusal plane is between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees.

[0014] Any of these methods may include adding a gingival buffer area around at least a portion of a mounting surface in a digital model of the dental appliance, the digital model including an optimized position of the mounting surface. Any of these methods may include manufacturing a dental appliance from a digital model of the dental appliance, the digital model including an optimized position of the mounting surface. Any of these methods may include repeating the optimization and output steps for each of a plurality of dental appliances in a series of dental appliances for a treatment plan. A change in the position of the mounting surface between subsequent dental appliances in a series of dental appliances may be constrained so as to smooth transitions of the mounting surface across the series of dental appliances.

[0015] The present invention also describes a method for setting the position of a mounting surface of a monitoring electronic unit on a dental appliance, the method comprising: receiving a digital model of the dental appliance and a digital model of a patient's dentition; optimizing the position of a mounting surface having a predetermined mounting area in the digital model of the dental appliance by: starting from an initial position of the mounting surface, iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within a constraint range relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of an orthodontic appliance; outputting a digital model of the dental appliance including the optimized position of the mounting surface or a digital model of a mold for forming the dental appliance; and manufacturing the dental appliance from the digital model of the dental appliance including the optimized position of the mounting surface.

[0016] The present invention also describes a dental appliance manufactured by any of these methods. For example, a dental appliance device is described herein, comprising: a body including a tooth receiving cavity configured to accommodate teeth of a patient's dental arch, the body having a buccal side, a lingual side, and an occlusal side; a mounting surface including a flat outer surface, further wherein the mounting surface is positioned on the buccal side of the body so that when the dental appliance is worn by the patient, the flat outer surface has an angle and orientation within a constrained range relative to the patient's dentition; and a monitoring electronic unit mounted to the mounting surface, further wherein the mounting surface is configured so that the monitoring electronic unit mounted to the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth when worn. For example, in any of these devices, when the dental appliance is worn, the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth is between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm. When the device is worn, the distance from the mounting surface to the gingival surface of the patient can be between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. The distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip of the body can be less than 1.0 mm. The distance from the edge of the mounting surface to the treatment feature of the appliance may be 0.2 mm or greater. When the dental appliance is worn, the normal to the jaw arch of the patient's dentition may deviate between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees from the normal to the mounting surface. The difference between the normal to the edge of the occlusal surface of the mounting surface and the normal to the jaw occlusal plane through the body may be between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees.

[0017] These monitoring devices may use near field communication (NFC) signals and protocols to transmit data (including dental appliance monitoring data) to the communication device.NFC data transfer may be difficult, in part due to the size of the antenna associated with the monitoring device.

[0018] An NFCC enhancement device (referred to as an NFC enhancer) can improve communication between a monitoring device and a communication device. An NFC enhancer can include an antenna and an impedance matching circuit to provide enhanced NFC data transmission. Some NFC enhancers can be passive (e.g., do not require a power source). In some examples, an NFC enhancer can be integrated into a phone housing or an appliance housing.

[0019] Any system described herein may implement an NFC enhancer system.The NFC enhancer system may include: at least two antennas; and a matching circuit configured to match an impedance of a first antenna to an impedance of a second antenna.

[0020] For example, a near field communication (NFC) enhancer system is described herein, comprising: a base configured to house a dental appliance in an interior chamber therein, wherein the dental appliance comprises a monitoring electronics unit configured to communicate via a near field communication (NFC) signal; a cover connected to the base and configured to open to provide access to the interior chamber of the base, wherein the cover is configured to seat a smartphone thereon when closed; a first antenna configured to have a first impedance and to communicate with the NFC signal, wherein the first antenna comprises a multi-turn coil having a diameter of less than one centimeter (cm), the first The present invention relates to a method for providing a NFC device for use in a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a combination thereof; wherein the first antenna is configured to communicate with a monitoring electronics unit within the base; a second antenna located in the cover and configured to have a second impedance different from the first impedance, and the second antenna is configured to communicate with the NFC signal, wherein the second antenna is configured to communicate with a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a combination thereof; and one or more matching circuits coupled to the first antenna and configured to match the impedance of the first antenna with the impedance of the antenna of the monitoring electronics unit, and coupled to the second antenna and configured to match the impedance of the second antenna with the impedance of the antenna of the mobile phone, the tablet computer, the laptop computer, or a combination thereof.

[0021] Any of the systems described herein may include: a first antenna configured to have a first impedance and to communicate with an NFC signal; a second antenna configured to have a second impedance different from the first impedance and to communicate with the NFC signal; and a matching circuit configured to couple the first antenna to the second antenna and match the first impedance to the second impedance.

[0022] In any of the systems described herein, the first antenna can be configured to communicate with a monitoring electronic unit. For example, the monitoring electronic unit can be an electronic compliance indicator (ECI). In some examples, in any of the systems described herein, the ECI can monitor and record (e.g., record) a patient's use of a device (including an intraoral device, such as a dental appliance). In addition, in some examples, the ECI can be configured to monitor and record a patient's use of an intraoral device based at least in part on a capacitance sensed by the ECI. Although the present disclosure focuses on the ECI as an example, the present disclosure contemplates that any suitable monitoring electronic unit can be employed, not limited to the ECI, including separate sensors or groups of sensors. Example monitoring electronic units may include temperature sensors, pH sensors, glucose sensors, pressure sensors, capacitive sensors, or any other suitable sensors, and may be used for any suitable purpose, including monitoring and / or providing advice and / or notifications about a patient's health.

[0023] In any system described herein, the first antenna may include a multi-turn coil having a diameter of approximately one centimeter. In some examples, the first antenna may include two or more multi-turn coil antennas. Furthermore, in any system described herein, two or more multi-turn coil antennas may be simultaneously coupled to a matching circuit.

[0024] In any system described herein, the first antenna may include multiple antennas, and one of the multiple antennas may be selectively coupled to a matching circuit. In some examples, the second antenna may be configured to communicate with a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a combination thereof. In any system described herein, the second antenna may include a multi-turn coil having a diameter of approximately five centimeters.

[0025] In any of the systems described herein, the matching circuit may include a battery, a power management unit, and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to the matching circuit. Additionally, in some examples, the first antenna and the second antenna may be configured to transmit and receive radio signals having a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz.

[0026] In any system described herein, the first antenna, the second antenna, and the matching circuit can be integrated into a clip configured to contact the screen and the back of the communication device. In some examples, the first antenna can be disposed on a first end of the clip, and the second antenna can be disposed on a second end of the clip opposite the first end.

[0027] Any system described herein may also include a mobile phone housing, wherein the first antenna, the second antenna, and the matching circuit of the NFC enhancer system are disposed within the mobile phone housing. In some examples, the first antenna may be disposed on a flip cover of the mobile phone housing, and the second antenna may be disposed in an area configured to accommodate the communication device.

[0028] In any system described herein, the system may further include a pad including a first section and a second section, wherein the first section includes a first antenna and the second section includes a second antenna. In some examples, the second section may include a contactless charging coil for the communication device.

[0029] Any device described herein may include a housing configured to contain and / or store a dental appliance. The housing may include: a base configured to accommodate the dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes a monitoring electronic unit (e.g., ECI) configured to communicate via a near field communication (NFC) signal; a cover movably connected to the base and configured to pivot open and provide access to an internal chamber in the base; and an NFC enhancer. The NFC enhancer may include: a first antenna having a first impedance and configured to communicate via an NFC signal, a second antenna having a second impedance different from the first impedance, the second antenna configured to communicate with the NFC signal; and a matching circuit configured to couple the first antenna to the second antenna and match the first impedance to the second impedance.

[0030] In any of the devices described herein, the first antenna may be attached to the cover and the second antenna may be attached to the base. In some examples, the second antenna may be attached to the inner periphery of the inner chamber in the base. In some further examples, the second antenna may include a single multi-turn loop of conductive material. In some examples, the second antenna may include multiple separate multi-turn loops of conductive material. In any of the devices described herein, the second antenna may be attached to the bottom surface of the inner chamber in the base. In some examples, the second antenna may include a single multi-turn loop of conductive material. In some other examples, the second antenna may include multiple separate multi-turn loops of conductive material.

[0031] In any device described herein, the second antenna may include two or more circular multi-turn coils configured to be concentric with each other, two or more elliptical multi-turn coils configured to be concentric with each other, or a combination thereof. In addition, the second antenna may include two or more antennas simultaneously coupled to a matching circuit.

[0032] In any device described herein, the cover may include a conductive shield disposed on an inner surface. In addition, in any device described herein, the base may include an appliance guide disposed within an inner chamber in the base and configured to position the NFC device within the housing. Any of the appliance guides may be replaced by a user. In addition, any of the appliance guides may be configured to accommodate any appliance. In any of the appliance guides, they may be configured to position the NFC device adjacent to the second antenna.

[0033] Any of the devices described herein may include a matching circuit further comprising a battery, a power management unit, and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to the matching circuit.Furthermore, in any of the devices described herein, the cover may be configured to accommodate the communication device.

[0034] Any of the methods described herein may include placing an NFC device near a first antenna of an NFC enhancer; placing a communication device near a second antenna of the NFC enhancer; receiving an NFC signal from the NFC device by the first antenna; and transmitting the NFC signal received from the NFC device to the communication device by the second antenna.

[0035] Any of the methods described herein may further include matching, by the NFC enhancer, an impedance of the first antenna and an impedance of the second antenna.In addition, the communication device may include a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, or a combination thereof.

[0036] In any of the methods described herein, the NFC device may include a monitoring electronics unit. For example, the NFC device may include an ECI configured to monitor and record a patient's use of an intraoral device based at least in part on capacitance, pressure, temperature, and / or any other suitable parameter sensed by the ECI. In any of the methods, the first antenna may include a multi-turn coil having a diameter of approximately one centimeter. The first antenna may also include two or more multi-turn coil antennas, and the two or more multi-turn coil antennas are simultaneously coupled to the NFC enhancer. In some examples, the first antenna may include multiple antennas, and wherein one of the multiple antennas is selectively coupled to the NFC enhancer. In some examples, the NFC enhancer may include a battery, a power management unit, and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to the NFC enhancer.

[0037] Any of the methods described herein may include: loading the housing with the electronic monitoring device; preparing a mounting surface of the housing; positioning the housing on the appliance; and welding the housing to the appliance.

[0038] In any of the methods described herein, the electronic monitoring device can be an electronic compliance indicator (ECI) to determine and record the patient's use of the appliance based at least in part on sensed capacitance or temperature.

[0039] In any of the methods described herein, preparing the mounting surface can include applying an infrared absorber spray to the mounting surface of the housing. Additionally, an infrared absorber spray can be applied to the mounting surface of the appliance.

[0040] In any of the methods described herein, positioning the housing may include applying a clamping force to the housing. Additionally, in any of the methods, welding may include heating the housing and the appliance via a laser. The laser may be an yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

[0041] Any of the sensors described herein may include: a battery; a first electrode disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB); a second electrode; and an electronic component powered by the battery and configured to determine at least one of a capacitance or a temperature sensed by the first electrode and the second electrode. Any of the sensors may include an electronic component configured to monitor and record a patient's use of an intraoral device based at least in part on the sensed capacitance and / or the sensed temperature.

[0042] In any sensor described herein, the second electrode may be an electrode coated on the plastic housing. In any sensor described herein, one terminal of the battery may be configured to operate as the second electrode. One terminal of the battery may be a positive terminal.

[0043] Any sensor described herein may include a third electrode disposed on a printed circuit board and connected in parallel with the second electrode. In addition, the first electrode and the third electrode may be located on one side of the PCB. In some examples, the first electrode and the third electrode may be staggered with each other. In any sensor described herein, the second electrode may have a surface area comparable to the total surface area of ​​the electronic components.

[0044] For example, described herein is a near field communication (NFC) enhancer system comprising: a housing; a first antenna configured to have a first impedance and configured to communicate with NFC signals, wherein the first antenna comprises a multi-turn coil having a diameter of less than one centimeter (cm), and the first antenna is configured to communicate with a monitoring electronics unit; a second antenna configured to have a second impedance different from the first impedance, and the second antenna is configured to communicate with NFC signals, wherein the second antenna is configured to communicate with a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a combination thereof; and one or more matching circuits coupled to the first antenna and configured to match the impedance of the first antenna to the impedance of the antenna of the monitoring electronics unit, and coupled to the second antenna and configured to match the impedance of the second antenna to the impedance of the antenna of the mobile phone, the tablet computer, the laptop computer, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The monitoring electronics unit may be configured to monitor and record the patient's use of the intraoral device. The first antenna may include two or more multi-turn coil antennas. The two or more multi-turn coil antennas may be coupled to the matching circuit simultaneously. The first antenna may include multiple antennas, and wherein one of the multiple antennas is selectively coupled to the matching circuit. The second antenna may include a multi-turn coil having a diameter of 5 cm or more. One or more matching circuits may include a battery, a power management unit, and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to one or more matching circuits. The first antenna and the second antenna may be configured to send and receive radio signals having a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz. The housing may surround the first antenna, the second antenna, and the matching circuit. In some examples, the housing is configured as a clip. The housing may be configured as a smartphone housing or a pad. In some examples, the second antenna is disposed in an area configured to accommodate a communication device.

[0046] For example, a housing is described herein, comprising: a base configured to house a dental appliance in an interior chamber therein, wherein the dental appliance includes a monitoring electronics unit configured to communicate via near field communication (NFC) signals; a cover connected to the base and configured to open to provide access to the interior chamber in the base, wherein the cover is configured to seat a smartphone thereon when closed; and an NFC enhancer comprising: a first antenna located within the cover, the first antenna having a first impedance; and a matching circuit coupled to the first antenna, wherein the first antenna and the matching circuit are configured to receive data from the monitoring electronics unit held within the interior chamber via the NFC signal, and relay the data to the smartphone on the cover via NFC. Advantageously, the methods and devices described herein may include enhancers (e.g., NFC enhancers) that may be passive, meaning that they may not use or require a power source (such as a battery), but may be passively powered by applying an electric field that may trigger and allow very low power and surprisingly robust operation of these devices.

[0047] The first antenna and the matching circuit may be passive circuits. Typically, the housing may include a power supply, wherein the matching circuit and the first antenna are actively powered by the power supply. The matching circuit may include a power management unit and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to the matching circuit. The first antenna may include a single multi-turn loop of conductive material. In some examples, the first antenna includes multiple separate multi-turn loops of conductive material. The first antenna may include two or more circular multi-turn coils configured to be concentric with each other, two or more elliptical multi-turn coils configured to be concentric with each other, or a combination thereof. The first antenna may include two or more antennas simultaneously coupled to the matching circuit.

[0048] The cover may include a conductive shield disposed on an inner surface. The base may include a guide disposed in an inner chamber in the base and configured to position the NFC device within the housing adjacent to the first antenna. The guide may be configured to be replaceable by a user. The guide may be configured to accommodate a dental appliance.

[0049] Methods of operating these devices are also described herein. For example, a method for coupling a dental appliance to a handheld processing device via near field communication (NFC) communication may include positioning the dental appliance, the dental appliance including a monitoring electronics unit having a first NFC antenna, the first NFC antenna being adjacent to a second NFC antenna of an NFC booster device, wherein the second NFC antenna includes a multi-turn coil having a diameter of less than one centimeter (cm); positioning the handheld processing device such that a fourth NFC antenna of the handheld processing device is adjacent to a third NFC antenna of the booster device; receiving data from the monitoring electronics unit using a first matching circuit coupled to the second NFC antenna; and sending the data to the handheld processing device using a second matching circuit coupled to the third NFC antenna and the first matching circuit.

[0050] The handheld processing device may include one or more of the following: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch / band), an AR / VR device (e.g., AR glasses), or a combination thereof. The second NFC antenna, the third NFC antenna, and the first matching circuit and the second matching circuit may be passive NFC circuits. The monitoring electronics unit may be configured to monitor and record the patient's use of the intraoral device based at least in part on a capacitance sensed by the monitoring electronics unit. The monitoring electronics unit may include an electronic compliance indicator (ECI) configured to monitor and record the patient's use of the intraoral device based at least in part on a temperature sensed by the ECI. The first antenna may include a multi-turn coil having a diameter of one centimeter (cm) or less. The second antenna may include two or more multi-turn coil antennas, and the two or more multi-turn coil antennas are simultaneously coupled to the NFC enhancer device. Typically, as described above, these devices may be passive. For example, the NFC enhancer device may not include a power supply. Alternatively, the NFC enhancer device may include a battery, a power management unit, and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to the NFC enhancer. Positioning the dental appliance may include positioning the dental appliance within the housing such that the monitoring electronics unit remains in a predefined position.

[0051] Sensors are also described herein, particularly compact capacitive sensors for use in intraoral devices (or for any suitable use). These sensors may include: a first electrode disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB); a battery having a first surface configured as an anode or a cathode, wherein the battery is coupled to the PCB; a second electrode including the first surface of the battery; and electronic components powered by the battery and configured to determine at least one of a capacitance or a temperature sensed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0052] The electronics may be configured to monitor and record the patient's use of the intra-oral device based at least in part on the sensed capacitance.The electronics may be configured to monitor and record the patient's use of the intra-oral device based at least in part on the sensed temperature.

[0053] The second electrode may be an electrode applied to the plastic housing. The terminal of the battery may be a positive battery terminal. Any of these devices may include a third electrode disposed on a printed circuit board and connected in parallel with the second electrode. The first electrode and the third electrode may be located on one side of the PCB. The first electrode and the third electrode may be staggered with each other. The second electrode may have a surface area comparable to the total surface area of ​​the electronic components.

[0054] Also described herein is a method for attaching a monitoring electronics unit to a dental appliance, the method comprising: manufacturing a dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes a mounting surface at a mounting location determined by a mounting location optimization protocol; positioning a housing that at least partially surrounds the monitoring electronics unit housing on the mounting surface; and welding the housing to the mounting surface. Any of these methods may include determining the mounting surface at the mounting location by a mounting location optimization protocol, the mounting location optimization protocol comprising: optimizing the position of the mounting surface in a digital model of the dental appliance by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation (including rotation) of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to a digital model of the patient's dentition until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within a constraint relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the dental appliance. The method may include placing the monitoring electronics unit into the housing. Any of these methods may include preparing the mounting surface of the housing. For example, preparing the mounting surface may include applying an infrared absorber spray to the mounting surface of the housing. Any of these methods may include applying an infrared absorber spray to the mounting surface of the appliance. Positioning the housing may include applying a clamping force to the housing. Welding may include heating the housing and the appliance via a laser (eg, a yttrium aluminum garnet laser).

[0055] For example, a method for attaching a monitoring electronics unit to a dental appliance may include: manufacturing a dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes a mounting surface at a mounting position determined by a mounting position optimization protocol, wherein the mounting position optimization protocol: optimizes the position of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation (including rotation) of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition, until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within a constraint relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of an orthodontic appliance; placing the monitoring electronics unit into a housing; preparing a mounting surface of the housing; positioning a housing that at least partially surrounds the monitoring electronics unit housing on the mounting surface; and welding the housing to the mounting surface.

[0056] The present invention also describes a method for setting the position of a mounting surface of a monitoring electronic unit on a dental appliance, the method comprising: optimizing the position of a mounting surface having a predetermined mounting area in a digital model of the dental appliance by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to a digital model of the patient's dentition, the digital model of the patient's dentition corresponding to the digital model of the dental appliance, until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within a constraint range relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the orthodontic appliance; and outputting the digital model of the dental appliance including the optimized position of the mounting surface.

[0057] Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth, further wherein the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth has a constrained range of between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting the distance from the mounting surface to the gingival surface, further wherein the distance from the mounting surface to the gingival surface has a constrained range of between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting the distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip, further wherein the distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip has a constrained range of at most 1.0 mm. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting the distance from the edge of the mounting surface to the treatment feature of the appliance, further wherein the distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip has a constrained range of 0.2 mm or greater. Iteratively adjusting the position may include iteratively adjusting until the mounting surface does not collide with teeth on the opposing jaw or adjacent teeth. Iteratively adjusting the orientation may include iteratively adjusting the orientation between the normal of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition, further wherein the constrained range of the orientation between the normal of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition is between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees. Iteratively adjusting the angle may include iteratively adjusting the orientation between the normal of the occlusal edge of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw occlusal plane of the patient's dentition, further wherein the constrained range of the orientation between the normal of the occlusal edge of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw occlusal plane is between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees.

[0058] Any of these methods may include adding a gingival buffer area around at least a portion of a mounting surface in a digital model of the dental appliance, the digital model including an optimized position of the mounting surface.

[0059] Any of these methods may include adjusting a trimming line to fit a mounting surface in a digital model of the dental appliance including an optimized location of the mounting surface and / or manufacturing the dental appliance from a digital model of the dental appliance including an optimized location of the mounting surface.

[0060] Generally, any of these methods may include repeating the steps of iteratively adjusting until a failure condition is met, or until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within constraints relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition, and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the appliance. Any of these methods may include repeating the steps of optimizing and outputting for each of a plurality of dental appliances in a series of dental appliances for a treatment plan. Changes in the position of the mounting surface between subsequent dental appliances in the series of dental appliances may be constrained so as to smooth transitions of the mounting surface across the series of dental appliances.

[0061] For example, this document describes a method for setting the position of a mounting surface of a monitoring electronic unit on a dental appliance, the method comprising: receiving a digital model of the dental appliance and a digital model of a patient's dentition; optimizing the position of a mounting surface having a predetermined mounting area in the digital model of the dental appliance by: starting from an initial position of the mounting surface, iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within a constraint range relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of an orthodontic appliance; outputting the digital model of the dental appliance including the optimized position of the mounting surface; and manufacturing the dental appliance from the digital model of the dental appliance including the optimized position of the mounting surface.

[0062] All methods and apparatus described herein (in any combination) are contemplated herein and can be used to achieve the benefits as described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] A better understanding of the features and advantages of the methods and apparatus described herein will be obtained by referring to the following detailed description, which sets forth illustrative embodiments, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1A An example of a dental appliance (eg, an orthodontic appliance) that may be prepared to receive a monitoring electronics (eg, an electronic compliance indicator or ECI) device is shown.

[0065] Figure 1B An ECI device is shown disposed within an ECI housing.

[0066] Figure 1C Shown attached to Figure 1A of the appliance Figure 1B shell.

[0067] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F Example steps for attaching an ECI device to an appliance are shown.

[0068] Figure 2G to Figure 2I Examples of constraints for locating a mounting surface for a monitoring electronics unit (eg, ECI) as described herein are shown. Figure 2G Possible distances (eg, between 0.2-1 mm) of the mounting surface from the buccal surface of the tooth (eg, the top buccal surface) are shown. Figure 2H Possible distances between the mounting surface and the gingival surface of the digital model of the patient's gingiva are shown (eg, between 0.5-1.0 mm). Fig.2IThe distance from the buccal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip is shown (eg, up to 1.0 mm).

[0069] Fig.2I An example of a constraint for positioning the occlusal edge of the mounting surface relative to the buccal incision point is shown.

[0070] Figure 2J Constraints on positioning the mounting surface relative to one or more clinical features (eg, accessories, precision incisions, etc.) are shown.

[0071] Figure 2K to Figure 2M Constraints are shown for including a safety gap around the mounting surface to prevent contact with the gums.

[0072] Figure 2N to Figure 2P The constraints on the orientation between the normal to the buccal edge surface of the mounting surface (x-axis) and the normal to the jaw arch are shown to be within an acceptable interval.

[0073] Figure 2Q to Figure 2S Constraints on the inclination of the normal to the mounting surface relative to the normal to the jaw arch segment as described herein are shown.

[0074] Figure 2T to Figure 2V Regions of an orthodontic appliance are shown that include a mounting surface and a buffer region around the mounting surface to allow for trimming (eg, including but not limited to laser trimming).

[0075] Figure 2W to Figure 2X Examples are shown in which trimming lines (eg, cutting lines) are shown for trimming a dental appliance, including trimming around a mounting surface.

[0076] Figure 3A is a flow chart illustrating an example method for attaching an ECI to an appliance.

[0077] Figure 3B One example of a flow chart illustrating a method of determining a good location for including a flat mounting surface on a dental appliance (eg, an orthodontic appliance) is shown.

[0078] Figure 4A An example of a monitoring electronics unit is shown (shown in this example as configured as an ECI).

[0079] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A The second side of the ECI's printed circuit board (PCB).

[0080] Figure 4C Shown with Figure 4B Example connections of the first electrode and the second electrode on the second side of the PCB.

[0081] Figure 4DShown includes Figure 4A An example of an ECI modified electrode device in which an end cap of a battery (e.g., cathode or anode) is configured as an electrode for sensing.

[0082] Figure 4E and Figure 4F shows a curve diagram, which shows the Figure 4D Temperature and capacitance measurements for a device shown in which the end caps of a battery serve as electrodes for the sensor.

[0083] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example near field communication (NFC) system.

[0084] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C An example NFC enhancer is shown.

[0085] Figure 7 An example NFC system is shown.

[0086] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D Examples of antenna designs that can be used with the housing are shown.

[0087] 9A to 9C An example of a multi-coil antenna design is shown.

[0088] Fig.10 Another example antenna assembly is shown.

[0089] Fig.11 An example NFC enhancer system is shown.

[0090] FIG. 12A to FIG. 12B An example is shown.

[0091] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C An example NFC system is shown.

[0092] Fig.14 Another example NFC system is shown.

[0093] Fig.15 Another example NFC system is shown.

[0094] Fig.16 Another example NFC system is shown.

[0095] Fig.17 is a flow chart illustrating an example method for providing NFC communications.

[0096] Fig.18A and Fig.18B An example of an ECI device packaged on an appliance is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Dental appliances, such as shell appliances (sometimes referred to as dental braces), can be used to provide a variety of dental treatments to a patient. A dental appliance can benefit from including one or more monitoring electronics units with a patient-wearable device. The monitoring electronics unit can include a housing that encloses one or more sensors, circuits (e.g., control circuits), a power subsystem, and / or a wireless communication subsystem, and can be referred to as a monitoring electronics unit that can be coupled to an orthodontic appliance. Ideally, the monitoring electronics unit can be included in the dental appliance in a manner that does not interfere with the operation of the dental appliance, the patient can comfortably wear the dental appliance for treatment, and the monitoring electronics unit is not visible or minimally visible when the patient wears the dental appliance including the monitoring electronics unit.

[0098] Monitoring electronic units (such as ECI) can be attached or embedded in dental appliances, and can include one or more sensors to determine whether the dental appliances are worn. The monitoring electronic unit can be integrated with the dental appliances and can be connected to an external processor for receiving, analyzing, storing and / or outputting (e.g., sending, presenting, etc.) data related to the patient, the dental appliances and / or the relationship between the patient and the dental appliances, including wearing or use information. In some cases, it may be particularly beneficial for the monitoring electronic unit to be connected to an enhancer device, which can be configured as a housing or storage housing for dental appliances (e.g., braces, palatal expanders, retainers, etc.). In some examples, the device can be configured to send raw (or processed) data from the monitoring electronic unit when the patient places the dental appliance on or in the housing. In some examples, the appliance (e.g., braces) wearing time can be calculated based on the recorded and sent data. The wearing time can be displayed to the patient, for example, in a user interface such as an application software, and / or a dental / orthodontic professional (e.g., a doctor, a technician, a dental assistant, etc.) can check progress and / or health indicators. In some examples, the user interface can provide feedback about the wearing time (e.g., indicating that the appliance should be worn longer, or continue to wear the appliance, etc.). In some examples, the user interface can notify or warn the patient to wear the dental appliance, for example, indicating to the patient if they forgot to wear the dental appliance. In some examples, if it is determined that the patient did not wear the dental appliance for a sufficient period of time, the user interface can notify or warn the patient. After such a determination, in some examples, the system disclosed herein can determine a corrective action to wear the dental appliance for a specified additional period of time, and the user interface can communicate such corrective action to the patient and / or dental / orthodontic professional.

[0099] Typically, the monitoring electronics unit can be directly attached to a dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance, a palatal expander, a retainer, etc.) and can be fully encapsulated to isolate the indicator. It may be particularly advantageous to include a relatively flat mounting surface area on the dental appliance to which the monitoring electronics unit can be secured, for example, by welding techniques. Therefore, in any of the methods and apparatus (devices, systems, etc.) described herein, the shape of the dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance, a palatal expander, a retainer, etc.) can be modified to prepare a welding surface for a monitoring electronics unit (e.g., an ECI). Described herein are methods and apparatus for modifying one or more (e.g., a series or sequence of) dental appliances to form a surface for mounting a monitoring electronics unit that does not interfere with the operation of the dental appliance, is optimally comfortable for the patient, allows operation of the monitoring electronics unit, and is not visible when worn. Described herein are example methods and apparatus for mounting a monitoring electronics unit (e.g., an ECI device) to a dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance).

[0100] As used herein, dental appliances may include appliances (e.g., shell appliances), palatal expanders, retainers, etc. for repositioning a patient's teeth. As used herein, a monitoring electronic unit may include any electronic device configured and / or suitable for use with a dental appliance to monitor one or more parameters, including but not limited to an electronic compliance indicator (ECI), which can be used to determine patient usage patterns. For example, an ECI may be configured to record sensor data from a subject (e.g., a patient) who wears or intends to / is intending to wear an orthodontic appliance such as a shell appliance. For convenience, the examples described herein may refer to an ECI, however, it should be understood that any monitoring electronic unit may be used as described herein. The methods and devices described herein may be used for any type of monitoring electronic unit, including sensors, data loggers, etc. Unless otherwise indicated in the context, when an "ECI" device is described, the device may be any monitoring electronic unit, monitoring device, or performance monitoring apparatus (PMA), and is not limited to an ECI.

[0101] Some monitoring electronic unit devices (including ECI) can include one or more sensors to detect any number of environmental features. However, as some ECI devices are miniaturized, their associated sensor area is also reduced. Limited sensor area may reduce the sensitivity of the ECI device. This article also describes methods and devices for increasing sensor area. These methods and devices can provide surprisingly increased sensitivity with a more compact footprint than most other monitoring electronic units.

[0102] The monitoring electronic unit (e.g., ECI) described herein can be configured to communicate wirelessly. In particular, the monitoring electronic unit can be configured to communicate by any number of near field communication (NFC) protocols and / or NFC signals, which can generally send and receive data through a coil antenna. The physical size of the coil antenna can affect the communication and can be determined at least in part by the physical size of the monitoring electronic unit. Because it is generally desirable that the monitoring electronic unit has a very small footprint (so as to minimize interference with the operation of the dental appliance and patient comfort), it may be helpful to use a very small antenna as part of the monitoring electronic unit. Unfortunately, this may result in a mismatch between the antenna of the monitoring electronic unit and the target receiving device (such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.). In some cases, improved communication with the ECI can be achieved by using an NFC enhancer; in particular, the enhancer optimizes the reception and transmission of data from the monitoring electronic unit. Therefore, an enhancer device and method are also described herein, particularly including an NFC enhancer that matches and / or aligns the NFC antenna between the monitoring electronic unit (e.g., ECI) and the target receiving device (e.g., a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.).

[0103] Figures 1A to 1C Example views of a dental appliance (eg, an appliance) and a monitoring electronics unit (eg, an ECI) are shown. Figure 1A An example appliance 100 is shown that can be prepared to accommodate an ECI device. As shown, the appliance 100 can be associated with an upper dental arch, however, the appliance 100 can also be associated with a lower dental arch. The appliance 100 may include a plurality of tooth receiving cavities 101. A portion or area of ​​the appliance 100 can be prepared to accommodate an ECI device mounted or disposed within a housing. Methods and apparatus for determining and modifying a dental appliance to accommodate a monitoring electronic unit are described herein. For example, an area 102 of the appliance 100 can be prepared to receive and be coupled to an ECI housing. In some cases, the area 102 can be disposed on a tooth receiving cavity, such as the tooth receiving cavity 101.

[0104] As will be described in more detail below, a dental appliance can be configured to accommodate a monitoring electronics unit by forming a relatively flat mounting surface on an outer surface of the dental appliance at an area on the dental appliance that is sized, oriented, and positioned on the dental appliance to meet multiple criteria so that the monitoring electronics unit can be secured (e.g., welded) thereto without interfering with operation of the dental appliance or the monitoring electronics unit and without causing discomfort to a patient wearing the dental appliance while minimizing visibility.

[0105] Thus, the mounting surface can be a bonding or attachment site for the monitoring electronics unit housing, and the mounting surface can be enhanced by surface treatment of the area. In some cases, roughening, scratching, or otherwise making the area less smooth can enhance adhesion of the housing to the appliance 100. The mounting surface (bonding area) can be substantially planar. For example, area 102 can be formed to be partially planar (e.g., flat) to form a more effective bond with the monitoring electronics unit housing.

[0106] Despite Figure 1C 102 is shown as the buccal region of the molars, but the region 102 can be anywhere on the appliance 100 or a series of appliances, as defined herein. For example, the region 102 can be lingual and / or can be associated with any feasible tooth and / or can span one or more teeth.

[0107] Figure 1B A monitoring electronics unit 110 is shown disposed within a monitoring electronics unit housing 120. The monitoring electronics unit 110 can be any feasible device, such as at least those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,470,847, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. As described above, the monitoring electronics unit can be an ECI device that can monitor and record (e.g., document) a patient's use of a device (including an intraoral device such as the appliance 100). In some examples, the monitoring electronics unit housing 120 can include a mounting flange 125. The mounting flange 125 can also be shaped to be at least partially planar to correspond to the region 102 of the appliance 100.

[0108] Figure 1C A housing 120 is shown attached to the appliance 100. In some examples, the housing 120 can be attached to the appliance 100 by laser welding. As shown, the ECI device 110 can be surrounded by the housing 120 and the appliance 100. In some examples, the ECI device 110 can detect and / or record capacitance and / or temperature changes that can correspond to a patient wearing or using the appliance 100. For example, the ECI device 110 can include one or more sensors that can determine and record capacitance changes or temperature changes associated with detecting nearby teeth, such as teeth in adjacent tooth receiving cavities.

[0109] Usually, if Figure 1C and FIG. 18A to FIG. 18B The housing shown enclosing (partially or completely enclosing) the monitoring electronics unit (e.g., an ECI device) can be attached to the appliance in any suitable manner, including but not limited to laser welding, ultrasonic welding, and / or a biocompatible adhesive.

[0110] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2FSome example steps are shown for attaching an ECI device to an appliance having a mounting surface for attachment. Figure 2A An example housing 200 is shown that can be used to house an ECI device. The housing can be similar to housing 120 of FIG. 1 . Housing 200 can be shaped to contain a monitoring electronics unit (e.g., an ECI device). In some examples, housing 200 can be shaped so that the orientation of the ECI device can be substantially controlled. In other words, housing 200 can be shaped to house the ECI device in a manner that positions any associated sensors in the direction of the patient's teeth (e.g., toward the patient's teeth).

[0111] Figure 2B An ECI device 210 is shown disposed in a housing 200. In some examples, the ECI device 210 can be "potted" within the housing 200. The terms potted or potting can refer to any feasible packaging of the ECI device 210 within the housing 200. The potting material can provide protection for the ECI device 210 as well as stabilize and secure the ECI device 210 to the housing 200. One or more electrodes 215 can be disposed on or near a surface of the ECI device 210. In some examples, potting can have substantially no effect on the function or operation of the electrodes 215. Fig.18A and Fig.18B Another example of an apparatus is shown in which an ECI device 1808 attached to an appliance 1806 is shown as being fully encapsulated on all sides by an opaque potting material 1812.

[0112] Figure 2C Another view of the ECI device 210 in the housing 200 is shown. The housing 200 may include a mounting flange 220. The mounting flange 220 may include a treatment to enhance bonding with the appliance. For example, the surface of the mounting flange 220 may be treated with an infrared absorber spray, such as an infrared absorber solder cleaning spray. The infrared absorber spray may enhance energy absorption from lasers, including lasers having a wavelength of approximately 1 micron (μm). In some cases, the infrared absorber spray may enhance energy absorption in any other feasible wavelength. In some other examples, the surface of the mounting flange 220 may be treated so that the infrared absorber spray diffuses and evenly coats the mounting flange 220. In some examples, the infrared absorber spray may have a tint that is visible relative to the housing 200, particularly when the housing 200 is clear or transparent.

[0113] Figure 2DThe housing 200 is shown positioned on the appliance 230 and held on a fixture 240. As described with respect to FIG. 1 , the housing 200 can be placed on a prepared area 231 of the appliance 230. For example, the area 231 can be prepared to be substantially planar (e.g., flat) to effectively engage the housing 200. In some examples, the fixture 240 can be used to hold the housing 200 and the appliance 230 (or any other suitable dental appliance) to help mount the housing 200 on the appliance 230.

[0114] Fig.2E1 A side view of the housing 200 and the fixture 240 is shown. An actuator 241 can be used in conjunction with the fixture 240 to maintain the housing 200 in contact with the aligner 230 (not shown). In some examples, the actuator 241 can provide a clamping force mechanically or pneumatically to help ensure close contact and / or heat transfer between the housing 200 and the aligner 230. In some examples, the heat can be provided by a laser 250. The associated laser beam can be shaped into a spot, line, or field beam that can be focused on a welding surface (such as a mounting flange 220). In some examples, the laser 250 can be a Yttrium-Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser.

[0115] Figure 2E2 Another example of welding a mounting electronics unit (e.g., ECI) to a dental appliance is shown. As described above, the mounting electronics unit 293 may include a housing or may be placed within a housing and may be positioned, for example, using a robotic system 291 that grabs or grips the mounting electronics unit 293 and positions it on a dental appliance 294. This may be accomplished using a vacuum that may hold or secure the mounting electronics unit so that it may be welded to the dental appliance, for example, using a laser 295. The robotic arm may apply mechanical pressure that holds the housing of the mounting electronics unit against the dental appliance while applying suction (vacuum) to securely grip the housing.

[0116] Figure 2F The housing 200 is shown attached to an appliance 230 in perspective view (top) and in bottom view (bottom).

[0117] The location of the mounting surface for incorporating the monitoring electronics unit can be selected and prepared based on various conditions so that the presence of the monitoring electronics unit on the dental appliance does not adversely affect patient treatment. These conditions can include avoiding interactions with clinical features directly involved in dental / orthodontic treatment (e.g., accessories, mandibular advancement features (MAFs), precision cuts, etc.), minimizing the visibility of the monitoring electronics unit when worn, and maximizing the comfort of the orthodontic appliance with the monitoring electronics unit when worn. All of these conditions may be particularly difficult to achieve for a particular set of dental appliances. Methods and apparatus (e.g., software, firmware, and / or hardware) for determining the optimal location of a desired monitoring electronics unit mounting surface (incorporation site) are described herein.

[0118] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B An example of a method for forming an appliance including a mounting surface on which a monitoring electronics unit may be mounted is shown. Figure 3A is a flow chart illustrating an example method for attaching a mounting electronics unit (e.g., an ECI) to a dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance). Some examples may utilize additional operations, fewer operations, operations in a different order, operations in parallel, and operations differently to perform the operations described herein. Figures 2A to 2X The method is described with reference to the housing 200, appliance 230, and other elements shown in FIG. 1 , however, the method may be performed by any other suitable system, apparatus, or device.

[0119] The method shown may optionally begin by determining the position and orientation of a mounting surface for the monitoring electronics unit on a digital model of the dental appliance 300 (see also Figure 3B 301). The method may include manufacturing a dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance) including a mounting surface 301. Optionally, the method may include placing an electronic monitoring device into the housing 200. Some examples of electronic monitoring devices may include an ECI device 210. In some examples, loading of the electronic monitoring device may include canning or encapsulating the monitoring device in the housing 200. The canning or encapsulation may prevent movement of the electronic monitoring device as well as provide water resistance and protection from foreign matter and / or tampering.

[0120] Next, in block 304, the mounting surfaces on the housing 200 and / or dental appliance are prepared. For example, the mounting flange 220 and / or the appliance 230 can receive an infrared absorber spray. In another example, the mounting flange 220 and / or the appliance 230 can receive a surface treatment so that the applied infrared absorber spray is evenly spread (e.g., does not bead).

[0121] Next, in block 306 , housing 200 is positioned on the dental appliance. In some examples, housing 200 and the dental appliance can be positioned relative to each other using fixture 240 and / or actuator 241 .

[0122] Next, in block 308, the housing 200 is attached to the aligner 230. In some examples, the laser 250 can generate heat to weld or otherwise attach the mounting flange 220 to the aligner 230. Any suitable methods and systems can be used to position the housing and the aligner and hold them in place during the attachment (e.g., welding) process, including those described above.

[0123] In any monitoring electronic unit (e.g., ECI) described herein, one or more of the sensors may include one or more components of a battery. For example, an end cap (e.g., an anode or cathode) of a battery may be used as a capacitive electrode (anode or cathode of a battery). This configuration can save space and can utilize a relatively large area of ​​an end cap of a battery that may be included as part of a monitoring electronic unit. Typically, the relatively small and compact size of the monitoring electronic unit described herein typically requires that the electrodes are relatively small. By using one of the battery end caps as one of the sensing electrodes (e.g., for capacitive sensing), the monitoring electronic unit can avoid the need for additional sensing electrodes.

[0124] Figure 3B An example of a method of forming a digital model of a dental appliance (or in some cases a series of related dental appliances) that includes a mounting surface for attaching a monitoring electronics unit is shown. Figure 3BIn the method, the method may optionally begin by accessing or receiving digital models of the dental appliance and the patient's dentition (step 350). In some cases, a single digital model may include both a digital model of the patient's dentition and a digital model of the dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance). The method may include finding or confirming (e.g., optimizing) the position of the mounting surface for the monitoring electronic unit by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and / or orientation of the presumed mounting surface relative to the patient's dental arch (step 352). Angle may refer to the angle of the plane of the mounting surface relative to the patient's dentition. Position may refer to where the mounting surface is positioned on the dental appliance (e.g., on which teeth and / or on which region of the teeth relative to the patient's dentition). Orientation may refer to a rotation in the plane of the mounting surface relative to the patient's dentition (e.g., rotational orientation). The method may begin with a previous starting point (e.g., position, angle, and orientation) set by a user or a preset value for each of the position, orientation, and angle (sub-step 354). One or more of the position, angle, and / or orientation of the presumed mounting surface relative to the patient's dental arch may then be adjusted (sub-step 356). The process may include confirming that no collisions (e.g., collisions between the presumed mounting surface and the opposing jaw, gums, and / or adjacent teeth) occurred through the adjustment (sub-step 358). Alternatively or additionally, the method or apparatus may check for collisions after iterations to determine the position, angle, and orientation; if a collision is detected, the process may be restarted with a different initial position 354.

[0125] The process can continue iteratively until a stopping condition is met (e.g., too many cycles, too long, too large bandwidth, etc.), or until each of the positions, angles, and orientations are within constraints relative to the patient's teeth (e.g., as specified by the disclosed system as acceptable) (sub-step 360). Once the final (or approximate) position is determined, a digital model of the dental appliance or a mold for manufacturing the dental appliance, including the mounting surface at the optimized position, can be output and sent to the dentist / orthodontist as a file export) (step 362). In some cases, the method can include manufacturing the dental appliance using the output digital model (step 364), such as by thermoforming, by direct manufacturing, etc.

[0126] As mentioned above, Figure 2D to Figure 2E2 Examples of ways to manufacture these dental appliances are shown, including forming mounting sites. As just discussed, in some examples, the mounting sites can be determined so that they do not interfere with the patient's treatment. For example, the location of the mounting site can be selected to avoid interaction with clinical features directly involved in dental treatment (such as accessories, MAF, precision incisions, etc.). In addition, the location can be selected to minimize the visibility of the monitoring electronics unit.

[0127] As described herein, a dental appliance can be modified to include a mounting surface for a monitoring electronic unit. Generally speaking, the modified dental appliance can retain the same clinical features (i.e., the modification can not affect the treatment mechanism of the dental appliance itself). However, the monitoring electronic unit improves the experience of the doctor and the patient for dental treatment, and can further improve the treatment results by providing data that can be used to provide feedback or adjust the treatment (e.g., in real time). In some examples, a dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance) can include an indicator that allows tracking the wearing time of the orthodontic appliance. The disclosed system can use this "wearing data" to determine that the patient is not wearing the dental appliance when the patient should wear the dental appliance (or the patient has not worn the dental appliance for a period of time exceeding a predetermined threshold). The system can send a notification to the patient to wear the dental appliance via an interface (e.g., on a computer, phone, wearable device) based on this determination. The dental appliance can be modified to meet the conditions of the current welding process and also comply with one or more design constraints. Design constraints can include determining the size to reduce the patient's discomfort near the gums, not interfering with clinical features such as attachments, minimizing visibility (e.g., by positioning the mounting surface along one or more posterior molars), etc.

[0128] Generally, the methods and apparatus described herein can determine the location of a mounting surface for a monitoring electronics unit (e.g., an ECI). The mounting surface can be flat, for example, can include a flat area of ​​a certain size defined by the size and / or shape of the monitoring electronics unit. In addition, as described in further detail below, the mounting surface on the dental appliance can be spaced or angled from the teeth / gums (e.g., for patient comfort and safety). In a digital model, in some embodiments, this spacing can be achieved by inserting a spacer (e.g., a "digital spacer"), which can be a digital element included to create a spacing between the dental appliance and the teeth / gums (e.g., reference Figure 2K , digital spacer 2036).

[0129] In some embodiments, the dental appliance can be manufactured by a thermoforming process, in which a mold is first made (e.g., by 3D printing or any other suitable means), and then a material is thermoformed over the mold. In such embodiments, the modified digital model can be a model of the mold to be used in such manufacturing. The modified digital model can be generated by generating a digital model of a mold for a dental appliance (e.g., a dental appliance such as an orthodontic appliance prescribed for a patient based on a treatment plan) in which the mounting surfaces are located at their determined locations (e.g., at Figure 3BThe modified digital model of the mold may include digital spacers, and the mold manufactured from the modified digital model may include physical spacers corresponding to the digital spacers. Thus, when a dental appliance (e.g., an orthodontic appliance) is thermoformed on the mold (which includes the physical spacers), the dental appliance will include spacers due to the presence of the physical spacers. The physical spacer may be formed as part of the mold, or it may be printed separately and subsequently attached to the mold in the appropriate position.

[0130] In other examples, dental appliances (e.g., braces) can be directly manufactured, for example, using a 3D printing process. The modified digital model can be a model of the dental appliance itself. A spacer (e.g., a digital spacer) can be optionally formed to help build the digital model of this modification as an intermediate step, but the digital spacer can be removed subsequently so that it is not in the modified digital model of the final output. Therefore, the modified digital model in these embodiments can directly correspond to the desired dental appliance, and can be directly manufactured (e.g., 3D printing) using the modified digital model. The resulting dental appliance may include a space corresponding to the position of the digital spacer. Although the digital spacer can facilitate the generation of the modified digital model, it is not necessary, particularly when the dental appliance is directly manufactured by the modified digital model (as opposed to an indirect method such as thermoforming). In some examples, the separate construction of the digital spacer is not required, and the initial model of the prescribed dental appliance can be simply and directly modified without creating a digital spacer. In some embodiments, the modified digital model can be sent to a manufacturing system (e.g., a 3D printing system) to directly manufacture a dental appliance with a mounting surface.

[0131] The mounting surface can be positioned on the buccal surface of the dental appliance. Mounting (e.g., welding) the monitoring electronic unit on the lingual portion may potentially significantly reduce patient comfort because the indicator protrudes above the appliance surface and may interfere with the patient's tongue. In addition, if the patient accidentally bites the indicator and destroys the appliance, it may be dangerous, and the patient may hurt himself or even swallow the indicator. Therefore, the buccal surface of the dental appliance can be considered as a safer option for indicator welding. When the dental appliance moves the teeth in the planned direction, the dental appliance may still have to fit the patient's teeth tightly. In order to meet this condition, the top surface of the mounting surface can be positioned as close to the tooth surface as possible. However, in some cases, the mounting surface can be positioned on the lingual surface, especially when the buccal surface is not an option (e.g., when doing so will interfere with accessories or treatment mechanisms). For example, the dental appliance can be a palatal expander having a buccal side extending only on a subset of molars, and one or more of these molars may have retaining attachments on the buccal side. Therefore, there may not be enough space to install the monitoring electronic unit on the buccal side. In this case, the mounting surface can be placed on the lingual side. More information regarding palatal expanders with retaining attachments may be found in U.S. Patent No. 11,273,011 (“Palatal expanders and methods of expanding a palate”), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0132] As described above, these methods of optimizing the position of the mounting surface may include iteration until the position, angle, and / or orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within the constraints relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition, and as long as the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the appliance. For example, Figure 2G The adjustment from the mounting surface 2041 to its buccal surface (i.e., Figure 2G An example of a distance 2033 of a tooth 2035 on the left side of the tooth 2035 in FIG. In some examples, the constraint range of the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth is between about 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm.

[0133] Figure 2HAn example of maintaining a safety gap between a mounting surface 2041 and the gums along a portion of the mounting surface 2041 is shown, and in some examples, the safety gap can extend over the gums. If the mounting surface is allowed to contact the gums, this may cause discomfort to the patient and, in some cases, may lead to health issues, particularly where the dental appliance is worn for an extended period of time (e.g., extended pressure or contact with soft tissue such as the gums may lead to impairment, tissue damage, and / or infection). In some examples, the dental appliance can be configured to include a safety gap 2042 between the dental appliance and the gums to prevent or reduce contact. Thus, the dental appliance can be configured such that the appliance maintains a distance from the mounting surface to the teeth, as well as a safety gap between the dental appliance and the gums. Similarly, Figure 2H An example of an area 2084 offset from the gum is shown; the mounting surface or an extension of the mounting surface (e.g., a buffer area) can maintain the minimum distance (e.g., a safety gap) from the gum. Because the mounting surface can be relatively flat, and the height of the gum and tooth surface below the mounting surface portion of the dental appliance can be variable, the inner surface of the dental appliance opposite the mounting surface can be spaced apart (through the above-described iterative process) so that the minimum distance between the gum and the inner surface of the dental appliance opposite the mounting surface is between the constraints of the safety gap (e.g., between about 1 mm and about 0.5 mm, between about 0.75 mm and about 0.5 mm, between about 1 mm and 0.4 mm, between about 0.8 mm and 0.4 mm, between about 1 mm and about 0.4 mm, etc.).

[0134] For example, to ensure comfort and safety, the safety gap may be at or greater than the minimum allowed distance. However, a further constraint is that the mounting surface may not extend too far from the gums, which may irritate adjacent tissues and may interfere with the fit of the dental appliance. Therefore, the safety gap must be within a predetermined safety gap range, in which the minimum and maximum allowed distances from the gums are predetermined. In some examples, the safety gap may be between about 1 mm and 0.5 mm. In some cases, the safety gap range may be uniquely determined for the patient based on, for example, a scan or photograph of the patient's oral cavity. In some embodiments, the actual gap of the patient is determined using an iterative process as described above, wherein the position, angle, and / or orientation of the mounting surfaces are adjusted until the gap between the mounting surfaces and the gap between the appliance and the gums are within a predetermined safety gap range from the gums along the portion of the dental appliance opposite the mounting surfaces.

[0135] Fig.2IConstraints on the vertical positioning of the mounting surface are shown. In some embodiments, the mounting surface position can be further optimized by identifying a position that minimizes extension over the gums (e.g., to minimize the possibility of discomfort from potential gum contact) while avoiding interference with the patient's bite. This can be accomplished by positioning the mounting surface as close to the occlusal surface as permitted. Permissibility in this context can be determined based on the risk of the installed monitoring electronics unit interfering with the patient's bite / closure. Otherwise, the monitoring electronics unit may break or become dislodged and / or the monitoring electronics unit may cause discomfort to the patient. Therefore, when configuring the mounting surface, the vertical positioning of the mounting surface can be constrained so that it does not exceed a predetermined distance from the tangent point of one or more teeth (e.g., the tangent point of the teeth on which the monitoring electronics unit will be mounted), or within an area that may interfere with teeth from the opposing jaw when the jaw is closed. In some embodiments, when positioning the mounting surface, a vertical safety distance 2034 can be imposed so that any point on the mounting surface (in Fig.2I In some examples, the vertical safety distance can be within an allowable range of about 1 mm. This vertical safety distance (e.g., the incisor gap) can allow the monitoring electronics unit to be positioned close to the occlusal surface (and away from the gums) while avoiding occlusal interference. The vertical safety distance can also enhance retention. For example, if increased retention is desired, increasing the vertical safety distance can allow the dental appliance to contact the upper buccal side of one or more teeth. Figure 2W As shown, the dental appliance 2040 contacts (arrow 2077) the buccal side (eg, Figure 2W As described above, the actual vertical distance between the upper edges of the mounting surfaces of the dental appliance for a particular patient can be determined by an iterative process that adjusts the position, angle, and / or orientation of the mounting surfaces until the upper edges of the mounting surfaces (measured from the lowest tangent point to the mounting surfaces) are between or within a predetermined permissible range of vertical safety distances.

[0136] In addition, these methods and devices can determine the horizontal position of the mounting surface relative to the buccal tooth surface of the tooth (i.e., the position along the dental arch) by identifying which tooth or group of teeth (including the area between two or more teeth) is optimal for mounting the monitoring electronic unit. The horizontal position of the mounting surface can be constrained so as not to collide with existing treatment features on the teeth or dental appliances. Such features can be obvious from the dental appliance, and / or the methods and devices described herein can review the patient's treatment plan (which can include a 3D model of the patient's teeth with any clinical features such as attachments) to prevent such collisions. In addition, the horizontal position can be selected to minimize visibility and / or maximize comfort. In some cases, the mounting surface can be preferentially positioned on the posterior molars. Figure 2J The steps in the process of determining the horizontal position are shown. Due to the manufacturing process, the allowable distance from the mounting surface to the treatment feature may be limited to a certain value. Figure 2J In the example of , there are two allowed areas S1 and S2 for positioning the new object on the buccal surface of the dental appliance. These areas can be determined as allowable at least in part because they do not have any clinical features (e.g., attachments, cutting lines, etc.) and are sufficiently spaced apart from the clinical features 2037, 2037', 2037". Although S2 provides a larger area for placement, S1 can be selected in this example because placing the unit on the molar (further back) may be less visible (e.g., to an external observer during normal wear). The mounting surface can be positioned so that it covers several teeth or a single tooth. As described above, the horizontal position of the mounting surface on the dental appliance can be determined by iteratively adjusting the horizontal position of the mounting surface so that the distance from the edge of the mounting surface to the treatment features 2037, 2037', 2037" (e.g., attachments, etc.) of the dental appliance remains sufficiently far (e.g., about 0.1 mm, about 0.2 mm, about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm or more, etc.).

[0137] Figure 2N to Figure 2P The constraints on the rotational orientation of the mounting surface (i.e., the orientation of the mounting surface relative to a plane passing through the occlusal surface 2085 of the tooth (or teeth) and thus the vertical orientation of the monitoring electronics unit when it is mounted) are shown. For example, in Figure 2N to Figure 2P In , the normal vector from the upper edge 2087 of the mounting surface 2045 can be constrained so as not to deviate beyond a predetermined range from the normal of the occlusal surface 2085 of the tooth (or teeth) adjacent to the mounting surface. The allowed rotational orientations in this example are given by Figure 2N The angular range 2045 shown in FIG. 2 is shown. Placing the mounting surface in a vertical orientation with a significant deviation (eg, Figure 2PAs shown, where the normal vector 2045" of the upper edge 2087 of the mounting surface extends beyond the predetermined constraint range from the normal to the occlusal plane of the tooth) may increase the probability of undesirable interaction between the mounted monitoring electronics unit and the teeth on the opposing jaw. Therefore, a rotational constraint (e.g., limiting the rotation of the mounting surface) can minimize the risk of the patient biting the monitoring electronics unit. In addition, this can minimize the area of ​​the mounting surface that may come into contact with the gums.

[0138] In some examples, the horizontal (rotational) orientation of the mounting surface (i.e., the orientation of the mounting surface parallel to the plane of the occlusal surface of one or more teeth adjacent to the mounting surface) may also be constrained. Figure 2Q to Figure 2S , which shows different horizontal orientations of the mounting surface. The horizontal orientation can be constrained to limit the deviation of the normal vector of the mounting surface relative to the normal vector of a plane in the buccal surface of one or more teeth along that plane. Large deviations may result, for example, in Figure 2S The non-optimized position of the mounting surface shown in . The angle of the mounting surface relative to the buccal plane of the tooth to be located thereon can be iteratively adjusted as described above so that the normal of the mounting surfaces 2055, 2055', 2055" is within a constrained range relative to the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition (e.g., the buccal plane of one or more teeth adjacent to the mounting surface). This constrained range of the angle between the normal of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition can be between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees (e.g., between + / -15 degrees, between + / -12.5 degrees, between + / -10 degrees, between + / -8 degrees, etc.).

[0139] Constraints can be defined as objectives and constraints for identifying the best possible position and orientation of the mounting surface for each situation (e.g., for a specific dental appliance for a patient, for a specific stage in a multi-stage dental treatment for a specific patient or a set of treatment stages, etc.). As described above, an acceptable range can be defined for each metric. Solving the optimization problem including all objectives and constraints can provide a fast and reliable way to position the platform on the patient's jaw in the treatment model. The method provides a technical solution to the technical problems raised by the need to position the monitoring electronics unit. In general, the optimization problem can be solved independently for each stage of the treatment plan.

[0140] However, in any one of these methods and apparatuses, additional constraints may be included to obtain a smoother trajectory of mounting surfaces between different dental appliances worn in sequence. In this case, the problem of a series of stages (appliances) to be worn in sequence may be solved.

[0141] like Figure 2T to Figure 2V and Figure 2W to Figure 2XAs shown, the appliance including the mounting surface can also be configured to provide sufficient space to avoid the gums and allow trimming of the appliance after manufacturing. For example, the dental appliance can be modified to allow trimming as part of manufacturing. The welding process can also include cutting the dental appliance with a small gap so that the area prepared for the indicator welding remains untrimmed.

[0142] like Figure 2K and Figure 2L As shown, a dental appliance 2040 (e.g., an orthodontic appliance) can have a safety gap between the gum surface and the area surrounding the mounting surface 2041 of the dental appliance 2040. In some cases, such as Figure 2K and Figure 2L As shown, a digital spacer 2036 can be included in a model of the patient's teeth against which the dental appliance can be formed (e.g., thermoformed). Generally, methods for designing and manufacturing these devices can avoid sharp corners on the edges of the appliance and can include smooth cutting (trimming) lines, particularly around the mounting surface as it may be very close to the patient's gums. The device can include an inner surface 2036 that maintains a safety clearance relative to the gums anywhere around the mounting surface. The distance from this surface to the gums can be no less than the required safety clearance to avoid interaction of the appliance with the gums, and the distance can be no more than safety too much, in which case it could interfere with the welding process of the indicator or injure the patient's cheek. In Figure 2L In the embodiment of the present invention, the distance 2043 between the edge of the dental appliance and the patient's gums can be configured to not exceed a predetermined threshold so that the edge of the dental appliance does not injure or excessively contact the patient's cheek.

[0143] In any of these examples and arrangements, a mounting surface formed on the dental appliance can be at least partially surrounded by a buffer region that can allow trimming of the dental appliance (e.g., laser trimming) and / or can prevent interference between the mounting surface and one or more structures of the oral cavity. Figure 2U As shown, the area around and extending from the mounting surface can be spaced apart from the surface of the gum, but can remain substantially parallel to the gum (maintaining a predetermined distance from the gum). The additional buffer area around the mounting surface can be kept relatively small and can be sized to maintain a safety gap around the mounting surface while allowing trimming along the cutting or trimming line. This Figure 2X Shown in.

[0144] For example, Figure 2U and Figure 2V A buffer region 2071 is shown that provides a gap between the mounting surface and the edge of the dental appliance that can be trimmed. Thus, the cutting or trimming line can be located on this buffer region at a distance from the mounting surface. Figure 2W and Figure 2X A modified cut (trim) line is shown cutting through the relief area around the mounting surface. sensor

[0145] The area of ​​a capacitive sensor can be related to sensor sensitivity. Thus, increased sensor area can increase sensor sensitivity. Methods and apparatus are described herein for increasing sensor sensitivity without substantially increasing (and in some cases reducing) the size of a device including the sensor described herein. For example, a portion of a battery (e.g., a battery end cap) can be used as part of a sensor to increase the sensor area. This FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D Shown in. Figure 4A An example of an ECI 400 is shown. The ECI 400 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 410 and a battery 420. The ECI 400 may also include one or more electronic circuits, components, or devices (on the PCB) to measure or sense environmental characteristics. For example, some electronic circuits, components, or devices may measure and / or record capacitance and / or temperature near the ECI 400. The battery 420 may power the electronic circuits, devices, and / or components. The battery 420 and the electronic circuits, components, or devices may be disposed or located on a first side 411 of the PCB 410. A second side 412 of the PCB may include a sensor.

[0146] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A The second side 412 of the PCB 410 of the ECI 400. The second side 412 may include one or more electrodes. As shown, the second side 412 may include a first electrode 413 and a second electrode 414. The surface area of ​​the first electrode 413 and the second electrode 414 may be partially limited by the size of the PCB 410. Figure 4C Shown with FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B 410 of PCB 410. For example, first connection 430 can couple first electrode 413 to one or more electronic circuits, and second connection 431 can couple second electrode 414 to one or more electronic circuits. In some examples, first connection 430 and second connection 431 can use one or more through-holes to connect to first electrode 413 and second electrode 414, respectively.

[0147] Figure 4D An example of a modified electrode for ECI 400 is shown, where the upper surface of the battery (e.g., the cathode) is used to form the electrode. In some examples, at least one surface of battery 420 may be used instead of, for example, Figure 4B One of the electrodes on the bottom of the ECI400 shown in, or in addition to Figure 4BAt least one surface of the battery 420 can be used in addition to one of the electrodes on the bottom of the ECI 400 shown in FIG. 4 . For example, the terminal (end cap) of the battery 420 can be used as a portion of the second electrode 414 '. Thus, the second connection portion can be coupled to the positive terminal of the battery 420. In some examples, instead of the positive terminal, the negative terminal of the battery 420 can be used. Therefore, in some examples, the battery 420 can be used as the second electrode. The larger surface area provided by the housing / terminals of the battery 420 can increase the sensitivity of the first electrode 413 and / or the second electrode 414. The battery 420 can advantageously provide additional sensor surface area without adding any additional bulky components. The electrode surface area provided by the battery can be comparable to the sum of the surface areas of the other components on the PCB 410.

[0148] Figure 4E and Figure 4F Use Figure 4D The configuration shown in FIG. 2 shows a graph of the temperature and capacitance sensed by the use of a Figure 4B The configuration shown in performs comparable or better measurements. Figure 4E In the , temperature measurements are comparable between the two configurations, while Figure 4F Shows the use of Figure 4D The configuration measures the capacitance. In general, Figure 4D The more compact but larger surface area configuration results in more robust capacitive sensing because the capacitance is measured over a larger sensing area, thereby increasing its sensitivity to detect objects approaching the top side of the device. Figure 4F The capacitance change is the result of a finger touching the top side of the battery on the device.

[0149] This configuration can allow the battery to form an electrode on one side of the PCB it covers, and the PCB can have another electrode or electrode pair built into it (e.g., on the bottom, such as Figure 4B ). The battery and electrode or one of the electrode pairs can then be used as one set for capacitive sensing and also as its original pair. This can create not only a sensor on the side of the PCB with the electrode pair, but also another touch sensor on the back of the device where the battery is located.

[0150] In some other examples, electrodes may be added to the housing 200 of Figure 2. For example, a metal or metallic element or coating may be applied to the housing 200 to operate as an additional electrode. Such a configuration may not add any bulky components and advantageously use surfaces that might otherwise be unused.

[0151] Figure 5is a block diagram of an example NFC system 500. NFC system 500 may include NFC device 510, NFC enhancer 520, and communication device 530. NFC device 510 may include a transceiver configured to wirelessly send and receive data using NFC signals. In some examples, NFC device 510 may include other circuits including sensing circuits and / or batteries. Example NFC device 510 may include any ECI device described herein, including but not limited to ECI device 110 of FIG. 1.

[0152] The communication device 530 may be any device capable of communicating via NFC signals. In some examples, the communication device 530 may include multiple wireless and / or wired transceivers. For example, in addition to the NFC transceiver, the communication device 530 may include a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or cellular wireless transceiver. Although shown as a smartphone, the communication device 530 may be implemented as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or any other feasible device.

[0153] The NFC enhancer 520 can enable reliable and robust NFC data transmission between the NFC device 510 and the communication device 530. In some examples, the NFC device 510 may include a first antenna 521 and a second antenna 522. The first antenna 521 may be optimized for NFC communication with the NFC device 510, and the second antenna 522 may be optimized for NFC communication with the communication device 530. In some examples, NFC communication may include an NFC signal having a frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz. For example, the size of the first antenna 521 may be optimized for NFC signal coupling with the NFC device 510. That is, the size of the first antenna 521 may be similar to the size of the NFC antenna in the NFC device. Similar antenna sizes can enable efficient NFC signal transmission. In a similar manner, the size of the second antenna 522 may be similar to the size of the NFC antenna in the communication device 530. The NFC enhancer 520 can enhance the wireless communication between the NFC device 510 and the communication device 530 by advantageously processing the NFC signal and amplifying the NFC signal in some cases. The following is combined with FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C An example NFC enhancer design is described.

[0154] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C An example NFC enhancer is shown. Fig. 6A An example NFC enhancer 610 is shown. NFC enhancer 610 can be a passive design (e.g., does not include a battery) including antenna 611 and matching circuit 612. Antenna 611 can include a first antenna and a second antenna (the first antenna and the second antenna are not shown). The first antenna in antenna 611 can transmit a signal to an NFC device (such as Figure 5NFC device 510) sends NFC signals and receives NFC signals from the NFC device, and the second antenna in antenna 611 can send NFC signals to a communication device (such as communication device 530) and receive NFC signals from the communication device. Antenna 611 may include two separate and independent multi-turn conductive coils to implement the first antenna and the second antenna. The first antenna and the second antenna may be concentric with each other. Matching circuit 612 can match or adjust the apparent antenna impedance mismatch between the first antenna and the second antenna. Some impedance mismatches may be caused by different NFC antenna sizes between the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0155] Figure 6B Another example NFC enhancer 620 is shown. NFC enhancer 620 can be a passive design, which includes a first antenna 621, a first matching circuit 622, a second antenna 623, and a second matching circuit 624. The first antenna 621 can be larger than the second antenna 623. In some examples, the first antenna 621 can send NFC signals to the communication device and receive NFC signals from the communication device. Therefore, the first antenna 621 can have a diameter similar to the NFC antenna in the communication device. In some examples, the first antenna can have a diameter of about five centimeters (cm). Similarly, the second antenna 623 can send NFC signals to the NFC device and receive NFC signals from the NFC device. Therefore, in some examples, the second antenna 623 can have a diameter of about one centimeter. The first matching circuit 622 and the second matching circuit 624 can match the impedance between the first antenna 621 and the second antenna 623.

[0156] Figure 6C Another example NFC enhancer 630 is shown. NFC enhancer 630 can be an active design (e.g., including a battery) including an antenna 631 and a matching circuit 632. Fig. 6A Antenna 611, antenna 631 may include a first antenna and a second antenna (each antenna is not shown). The first antenna and the second antenna may be concentric relative to each other. Similar to matching circuit 612, matching circuit 632 may match or adjust the apparent antenna impedance mismatch between the first antenna and the second antenna. Matching circuit 632 may include various electronic circuits or devices. For example, matching circuit 632 may include battery 640, power management unit 641, voltage regulator 642 and NFC integrated circuit 643.

[0157] Figure 7An example NFC system 700 is shown. The NFC system 700 may include a housing 710 and a communication device 720. The housing 710 may include a base 711 and a cover 712. The cover 712 may be removably connected to the base 711. The housing 710 may be used to store or hold an appliance with an attached NFC device. For example, the housing 710 may include an inner chamber to store FIG. 2A to FIG. 2F In some examples, the housing 710 may include an NFC enhancer, such as in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C In some examples, the cover of the housing 710 can be shaped to support (e.g., receive) the communication device 720. In some other examples, the housing 710 can be placed in contact with the screen of the communication device 720. For example, the housing 710 can be placed on the screen of the communication device 720.

[0158] In some examples, cover 712 of housing 710 may include an antenna to send and receive NFC signals to and from communication device 720. In some examples, cover 712 of housing 710 may also include an antenna to send and receive NFC signals to and from an NFC device.

[0159] In some examples, when the NFC device is placed in the inner cavity of the housing 710 and the communication device 720 is brought into proximity with the housing 710 , data may be automatically transferred between the NFC device and the communication device 720 .

[0160] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D An example antenna design 800 is shown that can be used with a housing. In some examples, the housing can be Figure 7 710 of the embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the housing may include a first antenna, a second antenna, and an NFC enhancer. Any antenna design described herein may be used and coupled to the NFC enhancer. The first antenna assembly 810 ( Fig. 8A ) may be placed on the inner periphery of the inner chamber of the housing. The first antenna assembly 810 may send NFC signals to the enclosed NFC device and receive NFC signals from the enclosed NFC device. The first antenna assembly 810 may include a multi-turn coil of conductive material that may effectively pass through substantially the entire inner periphery. The conductive material can be copper wire, conductive tape, polymer treated with conductive coating, conductive glue, etc.

[0161] The second antenna assembly 820 ( Figure 8B) may include multiple multi-turn coils of conductive material. In some examples, the size of one of the multi-turn coils may be comparable to the size of the NFC antenna of the NFC device. In some examples, the multi-turn coil closest to the NFC device may be selected to receive and send NFC signals. That is, a specific multi-turn coil may be selectively coupled to the NFC enhancer. Using a multi-turn coil that is closer to the antenna size of the NFC device and / or physically closer to the NFC device can advantageously improve NFC data transmission.

[0162] The third antenna assembly 830 ( Figure 8C ) can be attached to the cover or bottom of the housing. Similar to the first antenna assembly 810, the third antenna assembly can include a multi-turn coil of conductive material. In some examples, the third antenna can be positioned within the interior chamber above the possible location of the NFC device.

[0163] The fourth antenna assembly 840 ( Fig.8D ) may also be attached to the cover or bottom of the housing. Similar to the second antenna assembly 820, the fourth antenna assembly 840 may include multiple multi-turn coils of conductive material. In some examples, the multi-turn coil closest to the NFC device may be selected to receive NFC signals from the NFC device in the inner chamber and to send NFC signals to the NFC device in the inner chamber.

[0164] 9A to 9C An example of a multi-coil antenna design 900 is shown. Antenna design 900 can be used with any situation, such as Figure 7 710. Alternatively or additionally, antenna design 900 can be used with any NFC enhancer described herein. The first antenna design 910 may include two circular multi-turn coils concentric with each other. The second antenna design 920 may include three circular multi-turn coils concentric with each other. The third antenna design 930 may include two elliptical multi-turn coils concentric with each other. Any of these antenna designs 910-930 can be used with any NFC enhancer described herein. In some examples, any of the antenna designs 910-930 can be set or mounted on the cover or bottom of the housing.

[0165] Fig.10 Another example antenna assembly 1000 is shown. Antenna assembly 1000 can be used with any housing and / or any NFC enhancer described herein. Antenna assembly 1000 can include a first antenna 1010, a second antenna 1020, a third antenna 1030, a fourth antenna 1040, and a fifth antenna 1050. Although Fig.10 Only five antennas are shown in FIG. 1 , but in other examples, antenna assembly 1000 may include four or fewer antennas. In some other examples, antenna assembly 1000 may include six or more antennas.

[0166] The first antenna 1010 may include a multi-turn coil of conductive material. As shown, the first antenna 1010 may generally have a square shape with substantially rounded corners. In other examples, the first antenna 1010 may have any other feasible shape. The second antenna 1020, the third antenna 1030, the fourth antenna 1040, and the fifth antenna 1050 may each include a multi-turn coil of conductive material and have a circular shape. In other examples, the second antenna 1020, the third antenna 1030, the fourth antenna 1040, and the fifth antenna 1050 may have any other feasible shape. In some examples, an antenna may partially or completely overlap with one or more other antennas.

[0167] Each antenna in antenna assembly 1000 can be used alone or in combination with each other. Thus, two or more antennas can be coupled to an NFC enhancer at the same time and operate as a single antenna. In some examples, using a combination of two or more antennas can provide increased NFC performance, especially compared to using a single antenna. Any combination of antennas can be used. For example, first antenna 1010 can be used in combination with second antenna 1020. In another example, second antenna 1020 can be used in combination with fourth antenna 1040.

[0168] Fig.11 An example NFC booster system 1100 is shown. The NFC booster system 1100 may include a housing 1110, an antenna PCB 1120, and a ferrite sheet 1130. Other examples of NFC booster systems may include fewer components. For example, another NFC booster system may not include the ferrite sheet 1130. In other examples, the antenna PCB 1120 may be mounted within the housing 1110, rather than being disposed below the housing 1110. The housing 1110 may be Figure 7 An example of a housing 710 .

[0169] In some examples, antenna PCB 1120 can include any feasible NFC enhancer, including NFC enhancer 610, NFC enhancer 620, and / or NFC enhancer 630 of Figure 6. In some examples, ferrite sheet 1130 can shield antenna PCB 1120 from interference.

[0170] Shield 1115 may be attached or provided to the cover of housing 1110. Shield 1115 may be formed of any feasible conductive material, such as a conductive metal, a conductive foil, or a conductive coating. In some examples, shield 1115 may be formed with a conductive paint applied to the inner surface of the cover of housing 1110. Shield 1115 may increase / improve NFC performance between an NFC device and a communication device (not shown) within housing 1110. In some examples, shield 1115 may gather electromagnetic fields associated with NFC signals, return electromagnetic fields associated with NFC signals to the NFC device and / or antenna PCB 1120, or increase induced currents in any nearby circuits.

[0171] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B An example housing 1200 is shown. The housing 1200 may be Figure 7 Housing 710 or Fig.11 The housing 1200 may include a device or circuit for enhancing or improving NFC data transmission between an NFC device held within the housing 1200 and a communication device outside the housing 1200. For example, the housing 1200 may include any feasible NFC enhancer, including any NFC enhancer described herein.

[0172] In some examples, it may be desirable to control the position of an appliance placed in housing 1200, and thereby control the position of an attached NFC device. Thus, the position of the NFC device may be controlled relative to an antenna associated with any NFC enhancer circuitry of the device.

[0173] exist Fig. 12A In the embodiment of the present invention, the housing 1200 can include a dental appliance guide 1205 for facilitating placement of a monitoring electronics unit of a dental appliance (eg, an orthodontic appliance, a retainer, a palatal expander) in an optimal position to enhance or improve NFC data transmission. Fig. 12A The dental appliance guide shown in includes a physical restraint element with a protruding sidewall that adapts to the shape of the dental appliance to fix the position and / or orientation of the dental appliance when the dental appliance is placed in alignment with the dental appliance guide and thus with the attached NFC device within the housing 1200. Dental appliance guides 1205 may be added, removed, and / or modified to better accommodate the appliance. Although in Fig. 12ASpecific dental appliance guides are shown as examples, but the present disclosure contemplates that any suitable restraining element may be used. For example, the restraining element may be a depression in the bottom surface of the interior of the housing 1200 that accommodates the shape of the dental appliance to secure the dental appliance in a fixed position and / or orientation within the housing. As another example, the restraining element may be a plurality of tabs (e.g., tabs extending vertically from the bottom surface of the interior of the housing 1200) that secure the dental appliance in a fixed position and / or orientation within the housing. As another example, the restraining element may be a band or clamp that secures the dental appliance in a fixed position and / or orientation within the housing.

[0174] In some examples, the dental appliance guide is releasably connected to the housing 1200 such that the dental appliance guide is removable. In such examples, the dental appliance guide 1205 can be removed and replaced with a different dental appliance guide that may be more optimal. For example, a clinician or other user can replace the current dental appliance guide 1205 with another dental appliance guide to more reliably guide an inserted dental appliance relative to any antenna to communicate with the NFC device. Other example dental appliance guides ( Fig. 12B ) can include a first dental appliance guide 1210, a second dental appliance guide 1220, and a third dental appliance guide 1230. Although only three appliance guides are shown in this example, any number of feasible appliance guides are possible.

[0175] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C An example NFC system 1300 is shown. Fig.13A Some components of NFC system 1300 are shown. NFC system 1300 may include communication device 1310 and NFC enhancer 1320. Communication device 1310 may be any feasible device including at least NFC signal processing circuitry. Although depicted here as a mobile phone, communication device 1310 may be a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or other feasible device. NFC enhancer 1320 may be an example of NFC enhancers 610, 620, and 630 of FIG. 6.

[0176] The NFC enhancer 1320 may be implemented as a "clip" that is attached or slid on the communication device 1310. The NFC enhancer 1320 may include a first antenna 1321, a second antenna 1322, and a matching circuit (not shown). The first antenna 1321 may be disposed on a first end of the clip and positioned on a screen of the communication device 1310. The second antenna 1322 may be disposed on a second end of the clip and contact the back of the communication device 1310. The first antenna 1321 may send an NFC signal to an NFC device (such as an ECI device) and receive an NFC signal from an NFC device (such as an ECI device). The second antenna 1322 may send an NFC signal to the communication device 1310 and receive an NFC signal from the communication device 1310. In some examples, the communication device 1310 may guide the placement of the NFC enhancer 1320. For example, the communication device 1310 may include a display 1311 (e.g., a screen). The display 1311 may show a target or other alignment guide for positioning the NFC booster 1320 so that the second antenna 1322 is aligned with the NFC antenna of the communication device 1310 .

[0177] Fig. 13B Another view of NFC system 1300 is shown. NFC enhancer 1320 is shown mounted on (e.g., clipped around) communication device 1310. First antenna 1321 is on top of display 1311. Thus, a user can place an appliance including an ECI device on first antenna 1321 so that communication device 1310 can receive NFC data from the ECI device through NFC enhancer 1320.

[0178] Fig. 13C Another view of NFC system 1300 is shown. Display 1311 may show instructions, directions, or images to guide a user in placing an appliance and / or ECI device onto NFC enhancer 1320 (not shown).

[0179] Fig.14 Another example NFC system 1400 is shown. NFC system 1400 may include a communication device 1410 and a pad 1420. Communication device 1410 may be any feasible device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, etc. Pad 1420 may include an NFC enhancer (not shown), such as, but not limited to, NFC enhancers 610, 620, and 630 of FIG. 6 .

[0180] In some examples, the pad 1420 may include a first section 1421 and a second section 1422. The first section 1421 may include a first antenna (not shown) for sending and receiving NFC signals to and from the communication device 1410. In some examples, the communication device 1410 may be positioned above and adjacent to the first antenna within the pad 1420. The first section 1421 may also include a contactless (e.g., wireless) charging coil to transfer power to the communication device 1410.

[0181] Second section 1422 may include a second antenna (not shown) for sending and receiving NFC signals to and from an NFC device such as ECI device 1430. In some examples, pad 1420 may include markings or guides to help guide a user to place an NFC device on pad 1420. In this way, the NFC device may be placed close to the second antenna.

[0182] Fig.15 Another example NFC system 1500 is shown. NFC system 1500 may include a communication device 1510 and a housing 1520. Housing 1520, which may be an example of a mobile phone housing, may include an NFC enhancer (not shown), such as, but not limited to, NFC enhancers 610, 620, and 630 of FIG. 6. In some examples, an antenna (not shown) for sending and receiving NFC signals to and from communication device 1510 may be disposed within housing 1520, such as below communication device 1510. Thus, communication device 1510 may be positioned on or near the antenna on housing 1520.

[0183] The housing 1520 may include a flip cover 1521. The flip cover may include a second antenna (not shown) for sending NFC signals to and receiving NFC signals from an NFC device such as an ECI device. In some examples, the housing 1520 may include markings or guides to help guide a user to place an NFC device on the housing 1520. In this way, the NFC device may be placed close to the second antenna.

[0184] Fig.16 Another example NFC system 1600 is shown. NFC system 1600 may include a housing 1610. Housing 1610, which may be another example of a mobile phone housing, may include an NFC enhancer (not shown), such as, but not limited to, NFC enhancers 610, 620, and 630 of FIG. 6. For example, housing 1610 may include an antenna 1611 for sending NFC signals to and receiving NFC signals from a communication device 1510 disposed within housing 1610.

[0185] Fig.17 1700 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 1700 for providing NFC communication. Some examples may utilize additional operations, fewer operations, operations in a different order, operations in parallel, and operations differently to perform the operations described herein. Figure 5 The method 1700 is described with reference to the NFC system 500; however, the method 1700 may be performed by or using any other suitable system or device.

[0186] Method 1700 begins at block 1702 by positioning an NFC device near a first antenna of an NFC enhancer. For example, the NFC device can be positioned next to the first antenna 521 of the NFC enhancer 520. In some examples, the NFC enhancer can be included in a housing, a pad, a clip, or other feasible housing. Therefore, the NFC device can be positioned in or on a housing, a pad, a clip, etc. so as to position the NFC device near or on the first antenna. In some examples, the first antenna can be shaped or sized to enhance NFC data transmission to and from the NFC device.

[0187] Next, the communication device is positioned near the second antenna of the NFC enhancer in block 1704. For example, the communication device can be positioned on or near the second antenna 522 of the NFC enhancer 520. The communication device can be positioned within or on a housing, pad, clip, etc., so as to position the communication device near or on the second antenna.

[0188] Next, in block 1706, an NFC signal is sent through the NFC enhancer. In some examples, the NFC enhancer 520 may include one or more matching circuits to match the impedance associated with the first antenna 521 and the second antenna 522. In this manner, the one or more matching circuits may improve NFC data transmission between the NFC device and the communication device (e.g., reduce data errors, etc.).

[0189] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are considered to be part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein and can be used to achieve the benefits described herein.

[0190] The process parameters and step sequences described and / or illustrated herein are given as examples only and can be varied as desired. For example, although the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, the steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various example methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein, or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0191] When a feature or element is referred to as being "on" another feature or element in this article, it can be directly on another feature or element, or there can also be intermediate features and / or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly on" another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. It should also be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to another feature or element, or there can be intermediate features or elements. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there are no intermediate features or elements. Although described or shown with respect to an example, the features and elements described or shown in this way can be applied to other examples. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that a reference to a structure or feature that is "adjacent" to another feature can have a portion that overlaps with an adjacent feature or is located under an adjacent feature.

[0192] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of describing specific examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "one", "an" and "the" are intended to also include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of the features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items and can be abbreviated as " / ".

[0193] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "lower", "above", "on", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature as shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary term "below" can cover both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. Similarly, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are used herein for illustrative purposes only.

[0194] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms can be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first feature / element discussed below can be referred to as the second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed below can be referred to as the first feature / element.

[0195] Throughout the specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and examples such as "include" and "comprising" mean that various components can be used together in methods and articles of manufacture (e.g., compositions and apparatus including devices and methods). For example, the term "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

[0196] In general, any apparatus and method described herein should be understood to be inclusive, but all or a subset of components and / or steps may alternatively be exclusive and may be expressed as "consisting of various components, steps, sub-components or sub-steps" or alternatively "consisting essentially of various components, steps, sub-components or sub-steps."

[0197] As used herein in the specification and claims, including as used in the examples, and unless otherwise expressly stated, all numbers can be read as if beginning with the word "about" or "approximately", even if the term does not appear explicitly. When describing magnitude and / or position to indicate that the value and / or position described are within the reasonable expected range of the value and / or position, the phrase "about" or "approximately" can be used. For example, a numerical value can have a value of + / -0.1% of the value (or range of values), + / -1% of the value (or range of values), + / -2% of the value (or range of values), + / -5% of the value (or range of values), + / -10% of the value (or range of values), etc. Unless the context indicates otherwise, any numerical value given herein should also be understood to include about or approximately the value. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range described herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. It should also be understood that when a value is disclosed, "less than or equal to" the value, "greater than or equal to the value," and possible ranges between values ​​are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by those skilled in the art. For example, if a value "X" is disclosed, "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., where X is a numerical value) are also disclosed. It should also be understood that throughout the application, data is provided in a variety of different formats, and that the data represents endpoints and starting points, as well as ranges for any combination of data points. For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" are disclosed, it should be understood that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15, and between 10 and 15 are considered disclosed. It should also be understood that each unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0198] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example, in alternative embodiments, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may often be changed, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of the various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not included in other embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0199] The examples and descriptions included herein show specific embodiments in which the subject matter can be practiced by way of illustration and not limitation. As described above, other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom so that structural and logical replacements and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. These embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention", which is merely for convenience and is not intended to actively limit the scope of the present application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been shown and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of various embodiments. After reviewing the above description, the combination of the above embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for attaching a monitoring electronics unit to a dental appliance, the method comprising: manufacturing the dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance comprises a mounting surface at a mounting position determined by a mounting position optimization protocol; positioning a housing at least partially surrounding the monitoring electronics unit housing on the mounting surface; and The housing is welded to the mounting surface.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising determining the mounting surface at the mounting location by a mounting location optimization protocol, the mounting location optimization protocol comprising: The position of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is optimized by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within constraints relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the dental appliance. 3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising placing the monitoring electronics unit into a housing. The method of claim 1 , further comprising preparing a mounting surface of the housing.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The dental appliance comprises an orthodontic appliance.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The monitoring electronics unit includes an electronic compliance indicator (ECI).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Preparing the mounting surface includes applying an infrared absorber spray to the mounting surface of the housing.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising applying an infrared absorber spray to a mounting surface of the appliance.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Positioning the housing includes applying a clamping force to the housing.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Welding includes heating the shell and the aligner via a laser.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The laser is a yttrium aluminum garnet laser.

12. A method for attaching a monitoring electronics unit to a dental appliance, the method comprising: manufacturing the dental appliance, wherein the dental appliance includes a mounting surface at a mounting position determined by a mounting position optimization protocol, wherein the mounting position optimization protocol: optimizes the position of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance by iteratively adjusting one or more of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within constraints relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the appliance; placing the monitoring electronic unit into the housing; preparing a mounting surface of the housing; positioning a housing at least partially surrounding the monitoring electronics unit housing on the mounting surface; and The housing is welded to the mounting surface.

13. A method of setting a position of a mounting surface for a monitoring electronics unit on a dental appliance, the method comprising: The position of the mounting surface having a predetermined mounting area in the digital model of the dental appliance is optimized by: iteratively adjusting one or more of a position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to a digital model of the patient's dentition, the digital model of the patient's dentition corresponding to the digital model of the dental appliance until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within constraints relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the appliance; as well as A digital model of the dental appliance or a digital model of a mold for forming the dental appliance is output including the optimized position of the mounting surface.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Iteratively adjusting the position includes iteratively adjusting a distance from the mounting surface to a buccal surface of the tooth, further wherein a constraint range of the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth is between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Iteratively adjusting the position includes iteratively adjusting a distance from the mounting surface to a gingival surface, further wherein a constraint range of the distance from the mounting surface to the gingival surface is between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Iteratively adjusting the position includes iteratively adjusting a distance from an occlusal edge of the mounting surface to a buccal tip, further wherein a constraint range of the distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip is less than 1.0 mm.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Iteratively adjusting the position includes iteratively adjusting a distance from an edge of the mounting surface to a treatment feature of the appliance, further wherein a constraint range of the distance from an occlusal edge of the mounting surface to a buccal tip is 0.2 mm or greater.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Iteratively adjusting the position includes iteratively adjusting until the mounting surface does not collide with teeth on an opposing jaw or adjacent teeth.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Iteratively adjusting the orientation includes iteratively adjusting the orientation between the normal of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition, further wherein a constraint range of the orientation between the normal of the mounting surface and the normal of the jaw arch of the patient's dentition is between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Iteratively adjusting the angle includes iteratively adjusting the orientation between the normal of the occlusal edge of the mounting surface and the normal of the mandibular occlusal plane of the patient's dentition, further wherein a constraint range of the orientation between the normal of the occlusal edge of the mounting surface and the normal of the mandibular occlusal plane is between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees.

21. The method of claim 13, further comprising adding a gingival buffer area around at least a portion of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance, the digital model including an optimized position of the mounting surface.

22. The method of claim 13, further comprising manufacturing the dental appliance from a digital model of the dental appliance, the digital model including the optimized position of the mounting surface.

23. The method of claim 13, further comprising repeating the optimizing and outputting steps for each of a plurality of dental appliances in a series of dental appliances of the treatment plan.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: A change in position of the mounting surface between subsequent dental appliances in the series of dental appliances is constrained to smooth transitions of the mounting surface across the series of dental appliances.

25. A method of setting a position of a mounting surface for a monitoring electronics unit on a dental appliance, the method comprising: receiving a digital model of the dental appliance and a digital model of the patient's dentition; The position of the mounting surface having a predetermined mounting area in the digital model of the dental appliance is optimized by: starting from an initial position of the mounting surface, iteratively adjusting one or more of a position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface relative to a patient's dental arch corresponding to the digital model of the patient's dentition until each of the position, angle, and orientation of the mounting surface in the digital model of the dental appliance is within constraints relative to the digital model of the patient's dentition and the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth or treatment features of the appliance; outputting a digital model of the dental appliance or a digital model of a mold for forming the dental appliance including the optimized position of the mounting surface; as well as The dental appliance is manufactured from a digital model of the dental appliance including an optimized position of the mounting surface.

26. A dental appliance device, comprising: a body including a tooth receiving cavity configured to receive a tooth of a patient's dental arch, the body having a buccal side, a lingual side, and an occlusal side; a mounting surface including a planar outer surface, further wherein the mounting surface is positioned on a buccal side of the body such that when the dental appliance is worn by the patient, the planar outer surface has an angle and orientation within a constrained range relative to the patient's dentition; and A monitoring electronic unit is mounted on the mounting surface, and further, the mounting surface is configured so that the monitoring electronic unit mounted on the mounting surface does not collide with the patient's teeth when worn.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein: When the dental appliance is worn, the distance from the mounting surface to the buccal surface of the tooth is between 0.2 mm and 1.0 mm.

28. The device according to claim 26, wherein When the device is worn, the distance from the mounting surface to the patient's gum surface is between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm.

29. The device according to claim 26, wherein: The distance from the occlusal edge of the mounting surface to the buccal tip of the body is less than 1.0 mm.

30. The device according to claim 26, wherein: The distance from the edge of the mounting surface to the treatment feature of the appliance is 0.2 mm or greater.

31. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein: When the dental appliance is worn, the normal to the jaw arch of the patient's dentition deviates between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees from the normal to the mounting surface.

32. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein: The difference between a normal to the occlusal edge of the mounting surface and a normal to a jaw occlusal plane passing through the body is between -12.5 degrees and 12.5 degrees.

33. A near field communication (NFC) enhancer system comprising: a base configured to house a dental appliance in an interior chamber therein, wherein the dental appliance includes a monitoring electronics unit configured to communicate via a near field communication (NFC) signal; a cover connected to the base and configured to open to provide access to the interior chamber in the base, wherein the cover is configured to seat a smartphone thereon when closed; a first antenna configured to have a first impedance and configured to communicate with NFC signals, wherein the first antenna comprises a multi-turn coil having a diameter less than one centimeter (cm), the first antenna being configured to communicate with the monitoring electronics unit within the base; a second antenna located in the cover and configured to have a second impedance different from the first impedance, and the second antenna is configured to communicate with NFC signals, wherein the second antenna is configured to communicate with a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a combination thereof; and One or more matching circuits coupled to the first antenna and configured to match the impedance of the first antenna to the impedance of the antenna of the monitoring electronics unit, and coupled to the second antenna and configured to match the impedance of the second antenna to the impedance of the antenna of the mobile phone, the tablet computer, the laptop computer, or a combination thereof.

34. The NFC system according to claim 33, wherein: The first antenna includes two or more multi-turn coil antennas.

35. The NFC system according to claim 34, wherein: The two or more multi-turn coil antennas are simultaneously coupled to the matching circuit.

36. The NFC system according to claim 33, wherein: The first antenna includes a plurality of antennas, and wherein one of the plurality of antennas is selectively coupled to the matching circuit.

37. The NFC system according to claim 33, wherein: The second antenna includes a multi-turn coil having a diameter of 5 cm or more.

38. The housing of claim 33, wherein: The first antenna, the second antenna, and the one or more matching circuits are passive.

39. The NFC system according to claim 33, wherein: The one or more matching circuits include a battery, a power management unit, and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to the one or more matching circuits.

40. A housing, comprising: a base configured to house a dental appliance in an interior chamber therein, wherein the dental appliance includes a monitoring electronics unit configured to communicate via a near field communication (NFC) signal; a cover connected to the base and configured to open to provide access to the interior chamber in the base, wherein the cover is configured to seat a smartphone thereon when closed; and NFC enhancer, including: a first antenna located in the cover, the first antenna having a first impedance; a second antenna comprising a multi-turn coil having a diameter less than one centimeter (cm), the second antenna being configured to communicate with the monitoring electronics unit within the base; and one or more matching circuits coupled to the second antenna and configured to match the impedance of the second antenna to the impedance of the antenna of the monitoring electronics unit, and coupled to the first antenna and configured to match the impedance of the first antenna to the impedance of the antenna of the smartphone, wherein the first antenna and matching circuits are configured to receive data from the monitoring electronics unit retained within the inner chamber via an NFC signal and relay the data to the smartphone via NFC.

41. A method for coupling a dental appliance to a handheld treatment device via near field communication (NFC) communication, the method comprising: positioning the dental appliance, the dental appliance comprising a monitoring electronics unit having a first NFC antenna adjacent to a second NFC antenna of an NFC enhancer device, wherein the second NFC antenna comprises a multi-turn coil having a diameter of less than one centimeter (cm); positioning the handheld processing device such that a fourth NFC antenna of the handheld processing device is adjacent to a third NFC antenna of the booster device; and receiving data from the monitoring electronics unit using a first matching circuit coupled to the second NFC antenna; and The data is sent to the handheld processing device using a second matching circuit coupled to the third NFC antenna and the first matching circuit.

42. The method according to claim 41, wherein: The handheld processing device includes one or more of the following: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable device, or a combination thereof.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein: The second NFC antenna, the third NFC antenna, and the first and second matching circuits are passive NFC circuits.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein: The monitoring electronics unit is configured to monitor and record usage of the intra-oral device by the patient based at least in part on capacitance sensed by the monitoring electronics unit.

45. The method of claim 41, wherein: The monitoring electronics unit includes an electronic compliance indicator (ECI) configured to monitor and record a patient's use of an intraoral device based at least in part on a temperature sensed by the ECI.

46. ​​The method of claim 41, wherein: The first antenna includes a multi-turn coil having a diameter of one centimeter (cm) or less.

47. The method of claim 41, wherein: The second antenna includes two or more multi-turn coil antennas, and the two or more multi-turn coil antennas are simultaneously coupled to the NFC enhancer device.

48. The method of claim 41, wherein: The NFC enhancer device does not include a power source.

49. The method of claim 41, wherein: The NFC enhancer device includes a battery, a power management unit, and a voltage regulator configured to provide power to the NFC enhancer.

50. The method of claim 41, wherein: Positioning the dental appliance includes positioning the dental appliance within a housing such that the monitoring electronics unit remains in a predefined position.

51. A compact capacitive sensor for an intra-oral device, the sensor comprising: A first electrode is disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB); a battery having a first surface configured as an anode or a cathode, wherein the battery is coupled to the PCB; a second electrode comprising the first surface of the battery; and An electronic component is powered by the battery and is configured to determine at least one of a capacitance or a temperature sensed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

52. The sensor of claim 51, wherein: The electronics are configured to monitor and record use of the intraoral device by the patient based at least in part on the sensed capacitance.

53. The sensor of claim 51, wherein: The electronics are configured to monitor and record use of the intraoral device by the patient based at least in part on the sensed temperature.

54. The sensor of claim 51, wherein the second electrode is an electrode coated on a plastic housing.

55. The sensor of claim 51, wherein: One terminal of the battery is a positive battery terminal.

56. The sensor of claim 51, further comprising a third electrode disposed on the printed circuit board and connected in parallel with the second electrode.

57. The sensor of claim 56, wherein: The first electrode and the third electrode are located on one side of the PCB.

58. The sensor of claim 56, wherein: The first electrodes and the third electrodes are arranged alternately.

59. The sensor of claim 51, wherein: The second electrode has a surface area equivalent to the total surface area of ​​the electronic components.

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