Identification element for digitizing and identifying a human being or an animal and a method for producing such an identification element

Abstract

The invention relates to an identification element (100) for digitizing and / or identifying a human or an animal and a method for manufacturing an identification element (100). To enable immediate and very rapid, or even after a very long period of time, unambiguous identification of the human or animal without the need for invasive procedures, the identification element (100) is provided to have a front surface (200) with a machine-readable identification code (210) and a rear surface (300) opposite the front surface (200), wherein the rear surface (300) is designed such that it can be applied to a surface or partial surface of a predetermined tooth (500) of the human or animal by means of an adhesive (310), and wherein the material of the identification element (100) contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an identification element for digitizing and / or identifying a human or an animal and a method for producing such an identification element.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a set containing the identification element and a method for digitizing and / or identifying a human or an animal.

[0003] Previously possible methods for personal identification and verification are implemented via camera scanning of the face with the measurement of defined feature structures, as disclosed in DE 196 10 066 C1. Published patent application EP 0 981 801 A1 discloses a fingerprint sensor and the associated method. DE 692 32 314 T2 describes a biometric personal identification system based on iris analysis. The disadvantage of these identification methods is that they are limited to the person's lifetime.

[0004] After disfiguring accidents, such as burns, identifying the people involved is often not easy or takes a long time. At present, people are identified based on their teeth, if records of these still exist. This is done, for example, by comparing the tooth pattern with patient files or similar. It is a very long process and only possible in very few cases because there is no comparative data. So-called "dog tags" are also used in the military as a common means of personal identification in order to speed up the identification process. However, there are often cases where the "dog tags" are destroyed, missing, or are otherwise unavailable for identification purposes. The disadvantage of these "dog tags" is that they are not permanently linked to the person.

[0005] DE 103 15 921 A1 discloses a method for identifying dentures and / or denture parts, especially teeth. Permanent identification is achieved by a transponder, which is installed in the previously drilled tooth and is thus permanently connected to the denture or denture parts via an identification code. The identification code stored in the transponder can be retrieved for identification purposes using a special reader.

[0006] DE 41 25 870 A1 discloses a method for dental identification of humans and animals, wherein information data in the form of an active medium is applied to a tooth or inserted into a cavity created for the medium in the tooth. This medium is capable of transmitting its stored information, so that upon subsequent scanning, the information is output non-destructively. The data can be located in a cavity; for this purpose, the tooth is drilled open and subsequently covered with a clear material.

[0007] In the invention described in published patent application DE 28 11 177 A1, a human tooth is used as the identification carrier, and an information carrier made of metal, organic or inorganic polymers, glass, porcelain, or similar materials is used as the identification mark. This information carrier is glued into a hole drilled for this purpose in the tooth.

[0008] US Patent No. 4,512,744 A describes the technical teaching that a hole is drilled into the tooth to embed a "microdot made of plastic, paper, or a metal disc." This microdot can later be read by a special device.

[0009] Veneers are also known from the state of the art. These are usually shell-shaped solid materials that are applied as a veneer to previously ground teeth to restore the desired appearance to the tooth or row of teeth or to improve the appearance of discolored teeth.

[0010] These are thin ceramic shells that are attached to the labial surface of the tooth. Veneers are used to correct tooth color, position, and / or shape. A veneer is used to cover a tooth, particularly the labial side of a tooth in the visible area of ​​the mouth. Permanent veneers are custom-made, usually by a dental technician or using CAD / CAM equipment. Veneers can be made from various plastic, composite, or ceramic materials.

[0011] The published patent application DE 102 34 994 A1 describes a device for applying a veneer to a tooth, which is cured after being applied to the tooth.

[0012] The patent EP 2 926 760 B1 relates to a front tooth veneer.

[0013] German Patent Application DE 196 54 055 A1 describes a semi-finished product as a molded body for the production of dental prostheses, including veneers, by material removal. The molded body is composed of a base and a layer that at least partially covers this base. The base and the layer that covers it are made of differently pigmented dental materials to replace the external appearance of the natural tooth.

[0014] The procedures listed here are all invasive. A hole or cavity must be created in the tooth using dental instruments or drills to accommodate the information-carrying medium. This irreparably destroys healthy tooth structure. The information medium—transponder, metal disc, or similar—must then be sealed and protected with material. The information can then only be read or retrieved using special and therefore expensive equipment. These processes are lengthy and costly, and have not been applied in practice. Furthermore, this procedure must be actively performed by a trained person, a dentist. With the state of the art described above, teeth are damaged and subjected to invasive procedures. The weakening of tooth structure, which does not grow back and is thus irreparably damaged, should be avoided today.The procedures listed are only suitable for practical implementation to a limited extent and, due to the transformation that has been initiated, do not take into account today's realities of digitalization and networking.

[0015] The object of the present invention is therefore to digitize or digitally mark a person or an animal in such a way that unique identification is possible immediately and very quickly or even after a very long period of time. A code that contains specific data about the person or animal should be permanently linked to the person or animal without any intervention on the body or injuries to body parts, so that the code is not invasively linked to the person or animal. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a method that enables simple, time-saving and cost-effective production of an identification element. It is also the object of the invention to provide a set with the identification element so that the identification element can be permanently linked to the person or animal by trained persons.

[0016] This object is achieved with regard to the identification element of the type mentioned at the outset in that the identification element has a front surface with a machine-readable identification code and a rear surface opposite the front surface, wherein the rear surface is designed such that it can be attached to a surface or partial surface of a predetermined tooth of the human or animal by means of an adhesive and that the material of the identification element contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic.

[0017] With regard to the manufacturing method of the type mentioned at the outset, the problem is solved by molding a surface or a partial surface of a predetermined tooth of the human or animal, creating a machine-readable identification code from individual data of the human or animal, producing an element as a carrier for the machine-readable identification code from a material that contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic, with a front and a back surface, wherein the back surface corresponds to the molded surface or partial surface of the predetermined tooth, and by introducing the identification code into the front surface of the element or lasering the identification code into the element.

[0018] The fact that the identification element can be attached with its back surface to a surface or partial surface of a predetermined human or animal tooth using an adhesive provides the advantage that the identification element is positively connected to the previously selected or molded tooth. The adhesive creates a permanent connection between the tooth and the identification element, thus lasting even after death. The identification element is advantageously attached to a partial surface of the predetermined tooth. This results in only minimal alteration of the natural surface of the tooth and the associated disadvantages, such as impairments to phonetics, function, and aesthetics, since every tooth has a function in chewing, speaking, appearance, and sound production.Because the identification element has a front surface with a machine-readable identification code, the identification code is linked to the person or animal, enabling identification via the identification code. Advantageously, the identification code contains individual data about the person or animal that allows for identification of the person or animal once made accessible to an authorized body. The identification code can, for example, be the person's identification number, which enables a link to the person's electronic patient record.Because the identification code is machine-readable, it is possible to read the identification code in just a few seconds using an everyday device such as a cell phone or smartphone, i.e., using near-body technology. It can be forwarded and granted to an authorized person, for example, access to their electronic patient record. Advantageously, the identification element is passive and not active, so that no health impairments due to metal exposure, radiation, or similar occur. Because the material of the identification element contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic, the oral flora and saliva in the person's or animal's mouth, as well as the food consumed, cannot attack or decompose the identification element. This is particularly advantageous with high consumption of acidic foods and beverages. Thus, no harmful effects on health occur.The material of the identification element is preferably made entirely of ceramic because it is stable, highly break-resistant, durable, abrasion-resistant, colorfast, translucent, and highly aesthetic. Due to its high strength, even with granular food, no material is removed, which could render the code unreadable. Advantageously, a dental ceramic is used, for example, a dental-grade highly transparent zirconium dioxide (5Y-TZP) ceramic.

[0019] Advantageously, the back surface of the identification element is partially cup-shaped or flat. If the identification element is partially cup-shaped, the curvature increases the rigidity of the identification element. Furthermore, the back surface can form a positive fit with the curvature of the previously molded tooth.

[0020] Advantageously, the back surface of the identification element is concave, so that the identification element is attached to the labial or buccal surface or partial surface of the tooth. In another embodiment, the back surface can be convex, so that the identification element is attached inside the oral cavity to a lingual or oral surface or partial surface of the tooth. In a further embodiment of the invention, the back surface of the identification element can be flat, so that even straight partial surfaces of the tooth can be covered with the identification element.

[0021] The identification code is preferably laser-engraved into the front surface of the identification element in the form of a marking or internally engraved into the identification element. Advantageously, the laser is used either to engrave a long-lasting mark into the front surface of the identification element, or to engrave the code into the identification element as a hologram. Using the laser, it is possible to obtain a very precise and high-resolution marking, so that the area of ​​the marking or internal engraving is correspondingly small. If the marking is lasered into the front surface, it is abrasion-resistant and permanently bonded to the identification element.

[0022] The identification code is advantageously a digital 2D code, a color marking, or a barcode, whereby the identification code forms an inseparable unit with the identification element. The identification code contains, for example, the attributes of a person's first name, last name, place of birth, and date of birth, thus achieving globally unique identification. This information is translated into machine-readable data and encoded into the identification element. It is the digitization of humans and mammals. The data / attributes of the human / living being are digitized. This achieves and stores a transfer of information from an analog to a digital storage format, e.g., into a data matrix code. Thus, all data required for person or animal identification is available in digital form.The identification code can be read with a reader and forwarded to an authorized body for decryption, which then uniquely assigns the code to a person or animal.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the laser is a green laser, a CO2 laser, or an ultrashort pulse laser. Advantageously, the green laser is of the DPSS type and operates at 4 watts. This allows for short marking times.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the front surface has an additional ceramic layer for sealing the identification code, and the back surface is roughened to absorb the adhesive. The additional ceramic layer can be a glaze that is brushed or sprayed on and solidified by heat treatment. The glaze can be made of powder and liquid, come from a tube, or be sprayed on using a spray can. This additionally seals the identification code while still allowing it to be read. The back can be roughened by sandblasting, laser processing, or with an etching agent. Advantageously, the adhesive has a larger surface area, and the connection between the tooth and the identification element is even more stable without damaging the tooth enamel. Self-adhesive composites can also be used advantageously as an adhesive.Therefore, no pre-treatment of the tooth is necessary, only a cleaning of the tooth substance.

[0025] Because the material of the identification element has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1.4 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.3 mm, and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm, the element is so thin that it is not perceived as a foreign body in the mouth and is not unpleasant for the person or animal. Advantageously, the material of the identification element can also have a thickness of 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.1 mm, depending on the application.

[0026] In a practical embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the identification element are 20 mm x 20 mm, preferably 10 mm x 10 mm, and particularly preferably 3 mm x 3 mm. Advantageously, the dimensions can also be 4 mm x 4 mm, 5 mm x 5 mm, 6 mm x 6 mm, 7 mm x 7 mm, 8 mm x 8 mm, or 9 mm x 9 mm. In another embodiment, for example when the identification code is a barcode, the dimensions can also be rectangular rather than square. The identification element can have any desired geometric shape, for example circular or elliptical. Because the identification element is small compared to the predetermined tooth, the surface of the tooth is only slightly covered. This means that the functions that a tooth surface must fulfill are not impaired.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material of the identification element is at least partially tapered in peripheral regions toward the edges. This provides the advantage of a smooth transition from the identification element to the surface of the predetermined tooth, preventing food residue from accumulating, for example.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the area of ​​the identification code is at least 90% of the front surface of the identification element. Thus, the identification element and the identification code are of a similar size to each other, which is small relative to the predetermined tooth. Advantageously, the impairment of the function of the tooth surface is minimal.

[0029] Because the set includes one or more identification elements and an adhesive for application to the surface or partial surface of the designated tooth and to the roughened back surface of the identification element to permanently bond the identification element to the designated tooth, ordering and shipping are straightforward and can be used by a trained person, who should be trained in this area but does not need to be specifically trained in the medical field, to permanently bond the identification element to the tooth. Advantageously, the adhesive is a special, transparent adhesive, such as a dental adhesive or a high-temperature ceramic adhesive.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the set additionally comprises a tool for receiving the identification element and / or a thermoformed splint, which has a recess on its inner side facing the predetermined tooth in the use position, which corresponds to the front surface of the identification element, and a means for cleaning and / or disinfecting the predetermined tooth. Thus, the set contains all the means required by a trained person to easily attach the identification element to the tooth. Advantageously, the thermoformed splint has a negative mold of the human or animal's dentition or part of the dentition and is made of an elastic material, such as thermoset.Because the thermoformed splint is designed in such a way that it can be attached to the dentures or part of the dentures in a form-fitting manner, the identification element can be held on the predetermined tooth and the adhesive can dry out.

[0031] The invention further achieves the object by a method for producing an identification element for digitizing and / or identifying a human or an animal, by molding a surface or a partial surface of a predetermined tooth of the human or the animal, creating a machine-readable identification code from individual data of the human or the animal, producing an element as a carrier for the machine-readable identification code from a material that contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic, with a front and a back surface, wherein the back surface corresponds to the negative form of the surface or partial surface of the molded tooth and introducing the identification code into the front surface of the element or lasering the identification code into the element.

[0032] The impression is advantageously taken manually or digitally, meaning the surface or partial surface is either manually molded with a silicone mass or scanned. This impression allows any surface or partial surface of any tooth to be molded, whether labial, buccal, lingual, or oral.

[0033] Advantageously, by previously taking an impression of the surface or partial surface of the tooth to which the identification element is attached, the back surface of the identification element is created as a negative mold and a positive connection is made possible.

[0034] The invention further achieves the object by a method for digitizing and / or identifying a human or an animal, by molding a surface or a partial surface of a predetermined tooth of the human or animal, producing an identification element from a material that contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic with a front and a back surface, wherein the back surface corresponds to the negative form of the surface or partial surface of the molded tooth and is roughened, creating a machine-readable identification code from individual data of the human or animal, lasering the identification code in the form of a marking into the front surface of the identification element or in the form of an internal engraving into the identification element, applying an adhesive to the back surface of the identification element,cleaning the surface or partial surface of the predetermined tooth, adhering the back surface of the identification element to the cleaned surface or partial surface of the predetermined tooth, and reading and forwarding the machine-readable identification code with a contactless reader.

[0035] Further details, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the schematic drawings.

[0036] It shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an identification element according to the invention; Fig. 2 a plan view of the identification element; Fig. 3 a section through the identification element; Fig. 4 another sectional view; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a predetermined tooth with identification element; Fig. 6 a side view of a human dentition; Fig. 7 a side view of the teeth of an animal with identification element; Fig. 8 is a plan view of an identification element and the predetermined tooth; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of a set according to the invention; Fig. 10A, B, C the process for applying the identification element and Fig. 11 a schematic representation for reading data.

[0037] The identification element 100 according to the invention, as well as the manufacturing process, are characterized by a significant improvement. Forensics has always placed great importance on teeth as identification objects, and not only in the field of forensics, because they meet the following requirements: Durability: Paleontological studies have shown that teeth are the best-preserved elements of the entire skeleton after death. Fire resistance: Statistics show that teeth are little damaged after fire disasters. Thanks to improvements in dental health worldwide, many people are growing old with their own teeth. The human body, like that of any other living being, has no harder, more resilient, or more temperature-resistant material than tooth structure. With a Mohs hardness of 5, tooth structure surpasses even steel and iron. Tooth enamel is more compressive than reinforced concrete and only melts at 1600°C.For this reason, and because teeth are preserved well beyond a lifetime under normal conditions, they are suitable for attaching a similarly hard and virtually indestructible element containing ceramic, encoded with important, vital data. This identification code 210 can, if necessary, be retrieved and transmitted contactlessly using a reader 600, such as a modern smartphone, for identification purposes. Accident victims, shock victims, traffic victims, war victims, aircraft victims, flood disaster victims, earthquake victims, and long-lost people as well as animals could be identified this way.

[0038] Once microorganisms have broken down the bone, only the teeth remain to resist decay. Tooth enamel resembles ceramic and retains its appearance, even after 100 million years. It consists of 96 percent calcium phosphate, the mineral apatite, by weight. By combining the ceramic elements, which are provided with the identification code, an indestructible sandwich is created that remains as a permanent identification. Human tooth enamel is also primarily composed of the mineral calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite).

[0039] An identification element 100 designated as a whole is in Fig. 1 shown greatly enlarged. Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the identification element 100. The identification element 100 has a front surface 200 with an identification code 210 and a rear surface 300. The identification element 100 can be formed in a dish-shaped manner or flat. The dish shape provides additional stiffening and stability. In this exemplary embodiment, the identification element 100 is formed in a dish-shaped manner in some regions, and an identification code 210 is represented as a digital 2D code in the form of a QR code that is machine-readable. The identification element 100 has the dimensions l1 and l2 and a thickness d that is small in relation to the side lengths l1, l2. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness d of the identification element 100 runs uniformly along the dimension l1, l2. The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a square identification element 100, whereby the shape can be arbitrarily designed, including rectangular, polygonal, elliptical, or round. In a preferred embodiment, the area occupied by the identification code 210 is at least 90% of the front surface 200 of the identification element 100. The rear surface 300 can be roughened, so that the increased surface area allows the adhesive in the form of an adhesive or dental adhesive to be even better attached to a predetermined tooth of a human or animal, permanently forming a permanent, indetachable unit.

[0040] The Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a section AA through the identification element 100 of the Fig. 2. In Fig. 3 shows an embodiment in which the identification code 210 is lasered into the front surface 200. The front surface 200 can be sealed with a ceramic layer in the form of a glaze, so that the identification code 210 is additionally protected. Fig. 4, the identification code 210 is lasered into the identification element 100 in the form of an internal engraving. Using a laser, which can be a green laser or a CO2 laser, the identification code 210 is irretrievably incorporated and forms a single unit with the identification element 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the thickness d of the identification element 100 tapers toward the edge regions 110. This makes it feel smooth to the human or animal and not like a foreign body. Advantageously, it can be glued on without gaps or edges, preventing food residue from accumulating.

[0041] Laser marking the identification element 100 with the QR data matrix code and bonding it to the tooth takes only a few minutes. The identification element 100, which can be manufactured with tapered edges and is provided with the identification code 210, is very small in relation to the tooth. For example, the identification element 100 has dimensions of 3x3 mm, 4x4 mm, or 5x5 mm and thus covers only a fraction of the tooth. The laser marking, which according to the invention can be coated with ceramic glaze, is impervious to erosion, microorganisms, and other substances found in the mouth, is sterile, and resistant to acids and cleaning agents, as well as to abrasion. This identification element 100 is then bonded to the tooth structure, preferably using the non-prep method.The identification element 100 can be etched prior to bonding, and the tooth can also be etched to ensure a very strong bond between the ceramic and the tooth surface. The bond between the identification element 100 and the predefined tooth 500 can also be achieved, for example, using self-adhesive composites or self-adhesive universal bonding material (RelyX Unicem). Thus, pretreatment of dentin and enamel is not necessary; only cleaning the tooth structure with pumice powder is recommended.

[0042] The Fig. 5 to 7 show the identification element 100 on a predetermined tooth 500 of a human or animal dentition.

[0043] In the Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 depicts a lower tooth 500, on which the identification element 100 with the machine-readable identification code 210 is attached to the neck of the tooth as a partial surface 510 of a tooth, in particular a canine tooth. The neck of a lower incisor or canine tooth is preferably chosen as the partial surface 510, since this location is not directly visible when speaking or laughing. A bowl-shaped curvature of the identification element 100 enables a good adaptation of the back surface 300 to a surface or partial surface 510 of the predetermined tooth 500.

[0044] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, an upper and lower row of teeth of a human being is shown. On one of the lower front teeth 500, the identification element 100 with the machine-readable identification code 210 is attached with its back surface 300 to the partial surface 510 of the lower predetermined incisor 500. Because the identification element 100 is attached to the lower part of the tooth 500, it is not directly visible, yet the identification code 210 can be easily and quickly read and forwarded.

[0045] As in Fig. The example shown in Figure 7 shows an open mouth of an animal with upper and lower rows of teeth. Analogous to Fig. 6, the identification element 100 is mounted on a partial surface of the upper fang 500.

[0046] In the Fig. The exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 8 shows a plan view of the predetermined tooth 500 with the identification element 100. By way of example, a human upper front tooth is chosen as the predetermined tooth 500. In this view, the size ratios of the identification element 100 to the tooth 500 can be seen, since the identification element 100 is only applied to a small area of ​​the surface 510 of the tooth; advantageously, the identification element 100 is located on an area of ​​the tooth 500 near the gum. Likewise, the identification code 210 extends over at least 90% of the surface of the identification element 100. By using a laser, the identification code 210 can be lasered with high resolution over an area of, for example, 3x3 mm and covers only a minimal part of the tooth surface. Thus, the natural structure and appearance of the tooth 500 is largely preserved.

[0047] Fig. 9 schematically shows a set 400 that, in addition to the identification element 100, also includes further materials. These include an adhesive 310 for application to the back surface 300, a tool 410 for receiving the identification element 100, and / or a deep-drawn splint 420 manufactured according to the data of the predetermined tooth 500. Because the inside of the deep-drawn splint 420 has a recess that corresponds to the front surface 200 of the identification element 100, the identification element 100 can be easily attached to the corresponding tooth using the deep-drawn splint 420. Furthermore, the set includes an agent 430, in particular a cleaning agent and / or a disinfectant, for cleaning or disinfecting the predetermined tooth 500 before adhering the identification element. The agent 430 can, in particular, be a diluted acid or pumice stone.

[0048] If the animal's owner or a human has decided to link relevant data to the identification element 100 so that it can be read as quickly as possible in an emergency, this data is encrypted in the form of an identification code 210. For a human, this can be, for example, the personal identification number, which enables a link to their electronic patient record. The identification code can also contain, for example, the attributes of a person's first name, last name, place of birth, and date of birth, thereby achieving globally unique identification. This information is translated into machine-readable data and encoded. Advantageously, a conversion of analog information into a digital storage format, e.g., into a data matrix code, is achieved and stored.After the machine-readable identification code 210 has been created, it is lasered into the identification element 100, in the form of a ceramic shell or a ceramic plate. The identification element 100 is manufactured with such precision that it is permanently connected to a predetermined tooth 500 by a form-fitting fit. A tooth 500 is selected to which the identification element 100 is to be attached. The surface or a partial surface of this predetermined tooth 500 is then molded. The impression can be made digitally using a scanner or manually using a silicone mass. The identification element 100 consists of a material that contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic and is manufactured according to the specifications of the impression by pressing, molding, casting, printing, or milling out of a block. As shown in the schematic . Fig. 10a to 10c (human lower jaw with rows of teeth), this personalized identification element 100 or the ceramic shell / ceramic plate is attached to a surface 510 of the tooth 500, which is not directly visible but can be easily seen and read when the lip is held away. Thus, the human or animal is digitized, or the personal data is translated into machine-readable data, and the human or animal can be identified if necessary.

[0049] Method for digitizing humans and animals with teeth by creating a small, individual ceramic shell or ceramic plate as a carrier material for humans and mammals, which is produced manually, mechanically, or printed based on a template or data of the tooth surface of the future carrier and is then provided with a digitally created code, e.g., a data matrix, and glued onto the tooth substance using the non-prep method. If the identification element 100 is curved, its inner or rear surface 300 has exactly the negative shape of the tooth surface to which it is glued. The outer surface, i.e., the front surface 200, is used for digital information, identification, verification, and for granting access to data linked to the system. The identification element 100 can be provided with a seal that additionally protects the lasered identification code 210.This applies to living humans and mammals with tooth substance. The identification element 100 is preferably bonded to one of the lower canines, which are the longest teeth in the mouth and offer the advantage that when the lip is held back, the identification code 210 is clearly visible and can thus be read reliably and quickly.

[0050] For the purpose of digitization, a small ceramic plate or ceramic shell is produced as an identification element 100. This identification element 100 can be made of silicate ceramics, glass ceramics, feldspar ceramics, hybrid ceramics, nanohybrid composites, zirconium oxide materials, lithium disilicate ceramics, CAD / CAM glass ceramics, CAD / CAM feldspar ceramics, CAD / CAM hybrid ceramics, CAD / CAM composites, CAD / CAM nanohybrid composites, CAD / CAM zirconium oxide materials, and CAD / CAM lithium disilicate ceramics, CAD / CAM zirconium oxide materials, or a mixture thereof. The identification element 100 can also be manufactured using a 3D printer.

[0051] The identification element 100 is then non-invasively applied to a tooth of mammals and humans, forming an indissoluble unit. The identification element 100 is shaped to fit tightly against the tooth, has a thickness d between 0.2 and 1.4 mm, and the marked surface, i.e., the identification code 210, faces outward. The code can be lasered into the identification element in black or white and is recognized and read by a reader. The material of the identification element 100 can be zirconium dioxide. With a Mohs hardness of 7-9, it is very hard and has a melting point of 2,715 °C. The combination of these two virtually indestructible materials (tooth and identification element) is suitable for permanent identification. A high-temperature ceramic adhesive can advantageously be used as the adhesive 310.

[0052] Fig.Figure 11 shows how the identification code 210 is read using a reader 600 in the form of a smartphone. Because the identification element 100 is attached to the labial surface of the tooth 500, the identification code 210 is immediately recognizable when the lip is held away. Because QR codes are as widespread as smartphones, even people without rescue training, children, illiterate people, and people with disabilities such as deaf and mute people can scan the identification code 210, click on a link that opens, and forward the identification code 210 to a control center. This method for identifying a person or animal requires no special prior knowledge, there are no language barriers, and the reading of the identification code 210 is virtually error-free and very fast.Since minutes count in an emergency, the uncomplicated reading of a person's vital data using a QR code and smartphone is a simple and very quick way to request help.

[0053] The identification element 100 manufactured according to the invention and the resulting coding on the tooth will last for thousands of years. Even if humans and mammals have lost 90 percent of their mass through burning or decomposition, the coding on the identification element 100, firmly attached to the tooth 500, will still be readable. There are now approximately 3.8 billion smartphone owners, and there are few places in the world where there is no smartphone. The first person to arrive at an accident could scan the code attached to the tooth with their smartphone and forward it, thus sending the most important information about the injured person to the emergency services in a matter of seconds. In an emergency, doctors in the hospital or emergency service teams can immediately see which person they have found at the scene of the accident, what pre-existing conditions a patient has, and whether they are sensitive to certain medications.Thanks to the data matrix code, this rescue service would have immediate access to the electronic patient record with previously granted access authorization. The arriving rescue service would then have all the important information about the injured person in advance, saving time and saving lives. In plane crashes, war events, fire disasters, and earthquakes, even at temperatures of up to 900°C, the ceramic shell / ceramic plate and the hard tooth structure remain almost completely intact. The identification of people or mammals can be carried out contactlessly in seconds using simple reading devices, such as a smartphone. Networking and the increasing digitalization are making rescue missions more predictable; the right medication and the correct blood type can be brought along.In seconds, all important information would be in the ambulance and a glance at the patient's brief medical record would provide the emergency personnel with a lot of important information.

[0054] The electronic patient record (ePA), introduced in 2021 and expected to be available to 80 percent of statutory health insurance holders by 2025, makes it possible to transform analogue structures into fully digital offerings.

[0055] The ceramic shell with the data matrix code allows the wearer to access and view their personal health data directly and securely, for example, via their smartphone. Thus, a small ceramic shell with a code can contribute to digitalization, which is human-centered and results in more efficient processes and the targeted use of user-oriented technologies and applications.

[0056] Based on the previously described state of the art, a non-invasive method must be developed to digitize a tooth with a special ceramic shell that is adapted to the tooth and the human / animal data, and to convert this analog data into a digital storage form and laser it onto the ceramic shell.

[0057] Based on the previously described prior art, the object of the invention is to create a method using a very durable, fire-resistant and almost invisible carrier material to firmly bond an identification code to the tooth.

[0058] Based on the previously described prior art, the object of the invention is to create a method with which permanent identification as well as secure access to all patient-relevant data and / or data for identifying the person or mammal that has teeth can be recognized by a code.

[0059] Based on the previously described state of the art, a system or method should be provided to identify humans and mammals, regardless of their life situation or external circumstances. Based on the previously described state of the art, a system or method should be provided to assign an identification code to humans and mammals in a few steps without damaging their teeth.

[0060] Based on the previously described state of the art, a system or a possibility should be provided to give humans and mammals a code in a non-invasive and injury-free manner.

[0061] Furthermore, this identification should be possible by reading the code even after the human or animal has been almost completely destroyed and disfigured.

[0062] Furthermore, anyone with a smartphone, for example, should be able to identify this code on the tooth and transmit it. This would make it possible, for example, to quickly and easily identify an injured person on the spot and initiate life-saving measures if necessary. The identification code on the ceramic shell according to the invention would transmit all necessary information in seconds, thus giving rescuers access to important health information.

[0063] Furthermore, the code could be forwarded to a control center in seconds, which would then have access to the electronic short patient record (ePA) of the person concerned using the new personal identification number.

[0064] The invention is based on the idea that human and animal data is digitized and then converted into a code. This identification code is then permanently and non-invasively applied to the tooth or dentures. The identification code can then be retrieved, accessed, or forwarded using a reader, such as a smartphone, to identify the human or animal.

[0065] Teeth, within the meaning of this invention, are natural teeth of a living being or a human. A tooth, within the meaning of this invention, is a part of a natural set of teeth or a single tooth. Coding, within the meaning of this invention, is a marking that allows information such as an identification code to be applied to the tooth non-invasively and read using a reader, preferably and in particular contactless.

[0066] The code can be captured, for example, using a laser scanner or a modern smartphone, and the resulting data can be processed accordingly. This data capture can be used directly in the mouth and / or the dental material of the living being or person for identification and / or verification. The captured data can be processed, forwarded, or shared within milliseconds.

[0067] The identification code attached to a tooth or teeth can then be read contactlessly with the help of a reader if necessary, without having to remove the dentures and / or denture parts or teeth.

[0068] A preferred method according to the invention for applying the code to the ceramic shell without contact is the laser process. This can be used to apply, for example, a Data Matrix Code / QR Code or another code containing a large amount of data.

[0069] The ceramic shell is preferably placed on a tooth that is clearly visible when the lip is held back and can be easily scanned. The lower canines would be suitable for this.

[0070] But even if a person is unconscious, identification could be made quickly and unambiguously based on the information contained in the code. List of reference symbols 100 identification elements 110 Edge area 200 front surface 210 Identification code 300 back surface 310 Adhesive 400 sets 410 tools 420 deep-drawn rail 430 agents, cleaning agents, disinfectants 500 predetermined tooth 510 Surface or partial surface 600 reader d thickness l1, l2 dimensions QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 196 10 066 C1

[0003] EP 0 981 801 A1

[0003] DE 692 32 314 T2

[0003] DE 103 15 921 A1

[0005] DE 41 25 870 A1

[0006] DE 28 11 177 A1

[0007] US 4,512,744 A

[0008] DE 102 34 994 A1

[0011] EP 2 926 760 B1

[0012] DE 196 54 055 A1

[0013]

Claims

[1] Identification element (100) for digitizing and / or identifying a human or an animal, characterized by that the identification element (100) has a front surface (200) with a machine-readable identification code (210) and a back surface (300) opposite the front surface (200), wherein the back surface (300) is designed such that it can be attached to a surface or partial surface of a predetermined tooth (500) of the human or animal by means of an adhesive (310) and that the material of the identification element (100) contains ceramic or has an outer layer of ceramic. [2] Identification element (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the rear surface (300) of the identification element (100) is partially curved in a bowl-shaped manner or is flat. [3] Identification element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the identification code (210) is lasered into the front surface (200) in the form of a marking or into the identification element (100) in the form of an internal engraving. [4] Identification element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the identification code (210) is a digital 2D code, a color marking or a barcode, wherein the identification code (210) forms an inseparable unit with the identification element (100). [5] Identification element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the front surface (200) has a further ceramic layer for sealing the identification code (210) and the back surface (300) is roughened for receiving the adhesive (310). [6] Identification element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the material has a thickness (d) between 0.2 mm and 1.4 mm, preferably between 0.3 mm and 1.3 mm and particularly preferably between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm. [7] Identification element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dimension (I1, I2) of the identification element (100) is 20 mm × 20 mm, preferably 10 mm × 10 mm and particularly preferably 3 mm × 3 mm. [8] Identification element (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the material of the identification element (100) is at least partially tapered towards the edges in edge regions (110). [9] Set (400) comprising one or more identification elements (100) according to one of claims 1-8 and an adhesive (310) for application to the surface or partial surface (510) of the predetermined tooth (500) and to the roughened back surface (300) of the identification element (100) in order to permanently connect the identification element (100) to the predetermined tooth (500). [10] Set according to claim 9, additionally comprising: - a tool (410) for receiving the identification element (100) and / or a deep-drawn rail (420) which, in the position of use, has a recess on its inner side facing the predetermined tooth (500) which corresponds to the front surface (200) of the identification element (100) and - a means (430) for cleaning and / or disinfecting the predetermined tooth (500). [11] Method for producing an identification element (100) for digitizing and / or identifying a human or an animal, characterized by - molding a surface or a partial surface (510) of a predetermined tooth (500) of the human or animal; - creating a machine-readable identification code (210) from individual data of the human or animal; - producing an element as a carrier for the machine-readable identification code (210) from a material containing ceramic or having an outer layer of ceramic, with a front and a back surface (200, 300), wherein the back surface (300) corresponds to the molded surface or partial surface (510) of the predetermined tooth (500) and - Incorporating the identification code (210) into the front surface (200) of the element or lasering the identification code (210) into the element. [12] Method for producing an identification element (100) according to claim 11, characterized by that the rear surface (300) of the element is curved or flat in some areas. [13] Method for producing an identification element (100) according to claim 11, characterized by that the identification code (210) on the front surface (200) is sealed with a ceramic layer and the back surface (300) is roughened. [14] Method for producing an identification element (100) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that the area of ​​the identification code (210) is at least 90% of the front surface (200) of the identification element (100). [15] Method for digitizing and / or identifying a human being or an animal, characterized by - molding a surface or a partial surface (510) of a predetermined tooth (500) of the human or animal; - producing an identification element (100) from a material containing ceramic or having an outer layer of ceramic, with a front and a back surface (200, 300), wherein the back surface (300) corresponds to the negative shape of the surface or partial surface of the (510) molded tooth (500) and is roughened; - creating a machine-readable identification code (210) from individual data of the human or animal; - lasering the identification code (210) in the form of a marking into the front surface (200) of the identification element (100) or in the form of an internal engraving into the identification element (100); - applying an adhesive (310) to the back surface (300) of the identification element (100); - cleaning the surface or partial surface (510) of the predetermined tooth (500); - Adhering the back surface (300) of the identification element (100) to the cleaned surface or partial surface (510) of the predetermined tooth (500) and - Reading and forwarding the machine-readable identification code (210) with a contactless reader (600).

Images