Correcting deviations using manufacturing simulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly, the dental prosthesis assembly comprising a first component and a second component, the first component having a first connecting part with a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting part of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of dental technology. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly. The present invention further relates to a computer program product and a manufacturing system for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] In dental technology, there are several types of dental prosthetic assemblies, the components of which must be precisely fitted to one another. Such assemblies may, for example, have a superstructure (such as a dental crown) that must be fitted to a base, such as an abutment, in a precisely predefined manner. When manufacturing such assemblies, especially when rapid prototyping techniques are used, deviations may occur due to manufacturing inaccuracies. Such deviations may result, for example, in blocking of the superstructure when pressed into the base, in misalignment of the superstructure and the base, or insufficient fit due to insufficient support of the superstructure by the base. Such manufacturing inaccuracies are likely to occur, for example, when manufacturing the base as well as the superstructure. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a method, a manufacturing system, and a computer program product for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly.

[0004] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly, the dental prosthesis assembly comprising a first and a second component, the first component having a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components.

[0005] The method comprises providing a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and providing a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template. A manufacturing of a first physical copy of the first component is simulated using the first template based on the first simulation results. A manufacturing of a second physical copy of the second component is simulated using the second template based on the second simulation results. When replacing the first and second templates by the first and second simulation results to establish a mechanical connection, a deviation of the mechanical connection that deviates from one or more fit criteria is determined. The determined deviation of the mechanical connection is corrected to satisfy the one or more deviated fit criteria. The correction comprises at least one of the following steps: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model by the modified first 3D digital model as the first template and replacing the second 3D digital model by the modified second 3D digital model as the second template. The first physical copy of the first component is manufactured using the first template and the second physical copy of the second component is manufactured using the second template.

[0006] Such an example would have the beneficial effect of using a manufacturing simulation analysis of the physical copies for correction decisions to ensure a correct mechanical connection between the two manufactured physical copies. By using a simulation of both physical copies, the effects of manufacturing inaccuracies of both physical copies can be taken into account, in particular their interdependence. For example, the manufacturing uncertainties of the two physical copies may exacerbate each other or may compensate each other. Thus, by using simulation results for both physical copies, the effects of both physical copies on the mechanical connection that depends on both physical copies can be evaluated. Based on such evaluation, deviations that deviate from the conformity criteria can be corrected.

[0007] Depending on the deviation (e.g., depending on the magnitude, shape, and / or location of the deviation), the first and / or second templates may be modified to correct the deviation determined to deviate from the fit criteria. If one modification template is provided, the physical copies manufactured with each template may be modified with the modification template. If two retouching templates are used, the two retouching templates may be used to retouch both manufactured physical copies.

[0008] Providing the first and second 3D digital models may comprise generating a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and generating a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template.

[0009] Computer-aided design (CAD) may be used to generate, modify, analyze, and / or optimize a digital 3D model of a dental prosthetic assembly. The digital 3D model may define the geometry of an object, for example the surfaces of such a 3D object. Furthermore, in manufacturing a physical copy of a digital 3D model defined using CAD, computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) may be used to control manufacturing equipment (e.g., machining equipment and / or 3D printing equipment) to manufacture a physical copy defined by the digital 3D model used as a template.

[0010] For example, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities may be used to correct the determined deviations in the mechanical connections. The AI ​​capabilities may, for example, comprise trained machine learning models. Such trained machine learning may be provided to correct the deviations in the mechanical connections. The correction may comprise modifying one or more templates used to simulate the manufacture of the physical copy.

[0011] The trained machine learning model may be configured to make predictions regarding one or more templates used in the simulated manufacturing of the physical copy such that one or more deviation fit criteria are met.

[0012] Results of the simulated production of the physical copy as well as the templates used in the simulated production of the physical copy may be provided as inputs to the trained machine learning model. In response to providing the inputs, predictions of one or more modified templates to be used in the production of the physical copies may be received as outputs from the trained machine learning model. Such outputs (i.e., one or more modified templates) may be used in the production of each physical copy.

[0013] The untrained machine learning model may be trained to provide a trained machine learning model to correct the deviation of the mechanical connection. Training the untrained machine learning model may include providing each untrained machine learning model. A training data set may be provided having a plurality of training data sets. Each training data set may have a training input and a training output. Each training input may have a result of a simulation of the production of the physical copy and a template used in the simulation of the production of the physical copy. Each training output may have a modification of one or more templates provided in the input. The untrained machine learning is trained using the training data to provide a training output as a corrected prediction in response to receiving the training input of each training data set, thereby creating a trained model. The trained machine learning may then be provided to make a prediction of a modified template for producing a second physical copy as described herein.

[0014] The term "machine learning" (ML) refers to computer algorithms used to extract useful information from a set of training data by building probabilistic models (called machine learning models or predictive models) in an automated way. Machine learning algorithms build mathematical models based on sample data, known as "training data," to make predictions or decisions without running an explicit program to perform the task. Machine learning may be performed using learning algorithms such as supervised learning or unsupervised learning. Machine learning may be based on various techniques such as clustering, classification, linear regression, reinforcement, self-learning, support vector machines, neural networks, etc. Machine learning models may be data structures or programs such as neural networks, particularly convolutional neural networks, support vector machines, decision trees, Bayesian networks, etc. Machine learning models may be adapted to predict modifications of one or more templates for components of a dental prosthetic assembly to be manufactured from unmeasured values, such as other known values ​​(e.g., simulation results and templates used in the simulation). In one example, the machine learning is a deep learning model.

[0015] For example, an artificial intelligence (AI) function may further be used to determine deviations of the mechanical connection from one or more fitness criteria. The AI ​​function may, for example, comprise trained machine learning. Such a trained machine learning model may be provided to determine deviations of the mechanical connection from one or more fitness criteria.

[0016] The trained machine learning may be configured to make predictions of deviations that deviate from one or more fitness criteria. Results of a simulation may be provided as input to the trained machine learning model. A prediction of deviations that deviate from one or more fitness criteria may be received as an output from the trained machine learning model in response to providing the input. Such an output, i.e., a determination of deviations that deviate from one or more fitness criteria, may be used to modify the template to correct deviations determined based on the simulation.

[0017] The untrained machine learning may be trained to provide a trained machine learning model for determining deviations that deviate from the fit criteria. Training the untrained machine learning model may include providing each untrained machine learning model. A training data set may be provided having a plurality of training data sets. Each training data set may have a training input and a training output. Each training input may have a simulation result of manufacturing a physical copy. Each training output may have a determination of deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from the fit criteria. The untrained machine learning is trained using the training data to provide a training output as a prediction of deviations from the fit criteria in response to receiving the training input of each training data set, thereby creating a trained model. The trained machine learning may then be provided to predict deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from the fit criteria as described herein.

[0018] Thus, the machine learning model may be adapted to determine values ​​(e.g., deviations that deviate from a fitness criterion) from other known values ​​(e.g., simulation results). In one example, the machine learning model is a deep learning model.

[0019] For example, in response to receiving (as input) simulation results and templates used in the simulation, determining one or more deviations that deviate from one or more fitness criteria may be performed by the machine learning model when predicting as output modifications of one or more templates.

[0020] Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities may further be used, for example, to simulate the production of a physical copy. The AI ​​capabilities may, for example, comprise trained machine learning. Such trained machine learning models may be provided to determine deviations of mechanical connections that deviate from one or more compatibility criteria.

[0021] The trained machine learning model may be configured to perform a prediction of a simulation result of the manufacture of a physical copy (i.e., a prediction of an outcome of the manufacture of a physical copy). A template provided for the manufacture of a physical copy may be provided as an input to the trained machine learning model. In response to providing the input, a prediction of a simulation result of the manufacture of a physical copy may be received as an output from the trained machine learning model. Such an output (i.e., a simulation result) may be used to determine deviations of the mechanical connections that deviate from one or more fitness criteria.

[0022] The untrained machine learning model may be trained to provide a trained machine learning model to provide a simulation result of the manufacturing of the second physical copy. Training the untrained machine learning model to provide a training model may include providing each untrained machine learning model. A training data set may be provided having a plurality of training data sets. Each training data set may have a training input and a training output. Each training input may have a template for manufacturing the physical copy. Each training output may have a result of the manufacturing of the second physical copy using the template provided as an input. The untrained machine learning is trained using the training data to provide a training output as a prediction of the manufacturing result (i.e., as a simulation of the manufacturing of the physical copy). The trained machine learning model may then be provided to make a prediction of a simulation result as described herein.

[0023] Thus, the machine learning model may be adapted to determine values ​​(e.g., simulation results) from other known values ​​(e.g., templates). In one example, the machine learning model is a deep learning model.

[0024] For example, in response to receiving a template as input, a machine learning model may perform a simulation of the production of a physical copy and determine one or more deviations that deviate from two or more fitness criteria when predicting one or more template modifications as output.

[0025] For example, the first and second physical copies are manufactured by means of a machining process. The simulation of the manufacturing comprises the simulation of the machining path of a machining tool in the blank to be machined. Such an example would have the beneficial effect that the machining of the blank and therefore the physical copies resulting from the machining process can be simulated. Based on such a simulation, for example, deviations due to manufacturing inaccuracies can be predicted. The predicted deviations may be used to (if necessary) modify the template for the manufacturing of the physical copies in order to ensure a correct mechanical connection between the components to be manufactured.

[0026] For example, the machining simulation may be a machining device specific simulation. For example, different simulation parameters may be provided for different machining devices. Thus, the machining device specific simulation may be performed taking into account the individual characteristics of the machining devices used to manufacture the component whose manufacturing is being simulated. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that accurate and realistic simulation results may be provided for a variety of machining devices.

[0027] For example, a simulation may be performed with various available machining equipment, and the machining equipment for which the least and / or smallest deviations are determined to be for manufacturing the components of the dental prosthetic assembly may be selected.

[0028] For example, the manufacturing simulation may be a machining material and / or blank specific simulation. For example, different simulation parameters may be provided for different machining materials. Thus, the machining material specific simulation may be performed taking into account the individual characteristics of the machining material and / or blank used to manufacture the component whose manufacturing is being simulated. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that accurate and realistic simulation results may be provided for different machining materials and / or blanks.

[0029] For example, the manufacturing simulation may be a machining tool specific simulation. The machining tools may have different machining features, for example of different sizes. For example, different simulation parameters may be provided for different machining tools. Thus, the machining tool specific simulation may be performed taking into account the individual characteristics of the machining tools used to manufacture the component whose manufacturing is being simulated. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that accurate and realistic simulation results may be provided for different machining tools.

[0030] For example, the first and second physical copies are manufactured using 3D printing. The simulation of the manufacturing comprises simulating a printing path of a printing material applied by a printing device. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that the printing and the resulting physical copies are simulated. Based on such a simulation, for example, deviations due to manufacturing inaccuracies can be predicted. The predicted deviations may be used to modify (if necessary) a template for the manufacturing of the physical copies to ensure a precise mechanical connection between the manufactured components.

[0031] For example, the manufacturing simulation may be a printing device-specific simulation. For example, different simulation parameters may be provided for different printing devices. Thus, the printing device-specific simulation may be performed taking into account the individual characteristics of the printing device used to manufacture the component being simulated for manufacturing. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that accurate and realistic simulation results may be provided for different printing devices.

[0032] For example, the simulation may be performed with various available printing devices, and the printing device for which the least and / or smallest deviations are determined may be selected for manufacturing the components of the dental prosthetic assembly.

[0033] For example, the manufacturing simulation may be a print material specific simulation. For example, different simulation parameters may be provided for different print materials. Thus, the print material specific simulation may be performed taking into account the individual characteristics of the print material used to manufacture the component whose manufacturing is being simulated. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that accurate and realistic simulation results may be provided for different print materials.

[0034] For example, the manufacturing simulation may be a print tool specific simulation. The print tools may have, for example, different print nozzles with different diameters. For example, different simulation parameters may be provided for different print tools. Thus, a print tool specific simulation may be performed taking into account the individual characteristics of the print tools used to manufacture the components whose manufacturing is simulated. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that accurate and realistic simulation results may be provided for different print tools.

[0035] For example, the mechanical connection, when established, defines a relative position of the second component with respect to the first component, and the compatibility criterion has a first maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative position.

[0036] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that by modifying the second and / or first template, the relative position between the two components of the dental prosthesis assembly is adjusted such that any deviation of the relative position is within a predefined range. The relative position between the two components may, for example, define at least one position (particularly the visible position) of the components in the patient's mouth when placing the dental prosthesis assembly. For example, in the case of an abutment and a crown, the relative position between the abutment and the crown may define the position of the abutment and the crown in the patient's mouth with the implant on which the abutment is placed as a reference point.

[0037] For example, the mechanical connection, when established, defines a relative orientation of the second component with respect to the first component, and the compatibility criterion has a second maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative orientation.

[0038] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that by modifying the second and / or first template, the relative orientation between the two components of the dental prosthesis assembly is adjusted such that any deviation in the relative orientation is within a predefined range. The relative orientation between the two components may, for example, define at least one orientation (particularly the visible orientation) of the components in the patient's mouth when placing the dental prosthesis assembly. For example, in the case of an abutment and a crown, the relative orientation between the abutment and the crown may define, as a reference point and / or orientation, the orientation of the abutment and the crown in the patient's mouth with the implant on which the abutment is placed.

[0039] For example, the determination of the deflection of the mechanical connection is limited to selected sections of the mechanical connection having one or more of the following: one or more selected first sections of the first connection portion and one or more selected second sections of the second connection portion.

[0040] Such an example would have the beneficial effect of considering only selected sections of the mechanical connection for the analysis, and therefore correction, of the deflection. Thus, depending on the section selected, the analysis can, for example, be performed more quickly and be best focused on the section that affects the mechanical connection, e.g., the relative position and / or orientation of the connected components. For example, when inserting a projection into a reception, the top section of the projection is not as relevant as the side of the projection that faces the interior surface of the reception and / or the edges that extend around the bottom of the projection and define the insertion depth of the projection inside the reception.

[0041] For example, the selected one or more first sections cover the entire first connection portion, which may have the beneficial effect that the entire first connection portion is taken into account when determining deviations that deviate from the fitness criterion.

[0042] For example, the selected one or more first sections may cover one or more sub-portions of the first connection portion and one or more sub-portions of the first connection portion may remain uncovered, which may have the beneficial effect that only a portion of the first connection portion is taken into account when determining deviations that deviate from the fitness criteria.

[0043] For example, the selected one or more second sections cover the entire second connection part, which may have the beneficial effect that the entire second connection part is taken into account when determining deviations that deviate from the fitness criterion.

[0044] For example, the selected one or more second sections may cover one or more sub-portions of the second connection part, and one or more sub-portions of the second connection part may remain uncovered. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that only a portion of the first connection part is taken into account when determining deviations that deviate from the fitness criteria.

[0045] The selected first and second sections are selected in pairs, the first and second sections of each pair having first and second surfaces facing each other. Such an example would have the beneficial effect that the relative influence, e.g. relative position and / or relative orientation, of two component surfaces facing each other is taken into account when determining the deviations that deviate from the fit criterion. For example, only sections of surfaces facing each other can be taken into account.

[0046] For example, image pattern recognition may be used to select the first and second sections. The image pattern recognition may be one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that by using image pattern recognition, a particular surface and / or section of the simulation result may be identified. Thus, a surface of the first simulation result that faces a surface of the simulation result may be determined.

[0047] For example, the mechanical connection, when established, defines a clearance between the first and second connecting parts. The fit criterion comprises a minimum value for the clearance. Such an example may have the beneficial effect of ensuring a sufficiently large clearance, at least in selected sections of the connecting parts. The sufficient clearance ensures that the first component fits into the first component. The sufficient clearance further ensures that sufficient space is provided for an adhesive (such as dental cement) to be inserted within the clearance. Such an adhesive can be used to provide a bond between the components.

[0048] The mechanical connection may be, for example, a connection that is non-destructively removable from the first component of the dental prosthesis assembly. Even if an adhesive is used to establish the mechanical connection, the second component may be removable from the first component of the dental prosthesis assembly using suitable means.

[0049] For example, the deviation of the mechanical connection relative to the clearance is determined between a selected first and second section of the template. Such an example would have the beneficial effect that only the clearance between the selected sections is taken into account. In sections that are less critical or where there is less possibility of error, the minimum size of the clearance may not be taken into account as a fitting criterion.

[0050] For example, the fit criteria may further include a maximum value for the clearance, which may have the beneficial effect of ensuring that the clearance is not too large, which would result in a loose fit of the first component on the second component (i.e., insufficient support of the first component by the second component).

[0051] For example, the fitness criterion defines a first maximum for deviation of the first simulation result from the first template.The method may further comprise determining deviations of the first simulation result from the first template that deviate from the first maximum defined by the fitness criterion.

[0052] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that it is ascertained that the first physical copy manufactured according to the simulation only contains deviations from the first template within a predefined range (i.e. up to a first maximum value), and thus the manufactured first physical copy can be ascertained by comparing the first scan result with the first template, and in case of deviations exceeding a predefined threshold (i.e. a first maximum value), the first template is modified to correct such deviations.

[0053] For example, the determination of deviations that deviate from the first maximum value may be limited to one or more selected third sections of the first template.

[0054] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that only for the relevant sections of the first template (i.e. the one or more selected fourth sections) it would be checked whether the deviation of the simulation results is within a predetermined range.

[0055] For example, image pattern recognition is used to select the third section, the image pattern recognition being one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

[0056] Such an example may have the beneficial effect that by using image pattern recognition, particular surfaces and / or sections of the first simulation result may be identified and therefore relevant surfaces defined by the first simulation may be identified.

[0057] For example, one or more third sections are selected from one or more of the first sections. Such an example may have the beneficial effect of considering only mechanical connection sections in determining the deviation of the first simulation result from the first template. Thus, the selected third sections can be determined to be sections related to the mechanical connections.

[0058] For example, the fitness criterion defines a second maximum for the deviation of the second simulation result from the second template.The method may comprise determining a deviation for the second simulation result from the second template that deviates from the second maximum defined by the fitness criterion.

[0059] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that it is verified that the second physical copy manufactured according to the simulation only contains deviations from the second template within a predefined range (i.e. up to a second maximum value), and thus the manufactured second physical copy can be verified by comparing the second scan result with the second template, and in case of deviations exceeding a predefined threshold (i.e. a second maximum value), the second template is modified to correct such deviations.

[0060] For example, the determination of deviations that deviate from the second maximum value may be limited to one or more selected fourth sections of the second template.

[0061] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that only for the relevant sections of the second template (i.e. the one or more selected fourth sections) it is checked whether the deviation of the simulation result is within a predetermined range.

[0062] For example, image pattern recognition is used to select the fourth section, where the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

[0063] Such an example may have the beneficial effect that by using image pattern recognition, particular surfaces and / or sections of the second simulation result may be identified and therefore relevant surfaces defined by the second simulation may be identified.

[0064] For example, one or more fourth sections are selected from one or more of the second sections. Such an example may have the beneficial effect of considering only mechanical connection sections in determining the deviation of the second simulation result from the second template. Thus, the selected fourth sections can be determined to be sections related to the mechanical connections.

[0065] For example, one or more of the matching criteria may be location dependent.

[0066] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that the type and / or size of the compatibility criteria are location dependent. At certain locations of the first and / or second components, for example, large deviations may be tolerated, while at other locations even small deviations may have a large effect on the mechanical connection between the first and second physical copies. Thus, at some locations, stricter thresholds for deviations may be applied than at other locations. At different locations, different types of compatibility criteria may be applied. At some locations, for example, minimum and maximum thresholds may be applied, and at other locations, for example, only minimum or maximum thresholds may be applied.

[0067] For example, the first and second connecting portions may have one or more of a raised portion, a notch, a lip, an edge, and a hole in the first and second connecting portions.

[0068] The projections and / or receptions may have or be defined by structures including ridges, notches, edges, edges, and / or holes, which may be used, for example, to control the relative position and / or relative orientation between the first and second physical copies.

[0069] Determining the deviation includes registering the first and second simulation results to first and second templates.

[0070] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that by registering the simulation results to the template used to manufacture the first physical copy, each template can be replaced, in whole or at least in part, by the simulation results to determine the effect of manufacturing inaccuracies on the mechanical connections defined by the simulation results.

[0071] Image pattern recognition is used to register the first and second simulation results to the first and second templates, the image pattern recognition being one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition, etc. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that by using image pattern recognition, corresponding surfaces and / or sections of the simulation results and the templates may be identified.

[0072] The registration of the first simulation result to the first template may be ICP registration (i.e., registration that minimizes the difference between two point clouds using an iterative closest point algorithm). For example, the registration of the second simulation result to the second template may be ICP registration.

[0073] As an alternative to ICP, the synchronization of coordinate systems may be achieved by tracking and tracing the individual process steps and algorithms with respect to the coordinate axes and coordinate centers. By reverting the individual coordinate system changes, the final simulation is automatically placed in the original CAD coordinate system, allowing comparison of the simulation results with the template. This process may be repeated until a suitable design is achieved. For example, coordinate system changes occurring during a manufacturing simulation of a first physical copy of a first component may be recorded. The recorded coordinate system changes may be reverted for the resulting first simulation results. Thus, the first simulation results are placed in the original CAD coordinate system. For example, coordinate system changes occurring during a manufacturing simulation of a second physical copy of a second component may be recorded. The recorded coordinate system changes may be reverted for the resulting second simulation results. Thus, the second simulation results are placed in the original CAD coordinate system.

[0074] The first and second simulation results are directly registered to the first and second templates. Such an example may have the beneficial effect that corresponding surfaces and / or sections of the simulation results and the templates can be identified and, based thereon, direct registration can be performed.

[0075] For example, the first and second simulation results are indirectly registered to the first and second templates, the indirect registration comprising defining a location of the templates in a third 3D digital model of at least a portion of the patient's dentition, and the simulation results are placed in the third 3D digital model at a predefined location in the third 3D digital model.

[0076] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that an additional model can be used as a reference for positioning the simulation results.By positioning the simulation results at the positions defined for the template, an indirect registration can be performed.

[0077] For example, the first and second templates have markers, the first and second simulation results have markers, and the markers are used to register the simulation results to the templates.

[0078] Such an example would have the beneficial effect that the use of markers simplifies registration, e.g. no image pattern recognition is required at all or only image pattern recognition limited to the markers is required.

[0079] For example, artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities may further be used for enrolment, in particular image pattern recognition based enrolment. The AI ​​capabilities may for example comprise a trained machine learning model. Such a trained machine learning model may be provided for enrolling a digital image or model. The digital image or model may for example be a 2D or 3D digital image or model.

[0080] The trained machine learning model may be configured to predict the registration of a first digital image or model to a second digital image or model. The first digital image or model may be provided as an input to the trained machine learning model. In response to providing the input, a prediction of the registration of the first digital image or model to the second digital image or model may be received as an output from the trained machine learning model. Such output (i.e., the registration of the first digital image or model to the second digital image or model) may be used in the manufacture of a dental prosthetic assembly as described herein.

[0081] The untrained machine learning model may be trained to provide a trained machine learning model for registration of the first digital image or model to the second digital image or model. Training the untrained machine learning model to provide a training model may include providing each untrained machine learning model. A training data set may be provided having a plurality of training data sets. Each training data set may include a first and a second digital image or model. Each training input may include a definition of registration of the first digital image or model to the second digital image or model. The untrained machine learning is trained using the training data to provide a training output as a prediction of registration of the first digital image or model to the second digital image or model in response to receiving the training input of each training data set, thereby creating a trained model. The trained machine learning model may then be provided to make a prediction of registration as described herein.

[0082] Thus, the machine learning model may be configured to determine a value (e.g., registration of a first digital image or model to a second digital image or model) from other known values ​​(e.g., a first and a second digital image or model). In one example, the machine learning model is a deep learning model.

[0083] For example, the second component is an abutment and the first component is one of the following: a crown, a bridge abutment, a removable partial denture abutment. Thus, a dental prosthetic assembly may have a crown, a bridge, or a removable partial denture configured to be secured using an abutment.

[0084] For example, the second component is a bar and the first component is one of the following: a bar denture, a portion of a bar denture. Thus, the dental prosthetic assembly may have a bar denture or a portion of a bar denture configured to be secured using a bar.

[0085] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a computer program product for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly. The dental prosthesis assembly includes a first and a second component. The first component includes a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components. The computer program product includes a computer readable storage medium having embedded program instructions.

[0086] The program instructions are executable by a processor of a computer device of the manufacturing system to cause the computer device to control the manufacturing system to provide a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and to provide a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template. A manufacturing of a first physical copy of the first component is simulated using the first template to obtain a first simulation result. A manufacturing of a second physical copy of the second component is simulated using the second template to obtain a second simulation result. A deviation of the mechanical connection that deviates from one or more fit criteria is determined when replacing the first and second templates by the first and second simulation results to establish a mechanical connection. The determined deviation of the mechanical connection is corrected to satisfy the one or more deviating fit criteria. The correction comprises at least one of the following steps: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model by the modified first 3D digital model as the first template and replacing the second 3D digital model by the modified second 3D digital model as the second template. The first physical copy of the first component is manufactured using the first template and the second physical copy of the second component is manufactured using the second template.

[0087] The computer readable program instructions of the computer program product may be configured to perform any of the above-mentioned examples of a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly.

[0088] Providing the first and second 3D digital models may comprise generating a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and generating a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template.

[0089] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a manufacturing system for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly. The dental prosthesis assembly includes a first and a second component. The first component includes a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components. The manufacturing system includes a computer device and one or more manufacturing devices. The computer device includes a processor and a memory for storing instructions executable by the processor.

[0090] Execution of the program instructions by the processor causes the computer device to control the manufacturing system using the manufacturing device to provide a first physical copy of the first component as a first template and a second physical copy of the second component as the first template. The manufacturing of the first physical copy of the first component is simulated using the first template to obtain a first simulation result. The manufacturing of the second physical copy of the second component is simulated using the second template to obtain a second simulation result. A deviation of the mechanical connection that deviates from one or more fit criteria is determined when replacing the first and second templates by the first and second simulation results to establish the mechanical connection. The determined deviation of the mechanical connection is corrected to satisfy the one or more deviating fit criteria. The correction comprises at least one of the following steps: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model by the modified first 3D digital model as the first template and replacing the second 3D digital model by the modified second 3D digital model as the second template. The first physical copy of the first component is manufactured using the first template and the second physical copy of the second component is manufactured using the second template.

[0091] The manufacturing system may be configured to perform any of the above-described examples of the method for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly.

[0092] Providing the first and second 3D digital models may comprise generating a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and generating a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template.

[0093] For example, the manufacturing device may include one or more of the following: a machining device, a 3D printing device. The machining device may be configured to remove material from a blank by machining using one or more machining tools. The 3D printing device may be configured to print the physical copy layer by layer.

[0094] The above-described examples and embodiments can be freely combined unless they are mutually exclusive.

[0095] In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0096] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary abutment manufactured by machining. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary abutment manufactured by machining. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary abutment manufactured by machining. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary dental prosthesis assembly having an abutment and a crown. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary dental prosthesis assembly configured to be placed on an implant using a screw. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary computer system for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary computer system for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary system for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0097] In the following description, similar features are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly. The dental prosthesis assembly to be manufactured has at least two components, namely a first and a second component. The first component has a first connecting part with a reception and the second component has a second connecting part with a protrusion. The first and second connecting parts are configured to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components. The mechanical connection is established by the reception receiving the protrusion. For example, the first component may be a crown that is placed on a second component in the form of an abutment. The mechanical connection may thus be established between the crown and the abutment by inserting the protrusion of the abutment into the reception provided by the crown.

[0099] An exemplary method for manufacturing such a dental prosthetic assembly may comprise block 200 providing templates for the components to be manufactured. Providing the templates may comprise a step of generating each template. A first 3D digital model of the first component may be generated as a first template and a second 3D digital model of the second component may be generated as a second template. The 3D digital models may be generated from scratch or a predefined model adjusted for the intraoral conditions of an individual patient may be provided. For example, the abutments may be provided by an abutment library providing different abutments for different artificial teeth provided in crown form to be placed on the abutments. For example, the crowns may be selected from a tooth library providing artificial teeth.

[0100] For example, a 3D digital model of the patient's intraoral structure may be provided. For example, a 3D digital model of the patient's dentition may be provided. The 3D digital model of the patient's intraoral structure may be generated using scan data. The scan data may be a direct and / or indirect scan of the soft and / or hard tissues of the patient's oral cavity. The direct scan may be an intraoral scan of the patient's mouth, i.e. a scan of the soft and / or hard tissues of the patient's oral cavity. The indirect scan may be a scan of an impression of the soft and / or hard tissues of the patient's oral cavity or a physical model (e.g. a plaster cast model) generated using such an impression. The 3D digital models of the first and second components of the dental prosthetic assembly may be generated to meet the requirements of the patient. For example, in the case of an abutment and a crown, an implant is planned to be inserted in one of the patient's jawbones. To plan the position of the implant, additional scan data may be provided that provide information about the internal structure of the patient's jawbone, for example scan data obtained using an X-ray scanner and / or a tomography scanner, such as a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner. A desired design for the artificial teeth to be inserted into the patient's dentition may be defined, and the abutments and crowns may be adjusted to mimic the desired design.

[0101] In block 202, the manufacturing of physical copies of components of the dental prosthetic assembly is simulated using the templates provided in block 200. For example, the manufacturing of a first physical copy of a first component is simulated using the first template. For example, the manufacturing of a second physical copy of a second component is simulated using the second template. For such simulation, data describing a manufacturing process performed by one or more manufacturing devices may be provided. The data describing the manufacturing process may be machine specific data defining a manufacturing process performed by a particular device. The data describing the manufacturing process may be setting specific data defining a manufacturing process performed by a manufacturing device in a particular setting. The setting may, for example, describe one or more control parameters used to control the respective manufacturing device. The data describing the manufacturing process may be blank and / or material specific data defining a manufacturing process performed by the manufacturing device with a particular blank and / or material for the manufacture of the respective physical model. The manufacturing device may, for example, be a machining device and the simulated manufacturing may be simulated machining of a digital 3D model of the blank. The simulation may comprise a step of simulating a machining path of a machining tool used by the machining device in the blank to be machined. The manufacturing device may be, for example, a 3D printing device and the simulated manufacturing may be simulated 3D printing. The simulation may include simulating a print path of a printing material applied by the 3D printing device.

[0102] In block 204, when the template used for the simulation is replaced by the simulation result, the result of the simulation in block 202 is used to determine deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more fitting criteria. The simulation result that establishes (i.e. simulates) the mechanical connection between the components of the denture prosthesis assembly defined by the simulation result is examined in block 204. If no deviations that deviate from the fitting criteria are determined, the process proceeds to block 210. In block 210, physical copies of both components of the dental prosthesis assembly are manufactured using the templates provided in block 200. A first physical copy of the first component is manufactured using the first template, and a second physical copy of the second component is manufactured using the second template. The components may be manufactured using the CAM method in which the simulation is performed. The CAM method may, for example, comprise machining and / or 3D printing. In the case of a dental prosthesis assembly with an abutment and a crown, for example, the abutment is manufactured using a 3D digital model of the abutment as a template, and the crown is manufactured using a 3D digital model of the crown as a template. Both components may be manufactured using the same manufacturing method, or both components may be manufactured using different manufacturing methods.

[0103] If one or more deviations are determined that deviate from the fit criteria, the process proceeds to block 206, where the determined deviations of the mechanical connection are corrected such that the one or more deviating fit criteria are met. The correction may include modifying one or more templates used to simulate the manufacturing of the first physical copy and / or the second physical copy. For example, both templates may be modified.

[0104] For example, the mechanical connection may define a relative position of the second component with respect to the first component when the mechanical connection is established. The compatibility criteria may have a first maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative position. Thus, if the deviation of the second component from its position with respect to the first component exceeds the first maximum value, the relative position of the second component with respect to the first component is adjusted when the mechanical connection is established, and the morphology of the first and / or second physical copies may be adjusted such that all remaining deviations are equal to or less than the first maximum value.

[0105] For example, the mechanical connection, when established, defines a relative orientation of the second component with respect to the first component. The compatibility criteria may have a second maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative orientation. Thus, if the deviation of the second component from the orientation with respect to the first component exceeds the second maximum value, the relative orientation of the second component with respect to the first component is adjusted when the mechanical connection is established, and the morphology of the first and / or second physical copies may be adjusted such that all remaining deviations are equal to or less than the second maximum value.

[0106] The determination of the deflection of the mechanical connection may be limited to selected sections of the mechanical connection, for example, a first and a second section may be selected in pairs, the first and second sections of each pair having opposing first and second surfaces, and the deflection may thus be analyzed with respect to, for example, the opposing first and second surfaces.

[0107] For example, the mechanical connection, when established, defines a clearance between the first and second connecting portions. The clearance is necessary, for example, to insert an adhesive between two components of a dental prosthetic assembly to bond the two components. The fitting criteria may require a minimum value of the clearance to ensure a sufficient minimum dimension of the clearance. The deviation of the mechanical connection relative to the clearance may be determined, for example, between selected first and second sections of the template.

[0108] For example, the compatibility criteria may further include a maximum value for the clearance so that the clearance is not allowed to become too large.

[0109] For example, not only deviations of the mechanical connections that deviate from a matching criterion are determined. In addition, one or more matching criteria may be defined for the manufactured first and / or second physical copies themselves. Thus, for example, deviations of the manufactured first physical copy from the template used to manufacture the first physical copy (deviations of such matching criterion) may be determined. For example, deviations of the manufactured second physical copy from the template used to manufacture the second physical copy (deviations of such matching criterion) may be determined. Such matching criteria may, for example, have a maximum value for deviations of the manufactured first physical copy from the first template and / or a maximum value for deviations of the manufactured second physical copy from the second template.

[0110] For example, the fitness criteria may be location dependent, and thus different fitness criteria may be defined at different locations of the first and / or second components, in particular different thresholds may be defined by the fitness criteria at different locations.

[0111] The simulated first and second physical copies may then be checked for conformance, and if the conformance is insufficient, i.e. if manufacturing inaccuracies cause a deviation of the first and / or second physical copies, by themselves or in combination with a deviation of the second and / or first physical copies, to exceed the conformance criterion, the first and / or second physical copies may be modified such that the conformance criterion is met.

[0112] For example, an additional simulation of the manufacturing of the physical model as described above with respect to block 202 may be performed with one or more modified templates provided in block 206. If one modified template is provided in block 206, a re-simulation of the manufacturing may be performed with respect to the components of the dental prosthesis assembly for the acceptable modified template. The modified template may be used for the re-simulation. If modified templates for both components are provided in block 206, a re-simulation of the manufacturing may be performed with respect to the components of the dental prosthesis assembly for the modified template. Thus, both modified templates may be used for the re-simulation. The result of the re-simulation may be used for the check as described above in block 204, i.e., check whether deviations that deviate from the fit criteria are still present. If there are no deviations that deviate from the fit criteria, the one or more modified templates may be used for the manufacturing of a physical copy as described above in block 210. If based on the result of the re-simulation, deviations that deviate from the fit criteria are still present, a further modification of the one or more templates may be performed to correct the remaining deviations as described above in block 206. The one or more further modified templates may be used for manufacturing a physical copy. Such additional simulations may be repeated, for example, until there are no deviations that deviate from the fitness criteria.

[0113] In block 210, physical copies of both components of the dental prosthesis assembly are manufactured using one or more modified templates provided in block 06. For manufacturing components of the dental prosthesis assembly for which no modified template is provided in block 06, the unmodified template provided in block 200 is used. The components may be manufactured using a CAM method for which a simulation is performed. The CAM method may comprise, for example, machining or 3D printing. If the dental prosthesis assembly has an abutment and a crown, for example, the abutment is manufactured using a 3D digital model of the abutment as a template and the crown is manufactured using a 3D digital model of the crown as a template. Both components may be manufactured using the same manufacturing method or they may be manufactured using different manufacturing methods.

[0114] For example, scan data of the manufactured first and second physical copies may further be acquired. For example, the scan data of the manufactured first and second physical copies may be scanned using a 3D scanner (e.g., an optical 3D scanner). The scan data may be used to provide a first 3D digital scan model of at least a portion of the manufactured first physical copy and a second 3D digital scan model of at least a portion of the manufactured second physical copy. The 3D digital scan models may, for example, comprise the entire manufactured first physical copy and the entire second physical copy, respectively. The first 3D digital scan model may, for example, comprise only a portion (i.e., a sub-portion) of the manufactured first physical copy. For example, if the first component is a dental crown, the first 3D digital scan model may comprise a first connecting portion having a reception. The second 3D digital scan model may, for example, comprise only a portion (i.e., a sub-portion) of the manufactured second physical copy. For example, if the second component is an abutment, the second 3D digital scan model may comprise a second connecting portion having a protrusion.

[0115] The scan model may be used to determine deviations of the mechanical connections of the manufactured physical copies that deviate from one or more conformance criteria. Thus, it may be checked whether the manufactured physical copies meet the conformance criteria as predicted based on the simulation. If no deviations that deviate from the conformance criteria are determined, the manufactured first and second physical copies may be accepted. For example, an acceptance signal may be generated and provided indicating the acceptance of the two physical copies. Providing the acceptance signal may include, for example, outputting the respective signals in a visible and / or audio format. An output device may be used to output the acceptance signal. For example, a visual output device (such as a display) may be used to output the acceptance signal in a visible format. For example, an audio output device (such as a speaker) may be used to output the acceptance signal in an audio format.

[0116] If one or more deviations that deviate from the fitness criteria are determined, the determined deviations of the mechanical connection may be corrected such that the one or more deviations from the fitness criteria are met. The correction may comprise further modifying at least the template used to manufacture the first physical copy or the template used to manufacture the second physical copy. For example, both templates may be modified.

[0117] For example, the mechanical connection may define a relative position of the second component with respect to the first component when the mechanical connection is established. The compatibility criteria may have a first maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative position. Thus, if the deviation of the second component from its position with respect to the first component exceeds the first maximum value, the relative position of the second component with respect to the first component is adjusted when the mechanical connection is established, and the morphology of the first and / or second physical copies is readjusted such that any remaining deviations are less than or equal to the first maximum value.

[0118] For example, the mechanical connection may define a relative orientation of the second component with respect to the first component when the mechanical connection is established. The compatibility criteria may have a second maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative orientation. Thus, if the deviation of the second component from the orientation with respect to the first component exceeds the second maximum value, the relative orientation of the second component with respect to the first component is adjusted when the mechanical connection is established, and the morphology of the first and / or second physical copies is readjusted such that all remaining deviations are equal to or less than the second maximum value.

[0119] The determination of the deflection of the mechanical connection may be limited to selected sections of the mechanical connection, for example, a first and a second section may be selected in pairs, the first and second sections of each pair having opposing first and second surfaces, and the deflection may thus be analyzed with respect to, for example, the opposing first and second surfaces.

[0120] For example, the mechanical connection, when established, defines a clearance between the first and second connecting portions. The clearance is necessary, for example, to insert an adhesive between two components of a dental prosthetic assembly to bond the two components. The fitting criteria may require a minimum value of the clearance to ensure a sufficient minimum dimension of the clearance. The deviation of the mechanical connection relative to the clearance may be determined, for example, between selected first and second sections of the template.

[0121] For example, the compatibility criteria may further include a maximum value for the clearance so that the clearance is not allowed to become too large.

[0122] For example, not only deviations of the mechanical connections that deviate from a matching criterion are determined. In addition, one or more matching criteria may be defined for the manufactured first and / or second physical copies themselves. Thus, for example, deviations of the manufactured first physical copy from the template used to manufacture the first physical copy (deviations of such matching criterion) may be determined. For example, deviations of the manufactured second physical copy from the template used to manufacture the second physical copy (deviations of such matching criterion) may be determined. Such matching criteria may, for example, have a maximum value for deviations of the manufactured first physical copy from the first template and / or a maximum value for deviations of the manufactured second physical copy from the second template.

[0123] For example, the fitness criteria may be location dependent, and thus different fitness criteria may be defined at different locations of the first and / or second components, in particular different thresholds may be defined by the fitness criteria at different locations.

[0124] Thus, the conformance of the manufactured first and second physical copies may be similarly checked, and if the conformance is insufficient, i.e. if manufacturing inaccuracies have caused a deviation of the first and / or second physical copies, by themselves or in combination with a deviation of the second and / or first physical copies, to exceed the conformance criterion, the first and / or second physical copies may be modified such that the conformance criterion is met.

[0125] A further modification template may be used to provide the modified first and / or second physical copies. For example, the first and / or second physical copies may be modified. Providing the modified first and / or second physical copies according to the further modification template ensures that all compatibility criteria are met. For example, the first physical copy may be modified according to a first further modification template. For example, the second physical copy may be modified according to a second further modification template.

[0126] Providing one or more modified physical copies may, for example, comprise at least one re-manufacturing step of a manufactured physical copy in which the template has been modified, with each further modified template being used for such re-manufacturing.

[0127] Providing one or more modified physical copies may comprise determining machining parameters for subsequent machining of at least one of the manufactured physical copies with the modified template. Machining parameters are determined with each further modification parameter. Subsequent machining of each physical copy may be performed with the determined machining parameters to modify at least one of the manufactured physical copies. For the subsequent machining of at least one of the manufactured physical copies, the same machining tool may be used, for example, for the manufacture of each physical copy. Alternatively, a different machining tool, for example, of reduced size compared to the machining tool used for the manufacture of each physical copy, may be used. The use of a reduced size machining tool has the advantage that more accurate machining is possible. The use of a large size machining tool for the manufacture of the physical copies has the advantage that more rapid machining is possible. However, the use of a large size machining tool may at the same time increase the risk of potential deviations due to machining that deviate from one or more fitting criteria. Using a large machining tool to produce each physical copy and then using a smaller machining tool for subsequent machining to correct any deviations that deviate from the fit criteria (only if determined necessary) may have the advantage of allowing for rapid machining while at the same time ensuring that all fit criteria are met.

[0128] FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a further exemplary method for manufacturing another dental prosthesis assembly. Blocks 300-306 in FIG. 2 correspond to 200-206 in FIG. 1. In case of deviations that deviate from the fit criteria, the corrections in block 306 and the simulations in block 307 are repeated, and the results of the simulations are examined in block 304 until no deviations that deviate from the fit criteria remain. The process then proceeds to block 300. In block 300, physical copies of the components of the dental prosthesis assembly are manufactured as described above (e.g. in block 210). If no deviations that deviate from the fit criteria are determined for the templates provided in block 300, the templates provided in block 300 are used to manufacture the physical copies in block 308. If one or more templates have been modified to avoid deviations that deviate from the fit criteria, each modified template provided in block 306 is used to manufacture the physical copies in block 308. If one or more templates provided in block 300 remain unmodified upon correcting deviations that deviate from the compatibility criteria determined in block 304, each unmodified template provided in block 300 is used in the manufacture of a physical copy in block 308. Additionally, the compatibility of the manufactured first and second physical copies may be checked, as described above as an optional feature in FIG.

[0129] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary component 104 of a dental prosthetic assembly manufactured by machining. FIG. 3 shows a 3D digital model of the exemplary component 104 resulting from, for example, a simulation of machining (i.e., a simulation result). The exemplary component 104 may be, for example, an abutment. For example, a blank 76 is provided and machined with one or more machining tools 72 according to machining parameters defined by a template. The template may define the 3D form of the abutment 104 to be manufactured by removing material from the blank 76 with the machining tools 72. The abutment 104 may have a protrusion 114 and an edge 105. The protrusion 114 may be configured to be inserted into a reception of a crown, for example, when the crown is arranged on the abutment 104. Thus, a mechanical connection is established between the abutment 104 and, for example, a crown. The mechanical connection may be established by the reception of the crown receiving the protrusion 114 of the abutment 104. The insertion depth of the protrusion 114 of the abutment 104 may be limited by the edge 105 .

[0130] FIG. 4 shows the exemplary abutment 104 of FIG. 3 from another perspective. The abutment 104 may have a bottom surface 110. Such bottom surface 110 may be configured for connection with an implant. For example, a screw hole may extend through the abutment 104 and the bottom surface 110. The screw hole may be configured to receive a screw for connecting the abutment 104 to an implant. The bottom surface as well as the screw hole have no effect on the mechanical connection between the abutment 104 and, for example, a dental crown. Thus, the bottom surface 110 as well as the screw hole may be ignored in determining the potential deviation of the mechanical connection. Since the software knows exactly where the ignored areas (e.g., screw holes) are present in the 3D digital model used as a template for, for example, simulating the manufacturing of the abutment 104, the software can automatically detect where the ignored areas are present in the simulation results. The detection may include registering two digital objects of the simulation results to the 3D digital model used as the template. The registration may be, for example, ICP registration (ie, registration that uses an iterative closest point algorithm to minimize the difference between two point clouds).

[0131] As an alternative to ICP, the synchronization of coordinate systems may be achieved by tracking and tracing the individual process steps and algorithms with respect to the coordinate axes and coordinate centers. By reverting the individual coordinate system changes, the final simulation is automatically placed in the original CAD coordinate system, allowing comparison of the simulation results with the template. This process may be repeated until a suitable design is achieved. For example, coordinate system changes occurring during a manufacturing simulation of a first physical copy of a first component may be recorded. The recorded coordinate system changes may be reverted for the resulting first simulation results. Thus, the first simulation results are placed in the original CAD coordinate system. For example, coordinate system changes occurring during a manufacturing simulation of a second physical copy of a second component may be recorded. The recorded coordinate system changes may be reverted for the resulting second simulation results. Thus, the second simulation results are placed in the original CAD coordinate system.

[0132] Furthermore, the detection may comprise selecting parts of the simulation result to be ignored using a geometric threshold distance to parts defined in the template to be ignored. Parts of the simulation result having a distance equal to or less than the geometric threshold distance to negligible parts of the template may be ignored. The bottom surface is shown as a blank surface in Fig. 4 and may be considered as a blank surface for the purpose of determining a potential deviation of the mechanical connection between the abutment 104 and, for example, the crown. For example, only the edge 105 and the protrusion 114 of the abutment 104 may be considered in determining such deviation. With regard to the edge 105, only the face of the edge 105 facing the crown may be considered.

[0133] Fig. 5 shows the exemplary abutment 104 of Fig. 3 with deviations from the abutment 104 template in a simulated physical copy of the abutment 104. The abutments 104 shown in Fig. 5 may be, for example, the result of a manufacturing simulation of the respective abutment 104. For example, machining may be simulated. The deviations shown in Fig. 5 may be deviations between the simulated manufacturing result of the abutment 104 and the template used for the manufacturing simulation. For example, the face of the edge 105 facing the direction in which the abutment 104 is inserted into the crown may have a deviation 115 from the form defined by the template that exceeds a predefined threshold. The deviation 115 of the edge 105 that exceeds the predefined threshold results in a deviation of the mechanical connection between the abutment 104 and, for example, the crown that deviates from the fitting criteria. Such deviation of the mechanical connection due to the deviation 115 of the abutment 104 may be corrected, for example, by modifying the template for the crown. By modifying the template for the crown, the mechanical connection between the abutment 104 and the crown, in particular between the margin 105 and the crown, can be adjusted so that no deviations remain that deviate from the predefined fitting criteria. A crown may be manufactured with the respective modified template.

[0134] 6 shows an exemplary dental prosthesis assembly 100 having an abutment 104 (e.g., the abutment 104 shown in FIGS. 3-5) as well as a crown 102. The abutment 104 has a protrusion 114 configured to be inserted into a reception of the crown 102. To establish a mechanical connection between the abutment 104 and the crown 102, the crown 102 is placed on the abutment 104 such that the crown 102 receives the abutment 104. The insertion depth of the abutment 104 into the crown 102 may be limited by a margin 105 of the abutment 104.

[0135] FIG. 7 shows exemplary components 102, 104 of an exemplary dental prosthesis assembly 100 placed on an implant 108. The implant 108 may be configured to be implanted into a patient's jawbone. The dental prosthesis assembly 100 may be configured to be placed on the implant using a screw 106. The screw 106 may be fixed to a predetermined torque, for example with a dental torque wrench, to avoid the screw loosening during chewing. The crown 102 may be placed on the abutment 104 by inserting the reception 112 of the crown 102 into the projection 114 of the abutment 104. For example, the screw may be used to fix the abutment 104 to the implant 108 before or after the establishment of a mechanical connection between the abutment 104 and the crown 102 (i.e., the placement of the crown 102 on the abutment 102). If the screw 106 is fixed after the establishment of the mechanical connection, the crown 102 may have a channel configured for inserting a screwdriver (e.g., a dental torque wrench) and / or the screw 106. The mechanical connection may have a clearance between the crown 102 and the abutment 104 when it is established. Such clearance may be configured to receive an adhesive (e.g., a dental cement) to avoid the crown loosening during, for example, chewing. Thus, a permanent bond between the crown 102 and the abutment can be established.

[0136] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer system 10 that can be used to manufacture a dental prosthetic assembly. The computer system 10 is operable with a variety of other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. The computer system 10 can be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions (e.g., program modules having executable program instructions) that can be executed on the computer system 10. Generally, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The computer system 10 may also be implemented in a distributed computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computing system storage media (including memory storage devices).

[0137] In Figure 9, computer system 10 is shown in the form of a general purpose computing device. Components of computer system 10 may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 connecting various system components including the system memory 28 to the processor 16. Bus 18 may represent one or more of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. For example, but not limited to, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, etc.

[0138] Computer system 10 may include a variety of computer system readable storage media, which may be any storage media accessible by computer system 10, including volatile and non-volatile storage media, and removable and non-removable storage media.

[0139] The system memory 28 may include computer system readable storage media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The computer system 10 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. For example, the storage system 34 may be provided for reading from and writing to a non-removable / non-volatile magnetic medium, also referred to as a hard drive. For example, a magnetic disk drive may be provided for reading from and writing to a removable / non-volatile magnetic disk (e.g., a floppy disk) and an optical disk drive may be provided for reading from and writing to a removable / non-volatile optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical storage medium). In such an example, each storage medium may be connected to the bus 18 by one or more data media interfaces. The memory 28 may include at least one program product having program modules, such as at least one program module configured to execute one or more steps of a method for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly. Each program module may be configured, for example, to simulate manufacturing of the physical copy, to provide a digital 3D scanned model of the manufactured physical copy of the component of the dental prosthesis assembly, to determine deviations of the mechanical connections between the components of the dental prosthesis assembly that deviate from one or more fit criteria, to compensate for the deviations that deviate from the fit criteria by modifying the template, etc. Each program module may be further configured, for example, to provide a digital 3D model of the manufactured physical copy of the component of the dental prosthesis assembly.

[0140] The program 40 may include one or more program modules 42, which may be stored, for example, in the memory 28. The program modules 42 may include an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and / or program data. The operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, or some combination thereof, may include implementation in a networked environment. The one or more program modules 42 enable execution of one or more steps of a method for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly.

[0141] The computer system 10 may further communicate with one or more external devices 14, such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, and a display 24, that enable interaction between a user and the computer system 10. Such communication is enabled through an input / output (I / O) interface 22. The computer system 10 may further communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network such as the Internet, through a network adapter 20. The network adapter 20 may communicate with other components of the computer system 10 through a bus 18. Although not shown, it is understood that other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with the computer system 10.

[0142] The computer systems 10 shown in FIG. 8 may be configured to execute one or more steps of a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly. Each computer system 10 may be configured, for example, to provide (e.g., generate) a 3D digital model of a component of the dental prosthesis assembly, to simulate the manufacture of a physical copy, to determine deviations of mechanical connections between the dental prosthesis assembly components that deviate from one or more fitting criteria, and to compensate for deviations from the fitting criteria by modifying a template. Each computer system 10 may further be configured to provide a digital 3D model of a manufactured physical copy of a component of the dental prosthesis assembly. The control parameters may be used by the computer system 10, for example, to control one or more manufacturing devices, such as one or more machining devices and / or one or more 3D printing devices. Each computer system 10 may further be configured to control one or more scanning devices configured to obtain scan data of a physical copy of a component of the dental prosthesis assembly. The computer system 10 may be a stand-alone computer without any network connection that receives data to be processed through a local interface. The data received by the computer system 10 may comprise, for example, a 3D digital model of a component of a dental prosthetic assembly and / or scan data of a physical copy of a component of a dental prosthetic assembly. For example, the computer system 10 may be used to generate a 3D digital model of a component of a dental prosthetic assembly. However, such operations are typically performed using a computer network connected to a network, such as a communications network and / or a computing network.

[0143] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary system 11 having a computer system 10 for executing steps of a manufacturing method of a dental prosthesis assembly 100. The computer system 10 may be configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 12. The computer system 10 may have hardware components including one or more processors as well as a memory for storing machine-executable program instructions. Upon execution of the program instructions by the one or more processors, the one or more processors may control the computer system 10 to execute one or more steps of a manufacturing method of a dental prosthesis assembly 100. The dental prosthesis assembly 100 may have first and second components 102, 104. As an example of the first component 102 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100, FIG. 9 shows a dental crown. As an example of the second component 102 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100, FIG. 9 shows an abutment. The first component 102 may have a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component 104 to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components 102, 104.

[0144] The method may comprise providing (e.g., generating) a first 3D digital model of the first component 102 as a first template and a second 3D digital model of the second component 104 as a second template. A manufacturing of a first physical copy of the first component 102 may be simulated using the first template, resulting in a first simulation result. A manufacturing of a second physical copy of the second component 104 may be simulated using the second template, resulting in a second simulation result. When replacing the first and second templates by the first and second simulation results to establish a mechanical connection, deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more fit criteria are determined. The determined deviations of the mechanical connection are corrected to satisfy the one or more deviating fit criteria. The correction comprises at least one of the following steps: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model by the modified first 3D digital model as the first template and replacing the second 3D digital model by the modified second 3D digital model as the second template. A first physical copy of the first component 102 is fabricated using a first template, and a second physical copy of the second component 104 is fabricated using a second template.

[0145] The computer system 10 may further include one or more input devices, such as a keyboard 54 and a mouse 56, to enable interaction between a user and the computer system 10. Additionally, the computer system 10 may include one or more output devices, such as a display 24, that provides a graphical user interface 50 (e.g., GUI components) having control components 52, to enable a user to generate 3D digital models of the components 102, 104 of the dental prosthetic assembly 100 and / or fabricate the components 102, 104 of the dental prosthetic assembly 100.

[0146] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary system 11 for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly 100 having a first component 102 (e.g., a crown) and a second component 104 (e.g., an abutment). The system 11 may be configured to manufacture teeth of a dental arch of a denture. The manufactured artificial gingiva may be a physical copy of the artificial gingiva of a digital 3D model of the denture. The system 11 may include a computer system 10 of FIG. 13. The computer system 10 may be further configured to control one or more manufacturing devices 60, 70. For example, the system 11 may include a machining device in the form of a machining device 70 controlled by the computer system 10. The machining device 70 may be configured to machine a blank 76 using one or more machining tools 72. A blank 76 of material 78 may be provided using a holding device 74 and cut to a desired final shape and size of the dental component to be manufactured (e.g., the first and / or second components 102, 104 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100) using one or more machining tools 72 for performing a controlled material removal process. The machining tools 72 may be, for example, milling tools. The digital 3D model (e.g., the first and / or second components 102, 104) may provide a template of the dental component (e.g., the first and / or second components 102, 104 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100) to be manufactured using the machining device 70.

[0147] For example, the system 11 may have a manufacturing device in the form of a 3D printing device 60. The 3D printing device 60 may be controlled by the computer system 10 and configured to print one or more dental components to be manufactured (e.g., the first and / or second components 102, 104 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100). The 3D printing device 60 may have a printing component 62 configured to print each dental component, such as the first and / or second components 102, 104, layer by layer. The digital 3D model 101 (e.g., the first and / or second components 102, 104) may provide a template for the dental components (e.g., the first and / or second components 102, 104 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100) to be manufactured using the 3D printing device 60.

[0148] Furthermore, the system 11 may comprise one or more scanning devices (i.e. scanners) configured to obtain scan data of the physical copies of the components 102, 104 of the dental prosthesis assembly manufactured using the system 11. The scan data, e.g., of the physical copies of the components 102, 104, may be used to provide a 3D digital model of at least a part of each of the physical copies of the components 102, 104. Templates used to manufacture each of the physical copies of the components 102, 104 may be at least partially replaced by the scan models, and the scan models may be used to determine deviations of the mechanical connections that deviate from one or more fitting criteria. Such a scanner 80 may comprise, for example, an optical scanner configured to perform an optical scan of the surfaces of the manufactured components 102, 104 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100. The scanning device 80 may comprise, for example, another type of scanner suitable for obtaining scan data of the manufactured components 102, 104 of the dental prosthesis assembly 100. The scanning device 80 may comprise, for example, an X-ray scanner.

[0149] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, it is to be understood that such illustration and description are given by way of example and not of limitation, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0150] Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural form. The fact that certain criteria are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that there is no valid use of a combination of such criteria. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0151] A single processor or other device may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium, provided together with or as part of other hardware, but it may also be distributed in other forms, for example through the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

[0152] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as an apparatus, method, computer program, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may employ entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware, all of which are referred to generally herein as "circuits," "modules," or "systems." Additionally, aspects of the present invention may employ a computer program embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer executable code embodied therein. A computer program has computer executable or "program instructions."

[0153] Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be used. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. As used herein, a "computer readable storage medium" includes any tangible storage medium capable of storing instructions executable by a processor of a computing device. The computer readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be referred to as a tangible computer readable medium. In some embodiments, the computer readable storage medium may be capable of storing data accessible by a processor of a computing device. Examples of computer readable storage media include, but are not limited to, floppy disks, magnetic hard disk drives, solid state hard disks, flash memory, USB thumb drives, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and processor register files. Examples of optical disks include compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), such as CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, or DVD-R disks. A further example of an optical disk is a Blu-ray disk. The term computer readable storage medium also refers to various types of recording media accessible by a computer device through a network or communication link. For example, data may be retrieved through a modem, the Internet, or a local area network. Computer executable code embodied in a computer readable medium may be communicated through any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0154] A computer-readable signal medium includes, for example, a propagated data signal embodied with a computer executable, either in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium is not a computer-readable storage medium, but may be any computer-readable medium capable of communicating, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0155] "Computer memory" or "memory" is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer memory is any memory directly accessible to a processor. "Computer storage" or "storage" is a further example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer storage is any non-volatile computer-readable storage device. In some embodiments, computer storage may be computer memory and computer memory may be computer storage device.

[0156] As used herein, a "processor" includes an electronic component capable of executing a program, machine-executable instructions, or computer-executable code. Reference to a computing device having a "processor" should be interpreted as possibly including more than one processor or processing core. A processor may be, for example, a multi-core processor. A processor may refer to a group of processors within a single computing system or distributed among multiple computing systems. The term computing device should be interpreted as possibly referring to a group or network of computing devices each having a processor(s). Computer-executable code may be executed by multiple processors within the same computing device or distributed among multiple computing devices.

[0157] The computer executable code may have machine executable instructions or programs that enable a processor to perform aspects of the invention. The computer executable code for performing the operations of aspects of the invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages, and compiled into machine executable instructions. In some examples, the computer executable code may be in a high-level language format or a pre-compiled format, and may be used in conjunction with an interpreter to generate machine executable instructions on the fly.

[0158] The computer executable code may run as a stand-alone software package, entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server, in which case the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., through an Internet service provider).

[0159] Generally, the program instructions may be executed on one processor or on several processors. In the case of multiple processors, they may be distributed among several different entities, such as clients, servers, etc. Each processor may execute some of the instructions for the whole. Thus, when reference is made to a system or process including multiple entities, the computer program or program instructions should be understood as being adapted to be executed by processors associated / related to each whole.

[0160] As used herein, a "user interface" is an interface that allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system. A "user interface" may also be referred to as a "human interface device." A user interface may provide information or data to an operator and / or receive information or data from an operator. A user interface may enable a computer to receive input from an operator or may provide output from the computer to a user. In other words, a user interface allows an operator to control or manipulate a computer and allows the computer to show the effects of the operator's control or manipulation. Displaying data or information on a display or graphical user interface are examples of providing information to an operator. Receiving data through a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, graphics table, joystick, gamepad, webcam, headset, gear stick, steering wheel, pedals, wire gloves, dance pad, remote control, one or more switches, one or more buttons, and an accelerometer are all examples of user interface components that allow for receiving information or data from an operator.

[0161] A GUI component is a data object some of whose attributes specify the shape, layout, and / or behavior of an area (e.g., a screen) displayed in a graphical user interface. A GUI component may be a standard GUI component, such as a button, a text box, a tab, an icon, a text field, a pane, a checkbox item, or a group of items. A GUI component may also be an image, an alphanumeric character, or any combination thereof. At least some of the characteristics of a displayed GUI component depend on the data values ​​collected in the data objects that the GUI component represents.

[0162] Aspects of the present invention are described with reference to flowcharts, figures and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that each block or part of the blocks of the flowcharts, figures and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions in the form of computer executable code, where appropriate. It is further to be understood that different flowcharts, figures and / or block diagrams can be combined, if they are not mutually exclusive. Such computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer or other programmable data processing device to manufacture a machine, such that such instructions executed through the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create means for performing the function / acts specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0163] Such computer program instructions may be stored on a computer-readable medium that causes a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture (including instructions) for performing the function / acts specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0164] Computer program instructions may be located in a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device and cause such computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to perform a series of operational steps to create a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executing on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide a process for performing the functions / acts specified in the block(s) of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0165] Potentially beneficial embodiments are those that have the following combination of features:

[0166] 1. A method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly, the dental prosthesis assembly having first and second components, the first component has a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components; providing a first 3D digital model of a first component as a first template and providing a second 3D digital model of a second component as a second template; simulating manufacturing a first physical copy of a first component using the first template to obtain a first simulation result; simulating the manufacture of a second physical copy of the second component using the second template to obtain a second simulation result; determining deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more compatibility criteria when replacing the first and second templates using the first and second simulation results to establish the mechanical connection; correcting the determined deviation of the mechanical connection to meet one or more deviated fit criteria, the correction being: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model as the first template by the modified first 3D digital model; modifying the second 3D digital model and replacing the second 3D digital model as the second template by the modified second 3D digital model; and using a first template to fabricate a first physical copy of a first component and using a second template to fabricate a second physical copy of a second component.

[0167] 2. A method according to the combination of functions 1, wherein the first and second physical copies are manufactured using machining, and the simulation of the manufacturing includes a step of simulating the machining path of a machining tool inside the blank to be machined.

[0168] 3. A method according to the combination of functions described in 2, wherein the manufacturing simulation is a simulation specific to a machining device.

[0169] 4. A method according to the combination of functions 1, wherein the first and second physical copies are manufactured using 3D printing, and the simulation of the manufacturing includes simulating a printing path of a printing material applied by a printing device.

[0170] 5. A method according to the combination of functions described in 4, wherein the manufacturing simulation is a simulation specific to a machining device.

[0171] 6. A method according to any one of functional combinations 1 to 5, wherein the mechanical connection, when established, defines a relative position of the second component with respect to the first component, and the compatibility criterion is having a first maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative position.

[0172] 7. A method described in any one of functional combinations 1 to 6, wherein the mechanical connection, when established, defines a relative orientation of the second component with respect to the first component, and the compatibility criterion is having a second maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative orientation.

[0173] 8. A method according to any one of feature combinations 1 to 7, wherein the determination of the deflection of the mechanical connection is limited to selected sections of the mechanical connection having one or more of the following: one or more selected first section groups of the first connection portion and one or more selected second section groups of the second connection portion.

[0174] 9. The method according to function combination 8, wherein the selected one or more first sections cover the entire first connection portion.

[0175] 10. Combination of Functions 8. The method according to claim 8, wherein the selected one or more first sections cover one or more subdivisions of the first connecting portion and one or more subdivisions of the first connecting portion remain uncovered.

[0176] 11. The method according to any one of function combinations 8 to 10, wherein the selected one or more second sections cover the entire second connection portion.

[0177] 12. A method according to any one of function combinations 8 to 10, wherein the selected one or more second sections cover one or more subdivisions of the second connection portion and one or more subdivisions of the second connection portion remain uncovered.

[0178] 13. A method according to any one of functional combinations 8 to 12, wherein the selected first and second sections are selected in pairs, and the first and second sections of each pair have opposing first and second surfaces.

[0179] 14. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein image pattern recognition is used to select the first and second sections, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

[0180] 15. A method according to any one of feature combinations 1 to 14, wherein the mechanical connection, when established, defines a clearance between the first and second connection parts, and the compatibility criterion is having a minimum value of the clearance.

[0181] 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the deflection of the mechanical connection relative to the clearance is determined between selected first and second sections of the template.

[0182] 17. A method according to the combination of functions 15 or 16, wherein the compatibility criteria further include a maximum clearance value.

[0183] 18. A method according to any one of the combinations of functions 1 to 17, wherein the fitness criterion further defines a first maximum value for deviation of the first simulation result from the first template, and further comprises a step of determining deviation of the first simulation result from the first template that deviates from the first maximum value defined by the fitness criterion.

[0184] 19. The method according to feature combination 18, wherein the determination of deviations that deviate from the first maximum value is limited to one or more selected third sections of the first template.

[0185] 20. The method of claim 19, wherein image pattern recognition is used to select the third section, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

[0186] 21. The method according to function combination 19, wherein the one or more third sections are selected from the group of one or more first sections.

[0187] 22. A method described in any one of function combinations 1 to 21, wherein the fitness criterion further defines a second maximum value for deviation of the second simulation result from the second template, and further comprises a step of determining a deviation of the second simulation result from the second template that deviates from the second maximum value defined by the fitness criterion.

[0188] 23. The method according to feature combination 22, wherein the determination of deviations that deviate from the second maximum value is limited to one or more selected fourth sections of the second template.

[0189] 24. The method according to Feature Combination 23, wherein image pattern recognition is used to select the fourth section, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

[0190] 25. The method according to function combination 23, wherein the one or more fourth sections are selected from the group of one or more second sections.

[0191] 26. A method according to any one of Feature Combinations 1 to 25, wherein one or more of the compatibility criteria is position dependent.

[0192] 27. The method according to any one of the combinations of functions 1 to 26, wherein the first and second connecting portions have one or more of a raised portion, a cut, a border, an edge, and a hole in the first and second connecting portions.

[0193] 28. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein determining the deviation comprises registering the first and second simulation results to the first and second templates.

[0194] 29. The method of Feature Combination 28, wherein image pattern recognition is used to register the first and second simulation results to the first and second templates, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

[0195] 30. Combining Functions The method of claim 29, wherein the first and second simulation results are directly registered to the first and second templates.

[0196] 31. Combination of functions 29. The method according to claim 29, wherein the first and second simulation results are indirectly registered to the first and second templates, the method comprising the steps of defining a position of the template within a third 3D digital model of at least a portion of the patient's dentition, and placing the simulation results within the third 3D digital model at a predefined position within the third 3D digital model.

[0197] 32. A method according to any one of combinations of functions 29 to 31, wherein the first and second templates have markers, the first and second simulation results have markers, and the markers are used to register the simulation results to the templates.

[0198] 33. The method according to any one of the combinations of functions 1 to 32, wherein the second component is an abutment and the first component is one of the following: a dental crown, an abutment of a bridge, an abutment of a removable partial denture.

[0199] 34. The method according to any one of the combinations of functions 1 to 33, wherein the second component is a bar and the first component is one of the following: a bar denture, a part of a bar denture.

[0200] 35. A computer program product for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly, the computer program product having first and second components: the first component has a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components; The computer program product has a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therein, the program instructions being executable by a processor of a computing device of the manufacturing system to cause the computing device to control the manufacturing system, such that: providing a first 3D digital model of a first component as a first template and providing a second 3D digital model of a second component as a second template; simulating manufacturing a first physical copy of a first component using the first template to obtain a first simulation result; simulating the manufacture of a second physical copy of the second component using the second template to obtain a second simulation result; determining deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more compatibility criteria when replacing the first and second templates using the first and second simulation results to establish the mechanical connection; correcting the determined deviation of the mechanical connection to meet one or more deviated fit criteria, the correction being: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model as the first template by the modified first 3D digital model; modifying the second 3D digital model and replacing the second 3D digital model as the second template by the modified second 3D digital model; and b) using the first template to fabricate a first physical copy of the first component and using the second template to fabricate a second physical copy of the second component. Computer program products.

[0201] 36. A manufacturing system for manufacturing a dental prosthetic assembly, the manufacturing system having first and second components; the first component has a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components; The manufacturing system includes a computer device and one or more manufacturing devices, the computer device having a processor and a memory storing program instructions executable by the processor, execution of the program instructions by the processor enables the computer device to control the manufacturing system using the manufacturing devices, such that: providing a first 3D digital model of a first component as a first template and providing a second 3D digital model of a second component as a second template; simulating manufacturing a first physical copy of a first component using the first template to obtain a first simulation result; simulating the manufacture of a second physical copy of the second component using the second template to obtain a second simulation result; determining deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more compatibility criteria when replacing the first and second templates using the first and second simulation results to establish the mechanical connection; correcting the determined deviation of the mechanical connection to meet one or more deviating fit criteria, the correction being: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model as the first template by the modified first 3D digital model; modifying the second 3D digital model and replacing the second 3D digital model as the second template by the modified second 3D digital model; and b) manufacturing a first physical copy of a first component using a first template and manufacturing a second physical copy of a second component using a second template.

[0202] 37. Combination of Functions In the manufacturing method described in 36, the manufacturing system has one or more of the following: a machining device, a 3D printing device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 10: Computer Systems 11: System 14: External device 16: Processing device 18: Bus 20: Network adapter 22: I / O interface 24: Display 28: Memory 30:RAM 32: Cache 34: Memory System 40: Program 42: Program module 50: User Interface 52: Control elements 54: Hardware device 56: Keyboard 58: Mouse 60:3D printing equipment 62: Printing components 70: Processing equipment 72: Processing tools 74: Holding device 76: Blank 78: Material 80: Scanning device 100: Dental prosthetic assembly 102: Dental crown 104: Abutment 105: Relationship 106: Screw 108: Implants 110: Ignore Surface 112: Reception 114: Protrusion 116: Deviation

Claims

1. 1. A method of manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly, the dental prosthesis assembly having first and second components; the first component has a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components; providing a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template; simulating the fabrication of a first physical copy of the first component using the first template to obtain first simulation results; simulating the fabrication of a second physical copy of the second component using the second template to obtain second simulation results; determining deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more compatibility criteria when substituting the first and second templates using the first and second simulation results to establish the mechanical connection; correcting the determined deviation of the mechanical connection to meet the one or more deviating fit criteria, said correction being: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model as the first template with the modified first 3D digital model; modifying the second 3D digital model and replacing the second 3D digital model as the second template with the modified second 3D digital model; and using the first template to fabricate the first physical copy of the first component and using the second template to fabricate the second physical copy of the second component. method.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second physical copies are manufactured using a machining process, and the simulation of the manufacturing comprises simulating a machining path of a machining tool inside a blank to be machined; or The method, wherein the first and second physical copies are manufactured using 3D printing, and simulating the manufacturing comprises simulating a print path of a printing material applied by a printing device.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanical connection, when established, defines a relative position of the second component with respect to the first component, and the compatibility criterion comprises a first maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative position.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanical connection, when established, defines a relative orientation of the second component with respect to the first component, and the compatibility criterion comprises a second maximum value for deviation of the second component from the defined relative orientation.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determination of the deflection of the mechanical connection is limited to selected sections of the mechanical connection, comprising one or more of the following: one or more selected first sections of the first connection portion and one or more selected second sections of the second connection portion; The method wherein image pattern recognition is used to select the first and second sections, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the selected first and second sections are selected in pairs, the first and second sections of each pair having opposing first and second surfaces.

7. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mechanical connection, when established, defines a clearance between the first and second connecting portions, and the compatibility criterion comprises a minimum value of the clearance.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the compatibility criteria further comprises a maximum value for the clearance.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fitness criterion further defines a first maximum value for deviation of the first simulation result from the first template, and further comprising determining deviations of the first simulation result from the first template that deviate from the first maximum value defined by the fitness criterion.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the determination of the deviations that deviate from the first maximum value is limited to one or more selected third sections of the first template; The method wherein image pattern recognition is used to select the third section, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

11. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fitness criterion further defines a second maximum value for deviation of the second simulation result from the second template, and further comprising determining deviations of the second simulation result from the second template that deviate from the second maximum value defined by the fitness criterion.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the determination of the deviations that deviate from the second maximum value is limited to one or more selected fourth sections of the second template; The method wherein image pattern recognition is used to select the fourth section, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

13. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the deviation comprises registering the first and second simulation results to the first and second templates; The method, wherein image pattern recognition is used to register the first and second simulation results to the first and second templates, and the image pattern recognition is one of the following: 2D image pattern recognition, 3D image pattern recognition.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second simulation results are directly registered to the first and second templates.

15. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second simulation results are indirectly registered to the first and second templates, the method comprising the steps of: defining a position of the template in a third 3D digital model of at least a portion of the patient's dentition; and placing the simulation results in the third 3D digital model at predefined positions in the third 3D digital model.

16. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first and second templates have markers, and the first and second simulation results have markers, which are used to register the simulation results to the templates.

17. 1. A computer program product for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly, the computer program product having first and second components; the first component has a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components; The computer program product has a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therein, the program instructions being executable by a processor of a computing device of a manufacturing system to cause the computing device to control the manufacturing system, such that: providing a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template; simulating the fabrication of a first physical copy of the first component using the first template to obtain first simulation results; simulating the fabrication of a second physical copy of the second component using the second template to obtain second simulation results; determining deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more compatibility criteria when substituting the first and second templates using the first and second simulation results to establish the mechanical connection; correcting the determined deviation of the mechanical connection to meet the one or more deviating fit criteria, said correction being: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model as the first template with the modified first 3D digital model; modifying the second 3D digital model and replacing the second 3D digital model as the second template with the modified second 3D digital model; and b. using the first template to fabricate the first physical copy of the first component and using the second template to fabricate the second physical copy of the second component. Computer program products.

18. 1. A manufacturing system for manufacturing a dental prosthesis assembly, the manufacturing system having first and second components; the first component has a first connecting portion having a reception configured to receive a protrusion of a second connecting portion of the second component to establish a mechanical connection between the first and second components; The manufacturing system includes a computer device and one or more manufacturing devices, the computer device having a processor and a memory storing program instructions executable by the processor, execution of the program instructions by the processor enabling the computer device to control the manufacturing system using the manufacturing devices, such that: providing a first 3D digital model of the first component as a first template and a second 3D digital model of the second component as a second template; simulating the fabrication of a first physical copy of the first component using the first template to obtain first simulation results; simulating the fabrication of a second physical copy of the second component using the second template to obtain second simulation results; determining deviations of the mechanical connection that deviate from one or more compatibility criteria when substituting the first and second templates using the first and second simulation results to establish the mechanical connection; correcting the determined deviation of the mechanical connection to meet the one or more deviating fit criteria, said correction being: modifying the first 3D digital model and replacing the first 3D digital model as the first template with the modified first 3D digital model; modifying the second 3D digital model and replacing the second 3D digital model as the second template with the modified second 3D digital model; and b. using the first template to fabricate the first physical copy of the first component and using the second template to fabricate the second physical copy of the second component. Manufacturing system.

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