An e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services and a method thereof

Abstract

An e-commerce system (100) for prosthetic dental products and services is disclosed The e-commerce system includes a processing subsystem (104) that includes a pre-processing module (110) to capture oral scans via an intraoral scanner and an analogue dental impression, generate and upload a standard 5 tessellation language (STL) file on a server. An ordering module (112) displays a list of dental labs (114), dental technicians (134) and a list of designers (116) and allow a dentist (118) to order a prosthetic dental product and service. An outsourcing module (120) outsources the order to the designer, a decision module (122) allows one of the dental lab and dental technician to accept or reject the order, 10 download, and process the STL file, a notification module (126) sends a notification to the dentist about the acceptance or rejection of the order, a payment module (128) provides an integrated wallet for making a payment.

Description

[0001] AN E-COMMERCE SYSTEM FOR PROSTHETIC DENTAL PRODUCTS

[0002] AND SERVICES AND A METHOD THEREOF

[0003] EARLIEST PRIORITY DATE

[0004] This Application claims priority from a Complete patent application filed in India having Patent Application No. 202321065371 filed on 28th day of September 2023 and titled AN E-COMMERCE SYSTEM FOR PROSTHETIC DENTAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AND A METHOD THEREOF.

[0005] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to the field of electronic commerce and more particularly to an e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services and a method thereof.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] The dental industry has grown worldwide at a vast level for example in dental prosthetics. The dental prosthetics market is growing due to the increase in the number of cases with dental caries, periodontal diseases, tooth loss, and the like. The dental prosthetics are fixed, and detachable dental restorations to restore normal dental functioning and aesthetic appearance of the patient. Prior, the prosthetic dental products were hand-prepared to match with the patient’s original dental part. Now a days, digital services are also available for dentists for ordering prosthetic product. A dental lab is a laboratory for processing and manufacturing finished dental prosthesis for patients and include Dental Aligners, Surgical Guide, Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) Implant manufacturers, and the like.

[0009] The available digital services and available platforms for the dental services are unorganised with the lack of single aggregator platform. Also, currently available digital platforms do not conglomerate multiple dental labs or dental CAD (computer aided designing) designers or dental technicians or aligners or surgical guide or craniomaxillofacial implant manufacturers all under one unified dental lab-dentist business ecosystem. As the current digital platforms, do not have an organized system it is hard to manage the booking, ordering, and manging real time tracking of logistics and services by using a single platform. Hence, the current digital systems do not solve the problem of booking or ordering the dental products and services. Although, the digital dentist services are increasing, the problem of pickup and delivery (logistics services) of the dental products and data management service of pre & post processed digital dental CAD design computer file pertaining to the patient remains a challenge. The problem of logistics services is further challenging in rural areas, small cities, difficult terrains of the country, and the like. Also, the existing dental services that provide logistics services are costly.

[0010] Hence, there is a need for an e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services and a method thereof that addresses the aforementioned issues.

[0011] OBJECTIVE OF THE INENTION

[0012] An objective of the present invention is to provide an organized e-commerce system for booking or order management of prosthetic dental products and dental CAD services.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention provides online cloud integration with dental labs and dental product manufacturers thus, providing easy mode of real time tracking of ordered dental prosthetic products and services and their payment.

[0014] Yet, another objective of the present invention facilitates the dentist easy access to the dental lab product and service and dental computer aided designing service of the dental prosthetic products.

[0015] Further, an objective of the present invention is to provide multiple options to dentist or dental labs or dental technicians for trained and qualified dental CAD designers in a cloud environment for global use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0016] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, an e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products is provided. The e-commerce system includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes a pre-processing module, an ordering module, a pre-processing module configured to an outsourcing module, a decision module, a notification module, and a payment module. The pre-processing module is configured to capture a plurality of oral scans via an intraoral scanner or to capture an analogue dental impression. The intraoral scanner is operatively connected with the processing subsystem. The pre-processing module is also configured to generate a standard tessellation language file (STL) corresponding to the plurality of oral scans. Further, the pre-processing module is configured to upload the generated standard tessellation language file on the server to enable one of a dental lab and dental technician to download the standard tessellation language file. The ordering module is operatively connected to the pre-processing module. The ordering module is configured to display a list of dental labs, a list of dental technicians, and a list of product dental CAD designers along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist thereby facilitating the dentist to select one of the dental lab and the dental technician, and / or a designer. The ordering module is also configured to allow one of the dentist and the dental technician to order a prosthetic dental product by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file to the selected dental lab or the designer. The outsourcing module is operatively connected to the preprocessing module and the ordering module, wherein the outsourcing module is configured to outsource the order received by one of the dental lab and dental technician to the designer, wherein the outsourcing is performed by one of the dental lab and dental technician if by one of the dental lab and dental technician is beyond the capacity of accepting the order. The decision module is operatively connected to the outsourcing module. The decision module is configured to allow the product manufacturer to select one of an option of accepting or rejecting the order. The decision module is also configured to download the standard tessellation language file upon accepting the order, wherein one of the dental lab and dental technician is provided with a predefined time frame complete the order upon accepting the order. Further, the decision module is configured to process the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system. The notification module operatively connected to the selection module. The notification module is configured to send a notification to one of the dentist and dental technician about the acceptance or rejection of the order by the product manufacturer. The notification module is also configured to generate a notification for one of the dentist and dental technician upon uploading the design to the product manufacturer through the cloud, wherein upon uploading the design file is downloadable. The payment module is operatively connected to the ordering module. The payment module is configured to provide an integrated wallet to facilitate one of the dentist, dental technician, and the dental lab to make a payment corresponding to the order. The payment module is also configured to divide the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of one of the dentist, the dental technicians, and the dental lab. Further, the payment module is configured to deduct money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type. The amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order. Furthermore, the payment module is configured to generate a logistics for shipment for the prosthetic dental product ordered.

[0017] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products is provided. The method includes capturing, by a pre-processing module of a processing subsystem, a plurality of oral scans via an intraoral scanner or an analogue dental impression. The intraoral scanner is operatively connected with the processing subsystem. The method also includes generating, by the pre-processing module of the processing subsystem, a standard tessellation language file corresponding to the plurality of oral scans. Further, the method includes uploading, by the pre-processing module of the processing subsystem, the generated standard tessellation language file on the cloud server to enable one of a dental lab and a dental technician to for downloading the standard tessellation language file. Furthermore, the method includes displaying, by an ordering module of the processing sub-system, a list of dental labs, a list of dental technicians, and a list of product designers along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist thereby facilitating the dentist to select one of the dental lab, dental technician, and a designer. Furthermore, the method includes displaying allowing, by the ordering module of the processing sub-system, one of the dentist and the dental technician to order a prosthetic dental product by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file to the selected dental labs or the designer. Furthermore, the method includes displaying outsourcing, by an outsourcing module of the processing subsystem, the order received by one of the dental lab and dental technician to the designer, wherein the outsourcing is performed by one of the dental lab and dental technician if by one of the dental lab and the dental technician is beyond the capacity of accepting the order. Furthermore, the method includes displaying allowing, by a decision module of the processing sub-system, the product manufacturer to select one of an option of accepting or rejecting the order. Furthermore, the method includes displaying downloading, by the decision module of the processing subsystem, the standard tessellation language file upon accepting the order, wherein one of the dental lab and the dental technician is provided with a predefined time frame complete the order upon accepting the order. Furthermore, the method includes displaying processing, by the decision module of the processing subsystem, the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system. Furthermore, the method includes displaying sending, by a notification module of the processing subsystem, a notification to the dentist about the acceptance or rejection of the order by the product manufacturer. Furthermore, the method includes displaying generating, by the notification module of the processing subsystem, a notification for one of the dentist, the dental technician, and the dental lab upon uploading the design of the product to the manufacturer in the cloud, wherein upon uploading the design file is downloadable. Furthermore, the method includes displaying providing, by a payment module of the processing subsystem, an integrated wallet to facilitate a one of the dentist, the dental technician, and the dental lab to make a payment corresponding to the order. Furthermore, the method includes displaying dividing, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of one of the dentist, dental technician, and the dental lab. Furthermore, the method includes displaying deducting, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type, wherein the amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order Furthermore, the method includes displaying generating, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, a logistics for shipment for the product ordered.

[0018] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

[0019] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing an e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing another embodiment of the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3 is a block diagram representing an exemplary embodiment of the workflow of the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services of FIG.1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 5a is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for operating the e- commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 5b illustrates continued steps involved in operating the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services of FIG. 5a in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0029] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0031] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products is provided. The system includes a processing subsystem hosted on a server and configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. The processing subsystem includes a pre-processing module, an ordering module, a pre-processing module configured to an outsourcing module, a decision module, a notification module, and a payment module. The pre-processing module is configured to capture a plurality of oral scans via an intraoral scanner or capture an analogue dental impression by dentist. The intraoral scanner is operatively connected with the processing subsystem. The preprocessing module is also configured to generate a standard tessellation language file corresponding to the plurality of oral scans. Further, the pre-processing module is configured to upload the generated standard tessellation language file on the server to enable a dental lab or the dental technician to download the standard tessellation language file. The ordering module is operatively connected to the preprocessing module. The ordering module is configured to display a list of dental labs, a list of dental technicians, and a list of product designers along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist thereby facilitating the dentist to select one of the dental lab, the dental technician, and the designer. The ordering module is also configured to allow the dentist to order a prosthetic dental product by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file to the selected dental lab, dental technician, or the designer. The outsourcing module is operatively connected to the preprocessing module and the ordering module, wherein the outsourcing module is configured to outsource the order received by the dental lab or dental technician to the designer, wherein the outsourcing is performed by the dental lab or dental technician if by the dental lab or dental technician is beyond the capacity of accepting the order. The decision module is operatively connected to the outsourcing module. The decision module is configured to allow the product manufacturer (dental lab or dental technician) to select one of an option of accepting or rejecting the order. The decision module is also configured to download the standard tessellation language file upon accepting the order, wherein the dental lab or dental technician or designer is provided with a predefined time frame complete the order upon accepting the order. Further, the decision module is configured to process the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system. The notification module operatively connected to the selection module. The notification module is configured to send a notification to the dentist or the dental lab or the dental technician about the acceptance or rejection of the order by the product manufacturer or service provider. The notification module is also configured to generate a notification for the dentist upon uploading the design by the product manufacturer to the cloud, wherein upon uploading the design file is downloadable. The payment module is operatively connected to the ordering module. The payment module is configured to provide an integrated wallet to facilitate at least one of the dentist, dental technician, or the dental lab to make a payment corresponding to the order. The payment module is also configured to divide the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of at least one of the dentist, the dental technician, and the dental lab. Further, the payment module is configured to deduct money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type. The amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order. Furthermore, the payment module is configured to generate a logistics for shipment for the product ordered.

[0033] In one embodiment, the e-commerce system disclosed in the present disclosure, is applicable to three-categories of individuals or entities namely a dentist, a dental lab, a dental technician, and a designer. There is a communication between the dentist, the dental lab, and the designer for placing order for prosthetic dental products. However, the applicable categories of the e-commerce system disclosed in the present disclosure is not limited to be to the dentist, the dental lab, and the designer.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representing an e-commerce system (100) for prosthetic dental product in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The e- commerce system (100) includes a processing subsystem (104).

[0035] The processing subsystem (104) is hosted on a server (106) and configured to execute on a network (108) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the server (106) may include a cloud server. In another embodiment, the server (106) may include a local server. The processing subsystem (104) is configured to execute on a network to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules. In one embodiment, the network may include a wired network such as a local area network (LAN). In another embodiment, the network may include a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), infra-red communication (RFID), or the like.

[0036] The processing subsystem (104) includes a pre-processing module (110), an ordering module (112), an outsourcing module (120), a decision module (122), a notification module (126), and a payment module (128). The pre-processing module (110) is configured to capture a plurality of oral scans via an intraoral scanner (102). The intraoral scanner (102) is operatively connected with the processing subsystem (104). In one embodiment, a dentist (118) or a medical assistant captures the oral scans by using the intraoral scanner (102). There are several types of oral scanners based on accuracy of scans and speed of scanning such as Trios, Aoralscan, and the like. The pre-processing module is also configured which enables a dentist to take analogue dental impressions (102) of patients. Further, the pre-processing module (110) is configured to generate a standard tessellation language file (STL) corresponding to the plurality of oral scans. In one embodiment, the STL file uses a series of linked triangles known as tessellation to describe the surface geometry of a three-dimensional (3D) design. Further, the preprocessing module (110) is configured to upload the generated standard tessellation language file to the server (106) to enable a dental lab (114), dental technician (134) to download the standard tessellation language file (STL). In one embodiment, the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) downloads the STL file for processing the file to prepare the order of prosthetic dental products. In one embodiment, the preprocessing module (110) generates a digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM). In one embodiment, the dental lab (laboratories) (114) manufacture or customize a variety of dental products to assist in the provision of oral health care by a licensed dentist. In one embodiment, the prosthetic dental products include crowns, bridges, dentures, and the like.

[0037] The ordering module (112) is operatively connected to the pre-processing module (110). The ordering module (112) is configured to display a list of dental labs (114), a list of dental technicians (134), and a list of designers (116) along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist (118) thereby facilitating the dentist (118) to select one of the dental lab (114), the dental technician (134), and the designer (116). The ordering module (112) is also configured to allow the dentist (118) to order a prosthetic dental product by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file (STL) to the selected dental lab (114), the dental technician (134), or the designer (116). In one embodiment, the ordering module (112) enables the dentist to manage the orders displayed in a view order section. In one embodiment, the ordering module (112) is configured to allows the dental technician (134) to order or book the prosthetic dental product. In another embodiment, the dental technician (134) may also order the prosthetic dental production on behalf of the dental lab (114).

[0038] The outsourcing module (120) is operatively connected to the preprocessing module (110) and the ordering module (112). The outsourcing module (120) is configured to outsource the order received by the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) to the designer (116). In one embodiment, the designer (116) uses a plurality of workflows and a plurality of processes for planning virtual tooth wax ups, etc and the manufacture of dental prostheses. The outsourcing is performed by the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) if the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) is beyond the capacity of accepting the order. In one embodiment, the designer (116) is configured to download, process, and upload the processed finished designed files from the cloud server.

[0039] The decision module (122) is operatively connected to the outsourcing module (120). The decision module (122) is configured to allow the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) to accept or reject the order. The decision module (122) is also configured to download the STL file upon accepting the order. The dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) is provided with a predefined time frame to complete the order upon accepting the order. Further, the decision module (122) is configured to process the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system (124). In one embodiment, the predefined time may be 24 hours.

[0040] The notification module (126) is operatively connected to the decision module (122). The notification module (126) is configured to send a notification to the dentist (118) about the acceptance or rejection of the order by the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134). The notification module (126) is also configured to generate a notification for the dentist (118) upon uploading the design to the dental lab (4-1-6-1 14) in the cloud, wherein after successfully uploading of the design file, the dental lab (114) can download the design file.

[0041] The payment module (128) is operatively connected to the decision module (122). The payment module (128) is configured to provide an integrated wallet to facilitate at least one of the dentist, the dental technician (134), and the dental labs (114) to make a payment corresponding to the order. The payment module (128) is also configured to divide the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of at least one of the dentist (118), the dental technician (134) and the dental labs (114). Further, the payment module (128) is configured to deduct money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type, wherein the amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order. Furthermore, the payment module (128) is configured to generate a logistics for shipment for the product ordered. In one embodiment, the wallet is divided into a logistics wallet chargeable for generating logistics for shipment of the order, a service wallet chargeable for using the system, and a wallet chargeable corresponding to number of downloads of the standard tessellation language files. Apart from above, a direct online payment gateway is also provided to one of the dentist, the dental technician, and dental lab to make payments to the dental cad designers.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram representing another embodiment of an e-commerce system (100) for prosthetic dental products of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (104) is deployed on at least one of the servers (104), at dentist side, at dental lab side, and at designer side. In one embodiment, the processing subsystem (104) includes a third-party module (130) operatively connected to the outsourcing module (120). The third-party module (130) includes a plurality of profiles of designers (116). In one embodiment, the profiles of designers may include qualification, experience of the designer, and fee structure of the designer. In another embodiment, the designer (116) is selected by paying a predefined amount to the designer (116) via an integrated online domestic / international payment gateway. The designer of the plurality of designers is configured to accept the order from one of the dental lab (114) and dental technician (134) or the dentist (118) for creating the design file of the order. In one embodiment, the third-party module (130) is configured to design the order and send the order to one of the dental labs (114), the dental technician (134), or the dentist (118).

[0043] In another embodiment, the processing subsystem (104) includes a shipping module (132) operatively connected to the payment module (128). The shipping module (132) upon payment is configured to send the manufactured product back to the dentist from the dental lab (114) / dental technician (134) for manufacturing of the product, as per the requirement of the product.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the workflow of the e- commerce system (100) for prosthetic dental products of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Considering a non-limiting example, where the dentist (118) selects a dental lab from the plurality of dental labs DL1, DL2, or dental technicians DTI, DT2 and the like (256). After selection, the dentist (118) may fill an order form (208). The order form includes a plurality of details of a prosthetic dental product required for a patient. The dentist may be able to see the order summary (206) for verifying if the product ordered and the product received is similar. After accepting (204) the order by the dental lab (114), the order is successfully placed (202). Also, after accepting the order, the amount payable by the dentist is automatically deducted. The processing subsystem (104) processes the order. The dentist (118) captures optical impressions while scanning using an intraoral scanner and a standard tessellation language file (STL) or digital imaging and communication in Medicine (DICOM) files is generated or an analogue dental impression is taken. After dental technician or dental lab (134) placing the order by the dentist and until the order is accepted by the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134), the status of the order is pending (210). If the order is rejected (214) by the dental lab (114), dental technician (134), then a notification is sent to the dentist (118). If the order is accepted (216), then the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) processes the order. The dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) can recharge (226) through the payment gateway (224). In one embodiment, a dental CAD (computer-aided design) design service is used for processing the order. In one embodiment, a logistics (240) is generated for the order and the shipping of the product in initiated (212). The STL file or DICOM files is uploaded (238) to the cloud. The STL file is processed by CAD designers (230). The e-commerce system displays a list of designers along with their fees for designing the prosthetic dental product. The dental lab (114), dental technician (134) may also fill the order form (236) for sending the order to the designers.

[0045] In one embodiment, the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) can view the order summary (234) for tracking and managing the order. The pre-processing module is configured to send the scan file to any of the listed designers such as DI, D2, D3, (228) and the like. The system provides the designer an option of accepting (242) or rejecting (244) the work and after the designer accepts the work and provides a predefined time frame. It divides a wallet based on a plurality of transaction types such as a logistic service wallet (218), a service fee wallet (220), a STL / DICOM download wallet (222), dicom download wallet and the like. The payment gateway (224) allows the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) to make payment to the designers. In one embodiment, the logistic service wallet (218), the service fee wallet (220), and the STL / DICOM download wallet (222) is connected to a payment gateway (224) through which payment for the order is completed. In one embodiment, the dentist (118) recharges (241) for STL / DICOM wallet (246) for payment of each downloadable processed STL files (258).

[0046] Also, the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) may make the payment to the designer through the payment gateway (224). In one embodiment the dentist can order directly to the designer for dental CAD designing which can be later 3D printed or milled by the dentist. Further, the dental lab (114) / dental technician (134) is able to order to the designer for dental CAD designing which may later be 3D printed (248) or milled (250). In one embodiment, the prosthetic dental product that is 3D printed (252) or milled (254) by the dental lab (114), is sent back to the dentist (118). In one embodiment, a dental technician (134) is able to order or book the prosthetic dental product. In another embodiment, the dental technician (134) may order the prosthetic dental product on behalf of the dental lab (114). In one embodiment, the dental technician (134) maintains a wallet including the logistic wallet, the STL / DICOM wallet, and service fee wallet. In one embodiment, the payments may be done through a commercially available online payment domestic international payment gateways to designers. Apart from above, a direct online payment gateway (132) is also provided to one of the dentist, the dental technician, and dental lab to make payments to the dental cad designers.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a computer or a server for the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The server (300) includes a processor(s) (302), and memory (306) operatively coupled to the bus (304).

[0048] The processor(s) (302), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor, a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor, a very long instruction word microprocessor, an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The bus (304) as used herein refers to be internal memory channel or computer network that is used to connect computer components and transfer data between them. The bus (304) includes a serial bus or a parallel bus, wherein the serial bus transmits data in a bit-serial format and the parallel bus transmits data across multiple wires. The bus (304) as used herein, may include but is not limited to, a system bus, an internal bus, an external bus, an expansion bus, a frontside bus, a backside bus, and the like.

[0050] The memory (306) includes a plurality of subsystems and a plurality of modules stored in the form of an executable program that instructs the processor (302) to perform the method steps illustrated in FIG. 1. The memory (306) is substantially similar to the system (100) of FIG.l. The memory (306) has the following submodules: a pre-processing module (110), an ordering module (112), an outsourcing module (120), a decision module (122), a notification module (126), and a payment module (128).

[0051] The pre-processing module (110) is configured to capture a plurality of oral scans via an intraoral scanner or analogue dental impression (102). The intraoral scanner or analogue dental impression (102) is operatively connected with the processing subsystem (104). The pre-processing module is also configured to generate a standard tessellation language file corresponding to the plurality of oral scans. Further, the pre-processing module (110) is configured to upload the generated standard tessellation language file on the server to enable one of a dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) to download the standard tessellation language file (STL).

[0052] The ordering module (112) is operatively connected to the pre-processing module (110). The ordering module (112) is configured to display a list of dental labs (114), a list of dental technician (134), and a list of designers (116) along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist (118) thereby facilitating the dentist (118) to select one of the dental labs (114), the dental technician (134), and the designer (116). The ordering module (112) is also configured to allow the dentist (118) to order a prosthetic dental product by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file (STL) to the selected dental lab (114), the dental technician (134), or the designer (116).

[0053] The outsourcing module (120) is operatively connected to the preprocessing module (110) and the ordering module (112). The outsourcing module (120) is configured to outsource the order received by one of the dental lab (114) and dental technician (134) to the designer (116). The outsourcing is performed by one of the dental lab (114) and dental technician (134) if the dental lab (114) and dental technician (134) is beyond the capacity of accepting the order. The decision module (122) is operatively connected to the outsourcing module (120). The decision module (122) is configured to allow one of the dental lab (114) and the dental technician (134) to select one of an option of accepting or rejecting the order. The decision module (122) is also configured to download the STL file upon accepting the order. The dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) is provided with a predefined time frame complete the order upon accepting the order. Further, the decision module (122) is configured to process the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system (424130).

[0054] The notification module (126) is operatively connected to the decision module (122). The notification module (126) is configured to send a notification to the dentist (118) about the acceptance or rejection of the order by the dental lab (114) and dental technician (134). The notification module (126) is also configured to generate a notification for the dentist (118) upon uploading the design to the dental lab (114) or dental technician (134) to the cloud, wherein upon uploading the design file is downloadable.

[0055] The payment module (128) is operatively connected to the decision module (122). The payment module (128) is configured to provide an integrated wallet to facilitate at least one of the dentist, the dental technician (134), and the dental lab (114) to make a payment corresponding to the order. The payment module (128) is also configured to divide the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of one of the dentist (118), the dental technician (134) and the dental lab (114). Further, the payment module (128) is configured to deduct money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type, wherein the amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order. Apart from above a direct online payment gateway is also provided to one of the dentist, dental technician, and dental lab to make payments to the dental cad designers (116). Furthermore, the payment module (128) is configured to generate a logistics for shipment for the product ordered.

[0056] Computer memory elements may include any suitable memory device(s) for storing data and executable program, such as read-only memory, random access memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. An executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor(s) (302).

[0057] FIG. 5a is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for operating the e- commerce system for prosthetic dental products in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure and FIG. 5b illustrates continued steps involved in operating the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products of FIG. 5a in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Online platforms may be defined as e-commerce platforms that facilitate online booking or ordering of dental products and services. The method also includes providing a dental computer aided design service.

[0058] The method (400) includes capturing, by a pre-processing module of a processing subsystem, a plurality of oral scans via an intraoral scanner, wherein the intraoral scanner is operatively connected with the processing subsystem in step (402) or capturing or taking of analogue dental impression by dentist (118).

[0059] The method (400) also includes generating, by the pre-processing module of the processing subsystem, a standard tessellation language file corresponding to the plurality of oral scans in step (404).

[0060] Further, the method (400) includes uploading, by the pre-processing module of the processing subsystem, the generated standard tessellation language file on the cloud server to enable a dental lab to for downloading the standard tessellation language file in step (406).

[0061] Furthermore, the method (400) includes displaying, by an ordering module of the processing sub-system, a list of dental labs, a list of dental technician and a list of product designers along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist thereby facilitating the dentist to select one of the dental lab, the dental technician, and a designer in step (408).

[0062] Furthermore, the method (400) includes allowing, by the ordering module of the processing sub-system, the dentist to order a prosthetic dental product by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file / analogue impression to the selected dental labs, the dental technicians, or the designer in step (410).

[0063] Furthermore, the method (400) includes outsourcing, by an outsourcing module of the processing subsystem, the order received by the dental lab or dental technician to the designer, wherein the outsourcing is performed by the dental lab or dental technician if by the dental lab and dental technician is beyond the capacity of accepting the order in step (412).

[0064] Furthermore, the method (400) includes allowing, by a decision module of the processing sub-system, the product manufacturer to select one of an option of accepting or rejecting the order in step (414).

[0065] Furthermore, the method (400) includes downloading, by the decision module of the processing subsystem, the standard tessellation language file or analogue impression upon accepting the order, wherein the dental lab or dental technician is provided with a predefined time frame complete the order upon accepting the order in step (416).

[0066] Furthermore, the method (400) includes processing, by the decision module of the processing subsystem, the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system in step (418).

[0067] Furthermore, the method (400) includes sending, by a notification module of the processing subsystem, a notification to the dentist about the acceptance or rejection of the order by the product manufacturer in step (420). Furthermore, the method (400) includes generating, by the notification module of the processing subsystem, a notification for the dentist upon uploading the design to the product manufacturer to the cloud, wherein upon uploading the design file is downloadable in step (422).

[0068] Furthermore, the method (400) includes providing, by a payment module of the processing subsystem, an integrated wallet to facilitate at least one of the dentist, the dental technician, and the dental lab to make a payment corresponding to the order in step (424).

[0069] Furthermore, the method (400) includes dividing, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of at least one of the dentist, the dental technician, and the dental lab in step (426). The method also includes dividing, the wallet into a logistics wallet chargeable for generating logistics for shipment of the order, a service wallet chargeable for using the system, and a wallet chargeable corresponding to number of downloads of the standard tessellation language files.

[0070] Furthermore, the method (400) includes deducting, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type, wherein the amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order in step (428).

[0071] Furthermore, the method (400) includes generating, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, a logistics for shipment for the product ordered in step (430).

[0072] In one embodiment, the method includes sending, by a shipping module, the manufactured product back to the dentist from the dental lab or dental technician (134) for manufacturing of the product, as per the requirement of the product. The method also includes providing, by a third-party module, a plurality of profiles of designers. The method also includes accepting, the order from the dental lab or dental technician or the dentist for creating the design file of the order by the designer. The method also includes order, designing, and sending the order to one of the dental lab or dental technician or the dentist. In one embodiment, the designer is selected by paying a predefined amount to the designer by dentist, the dental lab, and the dental technician by using a separate direct online payment gateway.

[0073] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an organized e-commerce system for booking or ordering prosthetic dental products as the dentist, the dental lab (including dental technician) and the designers have their separate modules in the system. The e-commerce system disclosed in the present disclosure provides online integration with dental labs or the dental technicians or designers. Thus, providing easy mode of payment. The present disclosure facilitates the dentist easy access of the dental labs, the dental technician, and designers. Also, the e-commerce system disclosed in the present disclosure provides multiple options for trained and qualified dental designers in a cloud environment for global use. The present disclosure facilitates the dental technician to order or book the prosthetic dental product services individually, or on behalf of the dental lab.

[0074] Further, the e-commerce system disclosed in the present disclosure provides an option to the dental lab or dental technician to outsource the order of the prosthetic dental product to the designers, if the dental lab or dental technician is not able to complete the order withing the predefined time. The e-commerce system in the present disclosure provides automatic deduction of money from the wallet when the dental lab or dental technician accepts the order. Also, the present disclosure facilitates the dentist by notifying the decision of the dental lab or dental technician about acceptance or rejection of the order.

[0075] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0076] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. An e-commerce system (100) for prosthetic dental products and services comprising: characterized in that: a processing subsystem (104) hosted on a server (106), and configured to execute on a network (108) to control bidirectional communications among a plurality of modules comprising: a pre-processing module (110) configured to: capture a plurality of oral scans via at least one of an intraoral scanner (102) and an analogue dental impression, wherein the intraoral scanner (102) is operatively connected with the processing subsystem (104); generate a standard tessellation language file corresponding to the plurality of oral scans; upload the generated standard tessellation language file on the server to enable one of a dental lab and a dental technician to download the standard tessellation language file; an ordering module (112) operatively connected to the preprocessing module (110), wherein the ordering module (112) is configured to: display a list of dental labs (114), a list of dental technicians (134), and a list of designers (116) along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist (118) thereby facilitating the dentist (118) to select one of the dental lab (114), the dental technician (134), and the designer (116); andallow the dentist (118) to order a prosthetic dental product and service by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file to the selected at least one of the dental lab (114), the dental technician (134), and the designer (116); an outsourcing module (120) operatively connected to the preprocessing module (110) and the ordering module (112), wherein the outsourcing module (120) is configured to outsource the order received by the dental lab (114) or the dental technician (134) to the designer (116), wherein the outsourcing is performed by the dental lab (114) if by one of the dental lab (114) and dental technician (134) is beyond the capacity of accepting the order; a decision module (122) operatively connected to the outsourcing module (120), wherein the decision module (122) is configured to: allow one of the dental lab (114) one of dental technician(134) to select one of an option of accepting or rejecting the order; download the standard tessellation language file or receive analogue dental impression upon accepting the order, wherein one of the dental lab (114) and the dental technician (134) is provided with a predefined time frame to complete the order upon accepting the order; and process the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system (124); a notification module (126) operatively connected to the decision module (122), wherein the notification module (126) is configured to: send a notification to the dentist (118) about the acceptance or rejection of the order by one of the dental lab (114) and the dental technician (134); andgenerate a notification for the dentist (118) upon uploading the design to one of the dental lab (114) and the dental technician (134) in the cloud, wherein upon uploading the design file is downloadable; and a payment module (128) operatively connected to the ordering module (112), wherein the payment module (128) is configured to: provide an integrated wallet to facilitate one of the dentist (118), the dental technician (134), and the dental labs (114) to make a payment corresponding to the order; divide the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of the dentist; deduct money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type, wherein the amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order; and generate a logistics for shipment for the product ordered.

2. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing subsystem (104) is configured to provide a dental computer aided design service.

3. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a third- party module (130) operatively connected to the outsourcing module (120), wherein the third-party module (130) comprises a plurality of profiles of designers (116), and wherein a designer of the plurality of designers is configured to accept one of the order from the dental lab (114) and the dental technician (134) or the dentist (118) for creating the design file of the order.

4. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third- party module (130) is configured to design the order and send the order to one of the dental lab (114), the dental technician (134), and the dentist (118).

5. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the designer (116) is selected by paying a predefined amount to the designer (116) via a payment gateway.

6. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ordering module (112) enables the dentist to manage the orders displayed in a view order section.

7. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a shipping module (132) operatively connected to the processing sub-system (104) and configured to send the manufactured product back to the dentist from one of the dental lab (114) and the dental technician (134) for manufacturing of the product, as per the requirement of the product.

8. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the designer (116) is configured to download, process, and upload the designed files from the cloud server.

9. The e-commerce system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wallet is divided into a logistics wallet chargeable for generating logistics for shipment of the order, a service wallet chargeable for using the system, and a wallet chargeable corresponding to number of downloads of the standard tessellation language files.

10. A method (400) for operating the e-commerce system for prosthetic dental products and services comprising: capturing, by a pre-processing module of a processing subsystem, a plurality of oral scans via an intraoral scanner or taking an analogue dental impression by dentist, wherein the intraoral scanner is operatively connected with the processing subsystem; (402)generating, by the pre-processing module of the processing subsystem, a standard tessellation language file corresponding to the plurality of oral scans; (404) uploading, by the pre-processing module of the processing subsystem, the generated standard tessellation language file on the cloud server to enable one of a dental lab and a dental technician to for downloading the standard tessellation language file; (406) displaying, by an ordering module of the processing sub-system, a list of dental labs, a list of dental technicians, and a list of product designers along with corresponding fee structure to a dentist thereby facilitating the dentist to select one of the dental lab, the dental technicians, and the designer; (408) allowing, by the ordering module of the processing sub-system, the dentist to order a prosthetic dental products and services by sending the corresponding standard tessellation language file or an analogue dental impressions to the selected at least one of the dental labs, the dental technicians, the designer; (410) outsourcing, by an outsourcing module of the processing subsystem, the order received by the dental lab or the dental technician to the designer, wherein the outsourcing is performed by one of the dental lab and the dental technician if by one of the dental lab and dental technician is beyond the capacity of accepting the order; (412) allowing, by a decision module of the processing sub-system, the product manufacturer to select one of an option of accepting or rejecting the order; (414) downloading, by the decision module of the processing subsystem, the standard tessellation language file upon accepting the order, wherein one of the dental lab and the dental technician is provided with a predefined time frame complete the order upon accepting the order; (416)processing, by the decision module of the processing subsystem, the downloaded standard tessellation language file by using a third-party system; (418) sending, by a notification module of the processing subsystem, a notification to the dentist about the acceptance or rejection of the order by the product manufacturer; (420) generating, by the notification module of the processing subsystem, a notification for the dentist upon uploading the design to the product manufacturer to the cloud, wherein upon uploading the design file is downloadable; (422) providing, by a payment module of the processing subsystem, an integrated wallet to facilitate one of the dentist, the dental technician, and the dental lab to make a payment corresponding to the order; (424) dividing, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, the wallet based on a plurality of transaction types of one of the dentist, the dental lab, and the dental technician; (426) deducting, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, money from the wallet corresponding to the transaction type, wherein the amount is deducted automatically upon accepting the order; (428) and generating, by the payment module of the processing subsystem, a logistics for shipment for the product ordered. (430)

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