Method and system for processing dental restoration data

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for processing dental restoration data. The method for processing dental restoration data comprises the steps of: obtaining first data for the outer surface of a dental restoration disposed in an oral cavity and second data for the inner surface of the dental restoration; determining, in response to receiving a user input of transforming the first data, whether the transformed first data and the second data interfere with each other; identifying an interference region on the dental restoration in response to determining that the transformed first data interferes with the second data; and transforming the first data for the identified interference region into third data on the basis of the second data for the identified interference region.

Description

Method and system for processing dental restoration data

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and system for processing dental restoration data.

[0002] Recent advancements in digital technology have led to the development of methods for more precise design of dental restorations placed within a patient's mouth, utilizing 3D scanning and data processing techniques. These technologies enable the production of precise and efficient dental restorations, moving beyond traditional manual methods. For example, 3D images of dental restorations can be created based on data on the patient's tooth shape acquired through an intraoral scan. These images can then be further processed to fit the patient's oral structure.

[0003] However, existing technologies can encounter issues when processing data for dental restoration images, such as insufficient precision and durability of the restoration. For example, interference between the outer and inner surfaces of the restoration, unnecessary data distortion when the shape of the restoration is altered, or thickness imbalances can occur, all of which can compromise the effectiveness and stability of the restoration.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a method and system for processing dental restoration data to solve the above problems.

[0005] The present disclosure can be implemented in various ways, including a method, a system (device), and / or a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored therein.

[0006] A method for processing dental restoration data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be performed by at least one processor. The method may include the steps of acquiring first data regarding an outer surface of a dental restoration configured to be placed in an oral cavity and second data regarding an inner surface of the dental restoration; in response to receiving a user input for modifying the first data, determining whether the modified first data interferes with the second data; in response to determining that the modified first data interferes with the second data, identifying an interference area on the dental restoration; and based on the second data regarding the identified interference area, modifying the first data regarding the identified interference area into third data.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first data and the second data may be mesh data.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of determining whether there is interference includes a step of determining that the deformed first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the distance between the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the deformed first data and the inner surface of the tooth restoration is less than or equal to a threshold distance, and the interference area can be determined as an area where the distance between the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the deformed first data and the inner surface of the tooth restoration is less than or equal to the threshold distance.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of determining whether there is interference includes a step of determining that the deformed first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the deformed first data is located inward than the inner surface of the tooth restoration, and the interference area may be determined as an area where the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the deformed first data is located inward than the inner surface of the tooth restoration.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of determining that there is interference may include the step of irradiating a virtual ray in a normal direction to the outer surface of the dental restoration from points or faces included in the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data, and the step of determining that the deformed first data interferes with the second data when the irradiated ray intersects the inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third data may be determined based on a reference plane of the dental restoration that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the dental restoration by a critical distance to the outer surface of the dental restoration.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of transforming into third data may include the step of irradiating a virtual ray in an opposite direction of a normal to the inner surface of the dental restoration at points or surfaces included in the inner surface of the dental restoration, and the step of determining a reference surface of the dental restoration based on the ray reaching a position that is a critical distance away from each of the points or surfaces included in the inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of identifying an interference area may include the step of marking the interference area on the dental restoration so that it is identifiable.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of identifying an interference area may include at least one of: in response to receiving a user input activating display of the interference area on the dental restoration, displaying the interference area so that it is identifiable on the dental restoration; or in response to receiving a user input deactivating display of the interference area on the dental restoration, de-marking the interference area so that it is not identifiable on the dental restoration.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of determining whether there is interference may include the step of receiving a user input for transforming first data included in a selection area selected by the user on a dental restoration, and the step of determining whether there is interference between the transformed first data included in the selection area and second data.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of determining whether there is interference may further include at least one of a step of activating a user's input for selecting a selection area on an outer surface of the dental restoration, or a step of deactivating a user's input for selecting a selection area on an inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of transforming into third data may include a step of displaying an area transformed into the third data on the dental restoration so as to be identifiable.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for modifying the first data may include a user input for modifying the position of each of points or surfaces included in at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration by moving at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration toward the inside of the dental restoration.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for modifying the first data may include a user input for modifying the position of each of points or surfaces included in at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration by flattening at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of transforming into third data may include a step of transforming first data for an identified interference area into candidate data based on a user's input transforming the first data, a step of flattening at least a portion of an outer surface of a dental restoration corresponding to the candidate data, and a step of determining whether the flattened candidate data interferes with the second data.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the user input for modifying the first data may include a user input for modifying the position of each of points or surfaces included in at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration by moving at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration toward the outside of the dental restoration.

[0022] A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon instructions for executing a method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure on a computer may be provided.

[0023] An information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a memory and at least one processor connected to the memory and configured to execute at least one computer-readable program included in the memory, wherein the at least one program may include instructions for obtaining first data for an outer surface of a dental restoration configured to be placed in an oral cavity and second data for an inner surface of the dental restoration, in response to receiving a user input for modifying the first data, determining whether the modified first data interferes with the second data, identifying an interference area on the dental restoration, and modifying the first data for the identified interference area into third data based on the second data for the identified interference area.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a user can easily carve a desired dental restoration by modifying dental restoration data, and can immediately check the three-dimensional shape of the carved dental restoration through a user interface.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a dental restoration data processing system can prevent an outer surface of a dental restoration from interfering with an inner surface of the dental restoration during a process in which a user modifies dental restoration data.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dental restoration data processing system can manage the strength or durability of a dental restoration manufactured using the dental restoration data processing system by maintaining the thickness of the dental restoration above a predetermined threshold thickness even when the user freely changes the shape of the dental restoration.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, when first data for an outer surface of a dental restoration is deformed based on a user's input for flattening an outer surface of the dental restoration, the processor can deform the first data into third data that is flattened to an intended degree through the user's input without interfering with second data for an inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0028] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs (referred to as “one skilled in the art”) from the description of the claims.

[0029] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent similar elements, but are not limited thereto.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a dental restoration data processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface for processing dental restoration data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface for processing dental restoration data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an interference area on a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining an example of modifying first data for an outer surface of a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an example of modifying first data for an outer surface of a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining an example of modifying first data for an outer surface of a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of transforming first data for an interference area on a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure into third data.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining an example of transforming first data for an interference area on a dental restoration into third data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface in which an area transformed with third data is displayed according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing dental restoration data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for transforming first data for an interference area on a dental restoration into third data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Hereinafter, specific details for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, in the following description, specific descriptions of widely known functions or configurations will be omitted if they may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0044] In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments below, duplicate descriptions of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even if a description of a component is omitted, it is not intended that such component is not included in any embodiment.

[0045] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described below, along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided solely to ensure the completeness of the disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention.

[0046] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, followed by a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments. The terms used in this specification have been selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of engineers working in the relevant field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms may be arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the relevant description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should not be defined simply as names of terms, but rather based on their meanings and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0047] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, plural expressions include singular expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When a part of the specification is said to include a component, this does not exclude other components, but rather implies that other components may be included, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0048] Also, the term 'module' or 'part' used in the specification means a software or hardware component, and the 'module' or 'part' performs certain roles. However, the 'module' or 'part' is not limited to software or hardware. The 'module' or 'part' may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and may be configured to execute one or more processors. Thus, as an example, the 'module' or 'part' may include at least one of components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables. The functionality provided within the components and 'modules' or 'parts' may be combined into a smaller number of components and 'modules' or 'parts', or further separated into additional components and 'modules' or 'parts'.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a 'module' or 'unit' may be implemented as a processor and a memory. 'Processor' should be broadly construed to include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, and the like. In some circumstances, a 'processor' may also refer to an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like. A 'processor' may also refer to a combination of processing devices, such as, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such combination of configurations. In addition, 'memory' should be broadly construed to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. 'Memory' may refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with the processor if the processor can read information from, and / or write information to, the memory. Memory integrated in a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0050] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. used in the following embodiments are only used to distinguish certain components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms.

[0051] Additionally, in the embodiments below, when it is described that a component is 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be 'connected', 'coupled' or 'connected' between each component.

[0052] In the present disclosure, 'each of the plurality of As' may refer to each of all components included in the plurality of As, or may refer to each of some components included in the plurality of As.

[0053] Additionally, the terms 'comprises' and / or 'comprising' used in the following embodiments do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0054] In the present disclosure, the "system" may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a server device and a cloud device. For example, the system may be comprised of one or more server devices. As another example, the system may be comprised of one or more cloud devices. As yet another example, the system may be configured and operated by a combination of a server device and a cloud device.

[0055] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a dental restoration data processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The dental restoration data processing system may include a three-dimensional scanner (100) and a computing device (200) connected to the three-dimensional scanner (100) via a network or the like.

[0056] A 3D scanner (100) is a device for scanning an object and may be a medical device for acquiring an image of the object. In one embodiment, the object may include any body part that can be scanned by the 3D scanner (100). For example, the object may include at least one of an oral cavity or an artificial structure (e.g., a dental restoration, an orthodontic device, an implant, an artificial tooth, an orthodontic assistive device, etc.), or a plaster model modeling the oral cavity or an artificial structure.

[0057] In one embodiment, the 3D scanner (100) may include a main body (110) and a tip (130). For example, the main body (110) may include a light irradiator that projects light and a camera that captures an object to obtain an image. For example, the tip (130) is a part that is inserted into the oral cavity and may be configured with a detachable structure to be mounted on the main body (110). The tip (130) may include a means for changing the light path. For example, the tip (130) may direct light irradiated from the main body (110) toward the object and direct light received from the object toward the main body (110).

[0058] In one embodiment, the 3D scanner (100) may be a handheld type that a user holds and moves with their hand while scanning the oral cavity. The 3D scanner (100) can be inserted into the oral cavity and scan teeth in a non-contact manner, thereby obtaining an image of the oral cavity including at least one tooth. In addition, the 3D scanner (100) may be configured to be inserted and extracted into the oral cavity, and can scan the inside of the patient's oral cavity using at least one image sensor (e.g., an optical camera, etc.). Although the 3D scanner (100) is illustrated as a handheld scanner in FIG. 1, it is not limited thereto. For example, the 3D scanner (100) may be a table scanner that scans an object by rotating the table to obtain surface information about the object.

[0059] In one embodiment, the three-dimensional scanner (100) may transmit the acquired oral cavity image to the computing device (200). For example, the three-dimensional scanner (100) may acquire surface information about at least one tooth in the oral cavity as raw data, and generate an oral cavity image representing the oral cavity three-dimensionally based on the acquired raw data. Thereafter, the three-dimensional scanner (100) may transmit the generated oral cavity image to the computing device (200). Alternatively, the three-dimensional scanner (100) may acquire surface information about at least one tooth in the oral cavity as raw data, and directly transmit the acquired raw data to the computing device (200). In this case, the computing device (200) may generate the oral cavity image based on the raw data received from the three-dimensional scanner (100).

[0060] In one embodiment, the computing device (200) may obtain data regarding an artificial structure (e.g., a dental restoration) configured to be placed within an oral cavity. For example, the computing device (200) may receive data regarding a dental restoration generated by another component and / or an external device included in the dental restoration data processing system from another component and / or an external device included in the dental restoration data processing system. Alternatively, the computing device (200) may identify a tooth requiring treatment (hereinafter, referred to as a target tooth) from the acquired oral cavity image and generate data regarding a dental restoration to be placed on the target tooth. Here, the data regarding the dental restoration may be generated based on three-dimensional shape information of the target tooth.

[0061] In one embodiment, the artificial structure may correspond to an oral image. For example, the artificial structure may be created to be placed on a specific tooth in the oral image.

[0062] In one embodiment, data regarding a dental restoration may include surface information regarding the dental restoration. For example, the data regarding the dental restoration may include first data regarding the outer surface of the dental restoration and second data regarding the inner surface of the dental restoration. The first data and the second data may be, but are not limited to, mesh data expressed as a plurality of polygons (e.g., triangles).

[0063] In one embodiment, the computing device (200) can output data about a dental restoration on a display. For example, the computing device (200) can generate a three-dimensional image of the dental restoration (hereinafter referred to as a “dental restoration image”) based on first data about the outer surface of the dental restoration and second data about the inner surface of the dental restoration, and output the generated dental restoration image on the display.

[0064] In one embodiment, the computing device (200) can modify data regarding a dental restoration based on user input. For example, the computing device (200) can receive user input for modifying an outer surface of a dental restoration based on an image of the dental restoration displayed on a display. Furthermore, the processor can modify first data regarding the outer surface of the dental restoration based on the received user input. Examples of user input for modifying the first data regarding the outer surface of the dental restoration are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0065] In one embodiment, the computing device (200) may determine whether there is interference between the outer and inner surfaces of the modified dental restoration based on a user input that deforms the outer surface of the dental restoration. For example, in response to receiving a user input that deforms first data regarding the outer surface of the dental restoration, the computing device (200) may determine whether the deformed first data interferes with second data regarding the inner surface of the dental restoration. If it is determined that the deformed first data interferes with the second data, the computing device (200) may identify an interference area on the dental restoration. A specific example of the interference area is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0066] In one embodiment, the computing device (200) may transform first data regarding the outer surface of a dental restoration into third data that does not interfere with the second data for the identified interference area. The third data may be different from the transformed first data. An example of transforming first data regarding the interference area into third data is described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 .

[0067] By this configuration, the computing device (200) can prevent interference between the outer and inner surfaces of the dental restoration during the process in which the user freely changes the shape of the dental restoration.

[0068] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The computing device (200) may include a memory (210), a processor (220), a communication module (230), and an input / output interface (240). The computing device (200) may be configured to communicate information and / or data via a network using the communication module (230). For example, a user may use the computing device (200) to create a dental restoration to be placed in an oral cavity. The computing device (200) may obtain data about the dental restoration and modify the data about the dental restoration based on the user's input.

[0069] The memory (210) may include any non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. In one embodiment, the memory (210) may include a non-permanent mass storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. As another example, a non-permanent mass storage device such as a ROM, an SSD, a flash memory, a disk drive, etc. may be included in the computing device (200) as a separate permanent storage device distinct from the memory. In addition, the memory (210) may store an operating system and at least one program code (e.g., a code for generating or modifying data for a dental restoration installed and operated on the computing device (210).

[0070] These software components may be loaded from a computer-readable recording medium separate from the memory (210). This separate computer-readable recording medium may include a recording medium directly connectable to the computing device (200), for example, a computer-readable recording medium such as a floppy drive, a disk, a tape, a DVD / CD-ROM drive, a memory card, etc. As another example, the software components may be loaded into the memory (210) via a communication module (230) other than a computer-readable recording medium. For example, at least one program may be loaded into the memory (210) based on a computer program (e.g., a program for creating or modifying data for a dental restoration) that is installed by files provided by developers or a file distribution system that distributes installation files of applications via the communication module (230).

[0071] The processor (220) may be configured to process commands of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. The commands may be provided to a user terminal (not shown) or another external system via a memory (210) or a communication module (230). For example, the processor (220) may acquire data regarding a dental restoration and modify the data regarding the dental restoration based on user input.

[0072] The communication module (230) may provide a configuration or function for the computing device (200) to communicate with each other through a network, such as a 3D scanner (e.g., the 3D scanner (100) of FIG. 1), a user terminal (not shown), etc., and may provide a configuration or function for the computing device (200) to communicate with an external system (e.g., a separate cloud system, etc.). For example, control signals, commands, data, etc. provided under the control of the processor (220) of the computing device (200) may be transmitted to the user terminal and / or the external system through the communication module (230) and the network, via the communication module of the user terminal and / or the external system.

[0073] In addition, the input / output interface (240) of the computing device (200) may be a means for interfacing with a device (not shown) for input or output that is connected to the computing device (200) or that the computing device (200) may include. In FIG. 2, the input / output interface (240) is illustrated as an element configured separately from the processor (220), but is not limited thereto, and the input / output interface (240) may be configured to be included in the processor (220). The computing device (200) may include more components than those illustrated in FIG. 2. However, there is no need to explicitly illustrate most of the conventional components.

[0074] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (300) for processing dental restoration data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The operation of processing dental restoration data may be performed by at least one processor (e.g., the processor (220) of the computing device (200) of FIG. 2 ). The user interface (300) may represent an example of a screen output on a display of the computing device.

[0075] The processor, as at least a part of the user interface (300), can output a three-dimensional image (hereinafter referred to as a “tooth restoration image”) (310) of a tooth restoration. For example, the processor can obtain data on the tooth restoration (hereinafter referred to as “tooth restoration data”) and generate a tooth restoration image (310) based on the obtained tooth restoration data. In addition, the processor can output the generated tooth restoration image (310) on the user interface (300).

[0076] In one embodiment, a user may adjust the size and / or orientation of a dental restoration image (310) output on a user interface (300) by enlarging, reducing, or rotating the dental restoration image (310) through a predetermined input method (e.g., click input, touch input, drag input, predetermined shortcut key input, etc.).

[0077] In one embodiment, the dental restoration image (310) may include an outer surface (310a) and an inner surface of the dental restoration. For example, the dental restoration data may include first data regarding the outer surface (310a) of the dental restoration and second data regarding the inner surface of the dental restoration. Based on the first data and the second data, the processor may two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally implement the outer surface (310a) and the inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0078] The processor can modify dental restoration data based on user input. To fabricate a dental restoration, a process may be required to sculpt (or machine) the dental restoration to resemble the shape of the patient's target tooth on which the dental restoration is to be placed, or to conform to the patient's oral structure. The processor can sculpt (or machine) the dental restoration based on user input that modifies the dental restoration data.

[0079] In one embodiment, the processor can modify dental restoration data included in a selection area (312a) selected by a user on a dental restoration image (310). For example, the user can designate at least a portion of the area on which a dental restoration is to be carved on the dental restoration image (310) as the selection area (312a) based on a predetermined input method. Accordingly, the processor can modify the dental restoration data included in the selection area (312a) designated by the user.

[0080] In one embodiment, at least a portion of an area on a dental restoration image (310) may be set as a locked area in which deformation of the dental restoration data is restricted. For example, a user may set at least a portion of an area on a dental restoration image (310) as a locked area based on a predetermined input. For example, if a selection area (312a) for deforming the dental restoration data is located in a locked area, the processor may restrict deformation of the dental restoration data even if a user input for deforming the dental restoration data is received for the selection area (312a). In addition, if at least a portion of the selection area (312a) for deforming the dental restoration data overlaps with the locked area, the processor may restrict deformation of the dental restoration data for an area of ​​the selection area (312a) that overlaps with the locked area, and may deform the dental restoration data only for an area of ​​the selection area (312a) that does not overlap with the locked area.

[0081] In one embodiment, the user interface (300) may output a sculpting menu (320) associated with a function of deforming dental restoration data. For example, the sculpting menu (320) may include a first menu icon (321) associated with a function of protruding a surface of a dental restoration, a second menu icon (322) associated with a function of depression a surface of a dental restoration, a third menu icon (323) associated with a function of smoothing a surface of a dental restoration, a fourth menu icon (324) associated with a function of morphing a surface of a dental restoration, and a fifth menu icon (325) associated with a function of simplifying a surface of a dental restoration.

[0082] For example, a user can transform the dental restoration data so that the selected selection area (312a) protrudes on the dental restoration image (310) by selecting the first menu icon (321). In this case, polygons constituting the mesh data included in the dental restoration data may be added, but are not limited thereto.

[0083] As another example, a user may deform the dental restoration data by selecting the second menu icon (322) so that the selected area (312a) on the dental restoration image (310) is sunken. In this case, at least a portion of the polygons constituting the mesh data included in the dental restoration data may be deleted, but is not limited thereto.

[0084] As another example, the user can reduce the unevenness of the surface of the tooth restoration by selecting the third menu icon (323) so that the surface of the tooth restoration is smooth for the selected area (312a) on the tooth restoration image (310). In this case, at least some of the polygons constituting the mesh data included in the tooth restoration data may be removed or polygons may be added, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0085] As another example, by selecting the fourth menu icon (324), the user can move the position of the mesh data included in the selected area (312a) while maintaining the surface shape of the selected area (312a) on the dental restoration image (310). In this case, the number of polygons constituting the mesh data included in the dental restoration data may be maintained, while the position or direction of the polygons may be changed, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] As another example, a user can change the number of polygons constituting the mesh data included in the dental restoration data by selecting the fifth menu icon (325). Examples of modifying the dental restoration data are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0087] In one embodiment, the sculpting menu (320) may further include a sixth menu icon (326) for adjusting the intensity (or speed) of deforming the dental restoration data with respect to the selection area (312a) and a seventh menu icon (327) for adjusting the size of the selection area (312a). The sixth menu icon (326) and the seventh menu icon (327) may be output in the form of a slider-bar so that values ​​can be continuously adjusted, but are not limited thereto.

[0088] By this configuration, the user can easily carve (or process) the desired dental restoration by modifying the dental restoration data, and can immediately check the three-dimensional shape of the carved (or processed) dental restoration through the user interface (300).

[0089] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (400a, 400b) for processing dental restoration data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, descriptions of components described or duplicated in FIG. 3 are omitted.

[0090] Referring to the first user interface (400a), the dental restoration image (410) may include an outer surface (410a) and an inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration. For example, the dental restoration data may include first data regarding the outer surface (410a) of the dental restoration and second data regarding the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration. Based on the first data and the second data, the processor may implement the outer surface (410a) and the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration.

[0091] In one embodiment, the processor can activate a user's input for selecting a selection area (412a) on an outer surface (410a) of the dental restoration. Conversely, the processor can deactivate (or block) a user's input for selecting a selection area (412a) on an inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration. That is, the processor can be configured so that the user cannot designate a selection area (412a) on the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration. Since the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration is designed to correspond to the shape of a target tooth on which the dental restoration is to be placed, the processor can prevent the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration from being unnecessarily deformed by deactivating the user's input for selecting a selection area (412a) on the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration. Additionally, the processor may visualize the outer surface (410a) and the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration with different colors, textures, etc. so that the outer surface (410a) and the inner surface (410b) of the dental restoration can be distinguished and identified on the user interface, but is not limited thereto.

[0092] Referring to the first user interface (400a) and the second user interface (400b), data associated with an antagonist for a target tooth may be displayed on the dental restoration image (410). Here, the antagonist may refer to a tooth that contacts and / or occludes the target tooth. If the processor determines that the dental restoration interferes with the antagonist, the processor may display an area (414a) that interferes with the antagonist on the dental restoration image (410). Accordingly, the user may modify the dental restoration data within a range in which the dental restoration does not interfere with the antagonist.

[0093] In one embodiment, the processor may display colors of interference areas differently depending on the degree of interference between the dental restoration and the opposing tooth. For example, the processor may display an area where the degree of interference between the dental restoration and the opposing tooth is greater than or equal to a first predetermined threshold as a first color, an area where the degree of interference between the dental restoration and the opposing tooth is less than the first predetermined threshold and greater than or equal to a second predetermined threshold as a second color, and an area where the degree of interference between the dental restoration and the opposing tooth is less than the second predetermined threshold as a third color, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] Referring to the second user interface (400b), the dental restoration image (410) can be implemented as mesh data composed of a plurality of polygons. Accordingly, the user can directly confirm that the position, number, direction, etc. of the polygons constituting the mesh data of the dental restoration data are changed during the process of transforming the dental restoration data through the sculpting menu (e.g., the sculpting menu (320) of FIG. 3).

[0095] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining an interference area (514) on a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. A first example (500a) is an example showing an interference area (514) on a dental restoration in a three-dimensional image (510) of the dental restoration, and a second example (500b) is an example showing an interference area (514) on a dental restoration in a two-dimensional cross-sectional image of the dental restoration. Here, the interference area (514) may refer to an area where first data on an outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration and second data on an inner surface (510b) of the dental restoration interfere.

[0096] The processor can determine whether there is interference between first data regarding the outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration and second data regarding the inner surface (510b) of the dental restoration. For example, the processor can obtain the first data and the second data. Thereafter, the processor can receive a user's input for modifying the first data, and determine whether there is interference between the first data modified by the user's input (hereinafter referred to as "modified first data") and the second data. Additionally or alternatively, the processor can obtain the first data and the second data, and immediately determine whether there is interference between the obtained first data and the second data.

[0097] In one embodiment, if the processor determines that the modified first data and the second data interfere, the processor can identify an interference area (514) on the dental restoration where the modified first data and the second data interfere.

[0098] In one embodiment, the interference area (514) may be identifiably displayed on the dental restoration image (510). For example, the interference area (514) may be identifiably displayed on the surface of the dental restoration through a contour, color, texture, etc. In addition, the processor may receive a user input for activating or deactivating the interference area (514), thereby setting the interference area (514) to be displayed or not displayed on the dental restoration image (510).

[0099] In one embodiment, the processor may determine that the deformed first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data is located inward compared to the inner surface (510b) of the restoration. In other words, the processor may determine that the deformed first data interferes with the second data if the outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the first data intersects the inner surface (510b) of the restoration. In this case, the interference area (514) may be determined as an area where the outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data is located inward compared to the inner surface (510b) of the dental restoration corresponding to the second data.

[0100] For example, in order to determine whether there is interference between the transformed first data and the second data, the processor may irradiate a virtual ray in a normal direction (e.g., in the outer direction of the tooth restoration) to the outer surface (510a) of the tooth restoration from points or faces included in the outer surface (510a) of the tooth restoration. If the irradiated ray intersects the inner surface (510b) of the tooth restoration, the processor may determine that the transformed first data and the second data interfere.

[0101] In another embodiment, the processor may determine that the deformed first data and the second data interfere if there is an area where the distance between the outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data and the inner surface (510b) of the dental restoration corresponding to the second data is less than or equal to a threshold distance. That is, even if the outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration does not intersect the inner surface (510b), the processor may determine that the deformed first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the distance between the outer surface (510a) and the inner surface (510b) of the dental restoration is less than or equal to a threshold distance. At this time, the interference area (514) may be determined as an area where the distance between the outer surface (510a) of the dental restoration and the inner surface (510b) of the dental restoration is less than or equal to a threshold distance.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of modifying first data for an outer surface (610a) of a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first example (600a) shows a dental restoration image (610) in a state before the first data for the outer surface (610a) of the dental restoration is modified, and the second example (600b) shows a dental restoration image (610) in a state after the first data for the outer surface (610a) of the dental restoration is modified. FIG. 6 may show an example of a case where an icon (for example, a second menu icon (322) of FIG. 3) associated with a function of denting a surface of a dental restoration is selected on a user interface output to a computing device (for example, the computing device (200) of FIG. 1).

[0103] Referring to the first example (600a) and the second example (600b), the processor can modify dental restoration data based on user input. For example, the processor can modify dental restoration data included in a selection area (612) selected by the user on a dental restoration image (610).

[0104] In one embodiment, the processor may, in response to receiving a user's input of a predetermined manner for the selection area (612), cause the outer surface (610a) of the dental restoration to sink in the selection area (612). In other words, the processor may, based on the user's input, cause at least a portion of the outer surface (610a) of the dental restoration to move inwardly of the dental restoration, thereby changing the position of each of the points or surfaces included in the outer surface (610a) of the dental restoration.

[0105] In this case, as the distance between the outer surface (610a) and the inner surface of the tooth restoration becomes closer in the selection area (612), an area in which the distance between the outer surface (610a) and the inner surface is less than or equal to a critical distance may occur. In addition, as the outer surface (610a) and the inner surface of the tooth restoration intersect in the selection area (612), an area in which the outer surface (610a) is located further inward than the inner surface may occur. That is, as the first data corresponding to the outer surface (610a) of the tooth restoration is deformed, the deformed first data and the second data corresponding to the inner surface of the tooth restoration may interfere.

[0106] In one embodiment, the processor may receive user input for moving a selection area (612) via a user interface. In this case, the processor may modify the first data for the outer surface (610a) of the dental restoration with respect to the area where the selection area (612) passes over the outer surface (610a). Conversely, even if the selection area (612) passes over the inner surface of the dental restoration, the processor may not modify the second data for the inner surface with respect to the area where the selection area (612) passes over the inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0107] In Fig. 6, when the transformed first data and the second data interfere, the interference area (614) is shown and described as being displayed on the dental restoration image (610), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the processor determines that the transformed first data and the second data interfere, the processor may transform the first data for the interference area (614) into third data that does not interfere with the second data. In other words, when the processor determines that the transformed first data will interfere with the second data based on the user's input, the processor may immediately transform the first data into third data so that the interference area (614) does not occur. An example of the first data for the interference area (614) being transformed into third data is described in more detail below with reference to Figs. 9 and 10.

[0108] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining an example of modifying first data for an outer surface (710a) of a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first example (700a) shows a dental restoration image (710) in a state before the first data for the outer surface (710a) of the dental restoration is modified, and the second example (700b) shows a dental restoration image (710) in a state after the first data for the outer surface (710a) of the dental restoration is modified. FIG. 7 may show an example of a case where an icon (e.g., the third menu icon (323) of FIG. 3) associated with a function of flattening a surface of a dental restoration is selected on a user interface output to a computing device (e.g., the computing device (200) of FIG. 1). In FIG. 7, descriptions of components described or duplicated in FIG. 6 are omitted.

[0109] Referring to the first example (700a) and the second example (700b), the processor can flatten the outer surface (710a) of the dental restoration for the selection area (712) in response to receiving a user's input in a predetermined manner for the selection area (712). In other words, the processor can change the position of each of the points or surfaces included in the outer surface (710a) of the dental restoration by flattening at least a portion of the outer surface (610a) of the dental restoration based on the user's input.

[0110] In this case, as the unevenness of the outer surface (710a) of the tooth restoration decreases in the selection area (712), an area may occur in which the outer surface (710a) of the tooth restoration is located inward from the inner surface of the tooth restoration, or a distance between the outer surface (710a) of the tooth restoration and the inner surface of the tooth restoration is less than a critical distance. That is, as the first data corresponding to the outer surface (710a) of the tooth restoration is deformed, the deformed first data and the second data corresponding to the inner surface of the tooth restoration may interfere.

[0111] In one embodiment, if the processor determines that the transformed first data and the second data interfere with each other, the processor may transform the first data for the interference area (714) into third data that does not interfere with the second data. In this case, during the process of transforming the first data into the third data, additional unevenness may occur on the outer surface (710a) of the dental restoration. To prevent the occurrence of additional unevenness, the processor may repeat the process of flattening the outer surface (710a) of the dental restoration for the selected area (712) multiple times. This will be described in more detail later with reference to FIG. 13.

[0112] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of modifying first data for an outer surface (810a) of a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first example (800a) shows a dental restoration image (810) in a state before the first data for the outer surface (810a) of the dental restoration is modified, and the second example (800b) shows a dental restoration image (810) in a state after the first data for the outer surface (810a) of the dental restoration is modified. FIG. 8 may show an example of a case where an icon (e.g., the fourth menu icon (324) of FIG. 3) associated with a function of morphing a surface of a dental restoration is selected on a user interface output to a computing device (e.g., the computing device (200) of FIG. 1). In FIG. 8, descriptions of components described or overlapping with FIGS. 6 and 7 are omitted.

[0113] Referring to the first example (800a) and the second example (800b), the processor can morph the outer surface (810a) of the dental restoration with respect to the selection area (812) in response to receiving a user's input in a predetermined manner for the selection area (812). In other words, the processor can change the position of each of the points or surfaces included in the outer surface (810a) of the dental restoration by moving at least a portion of the outer surface (810a) of the dental restoration toward the outside of the dental restoration based on the user's input.

[0114] In this case, as the outer surface (810a) of the tooth restoration for the selection area (812) is dragged entirely toward the outside of the tooth restoration, an area adjacent to the selection area (812) may occur in which the outer surface (810a) of the tooth restoration is located inside the inner surface of the tooth restoration or the distance between the outer surface (810a) of the tooth restoration and the inner surface of the tooth restoration is less than a critical distance. That is, as the first data corresponding to the outer surface (810a) of the tooth restoration is deformed, the deformed first data and the second data corresponding to the inner surface of the tooth restoration may interfere.

[0115] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining an example of transforming first data for an interference area (914) on a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure into third data.

[0116] Referring to the first example (900a), the processor can determine whether there is interference between first data corresponding to the outer surface (910a) of the dental restoration and second data corresponding to the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration. Here, the first data may be first data modified based on a user's input that modifies the outer surface (910a) of the dental restoration, but is not limited thereto.

[0117] In one embodiment, the processor may determine that the first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the outer surface (910a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the first data is located more inward than the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration. As a specific example, the processor may irradiate a virtual ray in a normal direction (e.g., in the outer direction of the dental restoration) to the outer surface (910a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the first data from points or surfaces included in the outer surface (910a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the first data. At this time, if the irradiated ray intersects the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration, the processor may determine that the first data interferes with the second data. In addition, the processor may determine an area where the outer surface (910a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the first data is located more inward than the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration as an interference area (914).

[0118] Referring to the second example (900b), the processor may transform the first data for the interference area (914) into third data based on the second data for the interference area (914). Here, the third data may be data for a deformation area (916) that is transformed so that the outer surface (910a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the interference area (914) does not intersect the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration. The deformation area (916) may be a portion of a predetermined reference plane for the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration (for example, a plane that is separated by a threshold distance or more from the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration), but is not limited thereto.

[0119] In one embodiment, the processor may irradiate virtual rays in a direction opposite to a normal to the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration (e.g., toward the outer side of the dental restoration) at points or surfaces included in the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration to transform the first data into third data. At this time, a deformation area (916) of the dental restoration and / or a reference plane for determining the deformation area (916) may be determined based on rays reaching a position that is a critical distance away from each of the points or surfaces included in the inner surface (910b) of the dental restoration. Here, the critical distance may be determined as a minimum thickness that does not cause damage to the dental restoration, but is not limited thereto. In addition, the critical distance may be determined as 1.0 mm or less, but is not limited thereto, and may be determined in advance by a user.

[0120] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of transforming first data for an interference area (1014) on a dental restoration according to one embodiment of the present disclosure into third data. In FIG. 10, descriptions overlapping with those in FIG. 9 are omitted.

[0121] Referring to the first example (1000a), the processor can determine whether there is interference between first data corresponding to the outer surface (1010a) of the dental restoration and second data corresponding to the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration. Here, the first data may be first data modified based on a user's input that modifies the outer surface (1010a) of the dental restoration, but is not limited thereto.

[0122] In one embodiment, the processor may determine that the first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the distance between the outer surface (1010a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the first data and the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration is less than or equal to a threshold distance. For example, the processor may obtain the distance between the outer surface (1010a) and the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration by irradiating a virtual ray in a normal direction (e.g., in the outer direction of the dental restoration) and / or an opposite normal direction (e.g., in the inner direction of the dental restoration) to the outer surface (1010a) of the dental restoration at points or surfaces included in the outer surface (1010a) of the dental restoration corresponding to the first data.

[0123] At this time, if there is an area where the distance between the outer surface (1010a) and the inner surface (1010b) of the acquired tooth restoration is less than or equal to a critical distance, the processor may determine that the first data interferes with the second data. In addition, the processor may determine the area where the distance between the outer surface (1010a) and the inner surface (1010b) of the tooth restoration is less than or equal to a critical distance as an interference area (1014). Additionally, the critical distance may be determined to be 1.0 mm or less as the minimum thickness at which the tooth restoration is not damaged, but is not limited thereto.

[0124] Referring to the first example (1000a) and the second example (1000b), the processor can transform the first data for the interference area (1014) into third data based on the second data for the interference area (1014). Here, the third data can be determined based on a reference surface (1010c) of the dental restoration that is spaced a critical distance from the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration to the outer surface of the dental restoration.

[0125] For example, the processor may irradiate a virtual ray in a direction opposite to a normal to the inner surface of the dental restoration (e.g., toward the outer side of the dental restoration) at points or surfaces included in the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration. In addition, the processor may determine a reference plane (1010c) of the dental restoration based on a position that is a critical distance away from each of the points or surfaces included in the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration. That is, the reference plane (1010c) may be a plane composed of a set of points or surfaces that are a critical distance away from the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration, and may be determined in advance with respect to the inner surface (1010b) of the dental restoration. The processor may transform first data for the interference area (1014) into third data for a deformation area (1016) that is at least a portion of the reference plane (1010c).

[0126] By this configuration, the dental restoration data processing system can prevent the outer surface of the dental restoration from interfering with the inner surface of the dental restoration when the user changes the dental restoration data. In addition, the dental restoration data processing system can manage the strength or durability of the dental restoration manufactured using the dental restoration data processing system by maintaining the thickness of the dental restoration above a predetermined threshold thickness even when the user freely changes the shape of the dental restoration.

[0127] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface (1100) in which a deformation area (1116) transformed with third data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is displayed. Referring to the user interface (1100), a deformation area (1116) may be displayed so as to be identifiable on a dental restoration image (1110). For example, the processor may transform first data corresponding to an outer surface (1110a) of the dental restoration into third data so that the first data does not interfere with second data corresponding to an inner surface of the dental restoration. The deformation area (1116) may refer to an area (1116) transformed with the third data. In this case, the deformation area (1116) may refer to an area in which a distance between the outer surface (1110a) and the inner surface of the dental restoration corresponds to a predetermined threshold distance.

[0128] In one embodiment, the processor can receive a user input for activating or deactivating the deformation region (1116), thereby setting the deformation region (1116) to be displayed or not displayed on the dental restoration image (1110). Accordingly, the user can be provided with information about the region of the dental restoration with the minimum thickness on the dental restoration image (1110), thereby assisting in the processing of the dental restoration.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method (1200) for processing dental restoration data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (1200) for processing dental restoration data may be performed by at least one processor included in a computing device (e.g., the computing device (200) of FIG. 1). The method (1200) for processing dental restoration data may begin with the processor acquiring first data for an outer surface of a dental restoration configured to be placed in an oral cavity and second data for an inner surface of the dental restoration (S1210). Here, the first data and the second data may be mesh data.

[0130] In response to receiving a user input for modifying the first data, the processor may determine whether the modified first data interferes with the second data (S1220). For example, the processor may irradiate a virtual ray in a normal direction to the outer surface of the dental restoration from points or surfaces included on the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the modified first data. In this case, if the irradiated ray intersects the inner surface of the dental restoration, the processor may determine that the modified first data interferes with the second data.

[0131] In one embodiment, the user input for modifying the first data may include a user input for modifying the position of each of points or faces included in at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration by moving at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration inwardly. Furthermore, the user input for modifying the first data may include a user input for modifying the position of each of points or faces included in at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration by flattening at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration. Additionally, the user input for modifying the first data may include a user input for modifying the position of each of points or faces included in at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration by moving at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration outwardly.

[0132] Thereafter, in response to determining that the modified first data interferes with the second data, the processor can identify an interference region on the dental restoration (S1230). In addition, the processor can display the interference region so that it is identifiable on the dental restoration. Alternatively, in response to receiving a user input activating the display of the interference region on the dental restoration, the processor can display the interference region so that it is identifiable on the dental restoration. In addition, in response to receiving a user input deactivating the display of the interference region on the dental restoration, the processor can de-mark the interference region so that the interference region is not identified on the dental restoration.

[0133] In one embodiment, the processor may determine that the deformed first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the distance between the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data and the inner surface of the dental restoration is less than or equal to a threshold distance. In this case, the interference area may be determined as an area where the distance between the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data and the inner surface of the dental restoration is less than or equal to the threshold distance.

[0134] In one embodiment, the processor may determine that the deformed first data interferes with the second data if there is an area where the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data is located inward relative to the inner surface of the dental restoration. In this case, the interference area may be determined as an area where the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the deformed first data is located inward relative to the inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0135] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a user input for modifying first data included in a selection area selected by the user on a dental restoration. At this time, the processor may activate the user input for selecting the selection area on the outer surface of the dental restoration, or deactivate the user input for selecting the selection area on the inner surface of the dental restoration. Accordingly, the selection area selected by the user may be located on the outer surface of the dental restoration. The processor may determine whether there is interference between the modified first data included in the selection area and the second data.

[0136] Then, the processor can transform the first data for the interference area into third data based on the second data for the identified interference area (S1240). For example, the processor can irradiate a virtual ray in the opposite direction of the normal to the inner surface of the dental restoration at points or surfaces included in the inner surface of the dental restoration. In addition, the processor can determine a reference plane of the dental restoration based on the ray reaching a position separated by a threshold distance from each of the points or surfaces included in the inner surface of the dental restoration. At this time, the third data can be determined based on the reference plane of the dental restoration that is separated by the threshold distance from the inner surface of the dental restoration to the outside of the dental restoration. Additionally, the processor can display the area transformed by the third data on the dental restoration so as to be identified.

[0137] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method (1300) for transforming first data for an interference area on a dental restoration into third data according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (1300) is a flowchart for explaining step S1240 of FIG. 12 in more detail. Specifically, the method (1300) illustrates an example of a method in which transformed first data is transformed into third data based on a user's input for flattening an outer surface of a dental restoration.

[0138] In one embodiment, during the process of transforming first data regarding the outer surface of a dental restoration based on user input for flattening the outer surface of the dental restoration so as not to interfere with second data regarding the inner surface of the dental restoration, unintended additional unevenness may occur on the outer surface of the dental restoration. In this case, the third data may not interfere with the second data, but may include the additional unevenness. Accordingly, the method (1300) can prevent the occurrence of additional unevenness on the outer surface of the dental restoration.

[0139] Method (1300) may begin with a processor transforming first data for an interference area into candidate data based on a user input transforming first data for the outer surface of a dental restoration (S1310). Here, the candidate data may be data that does not interfere with the second data and may be a candidate for the third data. For convenience of explanation, the candidate data will be referred to as first candidate data.

[0140] Then, the processor may flatten at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the first candidate data (S1320). For example, if the dental restoration corresponding to the first candidate data has a predetermined threshold level or more of unevenness, the processor may automatically perform a flattening operation on the outer surface of the dental restoration having the unevenness.

[0141] Next, the processor can determine whether the flattened first candidate data and the second data interfere with each other (S1330). If the first candidate data is determined not to interfere with the second data, the processor can determine the first candidate data as the third data.

[0142] On the other hand, if the first candidate data is determined to interfere with the second data, the processor may identify an area of ​​interference between the first candidate data and the second data, and transform the first candidate data for the identified area of ​​interference into second candidate data. Thereafter, the processor may flatten at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the second candidate data, and determine whether the flattened second candidate data interferes with the second data.

[0143] That is, the processor can similarly repeat steps S1310, S1320, and S1330 for the second candidate data. In other words, the processor can repeat steps S1310, S1320, and S1330 multiple times so that the n-th candidate data (where n is a positive integer) does not interfere with the second data. Alternatively, the processor can set steps S1310, S1320, and S1330 to be repeated a predetermined number of m times (where m is a positive integer).

[0144] By this configuration, when first data for the outer surface of the dental restoration is deformed based on a user's input for flattening the outer surface of the dental restoration, the processor can deform the first data into third data that is flattened to an intended degree through the user's input without interfering with the second data for the inner surface of the dental restoration.

[0145] Although FIG. 13 illustrates only an example of a method in which first data, transformed based on a user input for flattening the outer surface of a dental restoration, is transformed into third data, the method is not limited thereto. For example, the method (1300) can be similarly applied to user input for flattening the outer surface of a dental restoration, morphing the outer surface, simplifying the outer surface, and the like.

[0146] The above-described method may be provided as a computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium for execution on a computer. The medium may be one that continuously stores a computer-executable program or one that temporarily stores it for execution or download. In addition, the medium may be various recording means or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware combinations, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and those configured to store program instructions, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition, examples of other media may include recording or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc.

[0147] The methods, operations, or techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software will depend on the particular application and the design requirements imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementations should not be construed as departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0148] In a hardware implementation, the processing units used to perform the techniques may be implemented within one or more ASICs, DSPs, GPUs, digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, a computer, or a combination thereof.

[0149] Accordingly, the various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure may be implemented or performed by any combination of a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or those designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0150] In a firmware and / or software implementation, the techniques may be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, a compact disc (CD), a magnetic or optical data storage device, etc. The instructions may be executable by one or more processors and may cause the processor(s) to perform certain aspects of the functionality described herein.

[0151] When implemented in software, the techniques may be stored on or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. In addition, any connection is suitably made to a computer-readable medium.

[0152] For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included within the definition of media. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, whereas discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0153] A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0154] While the embodiments described above have been described as utilizing aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter in one or more standalone computer systems, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in conjunction with any computing environment, such as a network or distributed computing environment. Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in multiple processing chips or devices, and storage may be similarly affected across multiple devices. Such devices may include personal computers, network servers, and portable devices.

[0155] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments herein, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the claims appended to this specification.

Claims

1. A method for processing dental restoration data, performed by at least one processor, A step of acquiring first data on an outer surface of a dental restoration configured to be placed in an oral cavity and second data on an inner surface of the dental restoration; In response to receiving a user input for modifying the first data, a step of determining whether there is interference between the modified first data and the second data; In response to determining that the modified first data interferes with the second data, a step of identifying an interference area on the dental restoration; and A step of transforming first data for the identified interference area into third data based on second data for the identified interference area. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A method for processing dental restoration data, wherein the first data and the second data are mesh data.

3. In paragraph 1, The step of determining whether or not there is interference is as follows: A step of determining that the transformed first data interferes with the second data when there is an area where the distance between the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the transformed first data and the inner surface of the tooth restoration is less than a critical distance. Including, The above interference area is, The distance between the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the transformed first data and the inner surface of the tooth restoration is determined as an area less than or equal to the critical distance. Method for processing dental restoration data.

4. In paragraph 1, The step of determining whether or not there is interference is as follows: A step of determining that the transformed first data interferes with the second data when there is a region in which the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the transformed first data is located inside the inner surface of the tooth restoration. Including, The above interference area is, The outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the above-described modified first data is determined as an area located inside the inner surface of the tooth restoration. Method for processing dental restoration data.

5. In paragraph 4, The step that is judged to be the above interference is: A step of irradiating a virtual ray in a normal direction to the outer surface of the tooth restoration from points or faces included in the outer surface of the tooth restoration corresponding to the transformed first data; and A step of determining that the transformed first data interferes with the second data when the above-mentioned investigated light intersects the inner surface of the tooth restoration. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising:

6. In paragraph 1, The above third data is, A method for processing data of a dental restoration, wherein the data is determined based on a reference plane of the dental restoration that is spaced apart from the inner surface of the dental restoration by a critical distance to the outer surface of the dental restoration.

7. In paragraph 6, The step of transforming into the above third data is: A step of irradiating a virtual ray in the opposite direction of the normal to the inner surface of the tooth restoration at points or surfaces included in the inner surface of the tooth restoration; and A step of determining the reference plane of the tooth restoration based on a ray reaching a position that is the critical distance away from each of the points or surfaces included in the inner surface of the tooth restoration. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising:

8. In paragraph 1, The step of identifying the above interference area is: A step of marking the interference area on the above tooth restoration so that it can be identified A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising:

9. In paragraph 1, The step of identifying the above interference area is: In response to receiving a user input activating display of the interference area on the dental restoration, a step of displaying the interference area so that it is identifiable on the dental restoration; or In response to receiving a user input for deactivating the display of the interference area on the dental restoration, a step of deactivating the display of the interference area so that the interference area is not identified on the dental restoration. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising at least one of:

10. In paragraph 1, The step of determining whether or not there is interference is as follows: A step of receiving a user's input for transforming the first data included in a selection area selected by the user on the dental restoration; and A step of determining whether there is interference between the transformed first data and the second data included in the selected area. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising:

11. In paragraph 10, The step of determining whether or not there is interference is as follows: A step of activating a user's input for selecting the selection area on the outer surface of the dental restoration; or A step of disabling a user's input for selecting the selection area on the inner surface of the above tooth restoration. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising at least one of:

12. In paragraph 1, The step of transforming into the above third data is: A step of displaying an area transformed with the third data on the above tooth restoration so that it is identifiable. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising:

13. In paragraph 1, The user's input that transforms the first data is, A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising user input that changes the position of each of points or surfaces included in at least a portion of an outer surface of the dental restoration by moving at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration toward the inside of the dental restoration.

14. In paragraph 1, The user's input that transforms the first data is, A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising user input that changes the position of each of points or surfaces included in at least a portion of an outer surface of the dental restoration by flattening at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration.

15. In paragraph 1, The step of transforming into the above third data is: A step of transforming the first data for the identified interference area into candidate data based on the user's input transforming the first data; a step of flattening at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration corresponding to the candidate data; and A step of determining whether there is interference between the above-mentioned flattened candidate data and the above-mentioned second data. A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising:

16. In paragraph 1, The user's input that transforms the first data is, A method for processing dental restoration data, comprising user input that changes the position of each of points or surfaces included in at least a portion of an outer surface of the dental restoration by moving at least a portion of the outer surface of the dental restoration toward the outside of the dental restoration.

17. A computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium recording commands for executing the method according to paragraph 1 on a computer.

18. In the information processing system, memory; and At least one processor connected to said memory and configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in said memory, At least one program above, Obtaining first data on the outer surface of a dental restoration configured to be placed in the oral cavity and second data on the inner surface of the dental restoration, In response to receiving a user input that modifies the first data, determining whether the modified first data and the second data interfere with each other; In response to determining that the modified first data interferes with the second data, an interference area is identified on the dental restoration, Based on the second data for the identified interference area, including commands for transforming the first data for the identified interference area into third data, Information processing system.

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