Method for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base with at least one blood vessel simulation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base (24) with at least one blood vessel simulation (30). The method comprises obtaining external shell data which describe an external shell (28) of the dental prosthesis base (24). The method further comprises obtaining blood vessel data which describe at least one blood vessel simulation (30). In addition, the method comprises combining the external shell data and the blood vessel data to form internal structure data, wherein the internal structure data describe an arrangement of the at least one blood vessel simulation (30) within the external shell (28) of the dental prosthesis base (24). The invention also relates to a method for producing a dental prosthesis base (24). The invention further relates to a dental prosthesis base (24) having an external shell (28) and an internal structure, said internal structure being determined by means of said method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a data processing device, to a computer program, and to a computer-readable medium.

Description

[0001] METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF A DENTAL PROSTHESIS BASE WITH AT LEAST ONE BLOOD VESSEL REPRESENTATION

[0002] The invention relates to a method for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base with at least one blood vessel replica.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base with a predetermined outer shell and with at least one blood vessel replica.

[0004] The invention also relates to a dental prosthesis base with an outer shell and an inner structure.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for data processing, a computer program and a computer-readable medium.

[0006] In the context of the present invention, a dental denture base is understood to be that part of a dental denture that does not serve to replicate teeth. The dental denture base therefore essentially replicates gum tissue. Replacement teeth of a dental denture are not part of the dental denture base. The dental denture base can be a component of a complete dental denture or a partial dental denture.

[0007] In the field of dental prosthesis manufacturing, it is common practice to produce the denture base from plastic. This is done to achieve the most faithful possible reproduction of the original.

[0008] SE:TOP: In addition to natural gums, the plastic used to manufacture the denture base can be tinted to match the natural gum color. Furthermore, to replicate blood vessels present in natural gums, a fibrous material can be added to the plastic used for the denture base. This fibrous material might consist of numerous reddish-colored fibers, for example. These fibers, either individually or in groups, represent one or more blood vessels.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to further improve the fidelity of a dental denture base, i.e., to achieve a natural-looking appearance of the denture base. In other words, a way is to be created to manufacture a denture base whose appearance comes as close as possible to natural gums.

[0010] The problem is solved by a method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base with at least one blood vessel replica. The method includes:

[0011] - Obtaining outer shell data that describes an outer shell of the dental prosthesis base,

[0012] - Obtaining blood vessel data that describe at least one blood vessel model, and

[0013] - Combining the outer shell data and the blood vessel data to form internal structure data, wherein the internal structure data describe an arrangement of at least one blood vessel replica within the outer shell of the dental prosthesis base.

[0014] This method is based on the idea of ​​achieving the most natural appearance possible for a dental prosthesis base, not only through a highly realistic outer shell, but also by utilizing the internal structure of the prosthesis base to achieve a more natural appearance. According to the present invention, in addition to the realistic reproduction of the outer shell, the internal structure of the prosthesis base should also be selected in such a way as to increase the overall fidelity of the prosthesis base. This is fundamentally based on the fact that a dental prosthesis base is typically at least partially transparent or translucent. Therefore, the internal structure can contribute to the external appearance. In this context, the outer shell data preferably describes the outer shell of the prosthesis base in virtual space.The blood vessel data describe at least one blood vessel model directly or indirectly, and preferably also in virtual space. The blood vessel data describe at least one external shape of at least one blood vessel model. This can be done directly, i.e., the blood vessel data can include a concrete description of the external shape of the at least one blood vessel model. Preferably, the external shape is described in three spatial dimensions. Alternatively, the blood vessel data can describe the blood vessel model indirectly. In this context, the blood vessel data can comprise a set of slice data, where each element of the slice data set describes a planar section of the blood vessel model. Taken together, all elements of the slice data set also describe an external shape of the blood vessel model.Another alternative for indirectly describing the outer shape of at least one blood vessel replica is to specify parameters of this shape. For the simplified case that a blood vessel replica is to have the shape of a circular cylinder, the blood vessel data can, for example, describe the diameter and height of this cylinder. In all of the aforementioned alternatives, the outer shape of at least one blood vessel replica is described dataually. Thus, the outer shell data and the blood vessel data can preferably be combined in virtual space to form internal structure data. As already mentioned, the internal structure data includes a description of the at least one blood vessel replica inside the outer shell of the denture base. In other words, the internal structure data describes a denture base that has a blood vessel replica located within the outer shell.Since natural gums also contain blood vessels, the inventive method allows for the determination of an internal structure for the dental prosthesis base that results in an extremely natural appearance. At the same time, the inventive method is comparatively simple and can be easily implemented, in particular, within CAD or CAM software.

[0015] In connection with the present invention, the outer shell data can be determined on a patient-specific basis. For example, the outer shell data is based on scan data that describes an oral situation, i.e., the interior of the patient's mouth. Such scan data can be generated using an intraoral scanner. Based on such scan data, the outer shell data can be modeled within the dental CAD software and, if necessary or desired, adapted in the dental CAM software. The outer shell data describes the outer shell of the dental prosthesis base in virtual space.

[0016] It is understood that the outer shell data, by describing the outer shell of the dental prosthesis base, also indirectly describe a volume of the dental prosthesis base that is bounded by the outer shell. Describing the boundary of a volume is a data-technically efficient way to describe a volume.

[0017] The method according to the invention is carried out in a particularly automated, semi-automated and / or computer-aided manner. This means that the internal structure can be determined essentially without human intervention. The method according to the invention for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base can therefore be a computer-implemented method.

[0018] It is understood that the method according to the invention can be used for both partial and complete dentures that include a denture base. According to one embodiment, combining the outer shell data and the blood vessel data to form internal structure data involves a Boolean operation. This means that the outer shell data and the blood vessel data are combined using at least one Boolean operation. Alternatively or additionally, combining the outer shell data and the blood vessel data to form internal structure data involves applying the blood vessel data exclusively within the outer shell of the denture base described by the outer shell data. As already mentioned, the blood vessel data describes at least one blood vessel model. Alternatively, the blood vessel data can describe a plurality of blood vessel models, which are preferably arranged in a three-dimensional space.In other words, the blood vessel data describes a plurality of blood vessel models arranged within a volume. Preferably, the spaces between the individual blood vessel models are empty spaces. In such a case, the combination can be performed in several steps using a Boolean operation. In a first step, those elements of the blood vessel data that describe blood vessel models or sections of blood vessel models that would lie outside the outer shell can be eliminated or ignored. This means that the outer shell described by the outer shell data is virtually placed within the volume in which the blood vessel models are arranged. This volume can then be divided into two sub-volumes, one sub-volume lying inside the outer shell and the other sub-volume lying outside the outer shell.As a result of this step, reduced blood vessel data is obtained. In a further step, this reduced blood vessel data can then be subtracted from the outer shell data, i.e., the volume bounded by the outer shell. This results in the volume bounded by the outer shell containing empty spaces wherever blood vessel replicas are later to be placed. This data can be referred to as reduced outer shell data. In a subsequent step, the reduced blood vessel data and the reduced outer shell data can then be combined to generate the internal structure data. This ensures that the internal structure data describes only blood vessel replicas within the interior of the outer shell.Simultaneously, it is ensured that for each point or voxel of the internal structure of the denture base, it is clearly defined whether it belongs to a blood vessel representation or to a section of the denture base that represents a gingival segment, which does not represent a blood vessel representation. This allows for the simple and reliable generation of internal structure data that describes blood vessel representations within the outer shell. Furthermore, the generation of this internal structure data can be easily automated and thus performed, for example, using a CAD and / or CAM system.

[0019] In another case, where the combination is performed using a Boolean operation, those elements of the blood vessel data that describe blood vessel models or sections of blood vessel models that would lie outside the outer shell are also eliminated or ignored in a first step. Here, the blood vessel data can again describe a plurality of blood vessel models arranged within a volume. Preferably, the spaces between the individual blood vessel models are again empty spaces. This means that in the first step, the outer shell described by the outer shell data is virtually placed within the volume in which the blood vessel models are arranged. This volume can then be divided into two sub-volumes, one sub-volume lying inside the outer shell and the other sub-volume lying outside the outer shell.The result of this sub-step is reduced blood vessel data. The internal structure is then jointly defined by the reduced blood vessel data and the volume described by the outer shell data. This means that the internal structure data comprises a combination of the reduced blood vessel data and the outer shell data. In this variant, however, the blood vessel representations described by the reduced blood vessel data overlap with the volume described by the outer shell data. Therefore, in this case, the internal structure data also includes prioritization data that prioritizes those subvolumes serving blood vessel representation, and thus described by the reduced blood vessel data, over those subvolumes serving to represent the rest of the gingiva. This means that a point or voxel of the internal structure that is assigned to both a blood vessel representation, i.e.,The reduced blood vessel data, as well as the volume described by the outer shell data, are clearly defined as part of a blood vessel simulation using prioritization data. Therefore, in this variant, it is also ensured that for every point of the internal structure of the denture base, it is clearly defined whether it belongs to a blood vessel simulation or to a section of the denture base that simulates a gingival area without blood vessels. Thus, internal structure data describing blood vessel simulations within the outer shell can be generated easily and reliably. Furthermore, the generation of the internal structure data can be easily automated and thus performed, for example, using a CAD and / or CAM system.

[0020] The alternative, in which the blood vessel data is applied exclusively within the outer shell of the denture base described by the outer shell data, can be simplified as follows: the interior of the outer shell is filled with blood vessel simulations through the combination of the outer shell data and the blood vessel data. This is done virtually, i.e., purely through data processing. In this alternative, the blood vessel simulations described by the blood vessel data are positioned directly and exclusively within the outer shell. For this purpose, an anchor point can be defined within the outer shell for each blood vessel simulation. A blood vessel simulation can then be assigned to each anchor point and positioned relative to the anchor point within the outer shell. In a first example, the anchor points are determined using a regular, three-dimensional grid.In a second example, the anchor points are determined using an irregular, three-dimensional grid. In a third example, the anchor points are randomly arranged within the outer shell. The blood vessel simulations can be the same or different for all anchor points, as will be explained in detail later. Both alternatives allow for the simple and reliable generation of internal structure data that describes the blood vessel simulations within the outer shell. Furthermore, both alternatives can be easily automated and thus executed, for example, using a CAD and / or CAM system.

[0021] The blood vessel data can include at least one geometry parameter that describes the geometry of the blood vessel model. Alternatively or additionally, the blood vessel data can include at least one process parameter that describes a procedure for creating the blood vessel model. If the blood vessel data includes at least one geometry parameter, it can also be referred to simply as a template. In this case, the combination of the outer shell data and the blood vessel data simply involves positioning the at least one blood vessel model, corresponding to the template described by the blood vessel data, inside the outer shell described by the outer shell data.If the blood vessel data includes at least one process parameter, it comprises a rule or set of rules whose execution leads to a description of at least one blood vessel model. For example, the blood vessel data may include process parameters that describe an extrusion process. This process preferably runs virtually. A blood vessel model can be described, for example, by specifying a cross-section that is to be extruded along a predefined path. Additionally, a guide for the extrusion may be specified. In this context, the path may have one or more curves. It is understood that such an extrusion process can also be executed for multiple starting points within the outer shell described by the outer shell data.Furthermore, boundary conditions can be specified, such as minimum distances between the multiple starting points. Overall, this allows for precise and reliable descriptions of blood vessel models.

[0022] According to one variant, the at least one blood vessel simulation is described as a cross-section extruded along a path. This can be combined with the variant in which the blood vessel data includes at least one geometric parameter, as well as with the variant in which the blood vessel data includes at least one process parameter. In both cases, the blood vessel simulation can be described in a simple and efficient manner.

[0023] The blood vessel data can describe a plurality of blood vessel models. These models can be arranged in three dimensions. Preferably, each individual blood vessel model is also described in three dimensions. Furthermore, the three-dimensional distribution can follow at least one rule. In such a case, one can speak of a pattern, more precisely a 3D pattern. For example, several or all of the multiple blood vessel models can be identical. In this case, the individual blood vessel models represent duplicates arranged in three dimensions. Optionally, the spatial orientation of the duplicates can be varied. Alternatively, each blood vessel model in the multiple is different. Mixed forms are also possible.In this context, two or more groups of blood vessel models can be described using the blood vessel data. Models belonging to the same group are identical, while models belonging to different groups differ in their geometry. It is also possible to create different blood vessel models by varying one or more geometric parameters. For example, the scale and / or length of the models can be varied. The distribution of the models can also include a random element. In other words, the three-dimensional distribution of the models can be random. Overall, this results in a realistic appearance and distribution of the blood vessel models.

[0024] In one example, a technique called Poisson disk sampling is used for the spatial distribution of the blood vessel simulations. In this method, the blood vessel simulations are randomly arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, while maintaining a predetermined minimum distance. In this case, the minimum distance is 3 mm to 10 mm. Preferably, the minimum distance is 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm.

[0025] In one example, the procedure also includes:

[0026] - Obtaining density information that describes the spatial packing density of the blood vessel simulations, and

[0027] - Combining density information and blood vessel data so that the majority of blood vessel replicas are arranged with spatial packing density distributed in three dimensions.

[0028] In this way, a large number of blood vessel simulations can be arranged quickly and easily. Furthermore, the density information can be used to influence the spatial arrangement of these simulations, resulting in a natural appearance for the denture base. It goes without saying that the density information can be fixed. Alternatively, the density information can be variable, meaning that different density values ​​can be used for different internal structure data, for example, for different denture bases.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises obtaining scaling information and scaling at least one dimension of the at least one blood vessel replica described by the blood vessel data based on this scaling information. In other words, the scaling information describes a size or extent of a blood vessel replica that affects at least one dimension of the replica. Using the scaling information, the size of the blood vessel replica can thus be adapted to the relevant dental prosthesis base. This allows for a lifelike replica of a blood vessel. Furthermore, the scaling information can be used to vary multiple blood vessel replicas in cases where multiple replicas are provided. In this way, lifelike blood vessel replicas can also be created.

[0030] In conjunction with the obtained scaling information, it is possible to scale all dimensions of a blood vessel model equally. This corresponds to an enlargement or reduction. Alternatively, it is possible to scale fewer than all dimensions, e.g., only one dimension. This leads to a distortion of the blood vessel model, e.g., a compression or stretching. It is understood that in a case where multiple blood vessel models are required, the aforementioned alternatives can also be combined; that is, at least one blood vessel model can be generated by enlarging or reducing another blood vessel model or template. Furthermore, at least one blood vessel model can be generated by distorting another blood vessel model or template.This method allows for the creation of numerous blood vessel simulations, each with a different shape, but all based on only one or a few blood vessel simulations. The latter can be referred to as a template. This approach is therefore efficient from a data perspective and simultaneously results in a lifelike appearance for the dental prosthesis base.

[0031] The procedure may also include:

[0032] - Assigning color information to at least one blood vessel representation described by the blood vessel data and / or

[0033] - Assigning color brightness information to at least one blood vessel model described by the blood vessel data, and / or

[0034] - Assigning material information to the at least one blood vessel replica described by the blood vessel data and / or assigning translucency information to the at least one blood vessel replica described by the blood vessel data.

[0035] This means that at least one blood vessel simulation can be assigned color information, color brightness information, material information, and / or translucency information. If multiple blood vessel simulations are present, each simulation can be assigned color information, color brightness information, material information, and / or translucency information. The color information, color brightness information, material information, and / or translucency information can be the same for all blood vessel simulations. Alternatively, the color information, color brightness information, material information, and / or translucency information can differ for each blood vessel simulation.According to another alternative, groups of blood vessel replicas share the same color information and / or color brightness information and / or material information and / or translucency information, while different groups are assigned different color information and / or color brightness information and / or material information and / or translucency information. This allows for a more precise definition of the internal structure of the denture base. The assignment of material information and / or color information and / or color brightness information and / or translucency information results in a lifelike appearance of the denture base. Overall, this allows for a detailed definition of the internal structure of the denture base, ensuring a lifelike appearance. It is understood that the blood vessel replica differs with regard to color information, i.e.,with regard to color, and / or color brightness information, i.e., the brightness of the color, and / or material information, i.e., with regard to the material used, and / or translucency information, i.e., with regard to the translucency, from the other sections of the denture base, i.e., from those sections of the denture base that are not blood vessel replicas.

[0036] For example, in this case, the color information relates to a color value in a Lab color model. The color brightness information then relates to a brightness value in the Lab color model.

[0037] It should also be noted that the term translucency is the reciprocal of the term opacity, and for the sake of simplicity, the term translucency is predominantly used here.

[0038] Preferably, the at least one blood vessel replica described by the blood vessel data is assigned a color, using color information and / or color brightness information, which is the darkest color within the color range used for the denture base. This results in a particularly natural appearance of the denture base.

[0039] Preferably, the at least one blood vessel representation described by the blood vessel data is assigned a translucency, using translucency information, that is the lowest translucency within the translucency range used for the denture base. In other words, the highest available opacity is assigned to the at least one blood vessel representation. This results in a particularly natural appearance of the denture base.

[0040] It is also possible that the procedure may additionally include:

[0041] - Obtaining blocking data that describes at least one blood vessel-free section within the outer shell of the dental prosthesis base, and

[0042] - Combining the outer shell data and the blood vessel data to create internal structure data for sections within the outer shell of the dental prosthesis base and outside the at least one blood vessel-free section described by the blocking data.

[0043] Blocking data allows you to define areas of the denture base where no blood vessel representations should be included. This creates a particularly natural appearance for the denture base, as natural gum tissue also has sections without blood vessels. This can be imitated using blocking data. For example, a section on the surface of the denture base can be kept free of blood vessel representations. For instance, no blood vessel representation can be included in a layer adjacent to the surface of the denture base. This layer might have a thickness of 250 µm or less, particularly 200 µm or less. Such a layer represents a true-to-life replica of mucosa found on natural gum tissue, which typically does not contain blood vessels.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises:

[0045] - Obtaining subvolume data that describe a section of the interior of the outer shell of the dental prosthesis base as described by the outer shell data,

[0046] - Combining the outer shell data, the subvolume data and the blood vessel data to form internal structure data, wherein the internal structure data describe an arrangement of the at least one blood vessel replica within the section of the interior of the outer shell of the dental prosthesis base described by the subvolume data.

[0047] In this way, blood vessel simulations can be defined that are limited to the section of the inner surface of the denture base described by the subvolume data. At least one blood vessel simulation can therefore be locally restricted. Furthermore, the present method can be performed multiple times for a single denture base, with different subvolume data being used for each iteration, meaning each iteration affects a different section of the inner surface. Thus, different types of blood vessel simulations can be defined for different subvolumes. This takes into account the fact that even in natural gingiva, blood vessels are structured differently in various subvolumes, e.g., so-called free gingiva and attached gingiva. This results in a natural-looking appearance of the denture base.

[0048] Obtaining blood vessel data can involve selecting blood vessel data from a plurality of blood vessel data alternatives, where each alternative describes at least one blood vessel model. In this context, the blood vessel data alternatives can be provided in the form of a library. This allows for the simple and reliable provision of a plurality of blood vessel data alternatives. The blood vessel models described by the blood vessel data alternatives differ. Using different blood vessel models results in a particularly lifelike appearance of the denture base. The different blood vessel models can be selected by a user. Alternatively, it is possible to select the blood vessel data alternatives, and thus the different blood vessel models, using a random component.Blood vessel data alternatives can be selected from all available blood vessel data or from a subset of the available blood vessel data alternatives. As previously explained, each blood vessel data alternative comprises a description of a blood vessel model, preferably in three spatial dimensions. In this way, an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base can be specified, resulting in a realistic, i.e., true-to-life, appearance.

[0049] The problem is further solved by a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base with a predetermined outer shell and with at least one blood vessel replica. The method comprises: - Determining an internal structure of the dental prosthesis base using the inventive method for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base, and

[0050] - Manufacturing the dental prosthesis base with the specified internal structure, wherein at least one blood vessel replica is manufactured using a material that differs in at least one selected aspect of material, color, brightness and translucency from the material used to manufacture the other sections of the dental prosthesis base.

[0051] Thus, different materials are used with regard to material, color, brightness, and / or translucency for manufacturing the at least one blood vessel replica and for manufacturing the remaining sections of the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base. Such a dental prosthesis base is characterized by an extremely lifelike appearance. At the same time, the method according to the invention is comparatively simple and can be easily implemented, in particular, within a CAD / CAM workflow.

[0052] As part of the process for manufacturing a dental denture base, an additive manufacturing process can be used to produce the denture base with its specific internal structure. An alternative term for such a manufacturing process is generative manufacturing. In simpler terms, the denture base can be produced using a 3D printing process. This allows for the reliable and precise production of the denture base with its specific internal structure. Additive manufacturing processes are particularly suitable for producing a patient-specific denture base. It is understood that for such an additive manufacturing process, the subvolumes of the denture base intended to replicate blood vessels and those intended to represent the rest of the gingiva must be free of overlap.Thus, for each point or voxel of the internal structure, it is clear whether it serves to replicate a blood vessel or a blood vessel-free gingival segment. Alternatively, if the subvolumes of the denture base assigned to blood vessel representation and those assigned to the remaining gingiva do not overlap, the subvolumes assigned to blood vessel representation must be prioritized over those assigned to the remaining gingiva. In this case as well, it is clear for each point or voxel of the internal structure whether it serves to replicate a blood vessel or a blood vessel-free gingival segment.

[0053] Furthermore, the problem of a dental prosthesis base is solved, which has an outer shell and an internal structure, wherein the internal structure is determined by means of a method according to the invention for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base, and / or wherein the dental prosthesis base is manufactured by means of a method according to the invention for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base. The internal structure of such a dental prosthesis base thus comprises at least a blood vessel replica. In this way, the dental prosthesis base is given a natural appearance.Furthermore, the fact that the denture base has an internal structure determined by a method according to the invention for determining the internal structure of a denture base, and / or the fact that the denture base is manufactured by a method according to the invention for manufacturing a denture base, means that the at least one blood vessel replica is made of a material that differs in at least one aspect (material, color, brightness, and translucency) from the material used for the other sections of the denture base. Otherwise, the material used for the at least one blood vessel replica can be the same as the material used for the other sections of the denture base. Preferably, the denture base is made of a plastic material. This applies to the denture base as a whole, i.e.,Preferably, at least one blood vessel replica is also made of a plastic material. Consequently, the dental prosthesis base according to the invention can also be distinguished from known dental prosthesis bases from a structural point of view, which comprise a fiber material with a plurality of reddish-colored fibers for the representation of blood vessels. A dental prosthesis base according to the invention does not comprise a fiber material.

[0054] In cases where the denture base is manufactured using an additive or generative manufacturing process, it can be given a particularly natural appearance. Denture bases manufactured in this way can be distinguished from conventional denture bases, for example, by examining them with a microscope or magnifying glass. This is because the microscope or magnifying glass reveals characteristic features of the additive or generative manufacturing process. This applies in particular to the presence of at least one blood vessel, the structure of which differs from conventional blood vessel representations that incorporate fibrous material. This examination with a microscope or magnifying glass can be performed from the outside.Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to cut or incise the denture base and examine the resulting cut surface using a microscope or magnifying glass. The characteristic features are particularly easy to see in the cut surface.

[0055] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a data processing device. The data processing device comprises means for carrying out the inventive method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base. Thus, by means of such a data processing device, an internal structure of the dental prosthesis base can be determined, which includes at least one blood vessel replica. Preferably, the internal structure includes a plurality of blood vessel replicas. In this way, the dental prosthesis base is given a natural appearance.

[0056] Since all steps of the method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base can be fully executed by computer program commands on means that, in the context of the invention, fulfill general data processing functions, the data processing device can be a general data processing device specifically designed to execute the method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base. For example, the data processing device could be a personal computer (PC), a server computer, a smartphone, or a tablet computer. In this context, obtaining outer shell data and blood vessel data can be accomplished via standard interfaces of such general data processing devices, e.g., USB interfaces or common network interfaces.Furthermore, combining the outer shell data and the blood vessel data to form internal structure data is a computational operation that can be performed by such general data processing means.

[0057] The problem is also solved by a computer program that includes commands which, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the inventive method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base. Using such a computer program, an internal structure of the dental prosthesis base can be determined that includes at least one blood vessel replica. Preferably, the internal structure includes a plurality of blood vessel replicas. In this way, the dental prosthesis base is given a natural appearance.

[0058] The problem is further solved by a computer-readable medium containing commands that, when executed by a computer, cause it to perform the inventive method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base. Using such a computer-readable medium, an internal structure of the dental prosthesis base can be determined that includes at least one blood vessel replica. Preferably, the internal structure includes a plurality of blood vessel replicas. In this way, the dental prosthesis base is given a natural appearance.

[0059] It is understood that the effects, advantages and features mentioned above in connection with a method according to the invention for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base, a method according to the invention for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base, a dental prosthesis base according to the invention, a device for data processing according to the invention, a computer program according to the invention and a computer-readable medium according to the invention apply in the same way to all other methods according to the invention for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base, a method according to the invention for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base, a dental prosthesis base according to the invention, a device for data processing according to the invention, a computer program according to the invention and a computer-readable medium according to the invention.

[0060] The invention is explained below with reference to various embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0061] Figure 1 shows a data processing device according to the invention, comprising a computer-readable medium and a computer program according to the invention, wherein the data processing device is configured to perform a method according to the invention for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base, and wherein the data processing device is coupled to a manufacturing device, so that a dental prosthesis base according to the invention can be manufactured using a method according to the invention for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base.

[0062] Figure 2 shows a dental prosthesis base according to the invention, the internal structure of which is determined by means of a method according to the invention for determining a

[0063] internal structure of a dental prosthesis base is determined and which is produced by means of a method according to the invention.

[0064] A dental prosthesis base is manufactured, wherein the dental prosthesis base is shown in realistic form in Figure 2 a) and schematically in Figure 2 b), Figure 3 is an illustration of a first embodiment of the invention.

[0065] Method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base,

[0066] Figure 4 Visualizations of various alternative blood vessel data that can be used in the inventive method for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base,

[0067] Figure 5 is a visualization of one way to generate blood vessel data.

[0068] Figure 6 shows a visualization of another way to generate blood vessel data.

[0069] Figure 7 is an illustration of a second embodiment of the invention.

[0070] Method for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base,

[0071] Figure 8 shows another dental prosthesis base according to the invention, the

[0072] The internal structure of a dental prosthesis base is determined by means of a method according to the invention for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base and is produced by means of a method according to the invention for producing a dental prosthesis base.

[0073] Figure 9 shows another dental prosthesis base according to the invention, the internal structure of which is determined by means of a method according to the invention for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base and which is produced by means of a method according to the invention for producing a dental prosthesis base.

[0074] Figure 10 shows an overview of the processes carried out in the course of the inventive method for

[0075] Determining an internal structure of processed data, and Figure 11 an overview of process steps of the invention.

[0076] Method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base and method steps of the inventive method for determining an internal structure.

[0077] Figure 1 shows a device 10 for data processing.

[0078] This includes a storage unit 12 and a computing unit 14.

[0079] The storage unit 12 has a computer-readable medium 16.

[0080] A computer program 18 is stored on the computer-readable medium 16, i.e. also on the storage unit 12.

[0081] The computer program 18 and thus also the computer-readable medium 16 comprise instructions which, when the computer program 18 is executed by the computing unit 14 or, more generally, by a computer, cause the computing unit 14 or the computer to execute a procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base.

[0082] Consequently, the storage unit 12 and the computing unit 14 constitute means 20 for carrying out the procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 1, the data processing device 10 is further coupled to a manufacturing device 22 via communication technology. The manufacturing device 22 is configured to produce a dental prosthesis base 24, which has an internal structure that was determined using the method for determining the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base 24.

[0084] For this reason, in the illustrated embodiment, the storage unit 12 additionally includes a computer program 26 for controlling the manufacturing device 22. In other words, the computer program 26 includes instructions which, when the computer program 26 is executed by the computing unit 14 or, more generally, by a computer, cause the computing unit 14 or the computer to control the manufacturing device 22.

[0085] In the example shown in Figure 1, the manufacturing device 22 is designed to additively or generatively produce the dental prosthesis base 24. In simplified terms, the manufacturing device 22 can therefore be referred to as a 3D printer.

[0086] The procedure for manufacturing the dental prosthesis base 24 is explained in detail below with reference to Figures 2 and 3 (see also Figure 11).

[0087] The dental prosthesis base 24, which results from the application of the procedure and therefore includes at least one blood vessel replica 30, is shown in Figure 2. As already mentioned, Figure 2 a) shows a realistic representation of the dental prosthesis base 24 and Figure 2 b) a schematic representation.

[0088] The denture base 24 comprises a plurality of blood vessel replicas 30, of which only a few are labelled for clarity. It is understood that the blood vessel replicas 30 of the denture base 24 shown in Figure 2 are schematic.

[0089] The procedure for manufacturing the dental prosthesis base initially includes, in a first step SOI, determining an internal structure of the dental prosthesis base 24. For this purpose, a procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base 24 is used.

[0090] The steps of the procedure for manufacturing the dental prosthesis base are designated SOI and S02. The steps of the procedure for determining the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base are designated S1 to S6.

[0091] A first step S1 of the procedure for determining an internal structure of the

[0092] The dental prosthesis base 24 includes obtaining outer shell data Dl, which describes an outer shell 28 of the dental prosthesis base 24. An example of an outer shell 28 of the dental prosthesis base 24 is graphically represented in Figure 2. The outer shell data Dl are also visualized in Figure 3.

[0093] The outer shell data Dl can include a coordinate system that can be used to describe the outer shell data Dl in more detail.

[0094] In such a coordinate system, the origin can be placed at a center of mass or volume of the outer shell 28.

[0095] A second step S2 of the procedure for determining the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base 24 involves obtaining blood vessel data D2, which in the example shown describe a plurality of blood vessel replicas 30. These are distributed across three spatial dimensions. The blood vessel data D2 thus describe a volume in which a plurality of blood vessel replicas 30 are arranged.

[0096] The blood vessel data D2 are visualized in Figure 3.

[0097] The blood vessel data D2 describe each of the blood vessel simulations 30 using geometric parameters.

[0098] In this context, each blood vessel replica 30 is designed as a cross-section Q guided along a path E in the manner of an extrusion.

[0099] This means that a first geometric parameter PI describes the cross-section Q of a blood vessel model 30. In the example shown, the cross-section Q is circular. The cross-section Q can be described, for example, by its center point and radius. The center point can be expressed, for instance, in a coordinate system of the blood vessel data D2. A second geometric parameter P2 describes the path E along which the cross-section Q is extruded. This path E is also expressed here using coordinates from the coordinate system of the blood vessel data D2.

[0100] In the present example, all blood vessel simulations 30 of the majority of blood vessel simulations 30 are identically shaped. Therefore, all blood vessel simulations 30 can be described using the first geometric parameter PI and the second geometric parameter P2.

[0101] A third step S3 of the procedure for determining the internal structure further includes obtaining density information D4, which describes a spatial packing density of the blood vessel replicas 30.

[0102] In other words, in the third step S3, information is received indicating how the blood vessel models 30 described using the blood vessel data D2 are spatially arranged. An example of such a spatial arrangement is visualized in Figure 3.

[0103] Although the second step S2 and the third step S3 are described separately here, it is possible for these steps S2 and S3 to be performed in combination. In this context, for example, the blood vessel data D2 can also include density information D4. This density information D4 can be implicitly present.

[0104] In an optional fourth step S4, scaling information D5 is also obtained. Based on this, at least one dimension of the at least one blood vessel model 30 described by the blood vessel data D2 is scaled. In the present example, for instance, a radius of the extruded cross-section Q or a length of the path E along which the cross-section Q is guided after extrusion can be scaled in this way.

[0105] After the completion of the first step S1, the second step S2, the third step S3, and the fourth step S4, the blood vessel models 30 are fully defined with respect to their shape, which also implies their size, and their position in space. For this purpose, the blood vessel data D2 is combined with the density information D4 and the scaling information D5.

[0106] Figure 3 includes a visualization of such blood vessel replicas 30 and their positioning in space.

[0107] In a fifth step S5, the outer shell data D1 and the blood vessel data D2 are combined to form internal structure data D3.

[0108] Boolean operations are used in this process.

[0109] In this context, the blood vessel data D2 is first divided into two parts using the outer shell data D1. The first part of the blood vessel data D2 describes blood vessel models inside the outer shell 28 described by the outer shell data D1. This part of the blood vessel data D2 can also be referred to as reduced blood vessel data. The other part describes blood vessel models that lie outside the outer shell described by the outer shell data D1. This latter part is ignored. It is understood that, for this purpose, the volume in which the blood vessel models 30 are arranged must be large enough to completely accommodate the volume of the denture base 24.

[0110] It is also understood that in this way a combination of blood vessel data D2, density information D4 and scaling information D5 is implicitly divided into two parts using the outer shell data D1.

[0111] The blood vessel models described by the reduced blood vessel data are then subtracted from the volume described by the outer shell data Dl. This results in a volume that is bounded externally by the outer shell 28 and has voids internally at the locations where blood vessel models 30 are to be provided. The corresponding data can be referred to as reduced outer shell data.

[0112] The reduced blood vessel data can then be combined with the reduced outer shell data to obtain the internal structure data D3.

[0113] The preceding steps are illustrated in simplified form as an addition in Figure 3.

[0114] The result is internal structure data D3, which describes the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base 24 according to Figure 2. The internal structure data thus describes an arrangement of the blood vessel replicas 30 within the outer shell 28 of the dental prosthesis base 24. Each point or voxel of the internal structure is uniquely assigned to a blood vessel replica 30 or to a section of a gingival replica that does not serve to replicate a blood vessel.

[0115] In a sixth step, S6 is then assigned color information, color brightness information, material information and translucency information to the blood vessel replicas 30, which are described by the blood vessel data D2.

[0116] This means that it is determined in which color, with which brightness, from which material and with which translucency the blood vessel replicas 30 are produced.

[0117] In addition, the remaining sections of the dental prosthesis base 24, i.e., those sections of the dental prosthesis base 24 that do not represent blood vessel replicas 30, are assigned color information, color brightness information, material information and translucency information.

[0118] Based on this, the dental prosthesis base can be manufactured in a second step S02 of the procedure for manufacturing the dental prosthesis base 24.

[0119] The blood vessel replicas 30 are manufactured using a material that differs in at least one aspect (selected in terms of material, color, brightness and translucency) from the material used to manufacture the other sections of the dental prosthesis base 24.

[0120] As already mentioned, the present example uses an additive manufacturing process that can be implemented with the manufacturing device 22.

[0121] Figure 4 visualizes several alternative blood vessel data D2, which can be used instead of the data shown in Figure

[0122] The 3 visualized blood vessel data D2 can be used in the procedure for determining the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base 24. Density information D4 and scaling information D5 are also taken into account.

[0123] The blood vessel data D2 from the variants according to Figure 4 differ from the blood vessel data D2 from Figure 3 in that none of the blood vessel models 30 described by the blood vessel data D2 from Figure 4 are identical.

[0124] In other words, the blood vessel data D2 from all variants according to Figure 4 describe a plurality of blood vessel models 30, each of which is unique. For the sake of clarity, only some of the blood vessel models 30 are again labeled with a reference symbol in the visualizations.

[0125] In all variants according to Figure 4, the blood vessel data D2 include process parameters P3, which describe a procedure for creating the blood vessel replicas 30.

[0126] This means that in the variants according to Figure 4, the blood vessel data D2 do not directly describe the actual geometry of the blood vessel replicas 30, but only via this procedure for creating the blood vessel replicas 30.

[0127] This procedure comprises several steps, which are initially described for the variant shown in Figure

[0128] 4 a) will be explained.

[0129] In a first step, starting points or anchor points for blood vessel simulations 30 are randomly determined. A predetermined minimum distance, for example 4 mm to 6 mm, is taken into account as a boundary condition. In this context, density information D4 can also be considered, as already explained in connection with the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0130] Then, starting from each starting point, an associated blood vessel replica 30 is determined by an extrusion process.

[0131] In this process, a cross-section Q for the blood vessel replica 30 is again defined and is circular and disc-shaped.

[0132] However, in the example from Figure 4 a), one form of the path E along which the cross-section Q is guided is subject to chance.

[0133] This concerns, on the one hand, the length of the path E, which is randomly chosen within a predefined length interval.

[0134] The path E in the example shown in Figure 4 can also include one or more curves. The number of curves, as well as their position and associated curve radius, are randomly determined.

[0135] The blood vessel replicas 30 described by these blood vessel data D2 are visualized in Figure 4, with an exemplary blood vessel replica 30 shown enlarged.

[0136] Furthermore, reference can be made to the above explanations.

[0137] In the variant shown in Figure 4 b), the blood vessel replicas 30 are determined using the same procedure, but different parameters are used compared to Figure 4 a).

[0138] First, the minimum distance considered in the variant shown in Figure 4b) when randomly setting the start or anchor points is smaller than in the variant shown in Figure 4a). In other words, in the variant shown in Figure 4b), the density information D4 describes a denser arrangement of the blood vessel models 30. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area Q of the blood vessel models in the variant shown in Figure 4b) is smaller than in the variant shown in Figure 4a). This is visualized by the fact that the lines representing the blood vessel models 30 are thinner.

[0139] In the variant shown in Figure 4 b), the blood vessel replicas 30 are again determined by an extrusion process.

[0140] The shape of the path E, along which the cross-section Q is guided, is again subject to chance. However, unlike the variant in Figure 4 a), the predefined interval for the length is smaller.

[0141] The number of curves, as well as their position and associated curve radius, are again determined randomly, with these parameters in the variant from Figure 4 b) essentially corresponding to the variant from Figure 4 a).

[0142] In the variant shown in Figure 4c), the only difference compared to the variant shown in Figure 4b) was that the minimum spacing considered when randomly setting the starting or anchor points was chosen to be slightly larger. The blood vessel models 30 are therefore arranged somewhat less densely. Otherwise, the same procedural parameters were used.

[0143] The fact that the blood vessel replicas 30 in the variants from Figure 4 b) and Figure 4 c) are not identical is due to the influence of chance in the positioning of the starting or anchor points as well as the shape and size of the blood vessel replicas 30.

[0144] The variants shown in Figures 4d) and 4e) differ from the variants in Figure 4 already explained in that different cross-sectional areas Q are now used for the blood vessel models 30. This is visualized by the fact that the lines representing the blood vessel models 30 have different thicknesses. Furthermore, in the variants shown in Figures 4d) and 4e), a greater length is also permitted for the blood vessel models 30 with larger cross-sectional areas Q; that is, the associated predefined interval for the length applies to greater lengths.

[0145] Optionally, in the procedure for determining the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base 24, obtaining blood vessel data D2 can also include selecting the blood vessel data D2 from a plurality of blood vessel data alternatives. Each blood vessel data alternative describes at least one blood vessel model 30. In the present example, each blood vessel data alternative describes a plurality of blood vessel models 30. For example, a first blood vessel data alternative describes blood vessel models 30 as illustrated in Figure 3. A second blood vessel data alternative describes, for example, blood vessel models 30 as illustrated in Figure 4a). A third blood vessel data alternative describes, for example, blood vessel models 30 as illustrated in Figure 4b). A fourth blood vessel data alternative describes, for example, blood vessel models 30 as illustrated in Figure 4c).A fifth blood vessel data alternative describes, for example, blood vessel simulations 30, as illustrated in Figure 4 d). A sixth blood vessel data alternative describes, for example, blood vessel simulations 30, as illustrated in Figure 4 e).

[0146] The blood vessel data alternatives can be provided in the form of a library.

[0147] A user of the method for determining the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base 24 can thus select the desired blood vessel data alternative from such a library. In this case, the user would therefore choose between the blood vessel data D2 according to Figure 3 and the blood vessel data D2 according to the different variants of Figure 4.

[0148] Alternatively, one blood vessel data alternative can be automatically selected from several blood vessel data alternatives.

[0149] Figure 5 describes another alternative for generating blood vessel data D2. In this alternative, the blood vessel data D2 is generated starting from a description of a single blood vessel model 30.

[0150] Such a blood vessel replica 30 can also be described as a template or model.

[0151] In the example of Figure 5, the blood vessel data D2 describe an arc-shaped blood vessel model 30. This can be described by a radius of curvature R and by a length L.

[0152] Starting from this template, further blood vessel data elements can be generated that describe blood vessel simulations 30 which differ from the template in that they have a different radius of curvature R and / or a different length L.

[0153] In this context, Figure 5 (a) shows a blood vessel replica 30 in which, starting from the template, the radius of curvature R was kept the same, but the length L was shortened.

[0154] Figure 5 (b) shows a blood vessel replica 30 in which, starting from the template, the radius of curvature R was kept the same, but the length L was increased.

[0155] Figure 5(c) shows a blood vessel replica 30 in which the radius of curvature R was reduced compared to the template. The length L was not changed compared to the template.

[0156] Blood vessel data D2, which describe such different blood vessel simulations 30, can then be arranged at spatially distributed starting points or anchor points, similar to what has already been explained.

[0157] Based on this, the blood vessel data D2 can be combined with outer shell data D1, e.g., using a Boolean operation, as already explained. Figure 6 describes another alternative for generating blood vessel data D2.

[0158] In this alternative, the blood vessel data D2 are again generated starting from a description of a single blood vessel replica 30, which can again be described as a template or model.

[0159] In the example of Figure 6, the blood vessel data D2 describe an S-shaped blood vessel model 30, i.e., a blood vessel model 30 that is essentially composed of two circular arc segments which have opposite curvatures.

[0160] In the example of Figure 6, further blood vessel data elements are derived using scaling information D5, which describe further blood vessel models 30. In doing so, at least one dimension of the blood vessel model 30 is always scaled starting from the template.

[0161] In this context, the variant in Figure 6 (a) describes a blood vessel replica 30 that has been created by a compression of dimension a.

[0162] The variant in Figure 6 (b) describes a blood vessel replica 30 that was created by stretching dimension a.

[0163] The variant in Figure 6 (c) shows a blood vessel replica 30, which was created by a reduction, i.e. a proportional compression of the dimensions a and b.

[0164] The variant in Figure 6 (d) shows a blood vessel replica 30, which was created by an enlargement, i.e. a proportional enlargement of the dimensions a and b.

[0165] Figure 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the method for determining a structure of the dental prosthesis base 24.

[0166] In contrast to the previously described examples, combining the outer shell data D1 and the blood vessel data D2 in the second embodiment involves exclusively applying the blood vessel data D2 within the outer shell 28 described by the outer shell data D1. Thus, no Boolean operation takes place. Rather, to put it simply, the volume of the dental prosthesis base 24, bounded by the outer shell 28, is filled with blood vessel simulations 30.

[0167] This means that in a case where blood vessel data D2 describe the blood vessel replicas 30 using geometry parameters, the blood vessel data D2 are combined with the outer shell data Dl in such a way that the blood vessel replicas 30 are always located inside the outer shell 28 described by the outer shell data Dl.

[0168] In such a case, starting or anchor points can be provided inside the outer shell and a blood vessel replica 30 can be assigned to each starting or anchor point, which is preferably also positioned relative to the assigned starting or anchor point.

[0169] There are several alternatives for specifying the starting or anchor points.

[0170] According to one alternative, the starting or anchor points can be provided as points of a regular or irregular grid.

[0171] According to a second alternative, the starting or anchor points can be randomly arranged inside the outer shell 28. Minimum distances can be specified as boundary conditions, as explained above.

[0172] The same applies if the blood vessel data D2 describe the blood vessel models 30 based on process parameters. This means that the blood vessel models 30 are generated in such a way that they always lie within the outer shell 28 described by the outer shell data D1.

[0173] For this purpose, the procedures described with reference to the variants in Figure 4 can be used, although these are applied exclusively to the volume of the denture base 24 bounded by the outer shell 28. In this way, it is unnecessary to determine an intersection of the volume of the denture base 24 and a volume in which the blood vessel replicas 30 are arranged.

[0174] As an option, in all previously described variants and embodiments of the method for determining the internal structure of the dental prosthesis base 24, locking data D6 can be obtained. This is explained below with reference to Figure 8, which visualizes this.

[0175] The blocking data D6 describe at least one blood vessel-free section within the outer shell 28 of the dental prosthesis base 24. This means that the blocking data D6 define at least one section in which no blood vessel replicas 30 are arranged.

[0176] These blocking data D6 are then combined with the outer shell data D1 and the blood vessel data D2 to form internal structure data D3.

[0177] In this way, the internal structure data D3 only describe blood vessel replicas 30 for sections of the denture base 24 that lie within the outer shell 28 of the denture base 24 and outside the at least one blood vessel-free section described by the blocking data D6.

[0178] In one example, a marginal layer of the dental prosthesis base 24 is generated in this way, which is free of blood vessel replicas 30.

[0179] Figure 8 visualizes two sections of such a marginal layer that are free of blood vessel replicas 20. It is understood that these sections are purely exemplary.

[0180] According to another option, which is compatible with all described variants and embodiments of the method for determining an internal structure, subvolume data D7 are obtained during the process. This is explained below with reference to Figure 9. The subvolume data D7 each describe a section of the dental prosthesis base 24 described by the outer shell data D1.

[0181] On this basis, the outer shell data D1, the subvolume data D7 and the blood vessel data D2 can be combined to form internal structure data D3, such that the internal structure data D3 describes an arrangement of at least one blood vessel replica 30 within the section of the denture base 24 described by the subvolume data D7.

[0182] Put simply, blood vessel replicas are only provided within the subvolume described by the subvolume data D7 30.

[0183] In one variant, subvolume data D7 are obtained, which describe different subvolumes, i.e., different sections of the dental prosthesis base 24 described by the outer shell data D1. Preferably, the different subvolumes are non-overlapping. In such a case, the blood vessel representations 30 can be different in each of these subvolumes. For example, the blood vessel representations 30 can differ in their shape and / or their spatial packing density.

[0184] In the example from Figure 9, the blood vessel replicas 30 in subvolume VI are provided with a higher packing density than in subvolume V2. Subvolume VI and subvolume V2 are described by subvolume data D7.

[0185] It goes without saying that the illustration in Figure 9 is purely exemplary.

[0186] The interaction of the outer shell data D1, the blood vessel data D2, the density information D4, the scaling information D5, the barrier data D6, and the subvolume data D7 in creating the internal structure data D3 is summarized in Figure 10. Furthermore, the steps of the procedure for manufacturing the denture base 24 and the steps of the procedure for determining an internal structure of the denture base 24 are summarized in Figure 11.

[0187] Reference symbol list

[0188] 10. Data processing device

[0189] 12 storage units

[0190] 14 computing units

[0191] 16 computer-readable media

[0192] 18 Computer program

[0193] 20 Means for carrying out a procedure for determining the internal structure of a

[0194] Dental prosthesis base

[0195] 22 Manufacturing device

[0196] 24 dental denture bases

[0197] 26 Computer program

[0198] 28 outer shell

[0199] 30 Blood vessel replica a dimension b dimension

[0200] DL outer shell data

[0201] D2 Blood vessel data

[0202] D3 Interior body data

[0203] D4 Density information

[0204] D5 scaling information

[0205] D6 blocking data

[0206] D7 Subvolume data

[0207] E path

[0208] Length L

[0209] PI first geometry parameter

[0210] P2 second geometry parameter

[0211] P3 Procedure parameters

[0212] Q cross-section

[0213] R radius of curvature

[0214] 501 First step of the procedure for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base

[0215] 502 Second step in the production of a dental prosthesis base

[0216] 51 First step of a procedure for determining the internal structure of a dental prosthesis base

[0217] 52 second step of a procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base

[0218] 53 third step of a procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base

[0219] 54 Fourth step of a procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base 55 Fifth step of a procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base

[0220] 56 sixth step of a procedure for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base VI Sub volume

[0221] V2 Sub volume

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for determining an internal structure of a dental prosthesis base (24) with at least one blood vessel replica (30), comprising: - Obtaining outer shell data (Dl) describing an outer shell (28) of the dental prosthesis base (24) (Sl), - Obtaining blood vessel data (D2) that describe at least one blood vessel simulation (30) (S2), and - Combining the outer shell data (D1) and the blood vessel data (D2) to form internal structure data (D3), wherein the internal structure data (D3) describe an arrangement of the at least one blood vessel replica (30) within the outer shell (28) of the denture base (24) (S5).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein combining the outer shell data (D1) and the blood vessel data (D2) to form internal structure data (D3) comprises a Boolean operation and / or wherein combining the outer shell data (D1) and the blood vessel data (D2) to form internal structure data (D3) comprises exclusively applying the blood vessel data (D2) within the outer shell (28) of the dental prosthesis base (24) described by the outer shell data (D1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the blood vessel data (D2) comprises at least one geometry parameter (Pl, P2) which describes a geometry of the blood vessel replica (30), and / or wherein the blood vessel data (D2) comprises at least one method parameter (P3) which describes a procedure for creating the blood vessel replica (30).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one blood vessel replica (30) is described as a cross-section (Q) guided along a path (E) in the manner of an extrusion.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the blood vessel data (D2) describe a plurality of blood vessel replicas (30), wherein the blood vessel replicas (30) are arranged distributed in three dimensions.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising - Obtaining density information (D4) which describes a spatial packing density of the blood vessel replicas (30) (S3), and - Combining the density information (D4) and the blood vessel data (D2) such that the majority of blood vessel replicas (30) are arranged with the spatial packing density distributed in three dimensions.

7. A method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising Obtaining scaling information (D5) and scaling at least one dimension of the at least one blood vessel replica (30) described by the blood vessel data (D2) based on the scaling information (D5) (S4).

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising - Assigning color information to at least one blood vessel model (30) described by the blood vessel data (D2), and / or - Assigning color brightness information to at least one blood vessel model (30) described by the blood vessel data (D2), and / or - Assigning material information to at least one blood vessel replica (30) described by the blood vessel data (D2), and / or - Assigning translucency information to at least one blood vessel replica (30) described by the blood vessel data (D2) (S6).

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising - Obtaining blocking data (D6) describing at least one blood vessel-free section within the outer shell (28) of the denture base (24), and - Combining the outer shell data (D1) and the blood vessel data (D2) to obtain internal structure data (D3) for sections within the outer shell (28) of the dental prosthesis base (24) and at least one blood vessel-free section outside the area described by the blocking data (D6).

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising - Obtaining subvolume data (D7) which describe a section of the interior of the outer shell (28) of the dental prosthesis base (24) described by the outer shell data (D1), - Combining the outer shell data (D1), the subvolume data (D7) and the blood vessel data (D2) to form internal structure data (D3), wherein the internal structure data (D3) describe an arrangement of the at least one blood vessel replica (30) within the section of the interior of the outer shell (28) of the denture base (24) described by the subvolume data (D7).

11. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein obtaining blood vessel data (D2) comprises selecting the blood vessel data (D2) from a plurality of blood vessel data alternatives, each of the blood vessel data alternatives describing at least one blood vessel model (30).

12. Method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis base (24) with a predetermined outer shell (28) and with at least one blood vessel replica (30), comprising: - Determining an internal structure of the dental prosthesis base (24) by means of the method according to one of the preceding claims (SOI), and - Manufacturing the dental prosthesis base (24) with the specified internal structure, wherein the at least one blood vessel replica (30) is manufactured using a material which differs in at least one selected aspect of material, color, brightness and translucency from the material used to manufacture the other sections of the dental prosthesis base (24) (S02).

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein an additive manufacturing process is used to manufacture the dental prosthesis base (24) with the specified internal structure.

14. Dental prosthesis base (24) with an outer shell (28) and an internal structure, wherein the internal structure is determined by the method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

15. Device (10) for data processing, comprising means (20) for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

16. Computer program (18) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

17. Computer-readable medium (16) comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause it to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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