3D Scanner Image Alignment Using Virtual Occlusal Plane Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning three-dimensional images of the oral cavity from 3D scanners lack accuracy and efficiency, leading to increased time and resource consumption in positioning these images on a desired plane.
Innovation Solution
A method using an electronic device with a processor and memory to acquire two-dimensional scan images, generate three-dimensional scan data, and align it on a virtual occlusal plane by matching plane data, potentially utilizing an artificial neural network to determine occlusal plane coordinates for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional image is simply placed at a predetermined location or through user dragging, then the operation is simple, but the placement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating a three-dimensional image, determining the occlusal plane, and positioning the image on the reference plane before user interaction. This preliminary automated processing eliminates the need for manual dragging while ensuring high placement accuracy through algorithmic plane matching and coordinate transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual dragging operation with an automated computational system that uses image processing algorithms, coordinate transformation, and plane matching techniques. This substitution of mechanical user interaction with automated computational methods achieves both high accuracy and operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If manual dragging is used to position the three-dimensional image, then the method is flexible, but time delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically completing the entire positioning process without requiring user intervention. The electronic device autonomously acquires images, generates three-dimensional reconstructions, determines occlusal planes, and positions images on reference planes, thereby eliminating time delays associated with manual operations and significantly improving alignment speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual dragging operations with automated computational processing that instantly calculates and applies the correct positioning. This substitution eliminates the temporal delay between image acquisition and proper placement, achieving rapid alignment through algorithmic efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If automated alignment methods are implemented, then accuracy improves, but computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and processes only the essential features needed for alignment—specifically identifying the occlusal plane and key anatomical landmarks—rather than processing the entire three-dimensional dataset. This selective extraction of critical information maintains high alignment accuracy while significantly reducing computational resource consumption by focusing processing power on the most relevant data elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing automated alignment only on the critical occlusal plane and reference points, rather than attempting to align every aspect of the three-dimensional image. This partial automation of the most important alignment tasks achieves sufficient accuracy for dental applications while avoiding the excessive computational resources that would be required for complete automated processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method being performed by an electronic device comprising at least one processor, the method comprising: acquiring at least one two-dimensional scan image by scanning of the three-dimensional scanner and generating a three-dimensional scan data set regarding a subject's oral cavity based on the acquired at least one two-dimensional scan image, the three-dimensional scan data set comprising multiple three-dimensional coordinate values; generating first plane data corresponding to a virtual occlusal plane; determining multiple reference coordinate values based on the three-dimensional scan data set; generating second plane data corresponding to an occlusal plane of the subject's oral cavity based on the multiple reference coordinate values; and aligning the three-dimensional scan data set on the virtual occlusal plane by matching the first plane data with the second plane data.