2D–3D Dental Image Mapping With Automated Scaling Factors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of accurately establishing a spatial and dimensional correlation between 2D and 3D dental images in dental prosthetic design is prone to variability and errors due to manual mapping, leading to less precise treatment plans and increased time and effort.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for estimating scaling factors to map between 2D and 3D dental images by identifying landmarks, calculating geometric morphometrics, and aligning the images in a CAD system to ensure precise alignment and integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual mapping is used to correlate 2D and 3D dental images, then the process is simple to perform, but the precision and reliability of the mapping are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical mapping process with an automated computer-implemented system that uses image processing algorithms and geometric morphometrics to calculate scaling factors and align 2D and 3D dental images, thereby eliminating human judgment variability while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual 2D digital image as a copy from the 3D digital model, then performs automated scaling factor estimation by comparing landmarks between the virtual 2D image and the actual 2D image, enabling precise mapping without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If manual mapping is used to correlate 2D and 3D dental images, then the system complexity is low, but the time and effort required for treatment planning increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment planning efficiencyVSAvoidtime for mapping
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically identifying landmarks, calculating geometric morphometrics, and determining scaling factors without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing the time and effort needed for 2D-3D image correlation while improving treatment planning productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the 3D digital model to create a virtual 2D image and pre-identifying landmarks before the actual mapping process, which streamlines the subsequent scaling factor estimation and reduces overall treatment planning time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual mapping is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability and reproducibility of the mapping process deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operational processes with automated computer-implemented algorithms that consistently apply geometric morphometrics and scaling factor calculations, eliminating human judgment variability and improving mapping reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated workflows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by comparing landmarks identified in both 2D and 3D images, calculating scaling factors based on geometric morphometrics, and iteratively refining the mapping to achieve accurate correlation, thereby ensuring reliable and reproducible results

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4640179A1Computer-implemented methods, 3D CAD system and apparatuses for estimating one or more scaling factors to map between a 2d digital image of a dentition and a 3D digital model of a dentition and jaw
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 DIGICUTO
  • EP4640179A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4640179A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4640179A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The subject application provides computer-implemented methods, a 3D CAD system and apparatuses for estimating one or more scaling factors to map between a 2D digital image of a dentition and a 3D digital model of a dentition and jaw. The subject application provides a solution to the technical problem of accurately establishing a spatial and dimensional correlation between 2D and 3D dental imaging techniques, leading to improved patient outcomes and more efficient dental treatment planning. It offers a more precise, efficient approach, thereby improving the process of preparing for a dental restoration.