Dental Arch Scanning With Fixed Reference Patterns for Progress Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical scanning of objects with smooth surfaces or featureless transitions faces challenges in determining the exact orientation and location of segment images, leading to difficulties in generating accurate composite images, particularly in intra-oral scanning of dental arches.
Innovation Solution
A reference element with a reference pattern is positioned fixedly adjacent to the dental arch within the oral cavity, allowing simultaneous scanning of the dental arch and the reference pattern to establish a stable registration, using a fixation device that adjusts in discrete increments to ensure reproducible positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reference element with reference pattern is installed inside the oral cavity to provide fixed registration for segment images, then the accuracy and repeatability of scanning dental arches is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation are worsened due to the need for additional installation and fixation steps
Solution Approach 1:
A reference element with a reference pattern is introduced as an intermediary component between the dental arch and the scanning system. This reference element serves as a mediator that provides fixed registration points, enabling accurate alignment and stitching of multiple segment images without requiring direct complex interactions between the scanner and the dental structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference element is installed and positioned before the scanning process begins. By establishing the reference pattern in advance, the system prepares the registration framework beforehand, allowing segment images to be aligned more easily during scanning without requiring complex real-time adjustments or post-processing alignment procedures.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple segment images are required to render composite images of dental arches, then the coverage area is improved, but the time required for scanning and image rendering increases due to the need to capture and stitch multiple segments
Solution Approach 1:
The reference pattern on the reference element provides continuous feedback information during the scanning process. By capturing the reference pattern in each segment image, the system can automatically determine the position and orientation of each segment, enabling rapid and accurate stitching of multiple images without requiring manual alignment or extensive post-processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for tracking progress of a patient undergoing orthodontic treatment are provided. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a 3D model of a dental arch. The 3D model can be generated by receiving a plurality of images of the dental arch, at least some of the images including a portion of the dental arch together with a portion of a reference element. A registration can be determined between an image and at least one other image using the portions of the reference element in the respective images to improve registration accuracy. The plurality of images can be stitched together according to the determined registrations to generate the 3D model of the dental arch. The method can further include assessing progress of the orthodontic treatment by comparing the 3D model of the dental arch to a previous 3D model representing an earlier state of the dental arch.