Dental Arch 3D Modeling From Smartphone Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for monitoring dental arch changes require professional equipment and visits, which are costly and burdensome, and existing user-friendly methods are cumbersome and require significant computer processing.

Innovation Solution

A method using a portable scanner, preferably extraoral, allows users to acquire a digital 3D model of their dental arch without professional assistance, using a low-precision scanner integrated into a mobile phone, which can transmit the model remotely for quick analysis and correction using neural networks and historical models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If professional scanners and equipment are used for dental arch monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedental arch model accuracyVSAvoidscanner and equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the dental arch using photogrammetry from multiple 2D photographs. Instead of using complex professional scanners, the system captures images with a standard camera or smartphone and reconstructs the 3D dental model through computational algorithms, thereby achieving accurate measurement with simple equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system (physical scanners and sensors) with an optical-photogrammetric system. Instead of using mechanical contact or close-proximity optical scanners, the system uses photographs taken from various angles and processes them computationally to generate the 3D model, substituting mechanical complexity with computational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If professional dental visits are required for monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedental arch assessment accuracyVSAvoidtime for dental visits and appointments

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables patients to perform their own dental arch monitoring at home using a smartphone or camera. The system guides users to take photographs of their teeth, automatically processes these images through photogrammetry algorithms, and generates 3D models without requiring professional intervention. This self-service approach eliminates travel time and appointment scheduling while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary 3D model generation and analysis before professional evaluation is needed. By automatically processing photographs into 3D models and detecting changes, the system prepares assessments in advance, allowing professionals to review pre-analyzed data rather than performing initial scanning and processing during limited appointment time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If complex computer processing is used to create dental models from photos, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth model accuracyVSAvoidspeed of model acquisition and processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary organization and preparation of multiple photographs before 3D reconstruction. The system automatically selects, validates, and pre-processes images to ensure optimal quality for photogrammetry, reducing the computational burden during the actual 3D model generation and accelerating the overall processing pipeline while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Measurement precision

If intraoral scanning is used for high precision, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and device complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedental arch model accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience in model acquisition

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional scanning approach by moving from intraoral (inside the mouth) to extraoral (outside the mouth) imaging. Instead of placing sensors inside the patient's mouth to capture 3D data directly, the system takes 2D photographs from outside the mouth and reconstructs the 3D model computationally, making the process non-invasive and much easier for patients to perform themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20250339244A1Method for acquiring a model of a dental arch

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 DENTAL MONITORING

AI summary

A method for acquiring at least one image of at least one dental arch of a user (U) by means of a mobile telephone (12′) and an acquisition tool (31′) comprising an acquisition head (32′) provided with a camera (33′), wherein method the acquisition head: —acquires said image and transmits it to the mobile telephone, or —acquires a signal and transfers the signal to the mobile telephone in order that said mobile telephone generates the image from the signal, autonomously or with the aid of a computer with which said mobile telephone is in communication, the method including, after said acquisition step, an analysis of said image so as to define the dental situation of the user and/or to check the proper implementation of an ongoing active or passive orthodontic treatment.