2D Image Alignment with 3D Dental Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for visualizing and modeling teeth in dental restorations lack efficiency in aligning 2D digital images with 3D virtual models, leading to increased processing time and complexity in achieving aesthetically pleasing and physiologically suitable results.

Innovation Solution

A method where 2D digital images are aligned with 3D virtual models based on shared viewpoints, allowing separate data representations to facilitate faster and more accurate modeling by using edge detection and software algorithms for alignment, enabling the design of dental restorations that fit facial features effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If 2D digital images are mapped onto the surface of 3D models to create 3D geometry, then a 3D representation is achieved, but the original 2D image data is lost and cannot be separately visualized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D geometry representationVSAvoidoriginal 2D image data
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains 2D images in their original dimension while adding 3D spatial context through viewpoint coordination. The 2D image plane is positioned at a specific 3D location and orientation relative to the model, allowing both 2D and 3D representations to coexist without transformation or loss of original data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If multiple 2D images are processed to build a 3D face model, then comprehensive 3D modeling is achieved, but processing time and computational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D face model completenessVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary alignment of multiple 2D images with the 3D model before detailed processing. By establishing correct viewpoint relationships and spatial positioning upfront, the system avoids redundant computations during subsequent processing stages, significantly reducing overall processing time while maintaining model completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Shape

If 2D images are transformed and manipulated to create 3D geometry, then 3D visualization is achieved, but the alignment accuracy between 2D images and 3D model decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D visualizationVSAvoidalignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses 2D images as reference copies to determine 3D viewpoint parameters rather than transforming the images themselves. The images serve as accurate source material for extracting geometric information, while the 3D model is adjusted to match the images' perspective, preserving alignment accuracy while achieving 3D visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP3851069B12d image arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 3SHAPE AS
  • EP3851069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3851069B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3851069B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

Disclosed is a computer implemented method of designing a dental restoration (1140) for a patient, wherein the method comprises: - providing one or more 2D images (201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 610, 701, 801, 901, 1001, 1101) showing the patient's teeth before preparing the teeth, where at least one 2D image comprises at least one facial feature wherein the facial feature(s) are present in an image of the patient and wherein the facial features comprise(s) the lips of the patient; - cutting out the part of the 2D image (201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 610, 701, 801, 901, 1001, 1101) which is inside the edge of the lips; - providing a 3D virtual model (202, 302, 402, 602, 702, 902, 1002, 1102) of at least part of the patient's oral cavity; - arranging the 2D image (201, 301, 401, 501, 601, 610, 701, 801, 901, 1001, 1101) and the 3D virtual model (202, 302, 402, 602, 702, 902, 1002, 1102) in the virtual 3D space as separate representations at a distance between each other so that the 2D image and the 3D virtual model are aligned when viewed from a front viewpoint; and - digitally designing a restoration (1140) on the 3D virtual model.