Segmented Dental Model Alignment via Bounding Volume Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing segmented current state models of teeth from 3D scans are labor-intensive and require manual or semi-automatic association of surface elements with individual teeth, which is inefficient, especially during orthodontic treatment where tooth positions change.
Innovation Solution
A method that aligns a segmented old model with a new scan using a 3D shape alignment technique, reusing surface elements associated with teeth by determining bounding volumes and minimizing deviation, allowing for automatic production of a segmented current state model by moving defined teeth to their new positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or semi-automatic association of surface elements with individual teeth is used, then segmentation accuracy is maintained, but production time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary coarse alignment of the old segmented model with the new scan data before detailed association. By pre-positioning the models relative to each other based on jaw geometry and tooth arrangement patterns, the system reduces the subsequent work required for precise surface element association, thereby decreasing production time while maintaining segmentation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent copies surface elements from the old segmented model to the current scan model. Instead of manually associating each surface element with teeth in the new scan, the system replicates the segmentation structure from the old model and adjusts it to fit the current tooth positions, significantly reducing labor intensity and production time while preserving segmentation quality
2Manufacturing precision
If complete realignment of all surface elements is performed, then positioning accuracy is improved, but computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment process into two distinct stages: coarse alignment and fine alignment. Coarse alignment handles the overall positioning of the old model relative to the new scan using simplified methods, while fine alignment focuses only on the precise association of surface elements within localized regions. This segmentation of the alignment process reduces computational complexity while achieving the required positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies fine alignment selectively rather than uniformly across all surface elements. By identifying regions that require precise alignment (such as areas with significant tooth movement) and applying detailed association methods only there, the system achieves necessary positioning accuracy without the excessive computational burden of processing every surface element with the same level of detail
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing a current state model of teeth of a patient from a scan of the teeth, the method including providing an old model of the teeth including first surface elements wherein each of the first surface elements is associated with precisely one tooth of the teeth to form a segmented old model of the teeth; initially bringing the scan and the old model into a coarse alignment; thereafter determining a bounding volume of at least one of the teeth in the old model; thereafter determining second surface elements in the scan of the teeth arranged within the bounding volume; thereafter copying copies of the first surface elements associated with the at least one of the teeth from the old model into a current state model; thereafter aligning the copies in the current state model with a minimum deviation from the second surface elements.