3D Dental Model View Adjustment for Unobstructed Treatment Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for dental treatment planning using 3D models are time-consuming and inefficient due to the need for manual adjustment of view angles, which can lead to eye strain and disorientation, especially when working with 3D data, as existing solutions primarily focus on 2D magnification and instantaneous changes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically adjusting the view and orientation of 3D dental models based on the localized area being worked on, using continuous and intermittent adjustments such as rotation, translation, magnification, and transparency, aligned with surface normals and context-aware properties, to provide an unobstructed view without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of view angles is used during treatment planning, then the user can control the view of the 3D model, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires repeated interactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual view controlVSAvoidtreatment planning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the view orientation based on the selected tool and interaction point on the 3D model, eliminating the need for manual view control. The processor determines the appropriate view angle autonomously when the user selects a tool and interacts with the model surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates and prepares the optimal view orientation before the user actually needs to inspect the surface. When a tool is selected and applied to a specific location, the view is automatically adjusted to the predetermined optimal angle, saving time during the actual treatment planning work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the view orientation is fixed, then the display is stable, but the user cannot obtain an unobstructed view of different surface areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveview stabilityVSAvoidview adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The view orientation transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic state that automatically adapts to the user's needs. The system continuously adjusts the view angle based on the currently selected tool and the location where the user interacts with the 3D model, providing both stability during inspection and adaptability when moving between different surface areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the 3D model receive different view orientations optimized for their specific geometry and importance. When the user interacts with a particular surface area, the view is locally adjusted to provide the best possible angle for that specific region, rather than using a single global view orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If 2D magnification is applied to digital images, then the user can see detailed areas, but the magnified view may cover other important areas and cause eye strain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetail visibilityVSAvoideye strain and disorientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from 2D magnification to 3D view orientation adjustment. Instead of simply enlarging a flat image portion, the system rotates and repositions the entire 3D model to bring the area of interest into optimal view, maintaining spatial context and avoiding the disorientation caused by 2D crop boxes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediate step of automatic view orientation adjustment between the user's selection and the final view. The processor acts as an intermediary that calculates the optimal angle and automatically reorients the display, eliminating the need for the user to manually navigate through multiple views or struggle with fixed magnification boxes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3815110B1Method and system for dynamic adjustment of a model
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 DENTSPLY SIRONA INC
  • EP3815110B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3815110B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3815110B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method and system for manipulating a 3D model during treatment planning and automatically adjusting the 3D model based on a localized area of the 3D model proximate to a location of said manipulation. The 3D model is automatically adjusted during the course of treatment planning such that a user has an unobstructed view of the surface. The 3D model may be for example, a 3D model of a tooth or teeth or dental anatomy.