Dental Panoramic Rendering via Photogrammetry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental scanning technologies struggle to efficiently generate high-resolution, photo-realistic models of a patient's teeth, often resulting in low-resolution models that do not accurately represent the surface or internal features of the teeth.

Innovation Solution

The use of intraoral scanning systems that include cameras and sensors to capture panoramic images of the dental arch, allowing for the generation of photo-realistic color or grayscale renderings, and the ability to create 3D renderings or simulated views based on selected camera angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 3D scanning tools are used to generate 3D dental mesh models, then topographical data of the dentation can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and processor-intensive, resulting in low-resolution models

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution of 3D modelVSAvoidtime to generate 3D model

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses photogrammetry to create a 3D model by copying visual information from multiple 2D images. Instead of using traditional 3D scanning that captures geometric data directly, the system captures multiple photographs from different angles and computationally reconstructs the 3D model from these 2D images, thereby reducing scanning time and improving resolution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical 3D scanning systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using physical scanners that move through the mouth cavity, the system uses cameras to capture images and then computationally reconstructs the 3D geometry, substituting mechanical data collection with optical imaging and computational processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional 3D scanning is used, then a 3D model can be generated, but the model does not accurately and realistically visualize the surface of the patient's teeth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of tooth surface representationVSAvoidresolution of 3D model

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates color and texture information from the captured images into the 3D model reconstruction. By mapping the color and surface texture data from the photographs onto the reconstructed 3D geometry, the system achieves photo-realistic visualization of the tooth surfaces, accurately representing the patient's actual dentition appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If ionizing radiation techniques (X-rays, CBCT) are used to image teeth, then internal structures can be visualized, but there is risk of ionizing radiation and the procedure is lengthy and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation about internal tooth structuresVSAvoidionizing radiation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces ionizing radiation-based imaging systems with an optical imaging system. Instead of using X-rays or CBCT that penetrate teeth to visualize internal structures, the system uses cameras to capture images from the oral cavity and computationally reconstructs 3D models, substituting harmful radiation with safe optical imaging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary computational reconstruction process to obtain internal structure information. Instead of directly imaging internal structures with radiation, the system uses surface images as intermediaries and applies computational algorithms to infer and reconstruct internal geometry and structures, thereby avoiding radiation exposure while still obtaining the needed information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If piecemeal or collaged images are used to display scanned images, then the images can be shown, but they are not satisfactorily smooth and show abrupt transitions and artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmoothness of image transitionsVSAvoidvisual quality and continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple captured images into a single integrated panoramic view through computational photogrammetry. Instead of displaying images piecemeal or as separate collaged views, the system combines the information from all captured images to create a seamless, continuous panoramic representation of the dentition, eliminating abrupt transitions and artifacts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a 2D piecemeal image display approach to a 3D panoramic view. By reconstructing the data into a three-dimensional panoramic model, the system provides smooth transitions and continuous visual information, allowing users to navigate and view the dentition in a seamless manner rather than through discrete or collaged images

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS20250195022A1Dental panoramic views

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 ALIGN TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

Provided herein are devices and methods generating a panoramic rendering of a subject's teeth. Methods and processes are provided to image the subject's teeth with a dental scan. Methods and processes are also provided to automatically 3D render the subject's teeth with the scan images. Methods and apparatuses are also provided to generate simulated panoramic views of the subject's dentition from various perspectives.