Dental Treatment Planning via Video-Camera Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for planning dental treatments are complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple steps involving volume data sets and separate planning software, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential errors.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a video camera to record a patient's head, coupling the video recording with a patient model that includes three-dimensional image data, allowing real-time planning and orientation by adjusting the viewing direction based on the camera's movement, with optional projection of planning elements onto the patient's skin for direct planning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate steps are used to generate volume data sets and then plan using separate planning software, then comprehensive treatment planning can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive treatment planningVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate functions (video recording, volume data generation, and treatment planning) into a single integrated system. The video camera captures both visual information and generates volume data sets that are directly processed by planning software in the same system, eliminating the need for separate steps and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining comprehensive planning capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The video camera serves multiple functions simultaneously: it records visual video data, generates three-dimensional volume data sets, and provides real-time imaging for treatment planning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices and streamlines the workflow from data acquisition to treatment planning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate steps are used to generate volume data sets and then plan using planning software, then comprehensive treatment planning can be achieved, but treatment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive treatment planningVSAvoidtreatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables continuous real-time imaging and processing throughout the treatment planning process. The video camera continuously captures data and the planning software continuously processes this information, allowing the dentist to perform treatment planning immediately during the examination without interruption or separate processing steps, thereby significantly reducing treatment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If volume data sets are generated first and then planning is performed using separate software, then accurate three-dimensional data can be obtained, but orientation and planning become less intuitive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional data accuracyVSAvoiddentist orientation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the video feed with the three-dimensional volume data sets and treatment planning visualization into a single integrated display. This allows the dentist to see accurate three-dimensional data in the context of real-time video imaging, making orientation more intuitive while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the video camera as an intermediary that bridges the gap between physical patient anatomy and digital three-dimensional models. By displaying volume data sets in real-time alongside video footage from the same camera angles, the system provides natural spatial orientation that is more intuitive for the dentist while maintaining accurate three-dimensional measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2922491B1Method for planning a dental treatment
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBH CORP LEGAL
  • EP2922491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2922491B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for planning or for checking the planning of a dental and/or a maxillofacial treatment, wherein at least one video recording of an object (3) is recorded by means of at least one video camera (1). A patient model (4) is available, which comprises image data of the object (3), wherein the video recording is virtually coupled to the patient model (4) in such a way that a viewing direction (13) of the view of the patient model (4) is changed in dependence on a changing recording direction (9, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50) of the video recording when the video camera (1) is moved in relation to the object (3).