Dental Prosthetic Color Estimation Using Imaging and AI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental prosthetic manufacturing methods require manual coloring, which is costly and inefficient, despite advancements in CAD/CAM systems for designing and fabricating dental prosthetics.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for estimating the color of dental prosthetics using acquired oral cavity information, including tooth color and shape data, to automate the coloring process through a trained model and integrated systems for data generation, formation, and coloring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual coloring is used for dental prosthetics, then high color accuracy and aesthetic quality are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the dental prosthetic itself to provide the color information needed for its reproduction. The imaging unit captures color data from the actual tooth, and this data is automatically processed to generate coloring instructions for the prosthetic, eliminating the need for manual color matching by technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coloring process with an automated digital system. Instead of hand-held color pencils or spray guns operated by technicians, the system uses digital imaging, computer processing, and automated coloring apparatus to apply color, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual coloring is used for dental prosthetics, then high color accuracy and aesthetic quality are achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the dental prosthetic itself to provide the color information needed for its reproduction. The imaging unit captures color data from the actual tooth, and this data is automatically processed to generate coloring instructions for the prosthetic, eliminating the need for manual color matching by technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a digital replica of the original tooth's color information. The imaging unit captures the color data, which is then stored and processed as digital information to reproduce the exact color on the prosthetic, replacing costly manual color matching with efficient digital copying.
3Productivity
If automated coloring systems are implemented, then production efficiency and cost-effectiveness improve, but color estimation accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using the imaging unit to capture actual color information from the patient's mouth, processing this data through the control unit, and using it to automatically adjust and optimize the coloring parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures high color accuracy while maintaining automated efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coloring process with an automated digital system. Instead of hand-held color pencils or spray guns operated by technicians, the system uses digital imaging, computer processing, and automated coloring apparatus to apply color, significantly improving efficiency while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to providing a color estimation method for estimating color of a dental prosthetic and a dental prosthetic manufacturing method for coloring the dental prosthetic based on the estimated color. A dental prosthetic color estimation method of the present invention includes acquiring color information about teeth, the color information being obtained by using an imaging unit, and estimating color of a surface of a dental prosthetic based on color information about at least one of a target tooth for the dental prosthetic to be disposed, a tooth near the target tooth, and a tooth corresponding to the target tooth.