Automated Dental Set Image Analysis for Missing Element Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of reconfiguring incomplete artificial tooth sets is labor-intensive and costly due to the need for manual sorting and reassembly, making it uneconomical to return unused tooth elements to manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A system with image detection and evaluation devices that allow for the automatic identification of missing tooth elements within a tooth set, enabling immediate replacement or reordering, either in the dental practice or at the manufacturer, using mobile devices and data transmission for efficient restocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sorting and reassembly of incomplete tooth sets is performed, then the tooth elements can be reused in new sets, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and requires significant manual labor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting and identification processes with an automated optical scanning system. The scanning device captures images of tooth sets, and image evaluation algorithms automatically identify missing elements, eliminating the need for manual inspection and significantly reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing tooth sets to be automatically evaluated and processed without human intervention. The scanning and image evaluation devices autonomously identify missing elements, generate reports, and facilitate reordering, freeing dental professionals from manual sorting tasks.
2Ease of operation
If incomplete sets of teeth are disposed of instead of reconfigured, then manual labor is avoided, but high costs are incurred due to the value of the individual tooth elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recovery system that identifies and recovers usable tooth elements from incomplete sets. Instead of discarding entire sets, the system selectively identifies missing elements and facilitates ordering only for those specific components, thereby recovering and reusing the majority of valuable tooth elements while minimizing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated scanning and evaluation system replaces manual assessment processes, enabling efficient identification of recoverable elements. This automation makes the recovery process economically viable by rapidly processing tooth sets and generating accurate inventories of missing elements, thereby preventing unnecessary disposal of valuable components.
3Reliability
If tooth sets are returned to the manufacturer for replenishment, then missing elements can be replaced, but the process requires significant manual labor and is uneconomical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual return and replenishment processes with an automated digital system. Scanning devices capture images of tooth sets, image evaluation algorithms automatically identify missing elements, and electronic ordering systems facilitate replenishment. This eliminates the need for physical returns and manual inventory management, significantly simplifying the overall process while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary digital evaluation system between the tooth sets and the manufacturer. This intermediary automatically processes images, identifies missing elements, and communicates requirements to the manufacturer, thereby mediating the replenishment process and eliminating the need for direct manual intervention and physical returns.
4Loss of information
If multiple sets of teeth are stored with barcodes for tracking, then inventory management is improved, but the process still requires manual scanning and data entry at storage and retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically evaluating tooth sets at the point of use rather than requiring subsequent manual processing. The scanning and image evaluation devices immediately identify missing elements when sets are retrieved or inspected, eliminating the need for delayed manual data entry and processing, thereby saving time while maintaining accurate tracking.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing artificial tooth elements comprises a detection device for the image/visual acquisition of at least one incomplete tooth set. The detection device generates an image (10) of the tooth set (12). An image evaluation device (18) determines the type of tooth set (12) and identifies the at least one missing tooth element (14). In particular, the missing tooth element can be provided by means of an automatic dispensing device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for providing artificial tooth elements.