3D Dental Training Visualization for Hidden Anatomy Practice

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental training apparatuses fail to provide realistic and precise practice for complex treatments requiring high accuracy and skill levels, such as dental implant procedures, due to the lack of simulation of invisible portions within the tooth and jawbone.

Innovation Solution

A dental treatment training apparatus that uses predefined 3D information of dental models and treatment instruments, combined with a display unit showing augmented or mixed reality, to superimpose invisible portions and provide precise practice through 3D positional detection and image recognition, allowing trainees to visualize and perform complex treatments accurately.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional dental training apparatuses are used, then basic training can be conducted, but complex treatments involving high accuracy and skill levels cannot be practiced due to lack of simulation for invisible portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to simulate complex treatmentsVSAvoidvisibility of invisible portions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a display unit and position detection device that mediates between the trainee and the invisible portions of the dental model. The display unit presents virtual images of invisible portions (such as root canals and jawbone structures) while the position detection device tracks the trainee's actions, enabling practice of complex treatments without direct visual access to the target areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual observation to three-dimensional spatial understanding by using a position detection device that tracks the trainee's hand movements and the dental model's position in 3D space. The display unit then presents virtual images corresponding to the invisible portions at the appropriate 3D positions, allowing the trainee to visualize and practice procedures in the hidden dimensions of the dental structure.

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

2Reliability

If repeated practice is required for high accuracy treatments, then skill level improves, but availability of training apparatuses remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of treatment executionVSAvoidcomplexity of training simulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the dental treatment environment using a computer-generated display that replicates the appearance of teeth, gums, and invisible structures. This virtual copy allows repeated practice scenarios without the constraints of physical models or human patients, enabling unlimited repetition for skill development while maintaining high accuracy requirements through precise 3D positioning and visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If invisible portions are not simulated, then training apparatus structure remains simple, but treatment practice accuracy cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of treatment practiceVSAvoidcomplexity of simulation system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the need for complex physical simulation structures with a computational system. Instead of physically constructing models of invisible portions, the system uses software to generate and display virtual images of root canals, jawbone structures, and other hidden areas. The position detection device uses optical or electromagnetic fields to track positions, substituting mechanical complexity with computational and field-based approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3598422B1Dental treatment training device and dental treatment training system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 J MORITA CORP
  • EP3598422B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3598422B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3598422B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dental treatment training apparatus allows practice of complex treatments involving high accuracy and skill levels. A dental treatment training apparatus (2) for providing a simulated treatment in which a treatment instrument (80) is applied onto a tooth model (103) includes a display unit (62) that displays, in a superimposed manner, 3D image information based on predefined 3D information about the tooth model (103) and the treatment instrument (80) on a 3D view image (S), a position detector (70) that detects 3D positional information about the tooth model (103), the treatment instrument (80), and the display unit (62), and a control unit (10) that causes the display unit (62) to display, in a superimposed manner, 3D image information corresponding to an item selected on a superimposed selection operation display (C) for allowing selection of an item associated with the simulated treatment based on the 3D positional information detected by the position detector (70).