Intraoral Organ Characterization Using Deformed Reference Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional tooth models used in orthodontic treatments often fail to accurately represent the teeth due to hidden parts during initial scans, leading to incomplete models and difficulties in detecting deformations or anomalies, especially when manufacturing orthodontic appliances.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a digital three-dimensional model of a tooth, deformation of an initial reference model to match the characterized tooth, and generation of a characteristic vector to represent the tooth's shape, allowing for the correction and identification of intraoral organs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-dimensional scan is performed at the start of orthodontic treatment, then the initial tooth model can be obtained, but white areas appear in regions hidden by other teeth or appliances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing multiple scans at different stages of treatment. The initial scan captures visible surfaces, and subsequent scans after tooth movement capture previously hidden surfaces. This proactive multi-stage scanning approach ensures complete data collection before final model generation, eliminating white areas caused by initial occlusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the deformed reference model as a guide for subsequent scanning. The system identifies white areas in the initial model, plans additional scans targeted at those specific regions, and uses the deformation information to determine optimal scanning angles and positions, ensuring complete coverage of previously hidden surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tooth models are moved to model future dental situations, then orthodontic treatment planning is enabled, but white areas prevent detection of deformations in those regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary deformation of a complete reference model (which includes data from all treatment stages) before final treatment planning. This ensures that the reference model already contains accurate geometry of all tooth surfaces, including those that will be hidden during intermediate stages. The pre-deformed model provides reliable baseline data for detecting actual deformations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent cushions against future information loss by pre-acquiring and storing complete tooth surface data at multiple treatment stages. This creates a reservoir of geometric information that compensates for surfaces temporarily hidden during treatment, ensuring that deformation detection remains reliable even when certain regions are not visible during intermediate scans.
3Loss of information
If images are acquired to limit white areas, then model completeness improves, but image quality and availability become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on external image acquisition with a computational approach using three-dimensional scanning and deformation algorithms. Instead of using photographs or visual images to fill white areas, the system uses geometric deformation of reference models based on precise 3D scan data, eliminating quality issues associated with image-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates accurate three-dimensional digital copies of tooth surfaces through scanning at multiple stages. These digital copies serve as reliable sources for reconstructing hidden surfaces, replacing the need for two-dimensional images. The 3D copies preserve geometric accuracy without suffering from image quality limitations.
4Manufacturing precision
If complete tooth models are required for manufacturing orthodontic appliances, then treatment accuracy improves, but scanning time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary scanning at standardized intervals during treatment rather than attempting to capture everything in a single lengthy session. By breaking down the scanning process into manageable preliminary stages and using deformation algorithms to fill gaps, the system achieves complete models without excessive total scanning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the deformation algorithm to optimize subsequent scanning. The system identifies which regions still have white areas or uncertainties, then targets additional scans only at those specific regions rather than re-scanning the entire mouth, significantly reducing total scanning time while ensuring complete model coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for characterizing an intraoral organ. Modelling the organ as a digital three-dimensional model to be characterized (MTBC), including a mesh of points defining a surface. Placing the MTBC in a standardized configuration with respect to a digital three-dimensional initial reference model (IRM), including a mesh of points, called initial reference points (IRPs), the number of IRPs being less than 20% of the MTBC. Then, determining a final reference point (FRP), for each IRP, by a deformation algorithm. Then, determining a set of values determining the position of the FRP and/or a final elementary surface depending on the FRP, the algorithm determining the positions of the FRPs so that a final reference model consisting of a mesh of the final reference points matches the model to be characterized as closely as possible. Generating a characteristic vector grouping, in an ordered manner, the values determined for all the IRPs.