3D Intraoral Model Texture Mapping via 2D Grid Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for applying texture to 3D digital models of intraoral anatomical structures are computationally costly due to the need for predetermining spatial positions of mesh elements, which is challenging given their number and unordered distribution.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining a 3D digital model of an intraoral anatomical structure, generating a 2D grid representing the unfolded surface of the model, assigning textural parameters to each cell of the grid, and using this texture reference map to apply the parameters to the 3D model, thereby reducing computational burden and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to apply texture to 3D digital models by predetermining spatial positions of mesh elements, then texture mapping accuracy is improved, but computational cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the 3D texture mapping problem into a 2D image processing problem by projecting the 3D mesh surface onto a 2D plane. This dimensional reduction allows standard 2D image processing techniques to be applied, significantly lowering computational requirements while preserving texture mapping accuracy through careful projection geometry and coordinate transformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified 2D representation (copy) of the 3D mesh surface that retains the essential geometric information needed for texture mapping. By working with this 2D copy instead of the full 3D structure, the computational burden is reduced while the final texture application to the 3D model remains accurate.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods are used to process 3D digital models with large numbers of unordered mesh elements, then model detail precision is improved, but processing speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By converting the 3D mesh processing task into a 2D image processing task, the patent leverages the efficiency of 2D algorithms. The unordered mesh elements are projected onto a 2D plane where standard image processing techniques can operate rapidly, maintaining detail precision while dramatically improving processing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex 3D geometric processing operations with simpler 2D image processing operations. This substitution allows the use of highly optimized 2D algorithms and data structures that are computationally more efficient, thereby increasing processing speed without sacrificing model detail precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for generating an augmented 3D digital model of an intraoral anatomical structure a subject. The method comprises: obtaining an unfolded surface of a 3D digital model of the intraoral anatomical structure, the unfolded surface comprising a 2D grid including a plurality of 2D cells; generating a texture reference map by: assigning, to each one of the plurality of 2D cells, a respective value of at least one textural parameter; using the texture reference map for applying the at least one textural parameter onto the 3D digital model to generate the augmented 3D digital model; and causing display of the augmented 3D digital model of the intraoral anatomical structure.