Automated 3D Jaw Mesh Centering in CAD via Geometric Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of centering and aligning 3D mesh scans of patient jaws in CAD systems is prone to errors and inconsistencies due to its qualitative nature and reliance on human judgment, leading to inaccuracies in subsequent prosthetic restoration design steps.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically centers and aligns a 3D mesh scan of a jaw in a CAD system by importing the scan, analyzing its geometric properties, assigning dimensions to the X, Y, and Z axes based on known anatomical proportions, and transforming the scan to align its principal axes with the CAD coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to center and align 3D mesh scans, then the process is simple to operate, but the alignment precision and consistency deteriorate due to human judgment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated computer-implemented method that uses geometric analysis algorithms. The system automatically detects anatomical landmarks, calculates transformation matrices, and applies coordinate transformations to center and align the 3D mesh scan, eliminating human judgment errors while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically analyzing the geometric properties of the 3D mesh scan, identifying principal axes through eigenvalue decomposition, and applying transformations without requiring manual intervention. The algorithm autonomously determines the optimal orientation and position based on the scan's intrinsic geometric characteristics.
2Reliability
If manual alignment methods are used, then the process is easy to implement, but the reliability of subsequent restoration design deteriorates due to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary geometric analysis and automated alignment before the restoration design process begins. By pre-centering and orienting the 3D mesh scan according to established anatomical references and geometric algorithms, the system ensures that subsequent restoration design steps are based on accurate spatial relationships, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the alignment accuracy is verified through geometric consistency checks and anatomical landmark validation. The transformation parameters are adjusted based on the detected geometric properties, ensuring that the alignment reliably reflects the actual anatomical structure before proceeding to restoration design.
3Loss of time
If manual centering and alignment is performed, then the system remains simple, but the time required for restoration preparation increases due to inconsistencies requiring rework
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual alignment operations with automated geometric analysis algorithms that rapidly compute transformation parameters. The system uses eigenvalue decomposition and coordinate transformation matrices to achieve precise alignment in seconds, dramatically reducing the time required for restoration preparation while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated alignment process continues without interruption, seamlessly transitioning from data import to geometric analysis, transformation calculation, and final positioning. This continuous automated processing eliminates the stop-start nature of manual adjustment and ensures consistent results without requiring rework, thereby reducing overall preparation time.
Data Source
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AI summary
The subject application provides a computer-implemented method (100) and CAD system (200) for automatically centering and aligning a 3D mesh scan (10) of a jaw in a CAD system. The inventors propose to automatically center and align a 3D mesh scan (10) of a jaw in a CAD system, wherein the initial orientation of the 3D mesh scan (10) is arbitrary.