Laplacian Tooth Template Deformation with Angle Weighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in computer-aided tooth design lies in computing a functionally correct morphology of the missing chewing surface for dental restorations, requiring a robust and automated process to save time and improve results.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using Laplacian surface deformation with an angle weighting function to deform a tooth template towards a rest tooth, considering the normal directions and shapes of both surfaces, and iteratively adjusting weights to ensure accurate alignment and smooth transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional manual tooth design methods are used, then dental knowledge expertise can be applied, but time consumption increases and automation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a template tooth model as a copy of a healthy tooth that can be digitally adapted to the patient's specific case. This template copying approach enables automated design by transferring the functional morphology from a reference tooth to the restoration design, eliminating manual design time while maintaining dental expertise standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies Laplacian surface deformation with angle weighting functions that modify geometric parameters of the template tooth. By changing parameters such as surface curvature, normal directions, and vertex positions through mathematical deformation, the system automatically adapts the template to match the patient's tooth geometry while preserving functional characteristics
2Manufacturing precision
If Laplacian surface deformation is applied to adapt template tooth, then automated design is achieved, but sharp edges and unstable data may occur without proper weighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies angle weighting functions that assign different weights to different regions of the tooth surface based on local geometric properties. Handles with angles closer to 90 degrees receive higher weights, ensuring that critical regions like preparation margins and occlusal surfaces are deformed with higher precision, while less critical areas use lower weights to maintain overall data stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an iterative deformation process where the deformation is applied in multiple steps with feedback from the previous iteration. The angle weighting is recalculated based on the updated geometry, allowing the system to converge to a stable solution that avoids sharp edges while maintaining accurate alignment with the target tooth surface
3Shape
If iterative Laplacian deformation is used, then smooth transitions are achieved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Laplacian deformation iteratively with a controlled number of steps rather than attempting a single complete deformation. By applying partial deformations in sequence with angle weighting at each step, the system achieves smooth transitions through cumulative small changes, reducing the computational burden of a single complex calculation while maintaining surface quality
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for digitally designing a dental restoration for a rest tooth, wherein the rest tooth is described by data of the rest tooth and wherein a tooth template is described by data of the tooth template, by means of an Laplacian surface deformation to deform the tooth template towards the surface of the rest tooth, wherein the method uses, for the Laplacian surface deformation, an angle weighting function depending on: the angle between the normal direction of a target on the surface of the rest tooth or the normal direction of a handle on the tooth template; and the direction of a line connecting the target and the handle; wherein the angle weighting function is used to weight the handle for deforming the tooth template towards the rest tooth. Further, the invention is related to a computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which when executed by a processor, are adapted to perform the method steps of the inventive computer-implemented method.