Linear Tooth Sample Provisioning for Accurate Shade Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for determining the lightness, chroma, and shade of teeth, such as the VITA Toothguide 3D-Master, face difficulties in accurately selecting the brightness group due to the human eye's limited ability to distinguish between brightness and chroma, leading to potential errors that cannot be corrected in subsequent steps, especially when dealing with very chromatic tooth colors.
Innovation Solution
The system is simplified by arranging tooth samples in a linear manner within receiving elements, allowing for sequential determination of lightness, chroma, and hue, with additional receiving elements providing options for precise selection of brightness, chroma, and hue, enabling easier handling and more reliable results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple tooth samples are arranged in a complex three-dimensional pattern holder with pivotable sample pins, then the system can determine brightness, chroma, and hue in three steps, but the system becomes difficult to handle and users may select incorrect brightness groups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tooth sample set into multiple receiving elements, each containing a limited number of tooth samples arranged in a linear sequence. This segmentation reduces the number of samples visible at once, making it easier for users to accurately select the appropriate brightness group without being overwhelmed by the full range of variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional arrangement with pivotable pins to a linear one-dimensional arrangement in receiving elements. This dimensional simplification eliminates the complexity of pivotable mechanisms while maintaining the ability to present multiple tooth samples in an organized, easy-to-navigate sequence.
2Measurement precision
If the human eye attempts to distinguish between brightness and chroma simultaneously, then color determination can be made, but the limited ability of the human eye leads to incorrect brightness selection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the color determination process into distinct steps with dedicated receiving elements for different parameters. By separating brightness determination from chroma and hue determination, the system allows users to focus on one parameter at a time, overcoming the human eye's limited ability to distinguish between brightness and chroma simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of brightness before proceeding to chroma and hue. This sequential approach allows the user to first establish the brightness level, then refine the color selection in subsequent steps, preventing errors that would occur if all parameters were attempted simultaneously.
3Productivity
If chromatic colors are perceived as darker due to human eye limitations, then color matching can proceed, but errors in brightness selection cannot be corrected in subsequent steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary determination of brightness using a dedicated receiving element that presents only brightness variations. This preliminary step establishes the correct brightness level before proceeding to chroma and hue selection, preventing irreversible errors that would occur if brightness were determined simultaneously with other parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides feedback mechanisms that allow users to verify their brightness selection before finalizing the color match. The sequential presentation of receiving elements enables users to adjust their selection based on the perceived chroma and hue in subsequent steps, correcting errors that would be impossible in a simultaneous determination system.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system has receiving elements (20, 22), in which tooth samples (30) are linearly arranged, where the receiving elements have corresponding groups (0-5, 32) of tooth samples provided adjacent to each other. Specific groups (0-5) of tooth samples have same brightness and same shade, and the remaining groups (32) have same brightness and different shades. Tooth samples having different brightness, identical shade and/or identical chroma are arranged in a third receiving element.