Neural Dental Image Simulation Without Physical Arch Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for simulating dental events require physical models of dental arches, limiting accessibility and applicability.

Innovation Solution

A computer program using a neural network to process dental arch images, simulating the effect of dental events without the need for physical models, allowing real-time visualization on a beneficiary's dental arch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If physical models of dental arches are used for simulation, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidaccessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses 2D photographs as simplified copies of dental arches instead of requiring complex 3D physical models. The neural network processes these 2D images to generate simulated views, eliminating the need for physical model fabrication while maintaining simulation capability. This copying approach resolves the contradiction by using a simpler representation that is easier to obtain and process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical model creation, handling, and manipulation with an automated digital processing system. The neural network automatically processes 2D photographs to generate simulated dental views, eliminating manual model fabrication and manipulation steps. This substitution improves ease of operation while maintaining simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If physical models of dental arches are used for simulation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimulation accuracyVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses 2D photographs as simplified copies of dental arches instead of requiring complex 3D physical models. The neural network processes these 2D images to generate simulated views, eliminating the need for physical model fabrication while maintaining simulation capability. This copying approach resolves the contradiction by using a simpler representation that is easier to obtain and process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If 2D photographs are used instead of physical models, then ease of operation and accessibility are improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsimulation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical model creation, handling, and manipulation with an automated digital processing system. The neural network automatically processes 2D photographs to generate simulated dental views, eliminating manual model fabrication and manipulation steps. This substitution improves ease of operation while maintaining simulation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the input data format from complex 3D physical models to simple 2D photographs, changing the parameter representation. The neural network learns to interpret 2D image parameters and generate accurate simulations by training on paired 2D photographs and corresponding 3D model views. This parameter transformation enables accessibility while maintaining precision through intelligent algorithmic processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4049289B1Computer program for generating a dental image
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 DENTAL MONITORING
  • EP4049289B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4049289B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP4049289B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for generating an image of a dental arch of a beneficiary, referred to as a "modified image", the method comprising the following steps: • a) at an acquisition instant, acquiring a photograph representing the dental arch, referred to as the "original image"; • b) processing the original image such that it represents a contour of the dental arch; • c) submitting the original image to a neural network, referred to as a "simulation neural network", trained to simulate, on the original image, the effect of a dental event, in order to obtain the modified image; • d) preferably, processing the modified image in order to make it hyperrealistic; • e) preferably, • - presenting the modified image; and/or • - selecting an orthodontic apparatus depending on the modified image.