Reconstructing Joined Surfaces in 3D Dental Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining 3D digital models of teeth often result in joined surfaces of adjacent teeth, which require reconstruction to accurately represent the shape of individual teeth, but there is a lack of effective methods for doing so.
Innovation Solution
A method involving identifying intersection points, fitting a plane, and using control points to reconstruct the joined surfaces through a linear equation system, with adjustments for Z coordinate values to ensure accurate separation and shape representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If scanning methods are used to obtain 3D digital models of teeth, then the models can be obtained efficiently, but the surfaces of adjacent teeth become joined together due to limited scanning precision and residual material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the joined surface of adjacent teeth into multiple discrete regions through identifying intersection points and control points. The algorithm segments the continuous joined surface into separate tooth surfaces by defining boundary curves that distinguish individual teeth, thereby separating adjacent teeth that were merged during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a mathematical model (linear equation system with control points and intersection points) as a mediator between the scanned joined surface and the separated individual tooth surfaces. This intermediary model enables the transformation from the merged scanned data to separated tooth representations.
2Manufacturing precision
If teeth are separated from the 3D digital model, then individual tooth shapes can be obtained, but the joined part surfaces require complex reconstruction to accurately represent the original tooth shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual or mechanical reconstruction processes with a computational mathematical system. Instead of using traditional mesh editing or manual surface reconstruction techniques, the invention employs a linear equation system with control points and intersection points to automatically reconstruct the joined surfaces, substituting mechanical complexity with algorithmic simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the reconstruction problem into a mathematical parameter optimization problem. The control points and intersection points serve as parameters that define the surface geometry, and the linear equation system solves for optimal parameter values that accurately represent the original tooth shapes while maintaining surface continuity and smoothness.
3Manufacturing precision
If the reconstructed surface protrudes toward the adjacent tooth, then the tooth shape becomes more accurate, but the separation between teeth may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the reconstructed surface to have different geometric properties. The control points enable local adjustment of surface protrusion toward adjacent teeth in specific areas where accuracy is critical, while maintaining proper separation in other regions. This localized control ensures that shape accuracy is achieved without compromising overall separation clarity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reconstructing joined part surfaces of two adjacent teeth of a 3D digital model of teeth is provided. The method includes: obtaining a 3D digital model of teeth which includes adjacent first tooth and second tooth having joined surfaces; identifying a set of intersection points of the joined surfaces; fitting a first plane using the set of intersection points; identifying a set of first control points from points on the 3D digital model of teeth near the set of intersection points basis curvature, where the set of first control points defines boundary of a first part surface of the first tooth to be reconstructed; reconstructing the first part surface using a linear equation system constructed basis the first plane and the set of first control points.