Smartphone Dental Arch 3D Model Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring dental arches require professional equipment and expertise, making them expensive, stressful, and limited in accessibility for regular monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A method using a portable scanner, preferably integrated into a cellphone, allows users to acquire a digital three-dimensional model of their dental arch extraorally, without the need for professional assistance, and send it remotely to a dental healthcare professional for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If professional scanners and equipment are used for dental arch monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses photographic images as a simplified copy or representation of the actual dental arch, replacing the need for complex professional scanners. The images capture sufficient visual information to create accurate 3D models through computational processing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a photographic imaging system combined with computational algorithms. Instead of using complex mechanical scanners to directly measure dental arches, the system uses cameras to capture images and then applies image processing and 3D reconstruction algorithms to generate accurate models, substituting mechanical measurement with optical capture and computational analysis.
2Measurement precision
If professional scanners are used for dental arch acquisition, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform their own dental arch monitoring at home using a smartphone camera and the associated application. The system guides users through the process of capturing images and automatically processes them into 3D models, allowing patients to independently monitor their dental health without requiring professional operators or complex equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses readily available photographic cameras (smartphone cameras) instead of specialized professional scanners. These cameras are already owned by most users and require no special training to operate, thereby dramatically improving ease of operation while the computational processing maintains the precision needed for accurate dental arch modeling.
3Measurement precision
If professional scanners are used for dental arch monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to conduct dental arch monitoring themselves at home without scheduling appointments or traveling to dental offices. This self-service capability allows for much more frequent monitoring - patients can capture images and generate 3D models whenever needed, transforming dental arch monitoring from a periodic professional task into a convenient frequent self-monitoring activity.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing time-consuming professional scanning procedures with rapid photographic capture and automated computational processing, the system dramatically reduces the time required for each monitoring session. The automated 3D reconstruction from images eliminates manual measurement steps, allowing quick and accurate monitoring to be performed repeatedly without significant time investment.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for acquiring a model of a dental arch of a user (U), said method comprising the following steps: a) at an update time, extra-oral acquisition, with a portable scanner (12), by the user, of a digital three-dimensional model (8) of said arch, and optionally division of the model of the arch so as to isolate one portion (30) of the model of the arch, so as to obtain an “updated model”, the updated model thus possibly being the acquired model or the portion of the acquired model isolated by division, the object represented by the updated model being called the “updated object”.