Synthetic Smile Video Generation with Soft-Tissue Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional smile design process is time-consuming and limited in showing post-treatment facial expressions, especially for patients with malocclusions, as it relies on physical molds and cannot account for changes in soft tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using computing devices to generate virtual 3D models of pre- and post-treatment dental arches, mapping landmarks, and generating facial models to simulate post-treatment smiles and soft tissue changes in real-time, allowing for photo-realistic predictions of dental treatment outcomes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional smile design using physical molds is used, then the process is simple to perform, but it is time-consuming and cannot show soft tissue changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical smile design system (physical molds, wax, putty) with a digital computational system that uses 3D scanning, virtual modeling, and software-based simulation to achieve the same diagnostic and visualization functions much faster
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (3D virtual models) of the patient's dentition and facial structures, allowing multiple simulations and modifications without repeatedly creating physical molds, thus saving time while maintaining ease of use
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional smile design with physical molds is used, then the method is straightforward, but it cannot account for soft tissue changes in patients with malocclusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple digital modeling components (dental arch models, soft tissue simulations, facial expression mappings) into a composite virtual facial model that integrates both hard tissue and soft tissue representations, enabling comprehensive visualization of treatment outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the virtual model by incorporating facial expression simulations that allow the modeled face to display different expressions (smile, rest, speak), enabling visualization of soft tissue changes across multiple states rather than a single static view
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual 3D modeling and facial expression simulation is implemented, then soft tissue changes can be visualized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal virtual facial model that serves multiple functions: displaying current dentition, simulating treatment outcomes, and generating various facial expressions, thereby consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into one multi-functional platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mapping relationships between 3D model landmarks and 2D image landmarks as an intermediary mechanism to connect the virtual model with real facial features, enabling expression simulation without requiring direct complex mechanical or biological replication
4Measurement precision
If photo-realistic post-treatment simulation is generated, then treatment outcomes can be accurately predicted, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary 3D scanning and virtual model creation during the treatment planning phase, so that when treatment outcomes need to be visualized, the foundational digital models are already in place and can be rapidly modified and rendered without starting from scratch
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises an image capture device, a processing device, and a display. The image capture device captures a stream of images of a face of a person showing a current dentition of the person and soft facial tissues of the person. The processing device processes the stream of images to generate a modified stream of images showing a modified dentition of the person and modified soft facial tissues of the person associated with the modified dentition. The display displays the modified stream of images.