Virtual Dental Model Tooth Position Adjustment via Energy Function Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental treatment systems require significant manual adjustment to align teeth in virtual models, introducing errors and inefficiencies, particularly in automating the setup of final tooth positions for orthodontic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A computing device-based method that uses energy functions, attractive and repulsive forces, and stabilization forces to automatically adjust tooth positions in six degrees of freedom, minimizing collisions and optimizing occlusion, with features like automatic inter-proximal reduction and biting simulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment methods are used to align teeth in virtual models, then flexibility and control are maintained, but time consumption and potential for human error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated computational system that uses energy functions and force models to calculate and apply tooth movements. The system substitutes human operators with algorithms that compute attractive and repulsive forces between teeth to automatically achieve alignment, thereby eliminating time consumption and human error while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual model system performs self-adjustment through automated energy minimization processes. The computational system independently calculates optimal tooth positions by evaluating energy functions and applying simulated forces without requiring external manual intervention, enabling the system to service itself in achieving proper alignment.
2Productivity
If automated adjustment systems are implemented, then efficiency and consistency are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces energy functions and force models as intermediary computational mechanisms that bridge the gap between input tooth configurations and desired alignment outcomes. These mathematical intermediaries simplify the overall system by providing a standardized framework for calculating tooth movements, making the automated system more manageable despite its computational nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The system manages complexity by adjusting and optimizing key parameters in the energy functions and force models. By carefully selecting and tuning parameters such as force magnitudes, distance thresholds, and energy weights, the system achieves efficient automated adjustment without requiring overly complex computational structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive force modeling is used to simulate biting forces, then accuracy of tooth position prediction improves, but computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing force modeling only where and when necessary for accurate prediction. Rather than continuously applying full computational force models to all teeth throughout the entire treatment process, the system selectively activates detailed force calculations only for critical alignment stages or specific tooth groups, reducing overall computational energy consumption while maintaining necessary accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides computing device implemented methods, computing device readable media, and systems for adjustment of tooth position in a virtual dental model. Virtual dental modeling can include detecting space and/or collision between posterior teeth of an upper jaw and posterior teeth of a lower jaw in a virtual dental model that has been set in a preliminary target position. An energy function can be defined including the space and/or collision, tooth root movement, and align points. Weights can be assigned for each variable in the energy function. A position of the posterior teeth of the upper jaw and the posterior teeth of the lower jaw can be adjusted in six degrees of freedom to minimize the energy function. The detection, definition, assignment, and adjustment can be repeated until the energy function converges. The weights can be adjusted to reduce the space and/or collision.