System and method for improved intra-oral protocol and calibration
Inventors
Suttin, Zachary B. • Cruz, Joell
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-10350036-B2
Publication Date
2019-07-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method of providing an accurate three-dimensional scan of a dental arch area is disclosed. The arch area has two segments and a connecting area between the two segments. The connecting area has homogeneous features. A connecting-geometry tool with at least one definable feature is affixed to the arch area. The definable feature overlays at least part of the connecting area. The arch area is scanned to produce a scanned dataset of the arch area. The definable feature of the connecting-geometry tool on the connection area is determined based on the scanned dataset. The dimensions of the arch area are determined based on the data relating to the definable features from the scanned dataset.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method of providing a three-dimensional scan of a dental arch area in a patient, where the dental arch area has two segments and a homogeneous connecting area between the two segments. The homogeneous connecting area is a cross-arch connecting area of soft tissue that separates the two segments of the dental arch. The method affixes a connecting-geometry tool relative to the dental arch area in the patient so that the tool overlays at least part of the homogeneous connecting area.
The connecting-geometry tool includes a plurality of definable features that include a plurality of geometric shapes overlaying at least part of the homogeneous connecting area. After affixing the tool, the method scans the dental arch area to produce scanned data of the arch area. The method determines data relating to the definable features of the connecting-geometry tool overlaying the connecting area based on the scanned data, where the data includes a scan interpretation dimension of the definable features.
Using the determined data, the method performs an error assessment to determine a skew in the scanned data in relation to a known dimension of the definable features and the scan interpretation dimension of the definable features determined from the data. Based on the skew, the method determines the dimensions of the homogeneous connecting area based on the data relating to the definable features. The invention also includes a system for providing the same three-dimensional scan with a connecting-geometry tool, an intra-oral scanner, and a controller coupled to the intra-oral scanner.
Claims Coverage
The provided portion contains two independent claims: a method and a system. Each independent claim centers on using a connecting-geometry tool with definable geometric shapes overlaying a homogeneous cross-arch soft-tissue connecting area, interpreting scanned data to estimate scan skew against known feature dimensions, and determining the connecting-area dimensions from the skew.
Connecting-geometry tool over a homogeneous cross-arch connecting area
Affixing a connecting-geometry tool with a plurality of definable features, including a plurality of geometric shapes, relative to the dental arch area so that it overlays at least part of the homogeneous connecting area.
Scan-based interpretation dimension and error assessment of skew
Scanning the dental arch area to produce scanned data, determining data relating to the definable features including a scan interpretation dimension, and performing an error assessment to determine a skew in relation to a known dimension of the definable features.
Determining dimensions of the homogeneous connecting area from skew
Determining, based on the skew, the dimensions of the homogeneous connecting area, where the homogeneous connecting area is a cross-arch connecting area of soft tissue that separates the two segments of the dental arch.
System with intra-oral scanner and controller for skew-based connecting-area dimensions
A system including a connecting-geometry tool affixable to the dental arch area, an intra-oral scanner to produce scanned data, and a controller coupled to the intra-oral scanner that accepts the scanned data, determines data relating to the definable features, performs an error assessment to determine a skew, and determines dimensions of the homogeneous connecting area based on the skew.
Across both independent claims, the core claim coverage is the combination of affixing a connecting-geometry tool whose definable geometric shapes overlay a homogeneous cross-arch soft-tissue connecting area, scanning to produce scanned data and derive a scan interpretation dimension, performing error assessment to determine skew against known feature dimensions, and determining the dimensions of the homogeneous connecting area from the skew.
Stated Advantages
Enables determining the dimensions of a homogeneous cross-arch connecting area of soft tissue separating two dental arch segments based on an error assessment of skew in scanned data.
Provides scan interpretation based on definable features overlaying the connecting area, using known dimensions of the definable features and a scan interpretation dimension to perform error assessment.
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
Interested in licensing this patent?