阅读说明：本技术 用于合并牙印模的三维模型的技术 (Techniques for merging three-dimensional models of dental impressions ) 是由 克里斯托弗·扬西 乔什·隆 于 2018-11-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于合并牙印模的三维模型的技术,包括生成多个三维模型的计算设备,每个三维模型指示用户的牙弓的牙印模。可以通过扫描牙印模来生成模型。该计算设备确定模型是否指示用户的牙弓的完整解剖结构,以及如果否,则用合并策略合并多个模型以生成合并模型。可以通过使模型的几何结构对齐、使用合并策略从模型之一中选择几何结构以及生成包括选定几何结构的合并模型来合并模型。合并策略可以包括从与包括用户的解剖结构的最多细节的牙印模相关联的模型选择或者从具有最大深度的模型选择。(Techniques for merging three-dimensional models of dental impressions include a computing device that generates a plurality of three-dimensional models, each three-dimensional model indicative of a dental impression of a user's dental arch. The model may be generated by scanning a dental impression. The computing device determines whether the model indicates a complete anatomy of a user's dental arch and, if not, merges the plurality of models with a merging strategy to generate a merged model. The models may be merged by aligning the geometries of the models, selecting a geometry from one of the models using a merging strategy, and generating a merged model that includes the selected geometry. The merging strategy may comprise selecting from the model associated with the dental impression comprising the most details of the user's anatomy or selecting from the model with the largest depth.)

1. A computing device for dental impression scan merging, the computing device comprising:

a model manager configured to generate a first model and a second model, wherein the first model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch, and wherein the second model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch, wherein the first dental impression and the second dental impression are impressions of the same dental arch of the user;

a scan handler configured to determine whether the first model is indicative of a complete anatomy of the user's dental arch;

a merge manager configured to merge the first model and the second model to generate a merged model in response to determining that the first model does not indicate a complete anatomy of the user's dental arch, wherein merging the first model and the second model comprises:

selecting a selected geometry from the first model or the second model, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common anatomical location in the user's dental arch; and

generating the merged model in response to the identification of the selected geometry, wherein the merged model includes the selected geometry; and

a manufacturing manager configured to use the merged model for manufacturing a plurality of dental aligners, the dental aligners being specific to the arch of the user and configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user.

2. The computing device of claim 1, wherein:

the scan handler is further configured to determine whether the merged model indicates a complete anatomy of the user's dental arch;

the model manager is further configured to generate a third model in response to determining that the merged model does not indicate the complete anatomical structure, wherein the third model comprises a three-dimensional model indicating a third dental impression of the dental arch of the user; and

the merge manager is further configured to merge the first model, the second model, and the third model to generate a second merged model.

3. The computing device of claim 1, wherein selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model comprises:

determining whether the first dental impression includes more detail associated with the common anatomical location than the second dental impression; and

selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first dental impression comprises more detail.

4. The computing device of claim 1, wherein selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model comprises:

determining whether the first model includes a greater depth associated with the common anatomical location than the second model; and

selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first model includes a greater depth.

5. The computing device of claim 1, wherein merging the first model and the second model further comprises cleaning the merged model to generate a closed surface.

6. The computing device of claim 1, wherein merging the first model and the second model further comprises generating a plurality of merged models.

7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein the merge manager is further configured to select the merge model from the plurality of merge models in response to a merge of the first model and the second model.

8. The computing device of claim 7, wherein selecting the merging model comprises:

presenting the plurality of merged models to a technician; and

receiving, from the technician, a selection of the merge model among the plurality of merge models in response to the presentation of the plurality of merge models.

9. The computing device of claim 1, wherein:

generating the first model comprises scanning the first dental impression; and

generating the second model includes scanning the second dental impression.

10. A method for dental impression scan merging, the method comprising:

generating, by a computing device, a first model and a second model, wherein the first model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and the second model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch, wherein the first dental impression and the second dental impression are impressions of the same dental arch of the user;

determining, by the computing device, whether either of the first model and the second model is indicative of a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch;

in response to determining that the first model and the second model do not indicate a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch, merging, by the computing device, the first model and the second model to generate a merged model, wherein merging the first model and the second model comprises:

selecting a selected geometry from the first model or the second model, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common anatomical location in the user's dental arch; and

generating the merged model in response to identifying the selected geometry, wherein the merged model includes the selected geometry; and

manufacturing a positive model of the user's dental arch, wherein the positive model is used in manufacturing a dental aligner that is specific to the user's dental arch and is configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

determining, by the computing device, whether the merged model indicates a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch;

generating, by the computing device, a third model in response to determining that the merged model does not indicate the complete anatomical structure, wherein the third model comprises a three-dimensional model indicating a third dental impression of the user's dental arch; and

merging, by the computing device, the first model, the second model, and the third model to generate a second merged model.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model comprises:

determining whether the first dental impression includes more detail associated with the common anatomical location than the second dental impression; and

selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first dental impression comprises more detail.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model comprises:

determining whether the first model includes a greater depth associated with the common anatomical location than the second model; and

selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first model includes a greater depth.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein merging the first model and the second model further comprises merging the first model and the second model using a plurality of merging strategies to generate a plurality of merged models.

15. A method for dental impression scan merging, the method comprising:

generating, by a computing device, a first model comprising a three-dimensional model indicative of an initial dental impression of a user's dental arch and a second model comprising a three-dimensional model of a redundant dental impression of the user's dental arch, the initial dental impression and the redundant dental impression being impressions of the same dental arch of the user;

determining, by the computing device, whether either of the first model and the second model is indicative of a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch;

in response to determining that the first model and the second model do not indicate a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch, merging, by the computing device, the first model and the second model to generate a merged model, wherein merging the first model and the second model comprises at least one of: (1) aligning one or more common points on the first and second models, and (2) using a best fit algorithm that compares the geometry of the first model and the geometry of the second model;

manufacturing a positive model of the user's dental arch based on the merged model; and

manufacturing a dental aligner using the positive model, the dental aligner being specific to the arch of the user and configured to reposition one or more teeth of the user.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising scanning the initial dental impression and the redundant dental impression with a scanning device to obtain information necessary to generate the first model and the second model.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to three-dimensional computer modeling, and more particularly to systems and methods for merging three-dimensional models of dental impressions.

Background

The dental impression provides a negative impression of the teeth and tissue in the mouth. Negative impressions can then be used to produce physical or digital replicas of teeth, such as dentures and orthodontics. Typically, a dental tray having a viscous thixotropic impression material therein is fitted over the dental arch of a patient. The impression material begins to become solid, leaving an impression of the structure in the mouth. The impression provides a detailed and stable negative of the teeth when removed from the mouth. Optionally, the impression is processed using a digital scanning method to produce a digital negative of the tooth.

Traditionally, dental impressions are made in dental offices and require considerable time. The impression is then delivered to an external supplier, who uses the impression to form a positive model of the tooth. If the dental impression includes any errors, such as incomplete impressions of teeth and tissue, the patient may need to return to a dental office to make a secondary impression.

As an alternative to traditional orthodontic procedures, in less severe cases, dental impressions can be made using a family dental impression set. Such kits are typically prescribed to a qualified customer by a dental professional, for example, in a dental office. The user can then apply the internals of the dental impression kit at home. After the dental impression is completed, the kit will be returned to the dental professional. Some home kits may be difficult to apply and/or may result in poor quality dental impressions.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computing device for dental impression scan merging includes a model manager, a scan handler, and a merge manager. The model manager is configured to generate a first model and a second model, wherein the first model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch, and wherein the second model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch. The scan handler is configured to determine whether the first model is indicative of a complete anatomy of a dental arch of the user. The merging manager is configured to merge the first model and the second model with a merging strategy to generate a merged model in response to determining that the first model does not indicate a complete anatomical structure of the dental arch of the user. The user's dental arch may comprise a mandibular or maxillary arch.

In some embodiments, the scan handler is further configured to determine whether the merged model indicates a complete anatomy of the user's dental arch. The model manager is further configured to generate a third model in response to determining that the merged model does not indicate a complete anatomical structure, wherein the third model comprises a three-dimensional model indicating a third dental impression of the dental arch of the user. The merge manager is further configured to merge the first model, the second model, and the third model with a merge policy to generate a second merged model.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model with the merging strategy may include selecting a selected geometry from the first model or the second model with the merging strategy, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common anatomical location in the dental arch of the user; and generating a merged model in response to the identification of the selected geometry, wherein the merged model includes the selected geometry. In some embodiments, merging the first and second models further comprises aligning the geometries of the first and second models based on common points in each of the first and second models; wherein selecting the selected geometry comprises selecting the selected geometry in response to an alignment of the geometries. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common points includes receiving the common points from a technician. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common point includes fitting an anatomy of a dental arch of the user.

In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model with the merging strategy may include determining whether the first dental impression includes more details associated with the common anatomical location than the second dental impression; and selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first dental impression comprises more detail. In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry further comprises selecting the selected geometry from the second model in response to determining that the first dental impression does not comprise more detail. In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model with the merging strategy may include determining whether the first model includes a greater depth associated with the common anatomical location than the second model; and selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first model includes a greater depth.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model further comprises cleaning the merged model to generate the closed surface. In some embodiments, cleaning the merged model comprises performing a poisson surface reconstruction or gap closure algorithm.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model further comprises merging the first model and the second model with a plurality of merging strategies to generate a plurality of merged models. In some embodiments, the merge manager is further configured to select a merge model from the plurality of merge models in response to a merge of the first model and the second model. In some embodiments, selecting a merge model includes presenting a plurality of merge models to a technician; and receiving a selection of a merge model from the technician in response to the presentation of the plurality of merge models.

In some embodiments, generating the first model comprises scanning the first dental impression to generate the first model; and generating the second model comprises scanning the second dental impression to generate the second model.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a computing device for three-dimensional model merging includes a merge manager to align geometries of a first model and a second model, wherein the first model includes a three-dimensional model indicative of a first physical object and the second model includes a three-dimensional model indicative of a second physical object; identifying a common location in each of the first model and the second model in response to the alignment of the geometry; selecting a selected geometry from the first model or the second model with a merging strategy, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common location; and generating a merged model, wherein the merged model comprises a three-dimensional model including the selected geometry. In some embodiments, the first physical object may comprise a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and the second physical object may comprise a second dental impression of the user's dental arch.

In some embodiments, aligning the geometries of the first and second models comprises aligning the geometries based on common points in each of the first and second models. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common points includes receiving the common points from a technician. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common points comprises fitting an anatomical structure of a user's dental arch, wherein the first model is indicative of a first dental impression of the user's dental arch and the second model is indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch.

In some embodiments, the first model is indicative of a first dental impression of a dental arch of the user; the second model is indicative of a second dental impression of the dental arch of the user; and selecting the selected geometry with the merging strategy comprises determining which of the first dental impression and the second dental impression comprises more detail of the user's dental arch. In some embodiments, determining which of the first dental impression and the second dental impression comprises more detail comprises determining which of the first model and the second model comprises a greater depth.

In some embodiments, the merge manager is further configured to clean the merge model to generate the closed surface. In some embodiments, cleaning the merged model comprises performing a poisson surface reconstruction or gap closure algorithm.

In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry comprises selecting the selected geometry with a plurality of merging strategies; and generating the merging model includes generating a plurality of merging models, wherein each merging model corresponds to a merging strategy. In some embodiments, the merge manager is further configured to select a merge model from a plurality of merge models. In some embodiments, the merge manager is further configured to present a plurality of merge models to the technician; and receiving a selection of an optimal merge model from the technician in response to the presentation of the plurality of merge models; wherein selecting the merging model comprises selecting the best merging model.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for dental impression scan merging includes generating, by a computing device, a first model and a second model, wherein the first model includes a three-dimensional model indicative of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch, and wherein the second model includes a three-dimensional model indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch; determining, by the computing device, whether the first model indicates a complete anatomical structure of a dental arch of the user; and in response to determining that the first model does not indicate a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch, merging, by the computing device, the first model and the second model using a merging strategy to generate a merged model. The user's dental arch may comprise a mandibular or maxillary arch.

In some embodiments, the method further includes determining, by the computing device, whether the merged model indicates a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch; generating, by the computing device, a third model in response to determining that the merged model does not indicate a complete anatomical structure, wherein the third model comprises a three-dimensional model indicating a third dental impression of the dental arch of the user; and merging, by the computing device, the first model, the second model, and the third model using a merging strategy to generate a second merged model.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model using the merging strategy includes selecting a selected geometry from the first model or the second model using the merging strategy, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common anatomical location in the dental arch of the user; and generating a merged model in response to identifying the selected geometry, wherein the merged model includes the selected geometry. In some embodiments, merging the first and second models further comprises aligning the geometries of the first and second models based on common points in each of the first and second models; wherein selecting the selected geometry comprises selecting the selected geometry in response to aligning the geometries. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common points includes receiving the common points from a technician. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common point includes fitting an anatomy of a dental arch of the user.

In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model using the merging strategy comprises determining whether the first dental impression comprises more details associated with the common anatomical location than the second dental impression; and selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first dental impression comprises more detail. In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry further comprises selecting the selected geometry from the second model in response to determining that the first dental impression does not comprise more detail. In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model using the merging strategy includes determining whether the first model includes a greater depth associated with the common anatomical location than the second model; and selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first model includes a greater depth.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model further comprises cleaning the merged model to generate the closed surface. In some embodiments, cleaning the merged model comprises performing a poisson surface reconstruction or gap closure algorithm.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model further comprises merging the first model and the second model using a plurality of merging strategies to generate a plurality of merged models. In some embodiments, the method further includes selecting, by the computing device, a merged model from the plurality of merged models in response to merging the first model and the second model. In some embodiments, selecting a merge model includes presenting a plurality of merge models to a technician; and receiving a selection of a merge model from the technician in response to presenting the plurality of merge models.

In some embodiments, generating the first model comprises scanning the first dental impression to generate the first model; and generating the second model comprises scanning the second dental impression to generate the second model.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for three-dimensional model merging includes aligning, by a computing device, geometries of a first model and a second model, wherein the first model includes a three-dimensional model indicative of a first physical object and the second model includes a three-dimensional model indicative of a second physical object; identifying, by the computing device, a common location in each of the first model and the second model in response to aligning the geometry; selecting, by the computing device, a selected geometry from the first model or the second model using a merge strategy, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common location; and generating, by the computing device, a merged model, wherein the merged model comprises a three-dimensional model including the selected geometry. In some embodiments, the first physical object comprises a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and the second physical object comprises a second dental impression of the user's dental arch.

In some embodiments, aligning the geometries of the first and second models comprises aligning the geometries based on common points in each of the first and second models. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common points includes receiving the common points from a technician. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common point comprises fitting an anatomical structure of a user's dental arch, wherein the first model is indicative of a first dental impression of the user's dental arch and the second model is indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch.

In some embodiments, the first model is indicative of a first dental impression of a dental arch of the user; the second model is indicative of a second dental impression of the dental arch of the user; and selecting the selected geometry using the merging strategy comprises determining which of the first dental impression and the second dental impression comprises more detail of the user's dental arch. In some embodiments, determining which of the first dental impression and the second dental impression comprises more detail comprises determining which of the first model and the second model comprises a greater depth.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises cleaning, by the computing device, the merged model to generate the closed surface. In some embodiments, cleaning the merged model comprises performing a poisson surface reconstruction or gap closure algorithm.

In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry comprises selecting the selected geometry with a plurality of merging strategies; and generating the merging model includes generating a plurality of merging models, wherein each merging model corresponds to a merging strategy. In some embodiments, the method further comprises selecting, by the computing device, a merged model from the plurality of merged models. In some embodiments, the method further comprises presenting, by the computing device, the plurality of merged models to the technician; and receiving, by the computing device, a selection of an optimal merge model from the technician in response to presenting the plurality of merge models; wherein selecting the merging model comprises selecting the best merging model.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, one or more machine-readable storage media comprise a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in a computing device: generating a first model and a second model, wherein the first model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a first dental impression of a user's dental arch, and wherein the second model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch; determining whether the first model indicates a complete anatomical structure of a dental arch of the user; and in response to determining that the first model does not indicate a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch, merging the first model and the second model using a merging strategy to generate a merged model. The user's dental arch may comprise a mandibular or maxillary arch.

In some embodiments, one or more machine-readable storage media further comprises a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in a computing device: determining whether the merged model indicates a complete anatomical structure of the user's dental arch; generating a third model in response to determining that the merged model does not indicate a complete anatomical structure, wherein the third model comprises a three-dimensional model indicating a third dental impression of the dental arch of the user; and merging the first model, the second model, and the third model using a merging strategy to generate a second merged model.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model using the merging strategy includes selecting a selected geometry from the first model or the second model using the merging strategy, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common anatomical location in the dental arch of the user; and generating a merged model in response to identifying the selected geometry, wherein the merged model includes the selected geometry. In some embodiments, merging the first and second models further comprises aligning the geometries of the first and second models based on common points in each of the first and second models; wherein selecting the selected geometry comprises selecting the selected geometry in response to aligning the geometries. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common points includes receiving the common points from a technician. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common point includes fitting an anatomy of a dental arch of the user.

In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model using the merging strategy comprises determining whether the first dental impression comprises more details associated with the common anatomical location than the second dental impression; and selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first dental impression comprises more detail. In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry further comprises selecting the selected geometry from the second model in response to determining that the first dental impression does not comprise more detail. In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry from the first model or the second model using the merging strategy includes determining whether the first model includes a greater depth associated with the common anatomical location than the second model; and selecting the selected geometry from the first model in response to determining that the first model includes a greater depth.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model further comprises cleaning the merged model to generate the closed surface. In some embodiments, cleaning the merged model comprises performing a poisson surface reconstruction or gap closure algorithm.

In some embodiments, merging the first model and the second model further comprises merging the first model and the second model using a plurality of merging strategies to generate a plurality of merged models. In some embodiments, the one or more machine-readable storage media further comprise a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in the computing device selecting a merge model from the plurality of merge models in response to merging the first model and the second model. In some embodiments, selecting a merge model includes presenting a plurality of merge models to a technician; and receiving a selection of a merge model from the technician in response to presenting the plurality of merge models.

In some embodiments, generating the first model comprises scanning the first dental impression to generate the first model; and generating the second model comprises scanning the second dental impression to generate the second model.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, one or more machine-readable storage media comprise a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in a computing device: aligning the geometry of the first model and the second model, wherein the first model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a first physical object and the second model comprises a three-dimensional model indicative of a second physical object; identifying a common location in each of the first model and the second model in response to aligning the geometry; selecting a selected geometry from the first model or the second model using a merging strategy, wherein the selected geometry is associated with a common location; and generating a merged model, wherein the merged model comprises a three-dimensional model including the selected geometry. In some embodiments, the first physical object comprises a first dental impression of a user's dental arch and the second physical object comprises a second dental impression of the user's dental arch.

In some embodiments, aligning the geometries of the first and second models comprises aligning the geometries based on common points in each of the first and second models. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common points includes receiving the common points from a technician. In some embodiments, aligning the geometry based on the common point comprises fitting an anatomical structure of a user's dental arch, wherein the first model is indicative of a first dental impression of the user's dental arch and the second model is indicative of a second dental impression of the user's dental arch.

In some embodiments, the first model is indicative of a first dental impression of a dental arch of the user; the second model is indicative of a second dental impression of the dental arch of the user; and selecting the selected geometry using the merging strategy comprises determining which of the first dental impression and the second dental impression comprises more detail of the user's dental arch. In some embodiments, determining which of the first dental impression and the second dental impression comprises more detail comprises determining which of the first model and the second model comprises a greater depth.

In some embodiments, the one or more machine-readable storage media further comprise a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in the computing device cleaning the merged model to generate the closed surface. In some embodiments, cleaning the merged model comprises performing a poisson surface reconstruction or gap closure algorithm.

In some embodiments, selecting the selected geometry comprises selecting the selected geometry with a plurality of merging strategies; and generating the merging model includes generating a plurality of merging models, wherein each merging model corresponds to a merging strategy. In some embodiments, the one or more machine-readable storage media further comprise a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in the computing device selecting a merge model from the plurality of merge models. In some embodiments, one or more machine-readable storage media further comprises a plurality of instructions stored thereon that in response to being executed result in a computing device: presenting the plurality of merged models to a technician; and receiving a selection of an optimal merge model from the technician in response to presenting the plurality of merge models; wherein selecting the merging model comprises selecting the best merging model.