Efficient data representation of teeth model
AssigneeAlign Technology, Inc.
InventorsElena Pavloskaia, Huafeng Wen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth by receiving a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth; creating a parametric representation of the digital data set; and displaying the computer model of the teeth using the parametric representation. The model can be modified or transmitted for viewing or for fabricating dental appliances.
Claims46
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth, comprising:
- receiving as input a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth;
- creating a parametric representation of a surface of the teeth from the digital data set, the parametric representation comprising a parametric surface;
- and
- displaying the computer model of the teeth using the parametric representation.
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth, comprising:
- receiving as input a digital data set of meshes representing the teeth;
- creating a parametric representation of a surface of the teeth from the digital data set, the parametric representation comprising a parametric surface;
- displaying the computer model of the teeth using the parametric representation;
- rendering a three-dimensional (3D) graphical representation of the individual teeth;
- and
- allowing a human user to select a tooth in the graphical representation and, in response, displaying information about the tooth.
A computer-implemented method for use in determining final positions for an orthodontic patient's teeth, the method comprising:
- receiving a digital data set representing the teeth at recommended final positions;
- representing the digital data set of the teeth in a compressed form with a parametric surface;
- transmitting the compressed form to a remote computer;
- rendering a three-dimensional (3D) graphical representation of the teeth at the remote computer;
- receiving an instruction to reposition one of the teeth in response to a user's manipulation of the tooth in the graphical representation, and
- in response to the instruction, modifying the digital data set to represent the teeth at the user-selected final positions.
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth, comprising:
- receiving a digital data set representing the teeth;
- generating a parametric surface with a curve network representative of a surface of the teeth from the digital data set;
- and
- displaying the computer model of the teeth using the curve network.
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth, comprising:
- receiving as input a digital data set;
- selecting a set of s ample points from the digital data set;
- generating tangent values for the sample points to define a curve;
- and
- determining a length of the curve.
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth, comprising:
- receiving as input a digital data set;
- selecting a set of sample points from the digital data set;
- generating normal values from the sample points to define a curve;
- and
- determining a length of the curve.
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth, comprising:
- receiving as input a digital data set representing the teeth;
- obtaining a location for a sample data point;
- obtaining a normal for the sample point;
- generating a (u, v) representation for the sample point;
- building a curve network from the (u, v) representation;
- and
- fitting the curve network to the digital data set.
A computer-implemented method for generating a computer model of one or more teeth, comprising:
- receiving as input a digital data set;
- obtaining a location for a sample data point;
- obtaining a tangent for the sample point;
- generating a (u, v) representation for the sample point;
- building a curve network from the (u, v) representation;
- and
- fitting the curve network to the digital data set.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.