Abstract:
A device for determining the surface topology and associated colour of a structure, such as a teeth segment, includes a scanner for providing depth data for points along a two-dimensional array substantially orthogonal to the depth direction, and an image acquisition means for providing colour data for each of the points of the array, while the spatial disposition of the device with respect to the structure is maintained substantially unchanged. A processor combines the colour data and depth data for each point in the array, thereby providing a three-dimensional colour virtual model of the surface of the structure. A corresponding method for determining the surface topology and associated colour of a structure is also provided.
Abstract:
The image processing system is applied to dentistry, for example, and performs photography of the teeth of a patient while causing a plurality of illumination light LEDs of different wavelengths to emit light by means of a photography device(1A) when producing a crown repair or denture of the patient, whereby image data are acquired. The image data are transmitted to a dental filing system (2A) constituting a processing device where color reproduction data are determined through computation. In addition, color reproduction data are transmitted to the dental technician's office (55) via a public switched network. Therefore, a repair material compound ratio calculation database (56) is searched and the compound data for a material that matches the hue of the patient's teeth are found, whereby a crown repair or denture or the like that very closely matches the color of the patient's teeth is produced.
Abstract:
In a method, computer program, and system a dental target, such as a tooth, is located within a digital dental image. A reference object that was placed in the patient's mouth is segmented within a digital dental image to provide a segmented reference. The reference object has a predetermined size dimension. A window is segmented in the dental image at the position of the dental target. The segmented reference defines the relative size and location of the window, prior to the segmenting of the window.
Abstract:
A method for providing data useful in procedures associated with the oral cavity, in which at least one numerical entity representative of the three-dimensional surface geometry and colour of at least part of the intra-oral cavity is provided and then manipulated to provide desired data therefrom.
Abstract:
Method for determining a desired colour of a first segment for forming a portion of a set of teeth on a desired position within the set of teeth, wherein the method comprises:
determining the colour of at least a second segment within the set of teeth, characterised in that, the method further comprises:
determining the position of the at least second segment within the set of teeth; and determining the colour of the first segment according to a predetermined relationship between the colour and the position of the at least second segment and the desired position for the first segment.
Abstract:
A method for determining the appearance of an object to be replicated and an apparatus therefor are described herein. The method consists in providing a controlled illumination to illuminate a surface of the object, measuring the object with a CCD camera to collect an image map of a plurality of points on the surface and processing that information to produce an appearance mapping of the object. Calibration of the apparatus is done by measuring calibration patches illuminated with the same illumination. When the apparatus is done in view of replicating the color of an object, a comparison can be done by similarly producing an appearance mapping of the replicate and by comparing it to the appearance mapping of the object.
Abstract:
A patient's dental prosthesis (e.g., a prosthesis tooth, crown, veneer, or bridge) is made by acquiring an image (42) of the patient's teeth that contains black (54) and white (58) normalization references. These references are black, and white porcelain, for example, that allow software of the invention to determine absolute black and absolute white within the image. The image is then normalized in accordance with normalization references, which corrects the image for variations in lighting conditions and image source. The normalized image (60) is then standardized by matching the pixels of the normalized image (60) to selected shade standards (62). The dental prosthesis can then be manufactured by a lab technician by referring to the standardized image (66). The tooth shade analysis, and matching system is also applicable to direct restorations of natural teeth, such as repair of chipped or broken teeth.
Abstract:
Color/optical characteristics measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics/elements (7) are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic/element (5) and received light reflected from the surface of the object (20) is measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics (7) pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics (7) to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe (1) with respect to the object (20) being measured. Under processor control (20), the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe (1) may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention.
Abstract:
A method and system for determining the color characteristic of a tooth (13), particularly in a mouth (15) in which restorative dentistry is contemplated, employs the photographic imaging (22) of the tooth of the patient, and the photographing of visually selected color standards (10, 11), to achieve the final selection of the closest color match. The resulting photographic images, which may be on a single photograph, are subjected to colorimetric or spectrophotometric analysis to achieve the final selection of the closest match. The system avoids the need to rely upon the visual color acuity of the practitioner in order to achieve a close color match for a prosthetic device. Additionally, the method and system of the invention avoid the problems associated with color shifts associated with photography, when such is used alone as the indicator of tooth color.