Method and apparatus for registering a known digital object to scanned 3-D model

US7471821B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ora Metrix, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Rudger Rubbert · Berlin, DE
• Hans Imgrund · Berlin, DE
• Peer Sporbert · Berlin, DE
• Stephan Maetzel · Berlin, DE
• Thomas Weise · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 1, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 30, 2008
• Expiry date: Jul 3, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2207/30036
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Method and apparatus for registering an object of known predetermined geometry to scanned three dimensional data such that the object's location may be verified. Such a known object may comprise a less than ideal three-dimensional (3-D) digital object such as a tooth, a dental appliance (e.g., as a tooth bracket model) or other like object, including portions thereof. Knowledge of such an object's location is generally helpful in planning orthodontic treatment, particularly where the location of the object needs to be determined or confirmed or where incomplete or poor scan data is obtained. Aspects of the present invention provide methods of effectively verifying dental appliance location and displaying appliance locations using a computer and three-dimensional models of teeth.