University of Minnesota

3m Innovative Properties Company

Foster-miller, Inc.

Yang Zhu

Donald R Riley

Barney E Klamecki

Elizabeth D Rekow

Jeong-Ho Ahn

Arthur Guy Erdman

James D Hansen

Russell A Jordan

Bruce Nappi

Arthur G Erdmann

Dianne Rekow

A computer implemented method of orthodontic appliance selection includes providing data representative of one or more teeth of a patient and providing data representative of a set of orthodontic appliances. Each orthodontic appliance of the set of orthodontic appliances has an appliance parameter that varies from the other orthodontic appliances of the set. At least one geometrical parameter of the one or more teeth of the patient is determined using the data representative thereof. The geometrical parameter is compared to the data representative of the set of orthodontic appliances and one orthodontic appliance of the set is selected based on the comparison. The set of orthodontic appliances may be a set of orthodontic bands with each band of the set having a different size. Further, such bands may be precoated with an adhesive material. A computer readable medium tangibly embodying a program executable for use in selection of orthodontic appliances, a system for use in orthodontia using such selection, and a method of fitting an orthodontic band to a patient are also provided. Further, an article including a container and a set of precoated bands received therein is provided.

Selection of orthodontic appliances

A technique for modeling dental prostheses for a selected posterior tooth is provided. The technique involves selecting a standard tooth form for the tooth from a library of standard tooth forms with a corresponding digital mapping being stored for each form. The stored tooth form is then bilaterally scaled in both the buccal/lingual dimension and the mesial/distal dimension based on measured data for teeth of the patient other than the selected tooth. The stored tooth is also aligned in six dimensions with the proximal and occluding teeth, the six dimensions including angular dimensions to compensate for both the curve of Spee and the curve of Wilson. The depth position of the tooth is obtained by matching mating cusps and grooves and adjusting the tooth position to compensate for the offset and, for mandibular teeth, by adjusting or scaling the height of the buccal cusp to compensate for offsets. The angle of the lingual cusp for mandibular teeth may also be adjusted to take into account functional considerations.

Method and apparatus for modeling a dental prosthesis

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, and alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction. The present invention presents two embodiments for manipulating computer-based representations of three dimensional objects.

Method and apparatus for manipulating computer-based representations of

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated reproduction of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction, and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention does not require human intervention in the reproduction process. The present invention provides two preferred embodiments for the automated high precison reproduction of objects of complex and unique geometry. Both embodiments can machine reproductions solely from generic forms stored in the computer, thus eliminating the need for scanning. Alternatively, the reproductions may be machined solely from scanned data, without resort to generic forms stored in the computer.

Automated high-precision fabrication of objects of complex and unique

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated reproduction of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction, and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. In contrast to the prior art, the present invention does not require human intervention in the reproduction process. The present invention provides two preferred embodiments for the automated high precision reproduction of objects of complex and unique geometry. Both embodiments can machine reproductions solely from generic forms stored in the computer, thus eliminating the need for scanning. Alternatively, the reproductions may be machined solely from scanned data, without resort to generic forms stored in the computer.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the automated machining of three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings and then guides a milling machine in the fabrication of the reproduction. The present invention discloses a method for preventing tool paths generated in a computer from erroneously intersecting with surface patches representing an object to be machined. The present invention also discloses methods for optimizing tool path step lengths, machine tool commands, and tool path scallop heights. In addition, the present invention discloses a method for fixturing a workpiece material to be shaped into a reproduction of a object.

Method and apparatus for automated machining of objects of complex and

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the manipulating computer-based representations of objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from the data, superimposes an ideal geometry on the computer-based model, and alters the ideal geometry to fit the form and function required of the reproduction. The present invention presents two embodiments for manipulating computer-based representations of three dimensional objects.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the scanning and recording of coordinates describing three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry. A computer acquires data describing an object and its surroundings, and constructs a computer-based three dimensional model of the object from that data. The present invention comprises two general preferred embodiments for scanning three dimensional objects of complex and unique geometry and recording the resulting coordinates into a computer. Also disclosed are scanning methods specifically oriented to dental applications.

Growing community of inventors

Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Yang Zhu