The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 17, 2007
Filed:
Jan. 22, 2003
Bruce Willard Hultgren, Victoria, MN (US);
Timothy W. Vadnais, Victoria, MN (US);
Michael Craig Marshall, Savage, MN (US);
Grant James Cermak, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Bruce Willard Hultgren, Victoria, MN (US);
Timothy W. Vadnais, Victoria, MN (US);
Michael Craig Marshall, Savage, MN (US);
Grant James Cermak, Minneapolis, MN (US);
Geodigm Corporation, Chanhassen, MN (US);
Abstract
The method and apparatus provides a system for automatically determining the location of individual teeth within an electronic model image of a patients mouth. The electronic model image allows for manipulation of the electronic model image by end users. Possible horizontal cut lines are determined within a horizontal plane cut through the electronic model image corresponding to possible separation lines between the teeth. Possible vertical cut lines are then determined within a vertical plane cut through the electronic model image corresponding to possible separation lines between teeth. The system then automatically determines the locations of individual teeth using the possible horizontal cut lines and the possible vertical cut lines.