Method for recording individual three-dimensional optical images to form a global image of a tooth situation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for recording individual three-dimensional optical images to form a global image of a tooth situation comprising an upper jaw and a lower jaw. A first 3D model of a first subsection of the upper jaw and a second 3D model of a second subsection of the lower jaw are produced from the individual images. Subsequently, a geometric positional relationship between the first 3D model and the second 3D model is determined, said positional relationship being determined by using a lateral image and/or using a contact pattern. Said lateral image comprises an image area which comprises at least part of the first subsection of the upper jaw and at least part of the second subsection of the lower jaw. Said contact pattern comprises several contact areas between the upper jaw and the lower jaw. Said contact pattern is measured by means of an occlusion paper.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising the steps of:
 generating a first 3D model of a first subsection of an upper jaw from a portion of a plurality of three-dimensional optical images;   generating a second 3D model of a second subsection of a lower jaw from another portion of the plurality of three-dimensional optical images;   determining a geometric positional relationship between the first 3D model and the second 3D model based on
 i. a lateral three-dimensional optical image or 
 ii. a lateral three-dimensional optical image and a contact pattern, 
   wherein the lateral-three dimensional optical image has an image area which at least partially comprise the first subsection of the upper jaw and at least partially comprises the second subsection of the lower jaw,   wherein the contact pattern comprises a plurality of contact areas between the upper jaw and lower jaw, and   deforming the first 3D model and/or the second 3D model based on the determined geometric positional relationship, wherein the plurality of contact areas respectively correspond to a plurality of local correspondences between the first 3D model and the second 3D model.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein, in the determining, a plurality of lateral images are used to determine the geometric positional relationship. 
     
     
         3 . A method, comprising the steps of:
 generating a first 3D model of a first subsection of an upper jaw from a portion of a plurality of three-dimensional optical images;   generating a second 3D model of a second subsection of a lower jaw from another portion of the plurality of three-dimensional optical images;   determining a geometric positional relationship between the first 3D model and the second 3D model based on
 i. a lateral three-dimensional optical image or 
 ii. a lateral three-dimensional optical image and a contact pattern, 
   wherein the lateral-three dimensional optical image has an image area which at least partially comprises the first subsection of the upper jaw and at least partially comprises the second subsection of the lower jaw,   wherein the contact pattern comprises a plurality of contact areas between the upper jaw and lower jaw, and   adjusting the first 3D model and/or the second 3D model such that first virtual contact areas on the first 3D model correspond with second virtual contact areas on the second 3D model and/or such that such that a first virtual surface structure of the first 3D model is arranged relative to a second virtual surface structure of the second 3D model.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the adjusting further comprises:
 deforming the first 3D model and/or the second 3D model along a deformation direction such that a first deviation between the first virtual contact areas on the first 3D model and second virtual contact areas on the second 3D model is minimized, and/or   deforming the first 3D model and/or the second 3D model such that, a second deviation between an arrangement of a first virtual surface structure of the first 3D model relative to a second virtual surface structure of the second 3D model is minimized, such that the first virtual surface structure of the first 3D model and the second virtual surface structure of the second 3D model are arranged on the lateral three-dimensional optical image.   
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the minimization is achieved using a least squares method.