Video-assisted margin marking for dental models

Abstract

Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration. Interactive modeling tools may be similarly enhanced. For example, tools for margin marking may synchronize display of margin lines between the still image and the model so that a user can interact with either or both of the visual representations, with changes to a margin reflected in both displays.

1 . A graphical user interface for computer-assisted margin marking on dentition, the interface comprising:
 a video control that receives a user selection of one of a plurality of video images as a working image;   a working area that displays the working image and receives a user manipulation of one or more points that mark a margin on the dentition; and   a three-dimensional view that displays a three-dimensional perspective rendering of a digital model of the dentition.   
     
     
         2 . The graphical user interface of  claim 1  wherein the video control includes a filmstrip window that presents a plurality of thumbnail images of the dentition and receives a user selection of one of the plurality of thumbnail images. 
     
     
         3 . The graphical user interface of  claim 2  wherein the filmstrip window displays a stereoscopic view of each one of the plurality of thumbnail images. 
     
     
         4 . The graphical user interface of  claim 2  wherein the plurality of thumbnail images are selected according to relevance. 
     
     
         5 . The graphical user interface of  claim 2  wherein each one of the plurality of thumbnail images contains an identification of an orientation of the one of the plurality of thumbnail images. 
     
     
         6 . The graphical user interface of  claim 1  wherein the video control includes a video timeline control. 
     
     
         7 . The graphical user interface of  claim 6  wherein the video timeline control displays a thumbnail of a current video image. 
     
     
         8 . The graphical user interface of  claim 1  wherein the video control includes a two-dimensional array of thumbnail images. 
     
     
         9 . The graphical user interface of  claim 1  wherein the working area displays a stereoscopic view of the working image. 
     
     
         10 . The graphical user interface of  claim 9  further comprising a cursor stereoscopically rendered within the stereoscopic view. 
     
     
         11 . The graphical user of  claim 10  wherein a depth of the cursor within the stereoscopic view is selected so that the cursor remains on a three-dimensional surface of the working image. 
     
     
         12 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A method comprising:
 displaying a still image from a video of a subject in a first window;   displaying a two dimensional perspective rendering of a three-dimensional model of the subject in a second window; and   providing a user control for manipulating a point on a surface of the subject in either one of the first window or the second window, wherein a corresponding point is rendered in the other one of the first window and the second window.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising receiving a selection of one of a plurality of video images as the still image. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29  wherein receiving the selection includes receiving user input from a video timeline control. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 29  wherein receiving the selection includes receiving a user selection of one of a plurality of video thumbnails. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 29  wherein receiving a selection of a new one of the plurality of video images from a new perspective of the subject and displaying the three-dimensional model from the new perspective. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising:
 providing a user control for manipulating a perspective view of the subject in the second window; receiving a selection of a new perspective from the user control;   selecting a new still image from the video of the subject that more closely corresponds to the new perspective; and   displaying the new still image in the first window.   
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the user control for manipulating the point on the surface includes a control for one or more of adding a point, deleting a point, selecting a point, de-selecting a point, and moving a point. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the point on the surface is a point on a continuous line formed by a plurality of points on the surface. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35  wherein the continuous line forms a closed loop. 
     
     
         37 - 110 . (canceled)