Patents by Inventor Alexandra R. Cunliffe

Alexandra R. Cunliffe has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240008955
    Abstract: Machine learning, or geometric deep learning, applied to various dental processes and 5 solutions. In particular, generative adversarial networks apply machine learning to smile design—finished smile, appliance rendering, scan cleanup, restoration appliance design, crown and bridges design, and virtual debonding. Vertex and edge classification apply machine learning to gum versus teeth detection, teeth type segmentation, and brackets and other orthodontic hardware. Regression applies machine learning to coordinate systems, diagnostics, case complexity, and 0 prediction of treatment duration. Automatic encoders and clustering apply machine learning to grouping of doctors, or technicians, and preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Gandrud, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, James D. Hansen, Cameron M. Fabbri, Wenbo Dong, En-Tzu Yang, Jianbing Huang, Himanshu Nayar, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Jineng Ren, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Seyed Amir Hossein Hosseini, Steven C. Demlow, Benjamin D. Zimmer
  • Publication number: 20230343040
    Abstract: Augmented reality-based training systems are described that dynamically construct and render AR content based on physical attributes of a user to train the user to correctly fit one or more articles of a personal protective equipment (PPE) onto the user's body. In some examples, an AR system includes a display and a computing device having a memory and one or more processors. The memory includes instructions that when executed by the processors simulate a fitting of a PPE to a worker by capturing at least a first image of the worker; selecting a digital model of the PPE; determining an alignment of the digital model of the PPE to the first image of the worker; and outputting for display augmented reality content comprising a composite of a least a second image of the worker overlaid with the digital model of the PPE in accordance with the determined alignment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Claire R. Donoghue, Christopher P. Henderson, Benjamin W. Watson, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Gautam Singh, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Deepti Pachauri, Jonathan D. Gandrud
  • Publication number: 20230306222
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes in one instance an optical article comprising a data rich plurality of retroreflective elements that are configured in a spatially defined arrangement, where the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties, and where data rich means information that is readily machine interpretable. The present disclosure also includes a system comprising the previously mentioned optical article, an optical system, and an inference engine for interpreting and classifying the plurality of retroreflective elements wherein the optical system feeds data to the inference engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Glenn E. Casner, Anne C. Gold, Silvia Geciova-Borovova Guttmann, Charles A. Shaklee, Robert W. Shannon, Gautam Singh, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Andrew H. Tilstra, John A. Wheatley, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Arash Sangari, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Kui Chen-Ho, Travis L. Potts, Maja Giese, Andreas M. Geldmacher, Katja Hansen, Markus G.W. Lierse, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20230218371
    Abstract: Methods for generating multiple orthodontic treatment options for a digital 3D model of teeth in malocclusion. The method generates a plurality of different orthodontic treatment plans for the teeth and displays in a user interface the digital 3D model of teeth in malocclusion with a visual indication of each of the plurality of different orthodontic treatment plans. The visual indication of the treatment plans can be overlaid on the digital 3D model of teeth in malocclusion and possibly include aligners, brackets, or a combination of aligners and brackets. A doctor, technician, or other user can then select one of the treatment plans for a particular patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Elisa J. Collins, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Nitsan Ben-Gal Nguyen, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Cody J. Olson
  • Publication number: 20230190409
    Abstract: Methods for generating stages for a portion of orthodontic aligner treatment for a digital 3D model of teeth in malocclusion. The methods generate a subset of stages of setups among a complete set of stages of setups for aligner treatment of the teeth. The subset of stages can be selected from a complete set of stages, based upon a target intermediate setup, or sequentially generated from one stage to the next in the subset. Aligners for the subset of stages of setups can then be manufactured without having to make a complete set of aligners. A method to generate a setup for the aligner treatment compares the digital 3D model of teeth in malocclusion to a plurality of setups for historical cases of teeth in malocclusion that have undergone aligner treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Elisa J. Collins, Nitsan Ben-Gal Nguyen, Benjamin D. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 11651179
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes in one instance an optical article comprising a data rich plurality of retroreflective meats that are configured in a spatially defined arrangement, where the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties, and where data rich means information that is readily machine interpretable. The present disclosure also includes a system comprising the previously mentioned optical article, an optical system, and an inference engine for interpreting and classifying the plurality of retroreflective elements wherein the optical system feeds data to the inference engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Glenn E. Casner, Anne C. Gold, Silvia Geciova-Borovova Guttmann, Charles A. Shaklee, Robert W. Shannon, Gautam Singh, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Andrew H. Tilstra, John A. Wheatley, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Arash Sangari, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Kui Chen-Ho, Travis L. Potts, Maja Giese, Andreas M. Geldmacher, Katja Hansen, Markus G. W. Lierse, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20220257341
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a computer-implemented method and system for evaluating, modifying, and determining setups for orthodontic treatment using metrics computed during virtual articulation. The virtual articulation techniques of this disclosure may further be combined with techniques for determining dynamic collision metrics, determining a comfort measurement, determining treatment efficacy, and/or determining dental conditions, such as bruxism. The techniques of this disclosure further include user interface techniques that provide an orthodontist/dentist/technician with information regarding various treatment plans based on metrics gathered during virtual articulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Guruprasad Somasundaram, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Nitsan Ben-Gal Nguyen, Richard E. Raby, Alberto Alvarez
  • Patent number: 11417072
    Abstract: A system and method of selecting personal protection equipment (PPE) for a worker. The system identifies sets of PPEs and simulates a fitting of the identified PPE sets to the worker. Fitting includes, for each of the identified PPE sets, selecting a three-dimensional computer model for each article of the PPE set, placing the computer model of each of the PPE articles of the PPE set being fitted on a computer model representing the worker, identifying collisions between the computer models as placed, and taking an action based on the identified collisions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Claire R. Donoghue
  • Publication number: 20220249201
    Abstract: A method for evaluating intermediate and final setups for orthodontic treatment. The method includes receiving intermediate and final setups, where each setup is a digital representation of a state of teeth at a particular stage of orthodontic treatment. Scores are computed based upon metrics related to at least some of the states represented by the corresponding setups, and the scores provide an indication of a validity of the corresponding states. The metrics along with an indication of the corresponding scores are displayed in a dashboard in order to provide a visual evaluation of the validity of the setups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Inventors: Vera Shuman, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Nitsan Ben-Gal Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20220218452
    Abstract: Techniques are described for automating the design and manufacture a dental restoration appliance for restoring the dental anatomy of a patient. For example, a system processes a digital three-dimensional (3D) model of a future (desired) dental anatomy of a patient, the future dental anatomy representing an intended shape of at least one tooth of the patient. The system includes a landmark identifier configured to automatically compute, based on the digital 3D model of the future dental anatomy of the patient, one or more landmarks of the future dental anatomy of the patient. The system also includes a custom feature generator configured to automatically generate, based on the one or more landmarks, one or more custom appliance features for a dental appliance for restoring the at least one tooth of the patient. The system further includes a memory device configured to store a digital model of the dental appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Gandrud, James D. Hansen, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Jaime B. Willoughby, Christopher R. Kokaisel, John M. Pilgrim
  • Publication number: 20220160469
    Abstract: A method for generating and reusing digital setups for an orthodontic treatment path. The method receives a digital 3D model of teeth, optionally performs interproximal reduction on the model, and generates an initial treatment path with stages including an initial, final, and intermediate setups. The method divides the initial treatment path into initial steps of feasible motion of the teeth resulting in a final treatment path with setups corresponding with the initial steps. For a treatment redesign, the method computes new steps of feasible motion for only a portion of the initial treatment path and based upon the initial steps, and generates the final treatment path with new setups corresponding with the new steps. The setups can be used to make orthodontic appliances, such as clear tray aligners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Nitsan Ben-Gal Nguyen, Vera Shuman, Nancy M. Amato, Shawna L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20220061959
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and systems using speech recognition in a dental procedure. The method can include receiving, by a computing device, voice input data that specifies dental information for a patient. The method can also include analyzing, by the computing device, the voice input data to process the dental information. Based on the identified dental treatment information, the method can include generating, by the computing device, one or more custom dental prescriptions for the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Nitsan Ben-Gal Nguyen, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Vera Shuman, Elisa J. Collins
  • Publication number: 20220054234
    Abstract: Methods for automatically removing collisions between digital mesh objects and moving digital mesh objects between spatial arrangements. The collisions are removed from a set of digital mesh objects using a perturbation method or a mesh deformation method. After removing the collisions, the digital mesh objects are output in a state without collisions between them. The digital mesh objects can be moved between initial and final states based upon motion constraints of the mesh objects and interpolated states of them between the initial and final states. Based upon the constraints and interpolated states, a number of states for movement of the set of digital mesh objects is determined either collectively for the set or individually for each mesh object. The states can be used as digital setups for dental or orthodontic treatment planning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Deepti Pachauri, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Arash Sangari, Shawna L. Thomas, Nancy M. Amato
  • Publication number: 20210259808
    Abstract: An automated method for generating a final setup for orthodontic treatment. The method includes receiving a digital 3D model of teeth in an initial state. The method computes a scoring function based upon metrics related to the initial state to generate a corresponding score, perturbs the state of the teeth through translations and rotations of a tooth or set of teeth to generate a perturbed state of the teeth, and updates the state of the teeth based upon the score and the perturbed state of the teeth to generate one or more final setups representing a final state of the teeth after the orthodontic treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Nitsan Ben-Gal Nguyen, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Brian J. Stankiewicz, Elisa J. Collins, David T. Maiden Mueller, Steven C. Demlow, Cody J. Olson, Muhammad J. Afridi, Nancy Amato, Shawna L. Thomas, Alexander Gutierrez, Arash Sangari, Jonathan D. Gandrud
  • Publication number: 20210209865
    Abstract: A system and method of selecting personal protection equipment (PPE) for a worker. The system identifies sets of PPEs and simulates a fitting of the identified PPE sets to the worker. Fitting includes, for each of the identified PPE sets, selecting a three-dimensional computer model for each article of the PPE set, placing the computer model of each of the PPE articles of the PPE set being fitted on a computer model representing the worker, identifying collisions between the computer models as placed, and taking an action based on the identified collisions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Claire R. Donoghue
  • Patent number: 10758171
    Abstract: Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Steve Lastavich, Peter See, Kelly L. Stein
  • Publication number: 20200229900
    Abstract: A method for generating digital setups for an orthodontic treatment path. The method includes receiving a digital 3D model of teeth, performing interproximal reduction (IPR) on the model and, after performing the IPR, generating an initial treatment path with stages including an initial setup, a final setup, and a plurality of intermediate setups. The method also includes computing IPR accessibility for each tooth at each stage of the initial treatment path, applying IPR throughout the initial treatment path based upon the computed IPR accessibility, and dividing the initial treatment path into steps of feasible motion of the teeth resulting in a final treatment path with setups corresponding with the steps. The setups can be used to make orthodontic appliances, such as clear tray aligners, for each stage of the treatment path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Arash Sangari, Deepti Pachauri, Shawna L. Thomas, Nancy M. Amato
  • Publication number: 20190391304
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes in one instance an optical article comprising a data rich plurality of retroreflective meats that are configured in a spatially defined arrangement, where the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties, and where data rich means information that is readily machine interpretable. The present disclosure also includes a system comprising the previously mentioned optical article, an optical system, and an inference engine for interpreting and classifying the plurality of retroreflective elements wherein the optical system feeds data to the inference engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 26, 2019
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Glenn E. Casner, Anne C. Gold, Silvia Geciova-Borovova Guttmann, Charles A. Shaklee, Robert W. Shannon, Gautam Singh, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Andrew H. Tilstra, John A. Wheatley, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Arash Sangari, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Jonathan D. Gandrud, Kui Chen-Ho, Travis L. Potts, Maja Giese, Andreas M. Geldmacher, Katja Hansen, Markus G.W. Lierse, Neeraj Sharma
  • Patent number: 10492892
    Abstract: A method for aligning digital 3D models of dental arch pairs, including a mandible and maxilla, to bring them into bite alignment. The method estimates representative planes for the mandible and maxilla 3D models and transforms the models such that the representative planes are each aligned with their respective coordinate systems and shown in a horizontal view. The method also transforms the models such that the mandible and maxilla are each aligned with a same coordinate system and shown in a front view. The digital 3D models are then brought into bite alignment such that the mandible is in occlusion with the maxilla or within a distance near to occlusion. The digital models of the bite-aligned arch pairs can also be transformed or rotated to be shown centered in a front view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Guruprasad Somasundaram, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Mojtaba K. Elyaderani, Arash Sangari, Evan J. Ribnick
  • Publication number: 20190254588
    Abstract: Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Benjamin D. Zimmer, Steve Lastavich, Peter See, Kelly L. Stein