Patents by Inventor Markus Kaufmann
Markus Kaufmann 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).
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Patent number: 8152523Abstract: A method and system for orthodontic treatment planning, evaluation and quality measurement is provided comprising a workstation having computing platform, a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient. The digitized records include image and other types of data. The computer storage medium further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools for providing a user with access to the digitized records for planning orthodontic treatment of a patient. Also provided are reference databases for aiding in the decision process during treatment selection, treatment planning and treatment delivery and progress monitoring and evaluation. Also provided are parameter or criteria measurement techniques and generally acceptable thresholds, which can be updated through learning process and through acquisition of patient data.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Markus Kaufmann, Rohit Sachdeva, Claudia Strauss, Doke Evan Roberts
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Publication number: 20120015316Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an unified three dimensional virtual craniofacial and dentition model of actual, as-is static and functional anatomy of a patient, from data representing facial bone structure; upper jaw and lower jaw; facial soft tissue; teeth including crowns and roots; information of the position of the roots relative to each other; and relative to the facial bone structure of the patient; obtained by scanning as-is anatomy of craniofacial and dentition structures of the patient with a volume scanning device; and data representing three dimensional virtual models of the patient's upper and lower gingiva, obtained from scanning the patient's upper and lower gingiva either (a) with a volume scanning device, or (a) with a surface scanning device. Such craniofacial and dentition models of the patient can be used in optimally planning treatment of a patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Rohit Sachdeva, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto, Markus Kaufmann, Charles L. Abraham
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Publication number: 20110269097Abstract: A method and system for orthodontic treatment planning, evaluation and quality measurement is provided comprising a workstation having computing platform, a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient. The digitized records include image and other types of data. The computer storage medium further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools for providing a user with access to the digitized records for planning orthodontic treatment of a patient. Also provided are reference databases for aiding in the decision process during treatment selection, treatment planning and treatment delivery and progress monitoring and evaluation. Also provided are parameter or criteria measurement techniques and generally acceptable thresholds, which can be updated through learning process and through acquisition of patient data.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Markus Kaufmann, Rohit Sachdeva, Claudia Strauss, Doke Evan Roberts
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Publication number: 20110268327Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed enabling an orthodontist or a user to create an integrated three dimensional digital model of dentition and surrounding anatomy of an orthodontic patient from a three-dimensional digital model obtained using a scanner with a three-dimensional digital model obtained using a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) or Magnetic Resonance Tomography (MRT) imaging devices. The digital data obtained from scanning as well as from CBCT imaging are downloaded into a computer workstation, and registered together in order to create a comprehensive 3-D model of the patient's teeth with roots, bones and soft tissues.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Phillip Getto, Rohit Sachdeva, Peer Sporbert, Markus Kaufmann
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Patent number: 8047847Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Ora Metrix, Inc.Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Patent number: 8021147Abstract: A method and system for orthodontic treatment planning, evaluation and quality measurement is provided comprising a workstation having computing platform, a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient. The digitized records include image and other types of data. The computer storage medium further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools for providing a user with access to the digitized records for planning orthodontic treatment of a patient. Also provided are reference databases for aiding in the decision process during treatment selection, treatment planning and treatment delivery and progress monitoring and evaluation. Also provided are parameter or criteria measurement techniques and generally acceptable thresholds, which can be updated through learning process and through acquisition of patient data.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Markus Kaufmann, Rohit Sachdeva, Claudia Strauss, Doke Evan Roberts
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Publication number: 20100153075Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for finding virtual tooth features on virtual three-dimensional models of the teeth of patients. The tooth features comprise marginal ridges, cusp tips, contact points, central groove and buccal groove. Tooth axes system plays a key role in identifying the tooth features. An iterative method is disclosed for improving the accuracy of the tooth axes system. A virtual three-dimension model preferably obtained by scanning the dentition of a patient forms the basis for determining the tooth features. Tooth features are derived for all categories of teeth including molars, premolars, canines and front teeth. Tooth features are very helpful and used in planning orthodontic treatment. The tooth features are determined automatically using the computerized techniques; and can be manually adjusted when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Markus Kaufmann
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Patent number: 7695278Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for finding virtual tooth features on virtual three-dimensional models of the teeth of patients. The tooth features comprise marginal ridges, cusp tips, contact points, central groove and buccal groove. Tooth axes system plays a key role in identifying the tooth features. An iterative method is disclosed for improving the accuracy of the tooth axes system. A virtual three-dimension model preferably obtained by scanning the dentition of a patient forms the basis for determining the tooth features. Tooth features are derived for all categories of teeth including molars, premolars, canines and front teeth. Tooth features are very helpful and used in planning orthodontic treatment. The tooth features are determined automatically using the computerized techniques; and can be manually adjusted when necessary.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Markus Kaufmann
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Publication number: 20090220918Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2009Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Patent number: 7530811Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Orametrix, Inc.Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Patent number: 7305121Abstract: A single surface representation is created from a cloud of points. Each point in the cloud of points is assigned three-dimensional spatial coordinates. The cloud of points is stored in a memory of a computer. Machine-executable instructions are provided for the computer that operate on the cloud of points. The instructions construct an initial triangle from the cloud of points. The instructions construct a multitude of adjacent triangles forming a single continuous surface representing the object. The triangles comprise planar surfaces having three vertices. The vertices of the adjacent triangles comprise the three points forming the initial triangle and a multitude of other points. Except for the initial two points, the points forming the triangles are each computed as a weighted average of a set of nearby points in the cloud of points that satisfy selection criteria. The resulting vertex also has to satisfy one or more selection criteria.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Publication number: 20070160284Abstract: A single surface representation is created from a cloud of points. Each point in the cloud of points is assigned three-dimensional spatial coordinates. The cloud of points is stored in a memory of a computer. Machine-executable instructions are provided for the computer that operate on the cloud of points. The instructions construct an initial triangle from the cloud of points. The instructions construct a multitude of adjacent triangles forming a single continuous surface representing the object. The triangles comprise planar surfaces having three vertices. The vertices of the adjacent triangles comprise the three points forming the initial triangle and a multitude of other points. Except for the initial two points, the points forming the triangles are each computed as a weighted average of a set of nearby points in the cloud of points that satisfy selection criteria. The resulting vertex also has to satisfy one or more selection criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2007Publication date: July 12, 2007Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Patent number: 7215810Abstract: A single surface representation is created from a cloud of points. Each point in the cloud of points is assigned three-dimensional spatial coordinates. The cloud of points is stored in a memory of a computer. Machine-executable instructions are provided for the computer that operate on the cloud of points. The instructions construct an initial triangle from the cloud of points. The instructions construct a multitude of adjacent triangles forming a single continuous surface representing the object. The triangles comprise planar surfaces having three vertices. The vertices of the adjacent triangles comprise the three points forming the initial triangle and a multitude of other points. Except for the initial two points, the points forming the triangles are each computed as a weighted average of a set of nearby points in the cloud of points that satisfy selection criteria. The resulting vertex also has to satisfy one or more selection criteria.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Publication number: 20060263739Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for finding virtual tooth features on virtual three-dimensional models of the teeth of patients. The tooth features comprise marginal ridges, cusp tips, contact points, central groove and buccal groove. Tooth axes system plays a key role in identifying the tooth features. An iterative method is disclosed for improving the accuracy of the tooth axes system. A virtual three-dimension model preferably obtained by scanning the dentition of a patient forms the basis for determining the tooth features. Tooth features are derived for all categories of teeth including molars, premolars, canines and front teeth. Tooth features are very helpful and used in planning orthodontic treatment. The tooth features are determined automatically using the computerized techniques; and can be manually adjusted when necessary.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2005Publication date: November 23, 2006Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Hans Imgrund, Markus Kaufmann
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Publication number: 20060134581Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2005Publication date: June 22, 2006Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Patent number: 7004754Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: OraMetrix, Inc.Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Publication number: 20050271996Abstract: A method and system for orthodontic treatment planning, evaluation and quality measurement is provided comprising a workstation having computing platform, a graphical user interface, a processor and a computer storage medium containing digitized records pertaining to a patient. The digitized records include image and other types of data. The computer storage medium further includes a set of software instructions providing graphical user interface tools for providing a user with access to the digitized records for planning orthodontic treatment of a patient. Also provided are reference databases for aiding in the decision process during treatment selection, treatment planning and treatment delivery and progress monitoring and evaluation. Also provided are parameter or criteria measurement techniques and generally acceptable thresholds, which can be updated through learning process and through acquisition of patient data.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2005Publication date: December 8, 2005Inventors: Peer Sporbert, Markus Kaufmann, Rohit Sachdeva, Claudia Strauss, Doke Roberts
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Publication number: 20050018901Abstract: A single surface representation is created from a cloud of points. Each point in the cloud of points is assigned three-dimensional spatial coordinates. The cloud of points is stored in a memory of a computer. Machine-executable instructions are provided for the computer that operate on the cloud of points. The instructions construct an initial triangle from the cloud of points. The instructions construct a multitude of adjacent triangles forming a single continuous surface representing the object. The triangles comprise planar surfaces having three vertices. The vertices of the adjacent triangles comprise the three points forming the initial triangle and a multitude of other points. Except for the initial two points, the points forming the triangles are each computed as a weighted average of a set of nearby points in the cloud of points that satisfy selection criteria. The resulting vertex also has to satisfy one or more selection criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: January 27, 2005Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto
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Publication number: 20050019732Abstract: A method is provided for automatically separating tooth crowns and gingival tissue in a virtual three-dimensional model of teeth and associated anatomical structures. The method orients the model with reference to a plane and automatically determines local maxima of the model and areas bounded by the local maxima. The method automatically determines saddle points between the local maxima in the model, the saddle points corresponding to boundaries between teeth. The method further positions the saddle points along a dental arch form. For each tooth, the method automatically identifies a line or path along the surface of the model linking the saddle points to each other, the path marking a transition between teeth and gingival tissue and between adjacent teeth in the model. The areas bounded by the lines correspond to the tooth crowns; the remainder of the model constitutes the gingival tissue.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2003Publication date: January 27, 2005Inventors: Markus Kaufmann, Peer Sporbert, Phillip Getto