Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device and system are augmented to provide an active delete (or filter) tool. The tool automatically detects and deletes unwanted items and artifacts capturing as the scan is being done. The technique provides a better user experience by automatically removing items the deletion of which that may otherwise be time-consuming, frustrating, or impossible for the user to delete any other way.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images. It integrates OCT scanning with RGB-based scanning. In operation, the device is used for recording topological characteristics of teeth, dental impressions, or stone models by digital methods and for use in CAD/CAM of dental restorative prosthetic devices. To that end, the RGB-based scan obtains surface data (e.g., a margin), while the OCT scan penetrates the surface. The two scanners operate from within the same physical housing and preferably at the same time such that only one scanning pass (to obtain all necessary data) is required. The 3D data obtained from the OCT scan is registered with the 3D data obtained from the RGB-based scan by virtue of being captured using a common return path.

Abstract: A system and methodology for determining the frontal edge of knowledge of an individual in an efficient manner using a hierarchal knowledge data structure is provided. The process (implemented by the system and/or methods) include navigating the branches of the hierarchal knowledge data structure in a statistically efficient manner to assess or determine the knowledge status and skill set of each concept, and wherein less than all the concepts are tested in the hierarchal knowledge data structure.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device and system are augmented to provide an active delete (or filter) tool. The tool automatically detects and deletes unwanted items and artifacts capturing as the scan is being done. The technique provides a better user experience by automatically removing items the deletion of which that may otherwise be time-consuming, frustrating, or impossible for the user to delete any other way.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device has a reduced form factor as compared to prior devices, and it provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device includes a light source and an optical system, and communicates with a display system. The device provides for more efficient transmission and capture of images. It integrates OCT scanning with RGB-based scanning. In operation, the device is used for recording topological characteristics of teeth, dental impressions, or stone models by digital methods and for use in CAD/CAM of dental restorative prosthetic devices. To that end, the RGB-based scan obtains surface data (e.g., a margin), while the OCT scan penetrates the surface. The two scanners operate from within the same physical housing and preferably at the same time such that only one scanning pass (to obtain all necessary data) is required. The 3D data obtained from the OCT scan is registered with the 3D data obtained from the RGB-based scan by virtue of being captured using a common return path.

Abstract: An intra-oral scanning device and system are augmented to provide an active delete (or filter) tool. The tool automatically detects and deletes unwanted items and artifacts capturing as the scan is being done. The technique provides a better user experience by automatically removing items the deletion of which that may otherwise be time-consuming, frustrating, or impossible for the user to delete any other way.

Abstract: A project analysis and recommendation system having a user interface configured to receive user input regarding a project and various project parameters; one or more sets of computer instructions, a user skill database, and a candidate skill database; and a processor configured to implement the one or more sets of computer instructions from the non-transitory computer readable medium. The processor configured to perform the following tasks: analyze the user skill database; determine a match between the plurality of necessary competencies and one or more user profiles; analyze the candidate skill database; determine a match between the plurality of necessary competencies and one or more potential candidate profiles; and generate a user recommendation relating to an internal assignment of the project, user training, an external assignment of the project, or an external candidate hire.

Abstract: Contemplated herein is a system and method for answering user queries, the system and method including a tracked user skill database, a historical database, and a training content database wherein processing circuitry can determine a tool being utilized by a user; receive a user input query; tokenize the user input query and associate one or more tokens with the user input query; and search the databases so as to match the query with content within the databases. The system can then present potential matches to the user and receiving input regarding user satisfaction with regard to the potential matches presented. If the answer is not satisfactory the system can then analyze the tracked user skill database for user profiles indicating proficiency in the matched feature of the query.

Abstract: A project analysis, and match recommendation system having a user interface configured to receive user input regarding a project and associated parameters. The system also includes one or more processors configured to implement one or more sets of computer instructions which instruct the one or more processors to analyze a worker skill database having a plurality of worker profiles and associated worker skill proficiencies associated with one or more particular worker proficiencies; and determine a match between a plurality of particular required project competencies and one or more worker profiles having one or more particular worker proficiencies so as to facilitate optimal project assignment or placement.

Abstract: A milling machine calibration technique, and article of manufacture are described. The article comprises a calibration fixture, together with a calibration pin. The calibration fixture preferably is shaped as a cube, and each of the side faces of the cube comprise a set of indentations (dimples or features) that are configured in a predetermined pattern. A preferred pattern is a “5-dimple” pattern. To find a mapping between axis coordinates (of a mill spindle) and the mill mandrel at some orientation, the calibration fixture is inserted into the mandrel, and the calibration pin is inserted into a collet. Using an x-axis directional position error-based probing mechanism, the system then registers the exact position of each of the five (5) dimples on the surface of the die. Using the positional information so determined, spindle-mandrel spatial relationships for one or more orientations of the mandrel are then identified for calibration purposes.

Abstract: A method to visualize and correct alignment errors between paired 2D and 3D data sets is described. In a representative embodiment, a display interface used for dental implant planning includes one or more display areas that enable the operator to visualize alignment errors between the paired 2D and 3D data sets. A first display area renders 3D cone beam data. A second display area renders one or more (and preferably three (3) mutually orthogonal views) slices of the cone beam data. A third display area displays a view of a 2D scanned surface map (obtained from an intra-oral scan, or the scan of a model). According to a first aspect, the view of the 2D scanned surface map in the third display area is “textured” by coloring the 2D surface model based on the intensity of each 3D pixel (or “voxel”) that it intersects.

Abstract: A dental CAD/CAM application generates a 3D model representing a patient's dental anatomy. This model may be a 3D surface. The surface may also be textured with either a monochrome or color image superimposed. The display routine that is used to display the 3D model is enhanced to adjust the contrast in the region of a displayed mouse pointer (or other input device) as a user explores the display image. When this feature is activated and the mouse pointer positioned, preferably the texturing on the 3D model is recomputed in that local area and redisplayed showing greater contrast and detail. Preferably, the contrast is increased from a center to an edge of the area of contrast. Having the texturing of the model being improved and highlighted around the margin is desirable, as it allows the user to see more easily where the margin is located.

Abstract: A project analysis, and match recommendation system having a user interface configured to receive user input regarding a project and associated parameters. The system also includes one or more processors configured to implement one or more sets of computer instructions which instruct the one or more processors to analyze a worker skill database having a plurality of worker profiles and associated worker skill proficiencies associated with one or more particular worker proficiencies; and determine a match between a plurality of particular required project competencies and one or more worker profiles having one or more particular worker proficiencies so as to facilitate optimal project assignment or placement.

Abstract: A project analysis and recommendation system having a user interface configured to receive user input regarding a project and various project parameters; one or more sets of computer instructions, a user skill database, and a candidate skill database; and a processor configured to implement the one or more sets of computer instructions from the non-transitory computer readable medium. The processor configured to perform the following tasks: analyze the user skill database; determine a match between the plurality of necessary competencies and one or more user profiles; analyze the candidate skill database; determine a match between the plurality of necessary competencies and one or more potential candidate profiles; and generate a user recommendation relating to an internal assignment of the project, user training, an external assignment of the project, or an external candidate hire.

Abstract: Contemplated herein is a system and method for answering user queries, the system and method including a tracked user skill database, a historical database, and a training content database wherein processing circuitry can determine a tool being utilized by a user; receive a user input query; tokenize the user input query and associate one or more tokens with the user input query; and search the databases so as to match the query with content within the databases. The system can then present potential matches to the user and receiving input regarding user satisfaction with regard to the potential matches presented. If the answer is not satisfactory the system can then analyze the tracked user skill database for user profiles indicating proficiency in the matched feature of the query.

Abstract: A dental CAD/CAM application generates a 3D model representing a patient's dental anatomy. This model may be a 3D surface. The surface may also be textured with either a monochrome or color image superimposed. The display routine that is used to display the 3D model is enhanced to adjust the contrast in the region of a displayed mouse pointer (or other input device) as a user explores the display image. When this feature is activated and the mouse pointer positioned, preferably the texturing on the 3D model is recomputed in that local area and redisplayed showing greater contrast and detail. Preferably, the contrast is increased from a center to an edge of the area of contrast. Having the texturing of the model being improved and highlighted around the margin is desirable, as it allows the user to see more easily where the margin is located.

Abstract: A method to visualize and correct alignment errors between paired 2D and 3D data sets is described. In a representative embodiment, a display interface used for dental implant planning includes one or more display areas that enable the operator to visualize alignment errors between the paired 2D and 3D data sets. A first display area renders 3D cone beam data. A second display area renders one or more (and preferably three (3) mutually orthogonal views) slices of the cone beam data. A third display area displays a view of a 2D scanned surface map (obtained from an intra-oral scan, or the scan of a model). According to a first aspect, the view of the 2D scanned surface map in the third display area is “textured” by coloring the 2D surface model based on the intensity of each 3D pixel (or “voxel”) that it intersects.