JP2013128694A - Program and apparatus for orthodontic simulation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program and apparatus for orthodontic simulation for simply and correctly allows a patient to obtain an image after correction.SOLUTION: The control part 41 of the orthodontic simulation apparatus 1 sets the face photograph and oral photograph of a patient as original images to be used for a simulation, based on the orthodontic simulation program. Relation with respect to the dental arch of the original image and linkage between the face photograph and the oral photograph are preset before the performance of the simulation. Teeth to be corrected are selected, deformed, and moved. Then, an image is processed thereby to allow not only the selected teeth but also teeth and gum within a linked area to be in a moved state by following. Thus, a prediction image is generated.

Description

  The present invention relates to an orthodontic simulation program and an orthodontic simulation apparatus used for transmitting a corrected image to a patient who performs orthodontics.

  Conventionally, in orthodontics, an existing case photograph is shown to the patient, or the tooth condition after correction is explained to the patient using an average tooth profile model different from the patient's teeth. However, tooth alignment and oral cavity conditions vary greatly from patient to patient, and simulations based on other people's case photos and average tooth profile models show an accurate image of the patient's teeth after correction. It is difficult to convey an accurate image of the correction result to the patient. For this reason, it was not possible to give a sufficient sense of security about orthodontic treatment. In addition, since the dentist and the patient cannot share the same image, there is a problem that it is difficult to obtain a clear agreement and the direction of treatment is difficult to determine.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an image confirmation system for dental treatment for accurately transmitting a treatment result of dental treatment (such as prosthetic treatment or aesthetic treatment) to a patient. In this system, a face photograph of a patient and a mouth photograph are taken with a digital camera and input to a terminal. Then, a treatment part is designated from the oral photograph, treatment content for the part is designated, and based on the designated content, the treatment target part in the oral photograph is processed and edited to show the treatment image. Create and display on the terminal. In this way, the processed image can be presented to the patient after changing only the treatment target area in the patient's face photograph and oral photograph to the post-treatment image, so that the post-treatment image can be conveyed more accurately than before. it can.

JP 2010-42098 A

  In the system of Patent Document 1, creation of a processed image showing a treatment result is manually performed by an image processor based on the instruction contents of a dentist input at a terminal, and the image processor stores in advance Read the case type data (for example, sample images of insurance prosthesis, non-insurance prosthesis, tooth alignment correction, whitening, etc.) that correspond to the current treatment and make it necessary by image editing software After editing and processing accordingly, the image is pasted on the oral photograph to be edited, and the color and gloss of the region to be treated are changed according to the contents designated by the doctor.

  However, since the processing and editing method of Patent Document 1 replaces a site to be treated with a sample image or an edited image thereof, processing suitable for a treatment that corrects the alignment of the teeth while leaving the patient's teeth intact, such as orthodontic treatment. It is not an editing method. If the site to be treated is replaced with an existing sample image that is different from the patient's teeth, it will be difficult to create a processed image showing an accurate image after treatment in orthodontics. End up.

  In addition, when orthodontics, extraction, prosthesis, etc. are performed, not only the teeth to be treated but also the surrounding teeth move in conjunction with each other. It is not possible to create a processed image that reflects the influence on the surrounding teeth. In order to accurately simulate even the influence on the surrounding teeth, it is necessary to manually change the image of portions other than the treatment target, and such work is time-consuming. In addition, it is difficult to accurately simulate the influence on surrounding teeth manually.

  In view of these points, an object of the present invention is to propose an orthodontic simulation program and an orthodontic simulation apparatus that allow a patient to grasp an image after correction easily and accurately. .

In order to solve the above problems, the orthodontic simulation program of the present invention is:
An initial image setting process for setting a patient's dentition image as an original image used for simulation;
Simulation setting process for performing orthodontic simulation setting for the original image;
When an input for specifying the correction content is performed, the computer executes the simulation execution processing for processing the original image according to the simulation setting and creating a predicted image of the corrected patient's teeth,
In the simulation execution process,
Based on the simulation setting, a part designated as a correction target in the original image and another part are processed in conjunction with each other.

  As described above, according to the present invention, since the simulation is performed using the patient's own dentition image, the predicted image can be brought close to an accurate image, and the accurate image can be transmitted to the patient. In particular, according to the present invention, each part of the original image can be processed in conjunction with another part in the simulation. For example, such a process can be performed by previously performing an interlocking setting between each tooth in the original image and another tooth in the simulation setting. In this way, a predicted image reflecting the influence on other teeth can be created, and a highly reliable predicted image can be easily created. Thereby, a patient can be made to correctly grasp the image after orthodontic treatment, and a sufficient sense of security can be given for the orthodontic treatment. In addition, since the dentist and the patient can share an accurate image, it is easy to determine the direction of orthodontic treatment, and the effectiveness of consulting on orthodontic treatment is enhanced.

  In the present invention, in the initial image setting process, the dentition image and a patient's face image are set as the original image, and in the simulation setting process, the face image in the original image is linked to the dentition image. It is desirable to make a setting to move it. For example, it is desirable to set an interlocking point between the dentition image and the face image and to process both images so that the corresponding interlocking points match. In this way, the predicted image of the oral photograph can be automatically reflected in the facial photograph, and the predicted image of the facial photograph can be easily created with high accuracy.

  In the present invention, it is desirable to associate each tooth in the original image with a tooth type and set a tooth to be interlocked according to the tooth type. If it does in this way, interlocking setting can be performed correctly and easily using a tooth type.

  Here, in the simulation execution process, it is desirable to automatically extract a tooth contour shape in the original image by image analysis of the original image or to determine based on an input to the original image. . This makes it possible to easily and accurately select the tooth to be corrected from the original image.

  In the simulation execution process, it is desirable to perform a process of automatically complementing the shape of a part of the contour shape that is hidden behind other teeth based on another part of the original image or prestored data. . If it does in this way, since the form of the tooth after correction can be displayed correctly, a more accurate simulation can be performed.

  In this case, in the simulation setting process, at least one of the center line of the dentition, the right end line of the dentition, the left end line of the dentition, and the upper and lower division lines of the dentition in the original image is set and set. Based on each line, it is desirable to set a portion that moves in conjunction with the original image. In this way, tooth interlocking can be accurately simulated.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that the computer receives a correction content input for the predicted image and causes the computer to execute a correction process for correcting the predicted image according to the correction content. In this way, since arbitrary correction can be performed on the predicted image after simulation, a more detailed simulation can be performed and convenience is high.

Next, the present invention is an orthodontic simulation apparatus for creating a predicted image of a patient's teeth after correction from a patient's dental image,
An image input means for inputting a dentition image of a patient;
Display means for displaying the dentition image;
An input means for performing input for designating correction content;
The image input means, the display means, and a control means for controlling the input means,
The control means executes each processing based on the orthodontic simulation program.

  According to the present invention, since the simulation is performed using the patient's own dentition image, the predicted image can be brought close to an accurate image. Further, since each part of the original image and other parts are processed in conjunction with each other in the simulation, a highly reliable predicted image can be easily created. Thus, the patient can accurately grasp the image after orthodontics.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the orthodontic simulation apparatus to which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the consulting of the orthodontic treatment by the orthodontic simulation apparatus. It is explanatory drawing of a simulation setting screen. It is explanatory drawing of a simulation execution screen. It is explanatory drawing of a treatment progress management screen. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an orthodontic simulation.

  Embodiments of an orthodontic simulation program to which the present invention is applied and an orthodontic simulation apparatus for executing processing based on this program will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of orthodontic simulator)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an orthodontic simulation apparatus. The orthodontic simulation apparatus 1 includes a digital camera 2 (image input means) for photographing a patient's face and oral cavity, and a computer device 3 to which the digital camera 2 can be connected. The computer device 3 is a general-purpose personal computer, and includes a computer main body 4, a display device 5 (display means) such as a liquid crystal monitor connected to the computer main body 4, and an input device 6 (input means) such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch panel. And a printer 7 connected to the computer main body 4.

  The computer main body 4 includes a control unit 41 (control means), a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, and the like. The control unit 41 is a processor such as a CPU or MPU and performs various arithmetic processes. The storage unit 42 includes a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device such as an HDD, and stores various programs and data. The communication unit 43 is an interface device for transmitting and receiving control signals and data between the computer main body 4 and another device or an external communication line. The digital camera 2, the display device 5, the input device 6, and the printer 7 are connected to the computer main body 4 via the communication unit 43.

  The computer body 4 is controlled by a general-purpose OS (Operating System), and an orthodontic simulation program described below operates on this OS. The storage unit 42 of the computer main body 4 stores an orthodontic simulation program and a database for registering setting data and material data used for various processes by the orthodontic simulation program. The material data is preferably stored before the simulation, but necessary data can be read and registered as appropriate during the simulation. It is also possible to register data extracted from an image of a patient's tooth during simulation, or register data newly created by simulation. The storage unit 42 also stores a treatment progress management database for registering and managing data such as a patient's face photograph and oral photograph.

(Consultation for orthodontic treatment using orthodontic simulator)
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a flow of consulting for orthodontic treatment by the orthodontic simulation apparatus 1. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a simulation setting screen, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a simulation execution screen, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a treatment progress management screen. As shown in FIG. 2, the orthodontic simulation apparatus 1 can perform four steps of an image capturing step S1, a simulation setting step S2, a simulation execution step S3, and a treatment progress management step S4. In the following description, an example in which a program is operated using a mouse will be described, but the program can be operated by other means. For example, the program can be operated by operating the display screen with a finger using a touch panel.

  In the image capturing step S <b> 1, the patient's face photograph and oral photograph (dental row image) are captured from the digital camera 2 to the computer device 3 based on the user's operation, and the captured image data is stored in the storage unit 42 of the computer device 3. . This step is performed by using a general-purpose image capturing program configured separately from the orthodontic simulation program.

  When the user starts up the orthodontic simulation program, the control unit 41 of the computer main body 4 displays each screen shown in FIGS. Each screen of FIGS. 3 to 5 can be switched and displayed by an operation of selecting a tab of each screen. In the simulation setting step S2, a simulation setting screen P1 is displayed, and the user performs various inputs on this screen, whereby the original image using the image data (face photograph, oral photograph) captured in the image capturing step S1 for the simulation. Set as. Various settings for orthodontic simulation are performed on the set original image. The setting data can be stored in the storage unit 42 and can be read and used as appropriate.

  When the simulation setting is completed, the orthodontic simulation apparatus 1 can execute a simulation based on this setting. In the simulation execution step S3, the screen display is switched to the simulation execution screen P2 shown in FIG. 4, and the correction content to be simulated, that is, which part of the patient's dentition is to be changed is input. Then, based on the input contents and the simulation settings, a prediction image indicating the face after the orthodontics and the state in the oral cavity is created. The created predicted image is displayed on the simulation execution screen P2 in real time or when the user inputs an instruction to display the simulation result. For example, when a user selects a tooth portion to be corrected in a mouth photograph of a patient using a mouse or the like and moves it to a position to be corrected, or selects and deletes a tooth to be extracted, the face photograph that is the original image and The oral photograph is processed, and a predicted image showing the corrected face and the state in the oral cavity is created and displayed. A user (such as a dentist) shows the predicted image to the patient to grasp the corrected image, and performs correction treatment consulting.

  After executing the simulation, simulation conditions and results can be stored in the storage unit 42. For example, the original image before correction, simulation settings, correction content (tooth movement direction, movement amount, deformation method, deformation amount, color change, etc.), and predicted image data are stored in the storage unit 42. Alternatively, some of these data can be omitted and saved. In addition, a form on which a predicted image and related information are printed can be output from the printer 7. For example, simulation settings, patient information, an original image before correction, and the like can be printed on a form together with a predicted image.

  Here, as described above, the orthodontic simulation apparatus 1 includes a treatment progress management database for registering and managing data such as a patient's facial photograph and oral photograph. In the treatment progress management step S4, management and browsing of data registered in the treatment progress management database is performed. In this example, the data registration function, data management function, and data browsing function in the treatment progress management database are realized by the orthodontic simulation program, and data registration in the treatment progress management database is performed in conjunction with the simulation. It is like that. For example, when image data (face photograph, oral photograph) used as a simulation original image is set in the simulation setting step S2, this image data is automatically registered in the treatment progress management database. By switching the screen display to the treatment progress management screen P3 shown in FIG. 5, the user can display a list of registered data for the same patient in time series. By providing various operation buttons for data management on this screen, it is possible to perform additional registration of image data and various information, data deletion, data output, and the like.

  Further, when the simulation condition and result data are stored in the simulation execution step S3, the stored data can be registered in the treatment progress management database. If it does in this way, treatment progress (a raw face photograph or mouth photograph) and a simulation result (predicted image) can be managed in association, and a treatment progress and a simulation result can be browsed side by side. By using such a treatment progress management database, the dentist and the patient can confirm the treatment progress and the direction of treatment can be examined. In other words, the treatment progress management database can be used as a consulting tool for orthodontic treatment.

  The simulation setting step S2 and the simulation execution step S3 can be repeatedly executed by changing conditions and correction contents. When the orthodontic treatment is advanced after the simulation, the progress can be confirmed by taking a face photograph or an oral photograph and registering it in the treatment progress management database periodically or at a desired timing. It is also possible to consider reviewing the treatment policy by performing simulations appropriately during treatment. Alternatively, only the treatment progress management function can be used without performing a simulation.

(Orthodontic simulation)
Next, processing performed by the control unit 41 based on the orthodontic simulation program in the simulation setting step S2 and the simulation execution step S3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of orthodontic simulation. As shown in FIG. 6, in the simulation setting step S <b> 2, the control unit 41 reads the patient's face photograph and oral photograph and performs an initial image setting process S <b> 21 for setting as an original image used for the simulation. Also, a relationship setting process S22 (simulation setting process) for moving each part in the original image in conjunction with each other, and a face interlocking setting process for changing the face photograph set as the original image in conjunction with the oral photograph. S23 (simulation setting process) is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the simulation setting screen P1 has five image display fields. Below each image display field, a reference button and a file name input field are provided. Using this reference button, an image data file name to be used as an original image can be input from among the captured image data files. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the front face photograph A1, the face left face photograph A2, the dentition front face photograph B1, the dentition left face photograph B2, and the dentition right face photograph B3 previously captured from the digital camera 2 are obtained. Five images are read and displayed in each image display column. In this state, when a predetermined button in the setting button group 11 displayed at the lower right of the screen is clicked, the control unit 41, based on the orthodontic simulation program, reads the five read images for simulation. An image is set (initial image setting process S21). Note that these may be automatically set to the original image simply by specifying the data file name of the face photograph or oral photograph.

  Next, the control unit 41 performs processing for setting a line, a surface, a contour line, a point, and the like to be a reference in the simulation. A relation setting button group 12 is displayed on the left end of the simulation setting screen P1. When these are clicked, the control unit 41 displays four reference lines including a tooth center line L1, a tooth right end line L2, a tooth left end line L3, and a tooth upper and lower dividing line L4 as three tooth row images (dentition row). Front view B1, dentition left side photo B2, and dentition right side photo B3) are displayed at default positions. These reference lines can be moved by operating the mouse. The user moves each of the reference lines L1 to L4 to the center position, right end position, left end position, and vertical division position of the patient's dentition for each of the three dentition images, and is displayed at the lower right of the screen. A predetermined button in the set button group 11 is clicked. Thereby, the control part 41 resets the position of each reference line L1-L4 to the position after movement, and sets each area divided by the reference lines L1-L4 to the area which should be interlocked (relation setting process S22). ).

  A setting button group 13 for setting a linked point between a face photograph and an oral photograph is displayed at a position below the relation setting button group 12 at the left end of the simulation setting screen P1. The mouth outline L5 is drawn on the front face photograph A1 and the left face photograph A2 using the mouse, and a predetermined button in the setting button group 13 is clicked to input the mouth outline L5. Subsequently, in the two photographs (face front photograph A1 and dentition front photograph B1) of the face and dentition viewed from the front, the point at the upper center of the dentition is designated, and then a predetermined button in the setting button group 13 is selected. By clicking the button, the upper interlocking point R1 in these two photographs is input. Similarly, after designating the center point at the lower end of the dentition, the setting button group 13 is used to input the lower interlocking point R2 in these two photographs. Similarly, the upper and lower interlocking points R1 and R2 are input in the two photographs of the face and dentition as seen from the left side (face left side picture A2 and dentition left side picture B2). To do.

  When the input of the mouth contour line L5 and the interlocking points R1 and R2 is completed, the control unit 41 displays the image of the area within the mouth contour line L5 in each facial photograph so as to match the input interlocking points. Replace the oral photograph seen from the same direction with a reduced image. By performing such face interlocking setting processing S23, the processing result of the oral photograph (dental front photograph B1, dental left side photograph B2, dental right side photograph B3) by simulation is converted into a facial photograph (face front photograph A1, It can be reflected in the left face photo A2).

  The relationship setting process S22 and the face interlocking setting process S23 are processes based on the assumption that the user manually inputs the positions of the reference lines L1 to L4, the contour line L5, and the interlocking points R1 and R2. The orthodontic simulation program may have a function in which the control unit 41 automatically analyzes the oral photograph and automatically detects a plane or a point to be a reference. In this case, the control unit 41 performs an automatic detection process by clicking the “automatic detection” button, and then manually adjusts the positions of reference lines, contour lines, points, and the like as necessary. Configure as follows.

  In the simulation execution step S3, the control unit 41 sets the correction contents to one or a plurality of images of the dentition front photograph B1, the dentition left photograph B2, and the dentition right photograph B3 among the simulation original images. Accept input. That is, it accepts an input instructing which part of these images is to be corrected, and processes the original image based on the input content to create a predicted image of the corrected face and oral cavity state Perform simulation execution processing. In the simulation execution process, the original image is processed according to the following procedures (1) to (4).

(1) Teeth selection In the tooth selection process S31, the control unit 41 uses a mouse or the like on any one of the dentition front photograph B1, the dentition left side photograph B2, and the dentition right photograph B3. An input specifying a tooth region is received, and a tooth region to be corrected is selected based on the input content. Input methods for specifying the tooth area include clicking the left and right edges of the tooth, clicking other points along the tooth outline, or using the mouse to outline the tooth outline. The method of tracing can be used. The control unit 41 determines a tooth contour line based on these inputs, displays the tooth contour line on the image, and selects a region surrounded by the contour line as a tooth region to be corrected. Alternatively, by providing a “contour extraction” button and operating the button with the mouse, the control unit 41 automatically extracts and displays the contour lines of all the teeth in the image by image analysis and displays the contour lines of the target tooth. Can be freely selected. After selection, the selected contour line can be further modified by operating the mouse. In the case of prosthesis, “position where tooth should be prosthetic” is selected instead of “tooth”.

  When automatically extracting tooth outlines, various images such as exposure, contrast, brightness, saturation, color temperature, color tone (tone), black level, white level, gamma adjustment, negative / positive inversion, etc. An accurate contour line can be extracted when the control unit 41 automatically combines or repeats the processing.

  Here, in selecting a tooth, in the dentition photograph, it is often hidden behind other teeth or gums and the whole image of the tooth cannot be seen. For example, a part of the lower front tooth may be hidden behind the upper front tooth. Therefore, in order to execute the simulation, it is necessary to correct the shape of the portion hidden behind other teeth. The orthodontic simulation program of this example can correct this by moving each part of the contour line with the mouse after selecting the contour line, but it automatically complements the hidden part and changes the overall shape of the tooth. It can also have a drawing function. In this case, when an input for instructing “completion of missing part” is performed, the control unit 41 performs a process of automatically complementing the missing part based on the contour line of the currently selected tooth.

  Tooth shape complementation can be performed with reference to other tooth shapes visible in the patient's picture. For example, it is possible to complement using the shape of the tooth of the same name in the left and right dentition. In this case, it is desirable to perform a process of associating a dental formula with each tooth in the image in advance, and extract the shape of the tooth of the same name in the opposite dentition based on the dental formula. Alternatively, tooth shape data that approximates the contour line can be extracted from the tooth shapes registered in advance in the material database, and can be supplemented using this data. Alternatively, other knowledge about the tooth form can be stored in the database as information for complementation, and the shape can be determined based on this information. Alternatively, X-ray images or CT images of the patient's teeth can be captured, and these can be complemented based on the contour line obtained by image analysis. In addition, the color of the complemented part can be determined based on the color of the adjacent tooth. After automatically complementing the shape, the shape can be manually corrected again.

(2) Teeth deformation At the left end of the simulation execution screen P2, a dentition processing tool 21 for inputting tooth deformation, addition, deletion, and the like is displayed. By operating the buttons and sliders in the dentition processing tool 21 with the mouse, it is input how the portion to be corrected is deformed. For example, processing details such as tooth enlargement, reduction, rotation, and deformation (partially cut, shape changed) are input. Alternatively, input for adding a tooth to a portion to be prosthetic or deleting a tooth to be extracted is performed. For example, when adding a tooth without tooth extraction, if you want to secure a gap by slenderizing (scraping inconsistent teeth as necessary), enter the tooth to be cut, its position, and how many millimeters to cut. To do. In addition, when a gap is secured by lateral expansion of the dentition, it is input which dimension of which gap is to be formed in which direction.

  In the tooth deformation process S32, the control unit 41 receives such an input and deforms the selected tooth or region in the dentition image as input. When a missing tooth is added, a simulation is performed by newly inserting a tooth shape that is not present at the selected position. For example, the original image can be placed by copying and inverting the shape of the tooth of the same name in the opposite dentition (mirroring), or a sample image read from the storage unit 42 (previously registered in the material database) For example, arranging the shape of the previously prepared tooth). At this time, the shape of the newly arranged tooth can be further corrected based on the operation of the mouse as necessary.

  When the teeth are deformed, the control unit 41 processes all the parts of the original image that are set to be interlocked with the correction target part in the relationship setting process S22 and the face interlocking setting process S23. For example, the tooth group in the interlocking area is appropriately moved along with the deformation of the tooth to be corrected. Further, along with the deformation of the teeth, soft tissues such as gums are appropriately deformed. The soft tissue deformation can be used by registering in advance in the database how the soft tissue is deformed when the teeth are deformed or when teeth are added or deleted. Alternatively, the soft tissue morphology of the same part of the opposite dentition may be mirrored.

(3) Tooth movement The portion to be corrected (deformed or added tooth) can be moved to an arbitrary position by arbitrarily inputting and setting the moving amount and moving direction using a mouse. In the tooth movement process S33, the control unit 41 receives an input regarding the movement of the tooth, and the part of the original image that is set to be linked to the correction target part in the relation setting process S22 or the face interlocking setting process S23. Process all of them together. For example, the tooth group in the interlocking area is moved according to the movement of the tooth to be corrected. Further, as the teeth move, soft tissues such as gums are appropriately deformed.

  Here, when performing the tooth interlocking setting, the part indicating the tooth in the original image is associated with which part of the tooth system, and the tooth interlocked by the tooth system is determined. You can also select and configure interlocking settings. As shown in FIG. 4, a tooth setting tool 22 is provided at the lower right of the simulation execution screen P2. When using a dental formula, it is possible to associate the selected tooth with the dental formula based on the input content from the dental formula setting tool 22 and to set the interlocking tooth. In order to perform such association, it is possible to provide a function of automatically associating a dental formula with each tooth after automatically extracting the outlines of all teeth.

  When the dental formulas are associated with all the teeth in all the images of the front dentition photograph B1, the left dentition photograph B2, and the right dentition photograph B3, the procedure (2) (3 ) When the teeth are deformed and moved, all photographs can be processed in conjunction with each other. In this case, the processing is executed by replacing the input deformation content, movement direction, and movement amount with the deformation content, movement direction, and movement amount on each image in consideration of the shooting direction of each photograph.

(4) Correction When the work is proceeded according to the procedures of (1) to (3), a process for processing the correction target part and the intraoral part linked to the correction is performed on the original image for simulation, and the simulation is performed. A predicted image showing the result is created. That is, the oral photograph (dental front photograph B1, dental left side photograph B2, dental right side photograph B3) is processed so as to show the corrected tooth arrangement, and the facial photograph (face front photograph A1, face left lateral) The change in the oral photograph is reflected in the photograph A2), and the photograph (original image) in a poorly aligned state is replaced with a beautiful photograph (predicted image) in which the teeth are aligned. Here, the orthodontic simulation program can perform the correction process S34 on the created predicted image in the simulation execution process. For example, only the selected portion can be individually corrected by turning on / off the interlock setting using the interlock button on the screen and turning off the interlock setting. When an input for turning off the interlock setting is performed and an individual correction portion and correction content are input to the predicted image using a mouse or the like, the control unit 41 processes the image according to the input content and converts the predicted image into the predicted image. Perform the update process. For example, corrections such as fine adjustment of the position and shape of the teeth, corrections that change the shape of the gums, and corrections such as changing the colors of the teeth and gums can be performed.

(Effect of the invention)
As described above, in the orthodontic simulation using the orthodontic simulation program of this example, not only the tooth specified as the correction target in the original image but also other parts can be processed in conjunction with each other. Predictive images reflecting the linkage can be easily created. For example, select a specific tooth in the original image, rotate it to change its inclination, and then move it to move not only the selected tooth but also the teeth in the surrounding interlocking area. Predictive images can be created. At this time, not only the teeth but also the gums can be set to follow and move. Therefore, a highly reliable predicted image can be easily created, and the patient can accurately grasp the image after orthodontics. Thereby, sufficient reassurance can be given about orthodontic treatment. In addition, since the dentist and the patient can share an accurate image, it is easy to determine the direction of orthodontic treatment and effective consulting can be performed.

  In this example, the patient's oral photograph is used as the original image. Instead of replacing the tooth part to be corrected with the sample image, the tooth part of the patient's own photograph is deformed, moved, copied, etc. Thus, a predicted image can be created. For this reason, a predicted image can be brought close to an accurate image.

  Furthermore, in this example, since the face photograph can be processed in conjunction with the mouth photograph, the simulation result can be accurately reflected in the face photograph. Therefore, the patient can accurately grasp the image of the entire face after correction.

  Moreover, in this example, since arbitrary correction can be performed with respect to the produced estimated image, a more detailed simulation can be performed. Therefore, the patient can grasp a more accurate image, and the convenience is high.

  In the above embodiment, the simulation is performed by processing the two-dimensional image data. However, the three-dimensional shape data of the patient's teeth is created to deform or move the teeth in the three-dimensional space. And the result can be reflected in a two-dimensional photograph. In this case, the data of the three-dimensional shape of the patient's teeth is created from photographs taken from a plurality of directions such as the front, left and right sides, and upper and lower jaw occlusal surfaces. In addition, CT images and X-ray images can also be used. In this case, more accurate three-dimensional shape data can be created, and not only the shape above the gums but also the overall shape of the tooth including the root portion. Can create data. Therefore, a more accurate simulation can be performed.

1 Orthodontic simulation device 2 Digital camera (image input means)
3 Computer device 4 Computer body 5 Display device (display means)
6 Input device (input means)
7 Printer 11 Setting Button Group 12 Relation Setting Button Group 13 Setting Button Group 21 Dental Processing Tool 22 Tooth Type Setting Tool 41 Control Unit (Control Unit)
42 storage unit 43 communication unit A1 face front photo A2 face left side photo B1 dentition front side photo B2 dentition left side photo B3 dentition right side photo L1 center line L2 right end line L3 left end line L4 vertical dividing line L5 contour line P1 simulation Setting screen P2 Simulation execution screen P3 Treatment progress management screen R1 Link point R2 Link point

Claims (8)

An initial image setting process for setting a patient's dentition image as an original image used for simulation;
Simulation setting process for performing orthodontic simulation setting for the original image;
When an input for specifying the correction content is performed, the computer executes the simulation execution processing for processing the original image according to the simulation setting and creating a predicted image of the corrected patient's teeth,
In the simulation execution process,
An orthodontic simulation program characterized in that, based on the simulation setting, a part designated as an orthodontic target in the original image is processed in conjunction with another part. In claim 1,
In the initial image setting process,
Set the dentition image and the patient's face image as the original image,
In the simulation setting process,
An orthodontic simulation program for performing settings for moving the face image in the original image in conjunction with the dental image. In claim 1 or 2,
An orthodontic simulation program, wherein each tooth in the original image is associated with a dental formula, and a tooth to be interlocked according to the dental formula is set. In any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the simulation execution process,
An orthodontic simulation program, wherein the contour shape of each tooth in the original image is automatically extracted by image analysis of the original image, or a process of determining based on an input to the original image is performed. In claim 4,
In the simulation execution process,
An orthodontic simulation program for automatically complementing a shape of a portion of the contour shape that is hidden behind other teeth based on another portion of the original image or data accumulated in advance. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
In the simulation setting process,
Set at least one of the center line of the dentition in the original image, the right end line of the dentition, the left end line of the dentition, and the upper and lower dividing lines of the dentition, and based on each set line, the interlocking in the original image An orthodontic simulation program characterized by setting a moving part. In any one of claims 1 to 6,
An orthodontic simulation program that receives an input of correction content for the predicted image and causes a computer to execute a correction process for correcting the predicted image according to the correction content. An orthodontic simulation device for creating a predicted image of a patient's teeth after correction from a patient's dental image,
An image input means for inputting a dentition image of a patient;
Display means for displaying the dentition image;
An input means for performing input for designating correction content;
The image input means, the display means, and a control means for controlling the input means,
The orthodontic simulation apparatus characterized in that the control means executes each process based on the orthodontic simulation program according to any one of claims 1 to 7.