Data match coding system for orthodontic appliances
Data match coding system for orthodontic appliances are disclosed. One variation of a data match code apparatus may generally comprise a three-dimensional model corresponding to a patient dentition and a platform extending from the three-dimensional model. The platform may define a data match code having a plurality of through-holes which are positioned relative to one another in a predetermined pattern.
1. A data match code apparatus, comprising:
a three-dimensional model corresponding to a patient dentition; and
a platform extending from the three-dimensional model, wherein the platform defines a data match code having a plurality of through-holes which are positioned relative to one another in a predetermined pattern.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform is formed integrally with the three-dimensional model.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the three-dimensional model defines one or more positioning splines along a surface of the model.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform further defines a reference hole located adjacent to the data match code.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of through-holes extend through a thickness of the platform.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a film or membrane formed upon the three-dimensional model and the platform such that the data match code is visible through the film or membrane.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an imager configured to be in alignment with the data match code such that the imager receives an image of the predetermined pattern when a light is transmitted through the through-holes from a bottom or top surface of the platform.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a processor in communication with the imager, wherein the processor is configured to receive the image of the predetermined pattern and convert the image into a black-and-white image which corresponds to the predetermined pattern.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the processor is configured to further convert the black-and-white image into an alphanumeric code.
10. A data match code apparatus, comprising:
a three-dimensional model corresponding to a patient dentition;
a platform extending from the three-dimensional model, wherein the platform defines a data match code having a plurality of through-holes which are positioned relative to one another in a predetermined pattern;
a film or membrane formed upon the three-dimensional model and the platform such that the data match code is visible through the film or membrane; and
an imager configured to be in alignment with the data match code such that the imager receives an image of the predetermined pattern when a light is transmitted through the through-holes from a bottom or top surface of the platform.
11. A method of coding an oral appliance, comprising:
exposing a light upon a bottom or top surface of a platform which defines a data match code having a plurality of through-holes which are positioned relative to one another in a predetermined pattern, where the platform extends from a three-dimensional model which corresponds to a patient dentition;
receiving an image upon an imager in communication with a processor, where the image is formed by a portion of the light transmitted through the plurality of through-holes to form the image which corresponds to the predetermined pattern;
converting via the processor the image to a composite image; and
converting via the processor the composite image to an alphanumeric value which corresponds to a unique identifier associated with the oral appliance.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the image is formed by the portion of the light transmitted through the plurality of through-holes and a film or membrane placed upon the platform and the three-dimensional model.
13. The method of claim 11 wherein exposing the light comprises transmitting the light through a diffuser positioned proximal to the bottom or top surface of the platform.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein receiving the image comprises receiving the image via a CMOS camera.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein converting via the processor the image comprises converting a gray-value image to the composite image.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein converting the gray-value image comprises converting the gray-value image to a black-and-white image.
17. The method of claim 11 further comprising processing the oral appliance based on the alphanumeric value.