NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES CENTRE VAL DE LOIRE (France)
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH (INSERM) (France)
Inventor
Capri, Arnaud
Siewe, Sean Toffessi
Levassort, Franck
Calle, Samuel
Gregoire, Jean-Marc
Abstract
The present disclosure describes an ultrasound sensor for soft-tissue imaging comprising: a piezoelectric element having a front side to be used for emitting ultrasound signals and for receiving echoed ultrasound signals to be measured and a back side; and a backing element having a front side shaped to match the shape of the piezoelectric element back side, the backing element being made of a structured composite material comprising at least two base material, one of the two base material being a metal, the at least two base material having significant different acoustic impedance so that the backing element has an acoustic attenuation greater than 1.2 dB/mm/Mhz.
An intraoral imaging apparatus has an x-ray source configured to move along a travel path for directing, from positions on the path, x-ray exposure energy to an intraoral detector. An enclosure is configured to house the x-ray source, the travel path, a collimator spaced apart from the x-ray source, and a phantom disposed at the collimator, wherein the x-ray energy for the detector is directed through the phantom. A control processor is configured to actuate the x-ray source at positions along the travel path within the enclosure, acquire, from the intraoral detector, a 2D projection image corresponding to each x-ray actuation position, and reconstruct a tomosynthesis image according to the acquired 2D projection images.
A61B 6/02 - Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planesStereoscopic radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/40 - Arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
A61B 6/51 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body partsApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
A61B 6/58 - Testing, adjusting or calibrating thereof
An intraoral imaging apparatus has an intraoral detector configured to generate successive images from a series of patterned exposures. An array of x-ray sources is configured to generate the series of patterned exposures to the detector, wherein the sources are distributed over both height and width directions. A controller is configured to generate the series of patterned exposures, wherein the controller is programmed to specify, for each of the plurality of patterned exposures in the series a partial subset of the array sources that are energized to obtain the patterned exposure and exposure energy generated at each array source in the patterned exposure.
A61B 6/02 - Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planesStereoscopic radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/40 - Arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
A61B 6/51 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body partsApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
A61B 6/58 - Testing, adjusting or calibrating thereof
A61B 6/42 - Arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM) (France)
CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE TOURS (France)
Inventor
Capri, Arnaud
Roudergues, David
Inglese, Jean-Marc
Josso, Herve
Shellard, Edward
Chevalliot, Stephanie
Gregoire, Jean-Marc
Ossant, Frederic
Banquart, Aline
Abstract
At least one embodiment of an ultrasonic periodontal probe, the ultrasonic periodontal probe comprising a grip portion having a longitudinal axis, a support member comprising a part having a longitudinal axis different from the longitudinal axis of the grip portion, and an ultrasonic device fastened to the grip portion via the support member, wherein the ultrasonic device is configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least two emitting cones and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the at least two emitting cones extending in opposite directions with regard to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the grip portion.
The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for characterizing an ultrasonic probe comprising a closed acoustic chamber, the acoustic chamber having an acoustic window and enclosing a transducer configured to emit an ultrasound signal and to receive an echoed ultrasound signal through the acoustic window. After having emitted an ultrasound signal in a plurality of directions and, for each direction, received a corresponding ultrasound signal reflected on a part of the acoustic chamber, characteristics of the acoustic chamber are determined from the received ultrasound signals.
The present invention provides a mounting assembly for a probe body of an ultrasonic handheld device, the mounting assembly comprising a cam guiding member (300), a fool-proofing member (305), and a rotational mechanical crank (315) comprising a crank pin (320), the rotational mechanical crank having a parking position according to which the crank pin is aligned with the cam guiding member with regard to a mounting direction of a probe head, the cam guiding member identifying a reference position of a transducer of the probe head and the fool-proofing member identifying a fastening position of the probe head.
The present invention provides a method of operating an ultrasonic probe comprising a processing unit, a transducer to emit an ultrasound signal and to receive an echoed ultrasound signal, and a communication interface, the ultrasonic probe being configured to be operable in any one of a connected mode and an autonomous mode. Upon determining, in the ultrasonic probe, that the autonomous mode is to be used, data are generated from the ultrasound signals, the generated data are analysed, and a result of the analysis is provided. Upon determining, in the ultrasonic probe, that the connected mode is to be used, data are generated from the ultrasound signals and the generated data are transmitted to another device, the other device providing a result of an analysis of the transmitted data.
According to some embodiments of the invention, it is provided a method of generating a 3D model of a first denture and of a second denture comprising: x-ray scanning the first and the second dentures in occlusion conditions to obtain a set of data; generating, from the obtained set of data, a 3D image of the first and the second dentures in occlusion conditions, the generated 3D image comprising voxels; classifying each of voxels of the generated 3D image as belonging to the first denture, the second dentures, or space between the first and the second dentures; and generating, from the classified voxels, a 3D model of the first denture and of the second denture, wherein classifying a voxel of the generated 3D image is based on characteristics of neighboring voxels in the generated 3D image, according to an iterative analysis of voxels from neighbor to neighbor.
G06V 10/26 - Segmentation of patterns in the image fieldCutting or merging of image elements to establish the pattern region, e.g. clustering-based techniquesDetection of occlusion
According to some embodiments of the invention, it is provided a method of generating a 3D model of a first denture and of a second denture comprising:
x-ray scanning the first and the second dentures in occlusion conditions to obtain a set of data;
generating, from the obtained set of data, a 3D image of the first and the second dentures in occlusion conditions, the generated 3D image comprising voxels;
classifying each of voxels of the generated 3D image as belonging to the first denture, the second dentures, or space between the first and the second dentures; and
generating, from the classified voxels, a 3D model of the first denture and of the second denture,
wherein classifying a voxel of the generated 3D image is based on characteristics of neighboring voxels in the generated 3D image, according to an iterative analysis of voxels from neighbor to neighbor.
A method for generating optimal arch forms for a patient's dental arch is presented. The method comprises: receiving first positional digital data for one or more teeth from a reconstructed 3D digital volume of the patient dental arch; (b) generating second positional digital data for the one or more teeth according to a desired dental arch form for the patient; (c) calculating a first displacement data for one or more teeth according to the first positional and second positional digital data; (d) detecting teeth collision values based on the first displacement data; (e) calculating a second displacement data for one or more teeth based on the detected teeth collision values; and (f) reporting a combination of the first displacement data and second displacement data for repositioning one tooth or more teeth of the dental arch.
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
A cathode of an electron emitting device is described, where the cathode comprises a carbon nanotube (CNT); a nano-filler material; and a carbonizable polymer, and where the cathode exhibits increased hardness, is formed by high temperature thermal treatment, and is devoid of a substrate. Also described is a method of forming a cathode of an electron emitting device, where the method comprises a) forming a dispersed mixture comprising a carbon nanotube, a nano-filler material, and a carbonizable polymer in a solvent; b) coating and/or extruding the mixture; c) drying the coated and/or extruded mixture to remove at least a substantial portion of the solvent; and d) subjecting the dried mixture to a high temperature thermal treatment; where the method results in the cathode of an electron emitting device having increased hardness.
According to some embodiments of the invention, it is provided a method for carrying out periodontal measurements from ultrasound images. After obtaining at least one ultrasound image of a jaw portion comprising at least one tooth periodontium, a plurality of images are generated from the at least one obtained ultrasound image, each of the generated images representing a presence of at least one anatomical periodontal feature in the at least one obtained ultrasound image, and the presence of at least one anatomical periodontal feature in the at least one obtained ultrasound image is validated from the corresponding generated image. If the presence of anatomical periodontal features requested for carrying out at least one periodontal measurement, in the at least one obtained ultrasound image, is validated, the at least one periodontal measurement is carried out from anatomical periodontal features which presence is validated.
A method and system for fabricating a dental appliance for orthodontic treatment. The method comprises the steps of obtaining three-dimensional dental data from a patient scan, locating initial tooth positions, generating optimal arch forms, and determining a digital model for fabricating an orthodontic aligner with additive device. The system comprises a scanning apparatus to acquire three-dimensional dental data, and a computer apparatus programmed with instructions for generating optimal arch forms, and determining a digital model for fabricating an orthodontic aligner with additive device.
A61C 13/34 - Making or working of models, e.g. preliminary castings, trial denturesDowel pins
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF APPLIED SCIENCES CENTRE VAL DE LOIRE (France)
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH AND MEDICAL RESEARCH (INSERM) (France)
Inventor
Capri, Arnaud
Siewe, Sean, Toffessi
Levassort, Franck
Calle, Samuel
Gregoire, Jean-Marc
Abstract
The present disclosure describes an ultrasound sensor for soft-tissue imaging comprising: a piezoelectric element having a front side to be used for emitting ultrasound signals and for receiving echoed ultrasound signals to be measured and a back side; and a backing element having a front side shaped to match the shape of the piezoelectric element back side, the backing element being made of a structured composite material comprising at least two base material, one of the two base material being a metal, the at least two base material having significant different acoustic impedance so that the backing element has an acoustic attenuation greater than 1.2 dB/mm/Mhz.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
A61C 19/04 - Measuring instruments specially adapted for dentistry
An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus for obtaining an image from a patient has a radiation source; a first digital imaging sensor that provides, for each of a plurality of image pixels, at least a first digital value according to a count of received photons that exceed at least a first energy threshold; a mount that supports the radiation source and the first digital imaging sensor on opposite sides of the patient's head; a computer in signal communication with the digital imaging sensor for acquiring a first two-dimensional image from the first digital imaging sensor; and a second digital imaging sensor that is alternately switched into place by the mount and that provides image data according to received radiation.
A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
a driving unit actuating the robotic arm as a function of the determined variation of position and/or orientation to control the position and/or orientation of the X-ray source with respect to a predetermined position and/or orientation of the X-ray source.
A61B 6/51 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body partsApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
17.
DENTAL RADIOGRAPHY METHOD WITH ENHANCED MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION
A method for forming radiographic images of oral anatomy of a subject exposes the subject to radiation along a radiation path. At each position on a detector array in the radiation path, the number of photons received from the radiation through the subject are counted, wherein the detector maintains a first photon count for photons having a first energy above a first threshold energy value and at least a second photon count for photons having a second energy above a higher threshold energy value. One or more materials in the mouth of the subject are identified by performing material decomposition processing, according to two or more basis materials, and distinguishing between natural oral anatomy features and fabricated materials in the mouth of the subject according to the material decomposition processing. Conditioned image content enhances the distinction between natural oral anatomy features and fabricated material according to the material decomposition.
A handheld optical apparatus for imaging a sample has an interferometer having at least output and collection waveguides formed on a photonic integrated circuit substrate. A light source generates light of wavelengths above a threshold wavelength. A first signal detector obtains an interference signal from the interferometer between a first portion of the light scattered from the sample and a reference portion of the light. A processor is programmed with instructions that perform optical coherence tomography processing on the obtained interference signal.
A hydrogel couplant system for use in ultrasonic imaging includes a sleeve body comprising a hydrogel couplant material; wherein the sleeve body is configured to encapsulate an ultrasonic probe and overcome an impedance mismatch between air and an object being imaged. In one embodiment, the hydrogel couplant material is integrally formed within the body of the sleeve body. In another embodiment, the hydrogel couplant material is adhered to either substantially all of, or a portion of, the outer surface of the sleeve body.
An intraoral x-ray system mountable to a dentist’s office wall including components movable to compensate for defects in the wall’s flatness or the wall not being sufficiently perpendicular to the floor. The system also includes monitoring and compensation capabilities to compensate for drift in the position of the system’s x-ray source or patient movement before and during x-ray imaging, thereby avoiding the need for the taking of additional x-ray images and exposing the patient unnecessarily to extra x-ray dose. Additionally, the system further includes a data/signal processing unit that allows the x-ray source to be precisely moved along a predetermined trajectory and allows the system to perform computed tomosynthesis examinations of a patient. In addition, the x-ray source is attachable/detachable from the system’s robotic arm, with the system compensating automatically for the change in weight at the robotic arm’s end due to removal of the x-ray source.
At least one embodiment of a method for training automatic tooth charting systems, the method comprising: obtaining, through a communication network, a plurality of electronic dental charts generated by the plurality of tooth charting systems, the plurality of electronic dental charts being related to a plurality of patients; for each of the obtained electronic dental charts: extracting at least a portion of an image representing a tooth or a region of interest and obtaining at least a corresponding item of information characterizing the represented tooth or the represented region of interest; storing the extracted at least a portion of the image and the corresponding item of information in a training data set, training the automatic dental charting system with the training data set.
G16H 15/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
G16H 30/40 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of medical images for processing medical images, e.g. editing
22.
INTRAORAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER WITH OPTICAL FIBER ADAPTER
An optical coherence tomography scanner for imaging a sample has a wavelength-tunable light source configured to generate scanning light having a range of wavelengths and a scanning probe having a scanning head and one or more optical channels that convey light to and from the scanning head. Each channel has a sample arm with optical fibers for conveying scanning light to the sample and conveying scattered and back-reflected light from the sample to a detector; a reference arm with optical fibers conveying reference light from the wavelength-tunable light source; an optical fiber or fiber system that defines an optical path distance for the sample or reference arm; a detector that generates an output signal according to combined light from the sample arm and conveyed reference light; and a digitizer to generate digital data according to the detector output signal and to communicate the generated digital data to a computer.
G01B 9/02004 - Interferometers characterised by controlling or generating intrinsic radiation properties using two or more frequencies using frequency scans
G01B 9/02015 - Interferometers characterised by the beam path configuration
G01B 9/02091 - Tomographic interferometers, e.g. based on optical coherence
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
A method for geometric calibration of a volume imaging apparatus disposes calibration phantom in a radiation path that includes a subject positioned between an x-ray source and a detector. The phantom has a number of radio-opaque markers formed of a marker material. In a repeated sequence, at each of a number of positional relationships of the x-ray source to the detector: 2D projection image data is acquired for the subject and the phantom, wherein the 2D projection image data distinguishes at least first and second x-ray energy distributions; source-to-detector geometry of the imaging apparatus is calculated, corresponding to the acquired 2D projection image data for the first and second x-ray energy distributions. The method reconstructs and displays a 3D volume image of the subject according to acquired anatomy image data from the subject and source-to-detector geometry within the 2D projection images.
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
A61B 6/02 - Arrangements for diagnosis sequentially in different planesStereoscopic radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/42 - Arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/46 - Arrangements for interfacing with the operator or the patient
A61B 6/51 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body partsApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
A61B 6/58 - Testing, adjusting or calibrating thereof
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
24.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY ASSISTING A PRACTITIONER IN PREPARING A DENTAL BONE GRAFTING OPERATION
At least one embodiment of a method for dynamically assisting a practitioner in preparing a dental bone grafting operation, the method comprising:—providing an image representing a 3D volume of a portion of a jaw member where bone grafting is to be carried out;—adding to the image a representation of a 3D virtual object representing dental bone graft material;—estimating a value of a geometric characteristic relating to the bone graft material to be used, as a function of geometric characteristics of the represented 3D virtual object;—enabling a user to modify the representation of the 3D virtual object; and—upon modification of the representation of the 3D virtual object, updating the estimated value of the geometric characteristic, according to the modification of the representation of the 3D virtual object, the estimated value assisting the practitioner in determining the dental bone graft material needed.
A61C 13/34 - Making or working of models, e.g. preliminary castings, trial denturesDowel pins
G16H 20/40 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to mechanical, radiation or invasive therapies, e.g. surgery, laser therapy, dialysis or acupuncture
The present invention provides an intraoral X-ray system comprising: an X-ray source located in an environment; a robotic arm comprising an actuatable scissor arm, the robotic arm having a first end configured to be attached to a mounting and a second end attached to the X-ray source, at least one of the first and the second ends comprising a rotatable actuatable joint; a position sensor to determine variation of position and/or orientation of the environment with respect to the X-ray source and variation of position and/or orientation of a mobile X-ray sensor with respect to the X-ray source; and a driving unit actuating the robotic arm as a function of the determined variation of position and/or orientation to control the position and/or orientation of the X-ray source with respect to a predetermined position and/or orientation of the X-ray source.
A method for generating optimal arch forms for a patient's dental arch is presented. The method comprises: receiving first positional digital data for one or more teeth from a reconstructed 3D digital volume of the patient dental arch; (b) generating second positional digital data for the one or more teeth according to a desired dental arch form for the patient; (c) calculating a first displacement data for one or more teeth according to the first positional and second positional digital data; (d) detecting teeth collision values based on the first displacement data; (e) calculating a second displacement data for one or more teeth based on the detected teeth collision values; and (f) reporting a combination of the first displacement data and second displacement data for repositioning one tooth or more teeth of the dental arch.
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
27.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FABRICATING A DENTAL APPLIANCE
A method and system for fabricating a dental appliance for orthodontic treatment. The method comprises the steps of obtaining three-dimensional dental data from a patient scan, locating initial tooth positions, generating optimal arch forms, and determining a digital model for fabricating an orthodontic aligner with additive device. The system comprises a scanning apparatus to acquire three- dimensional dental data, and a computer apparatus programmed with instructions for generating optimal arch forms, and determining a digital model for fabricating an orthodontic aligner with additive device.
A61C 7/00 - Orthodontics, i.e. obtaining or maintaining the desired position of teeth, e.g. by straightening, evening, regulating, separating, or by correcting malocclusions
An intraoral tomosynthesis imaging apparatus having an intraoral detector coupled to a frame or radio-opaque marker attached to its radiation facing surface without any frame attached, wherein the frame defines a target aperture for an incident radiation beam. An enclosure seats against the target aperture and houses at least one x-ray source configured to emit a radiation beam from each of a plurality of focal points within the enclosure A collimator is disposed to form a collimated radiation beam and direct the collimated beam through the target aperture and to the detector. A geometric calibration phantom having a plurality of radio-opaque markers is disposed in the path of the collimated beam. This arrangement is modified to operate as a regular intraoral imaging device by accommodating a high-power central source at the same or different distances as other sources from the detector and displacing the phantom from the field of view.
A61B 6/08 - Auxiliary means for directing the radiation beam to a particular spot, e.g. using light beams
A61B 6/40 - Arrangements for generating radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/42 - Arrangements for detecting radiation specially adapted for radiation diagnosis
A61B 6/51 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body partsApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
A61B 6/58 - Testing, adjusting or calibrating thereof
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
29.
HIGH-SPEED, DENTAL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY SYSTEM
A dental optical coherence tomography system for scanning a sample has a swept source laser configured to generate output light having a range of wavelengths. Two or more optical channels each provide a reference and sample path for the output light, wherein each optical channel has a corresponding detector to provide an output signal according to combined light from the sample and reference, wherein the detector output signal characterizes back-reflected or back-scattered light from the sample path over a range of depths below a surface. A scanning reflector simultaneously directs sample path output light from each of the two or more channels toward the sample surface and directs returned light from the sample to the corresponding sample path and detector. A processor is in signal communication with the detector for each optical channel and that is configured to record and store results from the output signals received from each detector.
At least one embodiment of a method for a method of detecting an abnormality along a portion of a dental arch using scanning material comprising an ultrasonic periodontal probe configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least one emitting cone and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the method comprising moving the probe along a portion of the dental arch, while moving the probe along the portion of the dental arch: emitting an ultrasound signal within the emitting cone; measuring echoed ultrasound signals; detecting at least one anatomical structure to be investigated; measuring at least one predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure to obtain a value of the measurement of the at least one predetermined feature characterizing the detected anatomical structure; detecting an abnormality as a function of a threshold and the value of the measurement of the predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure.
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM) (France)
CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE TOURS (France)
Inventor
Capri, Arnaud
Roudergues, David
Inglese, Jean-Marc
Josso, Herve
Shellard, Edward
Chevalliot, Stephanie
Gregoire, Jean-Marc
Ossant, Frederic
Banquart, Aline
Abstract
At least one embodiment of an ultrasonic periodontal probe, the ultrasonic periodontal probe comprising a grip portion having a longitudinal axis, a support member comprising a part having a longitudinal axis different from the longitudinal axis of the grip portion, and an ultrasonic device fastened to the grip portion via the support member, wherein the ultrasonic device is configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least two emitting cones and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the at least two emitting cones extending in opposite directions with regard to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the grip portion.
The present disclosure describes a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging system and methods of operating the system to minimize the degradation of projection images by metal in a scanned object. The methods determine the location of metal in the scanned object by making an initial low dose scan and then, using information obtained from the low dose scan, perform a second scan that may be used to create a reconstruction with reduced artifacts. The methods also calculate X-ray source and detector scan trajectories which minimize reconstruction artifacts and optimize image quality, especially when a region-of-interest is near metal in the scanned object. Additionally, the methods of the present invention calculate X-ray source and detector scan trajectories that maximize the angular range of X-rays which pass through the region-of-interest that are not blocked by metal in the scanned object.
The present disclosure describes methods for calibrating a spectral X-ray system to perform material decomposition with a single scan of an energy discriminating detector or with a single scan at each used X-ray spectrum. The methods may include material pathlengths exceeding the size of the volume reconstructable by the system. Example embodiments include physical and matching calibration phantoms. The physical calibration phantom is used to measure the attenuation of X-rays passing therethrough with all combinations of pathlengths through the calibration's basis materials. The matching digital calibration phantom is registered with the physical calibration phantom and is used to calculate the pathlength though each material for each measured attenuation value. A created data structure includes the X-ray attenuation for each X-ray spectrum or detector energy bin for all combinations of basis material pathlengths. The data structure is usable to perform a material decomposition on the X-ray projection of an imaged object.
Extra-oral dental method and/or apparatus embodiments according to this application can generate cephalometric imaged by digital tomosynthesis. An extra-oral dental imaging system embodiment for creating a cephalometric image of at least part of a human skull can include an X-ray source, an imaging device suitable for producing multiple frames during at least part of an exposure; a memory for registering and/or storing said multiple frames; and a manipulator for displacing the imaging device along an exposure profile between multiple frames during said at least part of the exposure of said object. The imaging device has an active area having a long dimension m and a short dimension n, wherein the aspect ratio m:n is strictly inferior to 1.5.
An intraoral x-ray system mountable to a dentist's office wall including components movable to compensate for defects in the wall's flatness or the wall not being sufficiently perpendicular to the floor. The system also includes monitoring and compensation capabilities to compensate for drift in the position of the system's x-ray source or patient movement before and during x-ray imaging, thereby avoiding the need for the taking of additional x-ray images and exposing the patient unnecessarily to extra x-ray dose. Additionally, the system further includes a data/signal processing unit that allows the x-ray source to be precisely moved along a pre-determined trajectory and allows the system to perform computed tomosynthesis examinations of a patient. In addition, the x-ray source is attachable/detachable from the system's robotic arm, with the system compensating automatically for the change in weight at the robotic arm's end due to removal of the x-ray source.
A method for intraoral imaging generates one or more output imaging signals from an intraoral probe and acquires multimodal image content from intraoral surface locations according to tissue response from the one or more imaging signals and associates spatial coordinates to the acquired multimodal image content. A surface contour of the patient dentition is generated by stitching the acquired multimodal image content and preserving the association of spatial coordinates with the stitched multimodal image content. Tooth outlines for one or more teeth are generated from the generated surface contour and the generated outlines arranged as a dental chart representing a spatial ordering of the one or more teeth and of supporting gum tissue adjacent to the teeth. The dental chart is populated by analyzing the acquired multimodal image content and associating the analysis to positions on the dental chart according to the preserved association of spatial coordinates and is displayed.
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
37.
CARBON NANOTUBE BASED COLD CATHODES FOR X-RAY GENERATION
A cathode of an electron emitting device is described, where the cathode comprises a carbon nanotube (CNT); a nano-filler material; and a carbonizable polymer; and where the cathode exhibits increased hardness, is formed by high temperature thermal treatment, and is devoid of a substrate. Also described is a method of forming a cathode of an electron emitting device, where the method comprises a) forming a dispersed mixture comprising a carbon nanotube, a nano -filler material, and a carbonizable polymer in a solvent; b) coating and/or extruding the mixture; c) drying the coated and/or extruded mixture to remove at least a substantial portion of the solvent; and d) subjecting the dried mixture to a high temperature thermal treatment; where the method results in the cathode of an electron emitting device having increased hardness.
A method for geometric calibration of a volume imaging apparatus disposes calibration phantom in a radiation path that includes a subject positioned between an x-ray source and a detector. The phantom has a number of radio-opaque markers formed of a marker material. In a repeated sequence, at each of a number of positional relationships of the x-ray source to the detector: 2D projection image data is acquired for the subject and the phantom, wherein the 2D projection image data distinguishes at least first and second x-ray energy distributions; source-to-detector geometry of the imaging apparatus is calculated, corresponding to the acquired 2D projection image data for the first and second x-ray energy distributions. The method reconstructs and displays a 3D volume image of the subject according to acquired anatomy image data from the subject and source-to-detector geometry within the 2D projection images.
At least one embodiment of a method for dynamically assisting a practitioner in preparing a dental bone grafting operation, the method comprising: - providing an image representing a 3D volume of a portion of a jaw member where bone grafting is to be carried out; - adding to the image a representation of a 3D virtual object representing dental bone graft material; - estimating a value of a geometric characteristic relating to the bone graft material to be used, as a function of geometric characteristics of the represented 3D virtual object; - enabling a user to modify the representation of the 3D virtual object; and - upon modification of the representation of the 3D virtual object, updating the estimated value of the geometric characteristic, according to the modification of the representation of the 3D virtual object, the estimated value assisting the practitioner in determining the dental bone graft material needed.
A shade matching method for a tooth obtains a plurality of digitized tooth shade references, obtains a three-dimensional (3D) surface representation of a tooth and associated color information defined on the three-dimensional (3D) surface, selects a region on the three- dimensional (3D) surface representation of the tooth, determines a plurality of correspondences with the common tooth shape of all the tooth shade references, computes color difference with each of the tooth shade reference from the plurality of tooth shade references, and records the label corresponding to the shade reference with a smallest difference.
A dental optical coherence tomography system for scanning a sample has a swept source laser configured to generate output light having a range of wavelengths. Two or more optical channels each provide a reference and sample path for the output light, wherein each optical channel has a corresponding detector to provide an output signal according to combined light from the sample and reference, wherein the detector output signal characterizes back-reflected or back- scattered light from the sample path over a range of depths below a surface. A scanning reflector simultaneously directs sample path output light from each of the two or more channels toward the sample surface and directs returned light from the sample to the corresponding sample path and detector. A processor is in signal communication with the detector for each optical channel and that is configured to record and store results from the output signals received from each detector.
An intraoral tomosynthesis imaging apparatus having an intraoral detector coupled to a frame or radio-opaque marker attached to its radiation facing surface without any frame attached, wherein the frame defines a target aperture for an incident radiation beam. An enclosure seats against the target aperture and houses at least one x-ray source configured to emit a radiation beam from each of a plurality of focal points within the enclosure A collimator is disposed to form a collimated radiation beam and direct the collimated beam through the target aperture and to the detector. A geometric calibration phantom having a plurality of radio-opaque markers is disposed in the path of the collimated beam. This arrangement is modified to operate as a regular intraoral imaging device by accommodating a high-power central source at the same or different distances as other sources from the detector and displacing the phantom from the field of view.
An intraoral scanner (90) is disclosed for use with a dental optical coherence tomography system. The scanner has a scanning reflector that is energizable to direct a scanning beam in a raster pattern toward a sample (S) surface. The scanning reflector is further to direct a reflected beam from the sample surface toward a detector (60). The scanning reflector is calibrated to direct the scanning and reflected beams in an open-loop control mode. A dental optical coherence tomography system and a method for calibration of a scanning reflector are also disclosed.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
A61B 1/24 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressorsInstruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
A61B 5/00 - Measuring for diagnostic purposes Identification of persons
44.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRAINING AUTOMATIC TOOTH CHARTING SYSTEMS
At least one embodiment of a method for training automatic tooth charting systems, the method comprising: obtaining, through a communication network, a plurality of electronic dental charts generated by the plurality of tooth charting systems, the plurality of electronic dental charts being related to a plurality of patients; for each of the obtained electronic dental charts: extracting at least a portion of an image representing a tooth or a region of interest and obtaining at least a corresponding item of information characterizing the represented tooth or the represented region of interest; storing the extracted at least a portion of the image and the corresponding item of information in a training data set, training the automatic dental charting system with the training data set.
G16H 15/00 - ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
G16H 10/60 - ICT specially adapted for the handling or processing of patient-related medical or healthcare data for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE (INSERM) (France)
CENTRE HOSPITALIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITAIRE DE TOURS (France)
Inventor
Capri, Arnaud
Roudergues, David
Inglèse, Jean-Marc
Josso, Hervé
Shellard, Edward
Chevalliot, Stéphanie
Grégoire, Jean-Marc
Ossant, Frédéric
Banquart, Aline
Abstract
At least one embodiment of an ultrasonic periodontal probe, the ultrasonic periodontal probe comprising a grip portion having a longitudinal axis, a support member comprising a part having a longitudinal axis different from the longitudinal axis of the grip portion, and an ultrasonic device fastened to the grip portion via the support member, wherein the ultrasonic device is configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least two emitting cones and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the at least two emitting cones extending in opposite directions with regard to a plane comprising the longitudinal axis of the grip portion.
At least one embodiment of a method for a method of detecting an abnormality along a portion of a dental arch using scanning material comprising an ultrasonic periodontal probe configured for emitting ultrasound signals within at least one emitting cone and for receiving corresponding echoed ultrasound signals, the method comprising moving the probe along a portion of the dental arch, while moving the probe along the portion of the dental arch: emitting an ultrasound signal within the emitting cone; measuring echoed ultrasound signals; detecting at least one anatomical structure to be investigated; measuring at least one predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure to obtain a value of the measurement of the at least one predetermined feature characterizing the detected anatomical structure; detecting an abnormality as a function of a threshold and the value of the measurement of the predetermined feature of the at least one detected anatomical structure.
The present disclosure describes a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) imaging system and methods of operating the system to minimize the degradation of projection images by metal in a scanned object. The methods determine the location of metal in the scanned object by making an initial low dose scan and then, using information obtained from the low dose scan, perform a second scan that may be used to create a reconstruction with reduced artifacts. The methods also calculate X-ray source and detector scan trajectories which minimize reconstruction artifacts and optimize image quality, especially when a region-of-interest is near metal in the scanned object. Additionally, the methods of the present invention calculate X-ray source and detector scan trajectories that maximize the angular range of X-rays which pass through the region-of-interest that are not blocked by metal in the scanned object.
The present disclosure describes methods for calibrating a spectral X-ray system to perform material decomposition with a single scan of an energy discriminating detector or with a single scan at each used X-ray spectrum. The methods may include material pathlengths exceeding the size of the volume reconstructable by the system. Example embodiments include physical and matching calibration phantoms. The physical calibration phantom is used to measure the attenuation of X-rays passing therethrough with all combinations of pathlengths through the calibration's basis materials. The matching digital calibration phantom is registered with the physical calibration phantom and is used to calculate the pathlength though each material for each measured attenuation value. A created data structure includes the X-ray attenuation for each X-ray spectrum or detector energy bin for all combinations of basis material pathlengths. The data structure is usable to perform a material decomposition on the X-ray projection of an imaged object.
The present disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for reducing metal artifacts in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstructions. The methods use multiple imaging modalities to identify and locate metal present in a region of dental patient's mouth and to generate a reconstructed 3-D volume image of the region with reduced metal artifacts using data obtained by the multiple modalities. According to example embodiments, the methods include creating a metal map using data from a first imaging modality and an initial 3-D reconstruction from data obtained from a second imaging modality including CBCT imaging. The metal map is registered to the initial 3-D reconstruction with a reconstructed metal map and projection metal maps being subsequently produced and applied to projections from the CBCT imaging to generate interpolated projections. An artifact reduced 3-D reconstruction is produced from the interpolated projections and a final 3-D reconstruction is created therefrom including merged metal information.
A projection apparatus for an intraoral scanner has a laser diode energizable to generate a beam of laser light along an optical axis. A collimator lens is disposed along the optical axis in the path of the generated light beam. A uniform light generator is disposed along the optical axis to improve the uniformity of the generated light beam of the collimator lens. A spatial light modulator disposed in the path of the beam from the uniform light generator is energizable to impart a pattern to the beam. A projection optic projects the patterned light toward a focal plane. A spatial filter is disposed to block one or more diffraction orders of the patterned light at the Fourier plane of the projection optic to form a filtered projection beam.
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
The present disclosure describes a system and methods for autonomous segmentation of volumetric dental images, such as those produced by an imaging system, The methods, implemented by the system, acquire a volume image of a patient and extract a volume of interest comprising patient dentition from the acquired volume image. A first plane is extended through maxillary portions of the patient's jaw and a second plane through mandibular portions of the patient's jaw. A maxillary sub-volume is generated from the volume of interest according to the first plane and a mandibular sub-volume from the volume of interest according to the second plane. Maximum intensity projection images are formed for each sub-volume and teeth are delineated from these images. Teeth are segmented within each sub-volume according to the tooth delineation for their respective sub-volume.
Methods for reconstruction of a volume radiographic image acquire 2-D projection images of a subject at a plurality of acquisition angles and generate an initial 3-D volume image formed of image voxels according to the acquired 2-D projection images. An initial 3-D reconstruction metal mask is formed from voxels that have attenuation to x-rays indicative of metal. At least one voxel is removed from the initial 3-D reconstruction metal mask to form a refined 3-D reconstruction metal mask according to a distribution of pixel values that contribute to the corresponding data value for the at least one voxel. One or more 2-D projection images are modified according to the distribution of pixel values. A refined 3-D volume image is generated according to the modified 2-D projection images. A rendering of the refined 3-D volume image displays that includes at least a portion of the refined 3-D reconstruction metal mask.
The present disclosure describes methods for improving semi-automatic and/or fully automatic tooth segmentation in reconstructed images of X-ray scans using multi-energy X-ray spectra and/or a multi-energy X-ray scanner at more than one energy. Such improved segmentation of teeth in a reconstructed image of an X-ray scan is a critical first step in the utilization of the image for applications in orthodontics, endodontics, and implant planning. In accordance with the methods, tooth segmentation may be performed semi-automatically or automatically for images which are reconstructed from a multi-energy X-ray scan. The results of the tooth segmentation may be represented as an image map which identifies voxels which are within a tooth or as a three-dimensional (3D) grid or any other representation of a three-dimensional (3D) spatial region.
01 - Chemical and biological materials for industrial, scientific and agricultural use
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
10 - Medical apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Unexposed film and chemical products; dental x-ray and photographic film processing chemicals; unexposed radiographic film; sensitized radiographic film; and sensitized photographic film and paper. Computer hardware and software for imaging in the dental field; dental imaging software, namely, computer software for acquiring, processing, enhancing, displaying, retrieving, managing, storing, archiving, and transmitting radiographic images and data for use in the dental field and head imaging; computer hardware and software for use in accessing and managing patient records, data, and images, radiographic image review, analysis, and transcription, and radiographic image archival, storage, and sharing; dental practice management software; dental office practice management software for clinical applications, namely, software for use in accessing and managing patient medical records, data, and images, radiographic image review, analysis, and transcription, and radiographic image archival, storage, and sharing; dental office practice management software for diagnostic applications, namely, software for use in accessing and managing patient medical records, data, and images, radiographic image review, analysis, diagnosis, and transcription, and radiographic image archival, storage, and sharing; workstations, comprised of computer hardware, monitor, keyboard, servers, printers and networking equipment, and computer software to access, capture, transmit or print digital radiographic images; computer hardware and software for managing facility and patient data, namely scheduling, exam tracking, information archiving, report generations, billing and administration, which interacts and integrates with external computer systems in dental and medical facilities, and diagnostics imaging centers; CAD/CAM computer software for designing and manufacturing dental restorations; computer software for 3D modeling, design, and analysis in the field of dentistry, orthodontics, prostheses, dental implants, and dental restorations; computer software, namely, digital imaging software used for illustrating tooth movements and proposed models of teeth, prostheses, orthodontic appliances, dental implants, dental restorations, and treatment plans; and computer software for detecting, diagnosing, classifying, processing, storing, displaying, and transmitting data relating to dental caries. Imaging systems comprised of imaging equipment and operating software therefor for dental diagnostic purposes and head imaging; digital radiography apparatus for dental use; x-ray apparatus for dental use and head imaging; dental film processing and handling apparatus, namely, apparatus for exposing and processing radiographic films; dental imaging film; dental radiographic film; dental imaging equipment, namely, extraoral and intraoral cameras, intraoral scanners, digital intraoral sensors, and radiographic sensors; digital and computed radiography systems for dental use and head imaging, namely, radiographic capture, display and diagnostic equipment, attached computer hardware, and software; laser imaging writers, printers, and media, all for dental and medical diagnostic use; intensifying screens and film cassettes for conventional and digital radiography for dental diagnostic use; and dental laboratory equipment, namely, milling machines for dental restorations.
A storage phosphor panel can include an extruded inorganic storage phosphor layer including a thermoplastic polyolefin and an inorganic storage phosphor material, where the extruded inorganic storage phosphor panel has a DQE comparable to that of a traditional extruded inorganic solvent coated inorganic storage phosphor screen. Also disclosed is an inorganic storage phosphor detection system including an extruded inorganic storage phosphor panel that can include an extruded inorganic storage phosphor layer including a thermoplastic olefin and an inorganic storage phosphor material; and photodetector(s) coupled to the extruded inorganic storage phosphor panel to detect photons generated from the extruded inorganic storage phosphor panel. Further disclosed is a method of making an extruded inorganic storage phosphor panel that can include providing thermoplastic particles including at least one thermoplastic polyolefin and an inorganic storage phosphor material; and melt extruding the thermoplastic particles to form an extruded inorganic storage phosphor layer.
G01T 1/203 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors the detector being made of plastics
B32B 27/18 - Layered products essentially comprising synthetic resin characterised by the use of special additives
B29C 47/00 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor (extrusion blow-moulding B29C 49/04)
G21K 4/00 - Conversion screens for the conversion of the spatial distribution of particles or ionising radiation into visible images, e.g. fluoroscopic screens
A patterned scintillator panel including an extruded scintillator layer comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material, wherein the scintillator layer comprises a pattern. Also disclosed is a method of making a patterned scintillator panel including forming a scintillator layer by melt extrusion, the scintillator layer comprising thermoplastic particles comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material; and patterning the scintillator layer. Further disclosed is a method of making a patterned scintillator panel including forming a scintillator layer by injection molding, the scintillator layer comprising thermoplastic particles comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material; and patterning the scintillator layer.
G01J 1/58 - Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter using luminescence generated by light
G01T 1/203 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors the detector being made of plastics
B29C 47/00 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor (extrusion blow-moulding B29C 49/04)
A method for quantifying caries, executed at least in part on data processing hardware, the method comprising generating a digital image of a tooth, the image comprising intensity values for a region of pixels corresponding to the tooth, gum, and background; extracting a lesion area from sound tooth regions by identifying tooth regions, extracting suspicious lesion areas, and removing false positives; identifying an adjacent sound region that is adjacent to the extracted lesion area; reconstructing intensity values for tooth tissue within the lesion area according to values in the adjacent sound region; and quantifying the condition of the caries using the reconstructed intensity values and intensity values from the lesion area.
A method for obtaining an X-ray image of a subject on a flexible information carrier plate for computed radiography. A memory is affixed to a surface of the plate, wherein the affixed memory stores information about the plate and is in wireless communication with a computer. A first scan date is stored in the affixed memory. Obtaining the X-ray image uses steps of storing at least a job identifier and a scan status for the plate in the affixed memory; acquiring image data from a scan of the plate following exposure to X-rays, acquiring at least the job identifier from the affixed memory, and associating the acquired image data with the acquired job identifier; incrementing a scan count value and updating the scan status in the affixed memory; erasing image content from the plate; and storing the acquired image data in a second, computer-accessible memory according to the acquired job identifier.
H04Q 5/22 - Selecting arrangements wherein two or more subscriber stations are connected by the same line to the exchange with indirect connection, i.e. through subordinate switching centre the subordinate centre not permitting interconnection of subscribers connected thereto
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A61B 6/14 - Applications or adaptations for dentistry
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
A method of automatic tooth segmentation, the method executed at least in part on a computer system acquires volume image data for either or both upper and lower jaw regions of a patient and identifies image content for a specified jaw from the acquired volume image data. For the specified jaw, the method estimates average tooth height for teeth within the specified jaw, finds a jaw arch region, detects one or more separation curves between teeth in the jaw arch region, defines an individual tooth sub volume according to the estimated average tooth height and the detected separation curves, segments at least one tooth from within the defined sub-volume, and displays the at least one segmented tooth.
An intraoral camera comprising: an imaging section for obtaining image data from a patient in a dental chair; a transmitter comprising a transmitter configured for both wired and wireless transmission of the obtained image data to a computer; and a power section including a cable that obtains power from the dental chair or a battery module within the camera.
A61B 1/04 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
A method for licensing a system for obtaining an X-ray image of a subject. The system employs flexible information carrier plates for computed radiography, which are exposed to X-rays and then scanned in a scanner. A license media is provided with a RFID transponder, which stores in its memory identification information referring to the system components as well as information referring to an amount of valid licenses available for use of the system components. When the identification information stored in the memory of the license media RFID transponder matches the identification information transmitted to the scanner by a processing and acquisition station the carrier plates are scanned automatically.
G06K 5/00 - Methods or arrangements for verifying the correctness of markings on a record carrierColumn-detection devices
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61B 6/00 - Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosisApparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
A61B 6/14 - Applications or adaptations for dentistry
G01T 1/20 - Measuring radiation intensity with scintillation detectors
A method for obtaining an image of tooth tissue directs incident light toward a tooth, wherein the incident light excites a fluorescent emission from the tooth tissue. Fluorescence image data is obtained from the fluorescent emission. Back-scattered reflectance image data is obtained from back-scattered light from the tooth tissue. The fluorescence and back-scattered reflectance image data are combined to form an enhanced image of the tooth tissue for caries detection.
A patterned scintillator panel including an extruded scintillator layer comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material, wherein the scintillator layer comprises a pattern. Also disclosed is a method of making a patterned scintillator panel including forming a scintillator layer by melt extrusion, the scintillator layer comprising thermoplastic particles comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material; and patterning the scintillator layer. Further disclosed is a method of making a patterned scintillator panel including forming a scintillator layer by injection molding, the scintillator layer comprising thermoplastic particles comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material; and patterning the scintillator layer.
A method of generating a dissection curve between a first and a second object in a volume image. The method accesses volume image data of a subject as a set of image slices and identifies a region of the volume image data that includes at least the first and second objects. At least one starting point in the volume image data is defined for the dissection curve according to a geometric primitive entered by an operator. Successive dissection curve points are identified according to points of minimum intensity in successive image slices. The dissection curve that connects the identified plurality of successive dissection curve points is displayed.
A method for segmenting a feature of interest from a volume image acquires image data elements from the image of a subject. One or more boundary points along a boundary of the feature of interest are identified according to one or more geometric primitives with reference to the displayed view. A foreground seed curve is defined according to the one or more identified boundary points. A background field array that lies outside of, and is spaced from, the foreground seed curve by a predetermined distance, is defined. Segmentation is applied to the volume image according to foreground values obtained according to image data elements that are spatially bounded on or within the foreground seed curve and according to background field array values to create a segmented feature of interest.
A method for segmenting a feature of interest from a volume image acquires image data elements from the image of a subject. At least one view of the acquired volume is displayed. One or more boundary points along a boundary of the feature of interest are identified according to one or more geometric primitives defined by a user with reference to the displayed view. A foreground seed curve defined according to the one or more identified boundary points and a background seed curve encompassing and spaced apart from the foreground seed curve are formed. Segmentation is applied to the volume image according to foreground values that are spatially bounded within the foreground seed curve and according to background values that lie outside the background seed curve. An image of the segmented feature of interest is displayed.
A transparent scintillator panel including an extruded scintillation layer comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material, wherein the transparent scintillator panel has an intrinsic MTF at least 5% greater than the iH50 of a solvent-coated DRZ+ screen. Also disclosed is a scintillation detection system including a transparent scintillator panel comprising an extruded scintillation layer comprising a thermoplastic olefin and a scintillator material; and at least one photodetector coupled to the transparent scintillator panel, wherein at least one photodetector is configured to detect photons generated from the transparent scintillator panel. Further disclosed is a method of making a transparent scintillator panel including providing thermoplastic particles comprising at least one thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material; and melt extruding the thermoplastic particles to form an extruded scintillation layer.
A method for obtaining an intraoral x-ray image determines an initial spatial position and angular orientation of an x-ray source relative to a detector. A first x-ray image is obtained with the x-ray source at the initial spatial position and angular orientation and stored, associating the initial spatial position and angular orientation to the first x-ray image. A sequence repeats that calculates a next spatial position and angular orientation for the x-ray source, provides positional adjustment information between the x-ray source and detector for obtaining a next x-ray image, measures and records the actual spatial position and angular orientation of the x-ray source relative to the detector and obtains and stores the next x-ray image at the measured spatial position and angular orientation, and forms a composite image using image data from the first and from the one or more next x-ray images.
An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range.
A method for generating an electronic dental chart for a patient, executed at least in part by a host processor, obtains image data for each of a number of teeth of the patient and generates a template dental chart for the patient that represents the position of each imaged tooth with a symbol according to the obtained image data. The template dental chart for each imaged tooth symbol is populated to form the electronic dental chart by associating the obtained image data to the corresponding symbol in the template dental chart for the imaged tooth, analyzing the obtained image data to identify a condition of the imaged tooth, associating at least the identified condition with the symbol for the imaged tooth, and displaying the populated electronic dental chart, wherein the displayed electronic dental chart provides a visual indication of the identified condition.
A method for forming an enhanced image (60) of a tooth (20) making use of the tooth (20) fluorescence and/or reflectance effects, employs a morphological image processing technique, and reduces susceptibility to overall intensity variations in the image (60).
A method of providing a corrected reconstructed computed tomography image accesses image data for computed tomography images of a subject, identifying a subset of the computed tomography images that contain high density features. At least one high density feature is detected in each of the identified subset. The high density feature is classified and a compensation image is formed by distributing pixels representative of tissue over the classified high density feature. A difference sinogram is generated for each image in the identified subset of images by subtracting a first sinogram of the high density feature from a second sinogram of the original image. A resultant sinogram is generated for each image in the identified subset by adding a third sinogram generated according to the compensation image to the difference sinogram. The corrected reconstructed computed tomography image is formed according to the resultant sinogram generated for each image in the identified subset of images.
A method for identifying tooth regions. The method includes generating a first threshold image from a first tooth image by selecting intensity data values higher than a first predetermined threshold value c1; generating a second threshold image from a second tooth image by selecting intensity data values higher than a second predetermined threshold value c2; generating a preliminary tooth regions image that defines at least a first tooth region from the intersection of the first and second threshold images; generating a reference binary image from the first image by selecting intensity data values higher than a third predetermined threshold value c3, wherein threshold value c3 exceeds c1; and generating a refined tooth regions image from at least the first tooth region in the preliminary tooth regions image. The first tooth region is connected to objects in the reference binary image.
A method for extracting a carious lesion area from sound regions of a tooth. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a digital image of the tooth; identifying tooth regions; extracting a suspicious lesion area by using a marker-controlled watershed algorithm or by using a morphological bottom-hat based method along with a multi-resolution surface reconstruction method; and removing false positives. In another embodiment, the method includes generating a digital image of the tooth comprising obtaining a fluorescence image of the tooth, obtaining a reflectance image of the tooth, and combining image data for the fluorescence and reflectance images; identifying tooth regions; extracting suspicious lesion areas; and removing false positives.
A photostimulable plate reading device. The device includes: at least one photostimulable plate carrying image data and having two opposite surfaces; an illuminator for homogeneously illuminating a first one of the two opposite surfaces of the at least one photostimulable plate with light emitted in a first wavelength range, the illumination causing the at least one photostimulable plate both to emit light in a second wavelength range by photostimulated luminescence and to scatter light in the first wavelength range; a filter for preventing the light scattered in the first wavelength range from passing and for allowing the light emitted in the second wavelength range to pass, the filter facing a second one of the two opposite surfaces of the at least one photostimulable plate; and a detector composed of a two dimensional array of pixels for detecting the light allowed to pass and for obtaining image data therefrom.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
A method for quantifying caries, executed at least in part on data processing hardware, the method comprising generating a digital image of a tooth, the image comprising intensity values for a region of pixels corresponding to the tooth, gum, and background; extracting a lesion area from sound tooth regions by identifying tooth regions, extracting suspicious lesion areas, and removing false positives; identifying an adjacent sound region that is adjacent to the extracted lesion area; reconstructing intensity values for tooth tissue within the lesion area according to values in the adjacent sound region; and quantifying the condition of the caries using the reconstructed intensity values and intensity values from the lesion area.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Dental practice management software for maintaining patient files and dental histories, billing and insurance claim processing, office scheduling and accounting, word processing, spreadsheet and relational database applications for use by dental healthcare practitioners.
An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image (122) from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image (120) from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter (18) in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor (68), wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens (22) in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor (68), and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter (15) in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range.
The application relates to a signal processing method in a dental radiology apparatus comprising an intraoral sensor that delivers at least one analog image output signal in response to an exposure of said sensor to x-rays, characterized in that it includes the following steps: conversion of said at least one analog image output signal into one digital image output signal, processing of the digital image output signal to obtain a report indicating the x-ray exposure level that has been used to deliver said analog output signal, the report indicating the exposure level corresponding to an exposure level classified as under-exposure, correct exposure or over-exposure, supply of the report indicating the exposure level used.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
G09G 5/02 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators characterised by the way in which colour is displayed
A method for obtaining an image of tooth tissue directs incident light toward a tooth (20), wherein the incident light excites a fluorescent emission from the tooth tissue. Specular reflection of incident light from the tooth tissue is reduced. Fluorescence image data (50) is obtained from the fluorescent emission. Back-scattered reflectance image data (52) is obtained from back-scattered light from the tooth tissue. The fluorescence and back-scattered reflectance image data are combined to form an enhanced image (64) of the tooth tissue for caries detection.
