Abstract: A camera head of a dental camera for detecting caries in an interdental space has an illuminating device for illuminating a tooth adjacent to the interdental space, which includes an infrared light source. The camera head further includes optics which have an image plane and an object plane, wherein an image sensor is located in the image plane, and the object plane divides the space into two half spaces, wherein a first half space contains the optics and is located in front of the object plane, and a second half space is located behind the object plane, both as seen from the optics. The illuminating device and the optics are designed and arranged with respect to one another in such a way that the illuminating device is arranged in the first half space and infrared light exiting the illuminating device is aimed in the direction of the second half space.

Abstract: A method for displaying live video of a tooth identifies a tooth tissue region in a viewable image frame obtained from a video stream and processes pixel data within the tooth tissue region to identify a suspected caries site. Intensity values for pixels that correspond to the suspected caries site are modified and a highlighted viewable image frame is formed as a combination of the modified intensity values corresponding to the suspected caries site and other pixel values in the viewable image frame. The highlighted viewable image frame is displayed in video form.

Abstract: A hierarchical pattern matching process is improved for use in three-dimensional reconstruction by calculating a disparity field for low-resolution data, and using this low-resolution disparity field to estimate the disparity field for higher-resolution images. By pre-warping a template according to the estimated disparity field, improved correlation results can be obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various techniques for improving global path optimization in a system that uses camera path for three-dimensional reconstruction. A subset of frames of data for the global path, the key frames, may be used to reduce the computational complexity of the optimization, while preserving full three-dimensional detail in the optimized model by relating other measurements to the optimized key frame path.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-oral camera having an imaging system for depicting the object located in front of an observation window of the camera on a recording unit, wherein the imaging system has at least one focusing unit for setting a suitable focus and an aperture unit for forming a variable aperture. The setting of the aperture is carried out independently of the focus adjusted by the focusing unit.

Abstract: A digital intra-oral panoramic arch camera can provide a single panoramic image easily taken by one person. The intra-oral panoramic arch camera can save clinical time and improve accuracy for treatment planning. The intra-oral panoramic arch camera includes a plurality of image capturing devices and a plurality of lamps, such as light emitting diodes, for providing sufficient lighting for capturing the image. The intra-oral panoramic arch camera can include adjustable positioning arms to adjust the individual cameras to the correct positioning depending on the patient's oral structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A sample and hold circuit includes a plurality of capacitors, a network of switches and a control circuit. The control circuit is operable to control the network of switches so as to sample an incoming signal onto at least some of the plurality of capacitors. In such an operation, each capacitor takes a sample of the incoming signal at a different time. The sample and hold circuit outputs a signal corresponding to an average of the samples.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An autofocus method for an intra-oral camera modulates the focus of a liquid lens in a cycle that has at least first, second, and third focus positions and obtains an image at each focus position, measuring focus of the obtained image. The position of the liquid lens is adjusted according to the measured focus. Steps of modulating the focus of the liquid lens in the cycle with at least first, second, and third focus positions, and obtaining the image at each focus position and measuring focus of the obtained image are repeated.

Abstract: An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus for obtaining an image from a patient has a radiation source and a digital imaging sensor that provides, for each of a number 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 supports the radiation source and the digital imaging sensor on opposite sides of the patient's head. There can be a computer in signal communication with the digital imaging sensor for acquiring one or more two-dimensional images.

Abstract: A system configured provided with a continuously captured image sequence forming means for continuously capturing side surfaces of rows of teeth to form an image sequence, a side surface tooth row image forming means for combining sequences of images which were formed by the continuously captured image sequence forming means as partial tooth row images from an image forming the center of the overall composite so as to form a plurality of partial tooth row images, and a side surface tooth row image combining means for linking and combining a plurality of partial tooth row images which were formed by the side surface tooth row image forming means based on images farming the centers of the overall composite so as to form overall rows of teeth.

Abstract: The present invention related to an auto focus intraoral camera. The auto focus intraoral camera includes an illumination module for providing illuminating light, an imager, and a lens system for collecting light reflected from an object and focusing the light onto the imager, wherein said lens system further comprises at least one liquid lens including a vessel filled with a first liquid, and a second liquid being in contact with said first liquid, the first and second liquids being immiscible, of different optical indexes, and of substantially same density; wherein the lens system further includes a driver integrated circuit applying variable voltage to control the focal length of said lens. According to the present application, a compact auto focus intraoral camera with a small size and simple structure is provided, which decreases the camera complexity and improve the performance.

Abstract: A method and device for high-resolution three-dimensional (3-D) imaging which obtains camera pose using defocusing is disclosed. The device comprises a lens obstructed by a mask having two sets of apertures. The first set of apertures produces a plurality of defocused images of the object, which are used to obtain camera pose. The second set of optical filters produces a plurality of defocused images of a projected pattern of markers on the object. The images produced by the second set of apertures are differentiable from the images used to determine pose, and are used to construct a detailed 3-D image of the object. Using the known change in camera pose between captured images, the 3-D images produced can be overlaid to produce a high-resolution 3-D image of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a tooth has at least one illumination source for providing an incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image of the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image of the tooth. A first polarizer having a first polarization axis and a compensator in the path of the incident light of the first spectral range are disposed to direct light toward the tooth. A second polarizer is disposed to direct light obtained from the tooth toward a sensor and has a second polarization axis that is orthogonal to the first polarization axis. A lens is positioned in the return path to direct image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor for obtaining image data. A filter in the path of the image-bearing light from the tooth is treated to attenuate light in the second spectral range.

Abstract: A processor for an electronic endoscope, which is configured to be connected with a videoscope adapted to generate a picture signal for an image of an observed object through color adjustment using color adjustment data and to transmit the generated picture signal to the processor, the processor includes a light source configured to emit light for illuminating the observed object, a determining unit configured to determine whether the color adjustment data used by the videoscope is adapted to the light source, a color conversion data acquiring unit configured to acquire color conversion data adapted to the color adjustment data when the determining unit determines that the color adjustment data is not adapted to the light source, and a color converter configured to perform color conversion for the picture signal transmitted by the videoscope using the color conversion data acquired by the color conversion data acquiring unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for identification of caries, executed at least in part on data processing hardware, captures a plurality of blocks of digital tooth images, each block of tooth images comprising a fluorescence image and one or more reflectance images. At least one registered fluorescence image is generated from the fluorescence image and the one or more reflectance images. A combined image is generated using each of the one or more reflectance images and the at least one registered fluorescence image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for registration of digital images of a plurality of dental surfaces of a patient. Multiple dental surfaces are separately scanned and digitized, where each of the surfaces has at least one marked area. All marked areas are optically acquired, creating digitized images of the plurality of dental surfaces, which are then registered in a common reference frame on the basis of a specified marked areas. In some cases, a first dental surface is disposed on an upper dental arch and a second dental surface is disposed on a lower dental arch. Marked contact areas may be indicative of local occlusion pressure.

Abstract: An auto focus intraoral camera with liquid lens includes: a digital imaging sensor (304) for capturing a digital image of an object; a light source for illuminating the object; an imaging lens assembly (302) for directing the light from the object along an optical path toward the digital imaging sensor; a liquid lens (100) disposed in the optical path between the imaging lens assembly and the digital imaging sensor, where the liquid lens has an adjustable focal length; a driver (306) for applying a variable voltage to the liquid lens to control the focal length of the liquid lens; and a processor (308) for processing the digital image captured by the digital imaging sensor. Meanwhile, a continuously auto focusing method for an intraoral camera is disclosed.

Abstract: A dental treatment observation system includes a photographing unit supported with a first auxiliary arm at a front end of a support arm extending from a stand and a stereoscopic display unit supported with a second auxiliary arm at the front end of the support arm. The stand allows the photographing unit and stereoscopic display unit together to be widely moved and the first and second auxiliary arms allow the units to be separately moved in optional directions. The system is appropriate for dental treatment and is capable of reducing fatigue of a dentist during treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for full-mouth intraoral image acquisition. An intraoral sensor configuration includes a multi-aperture digital camera and/or a conformal layered sensor structure, a bite piece, and an electronic cable for imaging inside surfaces of a mouth of a patient without having to re-position the digital camera and/or the conformal layered sensor structure within the mouth of the patient during an image acquisition session. Images may be acquired sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for full-mouth intraoral image acquisition. An intraoral sensor configuration includes a multi-aperture digital camera and/or a conformal layered sensor structure, a bite piece, and an electronic cable for imaging inside surfaces of a mouth of a patient without having to re-position the digital camera and/or the conformal layered sensor structure within the mouth of the patient during an image acquisition session. Images may be acquired sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: Described are methods that enable rapid automated object classification of measured three-dimensional object scenes. Each method can be performed during a three-dimensional measurement procedure while data are being acquired or after completion of the measurement procedure using the acquired data. In various embodiments, an object scene is illuminated with an optical beam and an image is acquired. In some embodiments, the object scene is illuminated with a structured light pattern and a sequence of images of the object scene illuminated by the pattern at different spatial phases is acquired. Coordinates are determined for points in the one or more images and a translucence value is determined for each of the points. An object class is determined for each point based on the translucence value for the point. Optionally, additional information, such as grayscale or color image data for each point, is used to supplement the object class determination.

Abstract: A dentist's field visualization system for acquiring, processing and displaying images and full-motion video from an intraoral camera on a heads-up display.

Abstract: A system and method for real-time measurement of curing energy delivered to a simulated dental restoration from a source of curing energy. The system comprises a detector and a display. The detector measures at a location within the simulated dental restoration the amount of curing energy delivered by the curing energy source. The display displays the measured amount of curing energy in real-time. The system also comprises a temperature detector to measure temperature changes in the oral tissues during curing (teeth and gums). The system also comprises a video camera to record the operator's curing technique.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a tooth has at least one illumination source for providing an incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image of the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image of the tooth. A first polarizer having a first polarization axis and a compensator in the path of the incident light of the first spectral range are disposed to direct light toward the tooth. A second polarizer is disposed to direct light obtained from the tooth toward a sensor and has a second polarization axis that is orthogonal to the first polarization axis. A lens is positioned in the return path to direct image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor for obtaining image data. A filter in the path of the image-bearing light from the tooth is treated to attenuate light in the second spectral range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a color mapping of a dental object. Illumination is directed toward the object over at least first, second, and third wavelength band, one band at a time. An image of the dental object is captured at each wavelength band to form a set of images of the dental object. For pixels in the captured set of images, an image data value for the pixel corresponds to each of the wavelength bands and calculates interpolated image data values proportional to the spectral reflectance of the dental object, according to the obtained image data values and according to image data values obtained from a reference object at the wavelength bands. Spectral distribution data for a viewing illuminant is obtained and the visual color of the dental object reconstructed according to the calculated interpolated image data values and the obtained spectral distribution of the viewing illuminant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating a color mapping for a dental object. The method includes generating a transformation matrix according to a set of spectral reflectance data for a statistically valid sampling of teeth. Illumination is directed toward the dental object over at least a first, a second, and a third wavelength band, one wavelength band at a time. For each of a plurality of pixels in an imaging array, an image data value is obtained, corresponding to each of the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The transformation matrix is applied to form the color mapping by generating a set of visual color values for each of the plurality of pixels according to the obtained image data values and according to image data values obtained from a reference object at the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The color mapping can be stored in an electronic memory.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including at least one tool configured to be placed inside a subject's mouth. A first optically-visible marker is coupled to the tool. A second optically-visible marker is coupled to a structure inside the subject's mouth. A plurality of optical cameras are coupled to the tool, and are placed inside the subject's mouth by the tool being placed inside the subject's mouth. The cameras acquire respective images of the inside of the subject's mouth, in which the second optically-visible marker is identifiable. A plurality of optical cameras that are disposed outside the subject's mouth acquire respective images of the tool, while the tool is inside the subject's mouth, in which images the first optically-visible marker is identifiable. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The illustrated embodiment of the invention encompasses an apparatus for intraoral imaging of teeth of a patient which includes a camera, a robotic arm coupled to the camera which arm is capable of rotating the camera for selectively positioning the camera into the mouth of the patient, least one sensor coupled to arm to sense the relative position of the teeth and/or mouth with respect to the camera, and a controller coupled to the at least one sensor and arm for controlling the arm to avoid any collision between the teeth or the interior of the mouth and the camera and/or arm, where the controller further selectively moves the arm to track any movement of the patient to keep the camera in a constant relative position with respect to the teeth or mouth.

Abstract: The medical, particularly dental imaging camera including an elongated housing (2) that can be held by a single hand of a user and provided, at its front end, with an imaging element, this housing (2) including a sensitive control element capable of freezing, on a display (5), an image selected by the user, this control element having a detection area (9) situated on the housing (2) that is delimited by a surface discontinuity such as a recess or a relief (11). The housing (2) encloses a sensor element associated with an electronic driving circuit and an electrostatic foam element whose one end is applied against the sensor element and whose opposite end is applied against an area of the inner face of the housing (2) located to the right of the detection area (9).

Abstract: An image-signal generating apparatus comprises a solid-state image pickup device-equivalent load circuit unit including a load approximately equivalent to a solid-state image pickup device such as a charge coupled device, etc. The image-signal generating apparatus further comprises an image-signal generating circuit for generating an image signal corresponding to an output signal output from the solid-state image pickup device through the solid-state image pickup device-equivalent load circuit unit, which is a load to which a driving signal for driving the solid-state image pickup device is applied.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intra-oral camera having an imaging system for depicting the object located in front of an observation window of the camera on a recording unit, wherein the imaging system has at least one focusing unit for setting a suitable focus and an aperture unit for forming a variable aperture. The setting of the aperture is carried out independently of the focus adjusted by the focusing unit.

Abstract: 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. Specular reflection of incident light from the tooth tissue is reduced. 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The intraoral camera of the present invention comprises a main body case (1), an intraoral insertion component (3) mounted on the front side of the main body case (1), an imaging window (3a) provided to the intraoral insertion component (3), and an imaging device (10) that is optically linked to the imaging window (3a) and is disposed inside the main body case (1) or inside the intraoral insertion component (3). Illumination elements (9) are disposed at portions of an outer peripheral wall face (17) that are substantially opposite each other in the horizontal direction. These illumination elements (9) are inclined toward the outside of the imaging window in the center of the imaging window (3a), and the outer peripheral wall face (17) that is substantially opposite these illumination elements (9) in the vertical direction is constituted as a light collecting face that is inclined toward the outside of the imaging window in the center of the imaging window (3a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable medium that includes one or more programs for carrying out a method for addressing a dental need in a patient involving modification of tooth shape, alignment, or color. The method includes the steps of receiving an electronic image of a patient's tooth; storing the image electronically in memory storage; and communicating the image to a party for evaluation of the modification of tooth shape, alignment, or color in connection with the addressing of the patient's dental need.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-purpose imaging apparatus (10) comprising a body (14) and imaging means (36) housed within the body (14). The body (14) is adapted to releasably engage an adaptor (12). The adaptor (12) has an aperture (108) extending therethrough that aligns with the optical axis (X) of the imaging means (36) when so engaged, such that at least a portion of the optical axis (X) is not obscured. The adaptor (12) also has optics for illuminating a subject within the optical axis (X) for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: An intra-oral imaging apparatus having an illumination system directing light symmetrically about an optical axis. A first array includes polychromatic light sources directing light over a first range of angles. A second array includes polychromatic light sources, each light source of the second array paired with a polarizer directing light over a second range of angles that is narrower than the first range of angles. A third array includes UV light sources directing the light over the second range of angles. Collection optics with an imaging lens system is disposed along an optical path direct reflected light to a detector that is disposed to form image data from the reflected light. An analyzer has its transmission axis oriented orthogonally to the polarizer to reduce specular reflection. A long pass filter blocks reflected UV light from the third array light sources.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for imaging a tooth. The apparatus includes: illumination means arranged to generate first and second infra-red light; and image data acquisition means arranged for receiving infra-red light originating from the illumination means and returned from an illuminated tooth. The image data acquisition means includes infra-red pixel sensor means responsive to said returned infra-red light to generate image pixel values for a first image of the illuminated tooth using first infra-red light and for a second image of the illuminated tooth using second infra-red light. The apparatus further includes data processing means to use one or more image pixel values of the first image to calculate a first reflectance value, and to use one or more image pixel values of the second image to calculate a second reflectance value, and to determine from the first and second reflectance values a measure of the degree of enamel lesion (Se) and/or dentin lesion (Sd) present in the part.

Abstract: A dental microscopic procedure uses a digital surgical scope comprising a lens assembly for magnifying an optical image of an object and an illumination device for illuminating the object along the optical axis and from the direction of the lens assembly; an image data taking device, an image data processing/storing device having a database, one or more displays, and one or more controls for controlling the behaviors of the digital surgical scope, the image data taking device, the image data processing/storing device, and the one or more displays. The procedure comprises steps for capturing images, enhancing images, and selecting and performing functions on the images, wherein the function comprises deleting, exporting, importing, multi-viewing, printing, and managing the images with the database.

Abstract: Spectral Band Separation (SBS) modules including at least one dichroic element for imaging at least two different still or video images along non co-directional lines of sight for imaging purposes including inter alia displaying multiple 2D images, displaying Extended Field Of View (EFOV) images, stereoscopic imaging, 3D image rendering, and the like. The SBS modules can be implemented as discrete optical attachments for mounting on a color camera module or alternatively can be integrally formed therewith.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ superposition of two-dimensional video and a rendered, three-dimensional image to provide visual feedback during acquisition and analysis of three-dimensional data. These systems and methods may be usefully employed in a context such as dentistry to assist in the acquisition of highly detailed and accurate digital dental models from the dentition of a dental patient.

Abstract: A method for optically measuring an object by means of an optical recording apparatus includes a triangulation method. A first shutter means is used to produce a first pattern and to project the first pattern as a first projection beam onto the object to be measured. At least one further shutter means is used to produce a further pattern and to project the further pattern as a further projection beam onto the object to be measured. The first pattern and the further pattern are passed back from the object as observation beams and are recorded by at least one recording means in order to obtain a three-dimensional data record of the object. The projected first pattern and the further pattern are recorded at the same time in at least one triangulation recording using the at least one recording means.

Abstract: A display associated with a treatment device for dental material, with which at least one operating state of the device can be displayed. The display is a function of the operating state of the device. The display shows different operating states of the treatment device exclusively with the aid of color signals, whereby each color is associated with an operating state of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a tooth having a light source with a first spectral range and a second spectral range. A polarizing beamsplitter (18) 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 first and second polarization states are orthogonal. A first lens (22) in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth, through the polarizing beamsplitter (18), toward the sensor (68), and obtains image data from the redirected 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. Control logic enables the sensor to obtain either the reflectance image or the fluorescence image.

Abstract: A dental microscopic procedure uses a digital surgical scope comprising a lens assembly for magnifying an optical image of an object and an illumination device for illuminating the object along the optical axis and from the direction of the lens assembly; an image data taking device, an image data processing/storing device having a database, one or more displays, and one or more controls for controlling the behaviors of the digital surgical scope, the image data taking device, the image data processing/storing device, and the one or more displays. The procedure comprises steps for capturing images, enhancing images, and selecting and performing functions on the images, wherein the function comprises deleting, exporting, importing, multi-viewing, printing, and managing the images with the database.

Abstract: An intraoral camera system is disclosed, which includes a dental mirror having a aperture for transmitting light therethrough, the aperture being provided in the center or any other part of the mirror by removing a reflective material therefrom. A CCD camera is secured on a back surface of the dental mirror in such a manner that the aperture coincides with its incident portion coincides with aperture in the dental mirror. A hand mirror shaped monitor is also provided for displaying image data received from the CCD camera via cable or radio, and a server is also provided that is capable of storing and outputting the image data any time onto the monitor, wherein even though a patient is laid down on a chair in a horizontal position, the patient or a third party can utilize the hand mirror shaped monitor to view an image which is very close to the image that a dentist views through reflection from the dental mirror having said CCD camera built therein.

Abstract: To provide a driving method of a plasma display panel capable of improving a dark contrast while preventing a spurious discharge. A discharge is produced in discharge cells only in an address erasing process for one subfield selected from a plurality of subfields constituting a unit display period, so that the states of the discharge cells are changed to a non-light emitting state. An address writing process for producing a discharge in the discharge cells so as to set the discharge cells to a light emitting state is performed before the address erasing process in the first one of the subfields. In this case, in either of the address writing process and the address erasing process, the discharge is produced between one of the row electrode pairs and the column electrodes by supplying a voltage for charging the column electrodes to a negative polarity between the one of the row electrode pairs and the column electrodes.