Abstract: A system for dental x-ray examinations includes an image receptor, and a holder removably bonded to the image receptor by an adhesive coating. The system for dental x-ray examinations provides the clinician with a greater freedom of positioning and thereby improves upon the effectiveness of x-ray examinations, as well as upon patient comfort.

Abstract: A system for capturing multiple intraoral images includes an intraoral sensor. The sensor includes a sensor array, a transmitter and a power source that provides power to the sensor array and the transmitter. The sensor is configured to be inserted inside a patient's oral cavity, capture an image upon the presence of incident radiation and transmit from within the oral cavity via a wireless link electrical signals representing the image. A base station positioned outside the oral cavity is configured to receive the electrical signals transmitted from the sensor. The sensor is capable of capturing transmitting to the base station electrical signals representing multiple intraoral images without requiring that the sensor be removed from the patient's oral cavity.

Abstract: An electronic image sensor includes a first subsystem that has a radiation sensitive sensor array that captures an image upon the presence of incident radiation, a second subsystem that provides signals to control the reading out of data from the sensor array; and a third subsystem that provides electrical power to the first and second subsystems. A fourth subsystem has a controller that provides control signals to the third subsystem, to selectively control the provision of electrical power to the first subsystem and the second subsystem.

Abstract: A method of determining that radiation is incident upon a radiation sensor comprising a plurality of radiation sensitive pixels includes the steps of monitoring an amount of current drawn by the pixels, and generating a signal indicating a presence of incident radiation which the amount of current exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A dental camera is provided which is capable of operating in a wireless mode and a wired mode. A handpiece includes circuitry for generating a signal representing a video image and a first connector. A wireless adaptor module includes a power supply for supplying power to the handpiece, a transmitter for transmitting the signal representing a video image, and a second connector that mates with the first connector when the dental camera is being operated in the wireless mode. A cable has a third connector that mates with the first connector when the dental camera is being operated in the wired mode. With this system, clinical flexibility is afforded to a dental practitioner.

Abstract: A filmless dental radiography system includes an intraoral sensor that outputs image data and a computer having a universal serial bus port that receives data. The image data output by the intraoral sensor are input to the computer through the universal serial bus port.

Abstract: An x-ray detector includes a scintillator that converts an invisible-radiant-energy image into a visible-light image and a sensor array that converts the visible-light image into an electrical signal. The sensor array comprises a plurality of CMOS active pixel sensors.

Abstract: An dental imaging apparatus and a corresponding method is disclosed. The imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, a lamp for providing illumination, and an image processor for processing the image in accordance with either a first stored white balance related to a characteristic of the lamp illumination or a second stored white balance. Preferably, the first stored white balance is used when the lamp is on, and the second stored white balance is used when the lamp is off.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a X-ray image of a patient's teeth by placing an intra-oral sensor having a plurality of pixels disposed in a linear array inside the patient's mouth, and moving a radiation source around outside of the patient's mouth. The intra-oral sensor detects the radiation that has passed through the patient's teeth and generates corresponding output signals that depend on the amount of radiation arriving at each pixel. The information contained in the output signals is stored and can be used to create an X-ray image of the patient's teeth. The intra-oral sensor can be moved about inside the patient's mouth in coordination with the movement of the radiation source in order to improve the resulting image quality. This method and apparatus can be used to obtain an X-ray image of any number of teeth, including a panoramic image of all of the patient's teeth, in a single, quick, uninterrupted operation.

Abstract: An x-ray detector includes a scintillator that converts an invisible-radiant-energy image into a visible-light image and a sensor array that converts the visible-light image into an electrical signal. The sensor array comprises a plurality of CMOS active pixel sensors.

Abstract: A handheld dental video camera and a corresponding method is disclosed. The dental video camera includes a window for receiving light. In some aspects of the invention, a lamp is mounted distally beyond the window and aimed to illuminate a subject. In other aspects of the invention, a white LED is used to illuminate the subject.

Abstract: AA method and apparatus for measuring bone density using x-ray radiation at two energy levels, and an image sensor array that comprises a plurality of CMOS active pixel sensors.

Abstract: A large area image detecting apparatus made by arranging a plurality of small area sensors in a stepped arrangement so that the inactive regions of the small sensors are covered by a active area of another small sensor. The apparatus may be used to detect light or radiation. A fiber optic assembly may be used to guide light from a flat scintillator plate onto the small sensors.