Patents by Inventor Linda P. Nelson

Linda P. Nelson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Methods and apparatus for simulating dental procedures and for training dental students
    Patent number: 7249952
    Abstract: A training system using haptically enhanced simulations of dental procedures to provide the sensorimotor involvement needed for dental training. To provide touch feedback in combination with a realistic visual experience, the system integrates a haptic stylus interface for simulating the movement and feel of the tool-tip with a three-dimensional, stereoscopic display. The haptic stylus enables the dental student to orient and operate simulated dental tools. Working on a virtual model viewed in a stereo display, dental students can use a simulated pick to probe a tooth, or a simulated drill to prepare a tooth for cavity repair. The touch feedback is simulated by representing these dental instruments as force-to-a-point tools which map to haptic simulation procedures executed on a computer workstation that also provides the visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: John F. Ranta, Walter A. Aviles, R. Bruce Donoff, Linda P. Nelson
  • Methods and apparatus for simulating dental procedures and for training dental students
    Publication number: 20020119432
    Abstract: A training system using haptically enhanced simulations of dental procedures to provide the sensorimotor involvement needed for dental training. To provide touch feedback in combination with a realistic visual experience, the system integrates a haptic stylus interface for simulating the movement and feel of the tool-tip with a three-dimensional, stereoscopic display. The haptic stylus enables the dental student to orient and operate simulated dental tools. Working on a virtual model viewed in a stereo display, dental students can use a simulated pick to probe a tooth, or a simulated drill to prepare a tooth for cavity repair. The touch feedback is simulated by representing these dental instruments as force-to-a-point tools which map to haptic simulation procedures executed on a computer workstation that also provides the visual display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: John F. Ranta, Walter A. Aviles, R. Bruce Donoff, Linda P. Nelson