Abstract: A method for forming a color surface contour image of one or more teeth projects each of a plurality of structured patterns onto the one or more teeth and records image data from the structured pattern onto a monochrome sensor array. Surface contour image data is generated according to the recorded image data from the structured pattern projection. Light of first, second, and third spectral bands is projected onto the one or more teeth and first, second, and third color component image data is recorded on the monochrome sensor array. The first, second, and third color component image data is combined with color calibration data to generate a set of color values for each image pixel. The generated set of color values is assigned to the corresponding pixel in the generated surface contour image data to generate the color surface contour image. The generated color surface contour image is displayed.

Abstract: An intra-oral camera has a projector that is energizable to emit patterned illumination and an imaging sensor that is energizable to obtain image content. An inertial motion sensing element provides signals indicative of acceleration of the intra-oral imaging apparatus along at least one axis. A processor is in signal communication with the projector, the imaging sensor, and the inertial motion sensing element and is configured to initiate image acquisition according to signals obtained from the inertial motion sensing element.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently coupling light from a light source into a thin object such as a rod or a sheet is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sheet and a linear light source placed along the edge of the sheet. The light from linear light source is coupled into the sheet using one or more concentrator blocks. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rod and a point light source placed near one end of the rod. The light from point light source is coupled into the rod using one or more concentrator blocks.

Abstract: An energy efficient polarized linear light source system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reflector and a reflecting polarizer. A transparent linear light source and a quarter wave retarder are placed in between the reflector and reflecting polarizer. The polarized linear light source may be used as an illuminator for an efficient polarized surface light source.

Abstract: A photo luminescent light source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a light conducting medium. This light conducting medium includes particles of photoluminescent material, and a light source placed along an edge of it. The photoluminescent material absorbs light generated by the light source, and emanates light of the wavelength characterized by the photoluminescence properties of particles. The distribution of light emitting photoluminescent particles is varied throughout the medium to emanate a predetermined light pattern. In another embodiment, the light source emits light of multiple colors. In yet another embodiment, the light source emits polarized light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a linear light source emitting light in a narrow cone of directions is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a linear light source and a sheet designed in such a way that light is emanated out in a narrow set of directions. Also disclosed is a directional surface light source using a directional linear light source.

Abstract: An apparatus for efficiently coupling light from a light source into a thin object such as a rod or a sheet is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a sheet and a linear light source placed along the edge of the sheet. The light from linear light source is coupled into the sheet using one or more concentrator blocks. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a rod and a point light source placed near one end of the rod. The light from point light source is coupled into the rod using one or more concentrator blocks.

Abstract: A directional light source comprising refractive and reflective optics is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises refracting apparatus which refracts light into a narrow cone, and reflecting apparatus which recycles light into a direction such that light will emanate from the refracting apparatus in the desired narrow cone.