Abstract: An approach is disclosed that involves creating an implant-supported prosthesis that is dynamically guided into position using an image-guided navigation system into position in a patient’s mouth without the use of a surgical guide.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed that involves creating an implant-supported prosthesis that is dynamically guided into position using an image-guided navigation system into position in a patient's mouth without the use of a surgical guide.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for detecting and locating an implant fixture in the oral cavity of a patient using one or more scan bodies. The system includes two or more spaced apart cameras for capturing images of a common location. At least one memory including stored data representing (i) a reference dataset of optically detectable characteristics from one or more scan bodies, and (ii) a three dimension model of the patient's oral cavity from a prior scan of the patient's oral cavity. At least one processor is programmed to (a) receive image data from the cameras representing the common location, (b) analyze the image data to locate optically detectable characteristics associated with one or more scan bodies, (c) compare the image data to the reference dataset, (d) determine the pose and location of an implant in the image data based on the comparison, and send data to a display.

Abstract: A method for referencing a tracking system's coordinate frame to a rigid body's coordinate frame is disclosed. The method involves obtaining a 3D model depicting some of the surfaces of the rigid body. A probe is provided with an affixed tracking reference component. A second tracking reference component is attached to the rigid body. The method involves tracking locations of the probe as it moves along surfaces of the rigid body and then determining a transform that relates the probe locations to the 3D model of the rigid body. In one embodiment the rigid body is a dental mandible or maxilla of a patient and the 3D model is a surface extracted from a computed tomography image of the patient's jaw and teeth.

Abstract: A laser communication network implemented with multi-chroic filters that are able to partition signals from a band of wavelengths into different sub-bands that enable more than one relay terminal to interconnect users (i.e., sources and sinks of traffic) is provided. A band of wavelengths may be partitioned to enable users to communicate with relay satellites, and relay satellites to communicate with one another, using a predefined set of transmission and reception wavelengths regardless of which particular relay is in the communication session. In other words, embodiments support both relay satellites and user satellites by constructing distinct passbands for relay-borne terminals and the same passbands for users.

Abstract: A perch extension for a bird feeder having an elongated perch body that defines a cavity that is adapted to fit at least partially over a perch on a bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally have a support member that is coupled to the perch body, and is further adapted to fit at least partially around the seed container of the bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally define protuberances to provide a snap-fit or press-fit engagement with the bird feeder perch.

Abstract: A global registration system and method identifies bronchoscope position without the need for significant bronchoscope maneuvers, technician intervention, or electromagnetic sensors. Virtual bronchoscopy (VB) renderings of a 3D airway tree are obtained including VB views of branch positions within the airway tree. At least one real bronchoscopic (RB) video frame is received from a bronchoscope inserted into the airway tree. An algorithm according to the invention is executed on a computer to identify the several most likely branch positions having a VB view closest to the received RB view, and the 3D position of the bronchoscope within the airway tree is determined in accordance with the branch position identified in the VB view. The preferred embodiment involves a fast local registration search over all the branches in a global airway-bifurcation search space, with the weighted normalized sum of squares distance metric used for finding the best match.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed that involves creating an implant-supported prosthesis that is dynamically guided into position using an image-guided navigation system into position in a patient's mouth without the use of a surgical guide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slot clock generator for high data rate pulse position modulation (PPM), including: a set of clocks with predetermined frequencies that are mutually prime in pairs, the set of clocks which synthesizes and accumulates changes in clock states at a rate corresponding to a slot rate that is greater than a slot rate of any single clock in the set.

Abstract: A visual guidance system for use in a surgical procedure. The system includes an image processing unit programmed to receive a three-dimensional image of a surgical area, information on an instrument being used in the procedure, and a surgical plan including a planned trajectory that the instrument should follow. The image processing unit generates a derived representation of the surgical procedure depicting the movement of the instrument on the three-dimensional image. A graphical guidance indicator is disposed on the three-dimensional image with a center point of the graphical guidance indicator centered on the planned trajectory, the graphical guidance indicator being displayed orthogonal to the planned trajectory. The derived image and the graphical guidance indicator depict at least five degrees of freedom of motion of the instrument. The graphical guidance indicator is changed based on the movement of the instrument in accordance with the surgical plan.

Abstract: An inlet filter is usable on a sprayer, such as a gravity-feed paint sprayer. The inlet filter can include a lip for placement on the top of the sprayer's hopper and a mesh screen for filtering a spray liquid medium, such as paint, as it is poured directly from its container into the hopper. The inlet filter removes the need for a paper filter, filter stand and transfer cup as is conventionally used in paint filtering operations.

Abstract: A perch extension for a bird feeder having an elongated perch body that defines a cavity that is adapted to fit at least partially over a perch on a bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally have a support member that is coupled to the perch body, and is further adapted to fit at least partially around the seed container of the bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally define protuberances to provide a snap-fit or press-fit engagement with the bird feeder perch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slot clock generator for high data rate pulse position modulation (PPM), including: a set of clocks with predetermined frequencies that are mutually prime in pairs, the set of clocks which synthesizes and accumulates changes in clock states at a rate corresponding to a slot rate that is greater than a slot rate of any single clock in the set.

Abstract: A perch extension for a bird feeder having an elongated perch body that defines a mounting cavity that is adapted to fit at least partially over a perch on a bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally have a support member that is coupled to the perch body, and is further adapted to fit at least partially around the seed container of the bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally define protuberances to provide a snap-fit or press-fit engagement with the bird feeder perch.

Abstract: A global registration system and method identifies bronchoscope position without the need for significant bronchoscope maneuvers, technician intervention, or electromagnetic sensors. Virtual bronchoscopy (VB) renderings of a 3D airway tree are obtained including VB views of branch positions within the airway tree. At least one real bronchoscopic (RB) video frame is received from a bronchoscope inserted into the airway tree. An algorithm according to the invention is executed on a computer to identify the several most likely branch positions having a VB view closest to the received RB view, and the 3D position of the bronchoscope within the airway tree is determined in accordance with the branch position identified in the VB view. The preferred embodiment involves a fast local registration search over all the branches in a global airway-bifurcation search space, with the weighted normalized sum of squares distance metric used for finding the best match.

Abstract: An image guidance system for tracking a surgical instrument during a surgical procedure. The image guidance system includes a plurality of cameras adapted to be located external to a surgical area for capturing images of optically visible patterns. A processing system receives and processes the images to recognize the patterns and triangulate the locations and orientations of each pattern relative to a camera. The processing system uses a reference dataset to recognize the patterns.

Abstract: An image guidance system for tracking a surgical instrument within the oral cavity. The image guidance system includes a plurality of cameras adapted to be located within the oral cavity to provide intraoral images of optically visible patterns within oral cavity. A processing system receives and processes the intraoral images to recognize patterns and triangulate the locations and orientations of each camera. The processing system uses a reference dataset which defines a reference coordinate system based on alignment to a portion of the oral anatomy. The processing system determines the location and orientation of the tracked instrument based on the reference dataset. In an embodiment, the system includes an oral fixture that is removably attachable to teeth in a patient and is configured to hold one of the cameras.

Abstract: A perch extension for a bird feeder having an elongated perch body that defines a mounting cavity that is adapted to fit at least partially over a perch on a bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally have a support member that is coupled to the perch body, and is further adapted to fit at least partially around the seed container of the bird feeder. The perch extension may optionally define protuberances to provide a snap-fit or press-fit engagement with the bird feeder perch.

Abstract: A method for referencing a tracking system's coordinate frame to a rigid body's coordinate frame is disclosed. The method involves obtaining a 3D model depicting some of the surfaces of the rigid body. A probe is provided with an affixed tracking reference component. A second tracking reference component is attached to the rigid body. The method involves tracking locations of the probe as it moves along surfaces of the rigid body and then determining a transform that relates the probe locations to the 3D model of the rigid body. In one embodiment the rigid body is a dental mandible or maxilla of a patient and the 3D model is a surface extracted from a computed tomography image of the patient's jaw and teeth.