Abstract: Disclosed are a sensing method and a sensing apparatus for acquiring information about an object according to one embodiment. In particular, disclosed are a sensing method and a sensing apparatus for obtaining the shape of blood vessels by using information regarding the intensity of received light and information regarding the distance of an object.

Abstract: An optical system for an endoscope, the optical system including: a distal optical assembly; a proximal optical assembly; and at least one elongated bar-shaped fixing element; wherein the proximal optical assembly is fastened to the distal optical assembly by the fixing element.

Abstract: An oral camera that can view a panoramic view of all teeth in a jaw, including the front and back surfaces of teeth, as well as their top surfaces. The oral camera comprises a mouthpiece that is placed in the mouth. The mouthpiece has an inner and outer part that have mirrored surfaces. The inner and outer parts are tilted to reflect the images of the inner and outer surfaces of teeth toward an outside viewer or a camera. Thereby, a camera image comprises of images of the inner and outer surfaces of teeth as well as their top surface. Thereby allowing for inspection of all teeth for any decay or cavity.

Abstract: Intraoral scanning systems for displaying 3D models of a patient's dental arch and near-IR images from the dental arch. These systems may include a wand with one or more image sensors and processors for processing the 3D models and near-IR information. The 3D models may include surface (e.g., color) information and the near-IR images may include information on internal structures, including enamel and dentin.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle inspection system that enables inspection of an inspection vehicle provided with electromagnetic sensors having different wavelengths. A first absorption member and a second absorption member are provided to non-overlapping positions in front of a position at which the radiation range of radiated waves from the first electromagnetic sensor and the radiation range of radiated waves from the second electromagnetic sensor overlap.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for taking, using and displaying three-dimensional (3D) volumetric models of a patient's dental arch. A 3D volumetric model may include surface (e.g., color) information as well as information on internal structure, such as near-infrared (near-IR) transparency values for internal structures including enamel and dentin.

Abstract: A processing device receives images of an oral cavity of a patient generated by an intraoral scanner and subsequently receives an additional image of the oral cavity of the patient. The processing device makes a comparison between the additional image and the previously received images and determines an amount of overlap between the additional image and at least one of the previously received images based on the comparison. The processing device displays image data from at least one of a) the images or b) the additional image. The processing device determines whether or not the amount of overlap meets or exceeds an overlap threshold, and displays one or more visual indicators based on whether or not the amount of overlap meets or exceeds the overlap threshold, wherein the one or more visual indicators indicate whether or not the amount of overlap meets or exceeds the overlap threshold.

Abstract: A scanning system is described herein which incorporates projecting a plurality of patterns onto an object of interest and capturing the reflected image. Each pattern is based at least in part on traversing a hypercube graph or a Fibonacci cube graph using a Hamiltonian path. The patterns are used to help define the three-dimensional shape of the underlying object of interest, while also providing more robust error-correcting properties. After the reflected image of the projected pattern is captured, the scanning system further processes and displays a three-dimensional model of the captured object of interest.

Abstract: A trans-illuminative intraoral diagnostic lighting system includes a housing containing at least one LED and has a removable light diffusing positioning apparatus attached to it that facilitates proper positioning of the housing within the oral cavity of a person behind their teeth. When the LED(s) is/are activated, the oral cavity is illuminated and light passes through the teeth making their internal structures visible outside the oral cavity. A retractor may be used to retract the cheeks and lips to allow full exposure of the teeth and a camera may be employed to photograph the teeth from outside the oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a small-sized, low-cost medical optical imaging device capable of irradiating even a deep portion of a dental root canal. Provided is a medical optical imaging device (4) that is provided with an illumination unit (6) for emitting illumination light to a subject, an imaging section (7) for imaging the subject, and a controller (8) for controlling at least the imaging section (7). The imaging section (7) is provided with an imaging lens system (71) and an imaging element (72) for receiving an optical image created by the imaging lens system (71). When viewed from the subject side, the illumination unit (6) is disposed in front of the imaging lens system (71) and overlapping the imaging lens system (71).

Abstract: Endoscopes comprising a reusable hand-piece and separable disposable shaft assembly are illustrated and described. The reusable hand-piece includes a housing having an articulation control mounted thereto and an electronics module mounted thereto. The articulation control includes control knobs and concentric drive shafts for articulation. The electronics module includes a battery, a control board, and an optical and/or electrical connector. The separable disposable shaft comprises a housing having an articulation wire actuating assembly mounted thereto and an optical and/or electrical connector mounted thereto. When the housing of the hand-piece and the housing of the separable disposable shaft assembly are joined together, the articulation control engages the articulation wire actuating assembly and the optical and/or electrical connector of the reusable hand-piece engages the optical and/or electrical connector of the disposable shaft assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental suction device (10) for suctioning liquids and particles from an oral cavity of a patient, with a tubular hollow base body (12) having an inner surface (14), an outer surface (16), a longitudinal axis (X-X), a connection opening (18) for a hose, and a suction opening (20). In the course of the extent of the base body (12), an objective (50) is provided, which can be connected to a monitor (40), and by means of which the image taken by the objective (50) can be displayed.

Abstract: Provided herein are surgical lighting devices, systems, and methods. In particular, provided herein are sterile surgical lights and uses thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments related to medical imaging devices including rigid imaging tips and their methods of use for identifying abnormal tissue within a surgical bed are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for diagnosing a disease in the gingival region of an individual, comprising: quantitatively measuring blood flow or changes in blood flow in the gingival region of the individual, potentially comparing these data to that of a healthy subject, and diagnosing the disease based one of more of these quantities.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes at least one processor configured to perform operations as a detection unit configured to detect a specific area based on a signal imaged by an image sensor configured to provide a first imaging operation and a second imaging operation, and a selection unit configured to select an imaging timing of the second imaging operation based on the first imaging operation of the image sensor. The detection unit detects the specific area using the signal imaged at the imaging timing selected by the selection unit.

Abstract: A tip for an intraoral scanner, the tip having a housing body, including an imaging unit through which images are transferred to an imaging module of the intraoral scanner, one or more apertures adapted to provide gas streams therethrough and configured such that the oral region is cleansed from blood or oral particles by the gas streams prior to scanning the oral region by the imaging unit, while during the scanning the gas streams diffuse around the periphery of the oral region.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly comprising a handle incorporating a liquid reservoir and injection system, a flexible or rigid cannula attaching to the handle, and a distally attached miniature imaging head. The imaging head is a transparent tubular shaped body having an essentially closed proximal end, and a tubular wall extending from the closed proximal end to the distal open end of the body. An optical source is attached to the closed proximal end, and its emitted illumination directed into the tubular wall of the body, such that said illumination is internally reflected within the tubular walls and is emitted from the distal open end. A detector array is disposed within the inner surfaces of the tubular wall section, and a lens images light reflected back into said imaging head, onto the detector array. The optical source is disposed radially inwards of the outer dimensions of the tubular shaped body.

Abstract: A three-dimensional scanner for obtaining shape information of an object body includes a light source unit, a varifocal unit, a reference unit, a light path length adjustment unit, an optical sensor, and a control unit. The varifocal unit is able to change a focal position, and both of light from the light source unit to the optical sensor via an object body and light from the light source unit to the optical sensor via the reference unit travel at least once. The control unit determines a condition of varifocal unit based on light has been reflected on reference unit and detected by a part of optical sensor, and calculates the shape information of the object body from light detected by the optical sensor using information of the condition of the varifocal unit that has been determined.

Abstract: Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera is a light source that is reversibly attachable to any dental camera. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has two light sources that directly face each other. When properly attached to a dental camera, two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera effectuates sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth, so that the dental camera may capture a photo or image of the illuminated tooth. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a specially shaped body that makes a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit onto the exterior surface of any dental camera. Two-piece bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section is reversibly attachable to the proximal section. The distal section is sterilizeable.

Abstract: A structured dental x-ray detector implements an array of holes or channels filled with at least one of polycrystalline, amorphous, or nano-particle semiconductor x-ray or gamma ray converter materials. Readout electronics are configured for acquiring and analyzing signals from the detector; e.g., operating in a signal integration or photon detecting mode, or in a photon detecting mode with energy resolution. In dental application, a protective shell or frame can be provided to encapsulate the detector and readout electronics, with a wired or wireless communications link to a computer system configured for image data post-processing and storage of the readout signals, with an electronic display for the image data.

Abstract: Multi-spectrum ring illuminated surgical cameras and scopes having a ring lens and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs set behind an electronic imaging sensor (camera) and positioned radially about the longitudinal axis of the lens and/or scope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dental instruments having video capabilities. Specifically, the present invention relates to a dental instrument having a video camera for viewing a user's or patient's mouth when utilizing the dental instrument. More specifically, the dental instrument provides video output to a wireless device, such as a smart phone, tablet computer or other like computer. Methods of using the same are further provided.

Abstract: Medical device, system, method for capturing medical images includes an image capture and processing portion and an interchangeable medical tool portion. The image capture and processing portion is configured to capture and process a photo image, a video stream of images, or a coded image. The interchangeable medical tool portion is configured to connect to the image capture and processing portion. The image capture and processing portion further includes a configuration module configured to detect a connection of the medical tool portion to the image capture and processing portion, determine the type of the interchangeable medical tool portion connected, and adapt the image capture and processing portion to the detected type of the medical tool portion. The medical device may transmit medical images to an external device for interpretation by an expert, providing coaching to the user of the medical device, and for asset management, decision support, and/or other purposes.

Abstract: A dental imager includes an elongated handle with a rotatable head coupled to a distal end thereof and having a central platform with a plurality of arcuate scanning arms pivotally coupled thereto by a hinge. The arcuate scanning arms are of a shape and size for general deployment around a tooth and each include at least one scanner and a roller guide that comfortably rolls along the surface of the tooth or gums to bias the scanners a desired distance from the surface of the tooth, conducive for imaging thereof. In this respect, such a dental imager may be used in a process to scan and record the contours of an intraoral surface, the data of which may be used to create a digital three-dimensional surface impression printable by a 3D printer or the like.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a shaft portion and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The shaft portion is selectively connectable to a distal end of the endoscopic portion. The end effector is selectively connectable to a distal end of the shaft portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for intraoral imaging has an intraoral camera that defines a field of view with a first dimension and a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension. A projector has a laser diode energizable to emit a light beam; a collimator in the path of the emitted light beam; first beam-shaping optics disposed to shape the collimated light beam in the second dimension to form a linear light pattern; focusing optics disposed to focus the shaped collimated beam at a focal plane; and a scanner that is disposed substantially at the focal plane and that is energizable to scan the formed linear light pattern along the second dimension to successive positions of the field of view. A control logic processor coordinates energizing the laser diode and scanner with image capture by the intraoral camera.

Abstract: Diagnostic and surgical devices that include endoscopic working channels that are non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of an endoscopic tip. Preferably, the devices include a ring illuminated surgical camera (RISC) carried in the endoscopic tip, e.g., perpendicular to the face of the endoscopic tip, and include the endoscopic working channels terminating at openings in the face of the endoscopic tip.

Abstract: A system for providing a connected dental device is disclosed. In particular, the system may include integrating a network chip or transceiver into a dental device, such as a toothbrush, so as to enable the dental device to communicate with a user device and one or more accessory devices. Once the user device and one or more accessory devices are paired with the user device, the system may track information associated with the dental device and the user using the dental device. Based on the tracked information, the system may determine an action to be performed by the user using the dental device. Using the dental device, the system may transmit a notification to the user device to alert the user of the action that needs to be performed. The system may also transmit notifications providing status information for the dental device and the one or more accessory devices.

Abstract: Methods for tracking gum line changes by comparing digital 3D models of teeth and gingiva taken at different times. The digital 3D models are segmented to digitally identify the teeth from the gingiva, and the segmented digital 3D models are compared to detect gum line changes by determining differences between them relating to the gum line. Gum line changes can also be estimated by comparing one of the digital 3D models with a 3D model having a predicted original location of the gum line. Gum line change maps can be displayed to show the gum line changes determined through the tracking or estimating of changes. The digital 3D models can also be displayed with periodontal measurements placed upon them.

Abstract: A method for continuously evaluating the effectiveness of debridement of a root canal of a tooth, the tooth having an open access cavity and an apex end, includes delivering a fluid to the open access cavity of the tooth, evacuating the fluid near the apex end of the tooth such that the fluid flushes most of the root canal before being evacuated, and continuously evaluating the evacuated fluid for at least one of a presence of debris, a concentration level of the debris, or a type of the debris. An apparatus for use in debriding a root canal of a tooth includes a microcannula or a macrocannula configured to evacuate a fluid in the root canal, and a sensing mechanism fluidically coupled to the microcannula or the macrocannula, the sensing mechanism configured to continuously sense debris in the evacuated fluid in real time.

Abstract: Bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera is a light source that is reversibly attachable to any dental camera. Bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has two light sources that directly face each other. When properly attached to a dental camera, bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera effectuates sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination of a tooth, so that the dental camera may capture a photo or image of the illuminated tooth. Bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a specially shaped rigid body that makes a slip-fit, press-fit, or snap-fit with the exterior surface of any dental camera. The distal end of specially shaped rigid body is sterilizeable. Bilateral illumination attachment for dental camera has a plurality of replaceable tooth cups where each tooth cup contains the two light sources. Replaceable tooth cups are placed on the tooth to effectuate sub-enamel illumination or bilateral illumination. Replaceable tooth cups are sterilizeable.

Abstract: A dental mirror instrument has a light waveguide and an airflow conduit that extend along the length of an elongated member to a mirror portion. An airflow exiting from the airflow conduit may be directed over the mirror surface to remove fluids and debris. Light from a light source is transmitted along the light waveguide and is reflected off of a back-side of a land portion through a Fresnel lens to produce a task light. A mirror may have a hydrophobic surface and this surface may have raised portions or a patterned surface that further enhances the removal of fluids or debris. The optical component of the dental instrument may be detachable to a source component and may be disposable. A flexible connector may be coupled with the source component to provide an airflow to the airflow conduit and/or electrical power to the light source.

Abstract: Described are embodiments of methods of obtaining three-dimensional (3D) surface data of an object scene such as an intra-oral cavity. For example, measured surfaces may include the enamel surface of teeth, the dentin substructure of teeth, gum tissue and various dental structures. The methods can also be applied in medical applications and other applications in which 3D measurement data are acquired with maneuverable 3D measurement devices. In certain embodiments, the measurement device is positioned and translated to enable 3D data to be acquired for a backbone 3D data set. Subsequent controlled motion of the measurement device enables additional 3D data to be acquired and accurately joined to the backbone 3D data set.

Abstract: A method, system and program product are provided for planning an intervention procedure in a body lumen. A CT scan of the body lumen is performed. A virtual rendering is created of the inside of the body lumen corresponding to an interventional camera image. Then a virtual tape corresponding to a planned path for the intervention procedure is projected onto a wall of the body lumen. The virtual tape is projected onto the lumen wall, which is relatively distant from the camera point on the virtual rendering, so the tape does not appear to oscillate like a central thread. Also, since the virtual tape is located on the lumen wall, it does not occlude the center of the lumen, allowing a user to better visualize the lumen during planning, during fly through, and even during an actual intervention.

Abstract: A method for providing a guided relative movement of a first object and a second object includes obtaining the first object; obtaining the second object and a 3D model of the second object, and deriving from the 3D model a first preferred relative arrangement between the first and second objects; obtaining a pre-process plan describing a preferred path for the relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement; performing a movement procedure that includes 3D scanning at least a region of said second object using the 3D scanner and determining a present relative arrangement of the first and second objects from a result of the 3D scanning; calculating information for correcting in real-time for deviation in the relative movement from the preferred path; and providing a relative movement of the first and second objects towards the first preferred relative arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved thermophotonic imaging are provided in which both amplitude and phase image information is obtained with a high signal to noise ratio and depth-resolved capabilities. Image data obtained from an imaging camera is dynamically averaged and subsequently processed to extract amplitude and/or phase image data. The system may be configured for a wide range of imaging modalities, including single frequency modulation (thermophotonic lock-in imaging), Thermal-Wave Radar imaging or Thermophotonic Radar imaging involving chirp modulation, and Binary Phase Coded Modulation. Such imaging modalities may find application in many diverse areas, including non-destructive testing and biomedical diagnostic imaging including the imaging of teeth and monitoring changes in the tooth over time which are due to pathology such as dental caries or erosion.

Abstract: A viewing system includes a detector of electromagnetic radiation (EMR); and a control system connected to receive signals from the detector, and configured to identify an image locator, disposed within a field of view of the detector in use, and select for detection by the detector the image locator or an image located by the image locator. A viewing method includes detecting electromagnetic radiation from an image locator disposed within a field of view of a detector; identifying the image locator with a control system; and displaying the image locator or an image located by the image locator on one or more displays.

Abstract: A system for capturing and displaying an image of an entire oral cavity includes a handheld intraoral camera and a computer processor. Each of left and right panoramic tooth row images is generated by combining a first digital still image including the center of the front teeth with a second digital still image taken adjacent to the first digital still image and having an overlapping portion with the first digital still image, to form a first combined image. This step is repeated until a last digital still image positioned at the back tooth of the respective row is combined with a last combined image, forming the left or right panoramic tooth row image. The left and right panoramic tooth row images are superposed in an area of the center of the front teeth to form the full panoramic tooth row 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: A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent in order to allow a user to see through the instrument and through the cap.

Abstract: A method of using a scanning microscope to rapidly form a digital image of an area. The method includes performing an initial set of scans to form a guide pixel set for the area and using the guide pixel set to identify regions representing structures of interest in the area. Then, performing additional scans of the regions representing structures of interest, to gather further data to further evaluate pixels in the regions, and not scanning elsewhere in the area.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a photoelectric conversion element; a contour enhancing section that detects an edge component in a picked-up image subjected to the photoelectric conversion, thereby generating a contour enhancement signal; an electronic zoom region determining section that determines an electronic zoom region in the picked-up image based on a strength of the contour enhancement signal; an instruction section that provides an instruction for enlargement/reduction of the image; a parameter setting section that sets a zoom parameter for an electronic zoom section according to the instruction provided by the instruction section; and the electronic zoom section that performs an electronic zoom of the picked-up image for the electronic zoom region determined, according to the parameter set by the parameter setting section.

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: A surface mapping and generating device which has devices for the process and/or cost optimization, in particular raw material recovery devices, an automatic control of the intensity of a used laser light, devices for carrying out a calibrating procedure by evaluating overlap errors at matching points, devices for archiving especially three-dimensional data of the jaw and/or for modeling the bite position of the upper and the lower jaws, devices for the optimized preparation of at least one dental stump for the production and placement of a dental prosthesis thereon and/or devices for taking into consideration the bite position of the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: An intraoral camera including a main body case, an intraoral insertion component mounted on the front side of the main body case, an imaging window provided to the intraoral insertion component, and an imaging device that is optically linked to the imaging window and is disposed inside the main body case or inside the intraoral insertion component. Illumination elements are disposed at portions of an outer peripheral wall face that are substantially opposite each other in the horizontal direction. These illumination elements are inclined toward the outside of the imaging window in the center of the imaging window, and the outer peripheral wall face that is substantially opposite these illumination elements 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.

Abstract: An image signal correction apparatus includes: a frame memory configured to hold input image signals corresponding to a predetermined number of frames; a difference calculation unit configured to calculate a difference signal between an input image signal and each of the image signals held in the frame memory; a filter unit configured to pass a difference signal having a value equal to or smaller than a threshold value; and a control unit configured to change the threshold value of the filter unit in accordance with the value of the difference signal calculated in the difference calculation unit.

Abstract: A surface mapping and generating device which has devices for the process and/or cost optimization, in particular raw material recovery devices, an automatic control of the intensity of a used laser light, devices for carrying out a calibrating procedure by evaluating overlap errors at matching points, devices for archiving especially three-dimensional data of the jaw and/or for modeling the bite position of the upper and the lower jaws, devices for the optimized preparation of at least one dental stump for the production and placement of a dental prosthesis thereon and/or devices for taking into consideration the bite position of the upper and lower jaws.

Abstract: A scanner is used for scanning an object (3, 4, 5), in particular a tooth or a plurality of teeth or a dental cast. The scanner (1) comprises a projector (2) for projecting a pattern (7) onto the object (3, 4, 5) and a camera which comprises a recording optics and an image sensor (18). To improve such scanner, the recording optics comprises a first imaging optics (9) and a second imaging optics (10).

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.