Systems for detecting carious lesions in teeth using short-wave infrared light
US11096586B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2576/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for detecting carious lesions are described herein. In an example, the systems in an optical interrogator including a single-pixel photodetector responsive to short-wave infrared light and operatively coupled to a controller. In an example the optical interrogator includes a plurality of lasers for emitting laser light, a scanning mirror assembly and a single-pixel photodetector. In an example, the methods include causing the plurality of lasers to emit the laser light having wavelengths in a range of about 900 nm to about 1,700 nm; selectively directing the laser light over different portions of a tooth with a scanning mirror assembly to provide scattered light; and correlating scattered light signals generated by the single-pixel photodetector in response to the scattered light with the portion of the tooth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.