Computer-implemented system and method for automated and highly accurate plaque analysis, reporting, and visualization
US7912265B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2008 |
| Grant date | Mar 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/922
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A computer-implemented system and method of intra-oral analysis for measuring plaque removal is disclosed. The system includes hardware for real-time image acquisition and software to store the acquired images on a patient-by-patient basis. The system implements algorithms to segment teeth of interest from surrounding gum, and uses a real-time image-based morphing procedure to automatically overlay a grid onto each segmented tooth. Pattern recognition methods are used to classify plaque from surrounding gum and enamel, while ignoring glare effects due to the reflection of camera light and ambient light from enamel regions. The system integrates these components into a single software suite with an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to do an end-to-end run of a patient record, including tooth segmentation of all teeth, grid morphing of each segmented tooth, and plaque classification of each tooth image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.