System for early detection of dental caries
US8224045B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 17, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 19, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B5/0088
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is disclosed for processing of images to detect dental caries, that includes the following steps. Directing incident light (16) toward a tooth (20), where this light excites a fluorescent emission from the tooth. Obtaining a fluorescence image (35) from the fluorescent light component (19), and obtaining a reflectance image (34) from the back-scattered light (18) from the tooth. Applying a color balance operation to the reflectance image. Removing the specular reflectance components from the color balanced reflectance image (82) to give a back-scattered reflectance image (50). Registering the fluorescent image with the back-scattered reflectance image. Combining the registered fluorescent image (115) with the back-scattered reflectance image to provide a diagnostic image (52).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.