CA2280286A1 - Process for improving the image quality of video imaging processes in the field of dentistry, accessories for a dental camera, support fixture - Google Patents
Process for improving the image quality of video imaging processes in the field of dentistry, accessories for a dental camera, support fixture Download PDFInfo
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- CA2280286A1 CA2280286A1 CA002280286A CA2280286A CA2280286A1 CA 2280286 A1 CA2280286 A1 CA 2280286A1 CA 002280286 A CA002280286 A CA 002280286A CA 2280286 A CA2280286 A CA 2280286A CA 2280286 A1 CA2280286 A1 CA 2280286A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 16
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 title description 10
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000013507 mapping Methods 0.000 abstract description 8
- 239000005548 dental material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 238000009795 derivation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910010293 ceramic material Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000645 desinfectant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000873 masking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003801 milling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001993 wax Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/24—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the mouth, i.e. stomatoscopes, e.g. with tongue depressors; Instruments for opening or keeping open the mouth
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
- A61B1/00089—Hoods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
- A61B1/00101—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features the distal tip features being detachable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/042—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B6/00—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment
- A61B6/50—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications
- A61B6/51—Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis; Apparatus or devices for radiation diagnosis combined with radiation therapy equipment specially adapted for specific body parts; specially adapted for specific clinical applications for dentistry
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (AREA)
- High Energy & Nuclear Physics (AREA)
- Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
Abstract
The image quality of a dental mapping camera can be improved by employing a support fixture (11) while shortening the time required to position the lens (13) of the camera and while improving the congruency of two images taken from the same position. The support fixture (11) is mounted in a movable fashion on the lens housing (13) and is positioned by means of support elements (27, 27'), i.e., on teeth that are adjacent to the area which is to be mapped.
The support elements (27, 27') can be modified to suit the individual circumstances with dental tools and dental materials.
The support elements (27, 27') can be modified to suit the individual circumstances with dental tools and dental materials.
Description
Process for improving the image quality of video imaging processes in the field of dentistry, accessories for a dental camera, support fixture.
Technical area of the invention The invention concerns a method to improve the image quality of video imaging processes in the field of dentistry, as well as accessories to a dental camera, in particular for intra-oral mapping images, as well as a support fixture.
State of the art Mapping cameras have been applied in the field of dentistry for several years. They serve to produce videos of individual teeth or groups of teeth in order to map the tooth through the use of these images via a processor which generally serves to calculate the reconstruction of the tooth which, in turn, is shaped from a ceramic material by an integrated milling device. These inlays, onlays, maskings, full or partial crowns which are milled automatically and in a highly precise fashion receive - if needed - a final touching up and are subsequently glued virtually invisibly with a special plastic onto the remaining tooth. The advantages of this automated full-ceramic reconstruction consist in the material properties of the ceramic, the time required to produce the ceramic body, and the precise fit between the prepared tooth and the ceramic body. Furthermore, tooth impressions and temporary arrangements are avoided and the manufacturing process is significantly shortened. One problem during the mapping process of a tooth is the imaging duration during which the lens of the camera must remain in still position. The imaging duration is listed at 133/1000 seconds or 1/7 of a second for the leading product on the market offered by Siemens, the Cerec 2. The dentist can hold the camera still during the imaging duration only if he supports the optic with both hands on the teeth or the jaw, as recommended by the manufacturer. This manual support approach is not even feasible for some positions.
For the reproduction of an existing bite surface, it can be mapped by the camera prior to the preparation of the tooth. After the preparation, the program calculating the ceramic insert requires a second image. The ceramic insert is then calculated from both images so that on one hand, it will fit exactly onto the prepared area, and, on the other hand, it assumes the appropriate outer surface contour. The two images must be congruent to each other for the processor to be able to merge or correlate the two images so that the ceramic body can be appropriately manufactured. The dentist requires a significant amount of skill to match the position of the lens during the second image exactly with the lens position, which was used during the first image. A check of the positioning is possible, by superimposing the two images onto a screen, whereby, two relevant contour lines of the first image are to be aligned with the second image. It is easy for the distance between the lens and the tooth or the angular position of the lens, relative to the tooth, to be off in some direction causing the images to be mismatched.
To correct the position of the lens, in case the images do not match in one way or another, requires some experience.
To avoid a blurring of the images with the lens in the desired position provides for an additional challenge.
Objective of the invention The objective of this invention is to improve the quality of the mapping process and to simplify the generation of two congruent- to-each-other images.
Technical area of the invention The invention concerns a method to improve the image quality of video imaging processes in the field of dentistry, as well as accessories to a dental camera, in particular for intra-oral mapping images, as well as a support fixture.
State of the art Mapping cameras have been applied in the field of dentistry for several years. They serve to produce videos of individual teeth or groups of teeth in order to map the tooth through the use of these images via a processor which generally serves to calculate the reconstruction of the tooth which, in turn, is shaped from a ceramic material by an integrated milling device. These inlays, onlays, maskings, full or partial crowns which are milled automatically and in a highly precise fashion receive - if needed - a final touching up and are subsequently glued virtually invisibly with a special plastic onto the remaining tooth. The advantages of this automated full-ceramic reconstruction consist in the material properties of the ceramic, the time required to produce the ceramic body, and the precise fit between the prepared tooth and the ceramic body. Furthermore, tooth impressions and temporary arrangements are avoided and the manufacturing process is significantly shortened. One problem during the mapping process of a tooth is the imaging duration during which the lens of the camera must remain in still position. The imaging duration is listed at 133/1000 seconds or 1/7 of a second for the leading product on the market offered by Siemens, the Cerec 2. The dentist can hold the camera still during the imaging duration only if he supports the optic with both hands on the teeth or the jaw, as recommended by the manufacturer. This manual support approach is not even feasible for some positions.
For the reproduction of an existing bite surface, it can be mapped by the camera prior to the preparation of the tooth. After the preparation, the program calculating the ceramic insert requires a second image. The ceramic insert is then calculated from both images so that on one hand, it will fit exactly onto the prepared area, and, on the other hand, it assumes the appropriate outer surface contour. The two images must be congruent to each other for the processor to be able to merge or correlate the two images so that the ceramic body can be appropriately manufactured. The dentist requires a significant amount of skill to match the position of the lens during the second image exactly with the lens position, which was used during the first image. A check of the positioning is possible, by superimposing the two images onto a screen, whereby, two relevant contour lines of the first image are to be aligned with the second image. It is easy for the distance between the lens and the tooth or the angular position of the lens, relative to the tooth, to be off in some direction causing the images to be mismatched.
To correct the position of the lens, in case the images do not match in one way or another, requires some experience.
To avoid a blurring of the images with the lens in the desired position provides for an additional challenge.
Objective of the invention The objective of this invention is to improve the quality of the mapping process and to simplify the generation of two congruent- to-each-other images.
Description of the invention To improve the quality of the image and to simplify the generation of two congruent-to-each-other images, using video imaging processes developed for use in dentistry, the optical unit of the camera is = in accordance to this invention - supported through the aid of a support fixture, which is positioned in relation to the part of the jaw which is to be mapped or simply recorded. Because of this support fixture, the lens of the camera can be held in position with one hand. The support fixture reduces the risk of causing a blurring of the image during the duration of the imaging event. Furthermore, the support fixture has the advantage that its position relative to the lens is constant so that a repeated placement of the support fixture in the same locality causes the lens also to be placed in the same location in a repeatable fashion. The support fixture can also be tailored to accommodate unique situations in the mouth of the patient in order to enhance its hold in the area where it is positioned.
Although it is imaginable for the support fixture to be positioned in the treatment room and maintain the part which is to be recorded stationary relative to the support fixture, it is advantageous to place the support fixture simply next to the part to be imaged, for example, on top of a tooth, a part of prostheses, or on top of the gum. That way, the support fixture will move together with any movement of the jaw, without affecting the position of the lens relative to the part to be imaged.
It is advantageous to be able to move the lens in the support fixture in order to obtain an optimum image detail.
The ability to move the lens in the support fixture makes it possible to choose the optimum support points in the mouth while obtaining an optimum image detail. The support points, therefore, do not need to be placed at a certain distance to the object, which is to be imaged.
Although it is imaginable for the support fixture to be positioned in the treatment room and maintain the part which is to be recorded stationary relative to the support fixture, it is advantageous to place the support fixture simply next to the part to be imaged, for example, on top of a tooth, a part of prostheses, or on top of the gum. That way, the support fixture will move together with any movement of the jaw, without affecting the position of the lens relative to the part to be imaged.
It is advantageous to be able to move the lens in the support fixture in order to obtain an optimum image detail.
The ability to move the lens in the support fixture makes it possible to choose the optimum support points in the mouth while obtaining an optimum image detail. The support points, therefore, do not need to be placed at a certain distance to the object, which is to be imaged.
Because of the ability to select various support arrangements of the support fixture such as, for example, one-sided support or support on both sides of the tooth to be imaged, support by means by means of a plastic material, pre-made or molded support beam, etc., the individual anatomical situation in the mouth of the patient, as well as the preferences of the dentist, can be accommodated.
This invention suggests a support fixture for the lens of a dental camera, as an accessory to the camera equipment, for the purpose of providing support to the lens on the jaw of the mouth. This support fixture comprises a retaining piece to locate the lens of a camera, and a support piece, which aids in the placement of the support fixture i.e. on a tooth or the gums, in the area adjacent to the tooth, which is to be imaged. This improves the quality of the images since the lens, relative to the part to be imaged, can be held more stationary as compared to supporting the lens by hand. The support fixture also eases the fine-tuning of the camera alignment by means of the image details on the screen and, therefore, eases the generation of congruent mapping images. The retaining piece and support piece ensure a constant relationship between the object and the lens during the entire imaging period.
The retaining piece, which is holding the lens in place, is preferably made in form of a ring or a clasp in order to ease the placement or removal of the support fixture from a conventional lens. The ring or clasp encompasses the contour of the lens housing. The housing is movable within the clasp or the ring and extractable from same.
The support fixture should further comprise a frame, within which the optical window of a lens, which is assembled to the support fixture, is placed. This frame is, in at least one dimension, namely in direction of the motion of the support fixture relative to the lens, larger than the outer dimension of the optical window, so that the optical window can be moved within the frame, without having the image detail cropped by the frame. The frame thereby connects a front and rear support element or a front support element with the retainer piece of the support fixture.
The support fixture is preferably made from a material 5 that can be altered by the individual using this instrument.
This gives the dentist the flexibility to modify the support fixture to adapt to the individual circumstances.
It would be functionally practical to make the support fixture from a synthetic material, which can repeatably be sterilized, can withstand disinfectant solutions and is W
resistant, thereby meeting the hygienic requirements of a dental office and allowing it to be used repeatedly.
This invention further relates to a set of support fixtures comprising a plurality of such support fixtures with various support element configurations, i_e., a support element only in front, support elements in the front and the back, each using the same or different support elements, a support element only in the back, a support element in form of a support beam, a support leg, or a support element with a cut-out to accommodate a plastic, hardening material serving the function of a support. Such a set of support fixtures allows the dentist to use different support fixtures to suit different requirements.
This invention furthermore relates to a set of support fixtures with a plurality of support fixtures for the individual treatment of the support elements by the individual using the instrument. It is feasible to have different support fixtures available. A plurality of identical support fixtures is preferred.
Brief description of the figures:
The following applies:
Fig. 1 a three-dimensional depiction of a support f fixture , Fig. 2 a three-dimensional depiction of the same support fixture placed on a lens, Fig. 3 a lens placed with the support fixture placed in position to record an image in the molar tooth area, Fig. 4 a lens placed with the support fixture placed in position to record an image in the frontal tooth area, Fig. 5 a support fixture with simply a frontal support element, Fig. 6 a support fixture with a wedge-shaped rear support element, Fig. 7 a support fixture with a rear support element made from a plastic, hardening material, Fig. 8 a support fixture with an individually-made support beam.
Descriptions of the embodiments:
The support fixture 11 depicted in Figures 1 and 2 is an accessory of a mapping camera and is capable of being attached and removed from the lens housing 13. The oblong-shaped lens housing 13 comprises at the front end of the housing a lens window 23, through which the video images can be projected. The support fixture 11 is movably attached behind the lens window 23 onto the lens housing 13 by means of a ring 15. Said ring 15 could comprise a gap 17 at one place, as shown in dashed line in Fig. 1. The ring 15 or the clasp comprising the gap facilitates the clamping of the support fixture 11 against the lens housing 13.
Two parallel arms 19 extend from the retainer piece, that is the ring 15 or the clasp, to a connecting piece 21 linking the two arms together, whereby, said connecting piece is positioned at a distance to ring 15. In assembled condition, the arms 19 envelope the lens housing 13 on both sides of the lens window. Ring 15, arms 19 and the connecting piece 21 form together a frame 25, which, if attached to the lens housing 13, encompasses the lens window 23. The size of the opening of frame 25 between the ring 15 and the connecting piece 21 is larger than the respective length of the lens window 23. Because of the clamping connection between the ring 15 and the lens housing 13, the support fixture 11 can be moved relative to the lens 13 directionally along a line parallel to arms 19, which is also the same direction along which the size of the opening of the frame 25 is substantially larger than the lens window 23.
A suitable displacement distance lies between 5 and 10 mm. A support beam 27, 27' is attached to ring 15 and connecting piece 21. Ring 15, arms 19, connecting piece 21 and support beams 27, 27' are made in one piece from a synthetic material. The synthetic material can be shaped by the dentist, dental technician, or by the laboratory assistant with his or her traditional tools. It is also capable of being sterilized and de-germinated by means of UV
radiation without rapidly affecting the material properties.
The support beams 27, 27' are depicted in Fig. 1 and 2 in their fundamental shapes, which allow different derivations. These derivations can be finished parts, or they can be individually fabricated by modifying the fundamental shape by the individual using the support fixture 11. The fundamental shape of the support beam 27, 27' is approximately 3 to 4 mm high, 12 to 20 mm long and 2 to 3 mm wide.
For applications in the molar area (ref. Fig. 3), the support beams 27, 27' are reduced to 1.5 mm, depending on the circumstances. This can also be done on only part of the support beam 27, 27' contacting the tooth 29. Thereby, even the shallowest areas of object 31 to be imaged - in Fig. 3 a pin for a crown - are still in focus for the camera.
For applications in the frontal tooth area (ref. Fig.
4), support beam 27' preferably remains in tact in terms of its height and length and is resting against gum 33 above (or below in case of lower frontal teeth) tooth 35 to be mapped. The rear support beam 27 is thereby not needed.
This invention suggests a support fixture for the lens of a dental camera, as an accessory to the camera equipment, for the purpose of providing support to the lens on the jaw of the mouth. This support fixture comprises a retaining piece to locate the lens of a camera, and a support piece, which aids in the placement of the support fixture i.e. on a tooth or the gums, in the area adjacent to the tooth, which is to be imaged. This improves the quality of the images since the lens, relative to the part to be imaged, can be held more stationary as compared to supporting the lens by hand. The support fixture also eases the fine-tuning of the camera alignment by means of the image details on the screen and, therefore, eases the generation of congruent mapping images. The retaining piece and support piece ensure a constant relationship between the object and the lens during the entire imaging period.
The retaining piece, which is holding the lens in place, is preferably made in form of a ring or a clasp in order to ease the placement or removal of the support fixture from a conventional lens. The ring or clasp encompasses the contour of the lens housing. The housing is movable within the clasp or the ring and extractable from same.
The support fixture should further comprise a frame, within which the optical window of a lens, which is assembled to the support fixture, is placed. This frame is, in at least one dimension, namely in direction of the motion of the support fixture relative to the lens, larger than the outer dimension of the optical window, so that the optical window can be moved within the frame, without having the image detail cropped by the frame. The frame thereby connects a front and rear support element or a front support element with the retainer piece of the support fixture.
The support fixture is preferably made from a material 5 that can be altered by the individual using this instrument.
This gives the dentist the flexibility to modify the support fixture to adapt to the individual circumstances.
It would be functionally practical to make the support fixture from a synthetic material, which can repeatably be sterilized, can withstand disinfectant solutions and is W
resistant, thereby meeting the hygienic requirements of a dental office and allowing it to be used repeatedly.
This invention further relates to a set of support fixtures comprising a plurality of such support fixtures with various support element configurations, i_e., a support element only in front, support elements in the front and the back, each using the same or different support elements, a support element only in the back, a support element in form of a support beam, a support leg, or a support element with a cut-out to accommodate a plastic, hardening material serving the function of a support. Such a set of support fixtures allows the dentist to use different support fixtures to suit different requirements.
This invention furthermore relates to a set of support fixtures with a plurality of support fixtures for the individual treatment of the support elements by the individual using the instrument. It is feasible to have different support fixtures available. A plurality of identical support fixtures is preferred.
Brief description of the figures:
The following applies:
Fig. 1 a three-dimensional depiction of a support f fixture , Fig. 2 a three-dimensional depiction of the same support fixture placed on a lens, Fig. 3 a lens placed with the support fixture placed in position to record an image in the molar tooth area, Fig. 4 a lens placed with the support fixture placed in position to record an image in the frontal tooth area, Fig. 5 a support fixture with simply a frontal support element, Fig. 6 a support fixture with a wedge-shaped rear support element, Fig. 7 a support fixture with a rear support element made from a plastic, hardening material, Fig. 8 a support fixture with an individually-made support beam.
Descriptions of the embodiments:
The support fixture 11 depicted in Figures 1 and 2 is an accessory of a mapping camera and is capable of being attached and removed from the lens housing 13. The oblong-shaped lens housing 13 comprises at the front end of the housing a lens window 23, through which the video images can be projected. The support fixture 11 is movably attached behind the lens window 23 onto the lens housing 13 by means of a ring 15. Said ring 15 could comprise a gap 17 at one place, as shown in dashed line in Fig. 1. The ring 15 or the clasp comprising the gap facilitates the clamping of the support fixture 11 against the lens housing 13.
Two parallel arms 19 extend from the retainer piece, that is the ring 15 or the clasp, to a connecting piece 21 linking the two arms together, whereby, said connecting piece is positioned at a distance to ring 15. In assembled condition, the arms 19 envelope the lens housing 13 on both sides of the lens window. Ring 15, arms 19 and the connecting piece 21 form together a frame 25, which, if attached to the lens housing 13, encompasses the lens window 23. The size of the opening of frame 25 between the ring 15 and the connecting piece 21 is larger than the respective length of the lens window 23. Because of the clamping connection between the ring 15 and the lens housing 13, the support fixture 11 can be moved relative to the lens 13 directionally along a line parallel to arms 19, which is also the same direction along which the size of the opening of the frame 25 is substantially larger than the lens window 23.
A suitable displacement distance lies between 5 and 10 mm. A support beam 27, 27' is attached to ring 15 and connecting piece 21. Ring 15, arms 19, connecting piece 21 and support beams 27, 27' are made in one piece from a synthetic material. The synthetic material can be shaped by the dentist, dental technician, or by the laboratory assistant with his or her traditional tools. It is also capable of being sterilized and de-germinated by means of UV
radiation without rapidly affecting the material properties.
The support beams 27, 27' are depicted in Fig. 1 and 2 in their fundamental shapes, which allow different derivations. These derivations can be finished parts, or they can be individually fabricated by modifying the fundamental shape by the individual using the support fixture 11. The fundamental shape of the support beam 27, 27' is approximately 3 to 4 mm high, 12 to 20 mm long and 2 to 3 mm wide.
For applications in the molar area (ref. Fig. 3), the support beams 27, 27' are reduced to 1.5 mm, depending on the circumstances. This can also be done on only part of the support beam 27, 27' contacting the tooth 29. Thereby, even the shallowest areas of object 31 to be imaged - in Fig. 3 a pin for a crown - are still in focus for the camera.
For applications in the frontal tooth area (ref. Fig.
4), support beam 27' preferably remains in tact in terms of its height and length and is resting against gum 33 above (or below in case of lower frontal teeth) tooth 35 to be mapped. The rear support beam 27 is thereby not needed.
Figures 5 through 8 illustrate various shapes of the support elements 27, 27'. In Fig. 5, the rear support 27 is missing. This support fixture lla is therefore suitable for the frontal tooth area. Figure 6 displays the support fixture llb with the rear support 27b sharpened in a wedge-like manner. Point 37 can be allowed to rest in the area between two teeth, while the front support, here the support beam 27'b in its fundamental shape, can be placed against a tooth.
Figure 7 illustrates an important exemplification llc of the support fixture. In place of the rear support beam 27, retention cavities 39 are designed into frame 15.
Thermoplastically or chemically hardening, plastic matter 41 can be pressed into these retention cavities 39. With this matter 41 applied, the support fixture llc can be placed into position for the imaging process. In doing so, the matter conforms to the outer surface area of the tooth onto which it is seated and starts to harden. The hardened matter 41 can serve as a precise guide and support for the support fixture should a second image be required to be taken from the same location. The mold of the tooth surface can be placed without any trouble exactly in the same place.
The elasticity of the hardened matter 41 will allow a slight correction of the position, if needed. Such matter can be placed in the front or in the rear, or in the front and in the rear. The hardening, plastic material which can be used for this purpose, are materials which are commonly used for dental molds such as silicone, waxes, or synthetic materials.
Figure 8 displays a support fixture lld with a support beam 27, 27' which has been adapted to the unique circumstances of the patient. This embodiment lld exemplifies that the support beams can be adapted to the specific requirements also in the transverse direction, and this can occur during the treatment of the patient. Figure 8 shows furthermore the ability of choosing the image detail by laterally moving the lens 13 inside the support fixture lld. Figure 8 shows lens 13 moved towards the retainer piece, that is the ring 15, unlike the lens shown in Fig. 7.
Since the commonly-used lens housings 13 are slightly tapered towards the front, the retainer piece 15 has to be able to clamp on different cross-sectional areas of the lens housing 13. To do so, the inside of ring 15 comprises a subtly protruding friction pad 43, which is located approximately in the center of each of the four sides of the rectangular cross-section 43. This allows some clearance in the corner areas between the ring 15 and the lens 13. If the cross-sectional area of the lens is larger, the friction pads 43 are compressed and the corner areas of ring 15 are positioned closer to the lens housing 13. A minimal clearance between housing 13 and ring 15 allows this subtle deformation of ring 15. There are additional friction pads 43' on each of the arms 19 in order to stabilize the arms and the front support element 27'.
In summary, it can be stated that this support fixture improves the image quality of dental mapping cameras, while shortening the time required to position the camera and while improving the congruency of two images taken from the same position. The support fixture is mounted in a movable fashion on the lens housing and is positioned, i.e., on teeth that are adjacent to the area which is to be mapped.
The support elements can be adapted to suit the individual circumstances with dental tools and dental materials.
Figure 7 illustrates an important exemplification llc of the support fixture. In place of the rear support beam 27, retention cavities 39 are designed into frame 15.
Thermoplastically or chemically hardening, plastic matter 41 can be pressed into these retention cavities 39. With this matter 41 applied, the support fixture llc can be placed into position for the imaging process. In doing so, the matter conforms to the outer surface area of the tooth onto which it is seated and starts to harden. The hardened matter 41 can serve as a precise guide and support for the support fixture should a second image be required to be taken from the same location. The mold of the tooth surface can be placed without any trouble exactly in the same place.
The elasticity of the hardened matter 41 will allow a slight correction of the position, if needed. Such matter can be placed in the front or in the rear, or in the front and in the rear. The hardening, plastic material which can be used for this purpose, are materials which are commonly used for dental molds such as silicone, waxes, or synthetic materials.
Figure 8 displays a support fixture lld with a support beam 27, 27' which has been adapted to the unique circumstances of the patient. This embodiment lld exemplifies that the support beams can be adapted to the specific requirements also in the transverse direction, and this can occur during the treatment of the patient. Figure 8 shows furthermore the ability of choosing the image detail by laterally moving the lens 13 inside the support fixture lld. Figure 8 shows lens 13 moved towards the retainer piece, that is the ring 15, unlike the lens shown in Fig. 7.
Since the commonly-used lens housings 13 are slightly tapered towards the front, the retainer piece 15 has to be able to clamp on different cross-sectional areas of the lens housing 13. To do so, the inside of ring 15 comprises a subtly protruding friction pad 43, which is located approximately in the center of each of the four sides of the rectangular cross-section 43. This allows some clearance in the corner areas between the ring 15 and the lens 13. If the cross-sectional area of the lens is larger, the friction pads 43 are compressed and the corner areas of ring 15 are positioned closer to the lens housing 13. A minimal clearance between housing 13 and ring 15 allows this subtle deformation of ring 15. There are additional friction pads 43' on each of the arms 19 in order to stabilize the arms and the front support element 27'.
In summary, it can be stated that this support fixture improves the image quality of dental mapping cameras, while shortening the time required to position the camera and while improving the congruency of two images taken from the same position. The support fixture is mounted in a movable fashion on the lens housing and is positioned, i.e., on teeth that are adjacent to the area which is to be mapped.
The support elements can be adapted to suit the individual circumstances with dental tools and dental materials.
Claims (16)
1. A method to improve image quality of a dental camera used with a patient, wherein the lens of the camera is supported relative to an object to be imaged by a support fixture supported on the patient.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the support fixture is supported on a tooth or on a gum surface.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the lens is movable within the support fixture, for obtaining image detail.
4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the support fixture has changeable support elements which may be changed to suit an area to be imaged.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the changeable support elements are selected from mouldable material, a custom-made support element, and a moulded support element.
6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the camera is a video camera.
7. A support fixture for a dental camera, for supporting the camera against a patient.
8. The support fixture of claim 7, comprising attachment means for attaching to the lens of the camera; and support elements for placement on the patient.
9. The support fixture of claim 8, wherein the support elements are changeable, and can be selected to suit an area to be imaged.
10. The support fixture of claim 9, wherein the support elements are selected from mouldable material, a custom-made support element, and a moulded support element.
11. The support fixture of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the support fixture is supported by placing it on a tooth or gum surface.
12. The support fixture of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the camera is moveable within the support fixture, for adjusting image detail and quality.
13. The support fixture of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the attachment means is a ring or clasp that fastens onto the camera lens.
14. The support fixture of any one of claims 7 to 13, made of material that can be moulded to suit an area to be imaged.
15. The support fixture of any one of claims 7 to 14, made of material that can be sterilised.
16. The support fixture of any one of claims 7 to 15, for use with a dental video camera.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP98810936A EP0993802A1 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 1998-09-18 | Method for improving the quality of video-technical recording methods in dentistry, accessories for a dental camera, stand assembly |
| CHEP98810936.9 | 1998-09-18 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2280286A1 true CA2280286A1 (en) | 2000-03-18 |
Family
ID=8236334
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002280286A Abandoned CA2280286A1 (en) | 1998-09-18 | 1999-08-13 | Process for improving the image quality of video imaging processes in the field of dentistry, accessories for a dental camera, support fixture |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0993802A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2280286A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP1924216A1 (en) * | 2005-08-10 | 2008-05-28 | Marinus Johannes Petrus Vetjens | Oral measuring system |
| DE102007013355A1 (en) * | 2007-03-16 | 2008-09-18 | Dürr Dental GmbH & Co. KG | Diagnostic camera and attachment for the realization of such |
| EP2592994A4 (en) * | 2010-07-15 | 2015-03-11 | Chris Leinweber | Intra-oral imager isolating device |
| FR3066095B1 (en) * | 2017-05-10 | 2022-03-11 | Jean Luc Berruet | AID DEVICE FOR THE MANIPULATION OF AN INTRA-ORAL CAMERA |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3812505A (en) * | 1972-11-06 | 1974-05-21 | Unitek Corp | Scanning camera |
| DE2505798A1 (en) * | 1975-02-12 | 1976-08-26 | Hans K Schneider | Video magnifier for dental treatment - using endoscope with video camera and monitor |
-
1998
- 1998-09-18 EP EP98810936A patent/EP0993802A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1999
- 1999-08-13 CA CA002280286A patent/CA2280286A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0993802A1 (en) | 2000-04-19 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |