US5851113A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for measuring the color of teeth
Assignee: RPX Corp
•
Filing: 1997-08-12
•
Granted: 1998-12-22
•
Expires: 2017-08-12
Abstract
Abstract Color measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic and receive light reflected from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed. Measured data also may be stored and/or organized as part of a patient data base.
Inventors
- 👤 Wayne D. Jung
- 👤 Russell W. Jung
- 👤 Alan R. Loudermilk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 01:32
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61C; A61C1/00; G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/02; A61B; A61B5/00; A61B5/45; A61B5/4538; A61B5/4542; A61B5/4547; A61C19/00; A61C19/04; A61C19/10; G01J3/0205; G01J3/0218; G01J3/46; G01J3/463; G01J3/50; G01J3/508; G01J3/51; G01J3/513; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/25; G01N21/47; G01N21/4738; G01N21/474; G01N21/55; G01N21/57; A61B2560/00; A61B2560/02; A61B2560/0223; A61B2560/0228; A61B2560/0233; A61B2562/00; A61B2562/24; A61B2562/247
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 126
Claim 1
Independent Claim
139 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to a surface of the dental object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the dental object through a plurality of light receivers, wherein light from the light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors; taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors; and determining at least a peak intensity of received light based on the measurements as the probe is a distance away from the surface of the dental object, and determining at least an intensity of light as the probe is at or about the surface of the dental object, wherein translucence data and color data are generated based on at least the peak intensity and the intensity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
139 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to a surface of the dental object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the dental object through a plurality of light receivers, wherein light from the light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors; taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors; and determining at least a peak intensity of received light based on the measurements as the probe is a distance away from the surface of the dental object, and determining at least an intensity of light as the probe is at or about the surface of the dental object, wherein translucence data and color data are generated based on at least the peak intensity and the intensity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating fluorescence data or surface texture data based on the measurements.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying a representation of the translucence data or the color data on a display device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating audio information, wherein the audio information is indicative of the status of the measurements.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a material mixing unit receives data indicative of translucence or color characteristics of the dental object, wherein the material mixing unit prepares constituent materials for a second dental object based on the data indicative of the translucence or color characteristics, wherein the constituent materials of the second dental object are selected based on the data indicative of the translucence or color characteristics.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the color data are adjusted based on the translucence data.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for a plurality of dental objects to generate a plurality of database records.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the database records are associated with particular patients.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 7, wherein the database records store pictures of the dental objects.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 9, wherein the pictures are generated with a camera.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the probe and the camera are integrated into a single unit.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the probe and the camera share a common light source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for dental object, wherein a database stores a historical record of optical characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a second dental object is produced based on color data and translucence data.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the second dental object comprises a denture.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the second dental object comprises a dental prosthesis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the second dental object comprises a filling.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the second dental object comprises a tooth-colored filling.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the second dental object comprises a composite filling.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the second dental object is produced based on a porcelain recipe determined in accordance with the color data and translucence data.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of generating fluorescence data, wherein a fluorescing-type material is added to the recipe based on the fluorescence data.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 20, wherein a texturing material is added to the recipe.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurements include measurements taken at first and second distances from the dental object.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurements include a measurement taken at or about a time when an optical sensor is sensing a peak intensity value.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of measurements include measurements indicative of an angle of the probe with respect to the surface.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1, wherein optical characteristics data are electronically transmitted to a remote location, wherein a second dental object is produced at the remote location based on the transmitted optical characteristics data.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 26, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a modem transmission.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 26, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a facsimile transmission.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the probe has a removable cover element.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the removable cover element comprises a shield.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the removable cover element is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 31, wherein the removable cover element is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the probe has a removable tip.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 33, wherein the removable tip is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the removable tip is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1, wherein optical characteristics data are stored in a database, wherein the database includes date and time information associated with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the probe is positioned in proximity to the dental object by relative movement of the probe with respect to the dental object.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a source emits light on a first area of the dental object, wherein a receiver receives light reflected from a second area of the dental object, wherein the step of taking a plurality of measurements includes at least one measurement taken when the first area does not intersect with the second area, wherein the measurement generates data indicative of translucence characteristics of the object.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of taking a plurality of measurements includes one measurement taken when the probe is in contact or near contact with the dental object, wherein the measurement generates data indicative of translucence characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
114 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to a surface of the dental object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the dental object through a plurality of light receivers; and determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers with second sensors, and measuring the optical characteristics of the dental object with first sensors based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the second sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
114 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to a surface of the dental object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the dental object through a plurality of light receivers; and determining the intensity of reflected light received by more than one of the light receivers with second sensors, and measuring the optical characteristics of the dental object with first sensors based on light received by one or more of the light receivers in response to the intensity determinations made by the second sensors, wherein the measurement produces data indicative of the optical characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the optical characteristics comprise color characteristics.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the optical characteristics comprise translucence characteristics.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the optical characteristics comprise fluorescence characteristics.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the optical characteristics comprise surface texture characteristics.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of displaying a representation of the optical characteristics on a display device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 40, further comprising the step of generating audio information, wherein the audio information is indicative of the status of the optical characteristics measurement.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 40, wherein a material mixing unit receives data indicative of the optical characteristics, wherein the material mixing unit prepares constituent materials for a second dental object based on the data indicative of the optical characteristics, wherein the constituent materials of the second dental object are selected based on the data indicative of the optical characteristics.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 40, wherein optical characteristics are determined by the steps of generating first data indicative of color characteristics and generating second data indicative of translucence characteristics, wherein the first data are adjusted based on the second data.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 40, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for a plurality of dental objects to generate a plurality of database records.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 49, wherein the database records are associated with particular patients.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 49, wherein the database records store pictures of the dental objects.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 51, wherein the pictures are generated with a camera.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the probe and the camera are integrated into a single unit.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the probe and the camera share a common light source.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 40, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for the dental object, wherein a database stores a historical record of the optical characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 40, wherein a second dental object is produced based on optical characteristics data.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the second dental object comprises a denture.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the second dental object comprises a dental prosthesis.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the second dental object comprises a filling.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the second dental object comprises a tooth-colored filling.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the second dental object comprises a composite filling.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 56, wherein the second dental object is produced based on a porcelain recipe determined in accordance with optical characteristics data.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 62, wherein the optical characteristics data include fluorescence data, wherein a fluorescing-type material is added to the recipe based on the fluorescence data.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 62, wherein a texturing material is added to the recipe.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the measurement includes measurements taken at first and second distances from the dental object.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the measurement includes a measurement taken at or about a time when an optical sensor is sensing a peak intensity value.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the measurement includes measurements indicative of an angle of the probe with respect to the surface.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 40, wherein optical characteristics data are electronically transmitted to a remote location, wherein a second dental object is produced at the remote location based on the transmitted optical characteristics data.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 68, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a modem transmission.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 68, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a facsimile transmission.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the probe has a removable cover element.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 71, wherein the removable cover element comprises a shield.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 71, wherein the removable cover element is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 73, wherein the removable cover element is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the probe has a removable tip.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 75, wherein the removable tip is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 76, wherein the removable tip is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 40, wherein optical characteristics data are stored in a database, wherein the database includes date and time information associated with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the probe is positioned in proximity to the dental object by relative movement of the probe with respect to the dental object.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 40, wherein a source emits light on a first area of the dental object, wherein a receiver receives light reflected from a second area of the dental object, wherein the step of measuring the optical characteristics of the dental object includes at least one measurement taken when the first area does not intersect with the second area, wherein the measurement generates data indicative of translucence characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 40, wherein the step of measuring the optical characteristics of the dental object includes one measurement taken when the probe is in contact or near contact with the dental object, wherein the measurement generates data indicative of translucence characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 84
Independent Claim
121 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to a surface of the dental object and receives light from the object, wherein the received light is coupled to one or more optical sensors for determining spectral and translucence characteristics of the dental object; and taking of a plurality of first and second measurements with the optical sensors as the probe is positioned towards the surface of the dental object, wherein the first and second measurements measure light that is incident on the surface of the dental object and received from the dental object, wherein optical characteristics of the dental object are determined based on the first and second measurements.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
121 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to a surface of the dental object and receives light from the object, wherein the received light is coupled to one or more optical sensors for determining spectral and translucence characteristics of the dental object; and taking of a plurality of first and second measurements with the optical sensors as the probe is positioned towards the surface of the dental object, wherein the first and second measurements measure light that is incident on the surface of the dental object and received from the dental object, wherein optical characteristics of the dental object are determined based on the first and second measurements.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the optical characteristics comprise color characteristics.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the optical characteristics comprise translucence characteristics.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the optical characteristics comprise fluorescence characteristics.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the optical characteristics comprise surface texture characteristics.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 82, further comprising the step of displaying a representation of the optical characteristics on a display device.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 82, further comprising the step of generating audio information, wherein the audio information is indicative of the status of the optical characteristics determination.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 82, wherein a material mixing unit receives data indicative of the optical characteristics, wherein the material mixing unit prepares constituent materials for a second dental object based on the data indicative of the optical characteristics, wherein the constituent materials of the second dental object are selected based on the data indicative of the optical characteristics.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 83, wherein the step of determining optical characteristics comprises the steps of generating first data indicative of color characteristics and generating second data indicative of translucence characteristics, wherein the first data are adjusted based on the second data.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 82, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for a plurality of dental objects to generate a plurality of database records.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 91, wherein the database records are associated with particular patients.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 91, wherein the database records store pictures of the dental objects.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 93, wherein the pictures are generated with a camera.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 94, wherein the probe and the camera are integrated into a single unit.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 94, wherein the probe and the camera share a common light source.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 82, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for the dental object, wherein a database stores a historical record of the optical characteristics of the dental object.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 82, wherein a second dental object is produced based on optical characteristics data.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 98, wherein the second dental object comprises a denture.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 98, wherein the second dental object comprises a dental prosthesis.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 98, wherein the second dental object comprises a filling.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 98, wherein the second dental object comprises a tooth-colored filling.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 98, wherein the second dental object comprises a composite filling.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 98, wherein the second dental object is produced based on a porcelain recipe determined mi accordance with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 104, wherein the optical characteristics data include fluorescence data, wherein a fluorescing-type material is added to the recipe based on the fluorescence data.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 104, wherein a texturing material is added to the recipe.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 80, wherein the plurality of first and second measurements include measurements taken at first and second distances from the dental object.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the plurality of first and second measurements include a measurement taken at or about a time when an optical sensor is sensing a peak intensity value.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the plurality of first and second measurements include measurements indicative of an angle of the probe with respect to the surface.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 82, wherein optical characteristics data are electronically transmitted to a remote location, wherein a second dental object is produced at the remote location based on the transmitted optical characteristics data.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 110, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a modem transmission.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 110, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a facsimile transmission.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the probe has a removable cover element.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 113, wherein the removable cover element comprises a shield.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 113, wherein the removable cover element is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 115, wherein the removable cover element is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the probe has a removable tip.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 117, wherein the removable tip is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 118, wherein the removable tip is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 82, wherein optical characteristics data are stored in a database, wherein the database includes date and time information associated with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the probe is positioned in proximity to the dental object by relative movement of the probe with respect to the dental object.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method of claim 82, wherein a source emits light on a first area of the dental object, wherein a receiver receives light reflected from a second area of the dental object, wherein the step of taking a plurality of first and second measurements includes at least one measurement taken when the first area does not intersect with the second area, wherein the measurement generates data indicative of translucence characteristics of the object.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the step of taking a plurality of first and second measurements includes one measurement taken when the probe is in contact or near contact with the dental object, wherein the measurement generates data indicative of translucence characteristics of the dental object.
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