Patent US4490250A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US5871351A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5871351A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for measuring the color of teeth
Assignee: RPX Corp
•
Filing: 1997-08-12
•
Granted: 1999-02-16
•
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
2026-11-08 21:49
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/02; A; A61; A61C; A61C1/00; 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: 162
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proxity 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 one or more light receivers, wherein one or more of the light receivers are coupled to one or more first optical sensors for generating information indicative of spectral characteristics of the dental object, and wherein one or more of the light receivers are coupled to one or more second optical sensors for generating information indicative of translucence characteristics of the dental object; taking a plurality of first and second measurements with the first and second optical sensors; and determining optical characteristics of the dental object based on the first and second measurements.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
133 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proxity 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 one or more light receivers, wherein one or more of the light receivers are coupled to one or more first optical sensors for generating information indicative of spectral characteristics of the dental object, and wherein one or more of the light receivers are coupled to one or more second optical sensors for generating information indicative of translucence characteristics of the dental object; taking a plurality of first and second measurements with the first and second optical sensors; and determining optical characteristics of the dental object based on the first and second measurements.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the optical characteristics comprise color characteristics.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the optical characteristics comprise translucence characteristics.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the optical characteristics comprise fluorescence characteristics.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the optical characteristics comprise surface texture characteristics.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying a representation of the optical characteristics on a display device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 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 optical characteristics determination.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 1, 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 a 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 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining optical characteristics comprises the steps of generating first data indicative of spectral characteristics and generating second data indicative of translucence characteristics, wherein the first data are adjusted based on the second data.
Claim 11
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 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the database records are associated with particular patients.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10, wherein the database records store pictures of the dental objects.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 12, wherein the pictures are generated with a camera.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the probe and the camera are integrated into a single unit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 13, wherein the probe and the camera share a common light source.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1, 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 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, wherein a second dental object is produced based on optical characteristics data.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the second dental object comprises a denture.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the second dental object comprises a dental prosthesis.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the second dental object comprises a filling.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the second dental object comprises a tooth-colored filling.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the second dental object comprises a composite filling.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 17, wherein the second dental object is produced based on a porcelain recipe determined in accordance with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 23, wherein the optical characteristics data include fluorescence data, wherein a fluorescing-type material is added to the recipe based on the fluorescence data.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 23, wherein a texturing material is added to the recipe.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first and second measurements include measurements taken at first and second distances from the dental object.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1, 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 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first and second measurements include measurements indicative of an angle of the probe with respect to the surface.
Claim 30
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 31
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a modem transmission.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 29, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a facsimile transmission.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the probe has a removable cover element.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 32, wherein the removable cover element comprises a shield.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 32, wherein the removable cover element is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 34, wherein the removable cover element is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the probe has a removable tip.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 36, wherein the removable tip is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proxity to the dental object.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 37, wherein the removable tip is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 40
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 41
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 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second optical sensors comprise different optical sensors.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
73 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 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 44
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 1, 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.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
115 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 first and second measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the first and second measurements include at least measurements taken at first and second distances from the surface of the dental object; and generating data indicative of translucence characteristics and color characteristics based on the first and second measurements.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
115 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 first and second measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the first and second measurements include at least measurements taken at first and second distances from the surface of the dental object; and generating data indicative of translucence characteristics and color characteristics based on the first and second measurements.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of generating fluorescence data or surface texture data based on the measurements.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of displaying a representation of a data indicative of translucence characteristics or color characteristics on a display device.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of generating audio information, wherein the audio information is indicative of the status of the first or second measurements.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 44, wherein a material mixing unit receives data indicative of translucence characteristics 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 characteristics or color characteristics, wherein the constituent materials of the second dental object are selected based on the data indicative of the translucence characteristics or color characteristics.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 44, wherein data indicative of color characteristics are adjusted based on data indicative of translucence characteristics.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 44, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for a plurality of dental objects to generate a plurality of database records.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 50, wherein the database records are associated with particular patients.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 50, wherein the database records store pictures of the dental objects.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 52, wherein the pictures are generated with a camera.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 53, wherein the probe and the camera are integrated into a single unit.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 53, wherein the probe and the camera share a common light source.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 44, 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 59
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 44, wherein a second dental object is produced based on optical characteristics data.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 57, wherein the second dental object comprises a denature.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 57, wherein the second dental object comprises a dental prosthesis.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 57, wherein the second dental object comprises a filling.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 57, wherein the second dental object comprises a tooth-colored filling.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 57, wherein the second dental object comprises a composite filling.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 57, wherein the second dental object is produced based on a porcelain recipe determined in accordance with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 63, wherein the optical characteristics data include fluorescence data, wherein a fluorescing-type material is added to the recipe based on the fluorescence data.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 63, wherein a texturing material is added to the recipe.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 44, wherein the plurality of first and second measurements include measurements taken at first and second distances from the dental object as the probe moves relative to the dental object.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 44, 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 70
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 44, wherein the plurality of first and second measurements include measurements indicative of an angle of the probe with respect to the surface.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 44, 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 72
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 69, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a modem transmission.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 69, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a facsimile transmission.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 44, wherein the probe has a removable cover element.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 72, wherein the removable cover element comprises a shield.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 72, wherein the removable cover element is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 74, wherein the removable cover element is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 44, wherein the probe has a removable tip.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 76, wherein the removable tip is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 77, wherein the removable tip is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 44, wherein optical characteristics data are stored in a database, wherein the database includes date and time information associated with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 44, wherein the probe is positioned in proximity to the dental object by relative movement of the probe with respect to the dental object.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
74 words
The method of claim 44, 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 dental object.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 44, 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.
Claim 85
Independent Claim
112 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a surface of a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the dental object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the dental object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors; taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least measurements taken at first and second distances from the surface of the dental object; and determining optical characteristics of the dental object based on the measurements.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
112 words
A method, comprising the steps of: positioning a probe in proximity to a surface of a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to the surface of the dental object from one or more light sources, and receives light from the dental object through one or more light receivers, wherein light from the one or more light receivers is coupled to one or more optical sensors; taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensors, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least measurements taken at first and second distances from the surface of the dental object; and determining optical characteristics of the dental object based on the measurements.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 83, further comprising the step of generating fluorescence data or surface texture data based on the measurements.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 84, further comprising the step of displaying data indicative of the optical characteristics on a display device.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 85, further comprising the step of generating audio information, wherein the audio information is indicative of the status of the measurements.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 83, wherein a material mixing unit receives data indicative of optical characteristics of the dental object, wherein the material mixing unit prepares constituent materials for a second dental object based on 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 91
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 83, further comprising 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 92
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 83, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for a plurality of objects to generate a plurality of database records.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 89, wherein the database records are associated with particular patients.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 89, wherein the database records store pictures of the objects.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 91, wherein the pictures are generated with a camera.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 92, wherein the probe and the camera are integrated into a single unit.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 92, wherein the probe and the camera share a common light source.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 83, 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 99
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 83, wherein a second dental object is produced based on optical characteristics data.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 96, wherein the second dental object comprises a denture.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 96, wherein the second dental object comprises a dental prosthesis.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 96, wherein the second dental object comprises a filling.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 96, wherein the second dental object comprises a tooth-colored filling.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 96, wherein the second dental object comprises a composite filling.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 96, wherein the second dental object is produced based on a porcelain recipe determined in accordance with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 102, wherein the optical characteristics data include fluorescence data, wherein a fluorescing-type material is added to the recipe based on the fluorescence data.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 102, wherein a texturing material is added to the recipe.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 83, 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 109
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 83, wherein the plurality of measurements include measurements indicative of an angle of the probe with respect to the surface.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 83, 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 111
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 107, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a modem transmission.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 107, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a facsimile transmission.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 83, wherein the probe has a removable cover element.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 110, wherein the removable cover element comprises a shield.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 110, wherein the removable cover element is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 112, wherein the removable cover element is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 83, wherein the probe has a removable tip.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 114, wherein the removable tip is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 115, wherein the removable tip is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 83, wherein optical characteristics data are stored in a database, wherein the database includes date and time information associated with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 83, wherein the probe is positioned in proximity to the dental object by relative movement of the probe with respect to the dental object.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 83, 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 123
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 83, wherein the step of taking a plurality 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 124
Independent Claim
136 words
A method, comprising the steps of: position a probe in proximity to a surface of a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to the 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 sensor; taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensor, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least measurements taken a first and second distances from the surface of the dental object; determining second data based on measurements indicative of translucence characteristics of the object; and determining first data based on measurements indicative of color characteristics of the dental object, wherein the first data are adjusted based on the second data.
Claim 125
Independent Claim
136 words
A method, comprising the steps of: position a probe in proximity to a surface of a dental object, wherein the probe provides light to the 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 sensor; taking a plurality of measurements with the one or more optical sensor, wherein the plurality of measurements include at least measurements taken a first and second distances from the surface of the dental object; determining second data based on measurements indicative of translucence characteristics of the object; and determining first data based on measurements indicative of color characteristics of the dental object, wherein the first data are adjusted based on the second data.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of generating fluorescence data or surface texture data based on the measurements.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of displaying a representation of the first data or the second data on a display device.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 121, further comprising the step of generating audio information, wherein the audio information is indicative of the status of the measurements.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 121, 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 130
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 121, wherein optical characteristics data are generated a plurality of times for a plurality of dental objects to generate a plurality of optical characteristics database records.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 126, wherein the database records are associated with particular patients.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 126, wherein the database records store pictures of the objects.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 128, wherein the pictures are generated with a camera.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 129, wherein the probe and the camera are integrated into a single unit.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 129, wherein the probe and the camera share a common light source.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 121, 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 137
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 121, wherein a second dental object is produced based on optical characteristics data.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 133, wherein the second dental object comprises a denture.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 133, wherein the second dental object comprises a dental prosthesis.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 133, wherein the second dental object comprises a filling.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 133, wherein the second dental object comprises a tooth-colored filling.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 133, wherein the second dental object comprises a composite filling.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 133, wherein the second dental object is produced based on a porcelain recipe determined in accordance with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 139, wherein the optical characteristics data include fluorescence data, wherein a fluorescing-type material is added to the recipe based on the fluorescence data.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 139, wherein a texturing material is added to the recipe.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 121, wherein the plurality of measurements include measurements taken at first and second distances from the dental object as the probe moves relative to the dental object.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 121, 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 148
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 121, wherein the measurements include measurements indicative of an angle of the probe with respect to the surface.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 121, 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 150
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 145, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a modem transmission.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 145, wherein the electronic transmission comprises a facsimile transmission.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 121, wherein the probe has a removable cover element.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 148, wherein the removable cover element comprises a shield.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 148, wherein the removable cover element is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 150, wherein the removable cover element is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 121, wherein the probe has a removable tip.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 152, wherein the removable tip is positioned on the probe prior to positioning of the probe in proximity to the dental object.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 153, wherein the removable tip is sterilized prior to being positioned on the probe.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 121, wherein optical characteristics data are stored in a database, wherein the database includes date and time information associated with the optical characteristics data.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 121, wherein the probe is positioned in proximity to the dental object by relative movement of the probe with respect to the dental object.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 121, 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 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 162
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 121, 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.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4616933A
Cited
US4464054A
Cited
WO1986003292A1
Cited
US4878485A
Cited
US5306144A
Cited
US5690486A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-02-15 | 2002-08-17 | 2003-02-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-02-15 | 2006-08-17 | 2007-02-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-02-15 | 2010-08-17 | 2011-02-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |