Image capture device and methods

Abstract

A novel image capture device, system and method are disclosed for use in capturing dental images. A novel collimator tube includes one or more devices integrated within its wall, such as a radio frequency transmitter, a camera, a frame grabber, or a transilluminator light. The integrated devices are used instead of or in addition to an x-ray generator, which is coupled to the collimator tube. The camera is used to capture digital images. The camera is either a camera port for plugging in an external camera, such as an intra-oral camera, or is wholly contained within the collimator tube. The radio frequency transmitter transmits digital data to a remote computer. The frame grabber captures digital data for display on a display device. The transilluminator light can illuminate an area for digital capture. A novel receptor holder includes a docking port for docking a sensor that is used for digital x-ray capture.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.