System and method for optical imaging, magnification, fluorescence, and reflectance
OwnerNathan P. Montyinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A laser-based dental treatment system also provides for imaging of the treatment area during treatment thereof, without requiring the operator to switch between different devices. A laser beam delivery subsystem and an imaging system are coupled such that at least a portion of the path along which the light reflected from the treatment area propagates towards the imaging system is substantially the same as at least a portion of the path along which the laser beam propagates. Optionally, an illumination system that can direct light to a candidate treatment area for diagnosis thereof, and/or to provide adequate light to the treatment area for imaging, is also be integrated with the treatment system.
Claims37
An apparatus for imaging a dental treatment area, the apparatus comprising:
- a galvo-controlled optical subsystem for directing a laser beam from a laser source to a dental treatment area, the laser beam being directed along an optical axis;
- and
- an imaging system positioned at a location different than a location of the laser source, the imaging system comprising (i) a viewer, and (ii) an imaging optical subsystem adapted to receive light rays from the treatment area, the light rays traveling substantially along the optical axis and via the galvo-controlled optical subsystem, for delivery to the viewer.
An apparatus for imaging a dental treatment area, the apparatus comprising:
- a first beam splitter;
- a galvo-controlled optical subsystem for directing a laser beam from a laser source to a dental treatment area, the laser beam being directed via the first beam splitter, and along an optical axis;
- an imaging system positioned at a location different than a location of the laser source, the imaging system comprising (i) a viewer, and (ii) an imaging optical subsystem adapted to receive light rays from the treatment area, the light rays traveling substantially along the optical axis and via the first beam splitter, for delivery to the viewer;
- and
- an illumination system for directing light to the treatment area, the illumination system comprising a first light source of substantially monochromatic light.
A method of identifying a dental area for laser treatment, the method comprising the steps of:
- illuminating a candidate area for dental treatment using a source of substantially monochromatic light, the light passing via a hand piece adapted for passing therethrough and along an optical axis thereof a laser beam for treatment;
- generating, at an imaging system, an image formed by light rays reflected from the candidate treatment area and traveling along the optical axis of the hand piece;
- identifying within the generated image a region corresponding to received light rays having a wavelength different than a peak wavelength of the substantially monochromatic source of light;
- and
- designating the identified region as the dental area for laser treatment.
A method of treating a dental area using a laser, the method comprising the steps of:
- directing a laser beam to a designated dental area via a galvo-controlled optical subsystem and via a hand piece along an optical axis thereof;
- generating, at an imaging system, an image formed by light rays reflected from the designated dental area, the reflected light rays traveling along the optical axis of the hand piece and via the galvo-controlled optical subsystem.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.