Back to results
US 5,569,578 AGranted
Method and apparatus for effecting change in shape of pre-existing object
AssigneeNone recorded
InventorDavid R. Mushabac
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Loading patent…
Loading patent…
AssigneeNone recorded
InventorDavid R. Mushabac
Estimating the term…
A system for effecting a desired modification in the shape of a pre-existing object to which access is restricted comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a computer, a first data generating device, a second data generating device, a display, an instruction input device and an output device. The first data generating device is operatively connected to the computer for providing the computer with electrically encoded data specifying a three-dimensional surface of the object, while the second data generating device is operatively connected to the computer for providing the computer with electrically encoded data specifying a curvilinear contour of the object. The display is responsive to signals from the computer for displaying a three-dimensional graphic representation of the object in accordance with data from the first data generating device and the second data generating device. The instruction input device operatively serves for instructing the computer to modify the three-dimensional representation of the object on the display and for selecting a modification of the three-dimensional representation which represents a desired object preparation. The output device is operatively coupled to the computer for issuing an output signal to effectuate a limitation in motion of a preparation instrument relative to the object so that the object is provided with the desired object preparation.
A system for effecting a desired modification in the shape of a pre-existing object to which access is restricted, said system comprising:
A dentistry system comprising:
A method for effecting a desired modification in the shape of a pre-existing object to which access is restricted by other formations, comprising the steps of:
A method for effecting a dental preparation, comprising the steps of:
A system for effecting a desired modification in the shape of a pre-existing object to which access is restricted, said system comprising:
A method for effecting a dental preparation, comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
Drawings are temporarily unavailable. Open the PDF at USPTO
No related US applications are recorded in the indexed filing history.
Data acquisition means or methods: optical means or methods, e.g. scanning the teeth by a laser or light beam
Optical means or methods, e.g. scanning the teeth by a laser or light beam: projecting one or more stripes or patterns on the teeth
ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient…:…
Dentistry
Term ended 29 Oct 2013 (estimated)
USPTO file history isn’t available for this patent, so only indexed dates are shown.
This invention relates to a method and a system for effecting a desired modification in the shape of a pre-existing object to which access is restricted. This invention also relates to an instrument connectable to a computer for providing said computer with electrically encoded data specifying a three-dimensional surface of an object. In addition this invention relates to a device operably connectable to a computer for providing the computer with electrically encoded data specifying a curvilinear contour of an object. More particularly, this invention relates to a dentistry system.
This invention relates further to a method for generating an electronic representation of a three dimensional surface and to a method for providing a computer with electrically encoded data specifying a three-dimensional surface of an object. The invention is also directed to a method for providing a computer with electrically encoded data specifying a curvilinear contour of a movable object and to a method for effecting a dental preparation.
Computerized control of machining operations is a well established technology. It has been applied to the dental field in controlling the preparation of tooth inlays and onlays such as fillings, crowns and bridges. In accordance with the known technique, a computer is provided with electrically encoded information specifying the surfaces of a prepared tooth. The computer then controls the machining, from a blank, for an inlay, crown or other restoration for insertion into or placement onto the already prepared tooth.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system effecting a desired modification in the shape of a pre-existing object such as a tooth to which access is restricted, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of a surface data generating device shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is partially a block diagram and partially a schematic elevational view of a particular embodiment of the surface data generating device of FIG. 2.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, a computerized interactive system for producing a modification in the shape of an object such as a tooth to which access is limited comprises a first data generating device or assembly 22 for providing a computer 24 with electrically encoded data, specifically, digitized video signals representing a three-dimensional surface of an object such as a tooth. A second data generating device or assembly 26 is operatively connected to computer 24 for transmitting thereto digitized video signals containing information pertaining to a curvilinear contour on the surface of the three-dimensional surface of the tooth. In addition, computer 24 may receive from a third data generating device or assembly 28 digitized input signals relating to internal structures of the tooth being scanned. Specifically, data generating device 28 may take the form of an X-ray device such as used in current intra-oral radiology or other methodologies and basically comprises a source 30 of X-ray radiation and a detector 32 for receiving the X-ray radiation after it passes through a tooth and converting the incident radiation into a digital data strem fed to computer 24.
As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the computerized interactive dentistry system also comprises a display device 34 such as a monitor or holographic projector. In response to data signals, computer 24 generates a three-dimensional view on display of monitor 34 of the tooth or teeth under examination. More specifically, computer 24 is provided with any commercially available stereophotogrammetric triangulation program for calculating and displaying, on the basis of the video input signals from data generating devices 22, 26 and 28, three dimensional surfaces and contours of the tooth or teeth.
The computerized interactive dentistry system of FIG. 1 further includes another data generating device or assembly 36 which provides computer 24 with digitized video information as to the location of the operative tip of a cutting instrument 38 such as a dentist's drill relative to the three-dimensional structural features of the tooth. Data generating device 36 thus enables computer 24 to monitor modifications to the shape of the tooth as those modification are being made in the tooth.