(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY(PCT)
`
`(19} World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Burcau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`7 June 2001 (07.06.2001)
`
`
`
`PCT
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`OYA AANAA
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`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 01/39667 Al
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`(51) International Patent Classification’:
`HOSG 1/64
`
`AGIB 6/14,
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`(81) Designated States (rational): AE, AG, AL. AM. AT, AQ,
`AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ,
`DE, DK, DM, DZ, FE, ES, Fl. GB, GD, GE. GH, GM, HR.
`HU, 1D, IL, IN, 18, JP, KE, KG, KP RR, KZ, LC, LK, LR.
`{21) International Application Number;=POT/1S00/32905
`LS. LT, LU. LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN. MW, MX. MZ,
`NO, NZ, PL, PT. RO.RU, SD, SE. SG, SL SK, SL, TJ, TM,
`TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG. US, UZ, VN. YL ZA, ZW.
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`(22) International Filing Date: | December 2000 (01.12.2000)
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`(25) Filing Language:
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`English
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`(26) Publication Language:
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`(30) Priority Data:
`OWAS248
`
`1 December 1999 (01.12.1999)
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`U8
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`English
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`(34) Designated States fregioncaii: European patent (AT, BE,
`CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FIL. FR, GB. GR. JE. ET, 1.0, MC.
`NL, PT, SE, TR).
`
`(71) Applicant and
`(72) Inventar: MASSIE, Ronald, E. [US/US]; P.O. Box 873,
`Lake Ozark, MO 63049 (US).
`
`(74) Agent: BROWN, Mark, E., Shughart Thomson & Kilroy,
`PC.. 120 West 12th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105 (US).
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`Published:
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`With international search report.
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`for pva-letier codes and other abbreviations, refer to the "Guid-
`ance Notes on Codes and Abbreviations” appearing at the begin-
`ning of each regular issue ofthe PCT Gazette.
`
`(54) Title: DENTAL AND ORTHOPEDIC DENSITOMETRY MODELING SYSTEM AND METHOD
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`
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`LOUETERARACEOAATTEUTTAE E
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`1/39667Al
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`CONTROLLER
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`MEMORY DEVICE
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`| TOMOGRAPHICAL |
`| DENSITOMETRY
`|
`MODEL
`eee ee eel
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`OUTPUT
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`SOURCE
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`DEVICE
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`X-RAY EQUIPMENT14
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`POSITIONING
`MOTOR
`1B
`28-,
`ee tee ee ee oe +
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`IMPLANT)
`| DENTAL!
`ORTHOPEDIC
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`|PROTHESIS! STRUCTURE
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`
`AID
`DETECTOR
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`CONVERTER
`ARRAY
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`(27) Abstract: A dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling system includes a controller (4) with a microprocessor (4) and a
`memory device (7) connectedto the microprocessor (6). An input device (8) is also connected to the microprocessor(6) for inputting
`diagnostic procedure parameters and patient information. X-ray cquipment including an X-ray source (14) and an X-ray detector
`array (16) are connecled to a positioning motor (10) for movementrelative Lo a patient’s dental or orthopedic structure (18) in re-
`sponse to signals [rom the microprocessor (6). The outpul consists of a tomographical densitometry model. A dental/orthopedic
`densitometry modeling methead involves moving the K-cay equipment across a predetermined scan path, emitting dual-energy X-ray
`beams, and outputting an image color-coded (o correspond to a patient’s dental or orthopedic density.
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`Dentsply Sirona Inc. — Exhibit 1017
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`DENTAL AND ORTHOPEDIC DENSITOMETRY MODELING
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`SYSTEM AND METHOD
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`Background ofthe Invention
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`1.
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`Field of the Invention
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`The present invention relates generally to dental and orthopedic diagnosis and
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`treatment, and in particular to a densitometry modeling system and method.
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`Description of the Related Art
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`The field of dental diagnostics is generally concerned with locating pathologies in
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`the dental structure,i.e. the teeth and surrounding tissue and bone. Three of the most
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`common pathologies are: 1) caries associated with decay; 2) fractures; and 3) apical
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`abscesses. The system and method of the present invention are primarily, but not
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`exclusively, concerned with detecting these pathologies and with orthopedics.
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`Early detection of dental pathologies is very important in minimizing damage.
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`Conventional diagnosis procedures are generally performed using dental X-rays (both
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`fixed beam and scanning beam), explorers, and other conventional equipment.
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`Incipient caries, particularly those located beneath the enamel surface, often go
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`undetected with conventional equipment. When such caries are finally found,
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`considerable damage to tooth structure may have already occurred. Subsurface, incipient
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`caries are located almost entirely within the enamellayer of the teeth. They are
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`sometimes referred to as “smooth surface”caries and are particularly difficult to locate
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`using conventional diagnostic equipment and procedures. By the time such incipient
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`caries are located, the extent of the damage is often 17% to 23% greater than it would
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`appear to be on a conventional X-ray negative.
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`Dental fractures can result from bruxism(teeth grinding), trauma, etc. Dental
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`structure which is weakened by various causes, such as decalcification, is particularly
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`susceptible to fractures. Fractures can assume various configurations, including craize
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`line patterns. Fracture patterns and configurations can be particularly difficult to locate
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`using conventional X-ray equipment and procedures. For example, fractures which are
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`generally parallel to the X-ray beam are often undetectable on an X-ray negative.
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`Undetected, and hence untreated,fractures can provide direct paths through the enamel -
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`layer of the teeth whereby bacteria can invade the dentin and pulp layers. Pathologies in
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`the dentin and pulp layers are often associated with considerable pain and tooth loss.
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`Apical abscesses comprise yet another dental condition which can bedifficult to
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`diagnose with conventional equiprnent, particularly in the early stages. Advanced apical
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`abscesses can cause considerable pain because they involve the neurovascular bundles
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`located in the root canals. Early detection of apical abscesses can lead to appropriate,
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`early-stage treatment, thus avoiding advanced disease processes with resultantpain,
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`swelling, and/or space involvement whichleft untreated could ultimately result in death.
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`Tomographyor sectional radiography techniques using scanning X-ray beams
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`have previously been employed for dental applications. For example, U.S. Patents No.
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`4,188,537; No. 4,259,583; No. 4,823,369; No. 4,856,038; and No. 5,214,686 all relate to
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`dental X-ray diagnosis utilizing scanning techniques and are incorporated herein by
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`reference.
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`In the medicalfield, densitometry procedures are used for measuring bone
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`morphology density (BMD)byutilizing scanning X-ray beam techniques. Examples are
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`shown in U.S. Patents No. 5,533,080; No. 5,838,765; and Re. 36,162, which are
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`incorporated herein by reference. Medical applications of densitometry include the
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`diagnosis and treatment of such bone diseases as osteoporosis.
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`The availability of relatively fast computers with large memories at reasonable
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`costs has led to the digitalization of X-ray images for mapping BMD models in various
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`formats. For example, BMD images use color to identify varying densities. Digital BMD
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`patient models are also used for comparison purposes with standard models and with
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`patients’ own prior BMDhistories. Age correction factors can be applied to patients’
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`models for diagnosing and monitoring the onset and progress of such medical conditions
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`as osteoporosis and the like. The present invention utilizes such densitometry modeling
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`and mapping techniques for dental applications.
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`In addition to pathology detection and diagnosis, the present invention has
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`applications in monitoring osseaintegration. Osseointegration occurs at the interface
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`between bonestructures and prostheses, such as implants and replacementjoints. For
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`example, dental implants osseointegrate with patients’ dental structure. The application
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`of tomographical densitometry techniques to osseointegration monitoring can provide the
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`dental or medical practitioner with important information in evaluating the effectiveness
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`of implant procedures,
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`Heretofore there has not been available a system or method for applying the
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`technology of densitometry to dental and medical applications such as the detection of
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`caries and decalcification and the monitoring of osseointegration in connection with
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`dental and medical prastheses.
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`Summary of the Invention
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`In the practice of the present invention, a dental and orthopedic densitometry
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`modeling system utilizes a controller with a microprocessor and memory. An input
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`device inputs data to the microprocessor for controlling the operation of the modeling
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`system and for providing a database including densitometry parameters for comparison
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`with a patient’s densitometry model. The controller controls the operation of X-ray
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`equipment, which is adapted for scanning patients’ dental and orthopedic structures along
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`preprogrammed scan paths. The X-ray output is processed by the microprocessorfor
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`creating a densitometry model, which can be output in various formats. In the practice of
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`the method of the present invention, a patient and the X-ray equipmentare positioned
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`relative to each other. A controller is preprogrammed with a scan path and with data
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`correspondingto the patient. The X-ray equipment emits and detects X-ray beamsatfirst
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`and second energy levels to provide densitometry output. The densitometry output is
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`digitized and merged to provide a tomographic model, which can be compared to
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`predetermined parameters unique to the patient. The model can be outputin various
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`formats, including a visual image color-coded to depict varying dental and orthopedic
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`structure densities.
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`Principle Objects and Advantages of the Invention
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`The principle objects and advantages of the present invention include: providing a
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`dental and orthopedic diagnostic application for densitometry; providing such an
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`application which includes a method for modeling dental and orthopedic structure using
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`densitometry; providing such a method whichincludes dual-energy, X-ray emission and
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`detection; providing such a method whichincludes providing a color-coded output model
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`showing dental density; providing such a method which detects incipient caries;
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`providing such a method whichis adapted for detecting decalcification beneath the
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`surface of the dental enamel layer; providing such a method which employs scanning X-
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`ray techniques; providing such a method which utilizes commercially available
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`tomography equipment; providing such a method which detects dental fractures;
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`providing such a method which detects dental apical abscesses; providing such a method
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`which detects dental pathologies at the micron level; providing such a method which
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`facilitates the monitoring of decalcification in dental structures for determining
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`appropriate treatment; providing such a method which is adaptable for monitoring
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`osseointegration; providing such a method whichcan be practiced withrelatively minor
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`changes to existing densitometry equipment; and providing such a method whichis
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`economical in operation and particularly well adapted for the proposed usage thereof.
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`Other objects and advantages ofthis invention will become apparentfrom the
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`following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are
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`set forth, by way ofillustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.
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`The drawings constitute a part ofthis specification and include exemplary
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`embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and featuresthereof.
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`Brief Description of the Drawings
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`Fig. | is a schematic, block diagram of a dental and orthopedic densitometry
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`modeling system embodying the present invention.
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`Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling method
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`embodying the present invention.
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`Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
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`L
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`Introduction and Environment
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`As required, detailed embodimentsof the present invention are disclosed herein;
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`however,it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of
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`the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
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`and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as
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`a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
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`variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
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`IL.
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`Dental Densitometry Modeling System 2
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`Referring to the drawings in moredetail, the reference numeral 2 generally
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`designates a dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling system embodyingthe present
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`invention. The system 2 includes a controller 4 with a microprocessor 6 connected to a
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`digital memory device 7. The hardware components of the controller 4,i.c. the
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`microprocessor 6 and the memory device 7, can comprise any of a numberofsuitable
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`hardware devices which are commercially available and are suitable for this application.
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`In addition to various programable logic devices (PLDs) and special-purpose
`microprocessors, general purpose, commercially available personal computers can be
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`utilized in the controller 4. The controller 4 can be programmedin any suitable manner
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`utilizing any of a variety of commercially available programming languages and software
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`development systems.
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`The microprocessor 6 is adapted to receive input from one or more input devices
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`8, such as a keyboard,a pointing device (e.g., a mouse), a communicationslink, or
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`another computer. Without limitation on the generality of useful data which can be input
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`via the input device(s} 8, such data can include: 1) a patient’s dental and orthopedic
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`records, including previous tomographical densitometry models; 2) baseline
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`tomographical densitometry models, which can be adjusted to accommodate for such
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`factors as age, gender, size, weight, etc.; and 3) a preprogrammedscan path for the X-ray
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`equipment.
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`The microprocessor 6 controls a positioning motor 10 which is operably
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`connected to X-ray equipment 12 and is adapted for moving same through three axes of
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`movement. Examples of X-ray equipment adaptable for use with the present invention
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`are disclosed in U.S. Patents No. 5,533,080; No. 5,838,765; and No. Re. 36,162, which
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`are incorporated herein by reference. The X-ray equipment 12 includes an X-ray beam
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`source 14 and a detector array 16. The X-ray beam can suitably collimated to assume any
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`suitable configuration, such as fan, pencil, cone, etc. With the scanning technique
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`disclosed, a restricted (i.e. collimated) beam is preferred. The source and the detector
`array 14, 16 are adapted for positioning on either side ofa patient’s dental/orthopedic
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`structure 18.
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`Analog signals from the detector array 16 are outputto an analog-to-digital (A/D)
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`convertor 20, from which digitized signals are transmitted to a merger device 22 for
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`merging into formats suitable for processing and analyzing by the microprocessor 6. The
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`microprocessor 6, using data from the merger device 22, creates a tomographical
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`densitometry model 24 which is transmitted to an output device or devices 26. Without
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`limitation on the generality of useful output devices 26, it can comprise a monitor, a
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`display, a printer, a communications link, and/or another computer. For example, a color
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`printer can be utilized to provide a color-coded graphical representation of the
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`tomographical densitometry model 24. The color coding can correspondto densities,
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`thus identifying potential problem areas where decalcification has occurred and resulted
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`in lower density. The tomographical densitometry model 24 can also be useful for
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`monitoring osseointegration, since the density of the dental/orthopedic structure 18 {tissue
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`and bone) in the vicinity of an implant 28 or other prostheses can provide an important
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`diagnostic tool for the use of the dental or medical practitioner in assessing the
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`effectiveness of an implant or prosthetic procedure. The tomographical densitometry
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`model 24 is also entered into the computer’s memory device 7.
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`II.
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`Dental and Orthopedic Densitometry Modeling Method
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`Fig. 2 is a flow chart of a dental and orthopedic densitometry method embodying
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`the present invention. The methodsteps include positioning a patient and positioning the
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`X-ray equipmentrelative to the patient, i.e. with the patient’s dental/orthopedic structure
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`to be examined located between the X-ray source 14 and the detectorarray 16.
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`Diagnostic parameters are input to the system and can comprise, for example, the
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`patient’s prior tomographical densitometry models and standardized models. The
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`tomographical densitometry models can be corrected and/or adjusted to account for
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`patients” age, gender, physical characteristics, etc. The input diagnostic parameters can
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`be stored in the computer’s memory device. A scan path for the X-ray equipmentis
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`preprogrammed in the computer.
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`The scanning procedure is commenced by collimating a first energy band beam,
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`detecting emissions from same with a detector array, and converting the analog output of
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`the detector array to a digital signal. The digital signal is output for storage in the
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`computer. The steps of collimating the energy band beam and detecting, digitizing and
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`storing same are repeated for a second energy band beam. The Bisek et al, U.S. Patent
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`No. Re. 36,362 discloses the use of dual-energy X-ray beams in medical densitometry
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`applications. As discussed therein, dual-energy densitometry can result in a more
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`accurate patient model.
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`The X-ray equipmentthen traverses the preprogrammed scan path and the
`first/second energy band steps are repeated until the scanning procedure is complete. The
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`digitized detector array output is merged and comparedto the diagnostic parameters
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`which are stored in the computer’s memory. The dental/orthopedic densitometry is
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`tomographically modeled and output, for example to a monitor or printer for converting
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`the model to a visual image. The visual image is outputin a visible form for use by
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`dental and medical practitioners.
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`CLAIMS
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`What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patentis as follows:
`
`1.
`
`A system for tomographically modeling dental and orthopedicstructure
`
`densitometry, which includes:
`
`a)
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`a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the
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`b)
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`c)
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`d}
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`e)
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`microprocessor;
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`an input device connected to the microprocessor;
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`a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and movable in
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`response to signals from said microprocessor;
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`X-ray equipment including an X-ray source and a detector array;
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`conversion means for converting a signal from said detectorarray, said
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`conversion means being connected to said detector array and to said
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`microprocessor; and
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`f)
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`an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for
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`receiving a tomographical densitometry model from said microprocessor.
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`2.
`
`The system according to Claim | wherein said positioning motor15 adapted for
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`positioning said X-ray equipment with respect to three axes of movement.
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`3.
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`The system according to Claim 1 wherein said conversion means comprises an
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`analog-to-digital convertor connected to said detector array.
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`4.
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`The system according to Claim 3 wherein said conversion means includes a
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`merger device connected to said analog-to-digital converter and to said
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`microprocessor.
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`5.
`
`The system according to Claim i wherein said X-ray equipment comprises a dual
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`energy level, restricted beam device.
`
`6.
`
`The system according to Claim | which imeludes:
`
`a)
`
`a preprogrammed scan path for said X-ray equipment, said scan path being
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`programmed into said microprocessor.
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`7.
`
`The system according to Claim 1 wherein said output device includes a color
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`monitor adapted to receive said tomographical densitometry model output color-
`
`coded to represent densitometry.
`
`8.
`
`The system according to Claim 1 wherein said output device includes a color
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`printer adapted to print images color-coded to correspond to the densitometry of
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`said model.
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`9.
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`The system according to Claim 1 wherein said controller includes:
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`a)
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`b)
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`means for storing a pre-existing tomographical dental/orthopedic
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`densitometry model; and
`means for comparing pre-existing and current tomographical densitometry
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`models.
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`10.
`
`A method of tomographicaily modeling dental and orthopedic densitometry,
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`which includesthe steps of:
`
`a)
`
`providing a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`d)
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`€)
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`connected to said microprocessor;
`
`providing an input device connected to said microprocessor;
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`inputting patient diagnostic parameters with said input device;
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`storing said diagnostic parameters in memory,
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`providing X-ray equipment with an X-ray source and an X-ray detector
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`array;
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`f)
`
`positioning said X-ray equipment and a patient’s dental/orthopedic
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`structure relative to each other with said patient’s dental/orthopedic
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`structure between said source and said detector array;
`
`g)
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`emitting an X-ray beam from said source through said dental structure and
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`to said detector array;
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`h)
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`outputting a signal from said detector array to said microprocessor;
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`i)
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`forming with said microprocessor a tomographical densitometry model of
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`said dental/orthopedic structure;
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`i)
`
`k)
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`providing an output device connected to said microprocessor; and
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`outputting said densitometry modelto said output device.
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`11.
`
`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additional steps of
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`emitting, detecting, digitizing, and storing signals correspondingto first and
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`second energy levels from said X-ray source.
`
`12.
`
`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additional steps of:
`
`a)
`
`inputting to said controller a predetermined scan path for said X-ray
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`equipment; and
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`b)
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`traversing said X-ray equipmentalong said scan path.
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`13.
`
`The method according to Claim 12 which includes the additional steps of:
`
`a)
`
`providing a positioning motor connected to said microprocessor and to
`
`said X-ray equipment for moving same through three axes of movement
`
`along said scan path.
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`14.
`
`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additional step of detecting
`
`incipicnt caries with said tomographical densitometry model.
`
`15.
`
`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additional step of detecting
`
`dental fractures with said tomographical densitometry model.
`
`16.
`
`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additional step of detecting
`
`apical abscesses with said tomographical densitometry model.
`
`17.
`
`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additional step of analyzing
`
`the extent of osseointegration of a dental or orthopedic prostheses with respect to
`
`a patient’s dental or orthopedic structure with said tomographical densitometry
`
`model,
`
`18.
`
`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additionalsteps of:
`
`a)
`
`inputting to said microprocessor a pre-existing tomographical
`
`densitometry model; and
`
`b)
`
`comparing said patient’s current densitometry model to said pre-existing
`
`densitometry model.
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`19.
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`The method according to Claim 10 which includes the additional stepsof:
`
`a)
`
`b)
`
`providing a color output device connected to said microprocessor; and
`
`color coding said densitometry model in colors corresponding to the
`
`patient’s dental or orthopedic structure density and outputting said
`
`densitometry model to said output device.
`
`20.
`
`A method of tomographically modeling dental and orthopedic densitometry,
`
`which includes the steps of:
`
`a)
`
`providing a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device
`
`b)
`
`c)
`
`d)
`
`€)
`
`connected to said microprocessor;
`
`providing an input device connected to said microprocessor;
`
`inputting with said input device dental or orthopedic patient diagnostic
`
`parameters, including a pre-existing densitometry model;
`
`storing said diagnostic parameters in said memory device;
`
`providing X-ray equipment connected to said microprocessor, said
`
`equipment including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector array;
`
`positioning said X-ray equipment and a patient’s dental or orthopedic
`
`structure relative to each other with said patient’s dental or orthopedic
`
`structure located between said X-ray source and said detector array;
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`8)
`
`emitting an X-ray beam from said sourceat a first X-ray beam energy
`
`level, passing same through said dental or orthopedic structure, and
`
`detecting same with said detector array;
`
`h)
`
`outputting a signal corresponding to said detected X-ray beam from said
`
`detector array;
`
`digitizing said detector array output signal;
`
`storing said digitized output signal in said memory device,
`
`repealing steps f} - j) at a second X-ray beam energy level;
`
`merging said stored output signals to form a present tomographical
`
`densitometry model of said dental or orthopedic structure;
`
`) k
`
`)
`
`I)
`
`m)
`
`comparing said present densitometry model with said pre-existing
`
`densitometry model,
`
`n)
`
`adjusting said present densitometry model to accountfor patient
`
`parameters including age and gender;
`
`0)
`
`P)
`
`providing an output device connected to said microprocessor;
`
`color coding said present tomographical densitometry model with colors
`
`corresponding to dental or orthopedic structure density; and
`
`q)
`
`outputting said color-coded modelto said output device.
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`2/2
`
`START
`
`
`
`INPUT
`DIAGNOSTIC
`
`
`
`PATIENT PARAMETERS
`
`POSITION
`
`
`POSITION
`
`X-RAY
`
`
`EQUIPMENT
`
`
`
`PREPROGRAM
`SCAN PATH
`
`STORE
`DIAGNOSTIC
`PARAMETERS
`
`EMISSIONS
`
`
`
`COLLIMATE
`
`FIRST ENERGY
`BAND BEAM
`
`DETECT FIRST
`ENERGY BAND
`
`STORE
`DETECTED
`OUTPUT
`
`
`
`COLLIMATE
`
`
`
`SECOND ENERGY
`BAND BEAM
`EMISSIONS
`
`STORE
`DETECTED
`OUTPUT
`
`A/D
`
`DETECT SECOND
`ENERGY BAND
`
`TRAVERSE
`
`NO
`
`
`SCAN PATH
`
` MERGE
`SCAN
`
`
`
`
`DETECTOR
`COMPLETE
`
`
`ARRAY OUTPUT
`?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONVERT
`TOMOGRAPHICALLY
`
`
`COMPARE TO
`
`
`DENSITOMETRY
`MAP DENTAL/
`
`MAP TO VISUAL
`oARAMETERG
`ORTHOPEDIC
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OUTPUT
`Fig. 2
`
`
`VISUAL
`
`IMAGE
`
`
`IMAGE
`
`
`
`DENSITOMETRY
`
`
`
`
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`

`INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT
`
`Intemational application No.
`PCTUISOO/32905
`
`CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER
`A.
`IPC(?}
`> AGIB 6/14; HOSG 1/64
`
`Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed byclassification symbols)
`ULS.
`: 378/205, 16%, 170, 38, 39, 98.8
`
`Decumentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched
`NONE
`
`Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used)
`EAST: Dental, Density, Densitomet$6, Position, Energy, Source, Detector
`
`CG
`
`Y
`
`Y
`
`Y
`Y
`
`US 5,214,686 A (WEBBER) 25 May 1993 (25.05.1993),all.
`
`US 5,528,645 A (KOIVISTO)18 June 1996 (18.06.1996), all.
`US §,995,583 A (SCHICK et al.) 20 November 1999 (20.11.1999), ail.
`
`Relevant to claim No.
`
`[| Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C.[] See patent family annex.
`Special categories of cited documents;
`*
`later document published after the internatioual fling date or priority
`date and nod in couflier with the application but cited tu woderstand the
`principle or theory widerlyuig te invention
`
`docutoent defining the general state of the art which is uot considered to be
`of particular relevance
`
`earlier application or patent! published on or after the ternational Mling dale
`
`document! which may throw doubts on priority claims) or which is ciied te
`establich the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as
`specified)
`
`document referring ta an oral ditclosure. use, exhibition or oiher means
`
`“er
`
`“ye
`
`docament of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be
`considered novel or cannct be considered to involve au inventive step
`when the documentis taken alone
`
`document of particwar relevauce; the claimed iuveution cannot be
`cousidered to imvolve an inventive siep when ihe document is
`combined with ove or more other such documents, such combination
`being ebvious to a person skilled in the art
`
`dociment member of the same patent family
`
`DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT
`Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages
`US 4,813,060 A (HBUBECK 1 al.) 14 March £989 (14.03.1989), all.
`
`
`
`document published prior ta the internatioual filing date bur Laver than the
`priority date claimed
`16January2001(16.01.2008)SIBSENOT
`Date of the actual completion of the internativnal search
`DappreNt tit search report
`Authorized offiter
`Name and matling address of the JSA/US
`Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks
`.
`Box PCT
`rew A, Dunn pL a & ee
`
`Waskingion, D.C. 20231
`Facsimile No. (703}305-3230
`Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (July 1998)
`
`\
`
`‘
`
`:
`
`r
`
`‘
`
`oy
`
`.
`
`"
`
`Telephone No. 703-308-0656
`
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