US2012134462A1PendingUtilityA1

Dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling system and method

46
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Dec 1, 1999Filed: Feb 6, 2012Published: May 31, 2012
Est. expiryDec 1, 2019(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Ronald E. Massie
A61B 6/505A61B 6/032A61B 6/405A61B 6/482A61B 6/51
46
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Claims

Abstract

A dental and orthopedic densitometry modeling system includes a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor. An input device is also connected to the microprocessor for inputting diagnostic procedure parameters and patient information. X-ray equipment including an X-ray source and an X-ray detector array are connected to a positioning motor for movement relative to a patient's dental or orthopedic structure in response to signals from the microprocessor. The output consists of a tomographical densitometry model. A dental/orthopedic densitometry modeling method involves moving the X-ray equipment across a predetermined scan path, emitting dual-energy X-ray beams, and outputting an image color-coded to correspond to a patient's dental or orthopedic density.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A tomographic modeling system comprising:
 a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor, said controller being adapted for storing a computed tomographic model of an object;   an input device connected to the microprocessor;   a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and responsive to commands from said microprocessor;   X-ray equipment including an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   a convertor for converting a signal from said detector array, said convertor being connected to said detector array and to said microprocessor; and   an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for receiving a tomographic model from said microprocessor.   
     
     
         2 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         3 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said controller is adapted to compare a pre-existing tomographic model with a current tomographic model. 
     
     
         4 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said tomographic model received by said output device is a three-dimensional (3D) tomographic model. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         6 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         7 . The system according to  claim 6 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         8 . The system according to  claim 6 , wherein said controller is adapted to compare a pre-existing tomographic model with a current tomographic model. 
     
     
         9 . The system according to  claim 6 , wherein said tomographic model received by said output device is a three-dimensional (3D) tomographic model. 
     
     
         10 . The system according to  claim 6 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         11 . A tomographic modeling system comprising:
 a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor, said controller being adapted for storing first and second tomographic models of an object;   an input device connected to the microprocessor;   a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and responsive to commands from said microprocessor;   X-ray equipment including an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   a convertor for converting a signal from said detector array, said convertor being connected to said detector array and to said microprocessor; and   an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for receiving first and second tomographic models from said microprocessor.   
     
     
         12 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         13 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said tomographic models received by said output device are 3D tomographic models. 
     
     
         14 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein:
 said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         15 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein:
 said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         16 . The system according to  claim 11 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         17 . The system according to  claim 16 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         18 . The system according to  claim 16 , wherein said tomographic models received by said output device are 3D tomographic models. 
     
     
         19 . The system according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         20 . The system according to  claim 16  wherein:
 said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model; 
 said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and 
 said controller is adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model. 
 
     
     
         21 . A system for tomographically modeling a dental structure, the system comprising:
 a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor, said controller being adapted for storing computed tomographic models of a dental structure;   an input device connected to the microprocessor;   a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and responsive to commands from said microprocessor;   X-ray equipment including an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   a convertor for converting a signal from said detector array, said convertor being connected to said detector array and to said microprocessor; and   an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for receiving a tomographic model from said microprocessor.   
     
     
         22 . The system according to  claim 21 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         23 . The system according to  claim 21 , wherein said tomographic model received by said output device is a 3D tomographic model. 
     
     
         24 . The system according to  claim 21 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         25 . The system according to  claim 21 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         26 . The system according to  claim 21 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         27 . The system according to  claim 21 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         28 . The system according to  claim 27 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         29 . The system according to  claim 27 , wherein said tomographic model received by said output device is a 3D tomographic model. 
     
     
         30 . The system according to  claim 27 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         31 . The system according to  claim 27 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         32 . The system according to  claim 27 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         33 . A system for tomographically modeling an orthopedic structure, the system comprising:
 a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor, said controller being adapted for storing a computed tomographic model of an orthopedic structure;   an input device connected to the microprocessor;   a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and responsive to commands from said microprocessor;   X-ray equipment including an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   a convertor for converting a signal from said detector array, said convertor being connected to said detector array and to said microprocessor; and   an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for receiving a tomographic model from said microprocessor.   
     
     
         34 . The system according to  claim 33 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         35 . The system according to  claim 33 , wherein said tomographic model received by said output device is a 3D tomographic model. 
     
     
         36 . The system according to  claim 33 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         37 . The system according to  claim 33 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         38 . The system according to  claim 33 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         39 . The system according to  claim 33 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         40 . The system according to  claim 39 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         41 . The system according to  claim 39 , wherein said tomographic model received by said output device is a 3D tomographic model. 
     
     
         42 . The system according to  claim 39 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         43 . The system according to  claim 39 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         44 . The system according to  claim 39 , wherein:
 said controller is adapted for storing a first tomographic model and a second tomographic model;   said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model;   said second tomographic model is a current patient model; and   said controller is further adapted to compare said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model.   
     
     
         45 . A tomographic modeling system comprising:
 a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor, said controller being adapted for creating, storing, and comparing 3D digital tomographic models of an object without the use of fiducial markers of said object;   an input device connected to the microprocessor;   a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and responsive to commands from said microprocessor;   X-ray equipment including an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   a convertor for converting a signal from said detector array, said convertor being connected to said detector array and to said microprocessor; and   an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for receiving a tomographic model from said microprocessor.   
     
     
         46 . The system according to  claim 45 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         47 . The system according to  claim 45 , wherein said controller is adapted to compare a pre-existing tomographic model with a current tomographic model. 
     
     
         48 . The system according to  claim 45 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         49 . The system according to  claim 45 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         50 . The system according to  claim 49 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         51 . The system according to  claim 49 , wherein said controller is adapted to compare a pre-existing tomographic model with a current tomographic model. 
     
     
         52 . The system according to  claim 49 , wherein:
 said X-ray source travels along a single axis; and   said X-ray source simultaneously rotates around said single axis.   
     
     
         53 . A system for tomographically modeling a dental structure, which system comprises:
 a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor, said controller being adapted for creating, storing, and comparing 3D digital tomographic models of a dental structure without the use of fiducial markers of said dental structure;   an input device connected to the microprocessor;   a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and responsive to commands from said microprocessor;   X-ray equipment including an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   a convertor for converting a signal from said detector array, said convertor being connected to said detector array and to said microprocessor; and   an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for receiving a tomographic model from said microprocessor.   
     
     
         54 . The system according to  claim 53 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         55 . The system according to  claim 53 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         56 . The system according to  claim 55 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         57 . A system for tomographically modeling an orthopedic structure, which system comprises:
 a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to the microprocessor, said controller being adapted for creating, storing, and comparing 3D digital tomographic models of an orthopedic structure without the use of fiducial markers of said orthopedic structure;   an input device connected to the microprocessor;   a positioning motor connected to the microprocessor and responsive to commands from said microprocessor;   X-ray equipment including an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   a convertor for converting a signal from said detector array, said convertor being connected to said detector array and to said microprocessor; and   an output device connected to said microprocessor and adapted for receiving a tomographic model from said microprocessor.   
     
     
         58 . The system according to  claim 57 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         59 . The system according to  claim 57 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         60 . The system according to  claim 59 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         61 . A method of creating a tomographic model of a patient body or a body-portion, the method comprising the steps:
 providing a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to said microprocessor;   providing an input device connected to said microprocessor;   inputting patient diagnostic parameters with said input device;   storing said diagnostic parameters in memory;   providing X-ray equipment with an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   positioning the X-ray equipment and a patient body or body-portion relative to each other with said body or body-portion between said source and said detector array;   emitting an X-ray beam from said source through said body or body-portion and to said detector array;   outputting a signal from said detector array to said microprocessor;   forming with said microprocessor a tomographical model of said body or body-portion structure;   providing an output device connected to said microprocessor; and   outputting said tomographical model to said output device.   
     
     
         62 . The method according to  claim 61 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         63 . The method according to  claim 61 , wherein said tomographical model output to said output device is a 3D tomographic model. 
     
     
         64 . The system according to  claim 61 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         65 . The system according to  claim 64 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         66 . The method according to  claim 64 , wherein said tomographical model output to said output device is a 3D tomographic model. 
     
     
         67 . A method of creating a tomographic model of a patient body or a body-portion, the method comprising the steps:
 providing a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to said microprocessor;   providing an input device connected to said microprocessor;   providing a first tomographic model and storing said first tomographic model onto said controller;   inputting patient diagnostic parameters with said input device;   storing said diagnostic parameters in memory;   providing X-ray equipment with an X-ray source, a detector array, and a restricted beam device;   positioning the X-ray equipment and a patient body or body-portion relative to each other with said body or body-portion between said source and said detector array;   emitting an X-ray beam from said source through said body or body-portion and to said detector array;   outputting a signal from said detector array to said microprocessor;   forming with said microprocessor a second tomographic model of said body or body-portion structure;   providing an output device connected to said microprocessor; and   outputting said second tomographic model to said output device.   
     
     
         68 . The method according to  claim 67 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         69 . The method according to  claim 67 , wherein said tomographical models output to said output device are 3D tomographic models. 
     
     
         70 . The method according to  claim 67 , wherein said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model, and said second tomographic model is a current patient model, the method further comprising the step:
 comparing said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model with said controller.   
     
     
         71 . The method according to  claim 67 , wherein said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model created previously, and said second tomographic model is a current patient model created recently, the method further comprising the step:
 comparing said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model with said controller.   
     
     
         72 . The system according to  claim 67 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         73 . The system according to  claim 72 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         74 . The method according to  claim 72 , wherein said tomographical model output to said output device is a 3D tomographic model. 
     
     
         75 . The method according to  claim 72 , wherein said first tomographic model is a preexisting, commercially available standard model, and said second tomographic model is a current patient model, the method further comprising the step:
 comparing said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model with said controller.   
     
     
         76 . The method according to  claim 72 , wherein said first tomographic model is a preexisting patient model created previously, and said second tomographic model is a current patient model created recently, the method further comprising the step:
 comparing said first tomographic model with said second tomographic model with said controller.   
     
     
         77 . A method of creating a tomographic model of a patient body or a body-portion, which method comprises the steps:
 providing a controller with a microprocessor and a memory device connected to said microprocessor;   providing an input device connected to said microprocessor;   providing an object to be modeled;   inputting patient diagnostic parameters with said input device;   storing said diagnostic parameters in memory;   providing X-ray equipment with an X-ray source, a detector array, and restricted beam device;   positioning the X-ray equipment and a patient body or body-portion relative to each other with said body or body-portion between said source and said detector array;   emitting an X-ray beam from said source through said body or body-portion and to said detector array;   outputting a signal from said detector array to said microprocessor;   creating, storing, and comparing with said controller a 3D digital tomographic model of said object without the use of fiducial markers of said object;   providing an output device connected to said microprocessor; and   outputting said tomographical model to said output device.   
     
     
         78 . The method according to  claim 77 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device. 
     
     
         79 . The system according to  claim 77 , wherein said X-ray source emits an X-ray beam comprising a cone configuration. 
     
     
         80 . The system according to  claim 79 , wherein said restricted beam device comprises a dual-energy level restricted beam device.

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