Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120305802 | Nanoparticles and Methods of Generating Coherent Emission Therefrom - Nanoparticles with a metal or metallic core and an outer shell comprising a matrix and a dopant. For example, a nanoparticle can have a gold core and outer shell comprising silica and an organic dye. Such nanoparticles can have use in, for example, optical communication applications, chemical and biosensing applications, and imaging applications. | 12-06-2012 |
20130038916 | METHOD OF MAKING MULTIPLEXED TRANSMISSION HOLOGRAMS - A method for recording a volume transmission hologram having multiplexed diffraction fringe patterns that can cooperate to display polychromatic images and can be recorded with a single wavelength exposure source. | 02-14-2013 |
20130039848 | FLUORESCENT SILICA-BASED NANOPARTICLES - The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as polyethylene glycol) (PEG) The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo The nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker A therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle Radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle to permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by various imaging techniques. | 02-14-2013 |
20140248210 | MULTIMODAL SILICA-BASED NANOPARTICLES - The present invention provides a fluorescent silica-based nanoparticle that allows for precise detection, characterization, monitoring and treatment of a disease such as cancer. The nanoparticle has a range of diameters including between about 0.1 nm and about 100 nm, between about 0.5 nm and about 50 nm, between about 1 nm and about 25 nm, between about 1 nm and about 15 nm, or between about 1 nm and about 8 nm. The nanoparticle has a fluorescent compound positioned within the nanoparticle, and has greater brightness and fluorescent quantum yield than the free fluorescent compound. The nanoparticle also exhibits high biostability and biocompatibility. To facilitate efficient urinary excretion of the nanoparticle, it may be coated with an organic polymer, such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The small size of the nanoparticle, the silica base and the organic polymer coating minimizes the toxicity of the nanoparticle when administered in vivo. In order to target a specific cell type, the nanoparticle may further be conjugated to a ligand, which is capable of binding to a cellular component associated with the specific cell type, such as a tumor marker. In one embodiment, a therapeutic agent may be attached to the nanoparticle. To permit the nanoparticle to be detectable by not only optical fluorescence imaging, but also other imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), computerized tomography (CT), bioluminescence imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radionuclides/radiometals or paramagnetic ions may be conjugated to the nanoparticle. | 09-04-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120208109 | REFLECTION HOLOGRAM STORAGE METHOD - A method is described for recording a volume reflection holographic image that is viewable when illuminated by light at a wavelength W | 08-16-2012 |
20120208110 | HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE MEDIUM AND METHOD OF MAKING HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE MEDIUM - Articles for recording a holographic image are described. The articles include a holographic recording medium having a plurality of surfaces, having a transparent polymeric binder and a photochemically active dye, the holographic recording medium having a holographic image recorded therein formed by exposed areas of the photochemically active dye and unexposed areas of the photochemically active dye; and a first light-blocking layer or material over a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the holographic image is viewed, the light blocking layer or material absorbing light in the wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive and allowing transmission of light in a different wavelength range for viewing the holographic image. | 08-16-2012 |
20120250119 | HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE METHOD - A method of recording a volume holographic image is described in which a holographic recording medium containing a photoreactive dye is exposed to a plurality of coherent light sources emitting at a wavelength to which the dye is sensitive, thereby forming an interference fringe pattern therein. The photoreaction occurring in the areas of constructive interference generates a periodic array of photoreacted areas of the dye and unreacted areas of the dye. This generated interference fringe pattern may contain, but does not have to contain any image or other encoded information. Selected areas of the interference fringe pattern are then exposed to actinic radiation in such a manner to partially or fully bleach, remove, or deactivate the photoreactive dye fringe pattern, thereby producing a holographic pattern, shape, or image formed by areas of the interference fringe pattern that were not bleached, removed, or deactivated. | 10-04-2012 |
20130003151 | HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE METHOD AND ARTICLE - A method of recording a holographic record is described. According to this method, a holographic recording medium is exposed to a desired pattern, shape, or image from a coherent light source emitting light at one or more wavelengths to which the holographic recording medium is sensitive. In this method, light having the desired pattern, shape, or image to which the holographic recording medium is exposed is diffracted by a spatially homogeneous optical diffraction element so that the holographic recording medium is exposed to a plurality of interfering light beams, thereby forming a holographic record in the holographic recording medium. Holographic recording articles are described that include a holographic recording medium and a spatially homogeneous optical diffraction element. | 01-03-2013 |
20140212792 | HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE MEDIUM AND METHOD OF MAKING HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE MEDIUM - Articles for recording a holographic image are described. The articles include a holographic recording medium having a plurality of surfaces, having a transparent polymeric binder and a photochemically active dye, the holographic recording medium having a holographic image recorded therein formed by exposed areas of the photochemically active dye and unexposed areas of the photochemically active dye; and a first light-blocking layer or material over a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the holographic image is viewed, the light blocking layer or material absorbing light in the wavelength range to which the photochemically active dye is sensitive and allowing transmission of light in a different wavelength range for viewing the holographic image. | 07-31-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130164531 | High-Density Fluorescent Dye Clusters - The present invention relates to modular sterically enhanced emission dye (SEED) clusters, wherein multiple SEED molecules are appended to a single polymeric chain. | 06-27-2013 |
20130183608 | HOLOGRAPHIC RECORDING MEDIUM AND METHOD OF MAKING HOLOGRAPHIC RECORDING MEDIUM - Articles for recording a hologram are described. The articles include a holographic recording medium having a transparent polymeric binder and a photoreactive dye dispersed therein. The articles also include a first compound, dispersed in the holographic recording medium or disposed over a first surface of the holographic recording medium from which surface the hologram is viewed, that is transparent to light in the wavelength range to which the photoreactive dye is sensitive and which is capable of being converted to a converted compound that is opaque to light in the wavelength range to which the photoreactive dye is sensitive and transparent to light in a different wavelength range for viewing the hologram. | 07-18-2013 |
20130210140 | CELL CARRIERS AND METHODS FOR CULTURING CELLS - A carrier for growing stem cells is provided, the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces; and a hydrophilic, water soluble coating material disposed and dried on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier comprises one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces, wherein the carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of culturing stem cells and stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided. | 08-15-2013 |
20140186946 | CELL CARRIER, ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR MAKING CELL CARRIER AND CULTURING CELLS USING THE SAME - A carrier for expansion of pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided. | 07-03-2014 |
20140356949 | CELL CARRIER, ASSOCIATED METHODS FOR MAKING CELL CARRIER AND CULTURING CELLS USING THE SAME - A carrier for expansion of induced pluripotent stem cells is provided, wherein the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces, wherein the one or more outer surfaces are modified with gas plasma treatment, and one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of making the carrier, and culturing induced pluripotent stem cells using the same carrier are also provided. | 12-04-2014 |
20150118441 | THERMO-PHOTO-SHIELDING FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE THERMAL MANAGEMENT - The present disclosure provides a multi-layer thermal protection material comprising: (i) a substrate layer; (ii) a reflection layer formed on the substrate layer; and (iii) an emission layer formed on the reflection layer and effective to convert thermal energy to photonic energy. The reflection layer comprises a porous scattering media effective to reflect photonic energy away from the substrate layer. The emission layer comprises a thermally emissive dopant incorporated into a thermal matrix material. The present disclosure also provides articles such as portions of hypersonic flight vehicles and turbine component parts that include coatings comprising the multi-layer protection material of the present disclosure. The present disclosure also provides methods of making and using the multi-layer thermal protection material and associated articles described herein. | 04-30-2015 |
20160002621 | METHOD, SUBSTRATE AND DEVICE FOR SEPARATING NUCLEIC ACIDS - A method is provided herein, the method includes: applying a sample comprising target nucleic acids to a sample application zone of a substrate; and flowing a nucleic acid amplification reaction mixture across a length of the substrate through the sample application zone to amplify the target nucleic acid forming a nucleic acid amplification product; wherein the target nucleic acid having a first molecular weight is substantially immobilized at the sample application zone and wherein the amplification product having a second molecular weight migrates away from the sample application zone. An associated device is also provided. | 01-07-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130112187 | PORTABLE COMBUSTION DEVICE UTILIZING THERMOELECTRICAL GENERATION - This invention provides a portable combustion device that provides a cleaner combustion, reduces the kindling period, and provides a more efficient overall combustion through the use of a fan that directs a predetermined volume of airflow over the combustible fuel—typically wood or similar cellulose-based biological solids. The combustion device has a combustion chamber with a fuel source. A housing encloses the TEG on the side of the device that generates an electrical output based on a temperature differential between opposing TEG sides. A heat-conducting probe is mounted to the TEG and protrudes into the combustion chamber. The opposing TEG side contacts a heat sink that interacts with ambient air. A fan draws heated air away the heat sink, and forces the air onto the combusting fuel through a plurality of peripheral ports that connect with an air space located between inner and outer walls of the combustion chamber. | 05-09-2013 |
20140178548 | EFFICIENCY POT AND KETTLE FOR USE WITH COOKING STOVES - This invention provides a pot assembly for use with a stove. The system includes a lid, a pot body and an adapter assembly. The lid has a cap for accessing the contents while in use, a pour spout for dispensing the contents and a plurality of slits for use as a strainer. The pot body has folding handles that can form a triangular structure for control. The adapter assembly has an upper flame flange and a lower flame flange and baffles to directionally vector the stove's combustion gasses away from the assembly. The adapter assembly has a centering ring to engage the top of the stove and maintain stability during use. The pot assembly can be used as a storage container for the stove. | 06-26-2014 |
20150201805 | PORTABLE COMBUSTION DEVICE UTILIZING THERMOELECTRICAL GENERATION - This invention provides a portable combustion device that provides a cleaner combustion, provides a more efficient overall combustion through the use of a fan that directs a predetermined volume of airflow over the combustible fuel—typically wood or similar cellulose-based biological solids and provides a cooking surface that is a grill top. The combustion device has a combustion chamber into which the fuel source is placed for combustion. Mounted to the side of the combustion chamber is a housing that encloses the TEG, which generates an electrical output, based on a difference in temperature on opposing sides. Mounted onto the TEG housing and protruding into the combustion chamber through a small passageway is a heat-conducting probe and heat-conducting probe base unit. | 07-23-2015 |
20150357610 | PRODUCT DISPENSER - Adhesive tabs having individual apertures are adhered to individual miniature products to be dispensed. The products are supported on a product carrier component having passages through which the tabs individually pass. A hook component is movable relative to the product carrier component. The hook component has a hook sized to successively enter each aperture, and to successively catch and successively remove each tab from its individual product during relative movement of the components. | 12-10-2015 |
20160090233 | Product Dispenser - Adhesive tabs having individual apertures are adhered to individual miniature products to be dispensed. The products are supported on a product carrier component having passages through which the tabs individually pass. A hook component is movable relative to the product carrier component. The hook component has a hook sized to successively enter each aperture, and to successively catch and successively remove each tab from its individual product during relative movement of the components. | 03-31-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090248598 | Hardware acceleration of DNA codeword searching - An apparatus for a hybrid architecture that consists of a general purpose microprocessor and a hardware accelerator for accelerating the discovery of DNA reverse complement, edit distance codes. Two embodiments are implemented and evaluated, including a code generator that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to produce nearly locally optimal codes in a few minutes, and a code extender that uses exhaustive search to produce locally optimum codes in about 1.5 hours for the case of length 16 codes. Experimental results demonstrate that the GA embodiment can find ˜99% of the words in locally optimum libraries, and that the hybrid architecture embodiment provides more than 1000 times speed-up compared to a software only implementation. | 10-01-2009 |
20090325820 | Hardware acceleration for thermodynamically constrained DNA code generation - An apparatus that accelerates the determination of NN free energy of binding estimates for a large number of DNA oligomers using reconfigurable hardware and applies it to the design of high quality DNA code word libraries. The invention provides a reconfigurable hardware accelerator and method for implementing a nearest-neighbor based free energy calculation. The invention further provides a method to produce the maximum weight of the 2-stem common subsequence of two DNA oligonucleotides. In practice, the present invention comprises a general purpose microprocessor or computer, a hardware accelerator, and a software program. | 12-31-2009 |
20110224916 | Fitness determination for DNA codeword searching - An apparatus for a hybrid architecture that consists of a general purpose microprocessor and a hardware accelerator for accelerating the discovery of DNA reverse complement, edit distance codes. Two embodiments are implemented and evaluated, including a code generator that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to produce nearly locally optimal codes in a few minutes, and a code extender that uses exhaustive search to produce locally optimum codes in about 1.5 hours for the case of length 16 codes. Experimental results demonstrate that the GA embodiment can find ˜99% of the words in locally optimum libraries, and that the hybrid architecture embodiment provides more than 1000 times speed-up compared to a software only implementation. | 09-15-2011 |
20110225109 | Hardware acceleration of DNA codeword searching and fitness determination - An apparatus for a hybrid architecture that consists of a general purpose microprocessor and a hardware accelerator for accelerating the discovery of DNA reverse complement, edit distance codes. Two embodiments are implemented and evaluated, including a code generator that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to produce nearly locally optimal codes in a few minutes, and a code extender that uses exhaustive search to produce locally optimum codes in about 1.5 hours for the case of length 16 codes. Experimental results demonstrate that the GA embodiment can find ˜99% of the words in locally optimum libraries, and that the hybrid architecture embodiment provides more than 1000 times speed-up compared to a software only implementation. | 09-15-2011 |
20110225110 | Software control of hardware accelerated DNA codeword searching - An apparatus for a hybrid architecture that consists of a general purpose microprocessor and a hardware accelerator for accelerating the discovery of DNA reverse complement, edit distance codes. Two embodiments are implemented and evaluated, including a code generator that uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to produce nearly locally optimal codes in a few minutes, and a code extender that uses exhaustive search to produce locally optimum codes in about 1.5 hours for the case of length 16 codes. Experimental results demonstrate that the GA embodiment can find ˜99% of the words in locally optimum libraries, and that the hybrid architecture embodiment provides more than 1000 times speed-up compared to a software only implementation. | 09-15-2011 |
20120296857 | Hardware acceleration of DNA codeword searching and fitness determination employing a code extender - An apparatus for a hybrid architecture that consists of a general purpose microprocessor and a hardware accelerator for accelerating the discovery of DNA reverse complement edit distance codes. An embodiment is implemented and evaluated, including a code extender that uses exhaustive search to produce locally optimum codes in about 1.5 hours for the case of length 16 codes. | 11-22-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110289142 | Web-Based Interactive Meeting Event Facility - A computer implemented method for organizing a network of affiliated live events, the method comprising: providing an event management resource to a promoter through a web-based meeting event facility, wherein the event management resource enables the promoter to initiate and manage a grouping of a plurality of affiliated in-person gatherings as live events in an event container controlled by the promoter, and where at least one such live event is allowed to be controlled at least in part by a leader associated with such live event in the event container subject to event criteria set by the promoter. | 11-24-2011 |
20130211980 | System and Method for Conditional Group Membership Fees - A system and method for facilitating fee-based group membership is provided. The method includes the steps of receiving, from at least one designated organizer for at least one group of a plurality of groups, data representing a monetary value of a membership fee; receiving, from a first plurality of user terminals associated with a first plurality of users, a first plurality of requests to join the at least one group; registering the first plurality of users with the at least one group; receiving, from a second plurality of user terminals associated with a second plurality of users, a second plurality of requests to join the at least one group; transmitting, to the second plurality of user terminals, data configured to display payment options; and registering at least a portion of the second plurality of users with the at least one group upon payment of the fee. | 08-15-2013 |
20130212494 | System and Method for Communicating among Members of Meeting Groups - A system and method for communicating at least one message between users is provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting, to a plurality of users, data configured to display at least one graphical user interface configured to facilitate users to organize and join a plurality of meeting groups associated with a plurality of in-person meetings or events; transmitting, to at least one user of the plurality of users, information identifying at least one predetermined communication; and in response to only a single action performed by the at least one user, transmitting the at least one predetermined communication to at least one other user of the plurality of users. | 08-15-2013 |
20130263020 | System and Method for Confirming Attendance for In-Person Meetings or Events - A system and method for confirming attendance for in-person meetings or events is provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting, to a plurality of user terminals, data configured to display at least one graphical user interface configured to facilitate users to organize and join a plurality of meeting groups associated with a plurality of in-person meetings or events; receiving, from at least one user terminal of the plurality of user terminals, a conditional confirmation of attendance for at least one in-person meeting or event, the conditional confirmation based on an indicated condition; monitoring the indicated condition for the at least one in-person meeting or event; and when the condition is met, modifying the conditional confirmation of attendance to a non-conditional confirmation of attendance. | 10-03-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080297813 | ASYMMETRICAL DIGITAL FILTERS FOR DOT GAIN ADJUSTMENTS - A method for adjusting dot-gain for a halftone binary bitmap file comprises inputting a halftone binary bitmap file consisting of binary pixels ( | 12-04-2008 |
20090185712 | METHOD FOR REAL-TIME VISUALIZATION OF CARIES CONDITION - A method for displaying live video of a tooth identifies a tooth tissue region in a viewable image frame obtained from a video stream and processes pixel data within the tooth tissue region to identify a suspected caries site. Intensity values for pixels that correspond to the suspected caries site are modified and a highlighted viewable image frame is formed as a combination of the modified intensity values corresponding to the suspected caries site and other pixel values in the viewable image frame. The highlighted viewable image frame is displayed in video form. | 07-23-2009 |
20100080430 | NOISE SUPPRESSION IN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGES - A method for suppressing noise in a diagnostic image executes one or more iterations of segmenting the image to identify and label one or more regions in the image; and performing selective diffusion on at least one of the one or more labeled regions in the image. A homogeneity value is computed for the region. A diffusion conductance function is generated for the region according to an intensity gradient between adjacent digital image elements within the region. The diffusion process is applied to a plurality of digital image elements within the region. | 04-01-2010 |
20100119140 | ARTIFACT SUPPRESSION IN DIAGNOSTIC IMAGES - A method of reducing artifacts in a digital radiographic image identifies either a row or column direction for the artifacts in the image data as a predominant direction and obtains a measurement of the image data frequency content that is subject to artifacts from the image content according to the predominant direction. The measurement of image data frequency content subject to the artifacts is tested according to a predetermined threshold. Artifacts are reduced when the predetermined threshold is exceeded by generating one or more suppression factors according to the testing results, decomposing the image content into at least two frequency bands in each row and column direction, applying the one or more suppression factors to modify at least one of the frequency bands, and recomposing the image content by recombining the at least one modified frequency band with one or more other bands into which the image had been decomposed. | 05-13-2010 |
20100165089 | APPARATUS FOR CARIES DETECTION - An apparatus for imaging a tooth having a light source with a first spectral range and a second spectral range. A polarizing beamsplitter ( | 07-01-2010 |
20110150307 | NOISE SUPPRESSION IN CONE BEAM CT PROJECTION DATA - A method for suppressing noise in a diagnostic 3-D image, executed at least in part on a logic processor, captures, at each of a number of projection angles, 2-D image projection data, wherein each 2-D image projection has a central pixel and arranges the 2-D image projection data to form a 3-D data set. Each of the 2-D image projections is processed by performing a diffusion filtering process that obtains a homogeneity value for the 3-D data set, generates a diffusion conductance function according to an intensity gradient between adjacent digital image elements, and applies the diffusion filtering process to digital image elements according to the obtained homogeneity value, the generated diffusion conductance function, and a weighting value that relates to the distance of each pixel in the projection from the central pixel. The diagnostic 3-D image is reconstructed from the processed 2-D image projections. | 06-23-2011 |
20120014571 | DENTAL SHADE MAPPING - A method and apparatus for generating a color mapping for a dental object. The method includes generating a transformation matrix according to a set of spectral reflectance data for a statistically valid sampling of teeth. Illumination is directed toward the dental object over at least a first, a second, and a third wavelength band, one wavelength band at a time. For each of a plurality of pixels in an imaging array, an image data value is obtained, corresponding to each of the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The transformation matrix is applied to form the color mapping by generating a set of visual color values for each of the plurality of pixels according to the obtained image data values and according to image data values obtained from a reference object at the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The color mapping can be stored in an electronic memory. | 01-19-2012 |
20120237890 | APPARATUS FOR CARIES DETECTION - An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range. | 09-20-2012 |
20130094746 | NOISE SUPPRESSION IN CONE BEAM CT PROJECTION DATA - A method for suppressing noise in a diagnostic 3-D image, executed at least in part on a logic processor, captures, at each of a number of projection angles, 2-D image projection data, wherein each 2-D image projection has a central pixel and arranges the 2-D image projection data to form a 3-D data set. Each of the 2-D image projections is processed by performing a diffusion filtering process that obtains a homogeneity value for the 3-D data set, generates a diffusion conductance function according to an intensity gradient between adjacent digital image elements, and applies the diffusion filtering process to digital image elements according to the obtained homogeneity value, the generated diffusion conductance function, and a weighting value that relates to the distance of each pixel in the projection from the central pixel. The diagnostic 3-D image is reconstructed from the processed 2-D image projections. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094747 | NOISE SUPPRESSION IN CONE BEAM CT PROJECTION DATA - A method for suppressing noise in a diagnostic 3-D image, executed at least in part on a logic processor, captures, at each of a number of projection angles, 2-D image projection data, wherein each 2-D image projection has a central pixel and arranges the 2-D image projection data to form a 3-D data set. Each of the 2-D image projections is processed by performing a diffusion filtering process that obtains a homogeneity value for the 3-D data set, generates a diffusion conductance function according to an intensity gradient between adjacent digital image elements, and applies the diffusion filtering process to digital image elements according to the obtained homogeneity value, the generated diffusion conductance function, and a weighting value that relates to the distance of each pixel in the projection from the central pixel. The diagnostic 3-D image is reconstructed from the processed 2-D image projections. | 04-18-2013 |
20130302746 | APPARATUS FOR CARIES DETECTION - An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range. | 11-14-2013 |
20140030670 | DENTAL SHADE MAPPING - A method and apparatus for generating a color mapping for a dental object. The method includes generating a transformation matrix according to a set of spectral reflectance data for a statistically valid sampling of teeth. Illumination is directed toward the dental object over at least a first, a second, and a third wavelength band, one wavelength band at a time. For each of a plurality of pixels in an imaging array, an image data value is obtained, corresponding to each of the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The transformation matrix is applied to form the color mapping by generating a set of visual color values for each of the plurality of pixels according to the obtained image data values and according to image data values obtained from a reference object at the at least first, second, and third wavelength bands. The color mapping can be stored in an electronic memory. | 01-30-2014 |
20150245770 | APPARATUS FOR CARIES DETECTION - An apparatus for obtaining an image of a tooth having at least one light source providing incident light having a first spectral range for obtaining a reflectance image from the tooth and a second spectral range for exciting a fluorescence image from the tooth. A polarizing beamsplitter in the path of the incident light from both sources directs light having a first polarization state toward the tooth and directs light from the tooth having a second polarization state along a return path toward a sensor, wherein the second polarization state is orthogonal to the first polarization state. A first lens in the return path directs image-bearing light from the tooth toward the sensor, and obtains image data from the portion of the light having the second polarization state. A long-pass filter in the return path attenuates light in the second spectral range. | 09-03-2015 |