5,908,294
`[11] Patent Number:
`[19]
`United States Patent
`
`Schick et al.
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jun. 1, 1999
`
`US005908294A
`
`[54] DENTAL IMAGING SYSTEM WITH LAMPS
`AND METHOD
`
`4,858,001
`4,994,910
`5,124,797
`
`.......................... 358/98
`8/1989 Milbank et al.
`2/1991 Williams ............
`358/98
`6/1992 Williams etal.
`. 358/225
`
`[75]
`
`Inventors: David B. Schick, Flushing; Jonathan
`Singer, Dobbs Ferry; Valery
`.
`BratSIaVSky’ BIOOklyn’ Anthony A'
`SCOtt> Bronx> all Of NY
`_
`_
`.
`[73] ASSlgneei S?hICkTEChn010glesa 1116, Long ISlaHd
`Clty, NY
`
`[21] Appl. No; 08/873 806
`’
`Jun. 12, 1997
`
`Filed:
`
`[22]
`
`
`
`433/29
`5,267,857 12/1993 Sickler ............
`5,363,135
`11/1994 Inglese ...................................... 348/70
`............................ 433/29
`5,429,502
`7/1995 Cooper et al.
`
`5,487,661
`1/1996 Peithman ...........
`433/29
`. 600/172
`5,512,036
`4/1996 Tamburrino et al.
`
`6/1996 Williams ................... 348/66
`5,523,782
`
`.........
`. 600/109
`5,527,261
`6/1996 Monroe etal.
`
`.
`....... 433/29
`5,634,790
`6/1997 Pathmanabhan etal.
`
`12/1997 Cooper ...................
`5,702,249
`433/29
`
`..... 600/373
`..
`......................... 600/117
`
`5,722,403
`5,751,341
`
`3/1998 McGee et al.
`5/1998 Chalekietal.
`
`6
`
`....................................................... A61C 1/00
`Int. Cl.
`[51]
`............................. 433/29; 600/160; 600/179
`[52] US. Cl.
`[58] Field of Search ............................... 433/29; 600/101,
`600/109, 129, 160, 175, 179
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,704,397
`2,038,911
`2,788,390
`4,230,453
`4,575,805
`
`3/1929 Meitzler .................................. 600/249
`4/1936 Stutz et al.
`....... 240/2
`
`4/1957 Sheldon .......
`.178/6.8
`10/1980 Reimers ..................... 433/29
`
`3/1986 Moermann et al.
`.................... 364/474
`
`Primary Examiner—John J. Wilson
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Fitzpatrick, Cella, Harper &
`Scimo
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A handheld dental Vldeo camera and a corresponding
`method is disclosed. The dental video camera includes a
`Window for receiving light. In some aspects of the invention,
`a lamp is mounted distally beyond the Window and aimed to
`illuminate a subject. In other aspects of the invention, a
`White LED is used to illuminate the subject.
`
`18 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`// A\\
`
`[A\V//
`
`‘\
`
`202 /
`
`'3“)
`
`201
`
`200
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 1,1999
`
`Sheet 1 017
`
`5,908,294
`
`200
`
`(C
`
`\cr
`
`Q\
`
`1 H
`
`G
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 1,1999
`
`Sheet 2 0f7
`
`5,908,294
`
`FIG2
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`‘—
`
`A
`/N
`
`
`
`CE
`
`% A
`
`l
`,0
`N”!
`L
`
`g
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 1,1999
`
`Sheet 3 0f7
`
`5,908,294
`
`//-WOATOB
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HG5A
`
`HG338
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 1, 1999
`
`Sheet 4 0f 7
`
`5,908,294
`
`FIG4
`
`
`
`
`
`
` iA\,\
`
`-\‘\\\\\‘\“\‘.\\\\\\\‘\\\\\‘
`-\\\‘\\\\\\\\\‘\\\\‘\\“\\‘\‘ 22
`
` )Ii
`
`L\\\\\“\
`
` flfilELVRX
`\\\\\\\\\‘-\\
`
`
`
`.:'I=| Iii
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 1,1999
`
`Sheet 5 0f7
`
`5,908,294
`
`30
`
`
`
`i‘iil".lh;f~
`’fllllll
`
`
`
` \\\\\\\\\\\\“I:WWIIIIuni\\\\\\
`
`
`
`
`m{I—I$
`
`
`
`FIG5
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 1,1999
`
`Sheet 6 0f7
`
`5,908,294
`
`
`
`
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun.1,1999
`
`Sheet7 0f7
`
`5,908,294
`
`
`
`I
`
`DZOCD
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`:3
`moEEzmo
`50.0mm
`
`
`22%mm.
`
`|
`
`memmmooma
`
`momzmmmoi:m
`
`homjmsm
`
`WEZKQ
`
`mm
`
`
`
`
`
`gm:
`
`mmoZmDOmm
`
`
`
`
`
`km
`
`
`
`
`
`A0E
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`
`
`
`

`

`5,908,294
`
`1
`DENTAL IMAGING SYSTEM WITH LAMPS
`AND METHOD
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention relates to the field of video imaging and,
`more specifically, to a video imaging apparatus for use in
`dental imaging.
`Video imaging cameras have been used for obtaining
`images in dentistry for some time. One example of an
`existing system can be found in US. Pat. No. 5,523,782
`(Williams), which describes a video dental camera that
`includes a light source, a CCD, and an adjustable focus lens
`system. Other examples of existing system can be found in
`US. Pat. No. 4,575,805 (Moermann et al.), and in US. Pat.
`No. 5,527,261 (Monroe et al.).
`Until now, however,
`it has been extremely difficult to
`fashion a sufficiently slim instrument. Slim instruments are
`desirable because they provide accessibility to places that
`thicker instruments can not reach. Moreover, even in cases
`where a thick instrument can provide adequate access, the
`slimmer instruments can reduce the discomfort experienced
`by the patient.
`One factor contributing to the thickness of previous dental
`video cameras is the type of light source that is incorporated
`into the camera head. Some previous dental cameras, such as
`the one described in US. Pat. No. 5,429,502, use an external
`light source and route the light from the source to the head
`using fiber optics. This arrangement, however, requires the
`optical fibers to travel through the cable and through the
`body of the handheld camera unit, which results in a stiffer
`cable (which can reduce maneuverability) and a thicker
`handheld unit.
`In addition,
`the fiber optic connections
`require a more complex and expensive connector, as com-
`pared to fully electrical connectors. Finally, using fiber
`optics to illuminate the subject requires increased power,
`because some of the light energy is lost in the optical fiber.
`Other prior art imaging devices use lamps at the end of the
`imaging head instead of fiber optics. But until now, lamps
`have not been used in configurations that minimize the
`thickness of the instrument. For example,
`the lamps in
`Williams are positioned axially away from the imaging
`window, and the lamp in Moermann is positioned on the
`proximal side of the imaging window. Both of these con-
`figurations result in relatively thick instruments.
`In addition, the lamps used in previous imaging devices
`had significant shortcomings. One example is the halogen
`lamp used in Monroe, which consumes significant power
`and generates heat. Another example is the LED used in
`Moermann, which, like all ordinary LEDs, produces essen-
`tially monochromatic light
`that can make diagnosis of
`certain medical conditions difficult.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention advantageously avoids the afore-
`mentioned drawbacks by providing a novel lamp arrange-
`ment that results in a slimmer instrument.
`
`invention also advantageously avoids the
`The present
`aforementioned drawbacks by using white LEDs or sequen-
`tially energized colored lights in place of the lamps used in
`prior dental video cameras.
`According to one aspect of the invention, a dental video
`camera is provided. This video camera includes a housing
`and a window, located near the distal end of the housing, for
`receiving light reflected from a subject. The camera includes
`light directing means for directing the received light in a
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`proximal direction and an image sensor mounted on the
`proximal side of the light directing means so that the light
`directed by the light directing means strikes the image
`sensor. The camera also includes a lamp mounted distally
`beyond the window, aimed to illuminate the subject.
`According to another aspect of the invention, a dental
`video camera is provided. This video camera includes a
`housing with a window for receiving light reflected from a
`subject, an image sensor, light directing means for directing
`the received light towards the image sensor, and a white
`LED and aimed to illuminate the subject.
`According to another aspect of the invention, a dental
`video camera is provided. This video camera includes a
`housing and a window, located near the distal end of the
`housing, for receiving light reflected from a subject. The
`camera also includes a lens for directing the received light
`in a proximal direction, an image sensor mounted on the
`proximal side of the lens for receiving the light directed by
`the lens, and a white LED aimed to illuminate the subject.
`According to another aspect of the invention, a method of
`using an image sensor to obtain an image of a dental subject
`is provided. This method includes the steps of illuminating
`the dental subject with light from a white LED, receiving
`light reflected from the subject, and directing the received
`light towards the image sensor.
`According to another aspect of the invention, a dental
`video camera is provided. This video camera includes an
`image sensor, three light sources for producing three colors
`of light, and a controller for controlling the illumination of
`the light sources according to a pattern. An image sensor
`receives the light from the light sources that has been
`reflected by a subject, and generates output signals in
`accordance with the received light. An image processor then
`generates a video signal based on the outputs of the image
`sensor.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an electronic video
`dental camera and image processing system in accordance
`with the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is an external side view of the camera showing the
`handpiece and the end of the connecting cord.
`FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a distal fragmented
`portion of the camera taken from section line 3A—3A in
`FIG. 3B.
`
`FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the distal fragmented portion
`of the camera.
`
`FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the camera, showing
`detail in the median portion.
`FIG. 5 is a view of the proximal portion of the handpiece
`and the distal portion of the connecting cord assembly.
`FIGS. 6A—6D show alternate arrangements of lamps
`about the imaging window.
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a strobed illumination system
`for the camera.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`FIG. 1 shows a dental video camera system including a
`handpiece 200 and an image processing system 202. The
`handpiece 200 is connected to the image processing system
`202 via a connecting cord 201.
`FIG. 2 shows the handpiece 200 which has a distal end 1,
`a median section 2, a focusing ring 3, and a mini circular
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`5,908,294
`
`3
`the proximal end of the handpiece. The
`connector 4 at
`connector 4 mates with a matching mini circular connector
`5, which terminates the video cable 6. Signals originating
`from an image sensor (not shown) housed inside the hand-
`piece 200 travel through the connector 4, the connector 5,
`and the video cable 6 on their way to the image processing
`system 202 (shown in FIG. 1).
`FIGS. 3A and 3B show details of the distal end 1 of one
`
`embodiment of the handpiece, which includes an imaging
`window 12 and light sources 10a and 10b. The imaging
`window receives light reflected by the subject. The light
`sources 10a and 10b, which are located distal to the imaging
`window 12 and are covered by a protective glass shield 11,
`are aimed so that they will provide illumination for subjects
`located below the window. Aprism 13 is located within the
`distal end of the handpiece 1, angled in relation to the
`imaging window 12 to direct the light arriving through the
`imaging window in the direction of the proximal end of the
`handpiece. Of course, instead of using an individual imaging
`window 12 and shield 11, as depicted in the figure, a single
`piece of material may be used as both the window and the
`shield. In this configuration,
`the material would have a
`window portion and a shield portion distal to the window
`portion.
`Awide variety of lamps may be used. A low-power, long
`life lamp is preferable to save power and minimize service
`calls and system down time. One example of a suitable lamp
`is an incandescent light bulb, such as Gilway Technical
`Lamp # 4115. Another example is a “white LED”. This
`white LED could comprise, for example, a short-wavelength
`LED combined together with a phosphorescent coating,
`such as Nichia America # NSCW—100.
`
`The “white LED” could also comprise, for example, a set
`of three single color LEDs (e.g., red, green, and blue),
`mounted in a single package, such as Nichia America #
`NSCM-310. While two lamps are depicted in the figure, any
`number of lamps may be used. In addition to generating
`light, the lamps also generate some heat. This is advanta-
`geous in dental applications, because it helps clear away
`condensation that could form from a patient’s breathing on
`a cold instrument.
`
`By locating the lamps in the distal end of the handpiece,
`distal to the imaging window, and angling the lamps so as to
`provide direct illumination of the object being imaged, the
`diameter of the housing can be minimized. This allows the
`present invention to be contained within a slimmer housing,
`as compared to prior art cameras which have light sources
`positioned above the imaging window, such as the one
`described in US. Pat. No. 4,575,805 (Moermann et al.). A
`slimmer device is advantageous for dental use.
`Alternative light source arrangements may also be used.
`For example, FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6D show a number of light
`sources 10 arranged on three sides of the imaging window
`12. FIG. 6C shows a number of light sources arranged on
`four sides of the imaging window. Numerous other light
`source arrangements can be readily envisioned.
`Aiming of the light sources depends on both the arrange-
`ment of the light sources around the window and the type of
`light source used. For example, when incandescent lamps
`are used in the configuration shown in FIG. 3B, the lamps
`should be angled as shown in the figure so that the light is
`directed back towards the proximal end. When LEDs are
`used in any of the configurations depicted in FIGS. 6A—6D,
`the LEDs can be aimed perpendicular to the surface of the
`instrument, because the light
`is sufficiently diffused to
`illuminate the subject.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 4 shows details of the median section 2 of the
`
`the image
`handpiece, which houses the lens system 22,
`sensor 23, and the focusing mechanism 3. The lens system
`22 is preferably a fixed-focus lens system. The image sensor
`23 is preferably either a CCD (charge coupled device) or an
`APS (active pixel sensor array).
`The lens system 22 is located in the distal portion of the
`median section 2, proximal to the distal end of the handpiece
`1. The movable image sensor 23 is located proximal to the
`fixed lens system 22. The lens system 22 transmits the light
`arriving from the distal end of the handpiece 1 to the active
`surface of the image sensor 23. The lens system 22 may be
`replaced by another type of light direction means including,
`for example, a mirror, a prism, and an optical fiber.
`The movable image sensor 23 is controlled by a plunger
`system which is attached to the focusing ring 3. Preferably,
`the focusing ring 3 can be manually rotated into any of a
`plurality of detented positions that correspond to a plurality
`of image sensor positions.
`One preferred embodiment uses four detented positions.
`When the focusing ring 3 is rotated into each of the four
`various positions, the image sensor, which is mechanically
`coupled to the plunger system, is moved nearer to or farther
`from the fixed lens system 22 along a proximal-to-distal
`axis, depending on the degree of rotation. Each of these
`positions has an associated focal setting and depth of field.
`Most preferably, the approximate focal range settings are:
`(1) 1 to 6 mm; (2) 5—15 mm; (3) 12—25 mm; and (4) 180
`mm—OO. This selection of focal range settings is optimized
`for dental imaging by minimizing the required amount of
`manipulation while maximizing image quality and ease of
`use. For a system using a 3.65 mm><2.74 mm rectangular
`CCD image sensor and a lens with a focal length of 4.50
`mm, the total range of movement of the image sensor needed
`to obtain these focal settings is approximately 2 mm. If the
`amount of light supplied to the subject is increased, the
`depth of field can be extended by reducing the aperture of
`the lens. This would allow a reduction in the number of
`
`focus ranges.
`FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the proximal end of the
`handpiece 200, as well as the distal end of the connecting
`cord assembly 201. The mini circular connector 4 at the
`proximal end of the handpiece 200 mates with the connector
`5 on the connecting cord assembly 201. Preferably,
`the
`connectors can be mated and released quickly. A suitable
`connector pair for this purpose includes, for example, parts
`Nos. HR25-9P-16 and HR25-9R16 made by Hirose Electric.
`The connecting cord assembly 201 includes a video cable 6
`which is preferably flexible and lightweight. When the
`connector 4 is mated with the connector 5, the connecting
`cord assembly transmits the video image acquired by the
`image sensor in the handpiece to the image processing
`system (shown in FIG. 1). Some preprocessing (including,
`e.g., preamplification) may be performed by known means
`in the handpiece 200 before the image signals are sent to the
`image processing system.
`Returning to FIG. 1, the image processing system 202
`may be implemented in hardware, software or a combination
`of both. Two image processing settings may be selected:
`intraoral and extraoral. These settings correct for the quality
`and amount of light available and allow for realistic images
`to be acquired in both intraoral and extraoral
`locations,
`because ambient light is qualitatively different from lamp
`light. This feature is implemented by storing two different
`white balances in the image processing system (one for the
`extraoral setting and one for
`the intraoral setting) and
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`5,908,294
`
`5
`processing the image using the appropriate stored white
`balance. The white balance processing adjusts the levels of
`the red, green, and blue components of the image to create
`an image in which white objects are perceived as being
`white.
`
`Apreferred approach of implementing the white balance
`processing uses the Panasonic GP-KS 162 CB camera
`control unit
`(CCU)
`together with a Panasonic GP-KS
`462HM CCD. The CCU includes circuitry to interface with
`the CCD, white balance processing, and circuitry to generate
`an NTSC video signal. The CCU can store two white
`balances corresponding to two different types of light. For
`example, the white balance settings for the ambient light
`coming from a dentist’s overhead light and from the cam-
`era’s light source can be stored. When the dentist uses the
`camera, the appropriate white balance setting can be selected
`instantaneously without recalibrating the white balance for
`each exposure.
`The preferred CCU can compensate for white balances
`ranging from 2,200—10,000° K. of color temperature. Incan-
`descent lamps and both types and white LEDs are available
`within that temperature range. For those parts that have a
`wide range of color temperature, samples with the appro-
`priate color temperature should be selected.
`In the case of intraoral imaging, very little ambient light
`is available. When the camera is switched to the intraoral
`
`setting, the light source located in the head of the camera can
`be automatically switched on. In this mode, the image is
`processed using a stored white balance corresponding to the
`quality of the lamps which provide illumination (e.g., the
`incandescent bulbs or LEDs described above). In the case of
`extraoral
`imaging, ambient
`light
`is available. When the
`camera is switched to the extraoral setting, the light source
`can be automatically turned off. Due to the presence of
`ambient light, a different stored white balance is used to
`process the image.
`The embodiments described above involve illuminating
`the subject with white light and detecting the light using a
`sensor that is sensitive to white light. An alternative embodi-
`ment uses a monochromatic sensor and strobes of different
`
`colored monochromatic light to attain the same effect as
`white illumination.
`
`that uses this strobed
`FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment
`configuration. In this embodiment, instead of illuminating
`the subject with white light, the subject is strobed with each
`of the components of white light (red, green, and blue)
`sequentially. During each strobe period, the output from the
`image sensor is captured. The image sensor outputs from the
`three strobe periods are then combined by a signal processor
`to form a standard RGB video signal.
`The clock generator 38 provides timing signals to syn-
`chronize the circuit. The LED sequencer 36 receives a clock
`signal from the clock generator 38, and turns on each of the
`LEDs 33—35 in turn, in three phrases. During the first phase,
`the LED sequencer 36 turns on the red LED 33. During the
`second phase, the LED sequencer 36 turns on the green LED
`34. During the third phase, the LED sequencer 36 turns on
`the blue LED 35. This sequence of phases repeats continu-
`ously.
`The clock generator 38 also sends signals to the image
`sensor driver 37. The image sensor 32 receives light that
`originated from one of the LEDs 33—35, bounced off a
`subject 31, and onto the image sensor 32. The output of the
`image sensor is received by the image sensor driver 37.
`When the red LED 33 is illuminated, the image sensor will
`capture an image of the subject 31 illuminated by red light.
`
`6
`When the green LED 34 is illuminated, the image sensor
`will capture an image of the subject illuminated by green
`light. Similarly, when the blue LED 34 is illuminated, the
`image sensor will capture an image of the subject illumi-
`nated by blue light.
`The signal processor 39 receives these three images from
`the image sensor driver 37, together with synchronizing
`signals from the clock generator 38. The signal processor
`combines three image signals into ordinary RGB signals
`which are provided to a video signal interface 40. The clock
`generator 38 provides horizontal and vertical synchroniza-
`tion signals to the video signal interface 40, which outputs
`a video signal in a standard format such as NTSC, PAL, etc.
`It is also possible to implement an equivalent system by
`illuminating the subject with more than one color at a time.
`For example, red light may be used during the first phase,
`and red and blue light may be used during the second phase.
`Then, the blue component may be computed by subtraction.
`Of course, other combinations of colors may be used as well.
`By using this system, a monochromatic image sensor may
`be used in place of a full color image sensor. This is
`advantageous because monochromatic image sensors are
`significantly less expensive. In this configuration, to achieve
`a standard video frame rate of 30 frames per second, the
`frame rate at the image sensor must be tripled (i.e., to 90
`frames per second). As a result, one red, one green and one
`blue image is captured by the image sensor in each 1/30
`second interval. These images are stored in the signal
`processor 39 and output at the standard frame rate.
`Preferably, the signal processor 39 includes white balance
`circuitry that adjusts the proportions of the red, green, and
`blue images to produce a color-corrected image.
`Alternatively, the LED sequencer 36 can vary the brightness
`and/or duration of the red, blue, and green illumination to
`achieve color corrected images.
`The combination of features described above allows the
`
`camera to be lighter, more portable, consume less power,
`and to produce a more authentic image than previous
`cameras.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`While the present invention has been described above in
`terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the
`invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`invention is intended to cover
`the present
`the contrary,
`various modifications and equivalent structures included
`within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
`We claim:
`
`1. A dental video camera comprising:
`a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;
`a window, located near the distal end of said housing, that
`receives light reflected from a subject;
`light directing means for directing the received light in a
`proximal direction;
`an image sensor, mounted on the proximal side of said
`light directing means, that receives the light directed by
`said light directing means; and
`a lamp mounted distally beyond the window, aimed to
`illuminate the subject, wherein said lamp comprises a
`plurality of different colored LEDs.
`2. A dental video camera comprising:
`a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;
`a window, located near the distal end of said housing, for
`receiving light reflected from a subject;
`light directing means for directing the received light in a
`proximal direction;
`an image sensor, mounted on the proximal side of said
`light directing means, that receives the light directed by
`said light directing means; and
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`

`

`5,908,294
`
`7
`a lamp mounted distally beyond the window, aimed to
`illuminate the subject, wherein said lamp comprises a
`phosphorescent material and an LED that illuminates
`the phosphorescent material, causing the phosphores-
`cent material to emit visible light.
`3. A dental video camera comprising:
`a housing having a Proximal end and a distal end;
`a window, located near the distal end of said housing, that
`receives light reflected from a subject,
`the window
`having a proximal edge, a distal edge, a right edge, and
`a left edge;
`light directing means for directing the received light in a
`proximal direction;
`an image sensor, mounted on the proximal side of said
`light directing means, that receives the light directed by
`said light directing means;
`a plurality of lamps mounted distally beyond the window
`and aimed to illuminate the subject;
`a plurality of lamps mounted adjacent to the right side of
`the window and aimed to illuminate the subject; and
`a plurality of lamps mounted adjacent to the left side of
`the window and aimed to illuminate the subject.
`4. The dental video camera according to claim 3, wherein
`each of said lamps comprises an LED.
`5. The dental video camera according to claim 3, wherein
`each of said lamps comprises a white LED.
`6. The dental video camera according to claim 3, further
`comprising a a plurality of lamps mounted adjacent to the
`proximal side of the window and aimed to illuminate the
`subject.
`7. The dental video camera according to claim 6, wherein
`each of said lamps comprises an LED.
`8. The dental video camera according to claim 6, wherein
`each of said lamps comprises a white LED.
`9. A dental video camera comprising:
`housing having a window that receives light reflected
`from a subject;
`an image sensor mounted in said housing;
`light directing means for directing the received light
`towards said image sensor; and
`a white LED mounted in said housing, aimed to illuminate
`the subject, wherein said white LED comprises a phos-
`phorescent material and an LED that illuminates the
`phosphorescent material, causing the phosphorescent
`material to emit visible light.
`10. A dental video camera comprising:
`a housing having a window that receives light reflected
`from a subject;
`an image sensor mounted in said housing;
`light directing means for directing the received light
`towards said image sensor; and
`a white LED mounted in said housing, aimed to illuminate
`the subject, wherein said white LED comprises a plu-
`rality of different colored LEDs.
`11. A dental video camera comprising:
`a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;
`window located near the distal end of said housing that
`receives light reflected from a subject;
`a lens;
`an image sensor, mounted on the proximal side of said
`lens, that receives light received by the window and
`directed by said lens; and
`a white LED aimed to illuminate the subject; wherein said
`white LED comprises a phosphorescent material and an
`LED that
`illuminates the phosphorescent material,
`causing the phosphorescent material to emit visible
`light.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`8
`12. A dental video camera comprising:
`a housing having a proximal end and a distal end;
`a window located near the distal end of said housing that
`receives light reflected from a subject;
`a lens;
`an image sensor, mounted on the proximal side of said
`lens, that receives light received by the window and
`directed by said lens; and
`a white LED aimed to illuminate the subject, wherein said
`white LED comprises a plurality of different colored
`LEDs.
`
`13. Amethod of using an image sensor to obtain an image
`of a dental subject, comprising the steps of:
`illuminating the dental subject with light from a white
`LED;
`receiving light reflected from the dental subject; and
`directing the received light towards the image sensor,
`wherein the white LED comprises a phosphorescent
`material and an LED that illuminates the phosphores-
`cent material, causing the phosphorescent material to
`emit visible light.
`14. Amethod of using an image sensor to obtain an image
`of a dental subject, comprising the steps of:
`illuminating the dental subject with light from a white
`LED;
`receiving light reflected from the dental subject; and
`directing the received light towards the image sensor,
`wherein the white LED comprises a plurality of differ-
`ent colored LEDs.
`
`15. A dental video camera comprising:
`first light source that produces a first color light;
`a second light source that produces a second color light;
`a third light source that produces a third color light;
`a controller that controls illumination of said first, second,
`and third light sources according to a pattern;
`an image sensor that receives light from said light sources
`that has been reflected by a subject and that generates
`output signals in accordance with the received light;
`an image processor that generates a video signal based on
`the outputs of said image sensor, wherein said light
`sources are arranged about a light receiving window on
`three sides, including a distal side, of the light receiving
`window.
`16. The dental video camera according to claim 15,
`wherein a light source of each color is included on each of
`the three sides of the light receiving window.
`17. A dental video camera comprising:
`a first light source that produces a first color light;
`a second light source that produces a second color light;
`a third light source that produces a third color light;
`a controller that controls illumination of said first, second,
`and third light sources according to a pattern;
`an image sensor that receives light from said light sources
`that has been reflected by a subject and that generates
`output signals in accordance with the received light;
`an image processor that generates a video signal based on
`the outputs of said image sensor, wherein said light
`sources are arranged about a light receiving window on
`four sides of the light receiving window.
`18. The dental video camera according to claim 17,
`wherein a light source of each color is included on each of
`the four sides of the light receiving window.
`*
`*
`*
`*
`*
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`HTC, Exhibit 1014
`
`