Method and apparatus embodiments can generate a volume fluorescence image of a tooth. Method and apparatus embodiments can project structured light patterns onto a tooth and generate a contour (volume) image of the tooth surface from acquired corresponding structured light projection images; then acquire one or more fluorescence images of the tooth generated under blue-UV illumination. A composite image that shows fluorescence image content mapped to the generated contour image can be transmitted, stored, modified and/or displayed.

Processing logic makes a comparison between first image data and second image data of a dental arch and determines a plurality of spatial differences between a first representation of the dental arch in the first image data and a second representation of the dental arch in the second image data. The processing logic determines that a first spatial difference is attributable to scanner inaccuracy and that a second spatial difference is attributable to a clinical change to the dental arch. The processing logic generates a third representation of the dental arch that is a modified version of the second representation, wherein the first spatial difference is removed in the third representation, and wherein the third representation comprises a visual enhancement that accentuates the second spatial difference.

An image pickup system includes: an image pickup section including a first image pickup device outputting a first image pickup signal, and a second image pickup device outputting a second image pickup signal; a processor that performs signal processing on image pickup signals; and a memory section holding a difference correction parameter, the difference correction parameter indicating difference of image characteristics derived from sensitivity of each image pickup device, in image pickup signals outputted from the first image pickup device and the second image pickup device; and a correction processing section performing correction processing on at least one of the first image pickup signal and the second image pickup signal, based on the difference correction parameter.

An exemplary operation management system is configured to obtain, from a depth sensor included in an imaging device, depth data representative of a depth map for an internal space of a patient, obtain auxiliary sensor data from an auxiliary sensor not included in the imaging device, and perform, based on the depth data and the auxiliary sensor data, an operation associated with a computer-assisted surgical system configured to perform a procedure within the internal space of the patient.

A dental imager includes an elongated handle with a rotatable head coupled to a distal end thereof and having a central platform with a plurality of arcuate scanning arms pivotally coupled thereto by a hinge. The arcuate scanning arms are of a shape and size for general deployment around a tooth and each include at least one scanner and a roller guide that comfortably rolls along the surface of the tooth or gums to bias the scanners a desired distance from the surface of the tooth, conducive for imaging thereof. In this respect, such a dental imager may be used in a process to scan and record the contours of an intraoral surface, the data of which may be used to create a digital three-dimensional surface impression printable by a 3D printer or the like.

An intra-oral scanning system includes a hand piece having a scanning head with one or more projectors for projecting light onto an oral region and image sensors for detecting reflected light in the oral region. A computer system is operatively connected to the hand piece for receiving data from the image sensors. The data is representative of a scanned area in the oral region. The computer system images a 3D representation of the scanned area and a display assembly operatively connected to the computer system displays the 3D representation of the scanned area. A transducer operatively connected to the computer system emits a visual, audible and/or vibratory signal that provides information related to a status of the scanning system.

A surgical camera assembly includes a proximal member defining a longitudinal axis and a distal member defining a pointed tip configured to puncture tissue to permit insertion of the surgical camera assembly therethrough. The distal member is pivotably coupled to the proximal member and is movable relative thereto between a first position, wherein the distal member is aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a second position, wherein the distal member is angled off the longitudinal axis. First and second surgical cameras are disposed within the distal member in fixed position and longitudinally-spaced relative to one another. Each of the cameras is oriented to define a viewing area in a direction extending from an outer lateral periphery of the distal member. The cameras are configured to produce video images that are used in conjunction with one another to provide a three-dimensional video image of the internal surgical site.

A system, method, and storage device storing computer executable instructions for use in tissue analysis and therapy. A motorized optical probe for illuminating tissue generates light fluorescence and/or diffuse reflectance signals corresponding to the illuminated tissue. One or more ultrasound, CT and MRI imaging guidance systems identify the position of the optical probes relative to the tissue. An imaging system generates a three-dimensional image of the tissue based on the generated light signals and the identified position of the optical probe.

Method and apparatus embodiments can generate a volume fluorescence image of a tooth. Method and apparatus embodiments can project structured light patterns onto a tooth and generate a contour (volume) image of the tooth surface from acquired corresponding structured light projection images; then acquire one or more fluorescence images of the tooth generated under blue-UV illumination. A composite image that shows fluorescence image content mapped to the generated contour image can be transmitted, stored, modified and/or displayed.

Provided is a system for observing an object that emits fluorescence when irradiated with excitation light. The system includes: a hole unit having holes on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the objective lens to allow the excitation light to pass through the holes in a direction parallel to the optical axis; and an imaging unit including: an imaging lens configured to focus the fluorescence; a microlens array having microlenses arranged on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging lens; and an image sensor having pixels configured to: receive the fluorescence via the objective lens, at least one of the holes, and the microlens array, the fluorescence being emitted when the object is irradiated with the excitation light having passed through at least one of the holes and the objective lens; and output an image signal in accordance with an intensity of the received fluorescence.