Patent Application
20100121191
The present invention is generally directed to the field of periodontal medicine and in particular to the application of ultrasonic technology to periodontal medicine and to general dentistry.
Periodontal gum disease is a serious infection of the mouth that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and has been associated with, and is suspected of contributing to heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, respiratory diseases, premature/underweight babies and even death.
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on everyone's teeth) causes the gums to become infected and inflamed.
In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene, especially lack of flossing. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can harden into calculus and spread and grow below the gum line where it can become a breeding ground for bacteria below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque and calculus continue to irritate and inflame the gums and surrounding tissue. As the infection becomes more severe, the toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues (ligaments) and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed.
Periodontal soft tissue (gums or gingiva and the periodontal ligament) detach from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets (spaces between the teeth and periodontal tissue) that become infected. As the disease progresses, more and more destructive toxins are produced and as a result, the periodontal pockets deepen and more periodontal tissue and bone are broken down and destroyed. Initially this destructive process may be asymptomatic. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may be lost or have to be removed. More than 300 different types of bacteria can exist in the human mouth, either alone or in combination. This makes treating periodontal disease difficult, time consuming and expensive as the periodontist tries various antibiotics and treatment modalities until an effective treatment plan is developed. Like any other serious infection, if not promptly treated with the proper types and amounts of antibiotics, periodontitis can result in severe systemic infection that can lead to many other serious diseases and even become life-threatening. As the patient's immune system fights this chronic and perhaps serious infection, it can create an opportunity for other serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, to develop.
The current methodology used by dentists and dental hygienists to detect and measure periodontal pocket depth is a primitive methodology that consists of a sharp metal probe that is inserted between the tooth and gum and which is manually pressed down until it encounters resistance of the ligament. The depth to the ligament is thereby measured and indicates the amount of clinical attachment lost (loss of ligament), which can be an indication of the amount of periodontal disease that may be present. This method is often painful for the patient, and is invasive, bloody, inaccurate and subjective. It is especially inaccurate and subjective because of the difficulty in applying the same amount of force with each measurement, resulting in high intra-examiner and inter-examiner variation in measurement. The difficulty is increased because the examiner does not know the type of tissue present below the gum line and if the probe is touching or piercing this tissue. Additionally, exposure to the patient's blood by dental professionals increases risk of exposure to hepatitis, HIV and other infectious diseases.
Further, the current methodology is limited in its effectiveness as a tool for diagnosing periodontal disease in its earliest stages as it is a retrospective analysis and can only measure significant amounts of tissue already lost. In addition, this method typically calls for two people to perform this test, an examiner who actually makes the measurements and a scribe who usually writes down the measurements by hand. The examiner is generally a dental health professional, such as a dentist, dental hygienist or periodontist. The scribe may also be a dental health professional but may also be a lesser skilled individual such as an office assistant. Another problem facing dentists is the difficulty in determining long term trends of the patients' condition because all of the information is contained in numerous paper (i.e., analog) records that usually span many years. As a result, usually only the last one or two records are reviewed for comparison with the current test results and these may not be sufficient to accurately reflect a very gradual deterioration of the patient's periodontal condition.
An additional problem with the existing manual probe methodology is that it is typically can be disruptive to the healing process. The trial and error approach can tear newly healed tissue and can cause recovery to be extended for weeks or months. Further, it can allow bacteria into the wound and the patient's blood stream, which can lead to infection (i.e., bacteremia). Indeed more than 300 different types of bacteria can exist in the human mouth, either alone or in combination. This makes treating periodontal disease difficult, time consuming and expensive as the periodontist tries various antibiotics and treatment modalities until an effective treatment plan is developed.
At the top of the periodontal ligament 126 is the upper boundary 130 of the periodontal ligament 126. Between the upper boundary 130 of the periodontal ligament 126 and the enamel portion 118 is the junction epithelium 128. In a healthy tooth 100, the upper boundary 130 of the periodontal ligament 126, the bottom of the junction epithelium 128 and the enamel portion 120 meet at the cemento-enamel junction 132. In a diseased tooth 106, tartar or calculus 110 and polymorphonuclear leukocytes 138 spread into the junction epithelium 128 and the periodontal ligament 126 opening a periodontal pocket 112. If the periodontal pocket 112 lies between the gum line 124 and the cemento-enamel junction 132, the patient has a condition known as gingivitis. If the periodontal pocket 112 extends below the cemento-enamel junction 132, the patient has a condition known as periodontitis. Additionally, the growth of the periodontal pocket 112 may be irregular and result in intermediate features 136.
Frequently, prior measurements of pocket depth were made relative to the gum line 124. As discussed above, however, the gum line 124 may vary due to recession or edema. Therefore, use of the gum line (or free margin of gingiva) 124 in measuring pocket depth may lead to inaccurate and widely varying measures of pocket depth. In contrast to the gum line 124, the location of the cemento-enamel junction 132 remains constant. Therefore, use of the cemento-enamel junction 132 in measuring pocket depth provides a better and more consistent method of measurement over time and is preferable. Manual probing is also used to determine if, and on which teeth and exactly where, calculus is present below the gum line. This method can be inaccurate.
It would therefore be desirable to have a painless, noninvasive, accurate and reproducible method of measuring periodontal attachment loss capable of using both the gum line and the cemento-enamel junction 132 as a reference. It would also be desirable to have an accurate method of determining if, and on which teeth calculus is present below the gum line.
This invention relates to a system for detecting and measuring attachment loss, an indicator of periodontal disease. The invention incorporates the use of ultrasonic technology to measure the differential depth between both the gum line and the cemento-enamel junction of a tooth and the bottom of a periodontal pocket. In contrast to conventional methods that require inserting a sharp metal probe between the teeth and the gum, the present invention provides a system and method that is painless and noninvasive, painless, bloodless, accurate, fast, objective and digital.
The present invention provides a hand piece for detecting and measuring periodontal tissue destruction related to periodontal disease comprising a permanent handle having a cavity and an alignment slot in a first end; an ultrasonic transducer located in the cavity in the first end of the permanent handle; a fluid supply; and a disposable cover, the disposable cover having a protrusion in the interior of the disposable cover, the protrusion adapted to fit into the alignment slot.
The present invention A hand piece for detecting and measuring periodontal disease comprising a continuously curved handle; an ultrasonic transducer; and a fluid supply.
The present invention A method of detecting and measuring periodontal tissue destruction related to periodontal disease comprising providing a hand piece comprising, (i) a permanent handle having a cavity and an alignment slot in a first end, an ultrasonic transducer located in the cavity in the first end of the permanent handle, a fluid supply, and a disposable cover, the disposable cover having a protrusion in the interior of the disposable cover, the protrusion adapted to fit into the alignment slot, or (ii) a hand piece for detecting and measuring periodontal disease comprising a continuously curved handle, an ultrasonic transducer, and a fluid supply; filling a periodontal pocket with a fluid capable of propagating sound waves; transmitting at least one sound wave into the periodontal pocket; sensing at least one return sound wave from the periodontal pocket; and determining the depth of the pocket by measuring the time it takes the at least one transmitted sound wave to traverse the periodontal pocket and return.
The present invention also provides a method of detecting and measuring periodontal disease comprising filling a periodontal pocket with a fluid capable of propagating sound waves; transmitting at least one sound wave into the periodontal pocket; sensing at least one return sound wave from the periodontal pocket; and determining the depth of the pocket by measuring the time it takes the at least one transmitted sound wave to traverse the periodontal pocket and return.
The present invention also provides a method of performing periodontal examinations comprising providing dentists or dental hygienists with at least one ultrasonic periodontal system; and charging the dentist or dental hygienist per examination of a patient.
The present invention also provides a discrimination analysis algorithm to analyze ultrasonic echoes comprising processing waveforms; detecting peaks; and discriminating peaks, wherein the discrimination analysis algorithm uses a continuous wavelet transformation.
In contrast to the conventional method of detecting and measuring periodontal attachment loss, the systems and methods according to the present invention incorporate ultrasound technology. The systems and methods provides dentists and their patients with a painless, non-invasive, bloodless, extremely accurate, objective, automated, rapid, digital and inexpensive method to effectively diagnose, detect, and evaluate attachment loss related to periodontal disease, create a digital dental record and monitor treatment via a sequence of measurements. The system takes analog measurements, converts the analog ultrasonic measurements to digital data and calculates the periodontal pocket depth (preferably, the distance from both the gum line and the cemento-enamel junction to the upper boundary of the periodontal ligament). The methods according to the present invention enable dentists to detect periodontal disease in its earliest stage when it is easy and inexpensive to treat and before the body's immune system is weakened and susceptible to other diseases. It also permits dentists to more easily and effectively clean their patient's teeth by providing qualitative information regarding the presence of calculus (i.e., hardened plaque) present on tooth surfaces below the gum line, before and after cleaning. Additionally, the methods are essentially examiner independent as inter-examiner and intra-examiner variation has been essentially eliminated.
In contrast to prior art methods of diagnosing periodontal disease, the periodontal system of the present invention allows the dentist to digitally overlay the patients' current test and easily and quickly compare it with some, many or all of the prior tests contained in the patients' electronic medical record. Additional benefits of the periodontal system of the present invention include that its test may be performed by only one person (compared to two people) and it typically only takes about four minutes to complete (compared to about ten minutes).
One preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
The software includes an advanced discrimination analysis algorithm. Optionally, it may also include diagnostic medical imaging ability. The periodontal system 200 uses ultrasonic signals (i.e., sonar waves) to detect, quantify and profile the upper boundary 130 of the periodontal ligament 126 (i.e., the depth of each tooth's periodontal pocket 112) below the gum line 124 and from the cemento-enamel junction 132 while also providing qualitative information regarding the presence of calculus or plaque 110, 108 above or below the gum line 124. The periodontal system 200 converts analog ultrasonic signals to digital signals and digitally stores the pocket depths 112 of each tooth 106 and their variation over time. This greatly assists dentists in the diagnosis, and as an indicator of the extent and severity of periodontal disease and the effectiveness of their treatment plan. Preferably, the entire test is fully computerized and all patient information may be digitally recorded by the person performing the test. Preferably, the dentist inputs essential data about each tooth once (e.g., the location of a missing tooth or a bridge), and it will appear on all subsequent screens.
The discrimination analysis algorithm of the periodontal system 200 converts the ultrasonic waveform it receives from the transducer to a pocket depth reading using a transformation algorithm. This algorithm uses signal processing techniques that are commonly used in telecommunications to detect low level signals and isolate them from background noise.
The algorithm is performed in three steps: waveform processing, peak detection, and peak discrimination.
In one embodiment a Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) is performed on the raw signal using the Mexican Hat Wavelet, Ψs(x):
Ψ(x)=2πw−½[1−2π(x/w)2]e−π(x/w)̂2
and
Ψs(x)=s−½Ψs(x/s)
w, the width of the wavelet, set to 1.2 in one aspect of the invention and
s, the scale of the wavelet, set to the following values: 3.5, 4.21, 5.26, 6.58, and 7.89
The width and scale of the wavelet were chosen to target the frequency range of the 10 MHz transducer. The wavelet transform of the function f is then equal to:
W(s,t)=Σf(x)Ψs(x−t)
The Mexican Hat wavelet (see
Unlike many other wavelets used in CWT, the Mexican Hat wavelet does not have an imaginary component. Therefore, to determine the out of phase frequencies present in the raw signal, the wavelet transform is also performed with the Hilbert transform of the Mexican Hat wavelet.
Performing a Hilbert transform on a time based signal generates a π/2 phase shift in the signal. Given a signal g(t), Hilbert transform of this signal is defined as:
Another way to write this definition is to recognize that Hilbert transform is also the convolution of function 1/πt with the signal g(t). The convolution of two functions is the inverse Fourier transform of the product of the Fourier transforms of the two functions:
So we can write the above equation as:
The Fourier transform of 1/πt is:
where:
Therefore, to calculate the Hilbert transform of the Mexican Hat wavelets, first the Fourier transform of the wavelet is calculated. Second, the DC component and the Nyquist frequency component are set to zero. Then the positive harmonics are multiplied by −j and the negative harmonics are multiplied by +j. Finally the inverse Fourier transform is performed on the result to obtain the Hilbert transform of the Mexican Hat wavelets (see
To increase the processing speed at run-time the wavelet coefficients and transformed wavelet coefficients have been calculated and are preferably coded into the algorithm as constants.
To determine the relationship between the wavelet scale and the signal frequency, sine waves with known frequencies were analyzed to determine the scales that produced the highest wavelet amplitudes. The optimum scale is inversely proportional to the frequency (
The periodontal system 200 (
In use, the hand piece 202 (
In other embodiments of the invention, the display/controller unit 204 (
Embedded software within the computer converts the signal from an analog to a digital format and uses algorithms to interpret and convert the echoes corresponding to the depth of the outer boundary of the periodontal ligament into a dimension (e.g., pocket depth in millimeters) and to detect the presence of calculus 110 on the tooth's surface, above or below the gum line 124 so it can be more easily and effectively removed.
The display/controller unit 204 receives the analog information generated by the hand piece 202, converts the data into a digital format, and processes it using analysis algorithms. Preferably, the periodontal system 200 also includes dental imaging software to and creates user friendly images of the applicable tooth 100, 106 (as shown on the screens in
The software preferably included in system 200 (
Preferably, the periodontal system 200 is calibrated before examining each patient. Calibration may include testing the software, calibrating the head, testing the transducer and/or testing the acoustic lens. Calibration may be accomplished, for example by measuring the depth of a known cavity built into the unit 204. Should the periodontal system 200 fail such that recalibration in the healthcare provider's office is not possible, the system 200, may optionally be provided with automatic messaging that can transmit a request for a new system 200, or part thereof, from the supplier.
In one embodiment of the invention, all tests will be performed after the dentist or dental hygienist connects to a third party web site via the Internet. This will permit the third party to confirm the periodontal system 200 is properly calibrated and working perfectly prior to each test and that the dentist's account has been properly charged the test fee. Patient information may be securely stored in a HIPAA compliant centralized back-up database maintained by the third party at its website. In this embodiment, dentists will have controlled access to the website and be able to:
In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in
The system permits dentists to show the test results on their computer screens (rather than on paper records from multiple years) to their patients and also provides them with a printout of the test. This permits patients to confirm what their dentists have told them and to monitor the effectiveness of their treatment plan. This active patient involvement is expected to result in more patients following their dentist's instructions because they will be able to see that their periodontal disease treatment program is working. It also provides patients (and their payers) with objective proof of the presence of periodontal disease and the necessity of treatment. This is expected to reduce the number of “walkaways” (i.e., patients that do not believe their dentist or the severity of their periodontal condition).
If a patient does not currently have periodontal disease, by comparing the base line digital images with those taken over a period of time, both the dentist and the patient can see that periodontal disease is not present.
According to one embodiment of the invention, periodontal examiners establish a baseline of their patient's periodontal pocket depths 112 (
The periodontal system 200 provides the following considerable benefits to patients, dental healthcare professionals and payers:
If periodontal disease is present, the dentist can quickly and accurately detect and diagnose the type and extent of the periodontal disease in its earliest stage, prescribe preventative treatment and perform on-going periodontal disease management to prevent its spread, the loss of diseased teeth 106 and the onset of other serious diseases and reduce healthcare costs. By using the digitized data and generating images taken every several months during the treatment period, both the dentist and the patient can readily confirm the treatment plan's effectiveness.
This type of preventative dentistry program results in better dental care for the patient. In fact, most dentists are expected to perform more examinations and treat those patients with mild periodontal disease that would otherwise have developed into more serious periodontal disease and then been referred to a periodontist for treatment. Those patients currently with more serious periodontal disease would still be referred to a periodontist.
The periodontal system 200 provides considerably more accurate and detailed information than the standard manual probe and analog method currently used by dentists and dental hygienists for periodontal tests, which requires the repeated, frequently painful insertion of a sharp metal probe into the crevice between the tooth and the gum. The manual probe and analog method is very inaccurate and can over- or under-estimate the patient's true condition by 1 mm or more. As a result, the ability of current manual probe method to diagnose periodontal disease in its very early stages is very difficult. Even the same dentist, or different dentists performing periodontal examinations on the same patient, can derive significantly different measurements. This happens for many reasons, including the probe not always being placed in the exact same location, the amount of pressure applied, the presence of granulation tissue due to infection, the skill and experience of the dentist or dental hygienist, patient movement, etc.
By contrast, the periodontal system's 200 dental imaging technology provides a significantly more accurate, consistent, reproducible measurement and diagnosis of periodontal disease and therefore earlier disease treatment opportunities because its margin for error is only +/−0.1 to 0.5 mm and the smallest changes can be easily and quickly recognized and treated. Preferably, the margin of error is 0.1-0.3 mm. More preferably, the margin of error is approximately 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
In addition to diagnosis, the periodontal system 200 may be used to monitor the progress of healing during treatment. Monitoring the progress of healing during treatment is possible because the system and method of the present invention is noninvasive and hence, does not tear or disrupt soft, healing tissue during use. This is in contrast to the conventional method of measuring periodontal disease, which requires insertion of a sharp probe between the tooth 106 and gum 102, which can result in tearing of the healing tissue.
In another embodiment of the invention, the periodontal system 200 may be used to assist in the treatment of periodontal disease. In this embodiment, medication is added to unit's liquid reservoir 236 or to the fluid from the hand piece 202. In still another embodiment, the system is able to detect the presence of calculus 110 on the tooth's 106 surface below the gum line 124 so it can be more easily and effectively removed. Further, the completeness of calculus 110 removal can be monitored by subsequent use of the system 200.
Another embodiment of the invention permits dentists or dental hygienists to determine how many measurements they want to be obtained on each tooth. This embodiment includes software that allows the handling of the large amount of digital data collected and stored. The software will enable dentists to obtain and store their patients' data on their office computers. In one aspect of this invention, the dentists or dental hygienists can operate the periodontal system 200 in continuous mode. In this mode, once triggered, the hand piece 202 automatically repeatedly emits pulses at regular intervals. The dental examiner sweeps the probe tip from one interdental space across the surface of the tooth to the adjacent interdental space. Preferably, the dental examiner performs a first continuous scan along the facial surface of the tooth and a second scan along the lingual surface of the tooth. In this manner, a profile of the bottom of the pocket can be generated rather than only gathering data from a few representative points. The total number of data points taken in this embodiment depends on the frequency of the transducer and the rate the dental examiner drags the hand piece 202 across the tooth 100, 106. Dozens, hundreds, even thousands of data points may be taken. In this manner, focal disease in the periodontal pocket 112 may be detected. In one aspect of this embodiment, all of the teeth 100, 106 may be scanned by the dentist or dental hygienist. In another aspect of this embodiment, only those teeth 106 that have previously identified as exhibiting periodontal disease are scanned in continuous mode, the remaining teeth 100 scanned with discretely triggered pulses. In still another aspect of this embodiment of the invention, geopositional technology may be used in combination with a fixed reference in the mouth to assist in defining the location and profile of the periodontal pocket 112.
Another embodiment of the invention can obtain complete and highly accurate readings and 3-D images of all of the patient's teeth and may be able to eliminate the need for dentists to obtain dental x-rays.
One embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
In one embodiment of the invention, the probe tip 226 is sized to fit snugly in the interdental space between teeth. As the location of this space does not vary, it provides a fixed reference point for taking periodontal measurements. The hand piece 202 is particularly advantageous because the probe tip 226 can be located behind the papilla. In this configuration, the hand piece 202 can be used to measure the deterioration of periodontal tissue (gum 102, periodontal ligament 103, 126, and the specula of bone between the teeth) due to periodontal disease.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the periodontal system 200 includes hand piece 402, illustrated in
The inventors have discovered that the hand piece 402 of the present embodiment can be fitted with an easily removable cover 412. With this arrangement, the transducer 227 may be located in the head 424 of the hand piece 202, close to the probe tip 426. After a periodontal examination in one embodiment of the invention, the removable cover 412 can be removed and thrown away and a new removable cover 412 placed over the head 424. In still another embodiment of the invention, the removable cover 412 may be reused after sterilization. That is, the removable cover 412 may be removed from the hand piece 202, separately sterilized, and reattached to the handle 414. In another aspect of the invention, the hand piece 202 is connected to the display/controller unit 204 (
In still another embodiment of the invention, the transducer 227 of the hand piece 202 is operated at intermediate frequencies. It is known that high frequency sound waves yield higher resolution, while low frequency sound waves have higher penetration. Typically, prior art ultrasonic devices have been designed to operate at frequencies of 2-5 MHz when high penetration was required and 15-20 MHz when higher resolution was required. In one aspect of the present invention, the inventors have discovered that a transducer 227 that uses frequencies between 5 and 15 MHz can yield both high resolution and high penetration. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the transducer frequency is approximately 10 MHz.
The shape of the tip 226 is preferably designed to ensure patient comfort and ease of use. It should also be compatible with the selected transducer, i.e. placing the focal point of the transducer in the region of interest.
In one embodiment of the invention, the general length was determined to be approximately 10 mm to allow enough room for the medical professional to properly position the probe, but still provide enough length for the medical professional to visually determine the angular position. With this distance as a guide, an available transducer with an appropriate focal length (13.25 mm) was identified. The final length of the tip was then determined to place the focal point 244 approximately 2 mm beyond the end of the tip.
In this embodiment, the inner diameter and profile of the tip 226 was determined from the beam diameter of the ultrasound pulse. The tip 226 surrounds but does not encroach upon the ultrasonic beam 242, ensuring that the pulse will not be reflected by the tip 226. Therefore, when properly aligned, the tip should not be visible in the ultrasound echoes.
The flow rate should be low enough to ensure patient comfort, but high enough to provide adequate acoustic coupling between the transducer and the patient.
Theoretically, the water flow rate should have a negligible effect on the time of flight measurements of the ultrasound echoes. While the speed of the outgoing pulse is increased by the velocity of the water, the speed of the incoming echo is decreased by the same amount. However, turbulent flow could cause noise or distortions in the signal; therefore the velocity is preferably limited to ensure laminar flow (Reynolds Number<1000) through the tip. With a minimum tip diameter of 0.5 in, the maximum laminar velocity is approximately 3.1 inches per second:
v=(Reν)/d
where:
v is the velocity of the flow
Re is the Reynolds Number (1000)
ν is the kinematic viscosity of water (1.01×10−5 m2/s)
d is the minimum inner diameter of the tip (0.5 in)
The maximum laminar flow rate is 604 mL per minute:
Q=vA
where:
q is the flow rate
v is the velocity of the flow (3.1 in/s)
A is the cross sectional area of the tip (0.196 in2)
Tests were also performed to verify the effects of flow rate on the measurements. This study gathered waveform data for reflections from a nominal 4.763 mm thick (4.752 mm measured) flat aluminum plate containing 1 mm diameter circular through hole that is placed on top of a second aluminum plate containing no holes. An immersion transducer (Xactex, 10 MHz, 13.25 mm focal length, 0.67 mm beam diameter) with an 11.055 mm tip was used. Data was collected at nine separate flow rates with the reflector positioned approximately 1 mm from the end of the tip. Flow rate was adjusted using a Harvard Apparatus PHD 2000 programmable syringe pump with a 10 mL Hamilton gas-tight syringe. For each flow rate, the three consecutive waveforms measurements were recorded.
The results of this study are shown in
Preferably, the periodontal system 200 uses a diaphragm pump with a running speed of approximately 30 Hz. This equates to a cycle period of 30 ms. Preferably, the data acquisition time of an entire scan is 30 us, or 1/1000 of a pump cycle. Therefore, even though the diaphragm produces observable pulsations in flow rate, the flow can reasonably be assumed to be stable during the duration of the scan acquisition.
Air bubbles, including microbubbles, dramatically increase the attenuation of the signal and reduce signal strength. The flow path is preferably designed to facilitate the flushing of air bubbles out of the system. Areas in the flow path where air could get trapped (i.e. local high points) are preferably minimized. Additionally, the water is preferably deaerated upstream of the hand piece. This is preferably accomplished by pulling a vacuum on one side of a PTFE filter. The surface tension of water prevents liquid from flowing through this filter, but air and other gases can flow freely through it.
A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a completely noninvasive method of measuring the gum line 124 (
In one aspect of the invention, the return pulses are amplified and transformed to separate peaks from noise. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a wavelet algorithm is used in the transformation process. In still another embodiment of the invention, a discrimination analysis algorithm is used to aid in determining the identification of the various peaks. In still another embodiment, both a wavelet and a discrimination analysis algorithm are used.
In one embodiment, the display/controller unit 204 (
The display/controller unit 204 is fully self-contained and will provide the necessary images on its own screen even if the signal cannot be transmitted outside of the room. In addition, all of the patient's information can be sent to the dentist's office computer wirelessly or via a cable connection so that patient information does not have to be re-entered.
In one embodiment of the invention, the hand piece 202 includes a disposable cover 212. The disposable hand piece cover 212 will be contained inside of a sterile, tamper-resistant package that also contains a disposable stylus that can be used on the system's touch screen for data entry purposes, an alcohol soaked gauze pad in a sterile pouch to wipe off the hand piece between patient tests and a see-through disposable plastic cover for the touch screen in the event of splatters. The package, all disposables and technology (including all enhancements) may be provided to dentists without charge in consideration of their paying a test fee.
The following summarizes and describes various features of the software of the periodontal system 200 (
The periodontal system 200 is an ultrasonic probe system used in the measurement of a patient's periodontal condition. The periodontal system 200 consists of a handheld probe 202, a triggering mechanism and a compact display/controller unit 204. The probe 202 transmits an ultrasonic pulse into the periodontal pocket 112 of the patient through a stream of water, or other liquid (typically, required for acoustic coupling) and captures the echoes resulting from collision of the ultrasonic wave with anatomical features in the periodontal pocket 112. Embedded software running within the display/controller unit 204 uses an analysis algorithm to correlate the acoustic echo with the depth of the outer boundary of the periodontal ligament 130 (e.g. pocket depth in millimeters).
The software application is preferably supported by an embedded operating system running on the display/controller unit 204. The software application controls the periodontal system 200. Control features include:
In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the periodontal system 200 includes a microprocessor that runs using the Windows XP Embedded (XPe) Operating System, which is a componentized form of the Windows XP Professional Operating System. The componentization enables the operating system of the periodontal system 200 to be customized to include only those features of Windows XP necessary to the operation of the periodontal system 200, and the exclusion of those that are not.
The application is preferably an object-oriented Windows application written in the C++ coding language using Microsoft's Visual Studio 6.0 IDE (integrated development environment). The application may, however, be implemented using other computer languages and with other tools. Software modules including graphics tools, device driver programs for the A/D card, the touch screen control electronics, the trigger device, and the audio speaker are preferably included in the application or are accessed by the application via dynamically linked library (DLL) files.
The periodontal system's 200 software application preferably runs on a single-board computer that supports and contains all of the interface hardware and software components. This computer preferably has a 1-GHz VIA Eden™ ESP 10000 processor with a VIA Technologies, Inc. Twister-T chipset (VT8606 and VT82C686B chips). Further, it preferably has 256 MB of RAM, connections for a keyboard and mouse, cathode-ray tube (CRT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) video interface connections, four universal serial bus (USB) ports, two Ethernet ports, one parallel/floppy port, one General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) port, and four serial ports. It has PC/104 and PC/104+ interfaces, and a Compact Flash adapter. Other combinations input and output connections are also possible and within the scope of the invention.
A 4-wire resistive touch-sensitive touchscreen, mounted in front of an LCD is the preferred way for operator interaction with the periodontal system's 200 software. The touch screen is preferably used in the same manner as a one-button mouse. A controller board preferably converts the analog signals coming from the touchscreen into X and Y coordinates and selection events, and communicates this data over a USB interface to the computer. Driver software is typically required for the controller board to operate. This driver application preferably includes touchscreen calibration software that initially correlates LCD X and Y coordinates with touchscreen X and Y coordinates to account for misalignment between the two reference frames. In one embodiment, the driver application is not part of the periodontal system's 200 software application, but is used by the operating system to allow it to receive and use the mouse-like inputs coming from the controller board. The touchscreen is preferably calibrated before the device is delivered to the user. Under normal circumstances, the user will not calibrate the touchscreen.
The periodontal system 200 is preferably controlled by the operator during patient examinations by a trigger device. The trigger device sends commands to the periodontal system 200 to begin an acquisition or to move to the next tooth location. Commands given by the trigger device are preferably mapped to unique keyboard sequences, meaning the operating system interprets each type of command received from the trigger device as a certain keyboard sequence. The periodontal system's 200 software application waits for these keyboard sequences (generated by the trigger device), and takes specific actions in response to each reported sequence. The keyboard-trigger device mapping is shown below in Table 3.
The trigger device for the rapid prototype and investigational periodontal system 200 is preferably a three-position foot pedal that is connected to the periodontal system's 200 microprocessor through a USB interface. The Savant USB driver for Windows, for example, may be used to accommodate the USB communication between the operating system and the foot pedal. The trigger device can also be activated using buttons in the hand piece or using voice recognition software.
Preferably, the software application interfaces with three components, a water control solenoid valve, the Pulser/Receiver and the A/D card via the display/controller's 204 parallel port. Preferably, all three are triggered when they receive a digital HIGH signal from the parallel port channel to which they are connected. Typically, the parallel port is commanded to send these signals when the data acquisition software receives an appropriate command from the operator interface. A parallel port software module may be written into the periodontal system's 200 software application and implement the functions necessary to configure and use this interface. The pulser/receiver and A/D card may be activated by the same parallel port channel.
When the solenoid valve opens, water preferably passes through the valve to the periodontal system's 200 hand piece 202. The Pulser/Receiver preferably sends a negative voltage pulse to the ultrasonic transducer 227, which converts that pulse into acoustic energy. The transducer 227 then receives and converts the acoustic echo returning to it back into an electrical signal, which is then sent back to the Pulser/Receiver, and sampled by the A/D board.
Preferably, the analog/digital (A/D) board communicates over the PCI bus on the periodontal system's 200 microprocessor. The periodontal system's 200 software application preferably includes a software module that contains all of the driver functions and variables necessary to initialize, trigger, and retrieve data from this board. The functions included in this module are preferably supplied by the manufacturer of the board. In one aspect of the invention, 12-bit digital samples of the returning echo waveform are acquired at a rate of 100 megasamples per second. In other aspects, the digital samples may comprise more or less than 12 bits. In still other aspects, the sample rate may be more or less than 100 megasamples per second.
The transflective TFT LCD flat-panel display preferably does not require any additional software or drivers to operate, and is controlled by drivers resident in the operating system. Preferably, the BIOS is configured to support both an LCD and an external CRT monitor. The LCD connection is preferably internal to the periodontal system 200, while a connection to an external CRT may be provided at the rear of the device.
The audio speaker is preferably supported by drivers resident in the operating system. Software commands to play selected audio files (e.g., .WAV) are preferably issued using platform (Windows XP Embedded) functions.
Preferably, the compact flash card functions as the storage medium of the periodontal system's 200. Preferably, it contains the operating system (XPe), the periodontal system 200 software application, and a database of patient records. The operating system is configured to boot from the compact flash card. Preferably, the compact flash card is type II, 1 GB in size, and formatted as fixed media. Any suitable type and size, however, may be used.
Preferably, the periodontal system 200 can communicate to external devices through wired (Ethernet) or wireless (802.11x) connections. Preferably, the Ethernet hardware is integrated into the computer and drivers are supplied by the manufacturer. The wireless hardware is an optional module that may be added to the computer. The make and model of the wireless Ethernet module are not critical to the invention.
The operator interface forms the backbone of the application, and all other functions of the application are preferably controlled from commands received through this interface. The operator may enter commands or data through a touch-sensitive screen and trigger device, and receive information back via a series of interface screens. The operator may also be given audio feedback via the audio speaker.
Software elements that control the acquisition and analysis of data typically receive their instructions from the operator interface, and then execute the necessary software and hardware procedures to perform those tasks. Similarly, these elements may also control the task of calibration of the Data Acquisition system.
Preferably, patient data is stored in a database created and maintained by the application. This application preferably controls the entry, modification and protection of patient data.
External interface software preferable to communicate over USB and Ethernet ports with external devices such as the trigger device or an external monitor. Preferably, the external interface creates the ability to communicate with a web-based repository where periodontal data can be stored or retrieved. Finally, it preferably allows the passing of patient data and information from one periodontal system 200 device to another within the dentist's office, and to and from external computers over a secure line of communication.
The typical process of performing an examination is shown in
The operator interface consists of several screens with specific functions as shown in
The entryway into the application is preferably through the Login Screen, which allows operators to login using a password. Once logged in, the operator is at the Main Screen where they can view account information through the Account Screen, setup preferences in the Operator Screen, or review patient information through the Patient Records Screen. This screen allows the operator to select current patients to load or to create new patients.
Once a patient is loaded the operator can view or edit the record through the Chart Screen. The chart screen shows information about the patient including pocket depth and tooth condition data including any overlays selected through the Patient History Selection Screen. The operator can edit tooth condition data for the patient through the Enter Tooth Condition Data Screen, or can perform a periodontal examination through the Measure Pocket Depth Screen. The operator can view reports on the patient through the View Complete Chart Screen and the View Tooth History Screen.
The Chart Screen, Enter Tooth Condition Data Screen, Measure Pocket Depth Screen, View Complete Chart Screen, View Tooth History Screen preferably have the following fields at the top and bottom of the screen:
Preferably, several screens contain charts with tooth condition data presented in a tabular form. In one embodiment, due to size constraints and in order to maximize readability, the chart presents data from only eight teeth at a time (one quadrant of the mouth). In other embodiments of the invention, any number of teeth may be presented up to and including all of the teeth. For example, the dentist may choose to view a single tooth with periodontal disease, or one or two teeth on each side of the diseased tooth (a total of three or five teeth, respectively).
Certain data is preferably displayed for each location on a tooth. The locations may be denoted as:
Preferably, the data displayed for each of the three locations on a side of a tooth (and in the interdental space) is:
The tooth condition data displayed for each tooth may include:
Suppuration (S for yes, blank for no)
Mobility (0-3)
Edema (0-3)
Missing (Missing for yes, blank for no).
This screen is preferably the initial screen displayed when the device is powered on. Preferably, when this screen is present no other screens or functions of the device can be activated except to login to the device or to shutdown (power down) the device. When the Login button is clicked the operator can login and begin using the device. This way, any data taken is associated with that operator. Preferably, when the operator is finished with any examination they should log off of the device from the Main Screen. When that occurs this screen preferably becomes the only screen visible. In one aspect of the invention, if the device is inactive for more than a configurable amount of time, this screen becomes active again. The login provides a layer of security for patients' medical records.
The operator encounters the following fields and buttons in the Login Screen:
The Main Screen is preferably used as a gateway to the functions of the periodontal system 200 device. On this screen the operator can also logout or shutdown the device.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the Main Screen:
The Account Screen is used to display information about the system's manufacturer, to provide statistics about the usage of the device, and account information. A user will go to this screen to get information on current account status and an explanation on how to update their account.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the Account Screen:
The Options Screen preferably allows the operator to set up and store his or her preferences for the device and for the process of measurement. Each option can be selected from a list. Once an option is selected, its specific controls are preferably displayed on the screen.
Options that can be specified through the screen include:
Preference options for tooth measurement scan order
Speaker and microphone volume settings
Login screen timeout
Quick notes definitions.
The operator encounters the following fields and buttons in the Options Screen:
The Patient Records Screen allows the operator to add and edit patient records stored in the internal database. Each patient is preferably assigned a unique identification number (ID) that is stored internal to the device and is used when transferring data to external devices (such as the PII Internet Portal).
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the Patient Records Screen:
The Patient Chart Screen is used to display all the periodontal measurement data from a patient visit overlaid on images of teeth and tabular presentation of tooth condition data. In addition, the operator can choose to display patient data from past visits. All data displayed is retrieved from the internal database.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the Patient Chart Screen:
The Enter Tooth Condition Data Screen is used to enter tooth condition data for the patient according to the Tooth Condition Tables. All data displayed is retrieved from the internal database, and any data entered is stored in the internal database.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the Enter Tooth Condition Screen:
The Measure Pocket Depth Screen facilitates the collection of periodontal measurements. An operator can perform an automated scan examination, which uses the trigger device to trigger a pocket depth measurement and automatically proceed to the next tooth. An operator can also manually enter in data for a patient, either before, during, or after an automated examination.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the Measure Pocket Depth Screen:
The disposable shroud covering the ultrasonic transducer is intended to be replaced before each patient exam. Differences in individual shrouds due to manufacturing tolerances may cause slight differences in water flow and acoustic performance from exam to exam. Therefore, device calibration preferably occurs between data collection sessions.
To assist the operator in calibrating the system, the application provides instructions to the operator via the Calibration Screen. Preferably, this screen is used to guide the operator through the attachment of a new hand piece 202 and the calibration of the periodontal system 200. The process may be broken down into distinct steps and the operator preferably guided through the steps by a calibration wizard. To navigate between steps in one aspect of the invention there is a Next and a Back button.
In one embodiment of the invention, there are four steps in the calibration process. An instructional image for each step will appear in turn in the Procedure Display field. The steps in the calibration process are:
The operator typically encounters the following fields and buttons in the Calibration Screen:
The View Tooth History Screen is a report screen that preferably presents to the operator data about a specific tooth, including current and past visit data. The operator on this screen can change between teeth. The past visits preferably are those that are selected on the Patient History Selection Screen.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the View Tooth History Screen:
The View Full Patient Chart Screen is a report screen that preferably presents to the operator to view a full patient chart including periodontal and tooth condition data.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the View Full Patient Chart Screen:
The Patient History Selection Screen allows the operator to select other patient visits. Preferably, these visits are those that are displayed as overlays on the Chart Screen, and in the View Tooth History Screen.
The operator encounters the following fields and options in the Patient History Selection Screen:
This screen has a list of topics that the operator can click on to get topic specific help. The information displayed preferably includes help on the device and educational material about the periodontal exam.
The operator encounters the following fields and buttons in the Help Screen:
Dialogs are typically used for specific user interface, both for data entry and to announce/warn the operator of a condition. Dialogs are generally considered modal, which means that once they are displayed the program preferably cannot continue until the user does some specific action to close the dialog such as clicking “OK” to a warning.
This dialog is preferably used throughout the program for text and numeric entry. It preferably contains all ten numbers (0-9), letters, a caps lock key, and a variety of special characters for entry. Preferably, there is a display for the data entered, an Enter button to accept the entry, and a Cancel button to cancel the entry.
These dialogs preferably allow the operator to enter or edit information about a new or existing patient. The information that can be entered is:
Patient name
Dentist office
Dentist office patient ID
Date of birth
Gender
Address
Patient dental and medical history
Family history.
This dialog is preferably displayed if there is an error in the program. It contains a description of actions the operator can perform to remedy the error.
This dialog preferably contains a keyboard and is displayed to help the operator quickly find a patient in the list of patients by entering in the first few letters in the patient's name.
The data acquisition hardware includes the ultrasonic transducer 227, the pulser-receiver and the analog-to-digital converter (A/D card). Because water flow is preferable for recording of data, the relay that controls the water control solenoid valve preferably is also considered a data acquisition element.
When the operator of the periodontal system 200 enters calibration or clinical data acquisition commands through the user interface devices (the trigger device and the touchscreen 205), the user interface software preferably passes them on to the data acquisition software elements, which in turn issues appropriate commands to the hardware. The pulser-receiver, A/D card, and solenoid valve relay are preferably triggered or activated by logic level signals sent to them by the SBC through the parallel port. The pulser-receiver and the A/D card are preferably wired to the same parallel port channel, and are thus preferably triggered simultaneously. Sampled data is preferably passed from memory on the A/D card to the SBC memory, where it is accessible to the periodontal system 200 software application, over the A/D card's PCI header.
Preferably, the data acquisition sequence of events is nearly identical for calibration and human in-use data acquisition. Once the operator initiates a scan either via the trigger mechanism, the solenoid valve relay preferably opens the valve to begin acoustic couplant water flow. Preferably, after a pause to allow flow stabilization, the application commands the data acquisition hardware to acquire N acoustic signals. Preferably each measurement acquisition transpires as follows:
Preferably, once all N signals are in system memory, they are pre-processed twice. First they are all preferably compared to required criteria, and invalid signals are rejected. Second, the remaining signals are preferably compared to each other and the highest quality signal is selected for analysis. The analysis algorithm processes the signal to find the periodontal pocket depth which is then stored in the database.
The calibration acquisition sequence is nearly identical. Instead of N signals all being transferred at once, each signal is transferred and processed immediately after it is acquired (not shown in
In both calibration and measurement acquisition cases, if data is collected and analyzed successfully a “successful” chime is preferably emitted from the periodontal system's 200 speaker. If an error occurs an “unsuccessful” chime preferably sounds and a message indicating the cause of the scan failure is shown on the display. Depending on the cause of the scan failure, the operator may then be prompted to repeat the scan.
The acquisition signal processing algorithm preferably converts the digital representation of the ultrasonic echo returning from the anatomical structure into a single measurement of the depth of the periodontal pocket, in units of millimeters with a resolution of 0.1 millimeters (0.0 mm-9.9 mm). Preferably, the calibration signal processing algorithm converts the digital representation of the ultrasonic echo returning from the calibration target into a single measurement of the distance from the transducer to the end of the hand piece tip in units of millimeters with a resolution of 0.1 millimeters.
During a periodontal exam, the operator typically follows a pre-planned measurement route, collecting data as prompted by the device. The operator may skip measurement locations, or re-take a previously taken measurement using the controls on the Measure Pocket Depth Screen and the trigger device.
All operator, patient and visit information used or collected by the periodontal system 200 is preferably contained in the periodontal system's 200 Database, which resides in the periodontal system 200. This database preferably contains both personal information for operators and patients (name, address, etc.) as well as clinical data (periodontal pocket depths, tooth condition notes, etc.). The periodontal system's 200 Database preferably includes six distinct tables, each discussed in detail below.
Because the periodontal system's 200 Database contains electronic personally identifiable health information (EPHI), privacy and security laws are preferably taken into account when this information is transmitted. A brief discussion of these issues is also contained below.
Table 4 summarizes the information stored in the periodontal system 200 Database for each operator. The OpID number is preferably assigned at the time of record creation, and is preferably sequential. Preferably, all fields are updated automatically as they are changed through the graphical user interface. Preferably, each time a new operator is given authorization to use a periodontal system 200 his or her information will become a new row record in the Operator Table. Although the data type of OpDOB is Date/Time, the time portion of OpDOB is typically never entered or accessed in the application, and can thus be ignored.
Table 5 summarizes the information preferably stored in the periodontal system 200 Database for each patient. The PatientID number is preferably assigned at the time of record creation, and is preferably sequential. Preferably, all fields are updated automatically as they are changed through the graphical user interface. The optional PatientFileID field may be used, for instance, to store the patient's ID number from the dental office's practice management software. Preferably, each time a patient is examined by a dental office using a periodontal system 200 for the first time, his or her information will become a new row record in the Patient Table. Typically the data type of PatientDOB is Date/Time, the time portion of PatientDOB is never entered or accessed in the application, and can thus be ignored.
Table 6 summarizes the information stored in the periodontal system 200 Database for each patient visit. The VisitID number is preferably assigned at the time of record creation, and is preferably sequential. Preferably, all fields are updated automatically as they are changed through the graphical user interface. The VisitDataFileName field preferably contains the directory pathway to a file containing the raw periodontal data for the visit. Preferably, the data is not itself stored in the database to prevent the database from growing too large. Preferably, each time a periodontal exam is begun it will result in the creation of a new visit row record in the Visit Table.
Table 7 summarizes the Tooth Condition information stored in the periodontal system 200 Database for each visit. The DataID number is preferably assigned at the time of record creation, and is preferably sequential. The VisitID field preferably contains the Visit ID number of the periodontal exam during which the Tooth Condition was recorded. Preferably, all fields are updated automatically as they are changed through the graphical user interface. In one aspect of the invention, the fields T1C through T32C each contain five comma-separated digits, each with a value of 0 or 1. Each digit preferably refers to the presence (value of 1) or absence (value of 0) of a certain tooth condition. In this aspect of the invention, the five digits refer in order to: missing tooth, suppuration, bleeding, mobility, and edema. In another aspect of the invention, additional digits may be assigned to refer to a tooth with a cap or a re-implanted tooth. Preferably, each time a periodontal exam is begun it will result in the creation of a new tooth condition row record in the Tooth Condition Table.
Table 8 summarizes the Depth measurement information stored in the periodontal system's 200 Database for each visit. The DataID number is preferably assigned at the time of record creation, and is preferably sequential. The VisitID field preferably contains the Visit ID number of the periodontal exam during which the Depth measurements were recorded. Preferably all fields are updated automatically as they are changed through the graphical user interface. In one aspect of the invention, the fields T1D through T32D each contain 24 comma-separated numbers. These 24 numbers preferably represent four values, measured or assessed by the operator at the time of the exam, for each of six locations around a tooth. The four values preferably refer in order to: periodontal pocket depth, level of furcation, level of recession, and status. Preferably each time a periodontal exam is begun it will result in the creation of a new depth row record in the Depth Table. In another embodiment of the invention, measurement are taken in the interdental space between teeth rather than in six locations around a tooth. In this embodiment, the numbers represent values taken behind the papilla and are associated with the deterioration periodontal tissue (gum 102, periodontal ligament 103, 126, and the specula of bone between the teeth) due to periodontal disease. Further, additional numbers may be assigned to record measurements of teeth that have been capped or re-implanted.
Table 9 summarizes the information stored in the periodontal system's 200 Database for each tooth note recorded during a periodontal visit. The NoteID number is preferably assigned at the time of record creation, and is preferably sequential. The VisitID field preferably contains the Visit ID number of the periodontal exam during which the note was recorded. The TNum field preferably contains the tooth number for which the note was created. Preferably, all fields are updated automatically as they are changed through the graphical user interface. Preferably the Note field is simply a text string containing the note recorded by the operator. Preferably each time a note is recorded it will result in the creation of a new note row record in the Tooth Note Table.
Preferably because the periodontal system 200 collects, stores and transmits personal health information, it should conform to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations. These regulations require that measures be taken to ensure the privacy and security of personal health information. That information must also be available for authorized transmission in an industry-standard format to facilitate administrative simplification.
To comply with HIPAA, any personally-identifiable health information that is transmitted by the periodontal system 200 is preferably encrypted. Typically, encryption should be limited where possible by sending clinical data only, and omitting personal identifiers such as dates of birth, addresses, and names of patients and operators. Data will may also be available for transmission in a format compliant with HIPAA standards. Flexibility exists in the strategy employed to meet these evolving standards.
The periodontal system 200 can communicate with the external world over the Internet. This is preferable in order to synchronize the database in each periodontal system 200 in an office, to allow online software upgrades, to print reports of periodontal data, and perform other activities.
The preferred communications strategy is to have each periodontal system 200 communicate individually with and only with the Portal. The Internet Portal preferably has access to a central database which, for each client office, stores all previously measured data and all recorded patient visit and operator information that originated from that office. At start-up and/or prior to an exam, the periodontal system 200 preferably requests an update to its local database from the Internet Portal. This preferably synchronizes its database with the office central database on the Internet Portal. Preferably, this allows a patient to be examined using any periodontal system 200 device in a dental office. It also preferably gives operators access to all patient periodontal information, regardless of which device(s) have been used to examine the patient in the past. Preferably any dental office healthcare provider will be able to view or print periodontal reports, originating from their office, from a standard web browser by logging into the Internet Portal.
The periodontal system 200 preferably comes standard with a Category-5 cable Ethernet adapter installed. An optional wireless Ethernet adapter is also available.
The periodontal system's 200 software application preferably communicates with the Internet Portal via a third-party interface application. This interface application and the Internet Portal and are described below.
Communication with the Internet Portal preferably accommodate the transferal and synchronization of database information (operator, patient and visit information) between the local (device) and central databases. This also is preferably the pathway for the transferal of usage and account information and software updates. Patient and operator information can be entered directly into the periodontal system's 200 devices, or, through a web browser, directly into the dental office's central database for subsequent download by the individual devices. Entering information for a new patient into the periodontal system's 200 Database via web browser and the Internet Portal is convenient, for instance, while entering the same information into the dental office practice management software application. All information transmission to and from the Internet Portal is preferably done in compliance with HIPAA privacy and security rules.
The Internet Portal Interface application facilitates two way communications between the periodontal system's 200 software application and the Internet Portal. It is preferably HTTP/XML based. Coordination between dental office practice management software packages and the periodontal system's 200 software application, if any, occurs via the Portal Interface Application.
Peaks were detected by first selecting a signal threshold. The threshold selected was the value of the 90th percentile of the waveform values. In other words, the level where only 10% of the signal is greater than the threshold. Then, local maxima were found by comparing each value in the waveform with values up to one nominal wavelength on either side, i.e. five points before and after. If the value was greater than the values to either side, it was designated as a maxima. Finally, the significance of the peak was determined by integrating over the same range. If the average value of the range was greater than the threshold value, then the maxima was determined to be a significant peak.
The largest significant peak after the end of the tip was determined to correspond to the reflection off of the gum. The last significant and consistent peak (i.e. the peak is present in 60% of the replicate scans) within the measurement range (0 to 10 mm) was determined to be the bottom of the pocket. (see
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The drawings and description were chosen in order to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention and its practical application. It is intended that the claims and terms thereof be interpreted to protect the invention to the broadest extent permitted by the prior art and the applicable law. Moreover, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, even if not explicitly stated above.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60666631 | Mar 2005 | US | |
| 60669003 | Apr 2005 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11393797 | Mar 2006 | US |
| Child | 12688244 | US |
