Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2025-03-03)
Rejection types: 112 - Written Description/Enablement, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS:

The following listing of claims will replace all prior versions and listings of claims in this application.

LISTING OF CLAIMS:

1\. (Cancelled)SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.671.837

2\. (New) An intraoral scanner for determining a 3D geometry of an object in an oral cavity, the intraoral scanner comprising:
a tip configured to be inserted into the oral cavity;
at least one camera accommodating an array of sensor elements;
a pattern generator configured to generate, using a light source, a probe light with a plurality of configurations in the form of a static pattern or a time-varying illumination pattern; and an optical system configured to transmit the probe light, via the tip, towards the object along an optical path thereby illuminating at least a part of the object with the pattern, and to transmit at least a part of the light returned from the object to the at least one camera to form a plurality of 2D images, wherein the plurality of 2D images is configured to determine a 3D geometry; and wherein the handheld intraoral scanner is wireless.

3\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the at least one camera is a high-speed camera.

4\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the pattern is a time- varying illumination pattern.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.671.837

5\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, comprising one or more motion sensors located on the intraoral scanner to measure three-dimensional motion of the handheld intraoral scanner,

6\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein heat generated in the handheld intraoral scanner is used to warm the probe such that no or less condensation occurs on the probe when the probe is inside the oral cavity.

7\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the handheld intraoral scanner is configured to enter a calibration mode in which images of an object of known geometry are recorded.

8\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, further comprising a hardware processor, located within the wireless intraoral scanner, configured to process the plurality of 2D images, and transmit, via a wireless connection, the processed plurality of 2D images in real time.

9\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, further comprising a hardware processor configured to:
selectively switch a color of the probe light, thereby illuminating the object with different colors at different times;
record different images by the at least one camera at the different times, thereby recording images of the object with the different colors; andSVG {EMBED HERE} 0.671.837

combine the different colors from the different images, thereby obtaining the color of the surface of the object,2D images in real time.

10\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 9, wherein the different colors are provided by at least three monochromatic light sources of the light source.

11\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the light source is a white light source, and wherein the at least one camera accommodates a Bayer color filter.

12\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the probe light is directed towards the object in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tip, and wherein the probe light is further reflected towards the object by a single reflective mirror located in the tip.

13\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, further comprising a hardware processor configured to locally process raw 3D data into data for the 3D geometry, such that the data for the 3D geometry is wirelessly transmitted instead of the raw 3D data, and wherein the raw 3D data is based on the plurality of 2D images.

14\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 13, wherein the hardware processor processes the raw 3D data into data for the 3D geometry in real time.

15\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the probe is autoclavable.SVG {EMBED HERE} 0.671.837

16\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the optical system is configured to backward ray tracing to estimate a 2D to 3D mapping.

17\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the probe is a tip with a smaller height than a scan length.

18\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the pattern is a static pattern.

19\. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 18, wherein the static pattern is a static line pattern, a static checkerboard pattern, or a planar checkboard pattern.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA  first to invent provisions.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 16-19 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b)  CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
Claims 2-19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as failing to set forth the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor, or for applications subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant regards as the invention.
The claims recite the limitation “The handheld intraoral scanner” in the claims 2-19.  Also, independent claim 2 and dependent claim 4 recite “the pattern”. There is insufficient antecedent basis for these highlighted limitations in the claims.
Claim Objections
Claim 5 is objected to because of the following informalities: claim 5 is missing a period at the end of the claim limitations. Appropriate correction is required.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the claims at issue are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); and In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on a nonstatutory double patenting ground provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with this application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159.  See MPEP §§ 706.02(l)(1) - 706.02(l)(3) for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/forms/. The filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to http://www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Instant Application
Patent No. 12,155,812
(Claim 2)
2. (New) An intraoral scanner for determining a 3D geometry of an object in an oral cavity, the intraoral scanner comprising: a tip configured to be inserted into the oral cavity; at least one camera accommodating an array of sensor elements; a pattern generator configured to generate, using a light source, a probe light with a plurality of configurations in the form of a static pattern or a time-varying illumination pattern; and an optical system configured to transmit the probe light, via the tip, towards the object along an optical path thereby illuminating at least a part of the object with the pattern, and to transmit at least a part of the light returned from the object to the at least one camera to form a plurality of 2D images, wherein the plurality of 2D images is configured to determine a 3D geometry; and wherein the handheld intraoral scanner is wireless.
(Claim 3)
3. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the at least one camera is a high-speed camera.
(Claim 4)
4. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the pattern is a time-varying illumination pattern.
(Claim 5)
5. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, comprising one or more motion sensors located on the intraoral scanner to measure three-dimensional motion of the handheld intraoral scanner,
(Claim 6)
6. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein heat generated in the handheld intraoral scanner is used to warm the probe such that no or less condensation occurs on the probe when the probe is inside the oral cavity.
(Claim 7)
7. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the handheld intraoral scanner is configured to enter a calibration mode in which images of an object of known geometry are recorded.
(Claim 8)
8. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, further comprising a hardware processor, located within the wireless intraoral scanner, configured to process the plurality of 2D images, and transmit, via a wireless connection, the processed plurality of 2D images in real time.
(Claim 9)
9. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, further comprising a hardware processor configured to: selectively switch a color of the probe light, thereby illuminating the object with different colors at different times; record different images by the at least one camera at the different times, thereby recording images of the object with the different colors; and combine the different colors from the different images, thereby obtaining the color of the surface of the object, 2D images in real time.
(Claim 10)
10. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 9, wherein the different colors are provided by at least three monochromatic light sources of the light source.
(Claim 11)
11. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the light source is a white light source, and wherein the at least one camera accommodates a Bayer color filter.
(Claim 12)
12. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the probe light is directed towards the object in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tip, and wherein the probe light is further reflected towards the object by a single reflective mirror located in the tip.
(Claim 13)
13. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, further comprising a hardware processor configured to locally process raw 3D data into data for the 3D geometry, such that the data for the 3D geometry is wirelessly transmitted instead of the raw 3D data, and wherein the raw 3D data is based on the plurality of 2D images.
(Claim 14)
14. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 13, wherein the hardware processor processes the raw 3D data into data for the 3D geometry in real time.
(Claim 15)
15. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the probe is autoclavable.
(Claim 16)
16. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the optical system is configured to backward ray tracing to estimate a 2D to 3D mapping.
(Claim 17)
17. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the probe is a tip with a smaller height than a scan length.
(Claim 18)
18. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 2, wherein the pattern is a static pattern.
(Claim 19)
19. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 18, wherein the static pattern is a static line pattern, a static checkerboard pattern, or a planar checkboard pattern.
(Claim 1)
1. An intraoral scanner for determining the 3D geometry and color of at least a part of the surface of an object in an oral cavity, the intraoral scanner comprising: at least one camera accommodating an array of sensor elements; a pattern generator configured to generate, using a light source, a probe light with a plurality of configurations in the form of a time-varying illumination pattern; an optical system for transmitting the probe light towards the object along an optical path thereby illuminating at least a part of the object with the time-varying illumination pattern, and for transmitting at least a part of the light returned from the object to the at least one camera to form a plurality of 2D images, wherein the 3D geometry is determined based on the plurality of 2D images and the time-varying illumination pattern; a tip configured to be inserted into the oral cavity; and a hardware processor configured to: selectively switch a color of the probe light, thereby illuminating the object with different colors at different times; and record different images by the at least one camera at the different times, thereby recording images of the object with the different colors.
(Claim 1 above and Claim 8 below include the claimed limitations of Claim 2 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 9 below includes the claimed limitations of Claim 3 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above includes the claimed limitations of Claim 4 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 4 below includes the claimed limitations of Claim 5 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 6 below includes the claimed limitations of Claim 6 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 10 below includes the claimed limitations of Claim 7 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above and Claims 8 and 11 below include the claimed limitations of Claim 8 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above includes the claimed limitations of Claim 9 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above and Claim 5 below include the claimed limitations of Claim 10 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above includes the claimed limitations of Claim 11 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 7 below includes the claimed limitations of Claim 12 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above and Claims 8 and 11 below include the claimed limitations of Claim 13 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above includes the claimed limitations of Claim 14 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 1 above includes the claimed limitations of Claim 15 of the Instant Application)
(Claim 16 of the Instant Application is indicated allowable)
(Claim 17 of the Instant Application is indicated allowable)
(Claim 18 of the Instant Application is indicated allowable)
(Claim 19 of the Instant Application is indicated allowable)
(Claim 2)
2. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the pattern generator includes at least one translucent and/or transparent pattern element.
(Claim 3)
3. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the pattern generator is based on a projector.
(Claim 4)
4. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, further comprising one or more motion sensors located on the intraoral scanner to measure three-dimensional motion of the intraoral scanner.
(Claim 5)
5. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the light source includes at least three monochromatic light sources that are light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or a segmented LED.
(Claim 6)
6. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein heat generated in the handheld intraoral scanner is used to warm the probe tip to minimize condensation from occurring on the probe when the probe is inside the oral cavity.
(Claim 7)
7. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the probe light is directed towards the object in a direction substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the tip, and the intraoral scanner further comprises a single reflective mirror located in the tip configured to reflect the probe light towards the object.
(Claim 8)
8. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the intraoral scanner is wireless.
(Claim 9)
9. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the at least one camera is a high-speed camera.
(Claim 10)
10. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the intraoral scanner is configured to enter a calibration mode in which images of the object of known geometry are recorded.
(Claim 11)
11. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the hardware processor is further configured to transmit, via a wireless connection, the recorded images in real time.
(Claim 12)
12. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein a temporal correlation measure is computed with sensor signals, in the at least one camera, recorded at different times while the plurality of configurations in the form of a time-varying illumination pattern are changed.
(Claim 13)
13. The intraoral scanner according to claim 12, wherein the temporal correlation measure is computed for each individual sensing element.
(Claim 14)
14. The intraoral scanner according to claim 12, wherein the temporal correlation measure is based on a reference signal that is based on knowledge or on calibration of the plurality of configurations of the time-varying illumination pattern.
(Claim 15)
15. The intraoral scanner according to claim 9, wherein the high-speed camera records images at a frame rate of at least 500 frames per second.
(Claim 16)
16. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the intraoral scanner comprises at least two light sources, each of the light sources configured to operate with the pattern generator.
(Claim 17)
17. The intraoral scanner according to claim 16, wherein the at least two light sources are configured to operate with different wavelengths.
(Claim 18)
18. The intraoral scanner according to claim 17, wherein the intraoral oral scanner is configured such that the different wavelengths can be manually selected, whereby the 3D geometry is dependent on which light source is being manually selected.
(Claim 19)
19. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the intraoral scanner further comprises polarization optics.
(Claim 20)
20. The intraoral scanner according to claim 1, wherein the pattern generator is based on a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector or a digital light processing (DLP) projector.
(Claim 21)
21. The intraoral scanner according to claim 9, wherein the high-speed camera records images at a frame rate of at least 2000 frames per second.
Claims 2-8, 10, 12 and 13 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-21 of Patent No. US 12,155,812.
Re claim 2, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 2 of the Instant Application is recited in claims 1 and 8 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 3, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 3 of the Instant Application is anticipate by claim 9 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 4, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 4 of the Instant Application is recited in claim 1 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 5, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 5 of the Instant Application is recited in claim 4 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 6, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 6 of the Instant Application is recited in claim 6 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 7, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 7 of the Instant Application is anticipate by claim 10 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 8, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 8 of the Instant Application is recited in claims 1, 8 and 11 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 10, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 10 of the Instant Application is recited in claims 1 and 5 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 12, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 12 of the Instant Application is recited in claim 7 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Re claim 13, the conflicting claims are not patentably distinct from each other because claim 13 of the Instant Application is recited in claims 1, 8 and 11 of the Patent No. 12,155,812.
Claims 9 and 14 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of Patent No. US 12,155,812, and further in view of Babayoff Pub. No. US 2005/0283065.
Re claim 9, claim 1 of the Patent No. 12,155,812, recites each and every limitation of claim 9 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “and combine the different colors from the different images, thereby obtaining the color of the surface of the object, 2D images in real time.”
However, the reference of Babayoff explicitly teaches “and combine the different colors from the different images, thereby obtaining the color of the surface of the object, 2D images in real time” (see ¶ 108 for combine the different colors from the different images, thereby obtaining the color of the surface of the object, 2D images in real time (i.e. selectively illuminating the object 26 with suitable colors, typically Green, Red and Blue, and for each such monochromatic illumination, a two dimensional image of the object 26 is captured by the detection optics 60, and the processor 24 then processes the three differently colored monochromatic images and combines the same to provide a full color 2D image of the object))
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skills in the art to incorporate this feature (combine) into the intraoral scanner recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 12,155,812 at the time the invention was made as taught by Babayoff.
One will be motivated to incorporate the above feature into the intraoral scanner of Patent No. 12,155,812 as taught by Babayoff for the benefit of having a device 100 that further comprises color illuminating means, such as for example a tri-color sequence generator 74, for selectively illuminating the object 26 with suitable colors, typically Green, Red and Blue, and for each such monochromatic illumination, a two dimensional image of the object 26 is captured by the detection optics 60, wherein a processor 24 then processes the three differently colored monochromatic images and combines the same to provide a full color 2D image of the object, wherein the device 100 is configured for providing color data for an array of X-Y points that is according to the same frame of reference as the X-Y array used for obtaining the 3D entity in order to ease the processing time and improve efficiency (see fig. 1 ¶ 108)
Re claim 14, claim 1 of the Patent No. 12,155,812, recites each and every limitation of claim 14 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “processes the raw 3D data into data for the 3D geometry in real time.”
However, the reference of Babayoff explicitly teaches “processes the raw 3D data into data for the 3D geometry in real time” (see ¶ 108 for processes the raw 3D data into data for the 3D geometry in real time (i.e. selectively illuminating the object 26 with suitable colors, typically Green, Red and Blue, and for each such monochromatic illumination, a two dimensional image of the object 26 is captured by the detection optics 60, and the processor 24 then processes the three differently colored monochromatic images and combines the same to provide a full color 2D image of the object))
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skills in the art to incorporate this feature (processes) into the intraoral scanner recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 12,155,812 at the time the invention was made as taught by Babayoff.
One will be motivated to incorporate the above feature into the intraoral scanner of Patent No. 12,155,812 as taught by Babayoff for the benefit of having a device 100 that further comprises color illuminating means, such as for example a tri-color sequence generator 74, for selectively illuminating the object 26 with suitable colors, typically Green, Red and Blue, and for each such monochromatic illumination, a two dimensional image of the object 26 is captured by the detection optics 60, wherein a processor 24 then processes the three differently colored monochromatic images and combines the same to provide a full color 2D image of the object, wherein the device 100 is configured for providing color data for an array of X-Y points that is according to the same frame of reference as the X-Y array used for obtaining the 3D entity in order to ease the processing time and improve efficiency (see fig. 1 ¶ 108)
Claim 11 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of Patent No. US 12,155,812, and further in view of Gindele et al. Pub. No. US 2003/0189650.
Re claim 11, claim 1 of the Patent No. 12,155,812, recites each and every limitation of claim 11 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “wherein the light source is a white light source, and wherein the at least one camera accommodates a Bayer color filter.”
However, the reference of Gindele explicitly teaches “wherein the light source is a white light source, and wherein the at least one camera accommodates a Bayer color filter” (see ¶ 25 for the light source is a white light source, and wherein the at least one camera accommodates a Bayer color filter (i.e. acquiring linear red, green, and blue (RGB) image data from the image sensor 12. The data can be a complete RGB image, or it can be data from a color filter array (CFA) 13, known as the Bayer array,  as described in fig. 1 paragraph 26, furthermore, a white balance block 32 accepts unprocessed image data from the image buffer block 18 and classifies the scene illuminant (the light source in use when the image was captured) and determines the proper white balance gains, i.e. the white balance correction as described in fig. 2 paragraph 30))
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skills in the art to incorporate this feature (Bayer color filter) into the intraoral scanner recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 12,155,812 at the time the invention was made as taught by Gindele.
One will be motivated to incorporate the above feature into the intraoral scanner of Patent No. 12,155,812 as taught by Gindele for the benefit of acquiring linear red, green, and blue (RGB) image data from the image sensor 12, wherein the data can be a complete RGB image, or it can be data from a color filter array (CFA) 13, known as the Bayer array, wherein in the Bayer geometry each color covers a photosite, or picture element (pixel), of the image sensor 12, wherein the image sensor 12 is exposed to image light so that analog image charge information is generated in respective photosites, wherein the charge information is applied to an output diode 14, which converts the charge information to analog image signals corresponding to respective picture elements, wherein the analog image signals are applied to an A/D converter 16, which generates a digital image signal from the analog image signal for each picture element, wherein the digital signals are applied to an image buffer 18, which can be a random access memory (RAM) with storage capacity for a plurality of images in order to improve efficiency when acquiring linear red, green, and blue (RGB) image data from the image sensor 12 (see fig. 1 ¶ 26)
Claim 15 is rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1 of Patent No. US 12,155,812, and further in view of Bates et al. Pub. No. US 2004/0111029.
Re claim 15, claim 1 of the Patent No. 12,155,812, recites each and every limitation of claim 15 of the Instant Application except for the limitation of “wherein the probe is autoclavable.”
However, the reference of Bates explicitly teaches “wherein the probe is autoclavable” (see ¶ 23 for the probe is autoclavable (i.e. autoclavable probe 18 as shown in fig. 1))
Therefore, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skills in the art to incorporate this feature (autoclavable) into the intraoral scanner recited in claim 1 of Patent No. 12,155,812 at the time the invention was made as taught by Bates.
One will be motivated to incorporate the above feature into the intraoral scanner of Patent No. 12,155,812 as taught by Bates for the benefit of having a medical ultrasound system 10 that includes an ultrasound platform 12, which provides a user (e.g., a medical technician) with capabilities to generate, process and display ultrasound images using a probe (also referred to as a probe head or an autoclavable probe) 18, wherein the probe 18 includes a sensor assembly (e.g., a transducer assembly) for taking ultrasound images, for example, the probe 18 may be a sterilizable finger mounted probe, and may include an array of ultrasound sensors for ultrasound imaging in order to ease the processing time and have a user friendly interaction (see fig. 1 ¶ 23)
Conclusion


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application is being examined under the pre-AIA  first to invent provisions.
Terminal Disclaimer
The terminal disclaimer filed on 03/06/2025 disclaiming the terminal portion of any patent granted on this application which would extend beyond the expiration date of U.S. Patent No. 12,155,812 has been reviewed and is accepted. The terminal disclaimer has been recorded.
EXAMINER’S AMENDMENT
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee.
Authorization for this examiner’s amendment was given in a telephone interview with William C. Rowland on 03/24/2025.
The application has been amended as follows:
Claims 6, 9, 10, 12, 15 and 17 has been canceled; and
New claims 21-26 are added using the same claimed limitations of the canceled claims to correct a dependency order issue.
21. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 20, wherein heat generated in the handheld intraoral scanner is used to warm the probe light such that no or less condensation occurs on the probe light when the probe light is inside the oral cavity.
22. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 20, further comprising a hardware processor configured to: selectively switch a color of the probe light, thereby illuminating the object with different colors at different times; record different images by the at least one camera at the different times, thereby recording images of the object with the different colors; and combine the different colors from the different images, thereby obtaining the color of the surface of the object.
23. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 22, wherein the different colors are provided by at least three monochromatic light sources of the light source.
24. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 20, wherein the probe light is directed towards the object in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the tip, and wherein the probe light is further reflected towards the object by a single reflective mirror located in the tip.
25. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 20, wherein the probe light is autoclavable.
26. (New) The handheld intraoral scanner according to claim 20, wherein the probe light is a tip with a smaller height than a scan length.
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20050283065A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20030189650A1: Claims:
A method of adjusting the color characteristics of a digital image comprising: (a) receiving a digital image including a plurality of pixels, (b) receiving non-pixel data relating to camera capture parameters including an aperture value, an exposure time value, and a speed value specific to the received digital image; (c) using the aperture value, time value, and speed value to calculate a scene brightness value; and (d) using the calculated scene brightness value to adjust the color of the digital image.
(a) receiving a digital image including a plurality of pixels,
(b) receiving non-pixel data relating to camera capture parameters including an aperture value, an exposure time value, and a speed value specific to the received digital image;
(c) using the aperture value, time value, and speed value to calculate a scene brightness value; and
(d) using the calculated scene brightness value to adjust the color of the digital image.
The method of claim 1 wherein step (d) further includes: (e) using the calculated scene brightness value to determine a scene illuminant type; and (f) using the scene illumination type to adjust the color of the digital image.
(e) using the calculated scene brightness value to determine a scene illuminant type; and
(f) using the scene illumination type to adjust the color of the digital image.
The method of claim 2 further including using one or more color coordinate values to determine the scene illuminant type.
The method of claim 3 further including the steps of: determining a white balance parameter value responsive to the scene illuminant type, the calculated scene brightness value, and the color coordinate values; providing at least one white balance correction curve; determining the white balance correction from the white balance parameter value and at least one white balance correction curve for the determined scene illuminant type; and using the white balance correction to adjust the color of the digital image.
determining a white balance parameter value responsive to the scene illuminant type, the calculated scene brightness value, and the color coordinate values;
providing at least one white balance correction curve;
determining the white balance correction from the white balance parameter value and at least one white balance correction curve for the determined scene illuminant type; and
using the white balance correction to adjust the color of the digital image.
The method of claim 2 wherein the scene illuminant types include daylight, flash, tungsten, and fluorescent.
The method of claim 3 wherein the color coordinate value relates to a chrominance axis pertaining to a hue line that approximates a blackbody radiation source.
The method of claim 3 wherein the color coordinate value is defined by
where ILL is the color coordinate value, R is red and B is blue.
The method of claim 4 where the white balance correction curve is defined by
c=B 1 ×B V +B 2 ×aveill+B 3
where aveill is a color coordinate value, B 1 , B 2 , and B 3 are coefficients responsive to the scene illuminant type.
The method of claim 2 further including providing at least one white balance correction curve for each scene illuminant type.
The method of claim 9 where the scene illuminant types includes daylight, flash, tungsten, and fluorescent.
The method of claim 9 where the color coordinate value is defined by
The method of claim 9 where the white balance parameter value is defined by
s=A 1 ×B V +A 2 ×aveill+A 3
where B V is the scene brightness value, aveill is a color coordinate value, and A 1 , A 2 , and
A 3 are coefficient responsive to the scene illuminant type.
The method of claim 9 where the white balance correction curve is defined by
A computer storage product having at least one computer storage medium having instructions stored therein causing one or more computers to perform the method of claim 1 .
The method of claim 1 wherein the digital image is derived from a digital camera.
A method of adjusting the color characteristics of a plurality of digital image comprising: (a) receiving a first and a second digital image, each digital image including a plurality of pixels, (b) receiving non-pixel data relating to camera acquisition parameters for the first digital image an aperture value, an exposure time value, and a response speed value; (c) receiving a measured scene brightness value for the second digital image from which the digital image is derived; (d) using the aperture value, exposure time value, and speed value to calculate a scene brightness value for the first digital image; (e) using the calculated scene brightness value to adjust the color of the first digital image; and (f) using the measured scene brightness value to adjust the color of the second digital image.
(a) receiving a first and a second digital image, each digital image including a plurality of pixels,
(b) receiving non-pixel data relating to camera acquisition parameters for the first digital image an aperture value, an exposure time value, and a response speed value;
(c) receiving a measured scene brightness value for the second digital image from which the digital image is derived;
(d) using the aperture value, exposure time value, and speed value to calculate a scene brightness value for the first digital image;
(e) using the calculated scene brightness value to adjust the color of the first digital image; and
(f) using the measured scene brightness value to adjust the color of the second digital image.
The method of claim 16 further including the steps of: receiving for at least one digital image a pre-balance data tag indicating if the digital image has been previously corrected for white balance relating to an artificial scene illumination source; and using the pre-balance data tag to adjust the color of the correspond digital image.
receiving for at least one digital image a pre-balance data tag indicating if the digital image has been previously corrected for white balance relating to an artificial scene illumination source; and
using the pre-balance data tag to adjust the color of the correspond digital image.
The method of claim 16 further including the steps of: receiving for at least one digital image a pre-balance data tag indicating if the digital image has been previously corrected for white balance relating to an artificial scene illumination source; and adjusting the color of the digital images for which the corresponding pre-balance data tag indicates that the digital image has not been previously corrected for white balance relating to an artificial scene illumination source; and not adjusting the color of the digital images for which the corresponding pre-balance data tag indicates that the digital image has been previously corrected for white balance relating to an artificial scene illumination source.
adjusting the color of the digital images for which the corresponding pre-balance data tag indicates that the digital image has not been previously corrected for white balance relating to an artificial scene illumination source; and
not adjusting the color of the digital images for which the corresponding pre-balance data tag indicates that the digital image has been previously corrected for white balance relating to an artificial scene illumination source.
Ref US20040111029A1: Claims:
A probe assembly comprising: a sensor assembly; and a housing for mounting the sensor assembly, the housing having a finger mountable portion such that the probe can be worn on a finger by a user, and comprising: an inner housing; and an outer housing for holding the inner housing and the sensor assembly, wherein the housing has been sealed such that moisture cannot enter between the inner housing and the outer housing during sterilization of the probe assembly.
a sensor assembly; and
a housing for mounting the sensor assembly, the housing having a finger mountable portion such that the probe can be worn on a finger by a user, and comprising: an inner housing; and an outer housing for holding the inner housing and the sensor assembly,
an inner housing; and
an outer housing for holding the inner housing and the sensor assembly,
wherein the housing has been sealed such that moisture cannot enter between the inner housing and the outer housing during sterilization of the probe assembly.
The probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the sensor assembly comprises an array of transducers for ultrasound imaging.
The probe assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a finger cot for wearing on the finger prior to wearing the finger mountable portion on the finger.
The probe assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a flexible circuit having first and second ends, wherein the first end is connected to the sensor assembly, and the second end extends from the housing between the inner housing and the outer housing.
The probe assembly of claim 4 , wherein the flexible circuit wraps approximately half way around the inner housing near the first end.
The probe assembly of claim 4 , further comprising: a cable coupled to the second end of the flexible circuit; and a strain reliever attached to the housing for holding the second end of the flexible circuit and an end of the cable connected to it, so as to relieve strain on electrical connections between the flexible circuit and the cable.
a cable coupled to the second end of the flexible circuit; and
a strain reliever attached to the housing for holding the second end of the flexible circuit and an end of the cable connected to it, so as to relieve strain on electrical connections between the flexible circuit and the cable.
The probe assembly of claim 4 , wherein the second end is coupled to a sterilizable connector.
The probe assembly of claim 7 , wherein the sterilizable connector is mounted on a wrist of a hand that wears the probe.
The probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the probe assembly can be sterilized through immersion in a disinfecting liquid.
The probe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the probe assembly can be sterilized through steam autoclaving.
A sterilizable connector comprising: a connector housing which has been sealed to prevent moisture from entering it; a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to a probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end, said multi-wire cable having its second end sealed within the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing; and a plurality of electrical contacts formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector, wherein the sterilizable connector can be connected to a mating connector of a medical equipment, said mating connector having a plurality of mating contacts formed thereon for electrical coupling with the electrical contacts of the sterilizable connector, and wherein the sterilizable connector can be separated from the mating connector to be sterilized.
a connector housing which has been sealed to prevent moisture from entering it;
a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to a probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end, said multi-wire cable having its second end sealed within the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing; and
a plurality of electrical contacts formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector,
wherein the sterilizable connector can be connected to a mating connector of a medical equipment, said mating connector having a plurality of mating contacts formed thereon for electrical coupling with the electrical contacts of the sterilizable connector, and
wherein the sterilizable connector can be separated from the mating connector to be sterilized.
The sterilizable connector of claim 11 , wherein the medical equipment comprises an ultrasound platform.
The sterilizable connector of claim 11 , further comprising a flexible circuit board and a backing, wherein the flexible circuit board is at least partially wrapped around said backing, and the backing provides a spring force to keep the electrical contacts in contact with the mating contacts.
The sterilizable connector of claim 13 , wherein the flexible circuit board includes a plurality of wires formed thereon and the electrical contacts are formed by plating a gold layer over the wires.
The sterilizable connector of claim 13 , wherein the flexible circuit board is molded to the connector housing so that the sterilizable connector comprises a unitized molded connector.
The sterilizable connector of claim 11 , wherein an anisotropic conducting contact pad is disposed between the sterilizable connector and the mating connector.
The connector assembly of claim 16 , wherein the anisotropic conducting contact pad comprises a polymer matrix and a plurality of parallel wires embedded in the polymer matrix.
The connector assembly of claim 17 , wherein the wires between each pair of electrical and mating contacts are deformed upon mating between the sterilizable connector and the mating connector.
The sterilizable connector of claim 11 , wherein mating surfaces between the sterilizable connector and the mating connector is V-shaped, wherein the electrical contacts make electrical connection with the mating contacts on each of the two surfaces of the V-shaped mating surfaces.
The sterilizable connector of claim 19 , wherein an anisotropic conducting contact pad is disposed on each mating surface between the sterilizable connector and the mating connector when the connectors are mated so as to form electrical connection.
The sterilizable connector of claim 19 , wherein the V-shaped mating surfaces provide self-centering during mating between the sterilizable connector and the mating connector.
The sterilizable connector of claim 20 , wherein each anisotropic conducting contact pad comprises a polymer matrix and a plurality of parallel wires embedded in the polymer matrix.
The sterilizable connector of claim 22 , wherein the wires between each pair of electrical and mating contacts are deformed upon mating between the sterilizable connector and the mating connector.
A connector assembly comprising: a sterilizable connector comprising: a connector housing which has been sealed to prevent moisture from entering it; a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to a probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end, said multi-wire cable having its second end sealed within the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing; and a plurality of electrical contacts formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector; a standard connector for connecting directly to a standard medical equipment connector of a medical equipment; a mating connector for electrically coupling the sterilizable connector to the standard connector, said mating connector having a plurality of mating contacts formed thereon for electrical coupling with the electrical contacts of the sterilizable connector, wherein the sterilizable connector can be separated from the standard connector and the mating connector to be sterilized.
a sterilizable connector comprising: a connector housing which has been sealed to prevent moisture from entering it; a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to a probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end, said multi-wire cable having its second end sealed within the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing; and a plurality of electrical contacts formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector;
a plurality of electrical contacts formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector;
a standard connector for connecting directly to a standard medical equipment connector of a medical equipment;
a mating connector for electrically coupling the sterilizable connector to the standard connector, said mating connector having a plurality of mating contacts formed thereon for electrical coupling with the electrical contacts of the sterilizable connector,
wherein the sterilizable connector can be separated from the standard connector and the mating connector to be sterilized.
The connector assembly of claim 24 , wherein the medical equipment comprises an ultrasound platform.
The connector assembly of claim 24 , wherein the sterilizable connector further comprises a flexible circuit board and a backing, wherein the flexible circuit board is at least partially wrapped around said backing, and the backing provides a spring force to keep the electrical contacts in contact with the mating contacts.
The connector assembly of claim 26 , wherein the flexible circuit board includes a plurality of wires formed thereon and the electrical contacts are formed by plating a gold layer over the wires.
The connector assembly of claim 26 , wherein the flexible circuit board is molded to the connector housing so that the sterilizable connector comprises a unitized molded connector.
The connector assembly of claim 24 , wherein a relative motion between the electrical contacts and the mating contacts provide a mechanism for removing contaminants between the contacts, thereby allowing a reliable electrical connection.
A medical ultrasound system comprising: an ultrasound platform that can be used to generate, process and display ultrasound images; a probe for taking ultrasound images; a sterilizable connector comprising: a connector housing which has been sealed to prevent moisture from entering it; a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to the probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end, said multi-wire cable having its second end sealed with the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing; and a plurality of electrical contacts formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector; a standard connector for connecting directly to the ultrasound platform; a mating connector for electrically coupling the sterilizable connector to the standard connector, said mating connector having a plurality of mating contacts formed thereon for electrical coupling with the electrical contacts of the sterilizable connector, wherein the sterilizable connector can be separated from the standard connector and the mating connector, such that the probe and the sterilizable connector can be sterilized.
an ultrasound platform that can be used to generate, process and display ultrasound images;
a probe for taking ultrasound images;
a sterilizable connector comprising: a connector housing which has been sealed to prevent moisture from entering it; a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to the probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end, said multi-wire cable having its second end sealed with the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing; and a plurality of electrical contacts formed on at least one surface of the sterilizable connector;
a multi-wire cable which is electrically coupled to the probe at a first end and coupled to the connector housing at a second end, said multi-wire cable having its second end sealed with the connector housing to prevent moisture from entering the sealing between the multi-wire cable and the connector housing; and
a standard connector for connecting directly to the ultrasound platform;
wherein the sterilizable connector can be separated from the standard connector and the mating connector, such that the probe and the sterilizable connector can be sterilized.
The system of claim 30 , wherein the sterilization is through one selected from a group 
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