COMPUTERIZED ORTHODONTIC DIAGNOSIS AND APPLIANCE DISPENSER

Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for diagnosing orthodontic conditions of an individual. The apparatus (20) includes an outer case (21), and a user interface (22) disposed on the outer case (21) for communicating with the individual. The apparatus (20) further has diagnostic hardware (40) including at least one digital camera (42) carried within the case (21) adapted to take a plurality of images of the teeth, and mouth of the individual. The apparatus further has electronic circuitry (51), which is preprogrammed with statistical data for comparison to actual data collected by the diagnostic hardware (40), and transmitted to the electronic circuitry (51). The circuitry is further adapted to diagnose whether the individual has correctable orthodontic conditions. The apparatus is further adapted to dispense instructions to the individual for receiving proper orthodontic care.

Description: "COMPUTERIZED ORTHODONTIC DIAGNOSIS AND APPLIANCE DISPENSER" BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus that diagnoses various orthodontic problems, recommends or denies treatment, and if appropriate, measures the sizes of the teeth and dispenses a treatment appliance with instructions to the patient. In many parts of the world, orthodontic treatment to properly align malposed teeth is unavailable and if available requires a diagnosis by a qualified dentist, specially trained, in the field and usually is too costly for most individuals. Properly aligned teeth, however, are extremely important in preventing temporomandibular joint problems, gum disease, decay, as well as, looseness and loss of teeth. Prefabricated tooth straightening appliances in various types and sizes invented by the inventor of this diagnostic and dispensing apparatus are capable of straightening teeth of the majority of malocclusions, if properly worn. These devices have been proven effective in correcting many types of tooth misalignment conditions especially in children from 6 years of age into adulthood. These devices have also significantly reduced the cost of providing orthodontic care, which traditionally requires many visits for adjustment of complicated hardware installed in the mouth of a patient. One problem is that though these appliances are available and effective, they require a thorough diagnosis for the applicability to a certain malocclusion and to determine the proper sized appliance for a particular patient. In many parts of the world, no such diagnosis is available or even possible for the patient since there are few dental facilities available. Another problem is that in remote parts of the world, billing procedures and obtaining payment for a diagnosis and treatment may be difficult at best. An apparatus that can provide a comprehensive diagnosis, dispense the correct appliance when appropriate, with directions in the proper language, and be able to have an effective way for a patient to pay for the services and for the provider of the service to be compensated, would be advantageous. The present invention is for a method and apparatus of diagnosing and dispensing standardized orthodontic appliances. The apparatus of the invention includes an outer protective housing having a user interface for receiving information from the user of the apparatus and for communicating information to the user. The apparatus also includes one or more digital cameras such as a charge compiled device or CCD camera, an ultra-high resolution type digital camera. CCD cameras are available from Panasonic Industries Camera Division, Chori America, Inc., Data Cell Image Manufacturing Co., J C, Sony Electronics, and Eastman Kodak Co. Similarly, ultra-high resolution video equipment is available from Eastman Kodak, Data Cell, Toshiba America, and Carl Zeiss. These cameras can preferably move to obtain pictures of the face in two or more views and five intra-oral views of the teeth. Another less desirable method would be to have stationary cameras and have the patient change their position to obtain the proper views. The cameras take either moving digital views of the patient's face and mouth, or still digital views with similar information. The digital information is processed in order to obtain information: the presence or absence of either deciduous or permanent teeth, the degree of crowding and displacements of the teeth, the condition of the gingival tissue, the angulation of the anterior and posterior teeth, presence of severe decay and loss of arch length, the size of all of the teeth based on the size of the upper and lower central incisors, overbite, overjet, open-bite, jaw relation, molar relation, spacing, presence of extra teeth, presence of cross-bite, midline alignment, gummy smile during high smile, face height, maximum jaw opening, amount of arch space present for degree of crowding, discoloration of anterior teeth, length of clinical crowns of incisors, and pattern of facial profile including the lips, nose, upper and lower jaw prognathism or recessiveness in relation to other facial structures. The computer also asks the patient several questions regarding name, address, age, sex, height, height of older siblings and parents, and other pertinent family characteristics. The apparatus processes this information in one of two different ways. The first is where the computer portion proceeds through a logical sequence of decisions regarding the above data of the patients' facial and dental characteristics coupled with the age, sex, height and other family patterns to either reject or accept the patient as a viable candidate for the appliance. The second method of analysis is for the computer to compare the various views of the digital images taken of the patient's face and mouth and compare these to hundreds of pictures of other patients' views showing stages of acceptance or rejection, which the computer can compare to. Each dimension has published levels of acceptance or rejection regarding the appliance use. In an orderly sequence, each characteristic is accepted or rejected until a final decision is made whether the patient is a viable candidate or not for the particular technique. If the patient is accepted, the cameras measure the teeth and various sizes of appliances are tried on the computer images to determine the proper type of appliance and its size. The type of appliance is determined by which teeth are present in the mouth and the size depends on a measurement of the upper and/or lower permanent incisors. The appliance is automatically dispensed and specific directions for the patient are printed out as to the type of wear each day, how long the active treatment should last, how the same appliance should be worn to retain the correction, and for how long. There can be printed pictures of what the teeth should look like when the wear of the appliance can be slowed down in its wear, and finally discontinued. This information is coupled with the patient's age, the number of erupting permanent teeth during the wear of the appliance, and the severity of the malocclusion particularly as it applies to the initial overbite, overjet, and crowding severity. ON THE DRAWINGS: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an orthodontic appliance, which is utilized by the method, and apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view if an orthodontic diagnosis and appliance dispenser constructed in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of the operation of the apparatus of the invention. FIGS. 4-11 are a flowchart diagram of the diagnosis procedure followed by the apparatus for individuals in the age range of about 5-8 year olds. FIGS. 12-22 are a flow chart diagram of the diagnosis procedure for individuals in the age range of about 7 years old and up. FIG. 1 illustrates an orthodontic appliance 10, the details of which are disclosed in many of my prior patents, including exemplary U.S. Patent Nos. 3,898,736; 3,939,598; 4,073,061; and 5,037,295. Such appliances are produced in various standardized sizes depending upon a particular individual's tooth size, tooth spacing, and tooth alignment conditions. They are also supplied in various styles depending on the number of posterior teeth present in the mouth. They are generally designed to fit 5 to 7 year olds, 8 to 12 year olds, and adults. Each type has several graduated sizes to fit the majority of any population. The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for diagnosing particular patients' orthodontic requirements, selecting the proper appliance and size for correcting the orthodontic conditions, and dispensing the selected appliance. FIG. 2 illustrates a generic view of an apparatus 20 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes an outer protective housing 21, which may take on any number of configurations and constructions but is of a relatively sturdy and secure construction to prevent theft from or tampering with the apparatus. For example, the housing 21 may be of a steel construction welded or bolted together to enclose the remaining components of the apparatus within the housing. A user interface 22 is located on one exterior surface of the housing 21 for manipulation by a user of the apparatus 20. The user interface 22 includes a data entry surface 24 through which a user may input information necessary for properly operating the apparatus. The user interface 22 may also include a display 26 such as an LED or LCD display for relaying information from the apparatus to the user. The data entry surface 24 may include a plurality of lettered and numbered input keys for manual data entry, or may be a touch screen or other suitable construction. The apparatus 20 also includes diagnosis hardware 40 disposed within housing 21. The hardware 40 is adapted to collect data from the user's mouth and transmit the data to the internal electronics of the apparatus 20. In one embodiment, the diagnosis hardware 40 includes a video or digital still camera 42 mounted to the housing 21 for taking a series of video images or photographs of the users face and mouth. The camera 42 is preferably hard wired to the internal electronics of the apparatus 20 for transmitting the video image information thereto for diagnosing the particular user' s orthodontic needs. A chin support member 44 and a forehead rest 45 is positioned adjacent the camera 42 on the housing 21 for properly positioning and holding stationary the patient's head during use of the apparatus 20 for obtaining an accurate diagnosis. The housing 21 may also include a seat 46 on which a user may rest while undergoing the diagnosis. It is necessary that the camera 42 acquire various still digital images from several angles or various continuous video digital images of the individuals' face and teeth. The images must include occlusal views as well as labial and buccal surface views of the teeth. It is preferred that the images taken also enable the apparatus to determine facial symmetry, facial length, profile and lip contour, chin and nose contour and potentially other necessary aspects of the individuals' face and mesio- distal widths of the incisors for providing a proper and complete diagnosis. In one embodiment, the apparatus 20 may provide, or a supply may be placed nearby, a special calibrated paper, which the user moistens and then places on the upper front teeth. This can enable the apparatus 20 to calculate the proper appliance size. In another embodiment, the automatic focus on the digital camera can calculate the size of teeth without this calibrated paper. The apparatus 20 also includes a storage chamber (not shown) within the housing 21 for holding an adequate supply of prefabricated appliances 10 in the various sizes. The apparatus 20 may further include a dispensing mechanism (not shown) and a dispensing slot 54 in the housing 21 for delivering the appropriate appliance to the user. In another embodiment, the apparatus 20 of the invention may merely be used for diagnosing the orthodontic needs and requirements of individuals and therefore will not include a storage chamber filled with appliances 10 nor a dispensing mechanism or slot 54. In another embodiment, the apparatus 20 also incorporates a payment device 60 accessible by the user on the housing 21. The payment device 60 may take on a number of different constructions and configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention. The payment device 60 is preferably adapted to receive a credit or debit card having a magnetic strip as is known in the art. FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified schematic for the electronics of the apparatus 20. An individual inputs information into the user interface 22. The interface may include a Keyboard 24, which transmits the data to the pre-programmed circuitry and electronics 51. The electronics 51 will further transmit data and instructions to the display 26 of the user interface 22 for communicating with the individual, once all the necessary information has been provided by the individual. Thus, electronics 51 transmits information to the cameras 42 for taking the various digital images of the individuals' mouth, teeth and face. If necessary, the electromcs may continually ask questions or instruct the individual how to move in order to acquire all of the proper video images. The cameras 42 then transmit the digital signals representing the images taken from the mouth and face to the pre-programmed electronics 51. The electronics perform the necessary calculations and diagnosis based upon the digital images, pre-programmed information and information input by the individual. Once the diagnosis is complete, the electronics instruct the patient whether they are a candidate for the treatment with the appliance or are rejected. Instructions for use are delivered via either a hard copy such as a paper output 55 or via the user display 26. The electronics also transmit a signal to dispense the appropriate appliance through slot 54 and deduct the appropriate cost from the debit card or charge the fee via a credit card. As will be evident to those skilled in the art, FIG. 3 is a very basic schematic of how the various components and sections of apparatus 20 are associated with one another. The particular construction and configuration of the apparatus structure, hardware and software for the diagnosis of the orthodontic problem and for the operation of apparatus 20 may vary considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. Two sections of the computerized orthodontic diagnostic software are used: the first is to diagnose children from about 5 to 8 years of age, depending if the permanent lower and some of the upper permanent incisors are fully erupted or not; and the second is to diagnose individuals from about 7 or 8 years into adulthood involving those where most of the permanent upper and lower incisors are fully erupted. Prior to embarking on the diagnostic analysis of the patient, the apparatus is programmed to ask and receive certain information from the patient and to dispense information to the patient prior to diagnosis regarding the pitfalls and limitations of this form of diagnosis and treatment. The apparatus may be programmed to proceed with the diagnosis and dispensing of an appliance only upon acceptance by an adult. As the diagnosis proceeds, certain questions of approval may be asked if the parent wishes to proceed or not depending on certain questionable diagnostic information obtained from the digital images. Certain information might be given to the individual as to such things as possible decay or loss of arch length and recommendations given to have these things taken care of first and to return when this is done. The apparatus can even refer the individual to a dentist in the area for help if this is needed. Parameters of accepted dimensions such as face height, jaw relations, degree of overbite, overjet or crowding as related to sex and age, and measure of deciduous molars will be used in the software to aid in the proper diagnosis and acceptability of the patient for treatment and to determine estimated length of treatment, degree of success, and length of retention. While a preformed embodiment has been shown and described, modifications, changes or additions to diagnostic principles and other changes in the efficiency and completeness to the diagnostics and the program may be apparent to those skilled in the art which fall within the scope of the invention. It is also possible that single size or one size fits all appliances are dispensed in the same manner as described. It is intended that such modifications and changes be covered by the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. An apparatus for diagnosing orthodontic conditions in a mouth of an individual, the apparatus comprising an outer case; a user interface disposed on the outer case adapted to provide information to the individual and to receive information from the individual; diagnostic hardware positioned within the outer case including at least one digital camera adapted to take images of the individuals' teeth and mouth from a plurality of angles; electronic circuitry pre-programmed with statistical data representing sample orthodontic conditions for comparison to actual data collected by the diagnostic hardware representing the orthodontic conditions of the individual and transmitted to said electronic circuitry, and further adapted to diagnose whether the orthodontic conditions of the individual are correctable; and means for dispensing instructions via the user interface to the individual to inform of the results of the diagnosis and to instruct how to correct orthodontic conditions. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one digital camera mounted to the outer case and is movable to pre-programmed portions relative to the outer case to take the plurality of images. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one digital camera is stationary relative to the outer case and the individual moves to acquire the plurality of angles. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface compromises a display screen for providing information to the individual. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface compromises a keypad disposed on the outer case for receiving information from the individual. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the user interface further compromises a display screen disposed in the outer case to display information for the individual. 7. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display screen is a touch screen adapted for providing information to the individual and for receiving information from the individual. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the statistical data represents a plurality of orthodontic conditions from a cross-section of individuals of various age, sex and orthodontic conditions. 9. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the statistical data represents upper and lower limits for each of a plurality or orthodontic conditions diagnosed by the apparatus. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the statistical data compromises actual digital models representing a plurality of orthodontic conditions from a cross-section of individuals of age, sex and orthodontic conditions. 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further compromising an appliance storage chamber disposed within the outer case storing therein a plurality of pre-fabricated orthodontic corrective appliances of various size. 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, further compromising an appliance dispenser adapted to select one of the pre-fabricated orthodontic corrective appliances based upon the diagnosed orthodontic condition of the individual and to dispense the selected pre-fabricated appliance to the individual. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further compromising an appliance storage chamber disposed within the outer case storing therein a plurality of one-sizes fits all appliances, and dispenser adapted to dispense the appliances. 14. The apparatus according to claim 1, further compromising a payment device carried on the outer case for receiving payment information from the individual. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the payment device compromises a magnetic strip reader for reading a payment card carrying thereon a magnetic strip. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the electronic circuitry is further pre-programmed to receive the payment information from the magnetic strip reader and further adapted to communicate with the user interface for providing payment information to the individual. 17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the payment device is adapted to credit payment from a credit card having thereon a magnetic strip. 18. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the payment is adapted to credit payment from a debit card having thereon a magnetic strip. 19. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic circuitry is pre-programmed to diagnose at least orthodontic conditions of the individual such as presence or absence of permanent teeth, presence or absence of deciduous teeth, overbite, overjet, cross-bite, open-bite, gummy smile, tooth crowding, tooth rotation and tooth spacing. 20. The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the electronic circuitry is pre-programmed to compare the statistical information for each of the orthodontic conditions relative to the actual orthodontic condition of each of the orthodontic conditions of the individual. 21. The apparatus according to claim 1, further compromising an adjustable seat carried on the outer case permitting the individual to sit so that the mouth and teeth of the individual is properly positioned to the diagnostic hardware. 22. The apparatus according to claim 1, further compromising a support carried on the outer case for properly positioning the mouth and teeth of the individual relative to the diagnostic hardware. 23. The apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the support compromises a chin rest and a forehead rest. 24. A method for diagnosing orthodontic conditions of an individual, the method comprising the steps of providing a diagnostic apparatus having diagnostic hardware including at least one digital camera adapted to take a plurality of images of the individual's teeth and mouth; providing a user interface on the apparatus to display information for the individual and to receive information from the individual; providing electronic circuitry within the apparatus; preprogramming the electronic circuitry with the statistical data representing sample orthodontic conditions; positioning the individual relative to the diagnostic hardware; taking a plurality of images of the individual's teeth and mouth from the diagnostic hardware representing actual data of the orthodontic conditions of the individual; comparing the actual data to the pre-programmed statistical data with the electronic circuitry; determining via the apparatus whether the orthodontic conditions of the individual are correctable; and dispensing instructions from the apparatus to the individual to instruct how to correct the orthodontic conditions diagnosed by the apparatus. 25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising the steps of storing a plurality of pre-fabricated orthodontic appliances within the apparatus, selecting one of the plurality of pre-fabricated orthodontic appliances, and dispensing the selected pre-fabricated orthodontic appliance to the individual along with instructions for proper wear to correct the orthodontic conditions diagnosed by the apparatus. 26. The apparatus according to claim 24, wherein the step of diagnosing further comprises determining how old the individual is through the user interface of the apparatus and then proceeding to a first or a second diagnostic program of the electronic circuitry depending upon the age of the individual. 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the step of diagnosing further comprises diagnosing the orthodontic conditions of the individual including at least presence or absence of deciduous teeth, presence or absence of permanent teeth, overbite, overjet, open-bite, cross-bite, tooth spacing, tooth crowding, and tooth rotations and comparing each orthodontic condition of the individual to a corresponding portion of the pre-programmed statistical data for each respective orthodontic condition and determining whether each of the orthodontic condition of the individual are correctable.

Inventors: BERGERSEN EARL O, BERGERSEN, EARL, O.
Applicants: ORTHO TAIN INC, ORTHO-TAIN, INC.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: A61C3
IPC codes: A61C3, A61C7, A61C13, A61C19, G06Q50