Henry Schein's Technology Group Awarded Patent for Digital Motion Video Used in Intraoral Photography
MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 3, 2000--Henry Schein Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) announced today that its Practice Management Technologies Group has been awarded a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for its digital motion video capabilities found in the Company's Vipersoft(R) and DENTRIX Image(TM) intraoral imaging suites. The patent, US6093019: Dental imaging system with digital motion video, effectively makes Henry Schein the only source for this digital motion video technology used in intraoral photography.
The Company was also granted a patent, US6019721: Camera with improved focus mechanism, for the focus mechanism used in select models of its Vipercam(R) intraoral camera.
Digital motion video allows a doctor to capture a digital movie of the inside of a patient's mouth. Using Henry Schein's newly patented technology, the practitioner can capture still images, free of shakes or flutter, using an intraoral camera at the desired angle more easily than using conventional still image capture systems. Once the movie is captured, the doctor can extract any single frame or desired image from the patient's mouth. These individual frames can be saved independent of the movie and edited for color, contrast, annotations, and rotation among other capabilities.
"Digital motion video solves the problem of capturing just the right image at just the right angle," said Kimball Wirig, President of Henry Schein's Practice Management Technologies Group. "After capturing the movie, the doctor can quickly extract the frame with the desired image and angle. It saves time, eliminates frustration, and significantly enhances the doctor's image."
Mr. Wirig added, "This new patent makes Henry Schein the exclusive source for this technology, and furthers our lead in the development of the clinical workstation of the future. We will continue to advance the technology, and as current and next generation PC capabilities expand to real time recordable MPEG II and DVD formats, the patent will enhance intraoral photography, the quality of treatment, and archiving.
Digital motion video is available in the Vipersoft intraoral imaging suite sold by Sullivan-Schein Dental, Henry Schein's U.S. dental business, as well as other independent distributors.
It is also embedded in the DENTRIX(R) clinical and practice management system, which allows the doctor to directly attach intraoral images to a patient's tooth chart. DENTRIX(R), sold by Dentrix Dental Systems, a subsidiary of Henry Schein's Practice Management Technology Group, is the only practice management system that embeds the technology within the system in a modular format without the need for third-party bridges or links.
The newly patented focusing mechanism found within selected models of the Vipercam automatically maintains focus within a 10-cm distance without having to refocus. The design allows the doctor to choose whether the camera is being used for extraoral, intraoral, or macro photography. Based on which mode the doctor selects, the camera automatically adjusts to keep the image in focus.
"For intraoral photography, the Vipercam and ImageCAM(TM) let the doctor pay attention to finding the angle they want instead of trying to keep the image in focus," said Mr. Wirig. "For really close shots, the doctor simply swivels the base of the camera to select the macro mode, and to capture shots of the patient's smile, they simply select the extraoral mode. We've really taken the work out of intraoral photography and made it a lot simpler for doctors to use these techniques to improve patient care."
The Vipercam is distributed by Sullivan-Schein Dental, as well as other independent suppliers. Dentrix Dental Systems, Inc. is the exclusive distributor of the ImageCAM.
Henry Schein's Practice Management Group, part of the Company's Technology and Value-Added Services Group, markets a wide range of innovative products and services designed to help maximize a practitioner's efficiency and profitability, including such leading practice management software systems as Easy Dental(R) and DENTRIX(R) for dental practices, LabNet, a software management system for dental laboratories, and the AVImark(R) system for veterinary clinics.
Henry Schein, Inc. is the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based healthcare practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. Recognized for its excellent customer service and low prices, the Company serves more than 400,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions.
The Company operates its five business groups - Dental, Medical, Veterinary, International and Technology - through a centralized and automated distribution network, which provides customers in more than 125 countries with a comprehensive selection of over 70,000 branded and Henry Schein private-brand products.
Headquartered in Melville, New York, Henry Schein employs over 6,000 people in 15 countries. The Company's 1999 sales reached a record $2.3 billion. For more information, visit the Henry Schein website at http://www.henryschein.com.
Certain information contained herein includes information that is forward-looking. The matters referred to in forward-looking statements may be affected by the risks and uncertainties involved in the Company's business. These forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
--30--mjr/ny*
| CONTACT: | Henry Schein Inc. |
|---|---|
| Susan Vassallo, 631/843-5562 | |
| Manager, Investor and | |
| Public Relations | |
| svassa@henryschein.com | |