Dental laser unit with communication link to assistance center

Abstract

A medical treatment apparatus includes a power and control (PAC) device. The PAC device provides electrical power through a cable to a laser handpiece assembly to electrically power a laser source within the handpiece assembly. The PAC device controls operation of the handpiece assembly and detects an identification of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device also monitors data relating to operation of the handpiece assembly. The PAC device uploads, through a communication network to a user assistance center remote from the PAC device, the handpiece assembly identification and the monitored data.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A medical treatment apparatus comprising:
 a power and control (PAC) device configured to:
 provide electrical power through a cable to a laser handpiece assembly to electrically power a laser source within the handpiece assembly; 
 control operation of the handpiece assembly; 
 detect an identification of the handpiece assembly; 
 monitor data relating to operation of the handpiece assembly; and 
 upload, through a communication network to a user assistance center that is remote from the PAC device, the handpiece assembly identification and the monitored data. 
   
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the PAC device is further configured to:
 download, through the communication network from the user assistance center, an update of software that controls the PAC device, wherein the update is prepared based on the uploaded data; and   implement the software update.   
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 21  wherein the PAC device is further configured to:
 download, through the network from the assistance center, control instructions that control operation of the PAC device to perform a diagnostic test and upload resulting data to the assistance center; and 
 implement the control instructions. 
 
     
     
         24 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the PAC device is further configured to:
 download, through the communication network from the user assistance center, information that is derived from the uploaded data, and   display the information to a user of the apparatus.   
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the information includes a statistical analysis of the uploaded data. 
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the uploaded data includes a time log of operation of the laser source. 
     
     
         27 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the uploaded data includes a measurement of a temperature in the handpiece assembly and a measurement of laser power that is output by the handpiece assembly. 
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the updated data includes notes entered by the user identifying a medical condition being treated, a treatment procedure the user is using, and the procedure's results to the patient. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the PAC device is further configured to receive, from the user, a question regarding a medical procedure being performed using the system;
 upload the question to the assistance center through the network to the assistance center;   download an answer to the question though the network from the assistance center; and   display the answer to the user.   
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 21 , further comprising:
 a dental patient chair assembly that is configured for seating a dental patient undergoing treatment by the handpiece assembly and that supports PAC device.