X-ray imaging method and system for reducing overlap of adjacent teeth in panoramic images

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer-implemented X-ray imaging method for generating a panoramic image (1) with reduced overlap of adjacent teeth (8), comprising the step of acquiring a plurality of 2D X-ray images (2) by means of rotating an X-ray source (4) and an X-ray detector (5) around a patient's jaw (6) in a plurality of different radiographic directions (3), respectively; characterized in that it further comprises the step of identifying one or more regions (7) in the 2D X-ray images (2) and / or in a provisional panoramic image reconstructed from the 2D X-ray images (2), each region comprising at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8), for which a best radiographic direction (3') can be determined in the corresponding radiographic direction (3) to reduce overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, and the step of determining one or more best radiographic directions (3') in the corresponding radiographic direction (3) of the 2D X-ray images for which one or more regions (7) have been identified in the identifying step, respectively, to reduce overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, each region comprising at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an X-ray imaging method for generating panoramic images in which overlap between adjacent teeth is reduced. The invention also relates to an X-ray imaging system for generating panoramic images in which overlap between adjacent teeth is reduced. Background Technology

[0002] X-ray imaging systems for generating panoramic images of a patient's teeth are generally known in the art. Such X-ray imaging systems typically include an X-ray source for emitting X-rays toward the patient; an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays propagating through the patient's jawbone; an acquisition component adapted to acquire multiple 2D X-ray images in multiple different radiographic directions by means of rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray detector at least around the patient's jawbone; and an image processing component adapted to reconstruct a panoramic image based on the 2D X-ray images and the radiographic directions, respectively.

[0003] A well-known problem with this type of panoramic image is that panoramic images often include areas where adjacent teeth overlap, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the image. Therefore, panoramic images with overlapping teeth often complicate diagnosis or hinder successful diagnosis. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. This object is achieved by the X-ray imaging method and X-ray imaging system disclosed in this application. This application relates to further development and preferred embodiments.

[0005] This invention provides a computer-implemented X-ray imaging method for generating panoramic images in which overlap of adjacent teeth is reduced. The method includes: acquiring multiple 2D X-ray images respectively in multiple different radiographic directions by means of rotating an X-ray source and an X-ray detector around the patient's jawbone; identifying one or more regions in the 2D X-ray images and / or in a provisional panoramic image reconstructed from the 2D X-ray images, each region comprising at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth, for which an optimal radiographic direction can be determined in the corresponding radiographic direction to reduce overlap in the panoramic image to be reconstructed; and determining one or more optimal radiographic directions respectively in the corresponding radiographic directions of the 2D X-ray images to reduce overlap in the panoramic image to be reconstructed, for which one or more regions, each region comprising at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth, have already been identified in the identification step. In this document, overlapping adjacent teeth are a pair of teeth, wherein each tooth in the pair may be located in the maxilla, or each tooth in the pair may be located in the mandible, or one tooth in the pair may be located in the maxilla and the other tooth may be located in the mandible.

[0006] The main advantage of this invention is that it can improve diagnosis by reducing overlapping areas.

[0007] Once the optimal radiographic orientation is determined, panoramic images can be reconstructed and displayed based on various alternative embodiments.

[0008] According to an alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the panoramic image is reconstructed based on 2D X-ray images using an optimal radiographic orientation determined relative to one or more identified regions. Optionally, reduced overlap in the identified regions can be indicated by providing additional information about the panoramic image, allowing the dentist to understand that the radiographic orientation has been optimized. This additional information can be icons, text, outlines, etc.

[0009] According to another alternative embodiment, at least a portion of the panoramic image is reconstructed as in the prior art based on 2D X-ray images and radiographic orientations relative to one or more regions, but additional information is provided, including insets displaying at least a portion of the panoramic image reconstructed based on the 2D X-ray image using the optimal radiographic orientation determined relative to one or more identified regions. Through these insets, the dentist can preview the identified areas of reduced overlap, thus understanding that the radiographic orientation has been optimized. Preferably, the user can select / deselect these insets for preview using input components such as a keyboard cursor or mouse.

[0010] According to another alternative embodiment, for example, displaying at least a partially panoramic image with reduced overlap and at least a partially panoramic image with reduced overlap in a switching mode, the user can switch between the switching modes using an input device such as a keyboard or mouse. This allows dentists to identify the effects of optimized radiographic orientation.

[0011] According to another alternative embodiment, at least part of the panoramic image is reconstructed based on a 2D X-ray image corresponding to an interpolated radiographic direction obtained by spatial interpolation between the determined optimal radiographic direction and the corresponding identified region.

[0012] According to the present invention, an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm can be used to identify regions comprising at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth in 2D X-ray images and / or in a provisional panoramic image to be reconstructed. According to the present invention, AI technology can also be used to determine the optimal radiographic orientation for reducing overlap in the panoramic image to be reconstructed. The AI ​​algorithm can be trained using previously acquired 2D X-ray images and / or previously reconstructed panoramic images as input, including manual annotations showing the overlaps respectively. Furthermore, the AI ​​algorithm can be trained using previously acquired 2D X-ray images or previously reconstructed panoramic images as input, including manual annotations showing the optimal radiographic orientation for reducing overlap in the panoramic image to be reconstructed respectively.

[0013] The present invention also provides a computer-implemented X-ray imaging system for generating panoramic images with reduced overlap of adjacent teeth. The X-ray imaging system includes: an X-ray source for emitting X-rays toward a patient; an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays propagating through the patient's jawbone; an acquisition unit adapted to acquire multiple 2D X-ray images, respectively, in multiple different radiographic directions, by rotating the X-ray source and X-ray detector at least around the patient's jawbone; and an image processing unit for executing a computer program that causes the system to perform the X-ray imaging method of the present invention. This system is not inherently provided as a single device. For example, the image processing unit may be in the cloud or on a computer in a radiologist's office. Attached Figure Description

[0014] In the following description, the invention will be described in detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0015] Figure 1 This is a partial schematic diagram of an X-ray imaging system according to an embodiment;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a panoramic image in which there is no reduction in overlap in the recognition area of ​​adjacent teeth with overlap;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a panoramic image with reduced overlap according to an embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of a panoramic image with selectable / non-selectable illustrations with reduced overlap according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The reference numerals shown in the accompanying drawings denote the elements as shown below, and will be referenced in the subsequent description of exemplary embodiments.

[0020] Panoramic image (with reduced overlap)

[0021] 1a. Illustration

[0022] 1' Panoramic image (without overlap reduction)

[0023] 2D X-ray images

[0024] X-ray direction

[0025] 3' Optimal radiographic direction

[0026] X-ray source

[0027] 5. X-ray detector

[0028] 6. Jawbone

[0029] 7. Region

[0030] 8. Overlapping adjacent teeth

[0031] 9. X-ray imaging system

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic partial view of a computer-implemented X-ray imaging system (9) for generating a panoramic image (1) with reduced overlapping adjacent teeth (8) is shown. The X-ray imaging system (9) includes: an X-ray source (4) for emitting X-rays toward a patient; an X-ray detector (5) for detecting X-rays propagating through the patient's jawbone (6); an acquisition component adapted to acquire multiple 2D X-ray images (2) respectively in multiple different radiographic directions (3) by rotating the X-ray source (4) and the X-ray detector at least around the patient's jawbone (6); and an image processing component adapted to execute a computer program according to the invention. Other details of the X-ray imaging system (9) commonly known to those skilled in the art will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily lengthening the description.

[0033] The computer program includes computer-executable code for causing the computer-implemented X-ray imaging system (9) to perform the method steps of the present invention, which will be described in more detail later. The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable storage component connected to the computer-implemented X-ray imaging system (9). The connection may be external, such that the storage component is in the cloud, at a remote location, or in a dental clinic.

[0034] The computer-implemented X-ray imaging method of the present invention is suitable for generating a panoramic image (1) with reduced overlap of adjacent teeth (8). The method includes the steps of acquiring multiple 2D X-ray images (2) in multiple different radiographic directions (3) by means of rotating an X-ray source (4) and an X-ray detector (5) around the patient's jawbone (6); identifying one or more regions (7) in the 2D X-ray images (2) and / or in a temporary panoramic image reconstructed from the 2D X-ray images (2) (see, for example...). Figure 2 The steps, each region including at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8), can determine the optimal radiographic direction (3') for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed in the corresponding radiographic direction (3) (see...). Figure 2 ); and determine one or more optimal radiographic directions (3') in the corresponding radiographic directions (3) of the 2D X-ray images for which one or more regions (7) have been identified in the identification step, to reduce overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, each region including at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8).

[0035] In the following description, two different alternative embodiments for reconstructing panoramic images (1) will be described. Figure 3 A first alternative embodiment is provided, illustrating a schematic diagram of a panoramic image (1) with reduced overlap. The panoramic image (1) with reduced overlap can be displayed on a display of a computer-implemented X-ray imaging system (9). In the first alternative embodiment, the method includes the steps of reconstructing at least a portion of the panoramic image (1) based on a 2D X-ray image (2) using an optimal radiographic orientation (3') determined relative to one or more identified regions (7); and the optional step of indicating to a user additional information (A) regarding the reduced overlap in the reconstructed panoramic image (1). Figure 3 As shown, supplementary information (A) allows dentists to understand that an optimized radiographic orientation (3') has been used in the reconstruction. Supplementary information can be icons, text, outlines, etc., informing the user of reduced overlap. Alternatively, the representation of supplementary information (A) can be omitted. For comparison, in Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a panoramic image (1') without overlap reduction is shown. The panoramic image (1') without overlap reduction can optionally be displayed on the display of the X-ray imaging system (9) together with the panoramic image (1) with overlap reduction, for example, in a switching mode. This allows the dentist to recognize the effect of the optimized radiographic orientation (3'). Figure 4A second alternative embodiment is provided, illustrating a schematic diagram of a panoramic image (1') without overlap reduction but with additional information (A), the additional information including an inset (1a) showing at least a portion of the panoramic image (1) with reduced overlap. In the second alternative embodiment, the method includes the steps of: reconstructing at least a portion of the panoramic image (1') based on a 2D X-ray image (2) and a radiographic orientation (3) relative to one or more regions (7); and representing the additional information (A) on the reconstructed panoramic image (1'), the additional information (A) including an inset (1a) at an identified region (7) showing at least a portion of the panoramic image (1) reconstructed based on the 2D X-ray image (2) using an optimal radiographic orientation (3') determined relative to one or more identified regions (7). Figure 4 As shown, by including supplementary information (A) in the illustration (1a), a dentist can preview a recognition area (7) with reduced overlap while understanding the optimized radiographic direction (3'). The user can preferably select the illustration (1a) for preview using an input device such as a keyboard cursor or mouse. The illustration (1a) can pop up at a preset magnification or no magnification and disappear when it is not selected. Alternatively, the illustration (1a) can be fixed. The size of the illustration (1a) can be the same as the size of the recognition area (7). Furthermore, in a second alternative embodiment, the supplementary information (A) can be an icon, text, outline, etc., notifying the user of the existence of a preview with reduced overlap.

[0036] According to another alternative embodiment (not shown), the radiographic direction (3) near the optimized radiographic direction (3') can be interpolated. In this alternative embodiment, the method includes the step of reconstructing at least a partial panoramic image (1), the image points of which are based on a 2D X-ray image (2) corresponding to an interpolated radiographic direction obtained by spatial interpolation between the determined optimal radiographic direction (3') of the corresponding identified region (7).

[0037] The use of deep learning techniques will be briefly described in the following description. Trained artificial intelligence algorithms can be used in the identification and / or determination steps.

[0038] According to another embodiment, in the identification step, a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to identify one or more regions (7) in the 2D X-ray image (2) and / or in a temporary panoramic image reconstructed from the 2D X-ray image (2), each region comprising at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8). The artificial intelligence algorithm can be trained by inputting previously acquired 2D X-ray images and / or previously reconstructed panoramic images, which include manual annotations showing the overlaps respectively. The use of artificial intelligence is highly effective given the speed and reliability of the identification step. Alternatively, image processing techniques not based on deep learning can be used.

[0039] According to another embodiment, in the determination step, a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to determine one or more optimal radiographic directions (3') in the corresponding radiographic directions (3) of the 2D X-ray images (2) for which one or more regions (7) have been identified, to reduce overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, each region including at least a pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8). In a first alternative of this embodiment, in the determination step, multiple at least partial temporary panoramic images (1') are reconstructed based on 2D X-ray images (2) with different radiographic directions (3) for at least one or more regions (7), each region including at least one overlapping adjacent tooth (8), and a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to determine the optimal radiographic direction (3') for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed by comparing the multiple reconstructed at least partial temporary panoramic images (1') of one or more identified regions (7) in the different radiographic directions (3). In a second alternative to this embodiment, in the determination step, a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to determine the optimal radiographic direction (3') for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed by comparing a set of originally acquired 2D X-ray images (2) with corresponding radiographic directions (3), wherein one or more regions (7) have been identified for the 2D X-ray images (2), each region including at least one overlapping adjacent tooth (8). The artificial intelligence algorithm can be trained by inputting previously acquired 2D X-ray images or previously reconstructed panoramic images, which include manual annotations showing the optimal radiographic direction for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, respectively. The use of artificial intelligence is also very effective here given the speed and reliability of the determination step. As mentioned above, image processing techniques not based on deep learning can be used alternatively.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented X-ray imaging method for generating a panoramic image (1) in which the overlap of adjacent teeth (8) is reduced, comprising: The steps of acquiring multiple 2D X-ray images (2) in multiple different radiographic directions (3) by means of rotating an X-ray source (4) around the patient's jawbone (6) and an X-ray detector (5); The feature is that it also includes: The step of identifying one or more regions (7) in the 2D X-ray image (2) and / or in a provisional panoramic image reconstructed from the 2D X-ray image (2), each region comprising at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8), wherein an optimal radiographic orientation (3') for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed can be determined in the corresponding radiographic orientation (3), and The step of determining one or more optimal radiographic directions (3') in the corresponding radiographic direction (3) of the 2D X-ray image to reduce overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, wherein one or more regions (7) have been identified for the 2D X-ray image in the identification step, each region including at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that... In the identification step, a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to identify one or more regions (7) in the 2D X-ray image (2) and / or in a temporary panoramic image reconstructed from the 2D X-ray image (2), each region including at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the artificial intelligence algorithm has been trained with input including previously acquired 2D X-ray images and / or previously reconstructed panoramic images that respectively display the overlapping manual annotations.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the determining step, a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to determine one or more optimal radiographic directions (3') in the corresponding radiographic direction (3) of the 2D X-ray image (2) to reduce overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, wherein one or more regions (7) have been identified for the 2D X-ray image, each region including at least one pair of overlapping adjacent teeth (8).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the determining step, a plurality of at least partially temporary panoramic images (1') are reconstructed based on 2D X-ray images (2) having different radiographic directions (3) for at least one or more regions (7) including at least one overlapping adjacent tooth (8), and a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to determine, among the different radiographic directions (3), the optimal radiographic direction (3') for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed by comparing the plurality of reconstructed at least partially temporary panoramic images (1') for the one or more identified regions (7).

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the determining step, a trained artificial intelligence algorithm is used to determine the optimal radiographic direction (3') for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed by comparing a set of original acquired 2D X-ray images (2) having corresponding radiographic directions (3), wherein one or more regions (7) have been identified for the 2D X-ray image (2), each region including at least one overlapping adjacent tooth (8).

7. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the artificial intelligence algorithm has been trained with inputs including previously acquired 2D X-ray images and / or previously reconstructed panoramic images, respectively displaying manual annotations showing the optimal radiographic orientation for reducing overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises: The steps of reconstructing at least a partial panoramic image (1) based on 2D X-ray images (2) using the optimal radiographic orientation (3') determined relative to one or more identified regions (7); The steps of indicating additional information (A) to reduce overlap are presented to the user on the reconstructed panoramic image (1).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises: The step of reconstructing at least a partial panoramic image (1') based on a 2D X-ray image (2) and a radiographic orientation (3) relative to one or more regions (7); The step of representing additional information (A) on the reconstructed panoramic image (1') includes an inset (1a) at the identification area (7) showing at least a portion of the panoramic image (1) reconstructed based on the 2D X-ray image (2) using the optimal radiographic orientation (3') determined relative to one or more identification areas (7).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it further comprises: The step of reconstructing at least a partial panoramic image (1), wherein the image points of the at least partial panoramic image (1) are based on a 2D X-ray image (2) corresponding to an interpolated ray radiograph direction obtained by spatial interpolation between the determined optimal ray radiograph direction (3') of the corresponding identification region (7).

11. A computer program product comprising computer-executable code for causing a computer-implemented X-ray imaging system (9) to perform the method steps of any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A computer-readable storage component comprising the program according to claim 11.

13. An X-ray imaging system (9) for generating panoramic images (1) of adjacent teeth (8) with reduced overlap, comprising: X-ray source (4), used to emit X-rays to the patient; X-ray detector (5) is used to detect X-rays propagating through the patient's jawbone (6); Acquisition component, adapted to acquire multiple 2D X-ray images (2) in multiple radiographic directions (3) by rotating an X-ray source (4) and an X-ray detector at least around the patient’s jawbone (6). The feature is that it also includes: An image processing unit adapted to execute the program product according to claim 11.

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