Oral and maxillofacial CBCT intelligent shooting method and system

Abstract

The application provides an oral and maxillofacial CBCT intelligent shooting method and system, and relates to the technical field of medical imaging. The method comprises the following steps: a to-be-detected person enters a predetermined scanning area of a CBCT device, and is guided by a light positioning system to complete positioning of a to-be-scanned oral and maxillofacial region; after positioning is completed, the to-be-detected person bites a bite rod on the CBCT device, a sensor on the bite rod sends a signal to a scanning control console to start a pre-scan, and anatomical information of the to-be-scanned oral and maxillofacial region is acquired as a pre-scan result; based on the pre-scan result and the age, gender and disease category of the to-be-detected person, the system automatically sets a formal scanning scheme and an image reconstruction scheme; the to-be-detected person bites the bite rod again to trigger automatic exposure; after exposure is completed, a final CBCT image of the to-be-scanned oral and maxillofacial region is output. The application aims to improve shooting efficiency, save labor costs, and realize accurate personalized shooting parameter setting and image reconstruction through an automated process and intelligent guidance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical imaging technology, and in particular to an intelligent CBCT imaging method and system for the oral and maxillofacial region. Background Technology

[0002] CBCT is a CT scanner specifically designed for dentistry, developed over the past 30 years. It is widely used in major dental hospitals, general hospital dentistry departments, private dental clinics, and community hospital dentistry departments, becoming a routine imaging technique in dentistry. Currently, while the market demand for CBCT equipment is huge both domestically and internationally, the development of sophisticated and intelligent technologies in these devices lags significantly behind.

[0003] Due to the interdisciplinary nature of oral and maxillofacial medical imaging, there is a severe shortage of oral and maxillofacial medical imaging physicians and insufficient professional training. Although CBCT equipment is widely used in clinical practice, improper and non-standard use of CBCT is common: some patients have insufficient scanning condition settings, resulting in insufficient CBCT image clarity, which cannot meet the needs of diagnosis and treatment; others have undergone excessive dose or excessive field of view scanning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Purpose of the invention: To propose an intelligent CBCT imaging method for oral and maxillofacial region, and further to propose a system for implementing this method, aiming to improve imaging efficiency, save labor costs, and achieve precise personalized imaging parameter settings and image reconstruction through automated processes and intelligent guidance, thereby improving image quality and reducing patient radiation dose.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention proposes an intelligent CBCT imaging method for the oral and maxillofacial region, comprising the following steps:

[0006] The patient enters the designated scanning area of ​​the CBCT equipment, and the cursor positioning system guides the patient to complete the positioning of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned.

[0007] After the oral and maxillofacial region is located for scanning, the subject bites down on the bite bar on the CBCT device. The sensor on the bite bar sends a signal to the scanning console to start the pre-scan, so as to obtain the anatomical information of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned as the pre-scan result.

[0008] Based on the pre-scan results and the patient's age, gender, and disease category, the formal scan plan and image reconstruction plan are automatically set.

[0009] The subject bites the bite bar again, triggering automatic exposure;

[0010] After exposure, the final CBCT image of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned is output.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the cursor positioning system monitors the head position of the subject in real time using a predetermined number of infrared rays, displays the current real-time head position and target position of the subject, and guides the subject to adjust their head until it is within a preset range of the target position.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the sensor on the bite rod is a carbon film piezoresistive sensor. The carbon film piezoresistive sensor generates a change in resistance due to the applied bite force. This piezoresistive sensor uses a patterned laser-induced graphene layer as the resistive layer and spray-printed silver interdigitated electrodes as the conductor path.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the sensor further includes a Bluetooth transmission module, which is used to establish real-time wireless communication between the sensor and the scanning console of the CBCT device. In a further embodiment, the specific process of the pre-scanning includes: firstly, obtaining sagittal and coronal images by rotating the X-ray source and image detector around the subject; then, calculating the thickness of the soft tissue and the volume of the hard tissue in the maxillofacial region within the scanning field of view of the subject based on the sagittal and coronal images.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the formal scanning scheme and image reconstruction scheme are formulated based on the basic information of the subject (age, gender, and disease category) and the thickness of the soft tissue and volume of the hard tissue in the maxillofacial region within the pre-scanned images.

[0015] In addition, the present invention also proposes an oral and maxillofacial CBCT intelligent imaging system, which includes a cursor positioning module, a CBCT device, an intelligent scanning module, a sensor control module, and a display and output module.

[0016] The cursor positioning module is used to guide the subject to complete the positioning of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned within the predetermined scanning area of ​​the CBCT device.

[0017] CBCT equipment is used to perform pre-scan and formal scan tasks.

[0018] The intelligent scanning module establishes communication with the CBCT device; the intelligent scanning module is used to automatically set the formal scanning plan and image reconstruction plan based on the pre-scan results, and feeds back to the CBCT device to execute the plan.

[0019] The sensor control module establishes communication with both the CBCT device and the intelligent scanning module; the sensor control module is used to confirm the occlusal state of the subject and automatically start the exposure program of the CBCT device.

[0020] The display and output module establishes communication with the sensing and control module; after the CBCT device is correctly exposed, the display and output module displays and prints the final CBCT image of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the CBCT device includes a C-arm, and an X-ray tube and an image detector mounted on the C-arm. The X-ray tube is used to generate an X-ray source, and the image detector is used to acquire sagittal and coronal images of the subject.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0023] Improve shooting efficiency: Automated processes reduce the operation time of technicians and improve shooting efficiency.

[0024] Improved image quality: Precise personalized shooting parameter settings and image reconstruction algorithms for different disease categories ensure high-quality images, which helps to make more accurate clinical diagnoses while reducing the radiation dose to patients.

[0025] Reduced difficulty for patients to cooperate: The intelligent guidance system makes it easier for patients to understand and cooperate with the shooting process, reducing shooting failures caused by patients' lack of cooperation.

[0026] Reduce the burden on technical personnel: Automated processes reduce the operational difficulty and workload for technical personnel, and improve work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the automatic CBCT intelligent imaging method of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is the structural form of the piezoresistive sensor in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of a piezoresistive sensor.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a decision map for automatically setting a personalized optimal scanning scheme in the automatic CBCT intelligent imaging method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

[0032] See Figure 1 This embodiment discloses the specific process of an intelligent CBCT imaging method for the oral and maxillofacial region from the perspective of the person being examined:

[0033] 1. Self-service scanning by the examinee to enter the scanning control panel: After scanning the code and entering the scanning room, the system automatically connects to the hospital's electronic medical record system to obtain the examinee's basic information (such as name, age, gender, etc.) and electronic medical record information (such as past medical history, purpose of examination, etc.). The system displays the obtained information on the screen and prompts the examinee to confirm the accuracy of the information via voice prompts. The examinee can confirm or modify the information via touch screen or voice commands.

[0034] 2. The person to be tested enters the scanning area according to the voice broadcast system: After confirming that the information is correct, the voice broadcast system prompts the person to be tested to enter the scanning area. The scanning area is clearly marked with signs and guide lines; the person to be tested enters the designated position according to the voice prompts and signs.

[0035] 3. The intelligent voice broadcast system guides the subject to initial positioning using the cursor positioning system: After the subject enters the scanning area, the voice broadcast system prompts them to place their head in the position designated by the cursor positioning system. The cursor positioning system uses infrared positioning technology to monitor the subject's head position in real time and includes real-time image feedback. The subject can see the comparison between their head position and the target position on the display screen on the scanning console, allowing for more intuitive head adjustments. The voice broadcast system then guides the subject to further adjust their head position until optimal positioning is achieved.

[0036] 4. The subject bites the bite bar on the CBCT machine: After positioning is complete, the voice broadcast system prompts the subject to bite the bite bar on the CBCT machine. The bite bar is equipped with a sensor. When the subject bites, the sensor sends a signal to the scanning control console via a wireless Bluetooth device. After receiving the signal, the control console automatically starts the pre-scan program.

[0037] 5. Pre-scanning to acquire maxillofacial anatomical information: The pre-scanning procedure acquires coronal and sagittal images of the subject's maxillofacial region through rapid scanning and calculates anatomical information such as soft tissue thickness and hard tissue volume. This information will be used in subsequent scanning protocol settings to ensure image quality and reduce radiation dose to the subject.

[0038] 6. Intelligent voice broadcast system prompts the subject to relax: After the pre-scan is completed, the voice broadcast system prompts the subject to relax to avoid unnecessary movement caused by tension, which may affect the shooting effect.

[0039] 7. Automatic Scanning Protocol Setting for CBCT Machines: Based on information in the patient's electronic medical record (patient's age, gender, examination purpose, past medical history, etc.) and pre-scan results, the system automatically calculates and sets the optimal scanning protocol. The scanning protocol includes CBCT image reconstruction algorithms, scanning field of view, scanning voxels, scanning voltage, and scanning current, ensuring that the images meet clinical diagnostic needs and minimizing the radiation dose to the patient.

[0040] 8. The subject bites the bite bar again to start automatic exposure: The subject bites the bite bar again according to the prompts from the voice broadcast system. The sensor on the bite bar sends a signal to the scanning control console again, starting the automatic exposure program of the CBCT equipment.

[0041] 9. After exposure, the voice broadcast system will announce the end of the scan to the user: After exposure is complete, the voice broadcast system will announce the end of the scan to the user. The user can confirm the end of the scan and exit the scanning area by clicking the confirmation button on the touch screen of the scan control panel.

[0042] The automated CBCT intelligent imaging method incorporates an anomaly handling mechanism: the system can monitor for potential anomalies during imaging in real time, such as unnecessary movement of the subject or equipment malfunction. When an anomaly is detected, the system automatically pauses imaging and prompts the subject and technicians to take appropriate action via voice broadcast.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment, a feasible form of a sensor on a bite rod is disclosed. Specifically, a carbon film piezoresistive sensor is used, and its structural schematic diagram is shown below. Figure 2 The working principle diagram is shown below. Figure 3 (As pressure increases, the contact area between the electrode and the carbon film increases, and the resistance decreases.) The carbon film piezoresistive sensor generates a change in resistance due to the applied clamping force. In this piezoresistive sensor, a patterned laser-induced graphene layer is used as the resistive layer, and silver interdigitated electrodes are spray-printed as the conductor path.

[0044] To prevent the graphene fibers from collapsing and affecting the working durability, the laser-induced graphene layer needs to be coated and peeled off with an elastomer during the preparation process to make the contact surface with the silver electrode have a flat morphology.

[0045] Meanwhile, after the printed electrode layer is covered onto the carbon film layer, the device needs to be encapsulated in an integral molded elastomer to ensure complete waterproofing.

[0046] By bringing out both ends of the silver interdigitated electrode, the resistance change caused by the increased contact area between graphene fibers and between graphene and silver when the silver electrode-carbon film structure is compressed can be measured to determine whether the applied force meets the scanning trigger condition.

[0047] In addition, wireless Bluetooth transmission is one of the important functions of the sensor, which allows the sensor to transmit measurement signals to the CBCT equipment in real time to start the pre-scan and automatic exposure program.

[0048] Another embodiment of the present invention discloses an automated CBCT imaging system, the system comprising:

[0049] The module for obtaining information about the person to be tested is used to connect with the hospital's electronic medical record system via an automatic barcode scanning device to automatically obtain the basic information and disease category of the person to be tested.

[0050] Intelligent voice broadcast module: used to guide the subject to complete the pre-scanning preparations, including entering the scanning area, self-positioning and adjusting body position using the cursor, and biting the bite bar.

[0051] Cursor positioning module: Used to assist the subject in self-positioning, ensuring that the subject's area of ​​interest is within the scanning field of view, while ensuring the subject's proper body position.

[0052] CBCT scanning equipment includes a fixation frame, a C-arm, an X-ray tube, and an image detector, used to perform pre-scanning and formal scanning tasks.

[0053] Sensing and control module: including bite rod, sensor, sensing circuit and Bluetooth output device, used to confirm the bite status of the subject and automatically start the exposure program of CBCT equipment.

[0054] Intelligent Scanning Module: This module is used to set personalized scanning plans based on the patient's basic information, disease category, and pre-scanned images, and to design personalized image reconstruction plans for the original images captured by the CBCT equipment. Specifically, the scanning field of view is set according to the patient's disease category: small field of view, small voxels (≤0.15mm), and high filtration algorithm are used for dental pulp diseases; medium field of view, medium voxels (0.2-0.3mm), and low filtration algorithm are used for dental implants; and large field of view (0.25-0.4 mm) and normal filtration algorithm are used for orthodontic and maxillofacial bone tumor diseases. The voltage is set according to the patient's age: ≤6 years: 70kV; 6 years < ≤12 years: 80 kV; 12 years < ≤50 years: 90-110 kV; >50 years: 90 kV; males 18 years ≤ ≤50 years: 100-110 kV. The scanning current is calculated based on the patient's soft tissue thickness and hard tissue volume in the pre-scanned images, with a current range of 3-25mA.

[0055] As a preferred embodiment, the subject information acquisition module mainly performs the following process:

[0056] The person to be tested accesses the scanning console through a self-service scanning device to obtain index information;

[0057] Based on the index information, a query request is initiated to the hospital's electronic medical record management system.

[0058] The system receives a query request from the electronic medical record system and obtains basic information such as the name, age, and gender of the person to be tested, as well as information on the disease category.

[0059] The acquired information is associated with and corresponds one-to-one with the index information, and after confirmation with the person to be tested, proceed to the next step.

[0060] As a preferred embodiment, the intelligent voice broadcasting module uses advanced speech synthesis technology to generate clear and natural voice prompts and supports multiple languages.

[0061] The intelligent voice broadcast module guides the person to be tested into the CBCT imaging area;

[0062] The system is equipped with an infrared sensor module to identify the distance between the subject and the device and their body posture. The intelligent voice broadcast module prompts the subject to locate themselves using the cursor on the CBCT device and to adjust their position.

[0063] The intelligent voice broadcast module prompts the person to be tested to bite down on the bite bar to start the pre-scan;

[0064] After the person to be tested completes the pre-scan, a voice prompt will remind them to relax.

[0065] After the CBCT scan plan is set, the intelligent voice broadcast module prompts the person to bite down on the bite bar and remain still to complete the formal scan.

[0066] Once the exposure is complete, the voice broadcast system will announce that the scan is finished and the person to be tested can leave the examination room after confirmation.

[0067] As a preferred embodiment, the cursor positioning module uses infrared cursor technology to assist the subject in nasal tip positioning, achieving a positioning accuracy of ±1mm. This high-precision positioning technology is similar to the precise positioning of the scanned area in CBCT scanning, ensuring that the subject is in the correct scanning area before scanning.

[0068] As a preferred embodiment, the CBCT scanning device automatically sets a personalized optimal scanning plan and best reconstruction algorithm based on the subject's gender, age, disease type, and pre-scanned images to ensure that the captured images meet clinical diagnostic needs while minimizing the radiation dose to the subject. (See the decision diagram.) Figure 4 .

[0069] In practical applications, the operational logic of the shooting method disclosed in the above embodiments can be programmed into a set of executable instructions, which are then written into a storage medium and run on an electronic device. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium mentioned in this embodiment may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may include data signals propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying readable program code. Such propagated data signals may take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. The readable signal medium may also be any readable medium other than a readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit programs for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0070] As described above, although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific preferred embodiments, it should not be construed as limiting the invention itself. Various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A smart CBCT imaging method for oral and maxillofacial region, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The subject enters the predetermined scanning area of ​​the CBCT equipment, and the cursor positioning system guides the subject to complete the positioning of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned. The cursor positioning system monitors the subject's head position in real time through a predetermined number of infrared rays, and displays the current real-time head position and target position of the subject, guiding the subject to adjust the head position until it is within the preset range of the target position. After the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned is located, the subject bites down on the bite bar on the CBCT device. The sensor on the bite bar sends a signal to the scanning console to start the pre-scan, in order to obtain the anatomical information of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned as the pre-scan result. The pre-scan includes: rotating around the subject using an X-ray source and an image detector to obtain sagittal and coronal images; and calculating the thickness of the soft tissue and the volume of the hard tissue in the maxillofacial region within the scanning field of view of the subject based on the sagittal and coronal images. The sensor on the bite rod is a carbon film piezoresistive sensor. The carbon film piezoresistive sensor generates a resistance change due to the applied biting force. The carbon film piezoresistive sensor uses a patterned laser-induced graphene layer as the resistive layer. The laser-induced graphene layer is coated and peeled off with an elastomer to make its contact surface with the silver electrode present a flat morphology. Silver interdigitated electrodes are sprayed and printed as conductor paths, and finally an integrally molded elastomer package is performed. Based on the pre-scan results and the age, gender, and disease category of the subject, the formal scanning plan and image reconstruction plan are automatically set as follows: Set the scanning field of view according to the disease category of the person being tested: For dental pulp diseases, a small field of view, small voxel (≤0.15mm), and high filtration algorithm are used. For dental implants, use a medium field of view, medium voxel size (0.2-0.3 mm), and a low filtration algorithm. For orthodontics and maxillofacial bone tumors, a large field of view, large voxels (0.25-0.4 mm), and normal filtration algorithm are used. The voltage is set according to the age of the subject: ≤6 years old: 70kV; 6 years old < ≤12 years old: 80 kV; 12 years old < ≤50 years old: 90-110 kV; >50 years old: 90 kV; males 18 years old ≤ ≤50 years old: 100-110 kV; the scanning current is calculated based on the soft tissue thickness and hard tissue volume of the subject in the pre-scanned image, with a current range of 3-25mA. The subject bites the bite bar again, triggering automatic exposure; After exposure, the final CBCT image of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned is output.

2. The oral and maxillofacial CBCT intelligent imaging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor also includes a Bluetooth transmission module for establishing real-time wireless communication between the sensor and the scanning console of the CBCT device.

3. An intelligent CBCT imaging system for oral and maxillofacial region, used to perform the intelligent CBCT imaging method for oral and maxillofacial region as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The CBCT intelligent imaging system includes: The cursor positioning module is used to guide the subject to complete the positioning of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned within the predetermined scanning area of ​​the CBCT device; CBCT equipment is used to perform pre-scan and formal scan tasks; The intelligent scanning module establishes communication with the CBCT device; the intelligent scanning module is used to automatically set the formal scanning plan and image reconstruction plan according to the age, gender, disease category and pre-scan results of the subject, and feeds back to the CBCT device to execute the plan. The sensor control module establishes communication with both the CBCT device and the intelligent scanning module; the sensor control module is used to confirm the occlusal state of the subject and automatically start the exposure program of the CBCT device. The display and output module establishes communication with the sensing and control module; after the CBCT device is correctly exposed, the display and output module displays and prints the final CBCT image of the oral and maxillofacial region to be scanned.

4. The oral and maxillofacial CBCT intelligent imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The CBCT device includes a C-arm, and an X-ray tube and image detector mounted on the C-arm; The X-ray tube is used to generate an X-ray source, and the image detector is used to acquire and generate sagittal and coronal images of the subject being examined.

Images