X-ray system for producing dental panoramic images using several offset individual X-ray emitters

Abstract

The present invention relates to an extraoral X-ray system (1) suitable for dental panoramic imaging of a patient, comprising an X-ray emitter array (3) having at least two individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) each for emitting X-rays and offset at least along a predetermined direction, and an X-ray detector (4) for at least partially detecting the X-rays emitted by the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) during one rotation, wherein the X-ray emitter array (3) and the X-ray detector (4) are arranged to move relative to each other about an axis running parallel to the predetermined direction, and wherein the areas of the X-ray detector (4) illuminated respectively by the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) at least partially overlap and the areas of the X-ray detector (4) illuminated respectively by the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) are at least partially overlapping and the areas of the X-ray detector (4) illuminated respectively by the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) are at least partially overlapping. an aperture means for collimating the X-ray radiation emitted from the X-ray emitter array (3) and the X-ray detector (4) on respective areas to be irradiated; a control device for moving the X-ray emitter array (3) and the X-ray detector (4) around axes running parallel to each other, controlling the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) and reading image sequences of the respective irradiated areas of the X-ray detector (4) during one rotation; and a computing unit for generating one panoramic image (16) of the layer to be sharply imaged by using at least two image sequences, wherein the computing unit is configured to apply weighting of image pixels when generating one panoramic image (16), the image pixels belonging to the at least two image sequences.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray system for producing orthopantomographic images in the dental field. [Background technology]

[0002] During orthopantomography or panoramic imaging (PAN), the X-ray emitter and X-ray detector of an extraoral X-ray system typically move around the patient's head at a defined relative position relative to each other. This can lead to undesirable overlapping of imaged structures, which can complicate diagnosis and require re-exposure. In PAN, the movement of the patient's head around during imaging results in horizontal blurring of structures outside the sharp layer. The sharp layer preferably defines a layer running along the jaw arch, which contains the dental structures to be imaged and is preferably displayed with good image quality in the panoramic image. For example, a "shift and add" procedure can be used to sum the projection images of the exposures. Nevertheless, structures in the X-ray path can create shadowing in the sharp layer and reduce contrast in the panoramic image. For example, filling at the current pivot point of the X-ray emitter and X-ray detector unit leads to strong artifacts in the opposing jaw (see example in Figure 2). These are commonly referred to as opposing jaw artifacts in the prior art. For example, a dental crown (13) causes an opposing jaw artifact (12) during the representation of the opposite side of the jaw in a panoramic image. Similarly, for example, a jaw bone (15) causes an opposing jaw artifact (12') during the representation of the opposite jaw side in a panoramic image.

[0003] In the prior art, this problem is alleviated as follows: different imaging programs of the extraoral X-ray system are selected to apply different X-ray device trajectories for panoramic imaging; alternatively, the position and / or orientation of the patient's head in the X-ray device is adjusted to reduce the superposition of interfering structures and hence the opposing jaw artifact.

[0004] In the prior art, this problem cannot be adequately resolved, and therefore not all artifacts can be reduced. Re-exposures may be required, resulting in increased radiation exposure to the patient.

[0005] Additionally, prior art approaches to patient repositioning and / or imaging program reselection result in complex and error-prone operation of the x-ray device and potentially reduced image quality, and therefore require significant experience on the part of the x-ray device operator.

[0006] EP 3649957 A1 and EP 3711672B disclose a device and method, respectively, for processing panoramic images, in which opposing jaw artifacts are reduced by software. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The inventors are currently unaware of any prior art method that allows for the reduction of opposing jaw artifacts by vertically blurring structures outside the sharp layer, whereby the vertical blurring causes vertical blurring of the structures to be imaged.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a PAN-compatible x-ray system that allows for the reduction of opposing jaw artifacts by vertically blurring structures outside the sharp layer.

[0009] This object is achieved by a PAN-enabled X-ray system according to claim 1. The subject matter of the dependent claims relates to preferred embodiments or further developments.

[0010] The present invention provides an extraoral X-ray system suitable for panoramic dental imaging procedures of a patient, comprising an X-ray emitter array having at least two individual X-ray emitters each for emitting X-rays, displaced along at least a predetermined direction (e.g., the patient's longitudinal or height / vertical direction), and an X-ray detector for at least partially detecting the X-ray radiation emitted by the individual X-ray emitters during one rotation, wherein the X-ray emitter array and the X-ray detector are arranged to be movable relative to each other about an axis running parallel to the predetermined direction, and the areas of the X-ray detector respectively illuminated by the individual X-ray emitters at least partially overlap, and the areas of the X-ray detector illuminated by the X-ray radiation emitted by the individual X-ray emitters are at least partially overlapping. the X-ray detector array and the X-ray detector are arranged to move about axes running parallel to each other, and to drive the individual X-ray emitters and read image sequences of the respective irradiated areas of the X-ray detector during one rotation; and a computing unit for generating one panoramic image of the layer to be sharply imaged by using at least two image sequences, wherein the computing unit is configured to apply weighting of image pixels when generating the one panoramic image, the image pixels belonging to the at least two image sequences.

[0011] An advantageous effect of the present invention is that a shifted or height-shifted single emitter provides different transmit angles, and therefore corresponding detector signals, enabling separation of overlapping structures in the reconstructed image. Improved representation of structures within the sharp layer can be achieved, particularly due to the multiple available viewing angles of the height-shifted single emitter, primarily because structures outside the sharp layer can be mapped to different positions in the reconstructed panoramic image and become more blurred. Weighting image pixels during reconstruction of the panoramic image can additionally increase the contrast of structures within the sharp layer and additionally decrease the contrast of structures outside the sharp layer. This allows for improved visualization and diagnostic detectability of smaller areas, such as caries, lesions, tooth roots, or nerve canals. Furthermore, weighting image pixels can specifically suppress structures that cause strong opposing jaw artifacts. The resulting reduction of opposing jaw artifacts in the panoramic image allows for simplified x-ray device operation, as possible opposing jaw artifacts no longer need to be considered when positioning the patient and selecting the x-ray device trajectory and imaging program. This also allows for the use of more suitable transmission angles, which also contributes to improved image quality. For example, in the area of ​​the anterior teeth, this allows for significantly improved imaging, especially in cases of unfavorable tooth positions, such as large differences in tooth axes between the upper and lower jaws. The present invention also makes it possible to determine whether an imaged structure is inside or outside the sharp layer. For this purpose, the image pixels of several individual X-ray emitters can be compared. If they show different absorption in the reconstructed panoramic image, they are images of structures outside the sharp layer.

[0012] In the following description, the invention is explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an extraoral x-ray system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows an example image of a strong opposing jaw artifact according to the prior art. [Figure 3a] Two panoramic images are shown, each reconstructed from two image sequences of two single X-ray emitters with different locations and characteristics of opposing jaw artifacts. [Figure 3b] Two panoramic images are shown, each reconstructed from two image sequences of two single X-ray emitters with different locations and characteristics of opposing jaw artifacts. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a schematic detailed view of the setup of an X-ray emitter array with locally distributed individual X-ray emitters in the extraoral X-ray system from FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The reference numbers shown in the drawings designate the elements listed below, which will be referenced in the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

[0015] 1. Extraoral X-ray system 2. X-ray device 3. X-ray array 3a, 3b, 3c. Single X-ray emitter 4. X-ray detector 5.Operation unit 6.Head fixation device 7. Bite Block 8. Computer 9. Display 10. Patient's head 11. Spotlight Cone 12,12',12'',12'' Opposing jaw artifact 13. Dental crown 14. Earrings 15.15' jawbone 16. Dental Panoramic Images

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a computer-implemented extraoral X-ray system (1). The method according to the present invention is a computer-implemented method and can be executed on the computer-implemented extraoral X-ray system (1). The method according to the present invention is implemented by a computer program comprising computer-readable code. The computer program can be provided on a data storage device. As shown in FIG. 1, the computerized extraoral X-ray system (1) comprises an X-ray device (2) for performing patient imaging. Prior to exposure, the patient's head is preferably positioned in the X-ray device (2) with a bite block (7) and a head immobilizer (6). As shown in FIG. 1, the computerized extraoral X-ray system (1) also comprises an operating unit (5), preferably a separate computer (8) or computing unit that can be connected to the X-ray device (2), and preferably a separate display (9) for visualizing, among other things, the data set. The computer (8) can be connected to the X-ray device (2) via a local network (not shown) or alternatively via the Internet. The computer (8) can be part of a cloud. Alternatively, the computer (8) can be integrated in the X-ray device (2). Calculations can be performed on the computer (8) or in the cloud. For this purpose, the raw data can be transmitted in compressed form. The computer (8) executes a computer program and provides a dataset for visualization on the display (9). The display (9) can be spatially separated from the X-ray device (2). Preferably, the computer (8) can also control the X-ray device (2). Alternatively, a separate computer (8) can be used for control and image processing. According to the present invention, the dataset generated by the above embodiment can be presented to a physician for visualization, in particular for diagnostic purposes, preferably by display (9) or printout.

[0017] The extraoral X-ray system (1) is suitable for performing a dental panoramic imaging method. As shown in Fig. 1, the X-ray system (1) comprises an X-ray emitter array (3) having at least two individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) each for emitting X-ray radiation (see Fig. 4), which are offset at least along a predetermined direction (e.g., the patient's height direction, i.e., the longitudinal direction). The X-ray system (1) further comprises an X-ray detector (4) for at least partially detecting the X-ray radiation emitted by the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) during one rotation, the X-ray emitter array (3) and the X-ray detector (4) being arranged to be movable relative to each other about an axis running parallel to the predetermined direction, and the areas of the X-ray detector (4) illuminated by the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) at least partially overlap. The X-ray system (1) further comprises aperture means (not shown) for collimating the X-ray radiation emitted by the individual X-ray emitters (3 a; 3 b; 3 c) onto the respective areas to be irradiated. The X-ray system (1) further comprises a control device (not shown) for moving the X-ray emitter array (3) and the X-ray detector (4) about parallel axes, controlling the individual X-ray emitters (3 a; 3 b; 3 c), and reading image sequences of each irradiated surface of the X-ray detector (4) during rotation. The X-ray system (1) further comprises a computing unit (8) for generating one panoramic image (16) of the layer to be sharply imaged by using at least two image sequences, the computing unit being configured (programmed) to apply weighting of image pixels when generating one panoramic image (16), the image pixels belonging to the at least two image sequences.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the total height of the irradiated area along a predetermined direction is greater than the total width of the irradiated area along a direction perpendicular to the predetermined direction by a factor of at least F=3. In a further advantageous embodiment, the factor F is in the range of 15 to 25, preferably about 22. The total height of the irradiated area and the total width of the irradiated area correspond to the effective height and width on the X-ray detector. The areas irradiated by each individual emitter can thereby overlap in height and / or width. The areas irradiated by each individual emitter can preferably partially overlap in height and preferably almost completely overlap in width. The factor F leads to a smaller size of the total irradiated area, while the height remains the same. This has the advantage of enabling a higher read rate of the X-ray detector with low motion blur and causing a lower proportion of measured scattered radiation on the X-ray detector, which improves image quality. The smaller irradiated area also reduces the dose applied to the patient.

[0019] During one rotation, the X-ray emitter array and the X-ray detector move around the patient, the X-ray emitter array emits X-rays and the X-ray detector detects the emitted X-rays, and for each individual X-ray emitter in the X-ray emitter array, a series of images can be generated from the detected X-rays during the rotation.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the operating state of the X-ray emitter array (or X-ray device) is changed during rotation so that the position of one of the focal points changes along a predetermined direction. Here, the focal point represents the location within an individual emitter from which X-rays are emitted. The change in the position of the focal point causes a change in the transmission direction. Thereby, for example, a different transmission angle can be achieved in the anterior region than in the molar region. Preferably, a lower focal point is used in the molar region than in the anterior region. The lower focal point in the molar region serves to reduce opposing jaw artifacts. A higher focal point in the anterior region improves the vertical transmission angle, especially in the case of obliquely positioned teeth, which leads to improved image quality and diagnostic possibilities.

[0021] Dental panoramic images can also be generated by bitewing or temporomandibular joint acquisitions, among others.

[0022] In one embodiment, the aperture means comprises an aperture for each individual X-ray emitter, which is capable of individually collimating the X-ray beam of each individual X-ray emitter, hi another embodiment, the aperture means comprises apertures capable of collimating the X-ray beam of all or some of the individual emitters.

[0023] In another embodiment, the aperture means comprises a mechanical aperture capable of varying aperture opening, which can be used to vary the aperture opening during rotation, for example to increase the aperture opening in the anterior tooth region to enhance blurring of the outer structures of the sharp layer.

[0024] In another embodiment, the aperture means comprises a fixed diaphragm.

[0025] An emitter array consists of several small, rapidly switchable individual emitters that are spatially distributed. Emitter arrays can be realized, among others, using carbon nanotubes or cold cathode elements as single emitters. This allows the creation of X-ray projections from different projection angles without moving the X-ray device.

[0026] The control device may be designed such that the emitted X-ray beams of the at least two individual X-ray emitters differ in intensity and / or spectral distribution of the X-ray beam to create an intensity and / or spectral distribution that can be varied along a predetermined direction. The extraoral X-ray system may be an X-ray system that can generate only panoramic images or that can also generate additional DVT and / or cephalometric images.

[0027] To generate a panoramic image, the pixels of the panoramic image are calculated from the image pixels of the image sequences measured by the X-ray detector. The generation of the panoramic image is usually performed by summing the image pixels. This results in the effect that structures in one layer in space are clearly imaged, while structures outside this layer are not so clearly imaged. This effect is enhanced by using two image sequences under weighting. The weight of an image pixel can also be zero, which corresponds to the omission of image information for the image pixel.

[0028] The generation of panoramic images is typically done using timestamps, which allow association between detector signals and single emitters, which are used to determine focal position and beam parameters.

[0029] The generation of panoramic images is usually done by using all angle and elevation information. This provides advantages for measurement functions within the panoramic image, such as improved depth estimation or location of structures, and dimensional measurement of specific areas such as caries, lesions, and roots. Additionally, advantages arise in the visualization of specific areas, such as layer representations adapted to the occlusal surface, caries, lesions, nerve canals, or roots.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured such that the image pixel weighting to be applied increases the contrast of structures to be imaged in the sharp layer of the panoramic image and / or decreases the contrast of structures to be imaged outside the sharp layer of the panoramic image. High contrast results from high relative brightness differences and clearly defined contours of the imaged structures. This has the beneficial effect of improving the representation of structures to be imaged in the sharp layer of the panoramic image, thereby simplifying diagnosis.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured to determine that the weighting to be applied is relatively lower for image pixels that exhibit relatively strong absorption of X-rays outside the clear layer. The mentioned relatively strong absorption may be due to, for example, metal in the opposing jaw. Since structures in the clear layer are mapped to similar positions in the preliminary panoramic image, whether a structure is located in the clear layer can be determined by comparing at least two preliminary panoramic images. The preliminary panoramic images are described in detail in the subsequent description. A low signal at the detector indicates strong absorption. This embodiment has the beneficial effect of improving the representation of structures to be imaged in the clear layer of the panoramic image, thereby simplifying diagnosis.

[0032] 3a and 3b show two preliminary panoramic images (16), each reconstructed from a series of images from a single emitter with different focal heights, illustrating the different positions and characteristics of the opposing jaw artifacts (12", 12'''). The earring (14) is mapped as a relatively lower opposing jaw artifact (12'') in FIG. 3a than in FIG. 3b. Similarly, the jawbone (15') is mapped as a relatively lower opposing jaw artifact (12''') in FIG. 3a than in FIG. 3b (see the horizontal shadow transition). In contrast, the image of the dental structure (e.g., teeth) in the sharp layer remains in the same position in both preliminary panoramic images (16).

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured to determine that the weighting to be applied is relatively lower for image pixels that have relatively large differences in X-ray absorption along a predetermined direction outside the sharp layer. This is advantageous, for example, in the case of large signal differences at small local distances, for example, to suppress jawbone artifacts of opposing jaws. This has the beneficial effect of improving the representation of structures to be imaged in the sharp layer of the panoramic image, thereby simplifying diagnosis.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured to determine the weighting to be applied based on preliminary panoramic images, each of which is generated from one of at least two image sequences and which represent a sharp layer. The generation of the panoramic image can also be realized by a weighted calculation, for example a sum, of two preliminary panoramic images. This has the advantage that the representation of the imaged structure in the sharp layer of the panoramic image is improved compared to the representation in the preliminary panoramic image.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured to determine a weighting to be applied that is relatively lower for image pixels that have a relatively different absorption of X-rays in the corresponding pixel or their local neighborhood of the preliminary panoramic image. If there is a relatively different absorption of X-rays in the corresponding pixel or their local neighborhood of the preliminary panoramic image, these structures outside the clear layer are mapped into the panoramic image. These low weightings have the advantageous effect of improving the representation of the structures to be imaged in the clear layer of the panoramic image, thereby simplifying the diagnosis.

[0036] In another advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured to determine applicable weightings of the image pixels based on knowledge of the X-ray device movement and geometry of the X-ray device and the patient's anatomy retrieved from the storage device. This has the beneficial effect of improving the distinction between structures outside and inside the sharp layer. This therefore leads to an improved representation of the structures to be imaged in the sharp layer of the panoramic image, simplifying diagnosis.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured to align the position / shape of the sharp layer to be imaged with the patient's dental structures, such as teeth and jawbone, tooth crowns, roots, root tips, periodontal sulcus, nerve canals of jaws and teeth, temporomandibular joints, or with the patient's dental diseases, such as caries and inflammation. For the aforementioned alignment of the sharp layer to be imaged, common image optimization methods, including so-called autofocus functions, can be used by calculating it from a series of images, or by calculating it separately for each series of images and then calculating separate autofocus results together, or by calculating it jointly from at least two series of images. This has the beneficial effect of improving the representation of relevant dental structures in the sharp layer of the panoramic image, thereby simplifying diagnosis.

[0038] In another advantageous embodiment, the computing unit is configured to use weighting of image pixels from at least two image sequences to align or realign the position / shape of the sharp slice to be imaged with the patient's dental structures, such as teeth and jawbone, crowns, roots, root tips, periodontal sulci, nerve canals of jaws and teeth, occlusal surfaces, temporomandibular joints, or dental diseases, such as caries and inflammation. In the aforementioned determination of the sharp slice to be imaged, an autofocus function may be used. This has the beneficial effect of improving the visualization of relevant dental structures in the sharp slice of the panoramic image, thereby simplifying diagnosis. By using several weighted image sequences with different projection angles, this leads to advantageous representation of tilted layers in the panoramic image, such as representation of occlusal surfaces.

[0039] In a further embodiment, weighting of image pixels is used when generating the panoramic image to generate multiple panoramic images or sub-areas of panoramic images where the position of the sharp layer varies in a given area, for example, in the lingual or buccal direction. This provides the user with the possibility to navigate within a narrow range around the sharp layer, for example, to show individual tooth roots in the molar region. This allows for improved visualization and location of dental structures.

[0040] In a further advantageous embodiment, the control device controls the X-ray emitter array and the aperture means such that the area to be irradiated is sequentially irradiated by the incident X-ray beams of at least two individual X-ray emitters, which has the advantageous effect that the respective irradiated areas of the X-ray detector can be read as independently as possible for each focal position.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the control device sequentially drives the at least two individual X-ray emitters, which has the advantageous effect that the area to be irradiated is sequentially irradiated by the incident X-ray beams of the at least two individual X-ray emitters.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment, the control device controls the aperture means to sequentially block the X-rays emitted by the at least two individual X-ray emitters so that the images of the image sequence result mainly from the X-rays of one of the at least two individual X-ray emitters. This corresponds to a mechanical so-called shutter aperture which sequentially covers all but one of the individual X-ray emitters. This has the advantage that the area to be irradiated is sequentially irradiated by the incident X-ray radiation of the at least two individual X-ray emitters.

Claims

1. An extraoral X-ray system (1) suitable for dental panoramic imaging of a patient, comprising: an X-ray emitter array (3) having at least two individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c), each X-ray emitter for emitting X-rays, offset at least along a predetermined direction; an X-ray detector (4) for at least partially detecting the X-rays emitted from each of the X-ray emitters (3 a; 3 b; 3 c) during one rotation, wherein the X-ray emitter array (3) and the X-ray detector (4) are arranged to move relative to each other around an axis running parallel to the predetermined direction, and areas of the X-ray detector (4) illuminated respectively by each of the X-ray emitters (3 a; 3 b; 3 c) at least partially overlap; aperture means for collimating the X-ray radiation emitted by each of said X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) onto the respective area to be irradiated; a control device for moving the X-ray emitter array (3) and the X-ray detector (4) around the axes running parallel to each other, for driving the individual X-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) and for reading a sequence of images of the area illuminated by each of the X-ray detectors (4) during one rotation; a computing unit for generating a panoramic image (16) of the layer to be sharply captured by using at least two of said image sequences, wherein said computing unit is configured to apply weighting of image pixels when generating said panoramic image (16), said image pixels belonging to at least two of said image sequences; An extraoral X-ray system (1) comprising:

2. 2. The extraoral X-ray system (1) of claim 1, wherein the computing unit is configured such that the weighting of the image pixels to be applied increases the contrast of structures to be imaged in a sharp layer in the panoramic image (16) and / or decreases the contrast of structures to be imaged outside a sharp layer in the panoramic image (16).

3. 3. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computing unit is configured such that the weighting to be applied is determined to be relatively lower for image pixels having relatively strong absorption of X-rays outside a sharp layer.

4. 4. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computing unit is configured to determine the weighting to be applied, being relatively lower for image pixels having relatively strong and different absorption of the X-rays along the predetermined direction outside a sharp layer.

5. 5. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the computing unit is configured to determine the weightings to be applied based on preliminary panoramic images, each of which is generated from one of at least two of the image sequences and depicts a sharp layer.

6. 6. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to claim 5, wherein the computing unit is configured to determine the weighting to be applied, being relatively lower for the image pixels having relatively different absorption of the X-rays in the corresponding pixel of the preliminary panoramic image or in their local vicinity.

7. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the computing unit is configured to determine the weights to be applied to the image pixels based on knowledge of the movement of the extraoral X-ray system to be retrieved from a storage medium and the shape of the extraoral X-ray system and the patient's anatomy.

8. 8. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the computing unit is configured to align the position of the sharp layer to be imaged with the patient's dental structures such as teeth and jawbone, crowns, roots, root tips, periodontal sulcus, nerve canals of jaws and teeth, temporomandibular joints, or dental diseases of the patient such as caries and inflammation.

9. 9. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the computing unit is configured to adapt the position of the sharp layer to be imaged to the patient's dental structures such as teeth and jawbone, crowns, roots, root tips, periodontal sulcus, nerve canals of jaws and teeth, occlusal surfaces, temporomandibular joints, or dental diseases of the patient such as caries and inflammation, by using the weighting of the image pixels from at least two image sequences.

10. 10. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of panoramic images are generated in which the position of the sharp layer varies within a predetermined range, and wherein the weighting of the image pixels is used in the generation of the panoramic images.

11. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control device, the X-ray emitter array and the aperture means are controlled such that the area to be irradiated is sequentially irradiated by incident X-ray beams of at least two individual X-ray emitters.

12. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the control device sequentially drives at least two individual X-ray emitters.

13. 12. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the control device sequentially blocks the X-ray radiation emitted from at least two individual X-ray emitters by means of the aperture means such that images of the image sequence result mainly from the X-ray radiation of one of the at least two individual X-ray emitters.

14. 12. The extraoral X-ray system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the overall height of the area irradiated along the predetermined direction is greater than its overall width along a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction by a factor (F) of at least three.

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