Magic mirror display for dental treatment system

Abstract

A system and method utilizing a one-way mirror display for patient self-positioning for dental x-ray image acquisition. The system includes a camera configured to capture images of the patient, a display, a one-way mirror positioned between the patient's location and the display, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to select an operating mode of the display based on user input and display at least one image on the display based on the selected operating mode. The method includes receiving image data from the camera, identifying at least one facial feature of the patient in the image data, determining whether the patient's face is aligned with at least one anatomical plane based on the at least one facial feature, and displaying at least one movement guide on the display based on the determined alignment of the patient's face.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a one-way mirror display for a dental treatment system. [Background technology]

[0002] Many dental procedures involve imaging a patient's teeth with a camera or other image acquisition device, such as an X-ray or optical scanner or camera. The imaging results in the generation of an image. Depending on the type of image acquisition device used and the procedure being performed, the patient may be standing, sitting, or lying on the treatment table during the X-ray image acquisition.

[0003] The X-ray image acquisition procedure can be difficult to complete. Accurate and stationary positioning of the patient is often necessary to capture high-quality, accurate images of the anatomical region of interest. Patient movement can lead to capturing images of areas other than the desired anatomical region of interest. Patient movement can lead to reduced image quality. Vibration, rocking, talking, or other patient movements can lead to blurry or otherwise poor-quality images. In some cases, the patient may be frightened, agitated, or fatigued. The patient may move back and forth, move from the desired patient position, or not hold the desired position long enough for the X-ray image acquisition to be completed. In some cases, the patient may feel isolated and receive insufficient feedback from the dentist or dental technician regarding the acquired images or the patient's position. Therefore, the dentist or dental technician must often attempt to accurately position the patient while simultaneously managing the patient's anxiety and desire for human communication while the X-ray image acquisition is taking place. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a system to assist in positioning a patient for proper x-ray image acquisition. By properly positioning a patient and assisting them in maintaining the proper position throughout the x-ray image acquisition procedure, images with better image quality and fewer image artifacts due to positioning errors can be produced. Better images result in faster, more accurate treatment planning, reduce the need for repeated image acquisition, and improve the efficiency and throughput of x-ray image acquisition in dental facilities.

[0005] Among other things, the embodiment systems described herein are useful for correcting for inexperienced system operators, such as new dental technicians who may not be adequately trained in the operation of dental x-ray image acquisition systems, by providing self-positioning guidance to the patient, thereby mitigating operator inexperience as a factor in obtaining high-quality images.

[0006] Patient satisfaction is also increased. In some embodiments, the patient has an active role in self-positioning for x-ray image acquisition. Self-positioning may result in a more relaxed and engaged patient during the imaging procedure, which reduces patient-induced errors in the images generated during the procedure. In addition, some embodiments provide patient-specific workflows to accommodate specific patient needs. In one example, patients with poor eyesight or hearing are provided with larger graphics or more text to assist with self-positioning for the image acquisition procedure. In another example, patients who speak only one language are provided with instructions in their native language to make communication with the patient easier.

[0007] One embodiment provides a dental x-ray image acquisition system that includes at least one camera configured to capture images of a patient, a display configured to display the images, a one-way mirror positioned between a patient location and the display, and an electronic processor coupled to the camera and the display, the electronic processor configured to control the display and the camera.

[0008] Another embodiment provides a dental x-ray image acquisition system including a camera configured to capture images of a patient, a display, a one-way mirror positioned between a patient location and the display, and an electronic processor coupled to the camera and the display, the electronic processor configured to select an operating mode for the display based on user input, and to display at least one image on the display based on the selected operating mode.

[0009] A further embodiment provides a method for positioning a patient for X-ray image acquisition, the method including receiving, by an electronic processor, image data from a camera, identifying, by the electronic processor, at least one facial feature of the patient in the image data, determining, by the electronic processor, whether the patient's face is aligned with at least one anatomical plane based on the at least one facial feature, and displaying, by the electronic processor, at least one movement guide on a display based on the determined alignment of the patient's face.

[0010] The accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, further illustrate embodiments of the concepts comprising the claimed invention(s) and serve to explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a system for imaging a patient, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates an X-ray imaging system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates an X-ray imaging system, according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a display device, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A]1 illustrates a positioning guide including a mid-sagittal guideline overlaid on an image of a patient, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a positioning guide including a mid-sagittal guideline and a movement guide overlaid on an image of a patient, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a first example of a positioning guide, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] 10 illustrates a second example of a positioning guide, according to one embodiment. [Figure 4C] 10 illustrates a third example of a positioning guide, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a progress indicator and positioning guide, according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for positioning a patient for X-ray image acquisition, according to one embodiment.

[0012] Apparatus and method components, where applicable, are represented by conventional reference numerals in the drawings showing only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the invention, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] For ease of explanation, some or all of the example systems presented herein are illustrated with a single instance of each of its components. In some examples, not all components of a system may be described or illustrated. Other example embodiments may include more or fewer of each of the illustrated components, may combine some components, or may include additional or alternative components.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for imaging a patient 105 located at a patient location P1, according to one embodiment. The system 100 includes at least one camera 110, a one-way mirror 115, and a display 120. The one-way mirror 115 is positioned between the patient location P1 and the display 120. The system 100 also includes an electronic processor 125, a non-transitory computer-readable memory 130, and a human-machine interface 135. As its name suggests, the one-way mirror 115 appears reflective on one side and transparent on the other. As explained in more detail below, the perception of one-way transmission is achieved when one side of the mirror is brightly lit and the other is dark. This allows for viewing from the dark side but not from the light side.

[0015] In some embodiments, the system 100 for imaging a patient 105 is coupled to or otherwise implemented in an X-ray imaging system. An example of an X-ray imaging system 140 is illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C. The X-ray imaging system 140 includes a column 145 that extends vertically from, for example, a frame or ground surface. In some embodiments, the column 145 is vertically adjustable (e.g., telescopically).

[0016] X-ray imaging system 140 further includes an upper shelf 150 (e.g., an arm or upper support member) that may be rotatably coupled to column 145 generally at the top end of column 145 or may be fixed at a specific point on column 145. In the illustrated embodiment, upper shelf 150 is oriented along a direction that is perpendicular (e.g., horizontal) to column 145. In other embodiments, X-ray imaging system 140 includes a housing coupled to the column, and the upper shelf is instead rotatably coupled to the housing.

[0017] 1B and 1C, the X-ray imaging system 140 further includes a rotating portion 155 (e.g., an arm or gantry arm) coupled to the upper shelf 150. The illustrated rotating portion 155 is generally C-shaped, although other embodiments include other shapes. The rotating portion 155 includes an X-ray source 160 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 1B) at one end of the rotating portion 155 and a detector unit 165 (schematically illustrated in both FIG. 1B and FIG. 1C) at the opposite end of the rotating portion 155, between which the head of the patient 105 can be positioned to generate (e.g., provide data for) a panoramic image, a computed tomography image, or a cephalometric image. For example, FIG. 1B shows an example of panoramic or computed tomography imaging, and FIG. 1C illustrates an example of cephalometric imaging.

[0018] In some embodiments, the X-ray imaging system 140 further includes at least one cephalometric arm 170 coupled (e.g., rotationally coupled) to the column 145. The cephalometric arm 170 has a distal end with a second X-ray source 175 for use in cephalometric imaging. As shown in FIG. 1C , the rotating portion 155 includes a collimator 180 such that, when the second X-ray source 175 is activated, an X-ray beam is transmitted to the detector unit 165 through the collimator 180. In some embodiments in which two X-ray sources are present (X-ray source 160 and X-ray source 175), the upper shelf 150 may optionally pivot via the rotating portion 155; however, the upper shelf 150 need not be able to pivot; instead, the upper shelf 150 may be in a fixed location. In other embodiments, two X-ray sources are not used. In these embodiments, the X-ray source 160 is used, for example, for CT, panoramic imaging, and cephalometric imaging. In some embodiments, CT image data collected from the X-ray source 160 may be used to synthesize cephalometric images.

[0019] 1B and 1C, in the illustrated embodiment, the x-ray imaging system 140 further includes a lower shelf 185 coupled to the column 145. In some embodiments, the lower shelf 185 is fixed to the column 145, while in other embodiments, the lower shelf is rotationally coupled to the column 145. The lower shelf 185 provides added support for the head (e.g., chin) of the patient 105. Other embodiments do not include a lower shelf or do not include a lower shelf other than the one illustrated.

[0020] Although not shown, in some embodiments, the X-ray imaging system 140 includes an additional arm or arms with additional patient support structures (e.g., ear or nose supports) for supporting the patient's head during cephalometric imaging, and / or includes a chair so that the patient may be seated (as opposed to standing) during one or more of the panoramic, computed tomography, or cephalometric imaging.

[0021] 1B and 1C , at least one of camera 110, one-way mirror 115, and display 120 is coupled (e.g., rigidly mounted or rotationally coupled) to column 145 or another component of X-ray imaging system 140 (e.g., upper shelf 150 or rotating portion 155). In the illustrated embodiment, display 120 (shown schematically and including camera 110) is fixed to column 145. One-way mirror 115 (also shown schematically) is fixed in place in front of display 120 such that the display is positioned between the outside of column 145 and one-way mirror 115. In some embodiments, fasteners or other structures are used to secure display 120 and / or one-way mirror 115 in place. In some embodiments, display 120 and / or one-way mirror 115 are integrated into column 145 itself. In still other embodiments, display and / or one-way mirror 115 are spaced apart from column 145. For example, in some embodiments, display 120 and / or one-way mirror 115 are spaced apart from column 145 and coupled to their own separate column that extends from a similar frame or ground plane as column 145 .

[0022] In use, and as described further below, the one-way mirror 115 is positioned in front of the face of the patient 105 to assist in positioning the patient 105 for imaging by the X-ray imaging system 140 .

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1A , camera 110 is used to capture image data of patient 105. In some embodiments, camera 110 may be located above one-way mirror 115. In other embodiments, camera 110 may be located behind one-way mirror 115 and configured to capture images through one-way mirror 115. Camera 110 may also be a three-dimensional (“3D”) camera. The 3D camera may be a stereo camera, or a multi-camera setup based on stereo triangulation, or a camera with a stereo lens. The 3D camera may also be a range camera operating according to any range imaging technique, for example, stereo triangulation, optical triangulation sheet, structured light, time-of-flight, interferometry, coded aperture, or any other range imaging technique.

[0024] The one-way mirror 115 reflects and transmits light through both sides of the one-way mirror 115. The brighter side of the one-way mirror 115 dictates what the user of the one-way mirror 115 sees. For example, if a patient is looking at the patient side 116 of the one-way mirror 115 and the light on the patient side 116 is brighter than the light on the display side 117, the patient 105 will see the one-way mirror 115 as a normal mirror reflecting the patient 105. In contrast, if the light on the display side 117 is brighter than the light on the patient side 116, the patient will be able to view objects on the display side 117, e.g., display 120, through the one-way mirror 115.

[0025] Display 120 may be, for example, a computer monitor, tablet computer, or other electronic display configured to display images, a user interface, alignment lines, and other visual objects to patient 105. Assuming the lighting conditions in the patient's environment (e.g., a dental office) remain constant, the brightness of display 120 controls what patient 105 sees in or through one-way mirror 115.

[0026] An example of a display 120 is illustrated in Figure 2. The display 120 may include a camera 110, one or more lights 205-206, a primary display area 210, a sensor 215, and optionally at least one laser 220.

[0027] As described above, the camera 110 may be located behind the one-way mirror 115 or may be a component of the display 120. For example, if the display 120 is a tablet computer, the camera 110 may be an integrated camera of the tablet computer. The one or more lights 205-206 are configured to provide light to a dental professional examining the patient 105. In some embodiments, the one or more lights 205-206 are not components of the display 120, and the display 120 is instead configured to provide light to the patient 105 through the one-way mirror 115, as described below.

[0028] The primary display area 210 is used to display various informative graphics to the patient 105. The sensor 215 can be a variety of different sensors, such as an ambient light sensor, an IR sensor, a LIDAR sensor, or other sensors. At least one laser 220 is used to assist in detecting and positioning the patient 105. In embodiments where a laser is not present, lines may instead be virtually drawn on the display 120 to assist in patient positioning and alignment. Each of these elements may be located behind a one-way mirror 115.

[0029] The display 120 can operate in various modes to control what the patient 105 can see. The first mode is mirror mode. Mirror mode is active when the display 120 is off or shows a dark background image with low light intensity. For example, the dark background image may be all black, dark blue, dark brown, or another suitable dark color. Because the brightness of the display 120 is much less on the patient side 116 of the one-way mirror 115 than on the display side 117, the one-way mirror 115 functions as a regular mirror reflecting the face of the patient 105.

[0030] The second mode of the display 120 is a light mode, in which the display 120 outputs a high intensity white image and the one-way mirror 115 transmits light from that image to the patient 105, allowing the display 120 to be used as a conventional lighting element by a dental professional.

[0031] The third mode of the display 120 is the monitor mode, in which the display 120 is used as a normal monitor to output captured images and provide information to the patient 105. For example, a video feed from the camera 110, dental information related to the patient 105, or other images or graphics may be displayed on the display 120 when the display is in the monitor mode.

[0032] The fourth mode is the extended mode. In the extended mode, some portions of the display 120 output a low light intensity, an all-black background, and other portions of the display 120 output high light intensity graphics. The one-way mirror 115 reflects the black background like a normal mirror (e.g., allowing the patient 105 to see their own face), and also allows the graphics to shine and be visible to the patient 105. In this way, instructions, statistics, reports, text, and other graphics can be presented to the patient 105 while still reflecting their face. The graphics provide additional information that is extended over the imaged face of the patient 105.

[0033] In one embodiment, when operating in extended mode, the display 120 illustrates a positioning guide for the patient 105 to position themselves for x-ray image acquisition by the camera 110. The positioning guide may be, for example, a mid-sagittal-vertical guideline, such as the guideline seen in FIG. 3A . The guideline is positioned on the reflected face of the patient 105 and provides a reference point for the patient 105 to position themselves for x-ray image acquisition by the camera 110. In other embodiments, a movement guide is provided along with the positioning guide. For example, FIG. 3B illustrates both the mid-sagittal-vertical guideline and a movement guide 305, which in this embodiment are shown as arrow-shaped. The movement guide 305 provides direction to the patient 105 to help position the patient 105 for the scan; for example, the movement guide 305 indicates that the patient 105 should move in the direction of the arrow to properly align the patient 105 for x-ray image acquisition.

[0034] Positioning and movement guides (e.g., movement guide 305) may be more complex than guidelines and arrows. For example, FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate different examples of positioning guide 400, according to one embodiment. Movement guides 401-403 illustrate different alignments of the patient's 105 head. For example, movement guide 401 illustrates the alignment of the patient's 105 head in a first anatomical plane, movement guide 402 illustrates the alignment of the patient's 105 head in a second anatomical plane, and movement guide 403 illustrates the alignment of the patient's 105 head in a third anatomical plane. In embodiments with more cameras, more views of more anatomical planes can be captured.

[0035] To properly acquire images of the patient 105, the patient's 105 head must be aligned with the first, second, and third anatomical planes. The movement guides 401-403 not only illustrate the current alignment of the patient's 105 head, but also provide the patient 105 with indications of proper or improper alignment. To determine proper or improper alignment, image data from the camera 110 is analyzed by the electronic processor 125 to determine the patient's position. For example, facial features of the patient 105 may be used to detect various relevant axes, such as the frankfort line, back-front line, and feet-head line. Subsequent frames from the image data can be used to register the initial face model and update the axes, allowing the current orientation of the patient's 105 head or face to be known.

[0036] For example, FIG. 4A illustrates a first example of a positioning guide 400 indicating that the patient 105 is out of alignment. In addition to the outline of the patient's 105 head providing real-time positioning information to the patient 105 in the positioning guide 400, movement guides 401-403 indicate that the patient's 105 head is out of alignment with each of the first, second, and third anatomical planes. This indication may be achieved by displaying the movement guides 401 and 403 in a first color, such as red, when the patient's 105 head is out of alignment with the first and third anatomical planes, respectively. This indication may also be achieved by some other visual indication, such as displaying an "X" on each movement guide 401-403 where the patient's 105 head is out of alignment. In other embodiments, audio directions may be provided to the patient 105 based on the patient's 105 alignment. In further embodiments, visual indications and audio directions may be used in tandem to position the patient 105.

[0037] FIG. 4B illustrates a second example of a positioning guide 400. Based on the outline provided by the positioning guide 400 illustrating the current alignment of the patient's 105 head, the patient 105 can reposition their head to move into alignment. As the patient's 105 head is aligned in each of the first, second, and third anatomical planes, the movement guides 401-403 dynamically change to indicate to the patient 105 that their head is aligned in each plane. For example, in FIG. 4B, the movement guides 401 and 403 change color, stop displaying alignment lines, and display check marks to the patient 105 indicating that their head is aligned in the first and third anatomical planes. Portions of the positioning guide 400 may also be displayed in different colors or have specific graphic elements added or removed when the patient's 105 head is aligned in a particular anatomical plane.

[0038] 4C illustrates a third example of a positioning guide 400. In FIG. 4C, movement guides 401-403 all show the head properly aligned with each of the anatomical planes. Other portions of the positioning guide 400 may also change, for example, changing the outline of the positioning guide, changing color, etc.

[0039] Once the patient 105 is properly positioned, the X-ray image acquisition procedure can begin. To assist in maintaining proper patient positioning, in some embodiments, the display 120 displays a progress indicator (in one example, a progress bar) in addition to the positioning guide 400. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the positioning guide 400 displayed with a progress indicator 500. The progress indicator 500 shows the patient 105 how far along the X-ray image acquisition procedure they are, so that they know to maintain proper position until the procedure is complete. By remaining still during the procedure, motion artifacts are reduced. While the progress indicator 500 is illustrated as a progress bar in FIG. 5, the progress indicator may be any suitable graphic for showing progress to the patient, such as a rotating wheel, a text box showing a percentage complete, or other method of showing progress.

[0040] In some embodiments, display 120 is not coupled to the column of X-ray imaging system 140. In some cases, it is connected or coupled to other components of X-ray imaging system 140. In still other embodiments, display 120 is located near X-ray imaging system 140, e.g., in the same room, and is communicatively coupled to X-ray imaging system 140. In these embodiments, instead of providing directions to patient 105 through one-way mirror 115 on display 120, camera 110 captures images of the face of patient 105 and a second user, such as a nurse, dentist, dental hygienist, or other operator, displays the captured images from camera 110 on display 120, and provides instructions to patient 105 to properly position themselves for the X-ray imaging procedure. Similar to movement guides 401-403 described above, the second user of display 120 can view the movement guide displayed on display 120 and provide positioning instructions to patient 105 based on the displayed movement guide.

[0041] 1A , electronic processor 125 is electronically connected to display 120 and camera 110 and controls, among other functions, the operation of display 120 and camera 110. Electronic processor 125 may be a programmable electronic microprocessor, microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), or similar device. Electronic processor 125 may also be implemented in several independent processors (e.g., a programmable electronic control unit), each configured to perform a specific function or sub-function. Furthermore, electronic processor 125 may contain sub-modules configured to handle input / output functions, signal processing, and application of the methods described herein.

[0042] The electronic processor 125 is also communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer-readable medium 130 and a human-machine interface 135. The electronic processor 125 is configured to retrieve data from the non-transitory computer-readable medium 130 and to execute software associated with, among other things, the processes and methods described herein.

[0043] The human-machine interface 135 includes an input device, an output device, or a combination thereof. For example, the human-machine interface 135 may include a display device separate from the display 120, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a keypad, buttons, a cursor control device, a printer, a speaker, a virtual reality headset, a microphone, etc. In some embodiments, the system 100 includes multiple human-machine interfaces. For example, the system 100 may include a touchscreen or a keypad. In some embodiments, the human-machine interface 135 is included in the same housing as the electronic processor 125. However, in other embodiments, the human-machine interface 135 may be external to the electronic processor 125 but communicate with the electronic processor 125 via a wired or wireless connection. As described herein, one or more human-machine interfaces 135 receive input from a user that the electronic processor 125 uses to control the system 100.

[0044] 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method 600 for positioning a patient 105 for X-ray image acquisition, according to one embodiment. The method 600 includes receiving, by the electronic processor 125 (at block 605), image data from the camera 110. The image data may be still images or video data. The image data includes an image of the face of the patient 105.

[0045] Based on the received image data, the electronic processor 125 identifies (at block 610) at least one facial feature of the patient 105. For example, as described above, an associated axis, such as the Frankfort line, back-front line, or feet-head line, may be identified using the facial feature in the coordinate system of the camera 110. The additional image data is then used to register the initial model. Based on the difference between the initial frame of image data and the current frame of image data, the associated axis may be updated and the current orientation of the patient's 105's head may be determined. In another example, instead of using the difference between the initial frame of image data and the current frame of image data, continuous landmark detection (e.g., tracking the eyes, nose, mouth, or other facial features) may be used to obtain the current orientation of the patient's 105's head.

[0046] Using the current orientation of the patient's 105 head, the electronic processor 125 can determine (at block 615) whether the patient's face is aligned with at least one anatomical plane. For example, as described above, the current orientation of the head may be compared to the mid-sagittal plane, coronal plane, and others. Based on the type of x-ray image acquisition being performed, the patient 105 must be aligned with various combinations of anatomical planes. The current orientation of the head is compared to the desired combination of anatomical planes for alignment.

[0047] If the current orientation of the head is aligned with all of the desired anatomical planes, the electronic processor 125 is configured (at block 620) to display instructions to the patient 105 using a movement guide with alignment indicators that indicate to the patient 105 that the patient 105 is aligned. For example, FIG. 4C illustrates this condition. If the current orientation of the head is out of alignment with one or more anatomical planes, the electronic processor 125 instead displays movement guides that illustrate the current orientation of the head relative to the various anatomical planes, allowing the patient 105 to see where the head is out of alignment and correct it. This condition is illustrated in FIG. 4A.

[0048] When the patient is aligned with the various anatomical planes, the electronic processor 125 may be configured to begin x-ray image acquisition and may also display a progress indicator to the patient 105. The progress indicator indicates how complete the x-ray image acquisition is, providing a visual reference for how long the patient 105 must maintain the current aligned position. Once the progress indicator is complete, the patient 105 may move again. The progress indicator may also be displayed in a portion of the display 120 so that the patient 105 may use it as a focus point for maintaining proper alignment. This portion of the display 120 may be determined by the electronic processor 125 before or after alignment is determined.

[0049] The following examples illustrate exemplary systems and methods described herein: Example 1: A dental x-ray image acquisition system comprising: at least one camera configured to capture images of a patient; a display configured to display the images; a one-way mirror positioned between the patient location and the display; and an electronic processor coupled to the camera and the display, wherein the electronic processor is configured to control the display and the camera. Example 2: A dental X-ray image acquisition system as described in Example 1, wherein a one-way mirror is also positioned between the camera and the patient. Example 3: A dental X-ray image acquisition system according to example 1 or 2, wherein the camera is a component of the display. Example 4: A dental X-ray image acquisition system as described in Example 1, wherein the camera is a three-dimensional camera. Example 5: A dental X-ray image acquisition system comprising: at least one camera configured to capture images of a patient; a one-way mirror positioned between the patient's location and a display; and an electronic processor coupled to the camera and the display, wherein the electronic processor is configured to select an operating mode for the display based on user input, and to display at least one image on the display based on the selected operating mode. Example 6: The system of example 5, wherein the operational mode is an operational mode selected from the group of operational modes consisting of a mirror mode, an extend mode, a write mode, and a monitor mode. Example 7: The system of example 6, wherein the mirror mode comprises the display displaying a low intensity dark background image. Example 8: The system of Example 6, wherein the extended mode comprises a display that displays a low-intensity dark background image on a first portion of the display and at least one other image on a second portion of the display. Example 9: The system of Example 8, wherein the at least one other image displayed on the display is a positioning guide for the patient. Example 10: The system of Example 9, wherein the positioning guide illustrates at least one movement guide for the patient. Example 11: The system of example 10, wherein the movement guide illustrates a movement direction for the patient. Example 12: A system described in Example 10 or 11, wherein the movement guide illustrates the alignment of the patient's head with respect to at least one anatomical plane. Example 13: The system of Example 12, wherein the movement guide illustrates the alignment of the patient's head with respect to two or more anatomical planes. Example 14: A system described in Example 12 or 13, wherein the graphical elements of the movement guide are changed when the patient's head is aligned with at least one anatomical plane. Example 15: A method for positioning a patient for X-ray image acquisition, comprising: receiving, by an electronic processor, image data from at least one camera; identifying, by the electronic processor, at least one facial feature of the patient in the image data; determining, by the electronic processor, whether the patient's face is aligned with at least one anatomical plane based on the at least one facial feature; and displaying, by the electronic processor, at least one movement guide on a display based on the determined alignment of the patient's face. Example 16: The method of example 15, wherein the movement guide includes an indicator that the patient's face is aligned with at least one anatomical plane. Example 17: The method of Example 16, further comprising displaying, at the electronic processor, a progress indicator instructing the patient to maintain their current position for the duration of the image acquisition. Example 18: The method of example 15, wherein the movement guide includes an indicator that the patient's face is not aligned with at least one anatomical plane. Example 19: The method of any of Examples 15 to 18, wherein at least one axis is detected using at least one facial feature. Example 20: The method of example 19, wherein the current orientation of the patient's face is determined using at least one axis.

[0050] In the foregoing specification, particular embodiments have been described. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present teachings.

[0051] Benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause or make more noticeable any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. The present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

[0052] Further, in this document, relative terms, e.g., first and second, top and bottom, etc., may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. "Comprises," "comprising," "has," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," or any other variation thereof, is intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises...a," "has...a," "includes...a," or "contains...a" does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, or contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially," "essentially," "approximately," "about," or any other version thereof, are defined as close as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art; in one non-limiting embodiment, the term is defined to be within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, and within 0.5%. As used herein, the term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a particular way is at least configured in that way, but may also be configured in ways not listed.

[0053] It will be understood that some embodiments may consist of one or more general-purpose or specialized electronic processors (or "processing devices"), such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors, and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), as well as unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control one or more electronic processors to implement some, most, or all of the functionality of the methods and / or apparatuses described herein, in conjunction with specific non-processor circuitry. Alternatively, some or all of the functionality may be implemented in state machines without stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in which each function, or some combination of specific functions, is implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches may be used.

[0054] Furthermore, an embodiment may be implemented as a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., including an electronic processor) to perform the methods described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, ROMs (read-only memories), PROMs (programmable read-only memories), EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories), EEPROMs (electrically erasable programmable read-only memories), and flash memories. Furthermore, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be readily able to generate such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, albeit with potentially considerable effort and many design choices motivated, for example, by available time, current technology, and economic considerations.

[0055] Furthermore, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separate claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. 1. A dental x-ray image acquisition system, comprising: at least one camera configured to capture images of the patient; a display configured to display an image; a one-way mirror positioned between the patient's location and the display; an electronic processor coupled to the camera and the display; the electronic processor is configured to control the display and the camera; the one-way mirror is also positioned between the camera and the patient; the electronic processor is further configured to select an operational mode of the display based on user input, and to cause at least one image to be displayed on the display based on the selected operational mode; the operation mode is selected from a group of operation modes consisting of a mirror mode, an extension mode, a write mode, and a monitor mode; Dental X-ray image acquisition system.

2. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 1 , wherein the camera is a component of the display.

3. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 1 , wherein the camera is a three-dimensional camera.

4. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 1 , wherein the mirror mode comprises the display displaying a low intensity dark background image.

5. 2. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 1, wherein the extended mode comprises the display displaying a low intensity dark background image on a first portion of the display and at least one other image on a second portion of the display.

6. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 5 , wherein the at least one other image displayed on the display is a positioning guide for the patient.

7. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 6 , wherein the positioning guide illustrates at least one movement guide for the patient.

8. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 7 , wherein the movement guide illustrates a direction of movement for the patient.

9. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 7 , wherein the movement guide illustrates alignment of the patient's head with respect to at least one anatomical plane.

10. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 9 , wherein the movement guide illustrates alignment of the patient's head with respect to two or more anatomical planes.

11. 10. The dental x-ray image acquisition system of claim 9, wherein a graphical element of the movement guide is altered when the patient's head is aligned with the at least one anatomical plane.

Images