3D Dental Model Mapping for Sharper Panoramic X-Ray Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panoramic imaging techniques require additional x-ray exposure and computational effort for sharpness optimization, and existing autofocus techniques are inefficient in improving image sharpness without additional radiation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a digital 3D model of the patient's dental condition to deform the initial panoramic layer to conform with the 3D surface of the teeth and gingiva, eliminating the need for scout shots and autofocus, by mapping anatomical structures through a transformation matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scout shots are used to determine patient position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optical scanning of the patient's teeth and gingiva to create a 3D surface model before panoramic imaging. This pre-acquired anatomical information is used to pre-position the panoramic layer, eliminating the need for additional scout shots and reducing patient radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If autofocus techniques are used to optimize panoramic layer, then image sharpness is improved, but computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-acquires optical data of the patient's dental structures and pre-positions the panoramic layer based on this information before the actual panoramic imaging. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for post-processing autofocus calculations, reducing computational effort while maintaining image sharpness
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D copy of the patient's teeth and gingiva surface from optical scanning data. This digital model is used to determine the optimal panoramic layer position, replacing the need for complex autofocus algorithms that would otherwise be required to achieve the same sharpness optimization
3Productivity
If standard panoramic layer positioning is used, then processing speed is maintained, but image sharpness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs optical scanning and creates a 3D surface model of the patient's teeth and gingiva before panoramic imaging. This preliminary anatomical information is used to pre-position the panoramic layer, achieving both high processing speed and improved image sharpness without requiring post-processing autofocus calculations
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer implemented method of generating a final panoramic image (13) of a patient, comprising the steps of: acquiring (S1) a digital 3D model (14) of a dental condition of the patient which describes the 3D surface of the teeth and the gingiva; acquiring (S2) two-dimensional x-ray projection images (15) by rotating an x-ray detector (4) and an x-ray source (3) along a trajectory around the patient's head; setting (S3) an initial panoramic layer (16) of the patient to be imaged relative to the trajectory; reconstructing (S4) an initial panoramic image (17) based on the initial panoramic layer (16) and the x-ray projection images (15); setting (S5) a plurality of reference points (P1, P2) on the initial panoramic image (17), and finding the corresponding plurality of points (P1', P2') on the digital 3D model (14); selecting (S6) a plurality of points (P1", P2") on the initial panoramic layer (16) which correspond to the plurality of reference points (P1, P2) set on the initial panoramic image (17); finding (S7) a mapping function (F) that maps the plurality of points (P1", P2") selected on the initial panoramic layer (16) to the corresponding plurality of points (P1', P2') found on the digital 3D model (14); deforming (S8) the initial panoramic layer (16) in accordance with the mapping function (F) to obtain a final panoramic layer (18); reconstructing (S9) the final panoramic image (13) based on the x-ray projection images (15) and the final panoramic layer (18); displaying the final panoramic image (13).