3D Dental Intraoral X-Ray Imaging With Rotating Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental X-ray imaging techniques, such as 2D radiographs and CBCT, struggle to accurately visualize complex tooth structures and require high radiation doses, failing to detect issues like caries, root fractures, and tooth curvature due to superposition and low spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
A 3D dental intra-oral imaging system that captures a series of 2D images at different angles using a rotating X-ray source and stationary detector, reconstructing a 3D image from these projections to enhance visibility and reduce radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 2D radiographs are used for dental imaging, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the spatial resolution is insufficient and overlapping structures obscure diagnostic features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D radiographic imaging to 3D volumetric imaging by acquiring projections from multiple angular positions around the patient's head and reconstructing a three-dimensional volume. This dimensional change eliminates the superposition problem inherent in 2D imaging while providing true spatial resolution in all three dimensions, allowing clear visualization of dental structures without overlapping artifacts.
2Measurement precision
If CBCT is used to obtain 3D image information for implant planning, then complete oral cavity visualization is achieved, but the radiation dose is excessively high for single-tooth imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by limiting the 3D imaging volume to only the region of interest (single tooth or small area) rather than scanning the entire oral cavity as in CBCT. The conical beam geometry with the detector at the apex and X-ray source rotating on a circular path enables targeted acquisition of projections from multiple angles, reconstructing high-resolution 3D images of the specific dental structure needed while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding tissues and the rest of the oral cavity.
3Reliability
If multiple 2D images are taken at different angles to improve detection accuracy, then diagnostic capability increases, but the imaging time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous action by having the X-ray source rotate continuously on a circular path while acquiring projections at multiple angular positions, rather than taking discrete separate images. The conical beam geometry maintains continuous illumination of the region of interest throughout the rotation, enabling rapid acquisition of all necessary projection data in a single continuous motion, thereby achieving high detection accuracy without proportionally increasing imaging time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides high-resolution 3D imaging with reduced radiation dose, improving detection of dental anomalies like caries and root fractures while maintaining clinical efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
X-rays (or other types of radiation used for imaging) are emitted from the source and impinge on the X-ray detector to provide an X-ray image of the object or objects that are placed between the X-ray source and the detector
Implementation Method 2
The system generates a three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed volume based on a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) projection images. The 2D images are taken at different X-ray source positions located on a circle that defines the base of a regular geometric cone with the intraoral sensor located at the apex of the cone
Data Source
AI summary
Three-dimensional X-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The 2D images are taken at different X-ray source positions located on a circle that defines the base of a regular geometric cone with the intraoral sensor located at the apex of that cone. The application also describes a method for making a three-dimensional image of an object, comprising providing an X-ray source on a motion gantry on a first side of an object to be imaged, positioning a stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the object from the X-ray source, moving the X-ray source in a substantially-continuous, circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object to create a conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source, collecting multiple two-dimensional 2D images of the object when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions, and reconstructing a three-dimensional 3D image using the multiple 2D images. These X-ray systems and methods offer a quick method of imaging an object, such as a tooth, while at the same time using a low radiation dose.