Dental Imaging Controller Using 3D Surface Models for Focal Trough Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dental X-ray imaging systems face challenges in maintaining patient positioning stability during imaging, leading to motion artifacts and suboptimal image quality due to unknown anatomical shapes, which affect the accuracy and clarity of dental X-ray images.
Innovation Solution
A controller and imaging system that utilizes optical scanner data to create a three-dimensional surface model, allowing for the detection of motion and adjustment of imaging parameters to align with anatomical shapes, thereby reducing artifacts and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional supporting means (chin rest, static bite stick, head support) are used to position the patient, then the patient positioning is achieved, but the patient cannot maintain steady position during imaging, causing motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The bite stick is transformed from a static supporting means to a dynamic device that can move in three-dimensional space. The bite stick includes movable components (first and second bite sticks that can move relative to each other, and a chin rest that can move relative to the bite stick) allowing it to adapt to different patient anatomical shapes and maintain optimal positioning during imaging, thereby reducing motion artifacts caused by rigid positioning constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical scanners to capture patient anatomical data and provides feedback to adjust the bite stick positioning. The controller receives optical scan data, processes it to determine anatomical shape, and automatically adjusts the bite stick position and orientation to match the patient's actual anatomy, creating a closed-loop system that improves positioning stability and reduces motion artifacts.
2Ease of manufacture
If an average shape is used for all patients in panoramic imaging, then the imaging process is simplified, but the image quality is non-optimized due to unknown actual anatomic shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optical scanning of the patient's anatomy before the actual X-ray imaging. The optical scanner captures three-dimensional anatomical data, which is then processed to determine the patient's specific dental arch shape. This preliminary action allows the bite stick to be pre-positioned and configured to match the patient's actual anatomy, ensuring optimal image quality while maintaining process simplicity through automated data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positioning parameters of the bite stick based on patient-specific anatomical data. Instead of using a fixed average shape, the controller adjusts the bite stick's position, orientation, and shape parameters to match the patient's actual dental arch geometry. This parameter adaptation is achieved through automated processing of optical scan data, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving image quality optimization.
3Device complexity
If the patient positioning is done using rigid supporting means, then the setup is simple, but the patient and/or X-ray imaging unit moves between targeting and scanning phases, causing blurred or distorted images
Solution Approach 1:
The bite stick is designed with dynamic movement capabilities, allowing it to adjust its position and orientation during the imaging process. The first and second bite sticks can move relative to each other, and the chin rest can move relative to the bite stick, enabling the system to maintain optimal positioning relationships even as the patient or imaging unit moves, thereby preventing image distortion while managing complexity through controlled mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional rigid mechanical positioning mechanisms with a more sophisticated system that integrates optical scanning, computer processing, and dynamically adjustable mechanical components. Instead of relying solely on fixed mechanical supports, the system uses optical data to control precise mechanical adjustments, reducing the overall complexity of rigid positioning while improving image accuracy through adaptive positioning.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a controller (106) for dental imaging of an object. The controller comprises: at least one processor (802), and at least one memory (808) including computer program code (814). The at least one memory (808) and the computer program code (814) is configured to, with the at least one processor (802), cause the controller (106) at least to: obtain first image data from an optical scanner unit (104); obtain second image data from a dental X-ray imaging unit (102); produce a first surface model (202) from the obtained first image data, wherein the first surface model (202) represents an optical three-dimensional shape of a surface of a first part of the object; use the first surface model (202) to process the obtained second image data; determine based on the first surface model (202) an anatomic shape of the object; and adjust a reconstruction of a dental X-ray image from the obtained second image data so that a focal trough in the dental X-ray image corresponds to the anatomic shape of the object determined based on the first surface model (202). The invention relates also to an imaging system (100), a method, a computer program (814), and a computer-readable medium for dental imaging of an object.