Dental CT Artifact Removal via Surface Model Overlay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental imaging technologies struggle to remove artifacts from x-ray data without also removing significant portions of desired image data or requiring manual pre-positioning of data sets, especially in the presence of metal objects like fillings or braces.

Innovation Solution

A system that combines CT and surface scanning data to automatically align and overlay three-dimensional models, identifying and removing artifact data points that extend beyond the surface model, thereby eliminating the need for manual intervention and preserving desired image data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If x-ray and non-x-ray data are combined to remove artifacts, then artifact reduction is improved, but significant amounts of desired image data are removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartifact reductionVSAvoiddesired image data loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the problem by separating artifact removal from desired data preservation through multi-step processing. It divides the data into different components (original x-ray data, surface scan data, difference maps) and processes them separately before recombination, allowing selective removal of artifacts while preserving valid anatomical information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate data structures as mediators between the x-ray and surface scan data. Difference maps and confidence maps serve as intermediary representations that facilitate the comparison and integration of multiple data sources, enabling artifact removal without direct loss of desired information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If pre-positioning techniques are used to combine data sets, then manual intervention is required, but the task of combining data sets is made easier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata set combination easeVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment and self-registration of data sets through automated algorithms. The computer automatically identifies corresponding features between x-ray and surface scan data, calculates transformation parameters, and aligns the data sets without requiring manual manipulation by technicians or dentists.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation of images with automated computational algorithms. Instead of manually positioning and aligning data sets on screens, the system uses computer-based image processing, feature matching, and mathematical transformation to automatically register and combine the data sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple x-ray data sets are substituted to remove artifacts, then artifact removal is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveartifact removalVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple data sources (x-ray CT data and optical surface scan data) into a unified representation. By combining complementary information from different modalities, the system achieves artifact removal while managing processing complexity through integrated multi-modal data fusion rather than substituting multiple similar data sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach effectively removes artifacts from CT models of teeth without compromising the integrity of the image data, ensuring accurate and automated processing of dental imaging without manual pre-positioning, thus enhancing the quality of three-dimensional dental reconstructions.

Implementation Method 1

X-ray technology can be used to generate a three-dimensional, digital representation of a subject using computed tomography (CT)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray penetration: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

a surface scanner (such as a laser or structured light scanning system) that captures data representing the shape and texture of the surface of the patient's teeth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10096094B2Alignment of mixed-modality data sets for reduction and removal of imaging artifacts

Publication Date: 2018.10.09 DENTAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for removing reflective artifacts from an imaging model. An x-ray detector captures x-ray images that include a structure and an imaging device captures a surface scan of the same structure. An image processor constructs a three-dimensional CT model of the structure from the x-ray images and constructs a three-dimensional surface model of the structure from the surface scan. The image processor is configured to resize and orient the surface model and/or the CT model so that they are the same scale and orientation, overlay the surface model onto the CT model, and detect data points in the combined data set that extend beyond a surface of the structure in the surface model. The detected data points represent artifacts in the CT model and are adjusted by interpolation to produce an artifact-reduced CT model.