Dental X-Ray Imaging Means with Origin-Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dental CT photographing devices face challenges in obtaining a large Field Of View (FOV) without increasing costs, as larger photo receiving surfaces require more expensive x-ray imaging equipment and complex data processing, and precision issues arise when trying to combine projection images.
Innovation Solution
A dental x-ray photographing device that includes an x-ray source, imaging means, rotating and sliding mechanisms, and an image processing system, which moves the imaging means linearly along the photo receiving surface to secure precise movement and combine projection images with the same phase angle, using an origin-position detecting system with a light blocking plate and optical sensor to improve positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the photo receiving surface is enlarged to obtain a larger FOV, then the FOV increases, but the cost of x-ray imaging means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple segments by moving the x-ray imaging means to different detection positions (first detection position and second detection position) to capture different regions of the object. The projection images from these segments are then pasted together to form a complete large FOV image, avoiding the need for a single large photo receiving surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the area of the photo receiving surface in two dimensions, the patent adds a third dimension by moving the imaging means along the arcuate guide rail to different positions, capturing images from multiple locations and combining them to achieve a larger effective FOV.
2Area of stationary object
If the photo receiving surface is enlarged to obtain a larger FOV, then the FOV increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging task is segmented into multiple passes, with the imaging means capturing projection images at different detection positions. This segmentation allows the use of a smaller, simpler photo receiving surface while achieving a larger effective FOV through image composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures multiple copies of projection images at different positions and phases, then composes them together. This copying approach allows reconstruction of a large FOV image using data from multiple smaller captures, avoiding the need for a single large detector.
3Area of stationary object
If the x-ray imaging means is moved along an arcuate guide rail to obtain a large FOV, then the FOV increases, but the movement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an origin-position detecting means that detects the position of the x-ray imaging means along the guide rail and provides feedback to the control device. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for positional variations and maintain precision in image composition despite movement along the arcuate path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical precision positioning with a combination of arcuate movement and computational image composition. Instead of requiring high-precision mechanical positioning, the system uses the predictable arcuate geometry combined with phase-angle-based image pasting to achieve accurate results.
4Area of stationary object
If the x-ray imaging means is moved along an arcuate guide rail to obtain a large FOV, then the FOV increases, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The origin-position detecting means provides feedback on the position and phase angle during movement, allowing the control device to automatically synchronize and paste projection images with the same phase angle. This feedback mechanism simplifies the data processing by providing the necessary alignment information directly from the position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from complex real-time image registration to a simpler process based on phase angle parameters. By using the phase angle of the supporting means as the key parameter for image pasting, the system simplifies the data processing complexity while maintaining accuracy.
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
Enables the acquisition of highly precise images with a large FOV using an inexpensive x-ray imaging system with a narrow photo receiving surface, improving movement precision and reducing costs by managing detection positions and adjusting phase angles for accurate image composition.
Implementation Method 1
an origin-position detecting means for detecting an origin position of the x-ray imaging means, and the x-ray imaging means is moved linearly from the predetermined origin position to the first detection position and the second detection position, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A dental x-ray photographing device includes a rotating means (3) for rotating an arm (2) which supports an x-ray source (11) and an x-ray imaging means (12), a sliding means (4) for linearly moving the x-ray imaging means (12). The dental x-ray photographing device obtains a first set of projection images which goes through a first region by moving the x-ray imaging means (12) to a first detection position, obtains a second set of projection images which goes through a second region by moving the x-ray imaging means (12) to a second detection position, and paste the first set of projection images and the second set of projection images together. An origin-position detecting means (5) for detecting an origin position of the x-ray imaging means (12) includes an optical sensor (52) that detects a position of an end (51a) of a light blocking plate that linearly moves together with the x-ray imaging means (12), and detects a time point at which the end (51a) of the light blocking plate passes the optical sensor (52) in the forward direction as the origin position. According to such a configuration, it becomes possible to obtain a highly precise and large FOV using the x-ray imaging means that has a narrow photo receiving surface.