Automated Dental X-Ray Positioning via Panoramic ROI Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dental tomographic X-ray imaging methods are time-consuming and prone to errors due to manual patient positioning, which can lead to inaccurate anatomical structure identification and measurements, especially in applications like implantology where precise orientation of the jaw and nerve canal positions are critical.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting a region of interest based on a panoramic image of the dental arch, calculating parameters for the local tomographic imaging process using a control unit, and repositioning the patient using a roto-translation motion to ensure accurate alignment and orientation, potentially aided by a template dental arch for improved spatial relation and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the bite support is used to adapt it to the patient and desired volume of interest, then the positioning can be customized for each patient, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and introduces substantial errors in patient positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the positioning parameters of the bite support based on the patient's panoramic image before the actual tomographic imaging process. The control unit automatically determines the optimal position and orientation of the bite support to align the volume of interest with the imaging system's reference axis, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated computer-controlled system. The control unit uses software algorithms to calculate positioning parameters and automatically adjusts the bite support position based on digital panoramic images, substituting the operator's manual mechanical adjustments with an automated digital control system that reduces both time and positioning errors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning is used, then flexibility in adapting to different patients is achieved, but positioning errors occur that affect anatomical structure identification and measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the patient's panoramic image as input to the control unit, which automatically calculates the optimal bite support positioning parameters. The system receives feedback from the panoramic imaging data and adjusts the positioning plan accordingly, ensuring reliable and consistent alignment for each patient without manual intervention errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the positioning parameters based on the patient's own panoramic image data. The control unit independently calculates the optimal position and orientation without requiring external manual measurement or adjustment, allowing the system to adapt to each patient's unique anatomy while maintaining high positioning reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional tomography or tomosynthesis is used with limited angle of view, then radiation dose is reduced, but the patient must be adequately oriented in three-dimensional space which requires time-consuming manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating the exact positioning parameters needed for limited-angle tomography or tomosynthesis based on the panoramic image. The control unit determines the optimal orientation and position of the bite support before acquisition, ensuring that the patient is correctly oriented for the reduced-dose imaging technique without requiring complex manual adjustments during the procedure.
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 simplifies patient positioning, reduces errors, and enhances image quality by ensuring precise alignment and orientation, resulting in more accurate anatomical reconstructions and reduced radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray source (3) and a detector (4), held by a pivotable support (5)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An apparatus and a method is proposed which allow for a simplified patient positioning based on the selection of a region of interest for the tomographic image of the dentition of a patient. The region of interest is selected on a previously acquired panoramic image of the dentition of the patient.