Patient-Specific Panoramic Imaging Using Jaw Arch Pre-Knowledge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing panoramic radiographs using extraoral X-ray machines fail to correct for deviations from the standard trajectory due to incorrect positioning or anatomical anomalies, leading to suboptimal image quality.

Innovation Solution

Determine the patient-specific X-ray trajectory and focal curve based on previous panoramic or 3D images, adjusting reconstruction parameters to optimize the recording and reconstruction of panoramic images, using neural networks to identify the jaw arch shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the standard trajectory (default trajectory) is used for panoramic imaging, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the image quality deteriorates when there is deviation from the reference trajectory due to incorrect positioning or anatomical anomalies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidtrajectory determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the patient-specific trajectory and focal curve before performing the panoramic recording. The system uses previous panoramic images or 3D images to predict the optimal trajectory in advance, allowing the X-ray source and detector to follow the correct path from the beginning, thus avoiding the need for complex downstream corrections and improving image quality without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the trajectory parameters from a fixed standard trajectory to a patient-specific dynamic trajectory. By adjusting the X-ray source and detector trajectory based on individual patient anatomy derived from previous images, the system optimizes image quality for each patient while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If downstream autofocus and software solutions are used to correct trajectory deviations, then some image quality issues can be addressed, but the complexity of the reconstruction process increases and significant anatomical anomalies cannot be corrected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidreconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying corrections downstream after recording, the patent performs the correction action preliminarily by determining the patient-specific trajectory before recording. This prevents the need for complex reconstruction algorithms and allows the system to handle significant anatomical anomalies effectively, as the correct trajectory is established from the beginning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary step of trajectory prediction using previous panoramic images or 3D images. This intermediary process enables the system to bridge the gap between standard trajectories and patient-specific anatomy, allowing accurate image acquisition without requiring overly complex real-time correction mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If repeat images and additional scout shots are taken to ensure diagnostic quality, then the diagnostic value is improved, but the radiation dose increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic valueVSAvoidimaging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary determination of the patient-specific trajectory using previous panoramic images or 3D images before the actual diagnostic imaging. This preliminary action ensures that the first diagnostic image is of high quality, eliminating the need for repeat images and additional scout shots, thus maintaining high diagnostic value while improving productivity by reducing the number of exposures required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4129191B1Optimization of extraoral panorama images by model-based pre-knowledge about the shape of the patient's jaw arch
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 DENTSPLY SIRONA INC
  • EP4129191B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4129191B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for producing a panoramic image, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: (S1) Based on one or more previous panoramic images or 3D images of a patient or one or more optical 3D scans, the jaw arch shape (11a) is determined as model-based prior knowledge of the anatomy of a patient (10); (S2) Using the model-based prior knowledge to determine a patient-specific trajectory (12) of the panoramic image of the patient (10) to be produced, such that the jaw arch shape (11a) or(S3) the position of the teeth (11b) can be optimally recorded; (S4) Performing the recording based on the determined patient-specific trajectory (12); (S5) Adapting reconstruction parameters according to the determined patient-specific trajectory (12); (S6) Using the model-based prior knowledge to determine the patient-specific focal curve (14) of the panoramic radiograph (10) to be produced so that the arch form (11a) or the position of the teeth (11b) can be optimally reconstructed; (S7) Reconstructing the panoramic radiograph using the recording data, the adapted reconstruction parameters including the determined patient-specific focal curve (14); (S8) Displaying the reconstructed panoramic radiograph.