X-Ray Image Display With Layered Depth Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging technologies, such as panoramic and cephalometric X-ray images, suffer from insufficient depth resolution, making it difficult to distinguish between inner and outer dental roots and requiring unnecessary overexposure for detailed imaging.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray image display apparatus that enhances depth resolution by reconstructing X-ray images using a wider X-ray sensor and multiple frame data from a single scan sequence, allowing for adjustable display of image layers with varying thickness, angle, shape, and position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional panoramic X-ray imaging is used, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the depth resolution is insufficient making it difficult to distinguish between inner and outer dental roots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple scan sequences, each capturing different angular ranges of X-ray data. By segmenting the overall imaging task into multiple passes with the X-ray source and sensor rotating at different angular ranges, the system accumulates sufficient data to reconstruct images with improved depth resolution while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual scan sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional panoramic imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging by acquiring X-ray data from multiple angles across multiple scan sequences. This dimensional enhancement allows reconstruction of images at different depths and improves depth resolution, enabling differentiation between structures at different z-positions such as inner and outer dental roots.
2Measurement precision
If multiple scan sequences with wider angular ranges are used to improve depth resolution, then the imaging time and data processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by acquiring complete sets of X-ray data at multiple predetermined angular ranges before reconstruction. Multiple scan sequences are executed in advance, collecting all necessary data from different angular ranges (e.g., -60° to 60°, -30° to 30°) so that the reconstruction process can selectively combine data to achieve desired depth resolution without requiring additional scanning time during image generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular range parameter across different scan sequences to optimize both imaging time and depth resolution. By varying the angular coverage in each scan sequence and selectively using data from different angular ranges during reconstruction, the system achieves improved depth resolution while managing total imaging time through efficient parameter optimization.
3Loss of information
If conventional single-layer panoramic imaging is used, then the display is simple, but it cannot clearly show structures at different depths simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the volumetric X-ray data into multiple image layers corresponding to different depth positions along the z-axis. Each image layer represents a specific depth range and can be independently processed and displayed. This segmentation preserves depth information by organizing three-dimensional data into discrete two-dimensional slices that can be viewed separately or combined, preventing loss of depth information while managing display complexity through systematic organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms three-dimensional volumetric X-ray data into multiple two-dimensional image layers that represent different depths. This dimensional transformation allows simultaneous visualization of structures at different depths by displaying multiple layers, either separately or in combination. The depth dimension is preserved through the layering approach, enabling observers to distinguish between structures at different z-positions such as inner and outer dental roots.
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
Improves depth resolution and display efficiency, enabling clear differentiation between image layers and reducing unnecessary exposure in dental and ENT imaging.
Implementation Method 1
when they reach the X-ray sensor, they are converted into electrical signals by photoelectric effect
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed is an X-ray image display apparatus with improved depth resolution, the display apparatus including a storage storing a plurality of X-ray frame data about a subject, an image processor reconstructing a first X-ray image by using a first group of X-ray frame data constituted by at least a portion of the plurality of X-ray frame data and reconstructing a second X-ray image by using a second group of X-ray frame data constituted by at least a portion of the plurality of X-ray frame data, a display configured to provide a screen, and a viewer module displaying a background image display part and a partial image display part disposed at a portion of the background image display part on the screen, displaying the first X-ray image on the background image display part, and displaying a portion of the second X-ray image corresponding to the first X-ray image on the partial image display part.