Maxillofacial CT Image Orientation via Dental Arch Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing CT images of specific areas in dental radiography are cumbersome and require time, as they often do not align with familiar views for dentists, and require axial sectional planes to be displayed first, making it difficult to understand the position and direction of the region of interest.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that designates an interested area in a maxillofacial CT image by producing a standard observational X-ray CT image based on dental arch reference information, allowing for display in a direction normal to the dental arch curve, and displaying orthogonal sectional planes, enabling intuitive understanding of the area's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a slice plane is set in a desirable direction relative to the interested area using conventional CT image production methods, then the CT image can be obtained, but the operation becomes troublesome and requires much time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal slice plane directions and positions based on dental arch reference information before actual imaging. When producing a CT image, the system automatically retrieves these pre-prepared parameters and applies them, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual slice plane setting while maintaining accurate alignment with the dental arch structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the interested area and slice plane configuration by itself using the dental arch reference information, without requiring operator intervention. The automatic positioning and orientation functions enable the system to self-adjust the slice plane to the optimal direction based on the pre-stored dental arch model, significantly reducing operational time
2Adaptability or versatility
If CT images are cut out and displayed in an array with orthogonal slice planes as disclosed in JP-A-2002-11000, then multiple views can be provided, but the slice plane position and direction are hard to understand at once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dental arch reference model as an intermediary element that visually connects the slice plane position and direction to the actual dental anatomy. This reference model serves as a mediator between the abstract CT image coordinates and the familiar dental arch structure, enabling operators to intuitively understand the slice plane orientation and position by comparing it with the overlaid dental arch reference information
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a curved dental arch reference model that follows the natural curvature of the dental arch rather than using straight orthogonal lines. This curved reference framework better represents the actual anatomical structure, making it easier to understand the spatial relationship between the slice plane and the dental arch, thereby improving spatial comprehension
3Adaptability or versatility
If an axial sectional plane is displayed first and an oblique line is selected relative to it as disclosed in JP-A-8-215192, then an oblique sectional plane can be shown, but troublesome tasks are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores optimal oblique sectional plane parameters based on the dental arch reference information before actual imaging. These pre-prepared parameters include the oblique angle and position that best align with the dental arch structure, allowing the system to directly generate the optimal oblique sectional image without requiring operators to manually select oblique lines through multiple steps
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the optimal oblique sectional plane configuration by itself using the dental arch reference information, without requiring operator intervention to select oblique lines. The automatic positioning and orientation functions enable the system to self-adjust the slice plane to the optimal oblique direction based on the pre-stored dental arch model, significantly reducing operational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of displaying a standard observational X-ray CT image for diagnostics for use in an X-ray CT apparatus or an X-ray CT image display apparatus and an apparatus for displaying the same image are disclosed. The standard observational X-ray CT image can be displayed as a display image of at least one of an X-ray CT sectional image and a three-dimensional CT volume image depending on its purpose. The present method involves a step of designating the interested area with respect to the maxillofacial area of the object, a step of producing the standard observational X-ray CT image of the designated interested area, based on the dental arch reference information prepared in advance, and a step of displaying on a display means the standard observational X-ray CT image of the object thus produced.