Offset X-ray Emitter Array for Dental Panoramic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray systems for orthopantomography in the dental field face challenges in reducing opposing jaw artifacts, which complicate diagnosis and require repeat exposures, leading to increased radiation exposure and complex operation.
Innovation Solution
The x-ray system employs an extraoral x-ray system with an x-ray emitter array having offset individual emitters, allowing for vertical blurring of structures outside the sharp layer, and a computing unit that weights image pixels to enhance contrast and reduce artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single x-ray emitter and detector move around the patient's head in defined relative positions, then the panoramic image can be produced, but opposing jaw artifacts occur due to unfavorable superimposition of imaged structures
Solution Approach 1:
The x-ray emitter is divided into multiple individual x-ray emitters (at least two) that are offset along a predetermined direction. Each emitter captures projection images from slightly different angles, allowing the computing unit to separate and reduce opposing jaw artifacts through image processing while maintaining sharp layer visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using offset individual x-ray emitters that capture different portions of the patient's head with different geometric relationships to interfering structures. This allows selective enhancement of sharp layer structures while suppressing artifacts from specific regions through weighted summation in the computing unit.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If patient head position is adjusted or different imaging programs are selected to reduce opposing jaw artifacts, then artifact reduction is achieved, but device operation becomes complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically reducing opposing jaw artifacts through the computational processing of images from multiple offset emitters. The computing unit automatically applies weighted summation algorithms to suppress artifacts, eliminating the need for operator intervention in positioning adjustments or imaging program selection, thus maintaining ease of operation while achieving artifact reduction.
3Measurement precision
If repeat exposures are performed to compensate for opposing jaw artifacts, then diagnostic quality may be improved, but radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the x-ray emission into multiple offset sources that simultaneously capture projection images with different geometric relationships to interfering structures. The computing unit processes these segmented images through weighted summation to produce a single panoramic image with reduced artifacts, achieving diagnostic quality in one exposure and eliminating the need for repeat exposures, thus reducing radiation exposure.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple offset individual x-ray emitters are used to reduce opposing jaw artifacts, then artifact reduction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual x-ray emitters into a unified emitter array that functions as an integrated imaging system. The offset emitters are combined with their corresponding detector areas and collimation systems to work together, with the computing unit merging the projection images through weighted summation. This merging approach achieves artifact reduction while managing device complexity through integrated design.
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 effectively reduces opposing jaw artifacts, simplifies x-ray device operation, and improves image quality by enhancing contrast and diagnostic visibility of structures within the sharp layer.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray emitter array (3) having at least two individual x-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) each for emitting x-ray radiation
Implementation Method 2
an aperture means (not shown) for collimating the x-ray radiation emitted by the individual x-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) onto the said respective areas to be irradiated
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray detector (4) for at least partially detecting the x-ray radiations emitted by the individual x-ray emitters (3a; 3b; 3c) during one revolution
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an extraoral x-ray system (1) suitable for dental panoramic imaging of a patient, comprising: an x-ray emitter array (3) having at least two individual x-ray emitters (3a;3b;3c) each for emitting x-rays, and offset at least along a predetermined direction; and an x-ray detector (4) for at least partially detecting the x-rays emitted by the individual x-ray emitters (3a;3b;3c) during one revolution, wherein the x-ray emitter array (3) and the x-ray detector (4) being arranged for movement relative to one another about an axis running parallel to the said predetermined direction, wherein the areas of the x-ray detector (4) respectively irradiated by the individual x-ray emitters (3a;3b;3c) at least partially overlap; an aperture means for collimating the x-ray radiation emitted by the individual x-ray emitters (3a;3b;3c) to the respective areas to be irradiated; a control device for moving the x-ray emitter array (3) and the x-ray detector (4) about the said parallel running axis, and for controlling the individual x-ray emitters (3a;3b;3c) and for reading out the image series of the respective irradiated areas of the X-ray detector (4) during the said revolution; a computing unit for generating one panoramic image (16) of a layer to be sharply imaged by using said at least two image series, the computing unit being configured to apply a weighting of image pixels when generating the said one panoramic image (16), wherein the said image pixels belong to at least the two image series.