Pan-oral X-ray Source Trajectory Adjustment for Dentition Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panoramic imaging systems face challenges in accurately capturing the dentition of patients due to fixed focal trough dimensions and operator errors, leading to distorted images when the dentition is not perfectly aligned within the focal zone.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use a pressure-sensitive bite plate to generate data points representing the spatial positions of the dentition, compute a fitted curve using linear regression techniques, and adjust the x-ray source trajectory to ensure x-ray radiation is perpendicular to the fitted curve, forming a focal trough that contains the dentition for clear imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed focal trough is used in conventional pan-oral imaging systems, then the system structure is simple and easy to operate, but the imaging precision deteriorates when the patient's dentition does not perfectly align with the fixed focal trough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed focal trough into a dynamic, adjustable focal trough that can adapt to different patient dentitions. The system determines the patient's actual dentition position and dynamically adjusts the x-ray source trajectory and focal trough position accordingly, allowing the imaging parameters to change in real-time based on patient-specific anatomy rather than relying on a static pre-set trajectory
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying key imaging parameters including the x-ray source trajectory, focal trough position, and imaging plane orientation based on the detected dentition characteristics. The system changes these parameters dynamically during the imaging process to optimize the focal trough alignment with the patient's actual dentition, thereby improving imaging precision without requiring a completely new system architecture
2Measurement precision
If approximation profiles are used to match patient dentition, then the operation process is simplified, but the imaging accuracy deteriorates due to operator error and mismatch between approximation and actual dentition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the feedback principle by using the detected actual dentition position as feedback to automatically adjust the imaging parameters. The system detects the patient's dentition characteristics, compares them with the planned imaging parameters, and automatically modifies the x-ray source trajectory and focal trough position to achieve optimal alignment, eliminating the need for manual operator judgment and approximation profile selection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the imaging system to automatically determine and adjust its own parameters based on the patient's actual dentition. The system performs self-calibration by detecting dentition landmarks and automatically computing the optimal imaging trajectory, reducing reliance on operator skill and experience while improving consistency and accuracy across different patients and operators
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 allows for precise spatial adjustment of the x-ray source, reducing distortion and improving the clarity of panoramic images by aligning the focal trough with the actual dentition, thereby enhancing the accuracy of dental imaging.
Implementation Method 1
providing an incident direction of x-ray radiation substantially perpendicular to points along the fitted curve within the defined spatial coordinate system
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product for performing pan-oral imaging. A plurality of data points are generated which are representative of spatial positions of an actual dentition of a patient with respect to a defined spatial coordinate system. A fitted curve through at least a portion of the spatial positions of the dentition is computed using the plurality of data points. A pan-oral image acquisition trajectory is then computed with respect to a defined spatial coordinate system using the fitted curve. A pan-oral image of the dentition is then acquired along the pan-oral image acquisition trajectory.