Panoramic X-Ray Reconstruction for Reduced Tooth Overlap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Panoramic x-ray images often include regions with overlapping neighboring teeth, which complicates or prevents successful diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented x-ray imaging method that acquires 2D images at various directions, identifies overlapping regions, and determines optimal radiographic directions to reduce overlap, using AI algorithms for identification and direction determination, and reconstructs panoramic images with reduced overlap, optionally providing additional information or insets for visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional panoramic x-ray imaging is used to capture the entire jaw, then complete coverage of dental structures is achieved, but overlapping of neighboring teeth occurs which complicates diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the panoramic image into multiple local regions, each corresponding to different sections of the jaw. For each region, the system independently determines optimal radiographic directions that minimize tooth overlap, rather than using a single global direction for the entire image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different radiographic directions for different regions of the panoramic image. Each region can have its own optimized direction tailored to the specific anatomical features present, such as the position and orientation of teeth in that particular section of the jaw.
2Reliability
If multiple 2D x-ray images are acquired at different radiographic directions, then comprehensive data for reconstruction is obtained, but identification and selection of optimal directions requires complex processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically identifying overlapping tooth regions and determining optimal radiographic directions before final image reconstruction. This pre-processing step prepares the data in an optimized state, making the subsequent reconstruction process more efficient and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes the 2D x-ray images to identify overlapping regions and calculate optimal radiographic directions. This intermediary step acts as a mediator between raw image acquisition and final reconstruction, automatically selecting the best directions to minimize overlap.
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 diagnostic accuracy by minimizing overlap regions in panoramic images, allowing dentists to better assess dental structures.
Implementation Method 1
an x-ray source for emitting x-ray towards a patient
Implementation Method 2
an x-ray detector for detecting the x-rays transmitted through the jaw of the patient
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented x-ray imaging method for generating a panoramic image (1) with reduced overlapping of neighboring teeth (8), comprising: a step of acquiring a plurality of 2D x-ray images (2) respectively at a plurality of different radiographic directions (3) by means of rotating an x-ray source (4) and an x-ray detector (5) around the jaw (6) of a patient; characterized by further comprising: a step of identifying one or more regions (7) each including at least one pair of overlapping neighboring teeth (8) in the 2D x-ray images (2) and/or in temporary panoramic images reconstructed from the 2D x-ray images (2) for which an optimal radiographic directions (3') may be determined, among the corresponding radiographic directions (3), which reduces the overlap in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed, and a step of determining one or more optimal radiographic directions (3') respectively among the corresponding radiographic directions (3) of the 2D x-ray images for which one or more regions (7) each including at least one pair of overlapping neighboring teeth (8) has been identified in the identifying step, to reduce the overlaps in the panoramic image (1) to be reconstructed.