Virtual Dental X-Ray Generation from 3D Volume Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating intraoral X-ray images face challenges such as difficult device positioning, incomplete imaging due to imprecise positioning, and distortion in panoramic images, making it hard to diagnose specific dental findings accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method to generate a virtual dental image from a 3D volume by specifying a sub-volume and computing volumetric image data in a defined X-ray imaging direction, allowing for precise definition of the imaging area and exclusion of irrelevant structures, resulting in a clear and diagnostic intraoral X-ray image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a physical imaging device with bite block is used to capture intraoral X-ray images, then the imaging process can be performed with conventional equipment, but the device positioning becomes difficult and imprecise due to patient movement and unknown distances from teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the intraoral imaging process by generating synthetic 2D projection images from 3D volumetric data. Instead of using physical imaging devices that require precise positioning, the system computationally reconstructs X-ray images from pre-acquired 3D volume data, eliminating positioning errors entirely while maintaining diagnostic quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical imaging system (physical X-ray source, bite block, sensor positioning apparatus) with a computational system. The virtual imaging approach substitutes mechanical positioning operations with digital data processing, where sub-volumes are selected and projected through computer algorithms rather than physical device manipulation
2Reliability
If physical imaging devices are positioned in the patient's mouth, then imaging can be performed, but gaps may result between individual images due to imprecise positioning, leaving the oral cavity incompletely imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D volumetric data into multiple sub-volumes corresponding to different regions of interest in the oral cavity. Each sub-volume is independently selected and projected to create a series of virtual images that collectively cover the entire oral cavity without gaps, ensuring complete imaging through systematic data partitioning rather than physical repositioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary segmentation and identification of teeth and regions of interest from the 3D volume data before generating the final projection images. This preliminary action allows for precise definition of imaging boundaries and ensures complete coverage of the oral cavity by pre-planning the sub-volume selection strategy
3Area of stationary object
If panoramic tomography is used to image the dental arch, then a broad view is obtained, but distortion occurs making it hard to diagnose specific dental findings accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the oral cavity to be imaged with different characteristics. Instead of a single distorted panoramic view, the system enables selection of specific sub-volumes for particular teeth or regions of interest, with each region optimized for its specific diagnostic needs, thereby maintaining both broad coverage and local diagnostic precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the panoramic imaging task into multiple focused projection images of specific sub-volumes. Rather than attempting to capture the entire dental arch in one distorted image, the system divides the imaging into discrete regional views that can be individually optimized and diagnostically evaluated
4Reliability
If multiple intraoral images are taken to ensure complete coverage, then more comprehensive imaging is achieved, but the patient receives multiple X-ray exposures increasing radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of a single comprehensive 3D volumetric dataset that contains all necessary information for multiple projection views. This preliminary action captures the complete oral cavity in one imaging event, allowing subsequent virtual reformatting and multiple 2D projections to be generated from the same data without additional radiation exposure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for creating a virtual dental image from a 3D volume (1) comprising volumetric image data. Firstly, a sub-volume (8, 12, 15, 18) of the 3D volume (1) is defined and then a virtual projection image (30, 41) is generated for said sub-volume (8, 12, 15, 18) from a specific X-ray imaging direction (11) by computation of the volumetric image data in said X-ray imaging direction (11).