X-ray Imaging Unit for Dental Panoramic Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray panoramic imaging techniques face challenges such as mechanical burden and data processing complexity, with limitations on X-ray sensor width and driving methods, leading to blurred images and increased X-ray exposure.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray image forming device with a rotating and linearly movable member, acquiring penetration data from multiple directions to generate projection data within a predetermined angle range, allowing for the reconstruction of two-dimensional panoramic images without sensor width limitations and reduced computational burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the X-ray sensor width is reduced to below 5-20mm to reflect the curve shape of the image layer, then the curve shape can be reflected in the X-ray penetration data, but the cervical vertebrae are included in the image causing overlap and ghost effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional panoramic imaging to three-dimensional volumetric imaging. By acquiring X-ray data from multiple directions (top, bottom, left, right) and reconstructing in 3D space, the system can selectively display only the dental arch region while excluding cervical vertebrae, thus resolving the contradiction between capturing the curved dental arch and avoiding unwanted anatomical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging process into multiple directional scans (top, bottom, left, right) and separates the region of interest (dental arch) from other anatomical structures. The 3D reconstruction allows selective visualization of only the desired anatomical region, eliminating the problem of cervical vertebrae inclusion
2Productivity
If the rotating shaft performs fast linear motion at start and end of imaging, then the imaging speed is improved, but excessive load is applied to the machine during acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic scanning action where the rotating shaft performs repeated rotational movements at fixed angular intervals (e.g., 10 degrees) rather than continuous linear motion. This periodic rotational action eliminates the need for acceleration and deceleration phases, maintaining constant speed operation and reducing mechanical load while achieving fast imaging through multiple rapid scans
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex two-axis drive system with a simpler single-axis rotational system. By substituting linear motion with rotational motion, the system eliminates the need for heavy acceleration and deceleration mechanisms, reducing mechanical burden while maintaining imaging speed through rapid repeated rotations
3Reliability
If a three-axis drive system is used to perform panoramic imaging without generating X-rays transmitted through cervical vertebrae, then the cervical vertebrae are excluded from the image, but the mechanical structure becomes heavier and larger with large mechanical burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional volumetric reconstruction from multiple directional scans to achieve selective visualization of the dental arch. This 3D approach allows the system to exclude cervical vertebrae from the final image without requiring complex three-axis mechanical positioning, as the data processing selectively reconstructs only the desired anatomical region
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex three-axis mechanical positioning with a simpler single-axis rotational scanning system combined with computational 3D reconstruction. The mechanical system performs repeated rotational scans at fixed intervals, and the image processing algorithm selectively reconstructs the dental arch region, eliminating the need for heavy three-axis positioning mechanisms
4Ease of operation
If the two-axis drive system is used to control the rotating shaft, then the panoramic scanning can be performed, but the mechanical structure becomes complicated with excessive load during acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the two-axis drive system with a simpler single-axis rotational system. The complex coordinated control of rotational and linear motion is substituted with simple single-axis rotational scanning at fixed angular intervals, maintaining panoramic imaging capability while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity and control requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic rotational scanning at fixed angular intervals (e.g., 10 degrees) rather than continuous variable-speed linear motion. This periodic action simplifies the drive system by eliminating the need for complex acceleration and deceleration control, requiring only simple on/off switching at regular angular positions
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
Enables the formation of high-quality two-dimensional and three-dimensional images with minimal calculation and reduced X-ray exposure, eliminating the need for separate imaging modalities and minimizing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
X-ray radiography is a radiography method using straightness and attenuation of X-rays, and based on the amount of attenuation accumulated in the course of the X-rays passing through an FOV (field of view), it is used to obtain a visual image of the internal structure of the FOV
Implementation Method 2
based on the amount of attenuation accumulated in the course of the X-rays passing through an FOV (field of view)
Data Source
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AI summary
An X-ray image forming device is disclosed. The disclosed device may comprise: an X-ray photographing unit including a rotation member which can rotate about a rotation shaft and straightly move, and an X-ray light source and an X-ray sensor mounted opposite to each other at both ends of the rotation member while a region of interest is placed therebetween; a penetration data acquisition unit for acquiring X-ray penetration data in various directions crossing and penetrating an image layer in the region of interest by controlling the X-ray photographing unit; and an image reconstruction unit for generating, from the X-ray penetration data, a predetermined angular range of projection data for each section of the image layer, and reconstructing a two-dimensional X-ray panoramic image for the image layer using the projection data.