阅读说明：本技术 三维x射线成像系统 (Three-dimensional X-ray imaging system ) 是由 D·C·特纳 D·P·汉森 T·L·约德 于 2018-05-03 设计创作，主要内容包括：在本申请中描述了三维x射线成像系统。具体地，本申请描述了一种收集一系列2D图像投影的3D牙科口内成像(3DIO)系统。所述x射线成像系统包括：壳体；x射线源，其被附接到铰接机架或运动机架，所述铰接机架或运动机架被配置为使所述壳体内的所述源移动到多个位置；x射线检测器阵列，其被定位在待成像的物体的与所述x射线源相对的侧上，其中所述检测器阵列与所述x射线源同步，以当所述x射线源位于多个成像位置时捕获所述物体的2D图像；以及处理器，其被配置为接受所述2D图像并且重建3D图像。所述多个成像位置可以位于大体上平行于所述x射线检测器阵列的平面上。描述了其他实施方案。(Three-dimensional x-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, the present application describes a 3D dental intraoral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The x-ray imaging system includes: a housing; an x-ray source attached to an articulated gantry or a moving gantry configured to move the source within the housing to a plurality of positions; an x-ray detector array positioned on an opposite side of an object to be imaged from the x-ray source, wherein the detector array is synchronized with the x-ray source to capture 2D images of the object when the x-ray source is in a plurality of imaging positions; and a processor configured to accept the 2D image and reconstruct a 3D image. The plurality of imaging positions may be located on a plane substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array. Other embodiments are described.)

1. An x-ray imaging system comprising:

a housing;

an x-ray source attached to a moving gantry, the moving gantry configured to move the source within the housing to a plurality of positions;

an x-ray detector array positioned on an opposite side of an object to be imaged from the x-ray source, the detector array synchronized with the x-ray source to capture two-dimensional (2D) images of the object when the x-ray source is at the plurality of locations; and

a processor configured to accept the 2D image and reconstruct a three-dimensional image;

wherein the plurality of locations lie on a plane that is substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the object is a single tooth or a plurality of teeth.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of x-ray sources are attached to the moving gantry.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to reconstruct the 3D image using a tomosynthesis algorithm

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the tomosynthesis algorithm comprises an iterative process.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein movement of the x-ray source within the housing is partially or fully automated.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the system collects up to 1000 2D images.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the system collects 6 to 32 2D images.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the system collects 9 to 24 2D images.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the system repositions the x-ray source between the plurality of positions within about 40ms to about 100 ms.

11. A method for forming a three-dimensional image of an object, comprising:

disposing an x-ray source on a moving gantry, the moving gantry configured to move the source within a housing, the x-ray source located on one side of an object to be imaged;

positioning an array of x-ray detectors on opposite sides of the object;

moving the x-ray source within the housing to a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions lying on a plane substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array;

collecting a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images of the object while the x-ray source is at the plurality of locations; and

reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image using the plurality of 2D images.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the object is a single tooth or a plurality of teeth.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein a processor is configured to reconstruct the 3D image using a tomosynthesis algorithm

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the tomosynthesis algorithm comprises an iterative process.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein a plurality of x-ray sources are attached to the moving gantry.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein movement of the x-ray source within the housing is partially or fully automated.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the system collects up to 1000 2D images.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the system collects 6 to 32 2D images.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein the system repositions the x-ray source between the plurality of positions within about 40ms to about 100 ms.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the entire process of image capture and 3D reconstruction for a single tooth can be completed in less than about 10 seconds.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein the entire process of image capture and 3D reconstruction for a single tooth can be completed in less than about 5 seconds.

Technical Field

The present application relates generally to X-ray equipment. More particularly, the present application relates to x-ray devices and systems for three-dimensional imaging.

An X-ray imaging system typically comprises an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. X-rays (or other types of radiation used for imaging) are emitted from the source and impinge on the X-ray detector to provide an X-ray image of one or more objects placed between the X-ray source and the detector. The X-ray detector is often an image intensifier or even a flat panel digital detector.

Background

An X-ray imaging system typically comprises an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. X-rays (or other types of radiation used for imaging) are emitted from the source and impinge on the X-ray detector to provide an X-ray image of one or more objects placed between the X-ray source and the detector. The X-ray detector is often an image intensifier or even a flat panel digital detector.

Intraoral radiography (intra-oral radiography) is a standard imaging technique in dentistry, where biting flaps and periapical x-rays are considered standard of care in dental practice. However, many features of the tooth anatomy are not visible in standard intraoral radiographs because standard intraoral radiographs are 2D projections of 3D structures. In addition, while bite wing radiographs are very good at detecting interproximal caries, slight angular changes may prevent proper diagnosis due to overlap with adjacent teeth or other factors. Tooth fractures and/or small fissures are not visible in radiographs unless the image projection angle coincided coincidently with the fissure direction. For endodontics, the curvature of the root is not always visible, since the radiograph only shows the projection, not the true length or vector of the root. In some cases, if overlapped in the 2D image, the extra or attached root canal is not visible. Radiographs are also used for planting planning. While cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is often used for implant planning, most implants are directed to a single tooth. Thus, when only 3D image information of a single tooth is required, the patient receives a relatively high dose because CBCT scanning is performed for the entire oral cavity.

Disclosure of Invention

The present application relates generally to three-dimensional (3D) x-ray imaging systems. In particular, the present application describes a 3D dental intraoral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The x-ray imaging system includes: a housing; an x-ray source attached to an articulated gantry (gantry) or moving gantry configured to move the source within the housing to a plurality of positions; an x-ray detector array positioned on an opposite side of an object to be imaged from the x-ray source, wherein the detector array is synchronized with the x-ray source to capture 2D images of the object when the x-ray source is in a plurality of imaging positions; and a processor configured to accept the 2D image and reconstruct a 3D image. The plurality of imaging positions may be located on a plane substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array.

The imaging system may form a three-dimensional image of an object by: disposing an x-ray source on a moving gantry, the moving gantry configured to position the source within a housing, the x-ray source located on one side of an object to be imaged; positioning an array of x-ray detectors on opposite sides of the object; moving the x-ray source within the housing to a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions lying on a plane substantially parallel to the x-ray detector array; collecting a plurality of 2D images of the object while the x-ray source is at the plurality of locations; and reconstructing a 3D image using the plurality of 2D images.

These x-ray systems and methods provide a fast method of imaging an object, such as a tooth, while using a low radiation dose.

Drawings

The following description may be better understood in light of the accompanying drawings that illustrate various embodiments and configurations of imaging systems.

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of some embodiments of a 3DIO imaging system;

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of some embodiments of an image produced by a 3DIO imaging system;

3-4 illustrate some embodiments of geometries of some components in a 3DIO imaging system;

5-6 illustrate some embodiments of movement of an x-ray source in a 3DIO imaging system;

7-8 illustrate some embodiments of a 3DIO imaging system installed into a facility in a dental office;

FIG. 9 illustrates some embodiments of a housing of a 3DIO imaging system and components contained within the housing;

FIG. 10 illustrates some embodiments using multiple x-ray sources within the housing of a 3DIO imaging system; and

fig. 11 depicts still other embodiments of a 3DIO imaging system.

Together with the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the structures and methods described herein. In the drawings, the thickness and size of components may be exaggerated or otherwise modified for clarity. The same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same elements, and thus their description will not be repeated. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the described apparatus.

Detailed Description

The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the described X-ray system may be practiced and used without these specific details. Indeed, the described systems and methods may be put into practice by modifying them, and may be used in conjunction with any other instruments and techniques conventionally used in the industry. For example, while the following description focuses on an imaging system for dental imaging, the imaging system may be used for other purposes, such as medical imaging, veterinary imaging, industrial inspection applications, and anywhere standard 2D x radiographic images are currently generated using x-ray photographic equipment.

In addition, as used herein, an object (e.g., a material, element, structure, member, etc.) can be on, arranged on, attached to, connected to, or coupled to another object, whether directly on, directly attached to, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other object, whether or not one or more intervening objects are present between the one object and the other object, such as at … (on), arranged on … (dispensed on), attached to (attached to), connected to (connected to), or coupled to (coupled to), etc. Additionally, directions (e.g., on top of … (on top of), below … (below), above … (above), top (top), bottom (bottom), side (side), up (up), down (down), below … (under), above … (over), upper (upper), lower (lower), lateral (lateral), edge (orbital), horizontal (horizontal), etc.), if provided, are relative and provided by way of example only and for ease of illustration and discussion and not by way of limitation. Where a list of elements (e.g., elements a, b, c) is referenced, such reference is intended to include any one of the listed elements alone, any combination of less than all of the listed elements, and/or combinations of all of the listed elements. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "a", "an", and "one" are each interchangeable with the terms "at least one" and "one or more".

Current 2D radiographs of objects such as a patient's teeth are often obscured to the detection of problems or defects because they are often unable to visualize fractures in the teeth, and because they use planar projections, they may miss tooth curvatures and other anomalies important to dental diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is becoming widely used in dentistry instead of 2D radiographs. In CBCT, the head of a patient is positioned between a large imaging detector and an opposing x-ray source. The detector and source are rotated around the head while taking multiple 2D images. Using these 2D images, 3D images of the patient's oral and maxillofacial anatomy can be reconstructed. This technique works very well for imaging the entire oral cavity and displaying the spatial relationship between the teeth and other skeletal structures located within the patient's head. Thus, CBCT techniques are often used for dental implantation and orthodontic procedures where such spatial relationships are important.

However, projecting x-rays through the entire head, as required in CBCT procedures, results in high x-ray scatter and attenuation from unresolvable anatomy. This can result in spatial resolution in CBCT images that is much poorer than intraoral radiography using 2D radiographs, where the sensor is located close to the tooth of interest. In addition, patient dose during CBCT is much higher than in intraoral radiography using 2D radiographs. This situation is of particular concern because most orthodontic procedures are performed on children who are more susceptible to radiation injury than adults. And because of the high radiation dose, CBCT procedures are often not used to image a single tooth, nor only a few teeth. Thus, CBCT is not an effective and safe imaging tool for most dental procedures involving only a single tooth or a few teeth.

Recognizing the limitations of CBCT procedures and 2D radiographs, the system described herein uses intra-oral imaging techniques that can be rendered as high resolution 3D images. These 3DIO (three-dimensional, intraoral) systems provide a simple 3D imaging technique that uses 2D radiographs taken at low radiation doses to provide 3D high resolution images.

Some embodiments of a 3DIO system are illustrated in figures 1-10. In fig. 1, 3DIO system 10 includes an imaging detector 20, which imaging detector 20 is positioned inside the mouth of a patient and is relatively fixed adjacent to a tooth (or teeth) 40 of the patient. The 3DIO system 10 also includes an x-ray source 30, the x-ray source 30 being located within the housing 50. The housing 50 may be connected to the support arm 60.

The 3DIO system 10 may include any X-ray source 30 and X-ray detector 20 that allows the system 10 to take multiple 2D X radiographic images or radiographs. The X-ray source 30 may comprise any source that generates and emits X-rays, including a standard fixed anode X-ray source, a microfocus X-ray source, a rotating anode X-ray source, and/or a fluorescent X-ray source. In some embodiments, the x-ray source can operate with about 40kV to about 90kV and about 1mA to about 10 mA. In other embodiments, the x-ray source may be operated with about 75kV and about 2 mA. In some embodiments, the X-ray source and X-ray detector may be made modular, such that different sizes and types of X-ray sources and X-ray detectors may be used.

The X-ray detector 20 may comprise any detector that detects X-rays, including an image intensifier, a CMOS camera, and/or a digital flat panel detector. In some configurations, the detector may have a substantially square shape having a length in a range of about 20cm to about 30 cm. However, in other configurations, the x-ray detector 20 need not have a substantially square shape.

In some configurations, the X-ray detector 20 is synchronized with the X-ray source 30. Thus, the x-ray detector is activated substantially simultaneously with the activation of the x-ray source, thereby capturing 2D projection images generated by x-ray radiation passing through the tooth/teeth of the patient and onto the detector.

In some configurations, the X-ray detector 20 may have a fast readout speed. In the 3DIO system described herein, this readout speed may range from about 5 frames per second to about 6 frames per second. This fast speed allows the necessary number of frames to be taken within a reasonable period of time. In other embodiments, the detector readout speed may be greater than 10 frames per second. In still other embodiments, the detector readout speed may be greater than 20 frames per second. In still other embodiments, the detector readout speed may be about 30 frames per second.

In some embodiments, it is desirable to limit the number of pixels in the x-ray detector to a reasonable number, such as in the range of 100,000 to 190,000 pixels. More pixels not only require slightly longer readout times, but also add more complexity to the reconstruction algorithm used to render the 3D image from the 2D image. However, the number of pixels in the detector can be kept within this range because of the size constraints imposed by the need to fit within the patient's mouth, and because of the reduced complexity of the mathematics required to reconstruct the image. Thus, in these embodiments, only 2 to 3 teeth may be properly imaged because of the size of the detector.

As shown in detail in fig. 9, the X-ray source 30 may be contained within a housing 50. The housing 50 may be configured to enclose a first portion of the x-ray source 30, as shown in fig. 9. The housing 50 also encloses a second portion containing a counterweight 260 for the X-ray source 30, the counterweight 260 facilitating smooth vibration-free rotational movement of the source 30. The x-ray source 30 and its associated power electronics 190 and counterweight 260 are located on generally opposite sides of the rotating mechanical assembly 250. The rotating mechanical assembly 250 is mounted to the shaft 220 having an axis of rotation 240 using bearings and an electric motor assembly 230.

As shown in fig. 9, the housing 50 may be configured such that it is a single part that encloses both the X-ray source 30 and these components. In other configurations, the housing may be divided into different sections to contain the x-ray source 30 and other components. As shown in fig. 9, the electronic components 210 for control and power regulation may be located externally to the housing 50. In other embodiments, these electronic components 210 may be located on a support arm or other convenient location. In still other embodiments, the electronic components 210 may be located inside the housing 50.

In some embodiments, multiple x-ray sources may be used in a 3DIO system. In these embodiments, as shown in fig. 10, the multiple x-ray sources (30, 270) will achieve a reduction in the mechanical rotational speed required to cover all desired source positions required to generate a 3D image. These sources may be activated in an alternating manner or otherwise as needed to obtain all desired 2D images from each x-ray source location within the head. The remaining components in fig. 10 may be similar to those shown in fig. 9, except that the second x-ray source and its associated high voltage electronics 270 have replaced the counterweight 260.

The use of multiple sources 30 within the housing 50 will also provide the benefit of reducing motion blur in the acquired x-ray images, as the x-ray source moves at a lower speed than would be required for a single source. Using multiple substantially identical sources 30 will also eliminate the need for counterweights, as multiple sources can be positioned to create a balanced rotating system. More than two x-ray sources may be incorporated into a 3DIO system, where the entire 360 degree circle is divided by the number of sources used, such that the multiple sources are evenly distributed around the circular frame to which they are mounted. Of course, using multiple sources will increase the overall cost and complexity of the system, and thus the needs and constraints of the intended use will need to be considered in selecting the number of sources to be included within a particular 3DIO system.

In some configurations, a 3DIO system may include a removable power source (such as a battery) and optionally a power supply (power supply). In these configurations, the power source and power supply may be located inside the housing. The support electronics described herein for the power source and power supply, as well as the support electronics for image display and for wireless data upload, may also be located inside or outside of the housing 50. Thus, in these configurations, the system 10 does not include an external power cord. Incorporating the power source (i.e., battery), power supply and support electronics all within the housing 50 allows for a reduction in the size, weight and external complexity of the device. With such a configuration, the power source can be easily replaced, and 60 or more x-ray images can be delivered using one charge. Of course, 3DIO system 10 may be configured such that it is alternatively or additionally charged using external power from a power cord plugged into a wall outlet, if desired. In other configurations, multiple power supplies may be provided for the source, detector and control electronics, any (or all) of which may be located inside or outside the housing.

The support arm 60 can have any configuration that allows the x-ray source 30 within the housing to direct a beam of x-rays through a tooth (or teeth) and onto the detector 20 at a desired angle. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the support arm 60 has a substantially straight configuration with the housing 50 attached to one end of the support arm 60. In other configurations, the support arms need not be straight, and may have joined or articulated sections. In still other configurations, the housing 50 may be attached to the support arm 60 at any location other than the end.

In other embodiments, 3DIO system 10 further comprises a frame that can be coupled to support arm 60. The framework may be configured to give the user a number of easy-to-grip options during operation of the 3DIO system 10. The frame may comprise one or more cross members, one or more length members and one or more handles. The length and diameter of the various components in the frame may be varied as desired by the individual operator. In some embodiments, the frame may be configured as a modular unit, so that different cross-members (or length members or handles) may be used to replace existing cross-members (or length members or handles). Thus, the frame provides the user (or operator) with the ability to grip and position the 3DIO system 10 prior to operation, if desired.

The framework may also contain buttons (or triggers) that may be used to operate the 3DIO system 10. In some configurations, 3DIO system 10 may be configured with two or more flip-flops. In these configurations, the trigger may be disposed at multiple locations on the frame such that the trigger is always convenient for the operator to use regardless of how the 3DIO system 10 is held in the operator's hand. For example, the trigger may be placed on the cross-member, the length member, and/or the handle. In another embodiment, the trigger may be connected to the rest of the 3DIO system by a long cable, thereby enabling a remote triggering process. These multiple triggers make the 3DIO system easier to operate and easier to hold in a user's hand when the 3DIO system is to be used for analysis of a patient. The required internal electronics may be carried within the frame in order for the trigger to operate the device. In other configurations, one or more of these triggers may be remote triggers connected through wired or wireless control. An optional button cover and/or a forced push sequence may be used to prevent accidental x-ray emission.

Another embodiment of an external structure is illustrated in fig. 8. In this figure, 3DIO system 10 with frame 150 can be attached to a support 300. The bracket 300 includes a base 305 and an arm 315 extending upward toward the extension 310. Extension 310 is connected to a joint, which in turn is connected to frame 150 of 3DIO system 10. In other configurations, 3DIO system 10 may be connected to a movable support structure. In such a configuration, the moveable support structure may be configured to move across the floor while supporting the 3DIO system 10. Thus, the moveable support structure may include one or more wheels, shelves, handles, monitors, computers, stabilizing members, limbs, legs, struts, cables, and/or weights (to prevent the weight of the imaging arm and/or any other component from tipping the moveable support structure). Accordingly, the moveable support structure may comprise a wheeled structure connected to a bracket that contains a joint connected to frame 150 of 3DIO system 10.

In some configurations, the 3DIO system may be mounted to a wall or chair, as depicted in fig. 7. In order for the 3DIO system to be mountable to a wall, it is desirable that the 3DIO system should fit within a rectangular volume of less than 40cm x 60cm and weigh less than about 5 Kg. In other configurations, the 3DIO system may be less than about 27cm by 40cm and weigh less than about 3 Kg. If it is larger or heavier than these amounts, it will be difficult to be wall-mounted or chair-mounted, the operator will be difficult to locate, and it will increase the anxiety of the patient.

To reduce size and/or weight, 3DIO systems may be equipped with small and lightweight components. Over the past decade, there has been significant innovation in the miniaturization of x-ray tubes. Low power x-ray source assemblies are available which have made handheld x-ray devices possible. These lightweight sources can greatly simplify the task of motion automation of the 3DIO system described herein. Furthermore, the new CMOS detector is much more sensitive, resulting in a smaller dose being applied to the patient than required by conventional CCD designs. The new CMOS detector also has a very high readout speed, allowing for the rapid collection and transmission of multiple 2D images. In fact, a low power x-ray tube and a new intra-oral CMOS detector can be combined to achieve the same imaging efficiency achieved in some conventional tomosynthesis systems.

In some configurations, 3DIO system 10 may include any suitable locking mechanism that can quickly lock and unlock the movement of support arm 60 or housing 50. For example, the locking mechanism may include a motorized lock, a power lock, a radio controlled lock, or a cable actuated lock, among others.

The 3DIO system 10 may also include an optional shield. When operating a 3DIO system, shielding is used to protect the operator from backscattered x-rays. Thus, the shield may be made of any radiation shielding material (including leaded acrylic material) and may be shaped such that it protects the operator. The shield may be configured to be removed from the 3DIO system if desired.

The 3DIO system 10 also includes a user input/output (I/O) mechanism. In some implementations, the I/O mechanism includes a user interface and a display combined in a touch screen monitor or display. This monitor may be attached to the frame using a ball joint or any joint having multiple free angles so that a user or operator of the apparatus can position the monitor as desired.

The 3DIO system 10 may be controlled by an operator, such as a clinician, doctor, radiologist, dentist, technician, or other medically trained professional and/or worker using an I/O mechanism. In some embodiments, the operator may control the 3DIO system 10 at or from a central system controller, such as a system console adjacent the equipment. An operator may interact with the system controller through various optional user interfaces that are integrated with the I/O mechanisms or remain separate from the I/O mechanisms. The console, user interface, or both 410 may be located adjacent to the 3DIO system 10 as shown in fig. 11. However, in other embodiments, the console and/or user interface may be located remotely, such as in an adjacent room, in order to protect the operator from unnecessary exposure to X-rays. In still other embodiments, the display panel may be positioned near the patient to facilitate work around the patient, but the console and imaging sequence triggers may be remotely positioned.

In some configurations, the x-ray source 30 within the housing 50 may be shielded with a bismuth (or other heavy metal) filled silicone material. Bismuth can be used in place of conventional lead in radiation shielding because bismuth is considered one of the less toxic heavy metals and is therefore environmentally preferred and provides radiation shielding comparable to lead. Likewise, there are a wide variety of functional sources of bismuth shielding materials and methods of making these materials that provide increased flexibility in design and manufacture and allow for a greater range of functions and uses than lead or lead-based materials. This shielding is therefore very effective in preventing leakage radiation, thereby protecting the operator from radiation exposure when the operator is using the 3DIO system 10.

In some embodiments, the effectiveness of the radiation shielding is dependent on the atomic number or Z value and the density of the shielding material. Denser shielding materials with higher Z values are better shielding materials for high energy x-rays and gamma rays. Thus, the radiation shield may comprise other high-Z metals such as iodine, barium, tin, tantalum, cesium, antimony, gold and tungsten.

The 3DIO system can also be connected to any type of electronic device through a wired connection or a wireless connection. In these embodiments, the 3DIO system may include a communication cable that connects the detector to desired electronics, such as a computer, which may be used to analyze the x-ray image from the detector. However, in other embodiments, the detector may be connected to any wireless communication device that can be paired with a desired electronic device.

The 3DIO system may also be configured to be integrated with any dental station. Thus, the 3DIO system may be configured to be connected to or moved to a first dental station and operated to capture an image of a first patient. The 3DIO system may then be removed from the first dental station and then connected with a second (or third, fourth, etc.) dental station to take images of additional patients.

As depicted in fig. 3-4, the 3DIO system may also be modified to incorporate a geometric calibration mechanism. In some configurations, the alignment mechanism uses a tooth feature as a fiducial marker. In other configurations, the geometric calibration may use image data for calibration rather than fiducial marks.

In some embodiments, the mechanical motion of the x-ray source may be partially or fully automated such that little operator intervention is required. In most embodiments, the automated motion will be a constant speed rotation, as this is the simplest mode of operation. However, other embodiments will use a stop-start approach, in which the X-ray source is held stationary during each X-ray exposure and then moved or rotated rapidly to the next position. Still other embodiments may use the following modes of operation: in this mode of operation, different rotational speeds are used at different points in the rotation.

The rotational speed or stop-start motion will be synchronized with the operation of the x-ray source and detector so that when the x-ray source is in the desired position in its movement or path, the x-ray source and panel are triggered or operated appropriately.

This rotational automation can be achieved by mounting the lightweight x-ray source on a moving gantry, which can be enclosed within a single housing. As mentioned above, the housing will be mounted on a wall-mounted arm like a modern intra-oral x-ray source, but there will be no movement of the housing itself. A partially or fully automated system would allow an operator to collect 3D images using operator-easily activated techniques, so that the operator and patient experience is comparable to the experience and techniques of a conventional single 2D radiograph. Ideally, the entire imaging sequence would be activated by pressing a single button or issuing a single command to a computer control system.

The use of partial or full automation of the motion of the x-ray source allows the 3DIO system to operate on a substantially continuous basis. The x-ray source may only pause long enough to provide the desired amount of x-rays before moving again, or the x-ray source may be allowed to move continuously. In most configurations, the x-ray source need only pause for about 10ms to about 40ms to transmit the x-ray beam toward the tooth. It then takes only about 40ms to about 100ms to reposition the x-ray source within the housing 50 before another set of x-ray beams is sent. The x-ray source can be moved and repositioned as many times as desired. In other words, the imaging process may be in the range of about 50ms to about 140ms per captured image on average.

The timing and sequence of x-ray exposures required to generate 2D image data to be processed into a 3D image needs to be as fast as possible. It is desirable to complete the entire procedure in a period of about 5 to 10 seconds, shorter times being preferred for reasons of patient comfort and because they make it easier for the patient to remain motionless during the imaging procedure. For example, if the imaging sequence needs to be completed in 6 seconds and a total of 24 images are needed within the 6 seconds, the 3DIO system will take 4 images per second. The x-ray source within the housing will need to complete almost one full revolution during these 6 seconds, or will have a rotational speed of about 10 rpm. Since in this embodiment the x-ray source can be pulsed at full power for 10ms to 20ms, it leaves approximately 230ms to 240ms available for the x-ray detector to read out the image data and prepare to receive the next x-ray pulse, which will occur once every 250ms at a different location of the x-ray source and thus generate the next 2D image. Thus, the entire imaging process of one tooth can be completed quickly (i.e., less than 5-10 seconds) so that patient motion does not affect the imaging process, or a simple patient stabilization device (i.e., chin rest) is sufficient to control patient motion.

If imaging of another tooth is desired, the housing 50 and detector positioned within the patient's mouth may then be moved to another location. After the housing and detector have been repositioned, imaging of the additional teeth may be performed in a similar manner as described above. This process can be repeated to image as many teeth as desired.

Using the 3DIO system described herein allows an operator to significantly reduce the time required to capture multiple 2D images and use them to render a 3D image. Generally, a process for rendering a 3D image using multiple 2D images may take less than about 120 seconds. In other embodiments, this time may be in the range of about 30 seconds to about 90 seconds. In view of the above-described time required to capture 2D radiographic images, the overall process for capturing 2D images and creating 3D images may be in the range of about 40 seconds up to 100 seconds or even up to 140 seconds.

As described, the 3DIO system can create a 3D image by: a first 2D radiographic image of the tooth is captured at a first angle, the position of the x-ray source is moved to take another image from a different angle, and then a reconstruction algorithm is used to render a 3D image from the two 2D radiographic images. In many configurations, more than two 2D radiographic images will be used to create a 3D image. In some embodiments, the number of 2D radiographic images can be any number ranging from 3 to over 1000 images. In other embodiments, the number of 2D radiographic images may be any number ranging from 6 to over 32 images. In still other embodiments, the number of 2D radiographic images may be any number in the range of 9 to 24 images. The actual number of images used will vary from one situation to the next, depending on the time available and the resolution required in the 3D image. The more 2D radiographic images that are used, the higher the resolution of the 3D image, but since the x-ray source must be moved from one location to another, the imaging process will take longer, the radiation dose applied to the patient is higher, and more time will be required for the 3D image calculation. On the other hand, the fewer 2D radiographic images used, the lower the resolution of the 3D image, but the faster the imaging process may be.

The x-ray source can be moved (or rotated) from angle of about 0 degrees to about 360 degrees in arbitrary increments on a circle lying in a plane substantially parallel to the detector 20, as shown in fig. 5-6. Unlike CBCT procedures, where the x-ray source rotates horizontally about the patient's head, the x-ray source 30 rotates in a circle in a plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth 40 and located on only one side of the patient's head. The detector 20 is fixed behind the tooth and, in some configurations, is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tooth. Thus, the mechanical gantry 70 can be used to rotate the x-ray source 30 about an axis of rotation 80 in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the detector. In fact, the x-ray source 30 may be rotated through any portion of an arc in the range of 0 degrees to about 360 degrees in the plane that is substantially vertical if the patient's teeth are oriented in a vertical direction. Thus, using the 3DIO system described herein, an operator can think of taking a 2D image from any location within the parallel plane by changing the position in polar coordinates, θ and φ, rather than changing the X and Y Cartesian coordinates. Alternatively, the same set of locations may be described using circular coordinates in the plane consisting of radius R and angle θ. Thus, the 3DIO system is different from conventional tomosynthesis for mammography or chest X-ray, where the source moves in a finite arc along a plane perpendicular to the face of the detector.

Because the X-ray source is moved in this manner (i.e., in a substantially circular motion and a substantially constant rotational speed), the apparent instantaneous movement speed of the X-ray source in the X-direction and Y-direction as defined by the detector array will be sinusoidal as it moves in a circle. The X and Y sinusoidal movements are also 90 degrees out of phase so that when the velocity in the X direction is at a maximum, the Y movement is zero and vice versa. To obtain maximum resolution in the resulting 3D image, the position of the X-ray source in its motion is tracked, and the pixels are appropriately weighted for X-resolution and Y-resolution during image reconstruction, so that an image taken when the X-ray source shows zero or a small amount of X-displacement is given a larger value in defining the X-resolution of the image feature, and the same method for the Y-resolution of the image feature, will help the reconstruction algorithm to reduce or eliminate motion blur caused by the continuous motion of the X-ray source during the 2D image capture process.

There are many 3D reconstruction systems or methods known in the art. Most of these systems or methods have failed in practice because the operator is required to manually reposition the x-ray source and take each 2D projection just as with standard intraoral radiography. The significant amount of time required for an operator to manually take 9 to 15 intraoral radiographs, coupled with the patient discomfort inherent in such procedures, coupled with the extended time required for the 3D reconstruction process, makes the use of these systems or methods impractical for most dental procedures.

The 3DIO system uses a much faster image capture process. This is mainly due to the automated image capture by simplifying the x-ray source motion by constraining the x-ray source to a circular motion in a plane substantially parallel to the detector and leaving the detector in the same position for each image. This approach may automate the image capture process.

The increase in parallel computing power of Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) hardware has allowed clinical implementation of iterative and statistical reconstruction techniques for tomography and tomosynthesis. These iterative techniques use variational-based methods (variational-based methods) to maximize the likelihood function that takes into account the probability that the detector measurements describe the reconstructed image. These enhancements, when combined with automated capture of 2D image data, may make it feasible to consider providing a 3DIO system as described that is comparable to the ease of use and workflow of standard 2D dental X-rays.

The use of these iterative techniques in the generation of 3D images provides several advantages. First, these techniques are robust to missing data and arbitrary projection scans (such as scans with non-standard geometries). Second, these techniques directly model the physical and noise characteristics of the imaging system. Third, these techniques allow the use of a priori probabilities of the 3D reconstructed image to reduce the time required for the algorithm to converge on the correct high resolution image.

The 3DIO system described herein exhibits some beneficial characteristics. One advantageous feature of 3DIO systems includes the ability to obtain high resolution 3D images while employing an x-ray dose minimization scheme. Prior to the 3DIO systems described herein, x-ray doses in the range of 300 μ Sv to 1,000 μ Sv were typically required in order to obtain 3D images with a resolution of 100 microns or better. The 3DIO system described herein allows the operator to achieve similar resolution with much smaller doses in the range of about 10 μ Sv to about 45 μ Sv.

Another beneficial feature includes improved imaging efficiency. This efficiency can be achieved because the system interacts and synchronizes a low power x-ray tube with the CMOS sensor and collects 2D images from multiple angles, thereby reducing the number of images required to obtain diagnostic quality images by optimizing spatial resolution, noise, contrast-to-noise ratio, and geometric accuracy. This would provide benefit to the practicing dentist by providing better diagnostic images of teeth with crevices, interproximal caries, root overlap (when viewed in 2D radiographs), and other abnormal anatomical and diagnostic challenges in dentistry.

The 3DIO system described herein may be implemented more quickly and at a lower cost than a Tuned Aperture Computed Tomography (TACT) system. The TACT system employs dental tomosynthesis and intraoral sensors, which can be as accurate as CBCT in detecting some tooth fractures. Indeed, commercial software for 3D reconstruction of tomosynthesis data using TACT has been developed. Unfortunately, this approach fails in clinical practice, primarily because the operator is required to manually reposition the x-ray source and take every 2D image similar to a standard intraoral radiograph. This illustrates the importance and value of 3DIO imaging methods that avoid the requirement of manually repositioning the x-ray source.

An attractive feature of the 3DIO system described herein is its adaptability to dental practice. In addition to only providing reduced x-ray dose and improved resolution compared to existing CBCT methods, dental imaging must satisfy a number of constraints to be employed in dental practice. The CBCT process, as well as some conventional 3D dental imaging systems and methods, have not been successfully approved by standard dental practice because they pose an unacceptable burden on patients and the practice of dentistry. These burdens include the following problems: an unacceptable monetary cost; unacceptable or unappealing burdens experienced by patients, such as personal discomfort, x-ray dose, and time to receive treatment at a dental office; and workflow interruptions in dental practice. Each of these problems needs to be processed and solved to create a 3D dental imaging system that is meaningful to most dental practices.

By way of explanation, a typical workflow for taking 2D images of teeth in dental practice is as follows. The dental technician or dentist will insert a digital imaging device into the mouth of the patient, the digital imaging device being sized to fit into the mouth with some degree of comfort. The x-ray source is then positioned outside the patient's mouth with the x-ray radiation properly aimed at the detector, and the x-ray source is then activated and an image is acquired. The entire process of obtaining a single x-ray image typically takes 30-60 seconds, with the additional image requiring less additional time because the required equipment is already in approximately the correct position.

In order to achieve a similar workflow for 3D dental images several requirements should be met. The first requirement is that the x-ray source must be low in weight and relatively small so that it can be mounted on a wall similar to standard dental x-ray equipment and can be easily and easily positioned if necessary. Alternatively, it may be mounted in other ways that provide suitable positioning. The second requirement is that the intraoral detector must be similar to existing intraoral detectors in terms of size, feel, degree of patient comfort, etc. The third requirement is that the entire imaging process must be able to be completed in a relatively short period of time, such as 5 to 10 seconds. A fourth requirement is that the positioning of the x-ray source relative to the patient and the intra-oral detector is done easily and quickly.

Likewise, typical 2D dental images are obtained without any constraints on the patient's motion or position, except that the verbal requirement remains motionless while the images are taken. 3D dental imaging procedures that cause significant discomfort to the patient by mounting a head restraint device or by requiring positioning of a large x-ray source device beside the patient's head will result in significant discomfort to the patient and subsequent patient resistance to using 3D imaging as standard practice.

Satisfying the need for a similar degree of patient comfort imposes the following constraints on 3D dental imaging systems. First, to avoid any kind of head motion limitation that would be more uncomfortable than a simple chin rest or similar method, the 3D imaging process must be done quickly, in the order of less than 5 seconds, and certainly less than 10 seconds. Since the number of 2D images required for accurate 3D rendering is typically between about 15 images and 50 images, the 2D image capture rate needs to be at least about 5 images per second or more.

The second constraint is that the x-ray source needs to be small and appear similar in size and shape to existing x-ray sources with which the patient is familiar. Also, since the imaging process must be completed quickly, and the x-ray source must be moved along an arc, circle, or some other geometric path to obtain the desired 2D image, it is necessary that the x-ray source be lightweight to simplify the mechanical movements, counterweights, and other engineering concerns required for management, and that the x-ray source also be physically small. It is desirable that the x-ray source itself weighs less than 1.5Kg, and must be less than 5Kg, and that it be less than about 20cm in length, less than about 8cm in width, and less than 8cm in height.

A third constraint relates to the speed and capability of the computer processor to perform the mathematically complex calculations required to reconstruct the 3D image. It is helpful to complete the 3D calculation within a short time after the acquisition of the 2D image data, also in order to meet the requirements for patient comfort and acceptance, and to fit the workflow of typical dental practice. It is expected that this requirement will become easier to meet as computer technology continues to evolve, but the time required to present the 3D data to the dentist should not exceed about 90 seconds.

Finally, the challenge of meeting monetary costs imposes constraints on the technologies that can be implemented in 3D imaging systems. Some methods use an x-ray source array for 3D dental imaging, but this incurs significant costs because it does not utilize existing, inexpensive, well developed, reliable vacuum tube x-ray sources. While technically attractive using advanced x-ray source arrays, there is little benefit to the dental practitioner or dental patient in terms of image quality, x-ray dose, or other important performance factors, compared to lower cost conventional x-ray sources, which can be easily moved and pulsed quickly to generate the required 2D x radiographic images within the desired time constraints.

Numerous other variations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art in addition to any previously indicated modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present description, and the appended claims are intended to cover such modifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has been described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner of operation and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts set forth herein. Additionally, as used herein, the examples and embodiments are intended in all respects to be illustrative only and should not be construed as being limiting in any way.