KR102551167B1 - Method, device and recording medium for obtaining panoramic images of a plurality of teeth - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment, a CT image of a plurality of teeth is acquired, tooth position information for a plurality of teeth is obtained from the CT image, and at least one of the upper and lower jaw trajectories generated based on the tooth position information is obtained. By displaying on one or more cross-sectional images, updating the trajectory based on a user input for the trajectory, and obtaining a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to the moving path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory, the panoramic image Disclosed are a method, a device, and a recording medium capable of improving the image quality of a panoramic image by deriving a photographic trajectory optimized for each patient to minimize tooth distortion and overlap for each patient before photographing and proceeding with photographing.

Description

Method, device and recording medium for acquiring panoramic images of a plurality of teeth

The present disclosure relates to a method, device, and recording medium for obtaining a panoramic image. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a technique for acquiring a digital dental panoramic image using a plurality of frame images obtained by photographing a patient's teeth.

Conventionally, when generating a panoramic image of a patient's teeth, a 3D medical image is obtained by photographing the patient's teeth while moving the photographing device in a predetermined direction, and then data is extracted from the 3D medical image to obtain a 2D panoramic image. was created.

In this conventional technique, since the arrangement of teeth is different for each person, and the structure of the patient's teeth arrangement is not known before the shooting begins, it is difficult to accurately take a panoramic shot. In addition, in the prior art, after positioning the photographing device to be positioned at a certain horizontal height with respect to the patient's teeth, it is rotated around the patient's teeth and photographed according to a fixed photographing route, which is a limitation in accurate photographing during panoramic photographing. there is

In order to overcome these limitations of the prior art, various image processing techniques have been developed to improve the quality of the panoramic images taken. There is a problem with large differences. In addition, if the patient's tooth arrangement structure is not normal, some teeth overlap in the panoramic image, resulting in overlapping teeth, shadows around the jawbone due to the reduction in the viewing angle due to the patient's jawbone during shooting, and ghosts that generate pattern-type noise There is a problem in that the quality of the panoramic image is degraded due to occurrence of the like.

Accordingly, there is a demand for a technique for improving the quality of a panoramic image by solving the above problems and minimizing distortion.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0072742 (2011.06.29), Apparatus and method for obtaining high resolution panoramic image

An embodiment of the present disclosure is to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and solves the problem of image distortion such as shadows and ghosts that frequently occur in conventional panoramic images to solve the technical problem of improving the quality of panoramic images. include In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a technical problem to solve the above-described problems of the prior art by enabling an optimized panoramic imaging for each patient. The technical problem to be solved is not limited to the technical problems as described above, and various technical problems may be further included within a range obvious to those skilled in the art.

A method for acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes acquiring a CT image of the plurality of teeth; acquiring tooth position information for the plurality of teeth in the CT image; displaying, on one or more cross-sectional images, at least one trajectory of an upper jaw trajectory and a lower jaw trajectory generated based on the tooth position information; updating the trajectory based on a user input for the trajectory; and obtaining a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth according to a movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory.

The method may further include overlapping and displaying at least one of the upper and lower jaw traces on the at least one sectional image and the panoramic image.

In addition, the one or more cross-sectional images may include at least one of a first image of an axial cross-section of the upper jaw, a second image of an axial cross-section of the lower jaw, and a third sagittal image of the upper and lower jaws. can include

The obtaining of the panoramic image may include obtaining a first panoramic image of the upper jaw based on the trajectory of the upper jaw included in the trajectory; obtaining a second panoramic image of the lower jaw based on the lower jaw trajectory included in the trajectory; and acquiring the panoramic image by matching the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image.

The method may further include determining a region requiring correction through analysis of the panoramic image; and displaying a highlight graphic for the area requiring correction; wherein the area requiring correction is a first condition for determining whether or not a degree of tooth overlap on the panoramic image exceeds a predetermined level and a jaw bone. It may be determined based on at least one of a second condition for determining whether a ghost caused by the above-mentioned phenomenon occurs at or above a predetermined level and a third condition for determining whether an area less than a predetermined resolution value occurs.

The method may further include outputting a message inquiring whether to reacquire the panoramic image according to the determination of the region requiring modification; updating a trajectory corresponding to the area in need of correction according to a response to the message; and displaying the modified panoramic image obtained based on the updated trajectory.

In addition, the movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory may be determined so that an angle appearing when the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit and the updated trajectory cross each other corresponds to a right angle.

In addition, the movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory may be determined by including a distance between a target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit within a preset range.

Also, a movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory may be determined based on a ratio of a distance between a target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit and a distance between the target tooth and the X-ray receiver.

In addition, the movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory is a first determination method for determining the movement path so that an angle appearing as the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit intersects with the trajectory corresponds to a right angle, A second determination method for determining the movement path so that the distance between the target tooth and the X-ray output unit is included within a preset range, the distance between the target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit, and the target tooth and the X-ray output unit It may be determined based on a combination of two or more of the third determining methods for determining the moving path based on a ratio of distances between receivers.

In addition, the movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory may be determined based on an overlap prediction area expected to occur as X-rays output from the X-ray output unit overlap and project adjacent teeth.

In addition, in the obtaining of CT images of the plurality of teeth, X-rays are output from the X-ray output unit at a predetermined speed or more or less than a predetermined number of times only for the region of the tooth portion to obtain a CT image of the plurality of teeth. Acquisition steps may be included.

A device for obtaining a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a receiver for acquiring a CT image of the plurality of teeth; And acquiring tooth position information for a plurality of teeth in the CT image, displaying at least one of the upper and lower jaw trajectories generated based on the tooth position information on at least one cross-sectional image, and a user for the trajectory and a processor that updates the trajectory based on an input and obtains a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth according to a movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory.

A third aspect of the present disclosure may provide a computer readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method according to the first aspect in a computer. Alternatively, the fourth aspect of the present disclosure may provide a computer program stored in a recording medium to implement the method according to the first aspect.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the quality of a panoramic image can be improved by deriving and capturing a trajectory optimized for a patient so as to minimize tooth distortion and overlap before taking a panoramic image.

In addition, it is possible to obtain a panoramic image in which distortion and overlapping of teeth are minimized.

In addition, in the case of a patient with a large difference in the position of the upper or lower teeth compared to the average case, the quality of the panoramic image can be improved by deriving and photographing the upper and lower jaw trajectories optimized for the patient.

In addition, user convenience can be improved by providing an interface capable of correcting the upper jaw trajectory or the lower jaw trajectory desired by the user before and after capturing the panoramic image, and then taking the image.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the detailed description of the present invention or the configuration of the invention described in the claims.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration according to an embodiment.
2 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for obtaining a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth by a device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operation in which a device acquires tooth position information including center points, tooth divisions, and tooth regions for a plurality of teeth based on a CT image, according to an exemplary embodiment.
4 is a view for explaining an operation of acquiring a panoramic image by controlling movement of an X-ray output unit according to the determined movement path of a photographing unit when a device determines a movement path of an X-ray output unit corresponding to an updated trajectory according to an embodiment; am.
5 is a flowchart for explaining another embodiment of a method for obtaining a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth by a device according to an embodiment.
6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of displaying an upper jaw trajectory, a lower jaw trajectory, and a panoramic image through a panorama UI by a device according to an exemplary embodiment.
7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of correcting at least one of an upper jaw trajectory and a lower jaw trajectory through a panorama UI by a device according to an exemplary embodiment.
8 to 10 are diagrams illustrating in more detail a series of operations in which a device updates a panoramic image by correcting an upper jaw trajectory and a lower jaw trajectory according to an exemplary embodiment.
11 is a diagram for explaining an operation of determining a movement path of an X-ray output unit based on information about overlapping teeth between teeth according to an exemplary embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments have been selected from general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present invention, but they may vary according to the intention of a person skilled in the art or precedent, the emergence of new technologies, and the like. In addition, in a specific case, there is also a term arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the invention. Therefore, the term used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, not simply the name of the term.

In the entire specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, it means that it may further include other components, not excluding other components unless otherwise stated. In addition, as described in the specification, "... Terms such as “unit” refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a device 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the device 100 may include a receiving unit 110 , a processor 120 , a display 130 and a photographing unit 140 .

The receiving unit 110 may acquire CT (Computed Tomography) images of a plurality of teeth. In one embodiment, when the imaging unit 140 operates in a CT imaging mode for performing computed tomography of a plurality of teeth of an object (eg, patient) under the control of the processor 120 to generate a CT image, the receiving unit 110 may receive a CT image from the photographing unit 140 . In another embodiment, the receiving unit 110 may receive a CT image of the patient's teeth from another device. In another embodiment, the receiving unit 110 may read a previously stored CT image of the patient's teeth from memory.

In one embodiment, the CT image may be a CT image taken to analyze the shape of a tooth. For example, the CT image may be a CT volume image including information about internal space, density, and multiple cross-sections of a patient's tooth, but is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, a CT image may be understood as a concept encompassing Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) digital images or other various types of medical images. In addition, in one embodiment, the CT image is 3D CT data consisting of voxels for the head, 3D CT data of only the tooth area, or 3D CT of the entire body for diagnosis of teeth. CT data may be included. In addition, throughout the specification, an “image” includes one or more images, and may be understood as a generic concept of, for example, a sectional image, a series of images including a plurality of images, and detailed information about the images.

The processor 120 obtains tooth position information for a plurality of teeth in the CT image, determines one or more trajectories of the upper and lower jaw trajectories based on the tooth position information, and an X-ray output unit used to obtain a panoramic image ( 141) may be determined to correspond to the trajectory. For example, the processor 120 analyzes the CT image of the patient's teeth to detect tooth position information including the positions of the upper and lower teeth of the patient, and sets the upper and lower trajectories to correspond to the detected tooth position information. can decide Accordingly, the processor 120 uses the maxillary trajectory and the mandibular trajectory to determine the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 included in the photographing unit 140 that captures the panoramic image, thereby obtaining a photographing trajectory optimized for the patient. According to the shooting can be made. Various embodiments in which the processor 120 according to an embodiment obtains a panoramic image based on a CT image will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 11 below.

The photographing unit 140 may obtain a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth by using a movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 corresponding to the determined trajectory. In one embodiment, the photographing unit 140 may generate a panoramic image by operating in a panoramic photographing mode in which a plurality of teeth are photographed under the control of the processor 120 . For example, the photographing unit 140 receives the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 determined according to the trajectory of the upper jaw and the lower jaw from the processor 120, and centers the object (eg, patient) according to the transmitted movement path. While controlling the movement of the X-ray output unit 141 moving to , a plurality of teeth may be photographed a plurality of times to generate a plurality of images of the tooth portion. In addition, the photographing unit 140 performs image matching such as finding, aligning, and stitching images connected to each other among a plurality of images generated by repeating this process for each of a plurality of tooth parts to obtain a two-dimensional panoramic image. can create

The receiving unit 110 according to an embodiment is a wired/wireless communication device capable of receiving information described throughout the specification and transmitting/receiving various information by being connected to other devices or components through a network or a signal processing device. can include

Processor 120 according to an embodiment may perform a series of operations for acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth, the receiver 110, the display 130, the photographing unit 140 and other components It is electrically connected to and can control data flow between them. To this end, the processor 120 may be implemented as a central processor unit (CPU) that controls overall operations of the device 100 .

In one embodiment, the display 130 may comprehensively mean an image output device that displays a panoramic image under the control of the processor 120 . For example, a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display, an organic light-emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display ), an electrophoretic display, and the like.

In addition, those of ordinary skill in the art may understand that other general-purpose components may be further included in the device 100 in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1 . According to an embodiment, the device 100 may further include an algorithm for processing 3D image data, a user interface unit for receiving a user input, and a storage unit for storing data described throughout the specification. According to another embodiment, some of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be omitted.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth by the device 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , in step S210, the device 100 may acquire CT images of a plurality of teeth. In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine the presence or absence of a CT image of the patient's teeth. When there is no CT image, the device 100 may generate a CT image by operating the imaging unit 140 in a CT imaging mode to perform CT imaging of the patient's teeth or receive a CT image from another CT imaging device. there is. If there is a CT image, the device 100 may read a previously stored CT image of the patient's teeth from memory to prepare for a subsequent step.

In step S220, the device 100 may acquire tooth position information for a plurality of teeth in the CT image. Details regarding this will be described with reference to FIG. 3 .

3 illustrates an operation in which the device 100 obtains tooth position information including a center point 30, a tooth division 40, and a tooth region 50 for a plurality of teeth in a CT image according to an embodiment. It is a drawing for

Referring to FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, the device 100 may obtain a plurality of slice images from a CT image. In addition, the device 100 may determine tooth divisions 40 and tooth heights for a plurality of teeth by analyzing regions of each tooth in a plurality of slice images. In addition, the device 100 may determine the tooth area 50 based on the tooth division 40 and the tooth height, and determine the center point 30 for each tooth within the tooth area 50 .

For example, when a 3D CT image of a patient's teeth is acquired, the device 100 acquires a plurality of 2D slice images obtained by slicing the upper and lower jaws in longitudinal or transverse sections from the CT image, and then stacks them. The chin line can be detected by analyzing the HU (Hounsfield Unit) distribution of pixels in the image. In addition, the device 100 may determine the tooth division 40 by analyzing a boundary representing a boundary with adjacent teeth on the longitudinal sectional image based on the jaw line. Also, the device 100 may partition each tooth area 50 according to the tooth division 40 . In addition, the device 100 may determine the center point 30 of each tooth by detecting position coordinates obtained by applying a predetermined ratio (eg, 0.5) to the height and width of each tooth region 50 . As such, the device 100 may determine tooth position information including positions of the tooth division 40 , the tooth region 50 , and the central point 30 for a plurality of teeth.

In operation S230, the device 100 may display one or more trajectories of the upper jaw trajectory and the lower jaw trajectory generated based on the tooth position information on one or more cross-sectional images. In one embodiment, the device 100 may generate one or more trajectories of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 based on the center point 30 for a plurality of teeth included in the tooth position information. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the device 100 connects the center points 30 of the upper teeth to create the upper trajectory 10, and connects the center points 30 of the lower teeth to form the lower trajectory 20. can create For another example, the device 100 may generate the upper jaw trajectory 10 or the lower jaw trajectory 20 by connecting points located at a predetermined distance from the central point 30 of the upper or lower teeth. That is, the upper jaw trajectory 10 or the lower jaw trajectory 20 may be made by connecting the center point 30, may be made to pass the vicinity of the center point 30, or may be modified in various other ways. there is.

The device 100 may acquire one or more cross-sectional images from the CT image. In one embodiment, the one or more cross-sectional images may include a first axial image of the upper jaw, a second axial image of the lower jaw, and a third sagittal image of the upper and lower jaws. can For example, the device 100 may obtain a first image of an axial section of the maxilla by slicing the CT image into a transverse section based on the heights of the central points 30 of the maxillary teeth. Also, the device 100 may acquire a second image of an axial cross-section of the lower jaw by slicing the CT image into a cross-section based on the heights of the central points 30 of the lower teeth. Also, the device 100 may obtain a third sagittal image of the upper and lower jaws by slicing the CT image into longitudinal sections based on the center points 30 of the upper and lower teeth.

The device 100 may display a trajectory generated on one or more acquired cross-sectional images. For example, the device 100 may overlap and display at least one of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on the cross-sectional image. In one embodiment, the device 100 may display the center point 30 of a plurality of teeth together with the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on one or more cross-sectional images. For example, the device 100 may overlap and display the upper trajectory 10 and the center points 30 of the upper teeth on the first image of the axial section of the upper jaw. Also, the device 100 may display the mandibular trajectory 20 and the central points 30 of the mandibular teeth in an overlapping manner on the second image of the axial section of the mandible. In addition, the device 100 shows a point on the upper jaw trajectory 10, a point on the lower jaw trajectory 20, and a center point 30 of the upper and lower teeth on the third image of the sagittal plane for the upper and lower jaws. can be displayed.

In step S240, the device 100 may update the trajectory based on a user input for the trajectory. For example, the device 100 may update a corresponding trajectory of at least one of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 displayed on the cross-sectional image according to a user input. For example, when the device 100 receives a user input requesting trajectory correction for the maxillary trajectory 10 displayed together with the maxillary teeth on the first image, the user input (eg, trajectory) for the maxillary trajectory 10 is received. At least a part of the maxillary trajectory 10 may be updated according to changes in values such as direction, size, and angle of the line.

In one embodiment, the user input for the trajectory described throughout the specification is various types of inputs for changing positional information about at least one of the center point 30, the upper trajectory 10, and the lower trajectory 20 of each tooth. can include For example, the user input for the trajectory includes drag and drop input for moving the location on the displayed image, mouse input for inputting the value of location coordinates or location change, or modifying the curve characteristics drawn by the trajectory, keyboard input, touch input, etc. can do.

Accordingly, it is possible to correct the trajectory using only the information on the CT image at a stage where only the CT image is acquired and the panoramic image is not yet acquired, and the upper jaw trajectory 10, the lower jaw trajectory 20 and the center point ( 30) is provided, a user (eg, a doctor or a photographer) can correct the trajectory if necessary and apply it to the panorama photographing.

In one embodiment, the device 100 determines at least one of the maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20 based on a drag and drop input for any one of the central point 30 displayed on the cross-sectional image or a point on the trajectory. You can update one. For example, when the device 100 receives a drag-and-drop input after a mouse selection input for any one of the center point 30 of the maxillary teeth displayed on the first image of the axial section or a point on the trajectory, the selected one The upper jaw trajectory 10 may be updated by moving the center point or a point on the trajectory from the first point before dragging to the second point after dragging and dropping, and updating the position of the center point according to the movement.

For example, the device 100 displays the positions of the center point 30 of each tooth, the upper jaw trajectory 10, and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on the first to third images, thereby providing the user with three-dimensional location information. can be visualized on a 2D screen from various viewpoints and delivered in 3D. In addition, when the device 100 receives a user input for moving the position of the center point 30 or a point on the trajectory through the first image or the second image of the axial cross section, the location coordinates (x) of the selected center point 30 , y, z), the horizontal coordinates (x, y) can be updated. In addition, when the device 100 receives a user input for moving the location of the center point 30 or a point on the locus through the third image of the sagittal plane, the location coordinates (x, y, z of the selected center point 30) ), side coordinates (y, z) can be updated. Therefore, even if the user moves the center point 30 or the trajectory on the 2D screen through a mouse input, the device 100 appropriately moves the location of the center point 30 or the trajectory having the 3D location information. , and the updated position is immediately displayed on a two-dimensional screen at various viewpoints, thereby enabling continuous correction input and update in real time.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may display the positions of the center point 30 of each tooth, the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on a 3D image. In addition, the device 100 determines the maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory based on a user input for at least one of the center point 30, the maxillary trajectory 10, and the mandibular trajectory 20 of each tooth received on the 3D image. At least one of (20) may be updated. For example, the device 100 may correct the position of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on the CT image of the tooth portion visualized in three dimensions, and visualize these correction results together through a two-dimensional cross-sectional image You may.

Accordingly, the trajectory can be easily modified by dragging and dropping the center point 30 or a point on the trajectory through the UI, and the trajectory can be simply modified in a user-friendly manner and applied to panoramic shooting.

In step S250, the device 100 may obtain a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 corresponding to the updated trajectory. Details regarding this will be further described with reference to FIG. 4 .

4 illustrates that when the device 100 according to an embodiment determines the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 corresponding to the updated trajectory, the photographing unit 140 moves the X-ray output unit 141 according to the determined movement path. It is a diagram for explaining an operation of obtaining a panoramic image by controlling movement. More specifically, FIG. 4(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration and operation of the photographing unit 140, and FIG. 4(b) is a diagram illustrating a movement path of the X-ray output device 200 according to the prior art. 4(c) is a diagram illustrating a movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4(a) , the photographing unit 140 may include an X-ray output unit 141 and an X-ray receiver 142 that receives X-rays. The X-ray output unit 141 outputs X-rays toward the object 1 (eg, a patient's tooth) while moving along a specific path, and the X-ray receiver 142 moves along with the X-ray output unit 141 and outputs X-rays. can receive

In this case, assuming that the distance between the X-ray output unit 141 and the object 1 is a and the distance between the object 1 and the X-ray receiver 142 is b, the magnification rate may be determined based on a and b. . For example, the magnification factor may be a ratio of a+b to a. This magnification represents information on whether or not the X-rays are close to the object 10 and acts as an important factor in image quality in the process of obtaining a panoramic image. For example, when the imaging unit 140 operates in the CT imaging mode, it rotates on a fixed central axis and obtains images or information on a 3D volume, whereas when operating in the panoramic imaging mode, it determines whether X-rays are moving closer or farther from the object 1. Depending on the magnification, a difference occurs, so that the amount of projected X-rays is different, as if the size of a shadow is changed. Accordingly, the central axis between the X-ray output unit 141 and the X-ray receiver 142 moves together depending on the trajectory of the movement of the X-ray output unit 141, and the correlation between the teeth and the X-rays, that is, the magnification rate, continues to change. can

Referring to FIG. 4(b) , the X-ray output device 200 according to the prior art outputs X-rays toward the object 1 while rotating around a fixed central axis 2 . In this case, as the distance between the X-ray output device 200 and the object 1 is changed from a ₁ ' to a ₁ '' and then changed back to a ₁ ' according to the moving trajectory of the X-ray output device 200 The magnification continues to change greatly, and accordingly, a difference occurs in the shape and size of teeth appearing in the panoramic image, resulting in deterioration of image quality.

However, referring to FIG. 4(c) , in the device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, the X-ray output unit 141 outputs X-rays toward the object 1 while moving along a specific path so as to maintain a constant magnification. A movement path of the unit 141 may be determined. For example, the device 100 reflects the shape of the upper trajectory 10, the lower trajectory 20, or the integrated trajectory generated based on the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 determined according to the above-described embodiment. Thus, a movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 may be determined. In addition, the device 100 maintains a constant distance a ₂ from the object 1 (or within a range from a ₂ to a preset value), or has an X-ray output unit such that the a: b ratio is constant during the movement process 141), and the photographing unit 140 controls the photographing trajectory of the X-ray output unit 141 according to the determined movement path, so that the area around the tooth can be captured.

The device 100 determines the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 such that an angle appearing as the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit 141 intersects with the updated trajectory corresponds to a right angle (hereinafter referred to as a 'first determination method'). called) can be done. Here, meaning that the angle “corresponds” may include a case where the angle is “within a preset range”. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the device 100 outputs a tangential line of a corresponding tooth position on the maxillary trajectory 10 or the mandibular trajectory 20 and output from the X-ray output unit 141 when photographing the target tooth, as shown in FIG. 11 (a). A movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 may be determined such that the X-rays to be orthogonal.

The device 100 determines the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 so that the distance between the target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit 141 is within a preset range (hereinafter, referred to as a 'second determination method'). )can do. For example, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the device 100 has an X-ray output unit such that the distance to the X-ray output unit 141 is within a preset range (eg, a ₂ ± set value) when photographing the target tooth. The movement path of (141) can be determined. Accordingly, the device 100 moves the X-ray output unit 141 along a curved trajectory to be located at a certain distance from the target tooth and takes pictures, thereby improving the quality by making the shape and size of the teeth appearing in the panoramic image constant. can

The device 100 determines the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 based on the ratio of the distance between the target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit 141 and the distance between the target tooth and the X-ray receiver 142 (hereinafter referred to as , referred to as a 'third decision method'). As described above, the ratio of the distance between the target tooth and the X-ray output unit 141 and the distance between the X-ray output unit 141 and the X-ray receiver 142 corresponds to the magnification rate, and the device 100 determines the magnification rate in consideration of the trajectory. A movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 may be determined to be within a set range. For example, as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(c) , the device 100 determines the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 such that magnification a: a+b is within a preset value or range. can In one embodiment, a: a+b may be 4:6, but is not limited thereto.

Accordingly, the device 100 can maintain the magnification at a certain level even when the central axis between the X-ray output unit 141 and the X-ray receiver 142 moves when the photographing unit 140 operates in the panoramic photographing mode. The quality can be improved by making the shape and size of the teeth appearing in the panoramic image constant.

The device 100 may determine the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 based on a combination of two or more of the first to third determination methods.

The device 100 may determine a movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 based on information about trajectories of a plurality of teeth and overlapping teeth. Details regarding this will be described with reference to FIG. 11 .

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an operation in which the device 100 determines a movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 based on information about overlap between teeth according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the device 100 may obtain information about an overlap between a target tooth to be photographed and an adjacent tooth adjacent to the target tooth. In one embodiment, the information on the overlap between the target tooth and the adjacent tooth may include whether each tooth overlaps with the adjacent tooth, the degree of overlap (eg, overlapping image area), and the direction of overlap (eg, frontal reference position precedence relationship). , an overlap prediction region, and the like. In one embodiment, the information on the overlap between the target tooth and the adjacent tooth may be determined through image analysis of a CT image or a scan image, and in another embodiment, it may be determined based on tooth position information. In, it may be received from a user input or pre-stored patient data. In another embodiment, the expected overlapping area may refer to an overlapping area expected to occur as X-rays output from the X-ray output unit 141 overlap and project adjacent teeth.

The device 100 determines an expected overlapping area expected to occur as the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit 141 overlaps and projects adjacent teeth, and determines the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 so that the expected overlapping area is minimized. can decide Alternatively, the device 100 may determine the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 so that the expected overlapping area does not overlap with the ROI.

When the device 100 photographs the target tooth and the adjacent tooth based on information on the overlap between the target tooth and the adjacent tooth, the angle that appears as the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit 141 and the trajectories of the plurality of teeth intersect The movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 may be determined to be larger or smaller than the right angle.

When there is no overlap between the target tooth and the adjacent tooth, the device 100 captures the target tooth and the adjacent tooth as shown in FIG. The movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 may be determined to be orthogonal to the tangent of the X-ray output direction.

However, when there is an overlap between the target tooth and the adjacent tooth, the device 100, as shown in FIG. (10) Alternatively, set the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 so that the angle at which the tangent line at the corresponding tooth position on the lower jaw trajectory 20 intersects with the X-ray output direction becomes smaller toward the tooth that follows the X-ray output direction based on the X-ray output direction. can decide

Accordingly, the device 100 determines the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 to minimize overlap between adjacent teeth, thereby improving the image quality of a region where teeth overlap in a panoramic image taken along the movement path. there is.

The device 100 may obtain a panoramic image using the X-ray output unit 141 moving along the determined movement path. The photographing unit 140 may generate a panoramic image by controlling the X-ray output unit 141 of the photographing unit 140 to move along a movement path determined to correspond to the trajectories of a plurality of teeth centering on the patient.

In one embodiment, the device 100 obtains a first panoramic image for the upper jaw based on the upper jaw trajectory 10, obtains a second panoramic image for the lower jaw based on the lower jaw trajectory 20, and A panoramic image may be acquired using the panoramic image and the second panoramic image.

For example, the device 100 controls the X-ray output unit 141 of the panoramic photographing unit 140 to move according to the first movement path determined according to the trajectory of the upper jaw 10 with the patient as the center, so that the device 100 can take pictures according to the panoramic photographing mode. Generating a first panoramic image, and controlling the X-ray output unit 141 to move along a second movement path determined according to the mandibular trajectory 20 centered on the patient to generate a second panoramic image according to a panoramic shooting mode, Images connected to each other between the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image may be matched into one panoramic image by performing image matching such as locating, arranging, and stitching. Here, each of the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image may be understood as a concept encompassing a plurality of images before alignment and stitching or a 2D image after alignment and stitching.

In another embodiment, the device 100 generates an integrated trajectory based on the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 generated through step S240, displays the integrated trajectory on the cross-sectional image, and then displays the combined trajectory on the integrated trajectory. A movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 may be determined to correspond to the updated trajectory based on the user input for the . Alternatively, the device 100 may generate an integrated trajectory based on the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 updated through step S250 and determine a movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 to correspond to the integrated trajectory. there is. For example, the device 100 determines one trajectory to pass through an intermediate point between the maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20 generated based on tooth position information or updated according to a user input, or (10) and the mandibular trajectory 20, according to weights preset for each patient or weighted input according to user input, the positions of the maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20 are weighted and averaged. One integrated trajectory can determine Also, the device 100 may determine the movement path of the X-ray output unit 141 so that the magnification ratio is constant according to the determined integration trajectory. Accordingly, the device 100 may obtain a panoramic image through a single panoramic shooting.

The device 100 may superimpose at least one of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on one or more cross-sectional images and panoramic images obtained from the CT image and display the overlapped image. In one embodiment, the device 100 may display each of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 in different colors on the acquired panoramic image so as to be visually distinguished.

In one embodiment, as the panoramic image is obtained, the device 100 determines the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 based on a user input for at least one of the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 displayed on the panoramic image. At least one of the lower jaw trajectories 20 may be updated. For example, when the device 100 receives a user input requesting trajectory correction for the lower trajectory 20 of the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 displayed on the panoramic image, the user input (eg, trajectory It is possible to update at least a part of the mandibular trajectory 20 according to the value of the direction, size, angle, etc. of the line), and as an example of the same, for any one of the upper and lower trajectories 10 and The upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 may be updated based on a drag and drop input.

Accordingly, even at the stage where both the CT image and the panoramic image are acquired, the trajectory can be corrected using information on both the CT image and the panoramic image, and the upper jaw trajectory (10) and the lower jaw trajectory (20) on the CT image and panoramic image And as the UI for visualizing the center point 30 and receiving a user input for correcting a trajectory or a point on the trajectory is provided, a user (eg, a doctor, a photographer) can change the trajectory if necessary even after a panoramic image has already been created. It can be modified and applied when re-shooting the panorama.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth by the device 100 according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5 , in step S510, the device 100 may perform step S520 or step S530 based on the presence or absence of a CT image. Here, the CT image represents a CT image corresponding to a patient who is the target of capturing the panoramic image, and the presence or absence of the CT image can be determined depending on whether the CT image of the patient is stored in the memory or received from the imaging unit 140. .

In step S520, if there is no CT image, the device 100 may obtain a CT image through CT imaging of a plurality of teeth, and, for example, controls the imaging unit 140 to operate in the CT imaging mode to treat the patient. A 3D CT image can be created by capturing only the area of the tooth as a target. In an embodiment, the device 100 outputs X-rays from the X-ray output unit 141 at a predetermined speed or more or less than a predetermined number of times only for the tooth region to acquire CT images of a plurality of teeth. . For example, the device 100 generates a CT image by driving the imaging unit 140 in the CT imaging mode only for the tooth area in a manner of reducing the number of projections of X-rays at a predetermined speed or more or less than a predetermined number of times. In this case, even if the image resolution is relatively low, CT images can be generated more quickly and used for trajectory determination.

In one embodiment, even if there is no CT image in the device 100, the device 100 may receive a CT image from an external device according to a user input. For example, a CT image taken of a patient's teeth at another medical institution If there is, a previously captured CT image may be utilized by receiving a CT image from a server of a medical institution or a data storage device of a patient.

In step S530, the device 100 may determine the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 by using the CT image if there is a CT image. For example, as described above, tooth position information for a plurality of teeth may be obtained based on a CT image, and an upper jaw trajectory 10 and a lower jaw trajectory 20 may be determined based on the tooth location information.

In step S540, which is an optional step, the device 100 may update the upper jaw trajectory 10 or the lower jaw trajectory 20 using the first to third images of the upper jaw or lower jaw acquired from the CT image. For example, as described above, the device 100 displays the upper jaw trajectory 10, the lower jaw trajectory 20, and a plurality of center points 30 overlapping on the first to third images, and any one of them Depending on the user's drag-and-drop input, the curve characteristics, position, direction, and angle of the selected trajectory can be updated.

In step S550, the device 100 may generate a first panoramic image through panoramic photography of the upper jaw based on the upper jaw trajectory 10 determined through steps S510 to S540.

In step S560, the device 100 may generate a second panoramic image through panoramic photography of the lower jaw based on the lower jaw trajectory 20 determined through steps S510 to S540.

In step S570, the device 100 may obtain a panoramic image using the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image. For example, the device 100 matches the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image around a predetermined number of specific points (eg, three) (eg, the top of the mandibular anterior teeth, the top of the mandibular posterior teeth, etc.) to form one panoramic image. It is possible to match and display one matched panoramic image to visualize to the user. The device 100 superimposes and displays the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on the panoramic image, so that the user can visually check whether the panoramic image is taken according to which trajectory and whether it fits well with the patient's tooth arrangement structure. can support

In step S580, the device 100 may determine whether or not to correct the trajectories based on the user input for the upper and lower jaw trajectories 10 and 20 displayed on the first to third images and the panoramic image. For example, the device 100 may output a message on whether to correct the trajectory and determine whether or not to correct the trajectory according to whether a trajectory correction response or a trajectory correction rejection response is received from the user. Also, when it is determined that the trajectory is not to be modified, the device 100 may output and store a panoramic image without additional trajectory correction.

In step S590, when the trajectory correction is determined, the device 100 overlaps and displays the upper jaw trajectory 10, the lower jaw trajectory 20, and the plurality of center points 30 on the first to third images, and displays the panoramic image When the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 are displayed on the image, and a user's drag and drop input for any one of them is received, the curve characteristics, position, direction, angle, etc. of the trajectory selected according to the input can be updated. In addition, the device 100 may re-perform steps S550 to S580 using at least one of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 updated through step S590, and the panoramic image completed by the user in this way These operations may be repeated until an input approved by .

In one embodiment, when only one of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 is updated, the device 100 generates a first panoramic image for the upper jaw and a second panoramic image for the lower jaw using the updated one trajectory. Only one of the panoramic images can be acquired again. For example, when only the upper jaw trajectory 10 is corrected, the device 100 regenerates only the first panoramic image by applying the corrected upper jaw trajectory 10 to retake the panoramic image of the upper jaw, and regenerates only the first panoramic image. A new panoramic image may be created by matching the image with the existing second panoramic image.

6 is a diagram for explaining an operation of displaying an upper jaw trajectory 10, a lower jaw trajectory 20, and a panoramic image through a panorama UI 610 by the device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. 7 is a diagram for explaining an operation of correcting at least one of the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 through the panorama UI 610 by the device 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the panorama UI 610 includes a first image window 620 for visualizing the maxillary trajectory 10 and the center points 30 of maxillary teeth on the first image of the axial section, and the second image window 620 of the axial section. A second image window 630 for visualizing the mandibular trajectory 20 and the center point 30 of the mandibular teeth on the image, the maxillary trajectory 10 on the third image of the sagittal plane, the mandibular trajectory 20, the maxilla and A third image window 640 for visualizing the center point 30 of the lower teeth, an information display window 650 for visualizing information on the panoramic image and information on the patient, the upper jaw trajectory 10 on the panoramic image, and The panoramic image window 660 for visualizing the position of the mandibular trajectory 20 and the most recently acquired panoramic image are returned to the previous panoramic image, stored in memory, or the most recently updated maxillary trajectory 10 and mandibular trajectory ( According to 20), an execution button menu 670 for receiving a user input requesting to perform panoramic photography may be included.

In one embodiment, the first image to the second image may be used to update the horizontal coordinates (eg, (x, y)) for the plurality of center points 30, and the third image may be used for updating the plurality of center points 30 It can be used to update the height coordinate (eg z) for . For example, the device 100 may move the center point 30 up, down, left and right through the first image window 620 or the second image window 630, and move the center point 30 through the third image window 640. can be moved forward and backward, up and down, and the positional coordinates of the upper jaw trajectory 10 or the lower jaw trajectory 20 can be updated according to the modification of the center point 30 .

In one embodiment, the maxillary trajectory 10 is displayed in a first color (eg, blue) on one or more cross-sectional images obtained from the CT image, and the mandibular trajectory 20 is displayed in a second color (eg, blue) on one or more cross-sectional images. eg green), and the plurality of central points 30 may be displayed in a third color (eg yellow) on one or more cross-sectional images. For example, the upper jaw trajectory 10, the lower jaw trajectory 20, and the plurality of center points 30 may be displayed in different colors or graphic methods on the first to third images and the panoramic image so as to be visually distinguished from each other.

In one embodiment, at least some of the maxillary trajectory 10, the mandibular trajectory 20, and the plurality of central points 30 may be exposed according to different priorities in each of one or more cross-sectional images. For example, the higher the priority, the higher the priority. They can be overlapped to be positioned higher on the same image, and priorities can be set according to user input.

As such, the device 100 may visually display the upper jaw trajectory 10, the lower jaw trajectory 20, and the plurality of central points 30 on the first to third images and the panoramic image through the panorama UI 610. Accordingly, the user can visually check whether the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 are properly generated through the panorama UI 610 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the device 100 displays the second image of the axial section of the lower jaw, the lower jaw trajectory 20 and the plurality of center points 30 through the second image window 630, and the mouse cursor 40 When a drag and drop input for moving any one of the plurality of center points 30 or a point on the lower jaw trajectory 20 from the first position to the second position is received through ), the location of the selected center point or the selected lower jaw trajectory The lower jaw trajectory 20 may be partially corrected by updating the location of one point on (20) to the second location and reflecting the updated location information to the curve characteristics of the lower jaw trajectory 20. Also, the device 100 may perform trajectory correction on the panoramic image window 660 in the same manner.

The device 100 may update and display the upper jaw trajectory 10 and/or the lower jaw trajectory 20 displayed through the panorama UI 610 . For example, when the lower jaw trajectory 20 is corrected through the second image window 630, the device 100 reflects the corrected lower jaw trajectory 20 to the third image window 640 and the panoramic image window 660. so that it can be displayed.

In one embodiment, when the device 100 coordinates moves the selected first center point to a specific location through a drag-and-drop input, whether the location of the second center point is also moved at a rate corresponding to the location change of the first center point. You can print a message asking for . For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the device 100 moves the first central point corresponding to the molar on the left side of the mandible to the left/downward direction, the second center point corresponding to the molar on the right side of the mandible based on the plane perpendicular to the anterior part. A message asking whether to move the center point to the right/downward by the position movement ratio of the first center point may be output, and when a user's consent response to the message is received, the location of the second center point may also be updated.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may display some areas updated based on a user input among the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 to be visually distinguished from other areas. For example, the device 100, in the case of a central point partially moved to the left according to a drag-and-drop input (or a partially changed line among trajectory lines), blinks or adjusts the color value to a darker color to visually emphasize it, so that the user can You can easily check which part has been adjusted.

As such, the device 100 allows the user to easily correct the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 on the first to third images and the panoramic image, and can visually confirm whether or not the correction has been appropriately made. User convenience may be further improved by providing the panorama UI 610 .

In an embodiment, the device 100 may detect a correction-required region that satisfies a preset condition through analysis of the panoramic image. Also, the device 100 may provide a highlight graphic for a region requiring correction. For example, the device 100 may determine whether a predetermined problem situation, such as overlapping teeth or ghosting, has occurred in the panoramic image, and may detect a correction-required region in which the problem situation exceeds a predetermined level. In addition, the device 100 may visually emphasize and display the boundary of the region requiring correction on the panoramic image through the panoramic image window 660, and output a message indicating a problem situation (eg, occurrence of ghost) together. there is. Accordingly, the device 100 may support a user to easily recognize a part that may be a problem.

In one embodiment, the preset condition is a first condition for detecting whether or not the degree of tooth overlap on the panoramic image has occurred above a preset level, and whether a ghost caused by a jawbone has occurred above a preset level. At least one of a second condition for detection and a third condition for detecting whether an area equal to or greater than a predetermined area and less than a predetermined resolution value occurs. For example, the first condition includes a case in which an individual tooth region analyzed from the panoramic image overlaps an adjacent tooth region with a predetermined first value or more, and a second condition includes a case in which a shadow within a predetermined direction or range around the jawbone is adjacent to the adjacent region It may include a case in which the second predetermined value or more of the contrast occurs.

In one embodiment, the device 100 outputs a message on whether to re-acquire a panoramic image as the area requiring correction is detected, and according to a response to the message, the degree of tooth overlap in the area requiring correction, ghosting, and At least one of the areas below the set resolution value may be analyzed. In addition, the device 100 updates at least one of the maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20 based on the analysis result, and updates the tooth based on at least one of the updated maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20. A new panoramic image for can be obtained. That is, the device 100 analyzes the degree of tooth overlap, the location, degree of occurrence, cause of occurrence, etc. of the occurrence of ghosts, regions below the predetermined resolution value, etc. for the region determined to require correction, and distorts according to the analysis result. An appropriate trajectory for minimizing can be derived. For example, in the case of tooth overlap, the device 100 updates the trajectory so as to more densely pass through the teeth where the corresponding tooth overlap occurs, and in the case of ghost, the ghost region is analyzed as the cause of the corresponding ghost region in the adjacent jaw bone. A trajectory may be updated so as to pass through a point where a viewing angle for the angle of view of a predetermined value or more may be secured, and a panoramic image may be recaptured according to the updated trajectory to generate a better quality panoramic image.

In one embodiment, the device 100 provides an improvement score representing the degree of improvement of at least one of the degree of tooth overlap, the ghost, and the area below the preset resolution value based on the comparison result of the panoramic image and the new panoramic image. can do. For example, the device 100 determines a first noise level using digitized values for the degree of tooth overlap, the number of ghosts and areas below a preset resolution value, and the severity level detected in the panoramic image before updating, A second noise value is determined by using digitized values for the degree of tooth overlap, the number of ghosts and regions less than the preset resolution value, and the severity level detected in the panoramic image after the update, and a second noise value for the first noise value A ratio of 2 noise values is calculated as an improvement score, and a value with improved distortion after correction may be displayed on the panorama UI 610 .

In one embodiment, the device 100 may calculate the noise value based on weights that are given high in the order of the degree of tooth overlap, ghost, and regions below the preset resolution value, and if the improvement score is less than the preset value, A message recommending re-correction of the maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20 may be output or a return function for restoring the panoramic image prior to update may be provided through the execution button menu 670.

8 to 10 are diagrams illustrating in more detail a series of operations for updating a panoramic image through correction of the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 by the device 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the device 100 may determine the upper jaw trajectory 10 and the lower jaw trajectory 20 based on the CT image, and, for example, as shown in FIG. 8 (a), the lower jaw trajectory ( 20) can be visualized. 8(b) illustrates a panoramic image generated when panoramic shooting is performed according to the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 determined in this way, and FIG. 8(c) shows identification in the panoramic image thus generated. As shown in number 810, it illustrates that distortion of tooth overlap occurred in the left molar portion.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the device 100 may receive a user input for the upper and lower trajectories 10 and 20 to primarily update the trajectories, for example, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), on an image The mandibular trajectory 20 may be primarily modified according to the user's drag and drop input for the mandibular trajectory 20 displayed on . 9(b) illustrates a panoramic image generated when panoramic photography is performed according to the mandibular trajectory 20 that is primarily updated, and FIG. 9(c) shows an identification number in the panoramic image after the primary update. Although the tooth overlap is improved compared to 810, it is exemplified that a ghost occurs on the jaw bone as shown in identification number 910. As described above, such a distortion area can be visualized on a corresponding panoramic image through detection of a correction-required area.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the device 100 visualizes the maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20 on the panoramic image after the first update, and the first updated maxillary trajectory 10 and the mandibular trajectory 20 The trajectory may be secondarily updated by receiving a user input. For example, the device 100 may secondarily correct the mandibular trajectory 20 according to the user's drag and drop input on the mandibular trajectory 20 displayed on the panoramic image, as shown in FIG. 10(a). 10(b) illustrates a panoramic image generated when panoramic photography is performed again according to the mandibular trajectory 20 updated secondarily, and FIG. 10(c) illustrates identification within the panoramic image after the second update. As shown in No. 1010, it is exemplified that the overlapping of the teeth compared to the identification number 810 is minimized and the ghost of the jaw bone compared to the identification number 910 is also removed. As described above, the area with improved distortion may be visualized on the corresponding panoramic image through the improvement score for the area requiring correction.

As such, the device 100 performs panoramic photography by first determining the trajectory from the CT image, and secondarily corrects the trajectory based on the panoramic image thus generated to perform panoramic re-photography, resulting in overlapping teeth. While minimizing , there is no ghost on the jawbone, so a panoramic image with significantly improved distortion characteristics can be provided.

In an embodiment, in the process of matching the first panoramic image of the upper jaw and the second panoramic image of the lower jaw, the device 100 sets a first weight and a second weight assigned to each of the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image. A panoramic image may be acquired by matching based on weights. For example, the device 100 may display a first panoramic image and a second panoramic image, respectively, set a first weight and a second weight according to an input by a user (eg, a chair, a photographer), and then proceed with registration. In addition, if the user determines that the second panoramic image has a higher overall quality, the matching is performed with different weights applied to the upper and lower panoramic images in a manner in which the second weight is set higher and then matching is performed. may proceed.

In one embodiment, each of the first weight and the second weight is based on at least one of the location, number, treatment risk, tooth overlapping, and ghosting of teeth to be treated for each of the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image. may be determined to a different value. For example, when the tooth to be treated is located in the upper jaw based on pre-stored patient information, the device 100 increases the first weight value to a predetermined value or more, and increases the number of treatment targets or increases the risk of treatment proportionally thereto. The first weight may be increased accordingly. For another example, if the device 100 briefly performs noise analysis on the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image before matching the images, and then analyzes that ghost or tooth overlap has occurred in the second panoramic image, The reduction of the second weight may be reduced by a predetermined value or more, and the number or area of the ghost generating area increases or the degree of distortion of the image due to the ghosting increases or the number of overlapping teeth or the intersection area increases. 2 weight can be reduced.

In one embodiment, the device 100 generates at least one of a degree of tooth overlap used to determine the noise level, a ghost, and an area less than the preset resolution value when the noise value for the panoramic image is equal to or greater than the preset value A third panoramic image may be generated by generating a simple trajectory in consideration of a location and performing panoramic photography according to the simple trajectory. For example, when distortion due to tooth overlapping, ghosting, etc. is severe, the device 100 generates a simplified trajectory for some tooth regions so as to pass through a distortion occurrence point in consideration of a distortion generation direction so as to minimize distortion, and according to the simplified trajectory A new panoramic image may be acquired using the captured third panoramic image.

In one embodiment, the simplified trajectory may be determined based on at least one of a degree of tooth overlap, the number of ghosts and regions below a predetermined resolution, a serious degree, and a degree of proximity to the tooth to be treated. For example, the simplified trajectory may be derived so that a more dense trajectory is formed around the tooth to be treated while passing through a point where a large distortion occurs. For another example, the simple trajectory may be formed to pass through different points depending on whether the type of noise is tooth overlapping, ghosting, or an area less than a preset resolution value.

In an embodiment, the device 100 may obtain a panoramic image based on a first weight assigned to the first panoramic image, a second weight assigned to the second panoramic image, and a third weight added to the simple trajectory. . For example, the third weight may be smaller than the first weight and the second weight.

The order and combination of the steps shown above is an embodiment, and the order, combination, branch, function, and subject of execution thereof may be added, omitted, or modified within the scope that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of each component described in the specification. It can be seen that this can be done. In addition, throughout the specification, 'providing' includes a process in which an object acquires specific information or directly or indirectly transmits/receives it to a specific object, and can be interpreted as comprehensively including the performance of related operations required in this process.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are software comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (eg, memory) readable by a machine (eg, display 130 or a computer). can be implemented as For example, a processor (eg, processor 120 ) of the device may call at least one of one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term refers to the case where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. It does not discriminate when it is temporarily stored.

According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products may be traded between sellers and buyers as commodities. A computer program product is distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (e.g. Play Store™) or on two user devices (e.g. It can be distributed (eg downloaded or uploaded) online, directly between smartphones. In the case of online distribution, at least part of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created in a device-readable storage medium such as a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or a relay server's memory.

Those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will be able to understand that it can be implemented in a modified form within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the above description. Therefore, the disclosed methods are to be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: device
110: receiver 120: processor
130: display 140: shooting unit
141: X-ray output unit 142: X-ray receiver
10: maxillary trajectory 20: mandibular trajectory
30: center point 40: tooth division
50: tooth area

Claims (14)

In the method for acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth,
acquiring CT images of the plurality of teeth;
acquiring tooth position information for the plurality of teeth in the CT image;
displaying, on one or more cross-sectional images, at least one trajectory of an upper jaw trajectory and a lower jaw trajectory generated based on the tooth position information;
updating the trajectory based on a user input for the trajectory;
acquiring a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth according to a moving path of an X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory; and
Determining a region in need of correction through analysis of the panoramic image;
The area in need of correction is
A first condition for determining whether the degree of tooth overlap in the panoramic image is greater than or equal to a predetermined level and a second condition for determining whether or not a ghost caused by the jawbone has occurred greater than or equal to a predetermined level and a predetermined and determined based on at least one of the third conditions for determining whether an area less than the resolution value has occurred.
According to claim 1,
The method further comprising: overlapping and displaying at least one of the upper jaw trajectory and the lower jaw trajectory on the one or more sectional images and the panoramic image.
According to claim 1,
The one or more cross-sectional images are
A method comprising at least one of: an axial first image of the upper jaw, a second axial image of the lower jaw, and a sagittal third image of the upper jaw and the lower jaw.
According to claim 1,
Acquiring the panoramic image
obtaining a first panoramic image of the upper jaw based on the upper jaw trajectory included in the trajectory;
obtaining a second panoramic image of the lower jaw based on the lower jaw trajectory included in the trajectory; and
and acquiring the panoramic image by matching the first panoramic image and the second panoramic image.
delete According to claim 1,
outputting a message inquiring whether to acquire the panoramic image again when the region requiring correction is determined;
updating a trajectory corresponding to the area in need of correction according to a response to the message; and
The method further comprising; displaying the acquired modified panoramic image based on the updated trajectory.
According to claim 1,
The movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory is
The method of determining an angle appearing as the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit intersects with the updated trajectory to correspond to a right angle.
According to claim 1,
The movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory is
A method of determining a distance between a target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit within a preset range.
According to claim 1,
The movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory is
The method of determining based on a ratio of a distance between a target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit and a distance between the target tooth and the X-ray receiver.
According to claim 1,
The movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory is
A first determination method for determining the movement path so that an angle appearing when the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit intersects with the trajectory corresponds to a right angle, a distance between a target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit is preset A second determination method for determining the movement path so as to be included within a range, a second determination method for determining the movement path based on a ratio of a distance between a target tooth to be photographed and the X-ray output unit, and a distance between the target tooth and the X-ray receiver A method of making a decision based on a combination of two or more of the three decision methods.
According to claim 1,
The movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory is
The method of determining based on an expected overlap area expected to occur as the X-ray output from the X-ray output unit overlaps and projects adjacent teeth.
According to claim 1,
Obtaining a CT image of the plurality of teeth
and acquiring CT images of the plurality of teeth by outputting X-rays from the X-ray output unit at a predetermined speed or more or less than a predetermined number of times only for regions of the tooth portion.
In the device for obtaining a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth,
a receiving unit acquiring CT images of the plurality of teeth; and
Obtaining tooth position information for a plurality of teeth in the CT image,
Displaying at least one trajectory of an upper jaw trajectory and a lower jaw trajectory generated based on the tooth position information on one or more cross-sectional images;
update the trajectory based on user input for the trajectory;
Obtaining a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth according to a movement path of the X-ray output unit corresponding to the updated trajectory;
A processor for determining a region requiring correction through analysis of the panoramic image; including,
The area in need of correction is
A first condition for determining whether the degree of tooth overlap in the panoramic image has occurred at a predetermined level or more and a second condition for determining whether a ghost caused by a jaw bone has occurred at a predetermined level or more and a preset The device, which is determined based on at least one of the third conditions for determining whether an area less than the resolution value has occurred.
A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method of any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6 to 12 in a computer.

Images