KR102613988B1 - Method, device and recording medium for obtaining panoramic images of a plurality of teeth - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment, a panoramic image is obtained by reflecting the cervical spine region selected according to user input in the projection image of a plurality of teeth in the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit, thereby reducing the quality of the panoramic image caused by the patient's cervical spine. A method, device, and recording medium that can minimize and effectively improve the quality of panoramic images are disclosed.

Description

Method, device, and recording medium for acquiring panoramic images of a plurality of teeth {METHOD, DEVICE AND RECORDING MEDIUM FOR OBTAINING PANORAMIC IMAGES OF A PLURALITY OF TEETH}

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

Conventionally, when creating a panoramic image of a patient's teeth, a certain amount of Images of teeth were taken for analysis. In addition, a 3D medical image was obtained by photographing the patient's teeth while moving the imaging device in a designated direction, and then data was extracted from the 3D medical image to create a 2D panoramic image.

However, in this conventional technology, when imaging the tooth area where the cervical vertebrae are located, the irradiated X-ray passes through both the teeth and the cervical vertebrae and then reaches the X-ray detector, resulting in a decrease in image quality due to the cervical vertebrae. There is.

Accordingly, there is a need for technology to improve the quality of panoramic images by solving the above-mentioned problems and minimizing the impact caused by the cervical spine.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2011-0072742 (June 29, 2011), high-resolution panoramic image acquisition device and method

One embodiment of the present disclosure is intended to solve the problems of the prior art described above, and includes a technical task for improving the quality of panoramic images by solving the problem of image quality deterioration caused by the cervical spine in conventional panoramic images. The technical challenges to be solved are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and may further include various technical challenges within the scope apparent to those skilled in the art.

A method of acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes acquiring and displaying one or more projection images of the plurality of teeth; determining a cervical spine region based on a user input selected from the displayed projection image; and acquiring a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth based on the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical spine region.

Additionally, the projection image may be acquired based on a panoramic imaging method or a tomographic imaging method.

Additionally, the movement speed of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical spine region may be determined to decrease when imaging the cervical spine region.

Additionally, the movement path of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical region may be determined so that the position of the cervical region does not overlap the plurality of teeth on the panoramic image.

In addition, the step of determining the cervical spine region may further include determining the cervical spine region on the projection image based on previously generated image learning data.

In addition, determining the cervical region based on the user input may further include displaying location information of the cervical region in conjunction with a panoramic image and a CT image included in the projection image.

Additionally, the moving speed of the X-ray output unit determined to reflect the cervical spine region may be determined to continuously decrease or increase the moving speed of the

Additionally, the movement path of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical spine region may be determined based on the extent to which a preset region of interest overlaps the cervical spine region.

A device for acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes a display that acquires and displays one or more projection images of the plurality of teeth, based on a user input selected from the displayed projection images. It may include a processor that determines a cervical spine area and acquires a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth based on the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical spine area.

Additionally, the projection image may be acquired based on a panoramic imaging method or a tomographic imaging method.

Additionally, the processor may determine the movement speed so that the movement speed decreases when imaging the cervical spine region.

Additionally, the processor may determine the movement path so that the location of the cervical region does not overlap the plurality of teeth on the panoramic image.

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 on 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 panoramic images can be improved by solving the problem of quality degradation caused by the cervical spine region.

Additionally, for patients whose teeth to be treated are located in the anterior region, there is an effect of improving the quality of the panoramic image.

In addition, user convenience can be improved by providing an interface that allows the user to set the cervical spine area and then take pictures before and after taking the panoramic image.

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

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device configuration according to an embodiment.
Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a method for a device to acquire a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to an embodiment.
Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a first image according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation of determining a cervical spine area using a first image displayed by a device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation of determining a cervical spine area using a second image displayed by a device according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which a device according to an embodiment displays location information of the cervical spine region in a panoramic image and a CT image included in a projection image in conjunction with each other.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which a device determines a movement path of an X-ray output unit based on the cervical spine region, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an operation of a device according to an embodiment of determining a movement path of an X-ray output unit so that the location of the cervical spine region on a panoramic image deviates from the region of interest.
Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a panoramic image according to an embodiment.

The terms used in the embodiments are general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the function in the present invention, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of the present invention, rather than simply the name of the term.

When a part in the entire specification is said to “include” a certain element, this means that it does not exclude other elements but may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary. In addition, “…” stated 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 as a combination of hardware and software.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement 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.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the 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, and a photographing unit 130.

The receiver 110 may acquire one or more projection images of a plurality of teeth. A projection image according to an embodiment may include an image (e.g., a panoramic image, a computed tomography (CT) image, etc.) acquired using light rays such as X-rays that pass through the object.

In one embodiment, when the imaging unit 130 operates in a CT imaging mode that performs computed tomography on an object (e.g., a patient's teeth) under the control of the processor 120 to generate a projection image, the receiving unit 110 ) may receive a projection image (eg, CT image) from the imaging unit 130. In another embodiment, the receiver 110 may receive a projection image of the patient's teeth from another device. In another embodiment, the receiver 110 may read a previously stored projection image of the patient's teeth from memory.

In one embodiment, the projection image may be acquired based on a panoramic imaging method or a tomographic imaging method. For example, the projection image may include at least one of a first image acquired based on a panoramic imaging method and a second image acquired based on a tomographic imaging method.

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

In one embodiment, the first image may be obtained from the second image. For example, a three-dimensional second image may be generated through CT scanning of the patient's teeth. Alternatively, after reading the pre-stored second image, a two-dimensional first image may be generated through panoramic image processing on the second image.

In another embodiment, the first image may be acquired through panoramic photography of an object (eg, a patient) including a plurality of teeth. For example, the photographing unit 130 may generate the first image by operating in a panoramic photographing mode that performs panoramic photographing of a plurality of teeth under the control of the processor 120. The imaging unit 130 may include an X-ray output unit 131 that outputs X-rays, and an X-ray receiver 132 that receives X-rays output from the X-ray output unit 131. The imaging unit 130 may capture a plurality of teeth a plurality of times while controlling the movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 moving around the object to generate a plurality of images of the tooth portion. Additionally, the photographing unit 130 may generate a two-dimensional panoramic image by performing image registration, such as finding, aligning, and stitching images that are connected to each other among a plurality of images generated through photographing.

The processor 120 may display one or more projection images, determine and display a cervical spine region based on a user input selected from the displayed projection images. Here, the cervical spine area represents an image area corresponding to the cervical vertebrae among the body parts of the subject (eg, patient) on the projection image of the teeth. For example, the processor 120 detects the image area expected to be the patient's cervical spine in the projection image through image analysis of the projection image (e.g., analysis of brightness change in the image, image-based deep learning model, etc.) and creates the projection image. It can be displayed with . Additionally, the processor 120 may determine the area selected according to the user input within the displayed projection image as the cervical spine area and display the determined cervical spine area.

The processor 120 may determine the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 that reflects the cervical spine region. Additionally, the processor 120 may acquire a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth based on the determined movement speed or movement path. For example, the processor 120 may determine the movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 to reduce the size of the cervical spine region selected according to a user input in the projection image of the patient's teeth and use it to capture a panoramic image. Accordingly, the quality of the panoramic image can be greatly improved by minimizing image quality degradation due to the cervical spine region. Various embodiments in which the processor 120 according to an embodiment acquires a panoramic image based on a projection image will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9.

The receiving unit 110 according to one embodiment may receive information described throughout the specification. For example, the receiver 110 may include a wired or wireless communication device capable of transmitting and receiving various information by being connected to other devices or components through a network or a signal processing module.

The processor 120 according to one embodiment may perform a series of operations to acquire a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth, and is electrically connected to the receiving unit 110, the photographing unit 130, and other components. The data flow between them can be controlled. To this end, the processor 120 may be implemented as a central processor unit (CPU) that controls the overall operation of the device 100.

Additionally, those skilled in the art can understand that other general-purpose components in addition to the components shown in FIG. 1 may be further included in the device 100. According to one embodiment, the device 100 includes an algorithm for processing 3D image data, a user interface unit for receiving user input, a storage unit for storing data described throughout the specification, and a display unit for displaying a panoramic image. It may further include the like.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a method by which the device 100 acquires a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, in step S210, the device 100 may obtain and display one or more projection images of a plurality of teeth. In one embodiment, the projection image may be acquired based on a panoramic imaging method or a tomographic imaging method. For example, the projection image may include at least one of a first image acquired based on a panoramic imaging method and a second image acquired based on a tomographic imaging method. In one embodiment, the first image may be a panoramic image and the second image may be a CT image.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may generate a first image by performing a panoramic photograph of a portion of a patient's teeth through the photographing unit 130 operating in a panoramic photographing mode. In another embodiment, when the second image (e.g., CT image) of the patient's teeth is stored in memory or is generated through the imaging unit 130 operating in CT imaging mode, the device 100 The first image can be obtained through panoramic image processing on the 2 image.

In step S220, the device 100 may determine the cervical spine region 10 based on a user input selected from the displayed projection image. The contents of step S220 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a first image according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the device 100 determines the cervical region 10 using the displayed first image according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the device 100 determines the cervical region 10 using a displayed second image according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, the device 100 may display a first image. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first image acquired according to the prior art is the section where the cervical spine is located beyond the patient's teeth when panoramic photography is performed, and the cervical spine between the X-ray output unit 131 and the X-ray receiver 132. It includes an image area for a tooth section (e.g., anterior teeth) located parallel to the . In these image areas, a problem arises in which it becomes difficult to visually distinguish the shape and boundaries of teeth. Accordingly, the image quality of the first image is greatly affected by the cervical spine.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the device 100 may use the displayed first image to determine the cervical spine region 10 included in the image. Hereinafter, the first embodiment of determining the cervical spine region 10 based on image learning data, the second embodiment of determining the cervical spine region 10 based on user input for the image, and the image learning data and user input for the image. A third embodiment of determining the cervical region 10 based on input is described. However, it is not limited to this and may be implemented in various modified forms.

In the first embodiment, the device 100 may acquire previously generated image learning data and determine the cervical spine region 10 on the first image based on the image learning data.

For example, the device 100 may obtain a plurality of panoramic images of patients' teeth from a database. The device 100 may generate an image learning data set including a plurality of panoramic images and cervical spine region information for each of the panoramic images. Additionally, the device 100 may configure a machine learning, classifier algorithm, or deep learning-based detection model based on the image learning data set. The device 100 may update the detection model based on a periodically updated image learning data set. Additionally, the device 100 may input the first image into the detection model and obtain an output value of location information of the cervical spine region 10 on the first image.

For another example, the device 100 may receive a detection model generated based on image learning data from a server (not shown) connected through a network. The device 100 may input the first image into the received detection model, determine the cervical spine area 10 on the first image, and display the determined cervical spine area 10. Additionally, the device 100 may determine the cervical spine region 10 from the first image and the second image through learning on both the panoramic image and the CT image.

In the first embodiment, the device 100 may determine the cervical spine region 10 based on a point in the first image where the amount of change in brightness (e.g., Hounsfield Unit (HU) value) per unit length is greater than or equal to a preset value. . For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the device 100 determines the location coordinates of an area where the amount of change in the HU value per pixel is greater than or equal to a preset value based on a predefined horizontal axis (e.g., x-axis) in the first image. It can be detected. The device 100 may determine the size and location of the cervical spine region 10 in the first image based on a boundary connecting the detected location coordinates.

In the first embodiment, the device 100 may determine the cervical spine area 10 based on an area in the first image where the brightness average of adjacent pixels located within a preset distance satisfies a preset condition. For example, the device 100 may determine the size and location of the cervical region 10 by detecting an area where the average HU value is greater than a preset value compared to surrounding pixels.

In the second embodiment, the device 100 may determine the cervical spine region 10 based on a user input selected from the first image. Here, the user input may include the user's touch input applied to the first image (or second image). Additionally, user input may include the user's value input, selection input, etc. applied using a mouse, keyboard, joystick, etc. through a user interface provided with the first image (or second image). Additionally, user input can broadly refer to user input applied while viewing an image, regardless of the type.

In the second embodiment, the device 100 may receive a user input for determining the location of the cervical spine region 10 through the cursor 20 displayed on the first image. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the device 100 allows the first user to determine the leftmost point of the cervical region 10 based on the horizontal axis (x-axis) through the displayed first cursor 21. Input can be received. Additionally, the device 100 may receive a second user input for determining the rightmost point of the cervical region 10 based on the horizontal axis through the displayed second cursor 22. Additionally, the device 100 may determine the positions of the leftmost point and the rightmost point based on the horizontal axis, respectively, according to the received first and second user inputs. The device 100 may determine the position coordinates and area size of the cervical spine area 10 based on the determined position and display them on the projection image.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the device 100 may display the cervical spine region 10 on the second image based on previously generated image learning data. Additionally, the device 100 may display a second image and determine the cervical spine area 10 based on a user input obtained for the second image. Additionally, the device 100 may receive a user input for determining the location of the cervical spine region 10 through the cursor 20 displayed on the second image. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the device 100 displays one or more cross-sectional images (e.g., an axial cross-sectional image of the maxilla or mandible obtained by slicing a CT image into cross-sections) obtained from the second image. It can be displayed. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the device 100 determines the coordinates of the positions of the leftmost point and the rightmost point through the first cursor 21 and the second cursor 22 displayed on the displayed axial cross-sectional image. Selection input can be received. Alternatively, the device 100 may select the cervical region according to the location of the left and rightmost points of the circular shape 40 determined by a selection input (e.g., drag and drop input) through the cursor 20, as shown in FIG. 5(b). The position coordinates and size of (10) can be determined and displayed on the projection image.

In the third embodiment, the device 100 may display the cervical spine region 10 determined based on image learning data by overlapping it on the first image. The device 100 may update the cervical spine region 10 based on a user input obtained for the displayed cervical spine region 10. For example, the device 100 may display the cervical spine region 10 primarily determined through a machine learning-based detection model on the first image. Additionally, the device 100 may output a message asking the user whether to confirm the cervical region 10. Additionally, when the device 100 receives the user's approval response to the corresponding message, the device 100 may use the primarily determined cervical spine region 10 to determine the imaging method at a later stage. Additionally, the device 100 may receive a user's rejection response to the corresponding message or a user input requesting modification of the position or size of the cervical region 10 displayed on the first image. In this case, the device 100 may secondarily determine the cervical region 10 by updating the location information of the cervical region 10 according to the received user input (e.g., changing values such as coordinates, width, etc.). there is.

Accordingly, the cervical region 10 can be automatically set from the projection image through a machine learning algorithm, and the cervical region 10 can be simply modified in a user-friendly manner through the UI and used in a later step.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine the boundary area 15 within the cervical spine area 10 . Here, the boundary area 15 may represent an area adjacent to the most lateral point within the cervical spine area 10 within a preset distance. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the boundary area 15 refers to an area within the cervical spine area 10 near a point where the amount of change in brightness of the image sharply exceeds a preset value.

In one embodiment, boundary region 15 has a first boundary region 15a within a first distance from the leftmost point within cervical region 10 and a second distance from the rightmost point within cervical region 10. It may include a second boundary area 15b. In one embodiment, the first distance and the second distance may be set to the same or different values. In another embodiment, the boundary area 10 may have slightly different left and right noises due to the cervical spine in the first image depending on the patient's body structure characteristics or the imaging environment. In this case, the width of the first boundary area 15a may be detected as larger or smaller than the width of the second boundary area 15b.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine the boundary area 15 in a manner similar to the first to third embodiments described above. For example, the device 100 may determine the boundary area 15 included in the cervical spine area 10 based on image learning data. Alternatively, the device 100 may determine the boundary area 15 based on a user input displayed on the first image. Alternatively, when the boundary area 15 determined based on image learning data is displayed in the cervical spine area 10 in the first image, the device 100 may update the boundary area 15 according to user input.

In one embodiment, when determining the cervical spine region 10 based on a user input, the device 100 interactively interacts with the location information of the cervical spine region 10 in the panoramic image and CT image included in the projection image. It can be displayed. Details regarding this will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the device 100 according to an embodiment of displaying location information of the cervical spine region 10 in a panoramic image and a CT image included in a projection image in conjunction with each other.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the panoramic UI 610 may include an information display window 620 for visualizing information about the panoramic image and information about the patient. Additionally, the panoramic UI 610 may include a panoramic image window 630 for visualizing the location of the cervical spine region 10 on the panoramic image. Additionally, the panoramic UI 610 may include a CT image window 640 for visualizing the location of the cervical spine region 10 on an axial image of the maxilla sliced from the CT image. Additionally, the panorama UI 610 may include an execution button menu 650 for receiving user input. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the execution button menu 650 may include a button for returning the position information of the cervical region 10 to its previous value, a button for storing it in memory, a button for panoramic shooting, etc. , but is not limited to this.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine the cervical spine region 10 based on a user input obtained for one of the first image and the second image. Additionally, the device 100 may display location information about the cervical region 10 in conjunction with the first image and the second image. For example, the device 100 may display a first image and a second image and provide a panoramic UI 610 for receiving user input for each image. The device 100 may receive a selection input for the cervical spine region 10 through the first image window 630. In this case, the device 100 may display the corresponding cervical spine region 10 on the first image window 630 and simultaneously display it on the second image through the second image window 640. The device 100 may receive a selection input for the cervical spine region 10 through the second image window 640. In this case, the device 100 may display the corresponding cervical region 10 on the second image window 640 and simultaneously display it on the first image through the first image window 630.

Accordingly, the device 100 may provide a panoramic UI 610 capable of setting the cervical spine region 10 using both panoramic images and CT images. Additionally, the device 100 can provide the user with intuitive information about the location of the cervical spine region 10 by displaying the situation in which the cervical spine region 10 is determined from the panoramic image and the CT image in conjunction with each other.

In step S230, the device 100 may acquire a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth based on the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 determined by reflecting the cervical spine region 10. For example, the device 100 considers the position and size of the cervical spine region 10 according to the user input in the first image, and determines the moving speed of the Or, you can decide on a travel route. Accordingly, the device 100 can minimize the size of the cervical spine region 10 within the newly captured panoramic image. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an operation of the device 100 determining a movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 based on the cervical spine region 10 according to an embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 7(a) is a diagram illustrating the movement of the X-ray output unit 131 while the device 100 acquires the first image. Additionally, FIG. 7(b) is a diagram illustrating an operation in which the device 100 acquires a panoramic image according to a movement path determined based on the cervical region 10.

FIG. 7(a) shows a case where the photographing unit 130 operates in a panoramic photographing mode and generates a first image by photographing the object 1 without considering the cervical region 10. The X-ray output unit 131 rotates around the object 1 according to a predetermined path and outputs X-rays toward the object 1. In this case, there is a very high probability that there will be an imaging section where the object 1 and the cervical vertebrae 2 overlap in parallel according to the moving trajectory of the X-ray output unit 131. In this way, in the imaging section where the object 1 and the cervical vertebrae 2 overlap and are positioned side by side, the X-ray output by the X-ray output unit 131 passes through the cervical vertebrae 2 and is transmitted to the X-ray receiver 132. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, image quality deteriorates due to a decrease in the amount of light compared to other shooting sections.

In FIG. 7(b), the device 100 displays the object 1 and the cervical spine 2 side by side between the X-ray output unit 131 and the The movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 may be determined so that the X-ray output unit 131 is not positioned in an overlapping position. For example, when the imaging unit 130 takes a panoramic image of a tooth corresponding to the position of the cervical spine region 10, the line connecting the X-ray output unit 131 and the X-ray receiver 132 does not overlap the cervical spine 2. You can adjust the trajectory to avoid this. The imaging unit 130 may control the movement of the X-ray output unit 131 according to the adjusted trajectory to capture images around the teeth.

Accordingly, the device 100 improves the quality of the panoramic image by controlling the movement path of the It can be improved.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine a movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 reflecting the cervical spine region 10 based on the cervical spine region 10 and the magnification rate. Here, the magnification rate may be determined based on the distance a between the X-ray output unit 131 and the object 1 and the distance b between the object 1 and the X-ray receiver 132. For example, the magnification may be the ratio of a+b to a. This magnification rate indicates whether the X-ray is close to the object 1 or information about dust, and acts as an important factor in image quality in the process of acquiring a panoramic image. For example, a difference in magnification occurs depending on whether the X-ray is closer or further away from the object 1, so that the amount of projected Therefore, depending on the trajectory of the X-ray output unit 131, the central axis between the X-ray output unit 131 and the X-ray receiver 132 also moves, and the correlation between the teeth and the You can.

The device 100 prevents the object 1 and the cervical spine 2 from overlapping side by side between the X-ray output unit 131 and the The movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 can be determined as much as possible. For example, the device 100 considers the cervical region 10 and simultaneously moves the cervical region 10 such that the distance a between the output unit 131 and the object 1 is constant or the a:b ratio is constant. can be decided. Accordingly, the device 100 can improve the overall quality of the panoramic image by improving image degradation due to the cervical spine that appears in the first image and at the same time maintaining the shape and size of the teeth. In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine the movement speed of the X-ray output unit 131 reflecting the cervical spine area 10 so that the movement speed decreases when imaging the cervical spine area 10. For example, when the basic speed at which the X-ray output unit 131 moves is a first value, the device 100 sets the moving speed of the It can be set to .

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine the movement speed of the X-ray output unit 131 reflecting the cervical spine area 10 so that the movement speed continuously decreases or increases when imaging the boundary area 15. For example, when photographing the cervical region 10, the device 100 does not immediately decrease the first value to the second value upon entering the boundary of the cervical region 10, but instead changes the first value and the second value within the boundary region 15. The moving speed of the X-ray output unit 131 may be determined so that the speed gradually decreases through a plurality of intermediate values connecting the second value. For example, when photographing the first boundary area 15a, the device 100 may reduce the first value to the second value through a plurality of intermediate values. In addition, the device 100 maintains the second value when imaging an area included in the cervical spine region 10 but is not the boundary region 15, and changes the second value to a plurality of intermediate values when photographing the second boundary region 15b. The values can be increased to the first value.

In one embodiment, the widths of the first boundary area 15a and the second boundary area 15b may be different. In this case, the device 100 may determine the moving speed of the X-ray output unit 131 so that the amount of change in moving speed per unit time is different when imaging the first boundary area 15a and the second boundary area 15b.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may increase the number of shots taken by the imaging unit 130 when photographing the cervical spine region 10. For example, if the basic number of frames captured by the imaging unit 130 per unit time is a third value, the device 100 determines the number of frames captured per unit time to be a fourth value greater than the third value when photographing the cervical spine region 10. You can.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine a movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 reflecting the cervical spine region 10 so that the position of the cervical spine region 10 on the first image changes. For example, in the first image, a significant decrease in image quality may occur around the teeth to be treated (eg, anterior teeth) due to the cervical spine. In this case, the device 100 may determine the movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 so that the position of the cervical spine region 10 is moved to the left or right compared to the first image when taking a panoramic image. For example, the device 100 may determine the movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 by horizontally moving the center point between the X-ray output unit 131 and the X-ray receiver 132 by a preset value.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine a movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 reflecting the cervical spine region 10 so that the position of the cervical spine region 10 does not overlap a plurality of teeth in the panoramic image. For example, when photographing a tooth corresponding to the position of the cervical spine region 10, the device 100 prevents the line connecting the X-ray output unit 131 and the X-ray receiver 132 from overlapping with the cervical spine 2. The movement path of the output unit 131 can be determined.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may determine the movement path of the . Details regarding this will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates an operation of the device 100, according to an embodiment, to determine the movement path of the This is a drawing for

Referring to FIG. 8(a), the device 100 may compare the location of the cervical spine region 10 and the location of the preset region of interest 30 on the panoramic image and determine whether they overlap each other according to the comparison result. . If they overlap, the device 100 uses the The movement path of (131) can be determined. For example, the device 100 may determine whether the cervical spine region 10 and the region of interest 30 overlap by more than a preset distance based on the x-axis. In the case of overlap, the device 100 outputs the The movement path can be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may increase the amount of X-rays output by the X-ray output unit 131 when imaging an area including the cervical spine region 10. For example, when the basic X-ray amount output from the X-ray output unit 131 is the fifth value, the device 100 adjusts the It can be set to a 6th value greater than the 5 value.

In one embodiment, the sixth value may be determined based on a preset X-ray dose for the cervical spine. For example, it can be calculated through a mathematical operation that reflects the statistical value of the X-ray dose for the cervical spine in the fifth value. Additionally, the above-described first to sixth values may be determined based on a history of determining the cervical spine region 10 during a preset period, or may be determined based on a learning model or user input.

The device 100 may acquire a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth based on the determined movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit 131. For example, when photographing the cervical region 10 according to the determined movement speed or path, the device 100 may decrease the imaging speed or increase the number of imaging times as described above. Alternatively, the device 100 may follow the movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 adjusted to move obliquely and horizontally toward the anterior teeth, or control the imaging unit 130 to increase the amount of radiation output. Accordingly, the device 100 can perform panoramic photography to generate a plurality of images of the patient's teeth by reflecting the cervical spine region 10. Additionally, the device 100 may perform image registration, such as finding, aligning, and stitching images connected to each other between the plurality of generated images, and register them into one panoramic image.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a panoramic image according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, the device 100 can display a panoramic image. For example, the panoramic image shown in FIG. 9 is hardly affected by the cervical spine. In addition, when compared to the first image shown in FIG. 3, the panoramic image shown in FIG. 9 allows the shape and border of teeth to be easily distinguished visually even in some areas such as the anterior teeth, resulting in a significant improvement in image quality. You can see that there is.

In this way, the device 100 may determine the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 used to capture a panoramic image based on the cervical spine region 10 determined from the projection image. Accordingly, the device 100 can minimize image quality degradation caused by the patient's cervical spine and effectively improve the quality of the panoramic image.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may acquire only the second image among the projection images. In this case, the device 100 may determine the cervical spine region 10 from the second image and then determine the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 in the above-described manner to obtain a panoramic image. In this case, the device 100 determines the cervical spine area 10 using only the second image without separately capturing the first image, thereby obtaining a panoramic image with improved image quality through one panoramic shooting. .

In one embodiment, the device 100 displays the first image and the panoramic image through the panoramic UI 610, and compares the cervical spine region 10 included in the first image with the cervical spine region included in the panoramic image. can be provided together.

In one embodiment, the comparison result is the amount or ratio of the reduction in the size of the cervical spine region determined from the panoramic image compared to the cervical spine region 10 of the first image, and the resolution that quantifies the degree to which tooth shape or border can be visually distinguished. may include an increased amount or ratio.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may provide an improvement score indicating the degree to which image quality degradation due to the cervical spine has been improved based on the comparison result. For example, the device 100 may determine the first cervical spine noise value for the first image based on the size and resolution of the cervical spine region 10 of the first image, and whether the cervical spine region 10 overlaps with a preset region of interest. there is. Additionally, the device 100 may determine the second cervical spine noise value for the panoramic image based on the size and resolution of the cervical spine area determined from the panoramic image, and whether the cervical spine area overlaps with the preset region of interest. In addition, the device 100 calculates the ratio of the second cervical vertebra noise value to the first cervical vertebra noise value as an improvement score and displays the improved value of image quality deterioration due to the cervical spine after rephotography on the panorama UI 410. You can.

In one embodiment, when determining the cervical spine noise value, the device 100 may calculate the cervical spine noise value based on a higher weight given in the order of area size, resolution, and whether the area overlaps with a preset region of interest. . Additionally, if the improvement score is less than a preset value, the device 100 may output a message recommending re-correction of the cervical spine area determined from the panoramic image. Alternatively, the device 100 may provide a revert function to restore the first image before rephotography through the execution button menu 650.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may display a cervical spine region determined from the panoramic image on a panoramic image through the panoramic UI 610 and determine whether to modify the cervical spine region based on a user input for the corresponding cervical spine region. there is. For example, when a user input requesting correction is received, the device 100 may modify the size and position of the cervical spine region in the panoramic image in the same manner as modifying the cervical spine region 10 described above. The device 100 may retake the panoramic image by re-determining the movement speed or movement path of the X-ray output unit 131 in consideration of the revised cervical spine region. Additionally, if the cervical spine area of the re-photographed panoramic image is larger than a preset size, the device 100 may output a message inquiring whether to reacquire the panoramic image by resetting the cervical spine area. In this way, the device 100 may repeat these operations until an input that is approved by the user as a completed panoramic image is received.

In one embodiment, the device 100 may display some areas in the panoramic image where image quality has been improved beyond a preset level through rephotography so that they are visually distinguished from other areas. For example, the device 100 may display a highlight on the boundary of the area corresponding to the cervical spine area 10 within the panoramic image, allowing the user to easily check which part has been mainly improved.

In this way, the device 100 allows the user to easily modify the cervical region 10 on the panoramic image, and provides a panoramic UI 610 that visually confirms whether the correction has been appropriately made, further improving user convenience. You can.

The order and combination of steps shown above is an example, and the order, combination, branch, function, and performer thereof may be added, omitted, or modified without departing from the essential characteristics of each component described in the specification. It can be seen that this can be implemented. In addition, throughout the specification, 'provision' includes the process of an object acquiring specific information or directly or indirectly sending and receiving it to a specific object, and can be interpreted to comprehensively include the performance of related operations required in this process.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are implemented as software including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., memory) that can be read by a machine (e.g., a display device or computer). It can be. For example, the device's processor (eg, processor 120) may call at least one instruction among one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium that can be read by a device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves). This term refers to cases where data is stored semi-permanently in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

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

Those skilled in the art related to this embodiment will understand that the above-described base material can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered from an explanatory rather than a restrictive perspective. The scope of the present invention is indicated in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the present invention.

100: device
110: receiving unit 120: processor
130: Filming Department
131: X-ray output unit 132: X-ray receiver
10: Cervical region 15: Boundary region
20: cursor

Claims (13)

In a method of acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth,
Obtaining and displaying one or more projection images of the plurality of teeth;
determining a cervical spine region based on a user input selected from the displayed projection image; and
Comprising: acquiring a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth based on the updated movement path of the X-ray output unit obtained by reflecting the cervical region,
The updated movement path is obtained as the position of the central axis between the X-ray output unit and the X-ray receiver is updated,
A method in which the position of the central axis is updated within a range in which the magnification ratio for the object included in the plurality of teeth is maintained.
According to claim 1,
The method wherein the magnification ratio is determined based on the distance between the object and the X-ray receiver relative to the distance between the X-ray output unit and the object.
According to claim 1,
The method wherein the moving speed of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical spine region is determined to decrease when imaging the cervical spine region.
According to claim 1,
The method wherein the movement path of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical spine region is determined so that the position of the cervical spine region does not overlap the plurality of teeth on the panoramic image.
According to claim 1,
The method of determining the cervical spine region further includes determining the cervical spine region on the projection image based on previously generated image learning data.
According to claim 1,
The step of determining the cervical spine region based on the user input
The method further comprising: displaying location information of the cervical spine region in conjunction with a panoramic image and a CT image included in the projection image.
According to claim 3,
The moving speed of the X-ray output unit is
The method is determined to continuously decrease or increase the moving speed of the
According to claim 1,
The method wherein the movement path of the X-ray output unit determined by reflecting the cervical spine region is determined based on the extent to which a preset region of interest overlaps the cervical spine region.
In a device for acquiring a panoramic image of a plurality of teeth,
a display that obtains and displays one or more projected images of the plurality of teeth; and
A processor that determines a cervical spine area based on a user input selected from the displayed projection image and acquires a panoramic image of the plurality of teeth based on an updated movement path of the X-ray output unit obtained by reflecting the cervical spine area; Contains,
The updated movement path is obtained as the position of the central axis between the X-ray output unit and the X-ray receiver is updated,
A device in which the position of the central axis is updated within a range in which the magnification ratio for the object included in the plurality of teeth is maintained.
According to clause 9,
The device wherein the magnification ratio is determined based on the distance between the object and the X-ray receiver relative to the distance between the X-ray output unit and the object.
According to clause 9,
The processor is
A device that determines the moving speed of the X-ray output unit so that the moving speed of the X-ray output unit decreases when imaging the cervical spine region.
According to clause 9,
The processor is
A device that determines the movement path so that the position of the cervical region does not overlap the plurality of teeth on the panoramic image.
A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 on a computer.

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