Abstract: Automatic triggering of an intraoral x-ray sensor used in a dental x-ray imaging system. The intraoral sensor has an array of pixels. The array of pixels has a plurality of lines of pixels, and each of the pixels generates an electrical signal correlated to x-ray radiation that impinges that pixel. An electronic control unit is connected to the intraoral sensor to receive electric signals from the array of pixels. The electronic control unit destructively reads pixel clusters in one or more of the plurality of lines of pixels. The electronic control unit is configured to generate a dose-correlated signal based on the signals from each of the pixel clusters in each of the one or more lines of pixels and initiate capture of an image generated with information from each of the pixels in the array of pixels, when the combined signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating images. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive image generation settings, receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object, and automatically generate a first three-dimensional data set based on the projection data, wherein the first three-dimensional data set has a first field-of-view of the object. The processor is also configured to automatically generate a second three-dimensional data set based on the projection data and the image generation settings. The second three-dimensional data set has a second field-of-view of the object smaller than the first field-of-view in at least one dimension. In one embodiment, the second three-dimensional data set is transmitted to a service provider over at least one network.

Abstract: Methods and systems for viewing images. One system includes a source of images, a computer, and a screen. The computer includes a processor and a user interface module configured to generate a graphical user interface or GUI. The GUI includes a first window in which one or more of the images are displayed. The GUI is displayed on the screen and the graphical user interface module generates an output or modifies the GUI in response to user input (e.g., tap, click, etc.). In response to the input, the graphical user interface generates an image-navigation map. The image-navigation map is displayed in a foreground of the first window and the one or more images are in displayed in a background of the first window. The image-navigation map includes one or more thumbnail images of at least one of the one or more images.

Abstract: A medical imaging device mountable on a support structure having a horizontal surface and at least one substantially vertical surface. The imaging device includes a frame and a gantry having a radiation source and a radiation detector. The gantry is rotatable with respect to the frame. The imaging device includes a first vertical adjustment element and a second vertical adjustment element. The first vertical adjustment element has a first end couplable to the horizontal surface and a second end coupled to the frame, the first end is located a first distance from the second end, and adjustable over a first range. The second vertical adjustment element has a third end coupled to the frame and a fourth end coupled to the gantry. The third end is located a second distance from the fourth end, and is adjustable over a second range, and the fourth end is rotatable with respect to the third end.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting data generated during a scan of an object. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object, generate a three-dimensional, volumetric data set based on the projection data, and automatically generate a plurality of cinematic frames of a cinematic sequence based on the three-dimensional, volumetric data set. Each of the plurality of cinematic frames has a different value for at least one parameter. The processor is also configured to automatically generate a signal to display the cinematic sequence in a frame-by-frame manner. In some embodiments, the processor continuously displays the cinematic sequence until a user accepts the three-dimensional, volumetric data set or stops the cinematic sequence (e.g., to perform a manual inspection of the three-dimensional, volumetric data set and/or re-initiate a scan of the object).

Abstract: An intraoral x-ray sensor with embedded standard computer interface. The sensor includes a data transfer cable. In one embodiment, the cable is quad-twisted USB cable and includes two data lines, a ground line, and fillers twisted within a metallic sheath. The cable is symmetrically organized about a centerline. The symmetric cable has an improved life due to the ability to withstand mechanical stress (e.g., rotational stress). The sensor includes a processor and a housing with an inner metallization layer. The sheath is coupled to the inner metallization layer to transfer heat generated by the processor from the inner metallization layer to the sheath.

Abstract: Devices for presentation of digital radiographic images. One device includes a memory for storing at least one radiographic image and a computer connected to the memory. The computer includes a processor and a user interface module. The user interface module is configured to generate a graphical user interface and to cause the at least one radiographic image to be displayed on a display in a first mode and in a light box mode that simulates the appearance of a physical light box.

Abstract: A method and a system for determining patient motion in an image. The method includes obtaining an image based on image data generated by a scanner during a scan. The image includes at least three markers assumed to be in a rigid or semi-rigid configuration. Each of the at least three markers has actual measured positions on a detector panel of the scanner in a first dimension and a second dimension. The method further includes determining a reference three-dimensional position for each of the at least three markers and defining equations describing the relationship between the reference three-dimensional position and the actual measured positions of each of the at least three markers, geometric parameters of the scanner, and patient motion.

Abstract: A method and system of rapidly detecting and mapping a plurality of marker points identified in a sequence of projection images to a physical marker placed on a patient or other scanned object. Embodiments of the invention allow a marker physical mapping module executable by an electronic processing unit to obtain a sequence of images based on image data generated by a scanner. Each image in the sequence of images represents an angle of rotation by the scanner and includes a plurality of marker points each having a U position and a V position. Expected U and V positions for the physical marker are calculated and a list of candidate marker points is created based on the expected positions. The images are processed and selected candidate marker points are added to a good point list.

Abstract: A method and system of determining a sub-pixel point position of a marker point in an image. Embodiments of the invention allow a marker point sub-pixel localization module executable by an electronic processing unit to obtain an image, including a marker point, and to derive both a background corrected marker point profile and a background and baseline corrected marker point profile. Additionally, embodiments of the invention allow defining of a sub-pixel position of the marker point as a center of a peak of the background corrected marker point profile. Thus, embodiments of the invention allow for rapidly detecting and localizing external markers placed on a patient in projection images.

Abstract: A system for removing artifacts caused by x-ray reflective materials from an x-ray image of a patient's teeth. The system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector that captures several x-ray images, and a surface scanner that captures a surface scan of the patient's teeth. An image processor generates three-dimensional models from the optical surface data and the CT volumetric data. The models are resized and oriented to be of the same scale and orientation and then overlaid to create a combined data set. Data points that extend beyond the surface of the patient's teeth in the surface model are identified and may be removed if it is determined that they are artifacts. An artifact-reduced CT model is then displayed.

Abstract: An apparatus for dental and facial imaging including a rotatable gantry having an axis of rotation generally in the direction of local gravitational vertical; a source of penetrating radiation mounted on the gantry; an elongated detector for detecting radiation and producing image data, the detector mounted opposite the source on the gantry, and having a length, a long axis, and a short axis The gantry, source, and detector configured to receive the head of a patient between the source and the detector, with the axis of rotation of the gantry passing through the patient's head. The detector is mounted rotatably to the gantry and movable between a first position where the long axis of the detector is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the gantry and a second position where the long axis of the detector is generally parallel to the axis of rotation of the gantry.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an image. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive a requested object field-of-view and determine if the object field-of-view is possible based on constraints of an imaging system, wherein the constraints include dimensions of a detector panel and motion limits of a collimator assembly. If the object field-of-view is possible, the processor is configured to dynamically generate a set of collimator motor commands and reconstruction parameters based on the object field-of-view, calibration parameters of the collimator assembly, and geometric calibration parameters of the imaging system. The processor is also configured to provide the set of collimator motor commands to the collimator assembly to position shutters of the collimator assembly to illuminate the object field-of-view.

Abstract: Methods and systems for generating images. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive image generation settings, receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object, and automatically generate a first three-dimensional data set based on the projection data, wherein the first three-dimensional data set has a first field-of-view of the object. The processor is also configured to automatically generate a second three-dimensional data set based on the projection data and the image generation settings. The second three-dimensional data set has a second field-of-view of the object smaller than the first field-of-view in at least one dimension. In one embodiment, the second three-dimensional data set is transmitted to a service provider over at least one network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inspecting data generated during a scan of an object. One system includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object, generate a three-dimensional, volumetric data set based on the projection data, and automatically generate a plurality of cinematic frames of a cinematic sequence based on the three-dimensional, volumetric data set. Each of the plurality of cinematic frames has a different value for at least one parameter. The processor is also configured to automatically generate a signal to display the cinematic sequence in a frame-by-frame manner. In some embodiments, the processor continuously displays the cinematic sequence until a user accepts the three-dimensional, volumetric data set or stops the cinematic sequence (e.g., to perform a manual inspection of the three-dimensional, volumetric data set and/or re-initiate a scan of the object).

Abstract: Devices for presentation of digital radiographic images. One device includes a memory for storing at least one radiographic image and a computer connected to the memory. The computer includes a processor and a user interface module. The user interface module is configured to generate a graphical user interface and to cause the at least one radiographic image to be displayed on a display in a first mode and in a light box mode that simulates the appearance of a physical light box.

Abstract: Methods and systems for viewing images. One system includes a source of images, a computer, and a screen. The computer includes a processor and a user interface module configured to generate a graphical user interface or GUI. The GUI includes a first window in which one or more of the images are displayed. The GUI is displayed on the screen and the graphical user interface module generates an output or modifies the GUI in response to user input (e.g., tap, click, etc.). In response to the input, the graphical user interface generates an image-navigation map. The image-navigation map is displayed in a foreground of the first window and the one or more images are in displayed in a background of the first window. The image-navigation map includes one or more thumbnail images of at least one of the one or more images.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating an image by obtaining x-ray image data, segmenting the x-ray image data into a first portion above a vertical threshold and a second portion below the vertical threshold. Further, the method and the system include generating an arch for the second plurality of slices, and generating an image based on the arch.

Abstract: For dental and facial imaging, a source of x-rays (14) or other penetrating radiation and a detector (20) are mounted opposite one another on a rotatable gantry (28), so that the head of the patient can be positioned between the source (14) and the detector (20), with the axis of rotation (36) of the gantry passing through the patient's head. The detector or the source are mounted so they can translate and/or pivot horizontally or vertically. The gantry is angulated so that the source or the detector may not be at the same height relative to the patient's head. The gantry can telescope, moving the source and the detector closer together or further apart. The collimator changes dynamically with the motion of the gantry and/or the source and detector to scan a smaller portion of the scan field.