Dental Panoramic Patents (Class 378/38)
  • Patent number: 11911197
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for x-ray sensing for intraoral tomography. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes detecting an x-ray pulse based on energy received at one or more pixels of a pixel array. The method also includes integrating the energy received at each of the pixels of the array of pixels, in response to the detection, wherein the energy received at each of the pixels is associated with the x-ray pulse. The method further includes multiplexing readouts of analog signals from the array of pixels into two or more parallel channels. The method further includes simultaneously converting (or otherwise in parallel) the analog signals of each of the channels into digital signals and storing the digital signals in memory as frames of data. The method may further include, for example, transmitting the frames of data from the memory, over a Universal Serial Bus, to an imaging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley K. Searing, Marc K. Thacher, Kwang Bo Cho, Hung T. Do, Stephen W. Mims, Bruce E. Willy, Glen L. Collier, Douglas W. Teeter, George Y. Wang
  • Patent number: 11911198
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging apparatus 10 comprising a support structure 100, the support structure supporting two separate x-ray emitting apparatus, a first x-ray emitting apparatus 130 comprising an x-ray emitter arranged for producing 2D tomosynthesis images, and a second x-ray emitting apparatus 140 comprising an array of distributed x-ray emitters arranged for producing 3D tomosynthesis images, the first and second x-ray emitting apparatus moveable relative to the support structure and arranged such that, in use, one of the first and second x-ray emitting apparatus is moveable into an operative position whereby x-rays are emitted therefrom towards a target 200, and simultaneously the other of the first and second x-ray emitting apparatus is movable into an inoperative position whereby x-rays are not emitted therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: ADAPTIX LTD
    Inventors: Mark Evans, Conrad Dirckx
  • Patent number: 11883215
    Abstract: Systems and methods utilizing a two-way mirror display for patient self-positioning for dental x-ray image acquisition. The system includes a camera configured to capture an image of a patient, a display, a two-way mirror positioned between a patient location and the display, and an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to select, based upon a user input, an operating mode for the display; and based upon the selected operating mode, displaying at least one image on the display. The method includes receiving image data from a camera, identifying at least one facial feature of the patient in the image data, determining if a face of the patient is aligned with at least one anatomical plane based upon the at least one facial feature, and displaying at least one movement guide on a display based upon the determined alignment of the face of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group OY
    Inventors: Mika Pollari, Tuomas Alhonnoro, Ville Inkiläinen, Maaria Rantala, Lauri Harhanen, Jorma Savolainen, Ari Metso
  • Patent number: 11872066
    Abstract: The application relates to an X-ray imaging unit for a medical imaging. The unit includes a rotating part with a first X-ray source and an X-ray imaging detector unit configured to provide an image with at least a rotational movement (R) around a rotation axis of the rotating part. The unit includes an upper shelf configured to enable the rotating part to move with respect to the upper shelf with a linear movement (L) and to be attached to a column with a pivoting joint for enabling a pivot movement (P) of the upper shelf around the column. The rotating part is configured to be positioned by the linear movement and the pivot movement during the imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventors: Esa Suuronen, Sami Vartiainen
  • Patent number: 11860113
    Abstract: Provided is a tube weld X-ray inspection device for inspecting an abnormality, such as a tube welding part crack, of a heat exchanger by using X-rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: DIGIRAY CORP.
    Inventors: Sang Sub Kong, Young Ho Kang, Nam Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 11751760
    Abstract: An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus for obtaining an image from a patient has a radiation source; a first digital imaging sensor that provides, for each of a plurality of image pixels, at least a first digital value according to a count of received photons that exceed at least a first energy threshold; a mount that supports the radiation source and the first digital imaging sensor on opposite sides of the patient's head; a computer in signal communication with the digital imaging sensor for acquiring a first two-dimensional image from the first digital imaging sensor; and a second digital imaging sensor that is alternately switched into place by the mount and that provides image data according to received radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Inglese, Sylvie Bothorel, Vincent Loustauneau, Donna Rankin-Parobek
  • Patent number: 11701071
    Abstract: Dental radiographic imaging systems and/or methods for using the same can provide panoramic 2D dental radio-graphic images. Providing improved panoramic 2D image quality can depend on imaging a desired/selected focal trough, which is itself based on a correct positioning of the patient's head inside the panoramic dental imaging system. Exemplary dental radiographic imaging systems and/or methods for using the same can provide a patient positioning device (e.g., bite stick embodiments) that can position or urge patients to get the right positioning (such as head tilt) to increase probabilities of the improved/best panoramic image reconstruction. Further, certain exemplary bite stick embodiments can repeatedly, consistently and/or correctly position patient after patient for panoramic imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Inventors: Stephane Alric, Anna-Sesilia Vlachomitrou
  • Patent number: 11617550
    Abstract: An X-ray detector according to an embodiment includes a plurality of detection arrays, processing circuitry, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The plurality of detection arrays includes a plurality of detecting elements, respectively. The processing circuitry performs the control to change the reading timings of the plurality of detecting elements between the plurality of detection arrays. The ADC processes signals from the plurality of detecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: CANON MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Nishijima
  • Patent number: 11602315
    Abstract: An x-ray tomography system which can generate a qualitative 3D image of a region of interest using a an x-ray source, the x-ray source configured to emit x-ray radiation at the region of interest. The x-ray radiation or the x-ray source or the relative position of the x ray source configured to be moved in a two dimensional plane. An x-ray detector including a plurality of detector elements arranged in a two dimensional plane opposite the x-ray source, the x-ray detector configured to detect x-ray radiation after attenuation by the subject and provide an indication of the detected x-rays. And a processor configured to receive the indication of the detected x-rays and resolve the detected x-ray radiation into a three dimensional image. The three dimensional image is qualitative in nature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Xenselab, LLC
    Inventors: Ying Zhao, YongSheng Chao
  • Patent number: 11606514
    Abstract: A signal processing circuit includes a detection unit configured to detect generation of a peak in an analog signal based on an input of a photon, an A/D conversion unit configured to perform A/D conversion of a signal value into digital data of bits by determining a value of each of the bits from an upper bit to a lower bit, and a control unit configured to control the A/D conversion unit so that, in a case in which the generation of a second peak of the analog signal is detected during the A/D conversion of a signal value of a first peak of the analog signal, the A/D conversion of the signal value of the first peak will be interrupted and the A/D conversion of a signal value of the second peak will be started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Muto, Yusuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11547531
    Abstract: The method for generating dental data suitable for manufacturing of a dental aligner, includes storing 3D scan data of a dental arch, determining (140) a curve in an occlusal plane, determining a positioning of the nodes of the teeth of the dental arch on the curve, determining an elevation of the nodes of the teeth of the dental arch, and determining an orientation of the teeth of the dental arch; said manufacturing data are calculated at least on the basis of the 3D scan data as well as the determined positioning, the determined elevation, and the determined orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: AIRNIVOL S.R.L.
    Inventors: Sandro Barone, Monica Bordegoni, Armando Razionale, Aurelio Montalto
  • Patent number: 11540792
    Abstract: A hybrid imaging system is disclosed including an arcuate arm defining a first and a second end the arcuate arm including a first detector assembly for 2D x-ray imaging of a patient and a second detector assembly for CT imaging of the patient, wherein the imaging system includes an internal drive mechanism for rotating the arcuate arm (e.g. translating the arcuate arm along an arcuate path) around the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Dedicated2Imaging, LLC.
    Inventors: Eric M. Bailey, Andrew Tybinkowski
  • Patent number: 11337662
    Abstract: Certain exemplary method and/or apparatus embodiments herein can include—a support frame, —a movable gantry that supports an x-ray source and an x-ray sensor in correspondence with the x-ray source and that is movable relative to the support frame, —a patient positioning accessory support member configured to support a patient positioning accessory of a specific type that is adapted to be used in the apparatus for conducting a specific examination on a patient, where the patient positioning accessory comprises at least one passive identification element that identifies the specific type of the patient positioning accessory, and the apparatus further comprises an active identification system that is configured to cooperate with the at least one passive identification element of the patient positioning accessory in order to identify the specific type of the patient positioning accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Inventors: Stephane Varlet, Olivier Nesme, Yann Lecuyer
  • Patent number: 11331060
    Abstract: An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus can obtain a radiographic image of a portion of a head of a patient. Exemplary dental apparatus and/or method embodiments can position a subject for dental radiographic imaging by providing a bitable dental arch mounting apparatus to offset the antero-posterior plane of the dental imaging apparatus and the plane of symmetry of the dental arch mounting apparatus. In one embodiment, the offset can be provided by a tilted dental arch mounting apparatus (e.g., relative to the horizontal).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventors: Philippe Congy, Emilie Comte
  • Patent number: 11195309
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for producing X-ray images from an object. According to this invention, a shift-and-add method is used for generating a stack of linear tomography planes each associated with a different area inside the object. A set of shift values is defined from the consideration of ensuring that said stack of linear tomography planes fills in the tomographic volume with a spatial density adequate to the application. If so required by the application, some focal planes can be selectively processed for sharpness reduction in some areas to control the depth-of-field. A focus stacking method is used to synthesize a single 2D X-ray image from UPI the tomographic stack of images. A depth map of in-focus areas from the linear tomography stack can be used for creating a 3D object model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: Teledyne DALSA B.V., Teledyne Digital Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Kessener, Andriy Lomako, Joseph Miller
  • Patent number: 11119055
    Abstract: A method for operating an X-ray system having the steps of “manually setting the first and a second position for the manipulator on a trajectory by means of a virtual input unit”, “recording or simulating recording from the first and second positions” and “representing the two X-ray recordings”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Mahmoud Amr, Tobias Schoen
  • Patent number: 11045157
    Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus for an extra-oral imaging system that includes a support base adjustable in at least one dimension and a cephalometric module coupled to the support base and configured to position a cephalometric imaging sensor about an imaging area formed with an x-ray source, where x-rays from the x-ray source impinge the cephalometric sensor after radiating the imaging area. A patient positioning unit is positioned operatively near the imaging area, and a retractable Frankfort plane positioning indicator and methods for using the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Inventors: Yann Lecuyer, Olivier Martino
  • Patent number: 11000256
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an imaging system to perform Cephalometric imaging. The imaging system includes a column, an upper shelf pivotably coupled to the column, a rotating part coupled to the upper shelf and linearly translatable along a length of the upper shelf in a direction radial to the column, a first x-ray source coupled to the rotating part, and an x-ray detector coupled to the rotating part on an opposite side of a first imaging volume from the first x-ray source. A center position of the Cephalometric patient support is determined relative to the imaging system in at least two dimensions by scanning the imaging volume while adjusting a pivot angle of the upper shelf and by scanning the imaging volume while adjusting a linear position of the rotating part along the upper shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: PALODEX GROUP OY
    Inventors: Tero Isoaho, Ilpo Saarela, Esa Suuronen, Andreas Melin, Markku Ojala, Henri Setälä
  • Patent number: 10939882
    Abstract: Dental radiographic imaging systems and/or methods for using the same can provide panoramic 2D dental radiographic images. Providing improved panoramic 2D image quality can depend on imaging a desired/selected focal trough, which is itself based on a correct positioning of the patient's head inside the panoramic dental imaging system. Exemplary dental radiographic imaging systems and/or methods for using the same can provide a patient positioning device (e.g., bite stick embodiments) that can position or urge patients to get the right positioning (such as head tilt) to increase probabilities of the improved/best panoramic image reconstruction. Further, certain exemplary bite stick embodiments can repeatedly, consistently and/or correctly position patient after patient for panoramic imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Stephane Alric, Anna-Sesilia Vlachomitrou
  • Patent number: 10874360
    Abstract: A dose setting unit generates dose control data in order to change a unit time dose of an X-ray beam with which a subject is irradiated during X-ray tomography. An imaging controller makes X-ray intensity when a center axis X-ray (irradiation axis) of an X-ray beam emitted from an X-ray generator is not orthogonal to a tomographic layer of interest relatively smaller than X-ray intensity when the center axis X-ray is orthogonal to the tomographic layer of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: J. MORITA MFG. CORP.
    Inventor: Yuu Nishimura
  • Patent number: 10853939
    Abstract: A method and system for assessing disc derangement disorders (DDD) in patients comprises an image scanning module, a DDD screening system and a diagnosis and assessment module. The DDD screening system is in communication with the image scanning module via a network. The DDD screening system includes an application server residing on a computer having a processor installed with a disc derangement disorders (DDD) screening application and coupled with a memory unit integrated with a central database. The DDD screening application provides a set of statistical probability data of the at least one image utilizing a normalized measurement of at least one image to a diagnosis and assessment module. The diagnosis and assessment module generates a report that allows the DDD system to evaluate the presence or absence of DDD based on the statistical probabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: Maryam Afifi
  • Patent number: 10729391
    Abstract: An intra-oral system comprising: an x-ray detector configured to detect extra-orally applied x-rays; and a saliva fluid sensing sub-system configured to sense saliva fluid within the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventor: Lea Myyrylainen
  • Patent number: 10722208
    Abstract: Aligning an X-ray source in an X-ray imaging system. The system includes a column, an upper shelf coupled to the column through a pivoting joint, a rotating part rotatably coupled to the upper shelf, the rotating part comprising a first X-ray source, a laser, and an X-ray imaging detector. The system also includes a patient support attached to the column with a first arm, and includes a pair of adjustable ear rods or other patient contact. The system is configured to generate a laser beam from the laser, project the laser beam to a fixed location on the X-ray imaging detector, the fixed location associated with a Frankfurt plane of the patient, and adjust the patient support to have the patient contact aligned with the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: PALODEX GROUP OY
    Inventor: Ari Antikainen
  • Patent number: 10702227
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of radiography of an organ of a patient, including: a first vertical scanning of the organ by a first radiation source and a first detector cooperating to make a first two dimensional image of the organ, a second vertical scanning of the organ by a second radiation source and a second detector cooperating to make a second two dimensional image of the organ, the first vertical scanning and the second vertical scanning being performed synchronously, the first and second images viewing the organ of the patient according to different angles of incidence, wherein there is a vertical gap between the first source/detector and the second source/detector, such that the first vertical scanning and the second vertical scanning are performed synchronously but with a time shift in between, so as to reduce cross-scattering between the first and second images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: EOS IMAGING
    Inventor: Jérôme Beucher
  • Patent number: 10687768
    Abstract: Disclosed is an X-ray image forming device is disclosed. The device includes an X-ray imaging unit including a rotating member rotatable about a rotating shaft and linearly movable, and an X-ray source and an X-ray sensor disposed at opposite ends of the rotating member to face each other with a region of interest therebetween, a penetration data acquisition unit configured to acquire X-ray penetration data from multiple directions crossing through an image layer in the region of interest by controlling the X-ray imaging unit and an image reconstructor configured to generate projection data in a predetermined angle range at each section of the image layer from the X-ray penetration data, and reconstruct a two-dimensional X-ray panoramic image of the image layer based on the projection data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Il Choi, Woong Bae
  • Patent number: 10631799
    Abstract: A dental imaging system may include an X-ray source, a first optical alignment device, and a dental image collection device. The dental image collection device may include a mouthpiece, at least one electronic X-ray sensor carried by the mouthpiece, and a second optical alignment device carried by the mouthpiece and cooperating with the first optical alignment device to facilitate optically aligning the mouthpiece with the X-ray source. The system may also include a dental image processing device coupled to the at least one electronic X-ray sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: HARRIS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark D. Rahmes, Marc Waterloo, Mervin D. Fagan, Lawrence W. Shacklette
  • Patent number: 10499862
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus capable of obtaining more accurate panoramic X-ray images while minimizing the rotation of a rotation arm, the panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus includes at least one X-ray source configured to irradiate X-rays and an X-ray sensor configured to receive the X-rays, a rotating arm configured to position the X-ray sensor and the X-ray source to face each other, a driver configured to rotate the rotating arm about a rotating shaft, a guide configured to provide directions for moving the X-ray sensor or the X-ray source, and wherein the at least one X-ray source is of an electric field emission type adopting an emitter of a nanostructure material and the X-ray source or the X-ray sensor is relatively movable along the guide in conjunction with a movement of the rotating arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Joon Ro
  • Patent number: 10485495
    Abstract: A hand positioner device for an extra-oral imaging system can be coupled to the cephalometric mount between the collimator and the cephalometric sensor. The hand positioner device is attached and detached from the cephalometric mount without using tools. In one embodiment, a hand positioner device for an extra-oral imaging system can have an adjustable level of attachment. In one embodiment, a hand positioner device for an extra-oral imaging system can be repeatedly mounted in a plane parallel to an imaging plane of the cephalometric sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: TROPHY
    Inventors: Philippe Congy, Olivier Martino
  • Patent number: 10307121
    Abstract: An X-ray arrangement for a medical work station includes a frame having a first frame section supporting an X-ray transmitter and a second frame section opposite the first frame section and supporting an X-ray receiver. The medical work station further includes an adjustment device configured to change a relative pose of at least one of the X-ray transmitter or the X-ray receiver relative to the frame by adjusting at least one of the pose of the X-ray transmitter at the first frame section or the pose of the X-ray receiver (at the second frame section independently of one other. In one aspect, the frame may be shaped as a C-arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: KUKA Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Brudniok
  • Patent number: 10277816
    Abstract: One innovation includes an imaging device having an image sensor, a lens having a movable optical element, and an actuator operative to move the one optical element to a plurality of lens positions. The imaging device further includes an electronic display, a power source electrically coupled to the camera system and to the display, the power source (e.g., voltage regulator) configured to provide power to the display and the camera system, a memory circuit configured to store information representing an actuator control value that corresponds to a low-power focus position, and an electronic hardware processor coupled to the memory circuit, the actuator and the electronic display. The processor may retrieve the actuator control value from the memory circuit and controls the actuator to move the optical element to the lens position that corresponds to the low-power focus position when the camera system is in a deactivated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Ravi Shankar Kadambala, Ajay Kumar Dhiman, Gaurav Gagrani, Ravi Kishore Tanuku, Jeyaprakash Soundrapandian
  • Patent number: 10258306
    Abstract: A method, a device, a system and a computer program are for controlling limited-area computer tomography imaging. The method includes determining location data of a first imaging object when the first imaging object is positioned in an imaging area, determining reference location data related to the first imaging object and adjusting the imaging area based on the location data of the first imaging object and said reference location data for imaging a second imaging object. The first and the second imaging object can be located at a distance determined by the reference location data from each other or symmetrically in relation to the reference location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: PaloDEx Group Oy
    Inventor: Petri Jouhikainen
  • Patent number: 10223813
    Abstract: Methods and systems for computed tomography. A subject is imaged with a divergent beam source using a plurality of source positions and a detector array comprising a plurality of detector bins to obtain a representation of the subject including a plurality of image voxels. Contribution of a voxel to a detector bin in a computed forward projection or a detector bin to a voxel in a backprojection is determined by the intensity value assigned to the voxel, or to the detector bin, respectively, multiplied by the product of an area or volume of overlap and an additional weighting factor, and the area or volume of overlap is determined by overlap of the voxel with the area or volume of the image illuminated by a ray-wedge defined by detector bin edge rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: InstaRecon
    Inventors: Jeffrey Brokish, Yoram Bresler
  • Patent number: 10195002
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to a device and method for obtaining a complete and accurate three-dimensional surface image of a target object by registering a three-dimensional optical image with a volume data obtained by X-ray imaging. The device for generating a three-dimensional surface image for dentistry includes a three-dimensional imaging module including an optical camera which obtains a three-dimensional optical image of the target object and an X-ray imaging unit which obtains X-ray images of the target object in multiple directions, a reconstruction unit generating a volume data by reconstructing the X-ray images, and an image processing unit registering the three-dimensional optical image with the volume data and generating a three-dimensional surface image of the target object by substituting a different portion of the three-dimensional optical image with a boundary of the volume data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 10181206
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing panoramic image data by reconstructing frame images captured by a panoramic imaging apparatus, are disclosed. In reconstruction of images with multiple image layers, sizes of images reconstructed with an image layer or images to be used for a reconstruction are scaled. An image is selected by analyzing sharpness. A panoramic image is provided by combining selected image. According to the present invention, parts having unclear focal planes may be completely removed in a panoramic image and it is possible to provide an image including only with focused regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 10166076
    Abstract: Disclosed is a registration object for computed radiographic tomography. The object has a body portion defining a void for including at least part of a target object. The registration object comprises one or more relatively radiopaque or relatively radiolucent features. Said feature or features provide, in a suitable proportion of radiographic projections of the registration object with respect to angle about a predetermined axis, a pair of identifiable registration points which are spaced apart in a direction parallel to the predetermined axis by a first distance, and whose positions in that direction are each either a constant or a function only of the angle of the projection about the predetermined axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: NIKON METROLOGY NV
    Inventors: Andrew Timothy Ramsey, Andrew Robert Ray
  • Patent number: 10123762
    Abstract: An x-ray imaging system and a method for retrofitting existing x-ray generators to allow those generators to be controlled by a digital x-ray imaging system are disclosed. The x-ray imaging system includes an imaging array and an image controller. The imaging array is configured to be positioned within a patient's mouth, the imaging array acquiring an image of the patient's teeth when the patient's head is illuminated with x-rays. The imaging array includes an x-ray dosimeter that provides an x-ray exposure signal indicative of an x-ray exposure received by the imaging array. The image controller is coupled to the imaging array and receives the x-ray exposure signal, the image controller includes a first wireless link that controls an x-ray generator by initiating a pre-programmed x-ray exposure. The wireless controllable switch can be used to replace an existing manually controlled switch in an existing x-ray generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: BAE Systems Imaging Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Xinqiao Liu, Boyd Fowler
  • Patent number: 10085700
    Abstract: Disclosed are an X-ray device to inform a patient of X-ray irradiation through a sound and a method for controlling the same. The X-ray device includes an input portion to output a first-step press signal and a second-step press signal according to an operator input, a high-voltage generating portion to perform pre-heating, and to output a ready completion signal when the high-voltage generating portion completes pre-heating, a control portion to output a sound output signal when it receives both the second-step press signal output from the input portion and the ready completion signal output from the high-voltage generating portion, and a sound output portion to receive the sound output signal output from the control portion and to output a predetermined sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyun Sun Kim, Jong Hyun Shin, Woo Sup Han
  • Patent number: 10004468
    Abstract: An X-ray imaging device and an X-ray imaging method for obtaining 3D X-ray images of an entire field of view (FOV). The device includes an X-ray source for radiating X-rays to a part of an FOV and an X-ray sensor for detecting the X-rays, which have passed through the part of the FOV. The X-ray sensor has a width narrower than the radius of a smallest circle including a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the FOV. A rotating arm supports the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor to face each other with the FOV therebetween. The rotating arm rotates and moves about an axis of rotation between the X-ray source and the X-ray sensor so that the X-rays are radiated to the entire area of the FOV in various directions of the FOV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Il Choi, Byung Jun Ahn, Sang Baek Noh, Chi Twak Oh
  • Patent number: 9852525
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing panoramic image data by reconstructing frame images captured by a panoramic imaging apparatus, are disclosed. In reconstruction of images with multiple image layers, sizes of images reconstructed with an image layer or images to be used for a reconstruction are scaled. An image is selected by analyzing sharpness. A panoramic image is provided by combining selected image. According to the present invention, parts having unclear focal planes may be completely removed in a panoramic image and it is possible to provide an image including only with focused regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 9763637
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for reconstructing a panoramic X-ray image. The apparatus includes a storage unit for storing image data of multiple image layers; an image processing unit for determining a reference image layer among the multiple image layers, finding blocks that correspond to at least one block designated in the reference image layer from other image layers, selecting a clearest block by comparing image data of the corresponding blocks, and reconstructing the reference image layer by replacing the designated block in the reference image layer with the clearest block selected in any of the other image layers, if the selected block is not the same as the designated block in the reference image layer; and a display unit for displaying a panoramic image of the reconstructed reference image layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 9743893
    Abstract: An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus for obtaining an image from a patient has a radiation source; a first digital imaging sensor that provides, for each of a plurality of image pixels, at least a first digital value according to a count of received photons that exceed at least a first energy threshold; a mount that supports the radiation source and the first digital imaging sensor on opposite sides of the patient's head; a computer in signal communication with the digital imaging sensor for acquiring a first two-dimensional image from the first digital imaging sensor; and a second digital imaging sensor that is alternately switched into place by the mount and that provides image data according to received radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Inglese, Sylvie Bothorel, Vincent Loustauneau, Donna Rankin-Parobek
  • Patent number: 9668705
    Abstract: An X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray and a direct conversion type of detector. The X-ray tube and the detector are supported by the support means so as to be rotatable along curved orbits mutually independently. Under instructions from a computer, scans and image reconstruction are performed. The X-ray tube and the detector are moved along the orbits mutually independently so that X-ray beams are always transmitted through a desired tomographic plane of an object at desired angles. Acquired frame data are used to produce a panoramic image of the plane, while the frame data and the panoramic image are used to produce a tomographic image in which structural components of the object are optically focused and distortions caused due to differences in X-ray paths are suppressed. The apparatus can be used as devices for dental, medical diagnosis and nondestructive inspection, and can have a CT imaging function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: TAKARA TELESYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Yamakawa, Masahiro Tsujita, Akitoshi Katsumata, Koichi Ogawa, Hisatoshi Aoki
  • Patent number: 9662085
    Abstract: A method, a device, a system and a computer program are for controlling limited-area computer tomography imaging. The method includes determining location data of a first imaging object when the first imaging object is positioned in an imaging area, determining reference location data related to the first imaging object and adjusting the imaging area based on the location data of the first imaging object and said reference location data for imaging a second imaging object. The first and the second imaging object can be located at a distance determined by the reference location data from each other or symmetrically in relation to the reference location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: PaloDExGroup Oy
    Inventor: Petri Jouhikainen
  • Patent number: 9652873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for creating a virtual dental image from a 3D volume (1) comprising volumetric image data. Firstly, a sub-volume (8, 12, 15, 18) of the 3D volume (1) is defined and then a virtual projection image (30, 41) is generated for said sub-volume (8, 12, 15, 18) from a specific X-ray imaging direction (11) by computation of the volumetric image data in said X-ray imaging direction (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Ulrici
  • Patent number: 9579046
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a three-dimensional orientation of a human head. The method includes first interposing a left and a right anthropological baselines on a patient's face, each anthropological baseline connecting an orbitale point and an auricular point on a corresponding side of the patient's face. A headgear unit having a pair of temple elements and a from housing rotatably attached to the temple elements, where the front housing includes at least two cameras and a 3D compass all movable within the front housing, is then positioned on a patient's head. Each of the two cameras is adjusted such that its view field picks up one of the two anthropological baselines on the patient's face. These view fields of the two cameras are then used to construct a Human Skull Base Plane as a plane formed by the left and right anthropological baselines when these anthropological baselines are parallel and aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Albert Davydov
    Inventor: Albert Davydov
  • Patent number: 9514516
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing panoramic image data by reconstructing frame images captured by a panoramic imaging apparatus, are disclosed. In reconstruction of images with multiple image layers, sizes of images reconstructed with an image layer or images to be used for a reconstruction are scaled. An image is selected by analyzing sharpness. A panoramic image is provided by combining selected image. According to the present invention, parts having unclear focal planes may be completely removed in a panoramic image and it is possible to provide an image including only with focused regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: 9504434
    Abstract: A craniostat for an extraoral dental radiographic apparatus includes an upper portion connected to a lower portion by rods. The upper portion includes a crossbeam and rests for a patient's temples, the rests being formed by two arches articulated with the crossbeam. The arches lean on the patient's temples, and are blocked by a control system, which, in one embodiment, is configured as oscillating levers. The blocking action is caused by shape friction generated at the time of activation via the control levers. A method of use of a craniostat is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: CEFLA SOCIETÁ COOPERATIVA
    Inventors: Davide Bianconi, Andrea Geminiani, Gianluca Manuzzato, Giovanna Cornacchia, Giorgio Ramorino, Davide Galassi
  • Patent number: 9486174
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for reconstructing a panoramic X-ray image. The apparatus includes a storage unit for storing image data of multiple image layers; an image processing unit for determining a reference image layer among the multiple image layers, finding blocks that correspond to at least one block designated in the reference image layer from other image layers, selecting a clearest block by comparing image data of the corresponding blocks, and reconstructing the reference image layer by replacing the designated block in the reference image layer with the clearest block selected in any of the other image layers, if the selected block is not the same as the designated block in the reference image layer; and a display unit for displaying a panoramic image of the reconstructed reference image layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: VATECH Co., Ltd., VATECH EWOO Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Il Choi
  • Patent number: RE47810
    Abstract: A method of obtaining a panoramic image and an apparatus for the same are disclosed. In particular, a method of obtaining a panorama image and an apparatus for the same capable of obtaining a more clear panoramic image with reproducibility by extracting best-focused-images in case of forming images of multiple image-layer-trace images are disclosed. In accordance with the method and the device of this invention for obtaining the panoramic image, it is possible to complete the optimal image-layer-trace to be reconstructed and to obtain a clear panoramic image which vividly shows an arch of a patient by reconstructing a panoramic image for an optimal image-layer-trace most closely related to a focus-trace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: VATECH Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyosung Cho, Sungil Choi, Yangseo Koo
  • Patent number: RE48415
    Abstract: An X-ray photography apparatus including: a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector which are opposed to each other so that the head of a patient can be interposed therebetween, and a moving mechanism that includes a turning part and a moving part. The turning part turns the turning arm about a turning axis with respect to the head. The moving part moves the turning arm relative to the head in a direction perpendicular to the turning axis. The X-ray photography apparatus also includes: an image processor that generates an X-ray image, a photographic region designation part that designates part of a row of teeth along a dental arch as a pseudo intraoral radiography region, and an X-ray forming mechanism that changes the irradiation direction in which the head is irradiated with an X-ray relative to the axial direction of the body axis of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: J. Morita Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Yoshikawa, Makoto Honjo