Optimization of extraoral panoramic images through model-based prior knowledge of the patient's jaw arch form

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, including instructions for producing a panoramic image that when executed by a computer, cause the computer to:

• determine a jaw arch form as a model-based prior knowledge about an anatomy of a patient based on one or more previous panoramic images or 3D images or optical 3D scans of the patient, wherein the jaw arch form is determined using a neural network, wherein the neural network is trained by data pairs each comprising a 3D volume and the jaw arch form marked therein, or comprising an optical 3D scan and the jaw arch form marked therein;
• determine a patient-specific x-ray device imaging trajectory for the panoramic image of the patient to be produced by using the model-based prior knowledge so that the determined jaw arch from, and in particular a position of teeth thereof is exposed and imaged;
• perform an imaging on the basis of the determined patient-specific x-ray device imaging trajectory to acquire imaging data;
• adjust reconstruction parameters of the x-ray device according to the determined patient-specific x-ray device imaging trajectory;
• determine a patient-specific focal curve for the panoramic image of the patient to be produced by using the model-based prior knowledge so that the determined jaw arch form, and in particular the position of the teeth therein is reconstructed;
• reconstruct the panoramic image using the acquired imaging data, the adjusted reconstruction parameters including the determined patient-specific focal curve, and a layer to be imaged which overlaps with the determined jaw arch form, wherein the patient-specific focal curve lies within said layer to be imaged;
• and
• display the reconstructed panoramic image.

A computerized extraoral x-ray system comprising an x-ray device, a processor;

• and a memory storing instructions for producing a panoramic image that, when executed by the processor, configure the system to:
• determine a jaw arch form as a model-based prior knowledge about an anatomy of a patient based on one or more previous panoramic images or 3D images or optical 3D scans of the patient, wherein the jaw arch form is determined using a neural network, wherein the neural network is trained by data pairs each comprising a 3D volume and the jaw arch form marked therein, or comprising an optical 3D scan and the jaw arch form marked therein;
• determine a patient-specific x-ray device imaging trajectory for the panoramic image of the patient to be produced by using the model-based prior knowledge so that the determined jaw arch from, and in particular a position of teeth thereof is exposed and imaged;
• perform an imaging on the basis of the determined patient-specific x-ray device imaging trajectory to acquire imaging data;
• adjust reconstruction parameters of the x-ray device according to the determined patient-specific x-ray device imaging trajectory;
• determine a patient-specific focal curve for the panoramic image of the patient to be produced by using the model-based prior knowledge so that the determined jaw arch form, and in particular the position of the teeth therein is reconstructed;
• reconstruct the panoramic image using the acquired imaging data, the adjusted reconstruction parameters including the determined patient-specific focal curve, and a layer to be imaged which overlaps with the determined jaw arch form, wherein the patient-specific focal curve lies within said layer to be imaged;
• and
• display the reconstructed panoramic image.