Digital detector
AssigneeTrophy
InventorsJean-Marc INGLESE, Sylvie M. BOTHOREL, Donna K. RANKIN-PAROBEK
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus for obtaining an image from a patient has a radiation source and a digital imaging sensor that provides, for each of a number 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 supports the radiation source and the digital imaging sensor on opposite sides of the patient's head. There can be a computer in signal communication with the digital imaging sensor for acquiring one or more two-dimensional images.
Claims18
An extra-oral dental imaging apparatus for obtaining an image from a patient, the apparatus comprising:
- a radiation source;
- a 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 satisfy at least a first energy threshold;
- a mount that supports the radiation source and the digital imaging sensor on opposite sides of the patient's head;
- and
- a computer in signal communication with the digital imaging sensor for acquiring one or more two-dimensional images.
An imaging apparatus for obtaining a volume image of at least a portion of a patient's head, the apparatus comprising:
- a rotatable mount comprising a radiation source and a digital imaging sensor and coupled to a rotational actuator that is energizable to revolve the imaging sensor and source about the patient's head;
- one or more vertical actuators energizable for changing the relative vertical position of the imaging sensor and the radiation source to the patient's head;
- and
- a computer in signal communication with the rotational and vertical actuators for performing a helical scan pattern of the imaging sensor and the radiation source about the patient's head and further in signal communication with the digital imaging sensor for acquiring a plurality of two-dimensional images at successive positions along the helical scan pattern;
- wherein the imaging sensor provides, for each of a plurality of image pixels, a digital value according to the ionizing radiation energy received.
A method for obtaining volume image data of at least a portion of a patient's head, the method comprising:
- obtaining a set of values that relate to one or more of an exposure energy level and a helical scanning pattern;
- registering an initial height setting for scan components;
- scanning a radiation source and a digital detector in a helical orbit about the patient's head according to the obtained set of values and registered initial height setting;
- acquiring a plurality of digital images at intervals in the helical scan according to the helical scanning pattern;
- and
- generating and displaying a volume image formed from the plurality of acquired digital images.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.