Multiple image generation from a single patient scan
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.
1. A system for generating images, the system comprising:
a processor configured to:
receive image generation settings;
receive projection data generated by a CT scan of an object;
generate a first three-dimensional data set having a first field-of-view of the object, the first three-dimensional data set based on the projection data;
automatically generate a first image based on the three-dimensional data set;
automatically generate a second three-dimensional data set having a second field-of-view of the object smaller than the first field-of-view in at least one dimension, wherein the second three-dimensional data set has a higher resolution than the first three-dimensional data set and the second three-dimensional data set is based on the projection data and the image generation settings; and
transmit the second three-dimensional data set to a service provider over at least one network.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the object is a head of a patient, and wherein the processor is further configured to determine the second field-of-view by:
automatically detecting an occlusal plane of the patient;
locating an upper edge of the second field-of-view at a first predetermined vertical distance from the occlusal plane; and
locating a lower edge of the second field-of-view at a second predetermined vertical distance from the occlusal plane.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine the second field-of-view by:
automatically detecting a set of at least one metal item within the object;
determining a vertical region containing the set of at least one metal item;
locating an upper edge of the second field-of-view at a first predetermined vertical distance from at least one edge of the vertical region; and
locating a lower edge of the second field-of-view at a second predetermined vertical distance from the at least one edge of the vertical region.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to output the first image to a display.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the processor is configured to automatically generate the second three-dimensional data set while the first image is output to the display.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the object includes a human head.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the service provider includes a device manufacturer.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the device manufacturer includes a dental appliance manufacturer.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first field-of-view includes a substantial portion of a head.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the second field-of-view includes a jaw and teeth included in the head.
11. A method of generating images, the method comprising:
receiving, at a processor, image generation settings from an operator;
initiating, by the processor, a scan of an object with a CT imaging apparatus based on the image generation settings;
receiving, by the processor, projection data from the CT imaging apparatus acquired during the scan;
generating, by the processor, a first three-dimensional data set having a first field-of- view, the first three-dimensional data set based on the projection data;
automatically, by the processor, generating a first image of the object based on the first three-dimensional data set;
generating a signal to display the first image to the operator;
automatically, at the processor, generating a second three-dimensional data set having a second field-of-view smaller than the first field-of-view in at least one dimension, wherein the second three-dimensional data set has a higher resolution than the first three-dimensional data set and the second three-dimensional data is based on the projection data and the image generation settings; and
transmitting the second three-dimensional data set to a device manufacturer over at least one network.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the object is a head of a patient, and further comprising determining the second field-of-view by:
automatically detecting an occlusal plane of the patient;
locating an upper edge of the second field-of-view at a first predetermined vertical distance from the occlusal plane; and
locating a lower edge of the second field-of-view at a second predetermined vertical distance from the occlusal plane.
13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising determining the second field-of-view by:
automatically detecting a set of at least one metal item within the object;
determining a vertical region containing the set of at least one metal item;
locating an upper edge of the second field-of-view at a first predetermined vertical distance from at least one edge of the vertical region; and
locating a lower edge of the second field-of-view at a second predetermined vertical distance from the at least one edge of the vertical region.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein generating the second three-dimensional data set includes automatically generating the second three-dimensional data set while the first image is displayed to the operator.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein receiving the projection data includes receiving data based on a scan of a human head.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein transmitting the second three-dimensional data set to the device manufacturer includes transmitting the second three-dimensional data set to a dental appliance manufacturer.
17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the first field-of-view includes a substantial portion of a head.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the second field-of-view includes a jaw and teeth of the head.
19. A system for generating images, the system comprising:
an imaging apparatus configured to scan an object and generate projection data; and
a processor configured to
receive image generation settings,
initiate a scan of the object with the imaging apparatus based on the image generation settings,
receive projection data from the imaging apparatus generated during the scan,
generate a first three-dimensional data set having a first field-of-view of the object, the first three-dimensional data set based on the projection data,
automatically generate, based on the first three-dimensional data set, a first image, generate a signal to display the first image to an operator,
while the first image is displayed to the operator, automatically generate a second three-dimensional data set having a second field-of-view of the object smaller than the first field-of-view in at least one dimension, wherein the second three-dimensional data set has a higher resolution than the first three-dimensional data set and the second three-dimensional data set is based on the projection data and the image generation settings, and
automatically transmit the second three-dimensional data set to a remote server operated by a dental appliance manufacturer over at least one network, the remote server configured to automatically process the second three-dimensional data set to generate a design or a treatment plan for at least one dental appliance.