Three dimensional X-ray imaging system
Three-dimensional X-ray imaging systems are described in this application. In particular, this application describes a 3D dental intra-oral imaging (3DIO) system that collects a series of 2D image projections. The 2D images are taken at different X-ray source positions located on a circle that defines the base of a regular geometric cone with the intraoral sensor located at the apex of that cone. The application also describes a method for making a three-dimensional image of an object, comprising providing an X-ray source on a motion gantry on a first side of an object to be imaged, positioning a stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the object from the X-ray source, moving the X-ray source in a substantially-continuous, circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object to create a conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source, collecting multiple two-dimensional 2D images of the object when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions, and reconstructing a three-dimensional 3D image using the multiple 2D images. These X-ray systems and methods offer a quick method of imaging an object, such as a tooth, while at the same time using a low radiation dose.
1. A method for making a three-dimensional image of an object, comprising:
providing an X-ray source on a first side of a object to be imaged;
positioning a substantially stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the object from the X-ray source;
moving the X-ray source in a circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object to create a conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source, the cone having an angle θ that, for a given image depth, captures a full image of the object while reducing any blind spot behind the object;
collecting multiple two-dimensional (2D) images of the object when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions; and
reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image using the multiple 2D images.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 10 to about 35 degrees.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 15 to about 25 degrees.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 18 to about 23 degrees.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the motion of the X-ray source is substantially continuous.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein up to about 100 2D images of the object are collected.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the X-ray source moves in a circular motion covering less than a complete circle.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the X-ray source moves in a circular motion for a complete circle.
9. A method for making a three-dimensional image of a tooth, comprising:
providing an X-ray source on a motion gantry on a first side of a tooth;
positioning a substantially stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the tooth from the X-ray source;
moving the X-ray source in a substantially-continuous, circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object to create a conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source, the cone having an apex of a reconstruction zone that, for a given angle θ, depends on the shortest dimension of the X-ray detector;
collecting multiple two-dimensional (2D) images of the object when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions; and
reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image using the multiple 2D images.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 10 to about 35 degrees.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 15 to about 25 degrees.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 18 to about 23 degrees.
13. The method of claim 9 , wherein the X-ray source moves in a circular motion covering less than a complete circle.
14. The method of claim 9 , wherein the X-ray source moves in a circular motion for a complete circle.
15. A method for making a three-dimensional image of a tooth, comprising:
providing an X-ray source on a first side of a tooth;
positioning a stationary X-ray detector on an opposite side of the tooth from the X-ray source;
moving the X-ray source in a circular motion to multiple positions on the first side of the object to create a conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source, the conical geometry ranging from about 10 to about 35 degrees;
collecting multiple two-dimensional (2D) images of the object when the X-ray source is located in the multiple positions; and
reconstructing a three-dimensional (3D) image using the multiple 2D images.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 15 to about 25 degrees.
17. The method of claim 15 , wherein the angle of the conical geometry between the detector and the circular motion of the X-ray source ranges from about 18 to about 23 degrees.
18. The method of claim 15 , wherein the motion of the X-ray source is substantially continuous.
19. The method of claim 15 , wherein the X-ray source moves in a circular motion covering less than a complete circle.
20. The method of claim 15 , wherein the X-ray source moves in a circular motion for a complete circle.
21. The method of claim 15 , wherein the x-ray detector has a readout speed ranging from about 5 to about 40 frames/second.
22. The method of claim 15 , wherein the x-ray pulses for about 5 ms to about 40 ms to emit x-ray beams in each of the multiple positions.