Anatomical Pose Alignment via Planned Implant Positions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for generating images of anatomical elements in medical imaging lack efficiency in orienting anatomical structures based on predefined poses, often requiring complex segmentation algorithms or manual user intervention to align medical implants correctly within the image.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses pre-operative medical image data and planning data to generate images of anatomical elements in a predefined pose by aligning them with a coordinate system based on planned positions associated with medical implants, without the need for segmentation, ensuring that multiple planned positions lie in a single plane or align with the image axes within specific angle criteria.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex segmentation algorithms are used to determine anatomical orientation, then measurement precision of anatomical element pose is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical element pose determination accuracyVSAvoidsegmentation algorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the orientation determination task from complex segmentation algorithms and solves it independently using planned implant positions. By separating the pose determination function from the segmentation process, the system achieves accurate anatomical orientation without requiring complex segmentation algorithms, thus reducing computational complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces planned implant positions as an intermediary reference framework to determine anatomical orientation. Instead of directly analyzing complex anatomical structures through segmentation, the system uses the simplified planned positions of medical implants as mediators to infer anatomical element poses, significantly reducing processing complexity while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual user intervention is used to align anatomical structures, then measurement precision of anatomical pose is improved, but loss of time and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical pose alignment accuracyVSAvoidimage generation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by automatically determining anatomical orientation based on planned implant positions without requiring manual user intervention. The system autonomously processes medical image data and planning data to generate correctly oriented images, eliminating the time-consuming manual alignment process while maintaining precise anatomical pose accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by using pre-planned implant positions that are determined before the actual image generation. These pre-established planned positions serve as ready-to-use references that enable automatic and rapid anatomical orientation determination, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual alignment during the image generation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment processes are used, then manufacturing precision of anatomical orientation is improved, but productivity and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical element orientation accuracyVSAvoidimage generation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual alignment process with an automated computational system. Instead of requiring manual intervention to align anatomical structures, the system uses computer-based processing of planned implant positions to automatically determine and enforce correct anatomical orientation, significantly improving both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from manual adjustment of anatomical orientation to automated parameter-based determination. By using planned implant positions as fixed reference parameters, the system automatically calculates and applies the correct anatomical orientation without manual alignment, thereby improving both manufacturing precision and image generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240374315A1Technique For Generating An Image Of An Anatomical Element In A Pose Indicated By Planning Data

Publication Date: 2024.11.14 STRYKER EUROPEAN OPERATIONS LIMITED

AI summary

Disclosed is a technique for generating an image including a representation of an anatomical element of a patient's body, the method being performed by a computing system and comprising: obtaining medical image data of at least one anatomical element of a patient's body; obtaining planning data indicative of at least three planned positions relative to the at least one anatomical element, wherein one or more of the planned positions are associated with at least one planned medical implant; and generating, based on the medical image data and the planning data, an image comprising a representation of the at least one anatomical element in a pose defined by the at least three planned positions. A system, a computer program and a carrier medium are also disclosed.