Angular Section Differentiation for Ambiguous 3D Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional minimally invasive spinal surgery using intraoperative X-ray imaging faces challenges such as time-consuming and radiation-intensive procedures due to the need for repeated two-dimensional imaging, leading to potential inaccuracies in 3D position identification and increased risk of infection and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted surgery system that differentiates angular sections by rotating the imaging device's projection direction to identify areas where multiple positions or orientations of an object result in the same projection image, allowing for precise alignment and reduced ambiguity in surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If repeated two-dimensional X-ray imaging is performed to obtain 3D information, then the completeness of spatial information is improved, but the radiation exposure and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem from acquiring 3D information through repeated 2D imaging to obtaining unambiguous 3D position information from a single 2D projection image by analyzing angular sections. This dimensional approach change eliminates the need for multiple X-ray exposures while maintaining complete spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational analysis process that processes the 2D projection image to identify angular sections and determine unambiguous 3D positions. This intermediary step acts as a mediator between the 2D image and 3D information, extracting complete spatial data without requiring additional radiation exposure.
2Loss of information
If repeated two-dimensional X-ray imaging is performed to obtain 3D information, then the completeness of spatial information is improved, but the time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from temporal repetition (multiple images over time) to spatial analysis (angular sections in a single image), thereby obtaining complete 3D information instantaneously without time-consuming sequential imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary computational analysis of the single 2D projection image to pre-identify all angular sections and unambiguous 3D positions before any surgical action is taken. This preliminary processing eliminates the need for repeated imaging during the procedure, saving significant time.
3Ease of operation
If conventional 2D projection imaging is used without angular section analysis, then the simplicity of the procedure is maintained, but the measurement precision of object position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that automatically performs angular section analysis on the 2D projection image. This intermediary process maintains the simplicity of using a single 2D image while dramatically improving measurement precision by algorithmically identifying unambiguous 3D positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically moving the C-arm to acquire multiple images with a computational system that analyzes angular sections mathematically. This substitution maintains operational simplicity while achieving superior position precision through algorithmic processing.
4Measurement precision
If multiple C-arm positions are acquired to resolve position ambiguities, then the accuracy of 3D position identification is improved, but the quantity of radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves position ambiguities by analyzing angular sections within the single 2D projection plane, transforming a problem that would require multiple 3D positions into a 2D analysis problem. This approach achieves accurate 3D position identification without additional radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational model of the angular sections from the single 2D projection image, using this copied representation to determine unambiguous 3D positions. This virtual copying and analysis eliminates the need for physical repositioning and additional radiation exposure.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for differentiating angular section when imaging an object is provided. The system may comprise an imaging device (such as a C-arm) configured to generate projection images with a projection direction being defined for at least one point of the object. The imaging device may be movable so that the projection direction for the at least one point of the object rotates about the at least one point, wherein the system may be configured to image the object together with surrounding structure and to identify a first angular section in which at least two positions or two orientations of the object relative to the surrounding structure result in the same projection image, when imaging the object along the projection direction through the at least one point of the object.