Augmented Reality Overlay for CBCT Patient Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems face challenges in efficiently positioning patients to avoid collisions between scanner components and the patient, leading to increased radiation exposure, prolonged procedure times, and suboptimal imaging results.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an augmented reality (AR) system that computes and visualizes a virtual 3-D field of view (FOV) within the CBCT system, allowing operators to predictively position patients and scanner components to maximize FOV intersection with the target anatomy while minimizing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional CBCT positioning methods are used, then the imaging FOV can be obtained, but the patient positioning time increases and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary computation of the imaging FOV geometry and collision detection before actual imaging begins. Operators can predictively position the patient and scanner components by visualizing the virtual 3-D FOV overlay, avoiding trial-and-error positioning and reducing overall procedure time while maintaining imaging quality.
Solution Approach 2:
An augmented reality overlay serves as an intermediary visual tool between the operator and the imaging system geometry. This virtual representation of the FOV and collision risks enables intuitive understanding and rapid decision-making during positioning, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurement and adjustment.
2Area of stationary object
If the imaging FOV is enlarged to capture more anatomy, then the field of view coverage improves, but the risk of collision between scanner components and patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback to operators through the augmented reality overlay, displaying the computed imaging FOV geometry and its relationship to the patient anatomy. Collision risks are highlighted in advance, allowing operators to adjust positioning parameters to maximize FOV coverage while avoiding harmful interactions between scanner components and the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The augmented reality interface uses color-coded overlays to communicate different types of spatial information: the imaging FOV is displayed in one color, the patient anatomy in another, and potential collision zones are highlighted in a third color. This visual differentiation enables rapid assessment of safety margins and optimal positioning without requiring complex text-based instructions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple positioning trials are conducted to optimize FOV alignment, then the imaging quality improves, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy (digital twin) of the physical imaging FOV geometry and overlays it onto the patient anatomy in augmented reality. This virtual model allows operators to mentally simulate and optimize positioning without physically moving the scanner or patient through multiple trials, achieving precise alignment in a single setup while maintaining imaging quality.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for an imaging system are provided. In some examples, a method includes determining an imaging field of view (FOV) of a rotatable imaging system, determining a size and/or shape of the imaging FOV and a position of the imaging FOV relative to the rotatable imaging system, determining a first location of the imaging FOV relative to an environment in which the rotatable imaging system is positioned, and sending information indicating the size and/or shape and the position of the imaging FOV as well as the first location of the imaging FOV relative to the environment to an external computing device.