AR Object Positioning for Image-Guided Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging and radiation therapy systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning objects due to complex and time-consuming manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in imaging and treatment procedures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an augmented reality (AR) system that uses 3D imaging and registration techniques to automate the positioning of objects by comparing plan images with real-time 3D images, allowing for precise movement of objects and tables to align with pre-defined target positions, thereby enhancing accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning processes are used, then operators can control the positioning, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated computer vision system. The system uses capture devices to obtain real-time images, processes these images through a processor to determine object positions, and automatically generates positioning instructions. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated optical and computational systems resolves the contradiction by achieving both high positioning accuracy and reduced positioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system performs self-positioning by automatically capturing images, processing them to determine object positions, and generating positioning instructions without continuous manual intervention. The system uses the capture devices and processor to autonomously complete the positioning task, reducing both the complexity and time of the positioning process while maintaining accuracy.
2Productivity
If manual positioning processes are used, then operators can adjust positioning, but the process has low accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with an automated computer vision system that uses capture devices to obtain real-time images and a processor to determine object positions. This automated system eliminates the inaccuracies of manual positioning while improving efficiency, as the system can process multiple images and calculate positions objectively without human error or fatigue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously capturing real-time images of the object, processing these images to determine current positions, comparing them with target positions, and generating positioning instructions based on the deviation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high positioning accuracy while maintaining efficient automated operation.
3Ease of operation
If operators look back and forth between object and monitors, then they can understand target location, but mental mapping is difficult and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an augmented reality display as an intermediary between the operator, the object, and the monitor. The AR display overlays target location information directly onto the operator's field of view, eliminating the need to look back and forth between the object and monitor. This intermediary provides accurate target location information in the context of the actual surgical field, improving both ease of operation and targeting accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for positioning an object positioned on a table is provided. The method may include: obtaining a plan image, the plan image illustrating a virtual surface of the object; obtaining, by one or more capture devices, a 3-dimensional (3D) image, the 3D image including a set of elements corresponding to the object; obtaining a registration result by registering the plan image and the 3D image; determining whether the object needs to be moved based on the registration result; and in response to a determination that the object needs to be moved, causing the object to move according to the registration result.