Balloon Registration Markers for Multi-Modal Image Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing imaging systems in medical applications face challenges in accurately registering multiple images of a body cavity, particularly due to the lack of effective registration markers that can be consistently viewed and utilized across different imaging modalities.

Innovation Solution

The development of an imaging system that incorporates an elongated member with embedded registration markers on its outer surface, which are viewable in multiple images produced by different imaging devices, allowing for precise registration and alignment of images within a common frame of reference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging devices are used to capture images of a body cavity, then imaging coverage and diagnostic capability are improved, but image registration accuracy deteriorates due to lack of common reference markers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidimage registration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces registration markers as intermediary elements that are visible to multiple imaging devices. These markers serve as a common reference framework that mediates between different imaging modalities, enabling accurate registration by providing shared identifiable features across images captured by diverse devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The registration markers are designed to be universally detectable across multiple imaging devices and modalities. The markers perform multiple functions: they serve as reference points for registration, enable spatial orientation, and provide consistent identification across different imaging systems, thereby achieving multi-functionality in the imaging ecosystem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If registration markers are embedded within the outer surface of an elongated member, then registration reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregistration reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The registration markers are embedded within the outer surface of the elongated member during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that the markers are permanently integrated into the structure, providing reliable registration references that will not displace or deteriorate during device use, while the embedding process itself is incorporated into standard manufacturing workflows.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9668638B2Balloon system including registration marking

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 NINEPOINT MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A system for registering images is provided. The system includes a first imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof. The first image device is configured to produce a first image of a body cavity. The system includes an imaging system having a second imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof and configured to be positioned approximate to said imager of said first imaging device within said body cavity and configured to produce a second image. An elongated member having an outer surface is molded to include imaging markers such that said imaging markers are embedded within the outer surface. At least one of the image markers is configured to produce registration information in the first image and the second image.