C-arm Image Processing Apparatus for Spinal Panoramic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current C-arm imaging systems are limited by their small sensor size, preventing the observation of the entire spine during multilevel spinal surgery, which necessitates re-imaging post-surgery and increases radiation exposure and operating time.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus for a C-arm that moves along a predetermined route to acquire multiple projection images, which are then combined to generate a panoramic image of the spine, allowing for real-time observation of the entire spine during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a C-arm with a small sensor is used for imaging, then the device portability and ease of operation are improved, but the field of view is limited and cannot capture the entire spine
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into multiple segments. The C-arm captures multiple partial images of the spine at different positions, and these segmented images are then combined through image processing to form a complete panoramic view of the entire spine, resolving the limitation of the small sensor size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from capturing a single two-dimensional image to capturing multiple two-dimensional images at different positions and combining them into a comprehensive panoramic view, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the imaging process to overcome the sensor size limitation.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple separate C-arm images are taken to cover the entire spine, then the field of view is improved, but the number of imaging operations increases leading to higher radiation exposure
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple partial images captured by the C-arm are merged into a single panoramic image through image processing. This combining approach allows the entire spine to be visualized in one comprehensive view, reducing the need for multiple separate imaging operations and thereby lowering radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the image combining process without requiring additional manual imaging operations. The image processing unit self-service combines the captured partial images into a complete panoramic view, eliminating the need for repeated C-arm imaging and reducing radiation exposure.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple separate C-arm images are taken to cover the entire spine, then the field of view is improved, but the time required for imaging and post-surgery review increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image capturing and processing occurs continuously during the surgical procedure. The C-arm captures multiple images and the system processes them in real-time to generate the panoramic view, eliminating the need for post-surgery imaging and review, thereby saving time and maintaining continuous useful action throughout the procedure.
4Device complexity
If a small sensor is used in the C-arm, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to observe multilevel spine structure is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The image processing unit acts as an intermediary that takes the partial images captured by the simple small sensor and transforms them into a comprehensive panoramic image. This intermediary processing step recovers and presents the complete spine structure information that would otherwise be lost due to the limited sensor size.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables immediate identification and correction of spinal issues during surgery, reducing radiation exposure and operating time while providing a comprehensive view of the spine.
Implementation Method 1
a C-arm which irradiates X-rays generated using a radiation generating device to digitize the result using a charge coupled device (CCD) camera
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image processing apparatus for a C-arm, including: a movement control unit which moves a C-arm which irradiates a radiation onto a bone of a subject located on a table and detects the radiation which penetrates the bone to generate a projection image for the bone, along a predetermined route; an image acquiring unit which acquires a plurality of projection images generated by the moving C-arm at every predetermined interval; and an image processing unit which generates a combined projection image in which the plurality of acquired projection images is combined, and the predetermined interval may be an interval at which a continuous panoramic image may be generated by connecting the plurality of acquired projection images.