Cabinet X-Ray Overlay with Real-Time Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cabinet x-ray systems lack the capability to capture and display real-time optical images in exact orientation with x-ray images, and they are unable to reconstruct high-resolution 3D images due to strong scattering and absorption effects in tissue.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a real-time camera and a computer system into a cabinet x-ray unit to capture and overlay x-ray and optical images in the same orientation, with the option to display them as Picture-In-Picture (PIP) or overlaid, and to reconstruct the optical images into 3D models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical imaging is used to capture real-time images, then better orientation and visual truth are provided, but strong scattering and absorption effects in tissue prevent high-resolution 3D image reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines X-ray imaging technology with optical imaging technology into a single integrated system. The X-ray component penetrates tissue effectively to provide structural information, while the optical component captures real-time surface orientation and color information. By merging these two complementary imaging modalities, the system overcomes the limitations of each individual technology and achieves both high resolution and effective tissue penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple imaging functions simultaneously - it captures both X-ray images and optical images in the same field of view, providing both internal structural information and external surface characteristics. This multi-functionality allows the system to address multiple diagnostic needs in a single examination, including orientation verification, margin assessment, and structural analysis.
2Ease of operation
If separate radiography systems are used for X-ray and optical imaging, then each modality can be optimized independently, but the images cannot be aligned in exact orientation and require separate analysis time
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges X-ray imaging and optical imaging into a single integrated platform with a unified detector assembly. Both imaging modalities share the same mechanical structure, positioning system, and control interface, ensuring that X-ray and optical images are captured in exact orientation without requiring separate alignment procedures. This integration eliminates the time loss associated with separate analysis of independently acquired images.
3Measurement precision
If 3D reconstruction algorithms are developed for optical imaging, then high-resolution 3D images can be obtained, but the complexity of light transport in tissue makes practical implementation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses X-ray imaging as an intermediary to obtain accurate internal structural information that is then integrated with optical surface imaging. Rather than attempting complex 3D reconstruction from optical images alone through highly complex algorithms, the X-ray data serves as a reference framework that simplifies the reconstruction process. The known X-ray structural information acts as a mediator that guides and constrains the optical 3D reconstruction, reducing algorithmic complexity while maintaining high resolution.
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
This solution enables clinicians to confirm specimen orientation and margins quickly, facilitating accurate analysis and diagnosis by providing a comprehensive, aligned view of x-ray and optical images, as well as reconstructing 3D images for enhanced visualization.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an x-ray tube, an x-ray detector
Implementation Method 2
a real-time camera for the production of organic and non-organic images
Data Source
AI summary
A cabinet x-ray incorporates an x-ray tube, an x-ray detector, and a real-time camera, either High Definition or Standard Resolution, for the production of organic and non-organic images. The computing device receives video data from the real-time camera and the x-ray detector and determines, based on the video data, an overlay of the captured x-ray image with the captured real-time image or display images adjacently i.e. Picture-In-Picture (PIP). The apparatus captures a real-time image simultaneously with the x-ray image allowing a cabinet x-ray unit to attain and optimize images with exact orientation of the 2 images.