CT Imaging Area Adjustment for Symmetric Object Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current limited-area computer tomography imaging systems require separate positioning and imaging of symmetrically located objects, such as jaw joints, leading to inefficiencies in workflow and resource utilization, as well as the need for additional measures to register images in the same coordinates for comparison.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that determine location data and reference location data for a first imaging object, allowing the adjustment of the imaging area to position a second imaging object symmetrically relative to the first, enabling both objects to be imaged in a single positioning event, thereby simplifying the workflow and allowing direct comparison without additional processing measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate positioning and imaging of symmetrically located objects is performed, then imaging precision is maintained, but productivity decreases and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging precisionVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple imaging operations into a single positioning event. By determining location data of a first imaging object and using reference location data to calculate the position of a second symmetrically located object, the system enables both objects to be imaged during one imaging event, eliminating the need for separate positioning and imaging operations that were previously required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary determination of location data and reference location data before the actual imaging process. By pre-calculating the positions of symmetrically located objects based on determined location data and reference values, the system prepares the imaging parameters in advance, allowing both objects to be imaged efficiently in a single operation without requiring separate positioning steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If separate positioning of each object is performed, then imaging precision is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging precisionVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning and imaging processes for multiple symmetrically located objects into a single operation. By using determined location data of a first object and reference location data to automatically calculate the position of a second object, the system enables both objects to be imaged during one imaging event, eliminating the time required for separate positioning and imaging operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation of object positions based on determined location data and reference location data before imaging begins. This pre-positioning calculation allows the system to quickly determine where to image the second symmetrically located object without requiring time-consuming manual positioning or separate imaging events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If separate imaging of symmetrically located objects is performed, then imaging precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional registration measures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the imaging of multiple symmetrically located objects into a single coordinate system by determining location data of a first object and using reference location data to calculate the position of a second object. This approach images both objects in the same coordinates during one imaging event, eliminating the need for complex post-processing registration operations that would otherwise be required to align separately imaged objects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses reference location data as a template or copy of spatial relationships to determine the position of the second symmetrically located object. By copying the spatial relationship defined by the reference location data and applying it to the first object's determined location, the system automatically establishes the correct position and orientation for imaging the second object in the same coordinate system without requiring complex registration procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 approach significantly reduces the time and resources needed for positioning and allows for direct comparison of symmetrically located objects in the same coordinates, enhancing the efficiency and usability of X-ray image data.

Implementation Method 1

a device generating X-rays and a device detecting X-rays... Exposure to X-rays is performed by rotating the rotating arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray generation: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

The device detecting X-rays is e.g. a CCD (charged coupled device) or a CMOS sensor which registers radiation having penetrated the object being imaged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP2613702B1Method and system for controlling computer tomography imaging
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 PALODEX GROUP
  • EP2613702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2613702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2613702B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates, according to an embodiment by way of an example, to a method, a device (400), a system (500) and a computer program for controlling limited-area computer tomography imaging, where determining location data of a first imaging object (211) when the first imaging object is positioned in an imaging area (210), determining reference location data related to the first imaging object (211) and adjusting the imaging area (210, 210') based on the location data of the first imaging object (211) and said reference location data for imaging a second imaging object (213). The first and the second imaging object (211, 213) can be located at a distance determined by the reference location data from each other or symmetrically in relation to the reference location data.