CT Reconstruction of Moving Bodies via Optical Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

CT scanning faces challenges in reconstructing multiple moving bodies from a single scan due to motion blur, which existing technologies attempt to mitigate through fixation methods or post-processing corrections, but these approaches are limited in capturing natural relative movements between bodies.

Innovation Solution

A method that reconstructs independently moving bodies by obtaining and applying movement data during a CT scan using scan references and tracking systems, allowing for the reconstruction of multiple bodies in motion without post-processing, and enabling the analysis of their relative movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fixation means are used to reduce motion during CT scanning, then motion blur is reduced, but patient comfort deteriorates and the experience becomes uncomfortable and claustrophobic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction qualityVSAvoidpatient comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fixation systems with an optical tracking system that uses cameras to monitor movement of scan references attached to body parts. This substitution eliminates the need for physical restraints while maintaining motion compensation through software-based reconstruction that incorporates the tracked movement data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If motion compensation is applied during CT reconstruction, then motion blur is reduced, but the system can only compensate for movement of one body, not multiple independently moving bodies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconstruction qualityVSAvoidcapability to handle multiple moving bodies
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the scanning scene into multiple independently tracked bodies, each with its own scan reference and movement trajectory. The reconstruction system segments the motion compensation process by applying separate movement corrections for each body based on their individually tracked positions, enabling accurate reconstruction of multiple independently moving objects simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If multiple single exposure images are taken sequentially to build a 3D model, then depth information is obtained, but motion during the scanning time frame causes blurring in the reconstructed model

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth informationVSAvoidreconstruction quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical tracking system continuously monitors the position of scan references on moving bodies during image acquisition. This real-time movement data is fed back to the reconstruction algorithm, which uses the trajectory information to correctly position and align images from different time points, eliminating motion blur while preserving the depth information obtained from sequential imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 accurate reconstruction of multiple moving bodies and their relative movements, reducing the need for fixation and minimizing radiation exposure by capturing natural motion patterns for detailed analysis in medical and non-medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining the movement, obtaining a 3D tomography scan of the first body and the second body during the movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection and tracking:

Data Source

PatentEP3706632B1Computed tomography reconstruction of moving bodies
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 NEWTON2 APS
  • EP3706632B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3706632B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3706632B1 patent drawingFigure 2E

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for reconstructing at least a first and a second independently moving body from one 3D tomography scan, comprising performing a movement of the first body relative to the second body, obtaining the movement, obtaining a 3D tomography scan of the first body and the second body during the movement, and reconstructing a first 3D model of the first body and a second 3D model of the second body by applying the recorded movement to the 3D tomography scan. This has the effect that reconstruction of several 3D tomography scanned bodies is possible during motion of the scanned bodies.