C-arm X-ray Viewer Module for Intuitive Tomographic Image Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional C-arm X-ray machines struggle to provide intuitive and efficient access to multiple tomographic images during surgical procedures, making it difficult for users to quickly locate the desired images.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus with a C-arm configuration, equipped with a viewer module that reconstructs and displays tomographic images from different angles, allowing users to easily navigate and select the required images through intuitive controls and indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple tomographic images are arranged and displayed as thumbnails or small previews on the screen, then users can view multiple images simultaneously, but it becomes difficult to intuitively recognize the relative position of tomographic images or the differences between adjacent images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (depth/layering) to the display by showing multiple tomographic images at different depths simultaneously with semi-transparent overlays. This allows users to see multiple images without losing spatial context, as each image's depth position is visually encoded through transparency and positioning, resolving the contradiction between displaying multiple images and maintaining intuitive spatial recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested display structure where multiple tomographic images are layered within each other like nested dolls. The selected image is displayed prominently in the foreground, while other images are overlaid in the background with varying transparency. This nesting approach allows simultaneous display of multiple images while maintaining clear visual hierarchy and spatial relationships.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a random tomographic image is displayed on the screen and sequential display is used according to user operation, then all images can be accessed, but there is the inconvenience of having to keep scrolling until the desired tomographic image is displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including visual indicators that show the current depth position relative to the total range, and automatic depth adjustment based on user interaction patterns. When users scroll or interact with the display, the system provides immediate visual feedback about the current position and anticipates user needs by pre-positioning images or adjusting transparency levels, eliminating the need for continuous scrolling to locate desired images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by automatically organizing and pre-positioning tomographic images according to their depth information before user interaction. The system pre-calculates optimal display positions and transparency levels for all images, and pre-loads adjacent depth images in anticipation of user navigation needs. This preliminary organization allows users to immediately see the desired image without sequential scrolling.
3Ease of operation
If conventional display methods are used without depth information visualization, then the display system remains simple, but users cannot intuitively recognize the position of a tomographic image or the differences between adjacent images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color and transparency changes to encode depth information. Different tomographic images at different depths are displayed with varying transparency levels and color intensities, allowing users to intuitively recognize spatial position and depth relationships. This visual encoding adds depth information perception without requiring complex additional hardware, maintaining relative simplicity while significantly improving ease of operation.
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 users to quickly and intuitively access and identify the desired tomographic images, improving operational efficiency during surgical procedures by simplifying the navigation and selection process.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector are respectively disposed at opposite ends of a C-shaped arm with a subject in between, and configured to emit and detect X-rays
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an X-ray imaging apparatus that, in displaying tomographic images, allows users to quickly and intuitively check the tomographic images they need. The apparatus includes C-arm part including a C-shaped arm, and an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector disposed oppositely at both ends of the C-shaped arm with a subject in between and configured to emit and detect X-rays, a driving part configured to move the X-ray generator separately with respect to an end of the C-shaped arm so that the X-ray generator emits X-rays at different angles toward the subject, and a viewer module configured to reconstruct some tomographic images of the region of interest among a plurality of tomographic planes of the subject using X-ray detection results from different angles detected by the X-ray detector, and display the reconstructed images on a screen.