Dynamic Imaging System for Tracking Moving Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical imaging modalities, such as fluoroscopy, are limited by their stationary nature, which restricts diagnostics to pseudo-stationary conditions, failing to capture joints under natural motion and load conditions, thereby reducing the utility of the results.
Innovation Solution
The image tracking system dynamically positions the imaging system to track anatomical regions of interest, such as joints, during natural motions by using drive mechanisms and omni-directional translation capabilities, allowing for real-time synchronization of the imaging source and detector to maintain the joint or skeletal section in the field of view, even when the subject is moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fluoroscopy is used with fixed positioning, then the imaging system is simple and stationary, but it cannot capture joints under natural motion and load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic imaging by mounting the x-ray source and detector on independently controllable robotic arms that can move in multiple degrees of freedom. This allows the imaging system to dynamically track and follow the motion of anatomical regions during natural body movements, transforming the static fluoroscopy system into a dynamic one capable of capturing joints under natural motion and load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple imaging modalities (fluoroscopy, digital radiography, tomosynthesis) within a single mobile platform. The robotic arms can position the x-ray source and detector in various configurations to perform different imaging functions, allowing the system to adapt to diverse diagnostic needs while maintaining a unified structural framework
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging system is made mobile to track natural motion, then dynamic imaging capability is improved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into segmented, independently controllable robotic arms - typically a three-arm configuration where each arm can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each arm's motion control, simplifies the overall control architecture, and enables flexible coordination of multiple imaging components without requiring complex interdependent control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback control through coordinate registration and tracking algorithms that continuously monitor the position of anatomical regions and adjust the robotic arm positions accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables automatic tracking of natural motion while maintaining precise imaging geometry, reducing the complexity of manual coordination and simplifying the control process
3Measurement precision
If multiple degrees of freedom are added for tracking, then subject tracking accuracy is improved, but the number of moving parts and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic imaging by mounting the x-ray source and detector on independently controllable robotic arms that can move in multiple degrees of freedom. This allows the imaging system to dynamically track and follow the motion of anatomical regions during natural body movements, transforming the static fluoroscopy system into a dynamic one capable of capturing joints under natural motion and load conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple imaging modalities (fluoroscopy, digital radiography, tomosynthesis) within a single mobile platform. The robotic arms can position the x-ray source and detector in various configurations to perform different imaging functions, allowing the system to adapt to diverse diagnostic needs while maintaining a unified structural framework
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 enables in vivo imaging of joints under loaded conditions, providing previously unavailable information for orthopedic diagnostics, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of diagnostic results by simulating natural skeletal motion and load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
In conventional fluoroscopy, which is well known in the art, ionizing radiation passes through the body onto a fluorescent screen, creating an image.
Data Source
AI summary
Image tracking systems, and corresponding methods, are described. In some embodiments, conventional imaging components are placed on a platform having wheels, thereby providing a mechanism for imaging a moving subject. In other embodiments, conventional imaging components are situated on non-parallel rails, and moved along those rails, thereby providing a mechanism for imaging an anatomical region of a subject as that region moves in two dimensions. For yet other embodiments, image recognition and tracking approaches are provided to track the movement of a non-stationary anatomical region. The tracking of the non-stationary anatomical region permits imaging of a moving anatomy. For some embodiments, the anatomy moves within its normal range of motion.