Dynamic X-ray ROI Collimation via Eye-Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluoroscopy x-ray systems, there is a challenge in reducing unattended radiation exposure to both patients and staff during medical procedures, as current technologies do not effectively manage radiation distribution, leading to unnecessary exposure and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses partially transparent filters and collimators to dynamically control x-ray radiation intensity, focusing higher exposure on Regions of Interest (ROIs) while reducing exposure in other areas, utilizing eye-tracking and image processing to adjust the position and shape of ROIs based on the operator's focus, and applying transformation functions to maintain image quality and dynamic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If uniform x-ray radiation is applied across the entire field of view, then complete image coverage is achieved, but radiation exposure to patients and staff increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different radiation intensities to different regions of the image. A region of interest (ROI) receives full or enhanced radiation exposure to maintain diagnostic quality, while peripheral or non-critical areas receive reduced or no radiation. This is achieved through dynamic collimators and selective filtering that create spatially varying radiation fields, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure while preserving necessary image quality in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The field of view is divided into multiple regions with different radiation requirements. The ROI is segmented from the rest of the image area, allowing independent control of radiation exposure. This segmentation enables the system to apply targeted radiation only where diagnostically necessary, rather than uniformly across the entire field of view.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If radiation intensity is reduced in non-ROI areas, then radiation exposure is minimized, but image quality in those areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different image processing quality levels to different regions. ROI areas maintain full diagnostic quality with appropriate radiation exposure, while non-ROI areas accept reduced quality since they are not critical for diagnosis. This local quality differentiation allows radiation reduction in non-critical areas without compromising overall diagnostic value.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies radiation and image processing resources excessively (at full capacity) only to the ROI areas where they are diagnostically necessary, while applying partial or no action in non-ROI areas. This selective application of resources optimizes the trade-off between radiation exposure and image quality by concentrating efforts where they provide maximum diagnostic benefit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic ROI adjustment based on eye-tracking is implemented, then radiation is focused on relevant areas, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an eye-tracking device as an intermediary that captures the operator's visual attention data. This intermediary provides objective input about which areas the operator is monitoring, enabling automatic ROI adjustment without requiring complex manual controls or subjective operator input. The eye-tracking intermediary translates natural operator behavior into system control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where eye-tracking data continuously informs ROI positioning and radiation field adjustment. As the operator moves their attention to different areas, the system detects this through eye-tracking and dynamically repositions the ROI and radiation fields accordingly. This real-time feedback enables adaptive radiation management that responds to operator needs without increasing operational complexity.
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 reduces radiation exposure to non-ROI areas, enhances image quality within ROIs, and prevents image washout by optimizing x-ray intensity distribution, thereby minimizing harm to patients and staff while maintaining image clarity and detail.
Implementation Method 1
there are periods of time when the operator (usually a physician), even when he/she activates the radiation source which radiates the patient and the staff does not receive the information that is generated by a radiation source
Implementation Method 2
fluoroscopy x-ray systems that incorporate filters for reducing radiation in a part of the field of view (FOV)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Systems and methods for moderating saturation in an image containing two or more levels of exposure. The present invention provides a filter and image processing to enable adjusting of the image in a region of interest (ROI) and/or adjusting the image outside of the ROI to provide a non-saturated image.