2D Image Registration Using Fan-Shaped Beam Transformation Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical navigation systems lack a method for accurately registering a body using 2D image data sets generated with fan-shaped imaging beams, which are characterized by high detail but limited in application due to the absence of suitable registration techniques.

Innovation Solution

A novel method for registering 2D image data sets using fan-shaped imaging beams involves a spatial transformation function and an imaging transformation function, allowing for precise navigation and reduced radiation exposure, without requiring specific information about the imaging device or its transfer function, enabling independent use across different manufacturers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If 2D image data sets generated with fan-shaped imaging beams are used for registration, then navigation precision is improved, but no suitable registration method exists in the prior art

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation precisionVSAvoidmethod applicability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the registration process into two independent transformation functions: a spatial transformation function that handles geometric relationships between fan-shaped beams, and an imaging transformation function that accounts for the specific imaging device characteristics. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently and applied universally across different manufacturers' equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal registration method that can be applied to 2D image data sets from different manufacturers' imaging devices. The transformation functions are designed to be device-independent, allowing the same registration algorithm to work with fan-shaped beams from various sources without requiring manufacturer-specific calibration or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If fan-shaped imaging beams are used, then radiation exposure is reduced, but the imaging beam geometry is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidimaging beam geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the complex fan-shaped beam geometry into manageable parameters through the spatial transformation function. By defining the geometric relationships in terms of transform parameters rather than direct beam geometry calculations, the system simplifies the handling of the complex fan-shaped beam pattern while maintaining the radiation benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If manual registration methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but registration time and labor increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration system complexityVSAvoidregistration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical registration processes with an automated computational approach. Instead of physically marking and measuring points on the patient's body, the system uses transformation functions to automatically calculate and register the 2D image data sets, significantly reducing registration time while requiring only basic computational resources.

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

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 method enables precise navigation with reduced radiation exposure, utilizing 2D CT scan data for registration and navigation, and can be applied independently of the imaging device manufacturer, improving the accuracy and safety of medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a mapping transformation function, which describes a spatial relationship between actual positions of points to be imaged in space and their projected positions in the imaging plane during a recording with a fan-shaped imaging beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometric projection: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP2111814B1Method of registering a 2D image data recorded with fan-shaped mapping rays for medicine and associated computer program product and method and system to automatically register a body based on 2D image data for use in medical navigation systems
Publication Date: 2012.08.01 BRAINLAB AG
  • EP2111814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2111814B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2111814B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for registering a 2D image data set generated with fan-shaped imaging beams in the field of medicine, wherein the method involves processing the 2D image data based on a spatial transformation function that describes a spatial relative position between points that have been imaged with a fan-shaped imaging beam and the imaging device used for imaging, and processing the 2D image data based on an imaging transformation function that describes an imaging function of the imaging device used to generate the 2D image data set, which describes a spatial relationship between the actual position of imaged points in space and their imaging location during a recording.