Fluoroscope Calibration via Automated Image Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for calibrating medical fluoroscopy devices are slow, inconvenient, and prone to human error, which can lead to inaccurate fluoroscopic projection images and hinder tracking and registration performance in procedures like transbronchial needle aspiration.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a calibration device with reference markers visible under fluoroscopy, a tracking device, and a plate tool to determine calibration parameters such as pixel per MM, focal length, and distortion by calculating the pose of the reference marker and fluoroscopic device based on image information from 2D images, allowing for real-time and accurate calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If off-line calibration methods are used to determine fluoroscope calibration parameters, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes slow and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration parameter accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with an automated optical system. A camera captures images of a calibration device with known geometry, and software automatically calculates calibration parameters through image processing and coordinate transformation, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system is self-calibrating through automated image capture and processing. The software automatically detects features in the captured images, computes 3D coordinates, performs coordinate transformations, and determines calibration parameters without requiring operator intervention at each step, making the process both rapid and accurate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual calibration procedures are performed, then calibration data can be obtained, but human error increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration data reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement and calculation processes with automated computer-based image processing. The system automatically captures images, detects calibration device features, computes 3D coordinates through coordinate transformation, and determines calibration parameters, eliminating human error associated with manual procedures while simplifying operator tasks to merely initiating the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital copy of the calibration device through camera imaging. Instead of physically measuring the calibration device, the system captures its image and uses software to extract geometric information, replacing physical measurement with digital replication and analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If fluoroscope calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then image accuracy is improved, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluoroscopic image accuracyVSAvoidprocedure throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual calibration procedures with rapid automated image-based calibration. The system captures images and automatically computes calibration parameters in minutes rather than hours, enabling frequent calibration without significantly impacting procedure throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration device is pre-configured with known geometric features and coordinates. This preliminary preparation allows the calibration system to quickly compute accurate calibration parameters by comparing captured images against the pre-established reference geometry, enabling rapid recalibration when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 more accurate, convenient, and rapid determination of calibration parameters, improving the accuracy of fluoroscopic images and facilitating precise tracking and registration during medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a 2D image of the calibration device using the fluoroscopic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

determining the position of the calibration device with a tracking device... The tracking device may be a depth sensing camera or another type of 3D sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS10405825B2System and method for automatically determining calibration parameters of a fluoroscope

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 BRONCUS MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A method and system for estimating calibration parameters of a medical fluoroscope and more particularly a method and system which automatically determines intrinsic and distortion correction parameters of a fluoroscopy device.