FOV Preview Imaging System for X-Ray Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile fluoroscopy x-ray imaging systems rely on preliminary x-ray imaging to adjust patient positioning, which increases exposure to x-ray photons for both the patient and operators, and do not accurately represent the field-of-view (FOV) without generating a preview.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a set of cameras, including a stereo camera and a video camera, to generate a FOV preview by combining three-dimensional and two-dimensional data, providing an accurate representation of the x-ray FOV without preliminary irradiation, by projecting an illuminated outline of the FOV onto the patient and displaying it on a monitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If preliminary x-ray imaging is used to adjust patient positioning, then accurate FOV representation is achieved, but patient and operator exposure to x-ray photons increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visible light cameras as an intermediary medium to capture and represent the FOV. Instead of using x-ray imaging to visualize the FOV, the system uses cameras equipped with visible light sensors to capture images of the patient within the FOV, which are then displayed to operators. This intermediary approach allows accurate FOV representation without additional x-ray exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the FOV using visible light cameras. The cameras capture images that replicate what is visible within the x-ray FOV, allowing operators to see the illuminated outline and adjust positioning based on this optical copy rather than requiring preliminary x-ray images. This copying mechanism eliminates the need for additional x-ray exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If FOV preview is generated without preliminary irradiation, then patient and operator exposure is reduced, but accurate FOV representation becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visible light cameras as an intermediary to bridge the gap between avoiding x-ray exposure and achieving accurate FOV representation. The cameras are positioned to capture the illuminated outline of the FOV on the patient's body, providing real-time visual feedback that accurately represents the FOV boundaries without requiring any x-ray irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes visible light illumination that causes color changes or visual contrast on the patient's skin surface within the FOV. The illuminated outline creates a visible boundary that cameras can detect and display, allowing operators to see exactly where the FOV boundaries are located without using x-rays. This optical contrast mechanism enables accurate FOV representation through non-ionizing radiation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used to generate FOV preview, then accurate positioning is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the FOV visualization task into multiple camera segments, each capturing a specific portion of the FOV from different angles. By segmenting the imaging task across multiple cameras, the system achieves complete and accurate coverage of the FOV boundaries and patient positioning, which would be difficult to achieve with a single camera. Each camera segment contributes to the overall accurate representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple cameras to create a comprehensive FOV preview. By combining the images or data streams from multiple camera units, the system achieves a complete and accurate visual representation of the entire FOV and patient positioning. This merging approach consolidates the information from multiple sources into a unified display that provides precise positioning guidance.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for a set of devices for an imaging system. In one example, the set of devices includes a first device configured to obtain a first set of image data and a second device configured to obtain a second set of image data along at least one dimension. The first and second sets of data may be compiled to generate a field-of-view (FOV) preview.