Imaging System Marker-Based Lumen Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging systems face challenges in correlating or registering multiple images of the same or similar anatomical locations, which is essential for accurate medical diagnostics and procedures.

Innovation Solution

An imaging system comprising a first imaging device with a distal imager and a second imaging device, both configured to produce images within a body cavity, along with registration markers that provide independent translation and rotation data, allowing for automatic or manual image registration using a processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple imaging devices are used to capture images of the same anatomical location, then image coverage and diagnostic information are improved, but image alignment and correlation become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic informationVSAvoidimage registration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces registration markers as intermediary objects that serve as common reference points between multiple imaging devices. These markers are imaged by all devices and provide known geometric relationships that enable automatic calculation of transformation parameters, thereby mediating the correlation process between otherwise incompatible imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback through the use of registration markers whose detected positions are fed back into the registration algorithm. The algorithm iteratively adjusts transformation parameters based on the discrepancy between expected and actual marker positions in registered image pairs, continuously refining the alignment until convergence is achieved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual image registration is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration flexibilityVSAvoidregistration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The registration system performs self-service through automated algorithms that independently calculate transformation parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically detects registration markers in multiple images, computes their geometric relationships, and determines the optimal transformation parameters, thereby serving itself rather than relying on operator input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of image registration with an automated computational system. Instead of operators manually adjusting and aligning images, the system uses image processing algorithms and mathematical transformations to automatically register images based on detected marker positions, substituting mechanical adjustment with computational processing.

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

3Device complexity

If device translation and rotation are not compensated, then device simplicity is maintained, but image registration accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidimage alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system compensates for device translation and rotation by changing the parameter space in which images are registered. It transforms images from their original coordinate systems into a common reference frame using calculated transformation parameters, thereby accounting for positional and orientational variations without modifying the physical device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2809222B1Imaging system producing multiple registered images of a body lumen
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 NINEPOINT MEDICAL INC
  • EP2809222B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2809222B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2809222B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Systems, devices and methods for producing registered images of a body lumen are provided. The system includes a first imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof, said first imaging device configured to produce a first image of a body cavity; and an imaging system, including a second imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof and configured to be positioned approximate to said imager of said first imaging device within said body cavity and configured to produce a second image; an elongated member configured to contain said second imaging device; and at least one marker configured to produce registration information in the first image and the second image.