Long Length Imaging Stitching Deviation Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In X-ray radiography, especially for elongate bodies like the spine or legs, patient movement and system miscalibration lead to inaccuracies in long length image stitching, causing measurement errors in Computed Radiography (CR) and Digital Radiography (DR) systems, as existing methods fail to effectively prevent or correct for these issues during the composition of partial images.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that applies different stitching techniques to detect deviations and generates warnings for patient movement and system inaccuracies by comparing stitching parameters derived from the x-ray source and detector setup, object geometry, and user interaction, ensuring accurate alignment and measurement correction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple partial images are stitched to create long length images, then the ability to image elongate bodies is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to patient movement and system miscalibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging areaVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies multiple different stitching methods to the same set of partial images and compares their results. When deviations between stitching methods exceed a threshold, a warning is generated. This feedback mechanism allows the system to self-validate stitching accuracy and detect patient movement or system errors without requiring additional hardware or complex calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates multiple copies of the stitching process using different algorithms (theoretical stitching parameters, object geometry reconstruction, user interaction). By comparing these independent copies of the stitching operation, the system can identify deviations caused by patient movement or system errors, thereby maintaining measurement precision across the extended imaging area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Area of stationary object

If FPD positioning is adjusted to improve imaging coverage, then the ability to capture elongate bodies is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to positioning inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidFPD positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from multiple stitching methods to detect positioning errors. By comparing results from theoretical parameters, object geometry reconstruction, and user interaction, the system can identify when FPD positioning inaccuracies have affected the stitching quality and generate appropriate warnings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Stability of the object's composition

If patient movement compensation is applied to maintain image quality, then image completeness is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate compensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage completenessVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies feedback by comparing multiple stitching results to detect when patient movement has occurred. Rather than blindly applying compensation, the system first detects deviations between stitching methods and generates warnings, allowing operators to assess whether compensation is appropriate and maintain measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If multiple stitching methods are compared to detect deviations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestitching accuracyVSAvoidstitching system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates multiple independent copies of the stitching process using different algorithms (theoretical parameters, object geometry, user interaction). These parallel copying operations allow comparison for accuracy validation without requiring complex integrated systems, as each stitching method operates independently and can be implemented using existing software capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP2721581B1Method to detect and indicate inaccuracies in long length imaging
Publication Date: 2018.08.08 AGFA HEALTHCARE NV
  • EP2721581B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2721581B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2721581B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method of generating radiation images of an elongate body by applying different computer-implemented stitching methods to the same set of partial radiation images. A warning is generated in case of substantial deviation between the applied stitching methods.