Intra-patient Probe Markers for Reliable Multi-modality Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-modality imaging techniques face challenges in accurately registering images from different modalities due to occlusions, ambiguity in marker detection, and differences in imaging properties, leading to unreliable position and orientation determination of intra-patient probes.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of moveable markers within the intra-patient probe and adaptive adjustment of imaging parameters allows for more reliable marker detection and image registration across various modalities, enabling accurate co-registration of images by repositioning markers and altering scanning parameters to account for field-of-view and scale differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fixed markers are used in the intra-patient probe, then the probe structure is simple, but marker detection becomes ambiguous and unreliable due to occlusions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker detection reliabilityVSAvoidmarker system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the markers moveable relative to the intra-patient probe rather than fixed. The markers can be repositioned along the probe shaft to different locations, allowing them to avoid occlusions by changing their spatial position. This dynamic repositioning capability ensures reliable detection across different imaging modalities while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If markers are repositioned to avoid occlusions, then marker detection reliability improves, but the complexity of the marker positioning system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemarker detection reliabilityVSAvoidmarker repositioning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic marker repositioning along the probe shaft, allowing markers to be moved to optimal locations for detection. This dynamic capability enables the markers to avoid occlusions by changing their position relative to the probe and patient anatomy, thereby improving detection reliability without requiring complex three-dimensional positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the marker system into multiple discrete markers that can be independently positioned along the probe shaft. This segmentation allows individual markers to be repositioned to avoid specific occlusions while maintaining the overall functionality of the marker system for registration purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If images from different modalities are matched directly, then registration process is simple, but registration accuracy deteriorates due to differences in imaging properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage registration accuracyVSAvoidimage processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses markers as intermediary objects that are detectable across multiple imaging modalities. These markers serve as common reference points that bridge different imaging systems, enabling accurate registration by providing shared landmarks that can be identified and correlated between modalities despite their different imaging properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs adaptive adjustment of imaging parameters, including field-of-view and scale, to optimize the matching between different modalities. By dynamically changing these parameters during the registration process, the system can accommodate the inherent differences in imaging properties and achieve accurate registration without overly complex processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imaging modalities are used simultaneously, then diagnostic information completeness improves, but the complexity of coordinating and registering these modalities increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging modality versatilityVSAvoidmulti-modality coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal marker system that serves multiple functions across different imaging modalities. The same markers can be detected by various imaging systems (e.g., optical, ultrasound, magnetic resonance), enabling coordination and registration of multiple modalities through a common reference framework. This multi-functionality reduces the complexity of coordinating different systems by providing a unified approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9936896B2Active system and method for imaging with an intra-patient probe

Publication Date: 2018.04.10 SIEMENS MEDICAL SOLUTIONS USA INC

AI summary

Registration is provided for imaging with an intra-patient probe. The intra-patient probe is used for imaging or the imaging is, at least in part, of the intra-patient probe. Either approach for imaging with an intra-patient probe uses active transitions for registration. In one embodiment, one or more markers in the intra-patient probe are moveable relative to the intra-patient probe, allowing avoidance of occlusions and providing more reliable marker detection for registration. In another embodiment, a value of a parameter for imaging with at least one modality is changed so that acceptable or better registration with an image of another modality may be made. The imaging is repeated with differences, such as field-of-view or scale, allowing for registration for different types of modalities.