Knee Joint Scanning Apparatus Using 2D Slice Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D scanning technologies for positioning a leg are time-consuming and sensitive to noise, image quality, and segmentation thresholds, making them inefficient for accurate knee joint imaging.
Innovation Solution
A scanning apparatus and method that controls scanning operations to obtain slice images in approximate coronal, sagittal, and axial planes, determining the gap between the thighbone and shinbone, and using edge detection and image processing to accurately determine scanning directions, reducing reliance on high-quality 3D data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If 3D data is used for positioning scanning, then the scanning direction can be determined, but the processing time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for positioning from the 3D data - specifically identifying key anatomical landmarks (posterior condyle line, thighbone-shinbone gap) and using them to determine scanning directions. This extraction approach avoids processing the entire 3D dataset while still achieving accurate positioning, thereby resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning process into distinct steps: first obtaining rough positioning from 3D data, then refining it using 2D slice images with specific anatomical markers. This segmentation allows the system to use minimal 3D data for initial orientation and then achieve precise positioning through targeted 2D image analysis, reducing overall processing time while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If 3D data segmentation is performed, then the volume of interest can be identified, but the results become extremely sensitive to noises and image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces 2D slice images as an intermediary between the noisy 3D data and the final segmentation results. By using clearly visible anatomical landmarks in 2D images (such as the posterior condyle line and thighbone-shinbone gap) to guide positioning, the system avoids direct segmentation of noisy 3D data, thereby improving reliability and reducing noise sensitivity while maintaining segmentation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional parameter from 3D to 2D for the critical positioning measurements. This parameter change exploits the fact that certain anatomical structures are more clearly defined in 2D cross-sectional views, making the positioning process less sensitive to noise and image quality variations while maintaining or improving measurement precision
3Measurement precision
If multiple scanning directions are performed, then the imaging accuracy improves, but the scanning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary positioning actions using minimal 3D data and a few key 2D slices to determine the correct scanning directions before executing the full multi-directional scanning sequence. This preliminary action establishes the proper orientation and reduces the need for repeated or adjusted scans, thereby improving imaging accuracy while maintaining scanning efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A scanning apparatus according to an embodiment includes a first scanning control unit, a first determination unit, a second scanning control unit, a second determination unit, and a third scanning control unit. The first scanning control unit obtains at least one first slice image of the leg in an approximate coronal plane direction. The first determination unit determines a direction of a gap between a thighbone and a shinbone in the at least one first slice image. The second scanning control unit obtains at least one second slice image of the leg in a direction vertical to the direction of the gap in the at least one first slice image. The second determination unit determines an axial plane direction according to the at least one second slice image. The third scanning control unit obtains at least one slice image of the leg in the axial plane direction.