Medical Image Registration via Landmark and Non-Landmark Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for registering medical images using landmarks are prone to inaccuracies due to the frequent inability to find landmarks in images, leading to errors and lengthy optimization processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that first identifies at least one pair of landmarks and then uses position alignment not based on landmarks to determine the transformation of coordinates, allowing for the computation of the transformation matrix even if landmarks are not completely found, utilizing non-landmark-based methods to obtain missing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If landmark-based methods are used for image registration, then the transformation matrix can be computed quickly by solving a linear equation system, but the landmarks are frequently unable to be found in the images leading to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The registration process is segmented into two distinct phases: first, attempt to identify landmarks and compute transformation using their coordinates; second, if landmarks are insufficient or unavailable, switch to a non-landmark-based position alignment method. This segmentation allows the system to leverage the speed of landmark-based computation when applicable while ensuring accuracy through alternative methods when landmarks fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The method dynamically adapts its approach based on the availability and quality of landmark data. The system evaluates whether sufficient landmarks were found and automatically transitions between landmark-based and non-landmark-based registration strategies, making the registration process flexible and responsive to actual image conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional landmark-based methods are used, then computation is simple by solving linear equations, but error-prone optimization processes are necessary when landmarks cannot be found
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary check to determine whether sufficient landmarks are available before committing to a registration method. This preliminary assessment allows the system to choose the appropriate computation path in advance, avoiding the need for error-prone optimization processes by proactively identifying when landmark-based methods are insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation step that assesses landmark quality and availability. This intermediary mechanism determines whether to proceed with simple landmark-based computation or transition to more complex non-landmark-based methods, serving as a bridge between computational simplicity and registration reliability.
3Loss of time
If only landmark-based methods are used, then the transformation matrix can be calculated quickly, but the method fails when landmarks cannot be completely found
Solution Approach 1:
The registration system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both landmark-based registration (when landmarks are available) and non-landmark-based position alignment (when landmarks are unavailable or insufficient). This universality ensures the system remains robust across different scenarios without sacrificing computational efficiency in favorable cases.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes its operational parameters based on landmark availability. When landmarks are sufficiently identified, the system uses landmark coordinates as the primary parameter set for computation. When landmarks are insufficient, the system transitions to using image intensity correlations and position alignment parameters, thereby adapting to different data conditions while maintaining registration capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for registering images of an object according to which a landmark that is common to the images is first identified, and the transformations in relation to the remaining degrees of freedom are determined by means of a position alignment that is not based on the landmark.