Medical Imaging Alignment via 3D Surface-Internal Data Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing medical imaging, such as CT scans, are inefficient and imprecise in transferring information about internal body structures to the patient's position on the scanner table, leading to time-consuming and inaccurate alignments.
Innovation Solution
A method and control device that utilize a three-dimensional structure image combining external and internal body data, recorded by a camera system, to produce an overlay image for precise alignment and control of medical imaging systems, allowing for selective recording of body regions based on registered structure data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external body features and measuring tools are used to estimate the location of internal structures, then the preparation process can be completed, but the precision of localization is insufficient and the process is time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges external surface data with internal structure data into a single registered coordinate system. The control device combines camera system recordings of the patient's body surface with pre-acquired internal structure images (such as CT or MRI data) to create a unified three-dimensional model. This integration allows simultaneous visualization and localization of both external features and internal structures, eliminating the need for separate estimation processes and achieving high precision without additional time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual three-dimensional copy of the patient's body by recording the actual body surface with a camera system and registering it with internal structure data. This virtual model serves as a precise replica that can be manipulated and measured without physically touching or moving the patient, enabling accurate localization of internal structures through the copied surface geometry and eliminating time-intensive physical measurement procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional methods are used to transfer information about internal structures to the patient position, then the process can be completed, but the accuracy of transferring information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods (such as physical markers, rulers, and manual positioning) with an optical and computational system. The camera system captures optical images of the patient's body surface, and the control device performs automated registration and coordinate transformation algorithms to accurately map internal structures to the patient's actual position. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical-digital systems achieves superior accuracy while the apparent complexity is managed through software automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a virtual three-dimensional model as an intermediary between the internal structure data and the patient's actual position. This virtual model, created by registering surface recordings with internal structure images, serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between different coordinate systems and data types, enabling accurate information transfer without direct mechanical intervention.
3Measurement precision
If the table height is selected based on external body features, then the positioning can be completed, but the alignment with internal structures is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional external body measurements to three-dimensional localization by integrating surface geometry with internal structure volumetric data. The camera system captures three-dimensional surface information, which is then registered with three-dimensional internal structure images. This dimensional enhancement allows the system to determine the optimal table height and positioning by considering the spatial relationships of internal structures in three dimensions, achieving precise alignment while the control device automates the complex calculations to maintain ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method includes providing a three-dimensional structure image including surface data relating to external contours and structure data relating to internal structures of a body region; recording the body region via a camera system, to produce a recording while a patient is situated in or on the medical imaging system; registering, at least locally and as a structure image, the three-dimensional surface image in relation to the three-dimensional structure image; producing an overlay image including at least part of the structure image registered including structure data of the three-dimensional structure image in a form of an overlay with at least one of the three-dimensional surface image and a real view of a corresponding part of the body region of the patient; and controlling the medical imaging system to record body regions of the patient based upon an arrangement of the structure data registered in the overlay image.