Multi-Fan X-Ray Imaging for Low-Parallax 3D Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems struggle to efficiently generate high-quality, three-dimensional images of subjects with reduced parallax distortion, particularly during surgical procedures, limiting the accuracy of feature identification and placement of implants.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system using a movable source and detector that employs a slotted filter to create multiple x-ray fans, allowing for precise acquisition of projections with reduced parallax distortion, which are then stitched together to form long views or 3D models, utilizing edge detection algorithms and machine learning for feature identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single projection is acquired with a standard imaging system, then the acquisition process is simple and fast, but the image quality suffers from parallax distortion and lacks three-dimensional detail
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides a single broad x-ray beam into multiple narrower fan beams using a slotted filter with multiple slots. Each slot creates a separate projection with reduced parallax distortion. The detector array captures multiple projections simultaneously or sequentially, enabling high-quality 3D reconstruction without requiring a complex multi-source imaging system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple projections are acquired to reduce parallax distortion, then image quality and 3D detail improve, but the acquisition time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted filter is pre-configured with multiple slots at specific angles and positions to create multiple fan beams that simultaneously capture different perspectives of the subject. This preliminary geometric arrangement enables the system to acquire multiple necessary projections in a single imaging pass, eliminating the need for sequential acquisition and reducing total acquisition time.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system combines multiple fan beams from different slots into a single integrated imaging process. The detector array simultaneously captures projections from all slots, and the processor integrates these projections to generate high-quality 3D images. This merging approach maintains feature identification accuracy while significantly reducing acquisition time compared to sequential multi-projection systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If a slotted filter is used to create multiple x-ray fans, then parallax distortion is reduced and 3D imaging quality improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The slotted filter acts as an intermediary component that transforms a single broad x-ray beam into multiple controlled fan beams. Rather than requiring multiple complex x-ray sources or a movable imaging system, the filter provides a simple geometric solution using precisely positioned slots. This intermediary approach achieves high projection accuracy while maintaining relative manufacturing simplicity, as the filter can be fabricated using standard precision machining or additive manufacturing techniques.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables accurate, high-resolution 3D imaging with reduced distortion, facilitating precise surgical procedures such as spinal fusion by allowing for precise placement of implants.
Implementation Method 1
a system to acquire image data of a subject may be an imaging system that uses x-rays
Implementation Method 2
The different perspectives may be generated due to a parallax effect between different paths of x-rays from a single source to a detector through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system is disclosed for analyzing image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and/or motion. The image data may include selected overlap and be acquired with an imaging system that generates a plurality of perspectives for more than one location. An automatic system and method may then define or identify various features and/or allow for registration for alternative image data.