NIR Optical Tracking for Skeletal Anatomy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current image-guided targeting methods in medical procedures rely on ionizing x-rays, which are invasive, expose patients and medical teams to radiation, and fail to provide real-time imaging, leading to inaccuracies due to patient movement and the need for continuous x-ray imaging, which is not feasible.
Innovation Solution
The use of near-infrared (NIR) energy for real-time imaging and tracking of skeletal anatomy, allowing for continuous position monitoring without ionizing radiation by performing optical scans, filtering skin characteristics, and determining skeletal anatomy through statistical algorithms and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ionizing x-rays are used for image-guided targeting, then skeletal anatomy can be localized with sub-millimetric accuracy, but patients and medical teams are exposed to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing x-ray imaging with near-infrared (NIR) optical imaging to track skeletal anatomy. NIR light penetrates soft tissue while being scattered by bone, enabling visualization of skeletal structures without ionizing radiation. The system uses NIR cameras and light sources to capture optical signals that are processed to determine three-dimensional positions of bony landmarks, achieving real-time tracking without radiation exposure to patients and medical teams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using optical signals as a mediator between the skeletal anatomy and the imaging system. Instead of directly imaging with x-rays, the system uses NIR light that interacts with tissue and bone properties to indirectly visualize skeletal structures. This intermediary optical method allows accurate skeletal localization while avoiding the harmful effects of direct x-ray exposure.
2Speed
If x-ray imaging is performed continuously during treatment, then real-time patient movement can be detected, but radiation dose to the patient increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes continuous x-ray imaging with continuous NIR optical imaging to enable real-time monitoring of patient movement during treatment. NIR cameras can operate continuously at high frame rates without accumulating radiation dose, allowing instantaneous detection of patient motion while maintaining treatment accuracy. The optical system captures sequential images that are processed to track skeletal position changes over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous useful action by enabling uninterrupted NIR optical imaging throughout the entire treatment procedure. Unlike x-ray imaging which must be intermittent due to radiation concerns, the NIR system can continuously capture images at high frequency, providing real-time feedback on patient position and movement without any harmful accumulation, thereby maintaining constant monitoring capability.
3Reliability
If separate x-ray source and detector units are used, then robust imaging can be achieved, but sufficient space is required for placing these units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the NIR light source and detector functions into an integrated imaging system that can be positioned closer to the patient. The system combines NIR illuminators and sensitive cameras in a unified platform, eliminating the need for separate bulky x-ray source and detector units. This integration reduces the spatial footprint while maintaining imaging robustness through coordinated light emission and detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the dimensional constraints of x-ray geometry (requiring source and detector on opposite sides of the patient) to optical imaging geometry where the light source and detector can be positioned more flexibly. The NIR system uses reflected light from the patient's surface, allowing the camera to be positioned at various angles and distances, effectively utilizing another spatial dimension to reduce the required treatment space.
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
Enables precise, continuous, and non-invasive real-time tracking of skeletal anatomy, reducing radiation exposure and improving the accuracy of medical procedures by providing high-frequency imaging without the need for separate source and detector units.
Implementation Method 1
The use of near-infrared (NIR) energy for real-time imaging and tracking of skeletal anatomy
Implementation Method 2
performing optical scans, filtering skin characteristics, and determining skeletal anatomy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring skin thickness. The method includes at a first 3D point on an outer surface of a patient, exposing the first point to near infrared (NIR) energy from an NIR source. The method includes measuring reflected energy emanating near the first 3D point, or beam incident point. The method includes determining a pattern of the reflected energy based on a distance from a center of the reflected energy, wherein the center is approximated by the first 3D point. The method includes determining a skin thickness measurement based on the pattern.