Non-Circular Gantry Path for 3D Model Construction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging systems face challenges in efficiently acquiring optimal image data for constructing precise three-dimensional models of subjects during surgical procedures, particularly in minimizing radiation exposure and ensuring accurate anatomical representation without the need for manual movement or excessive data collection.

Innovation Solution

The method involves positioning an imaging system with a detector and source opposite each other within a gantry, allowing the gantry and detector to move in predetermined orientations to acquire image data, which is then used to construct a three-dimensional volumetric model. This includes rotational, tilting, longitudinal, and iso-sway movements to optimize image data collection while minimizing radiation usage and ensuring comprehensive data coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual movement or excessive data collection is used to ensure accurate anatomical representation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and use of energy increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical representation accuracyVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system implements automated dynamic movement along optimized trajectories, transitioning from static manual positioning to continuous adaptive motion. The system dynamically adjusts detector position and orientation based on pre-calculated optimal paths that ensure comprehensive anatomical coverage while minimizing acquisition time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal imaging trajectories and detector positions before actual data acquisition. By pre-determining the precise movement paths and sampling points that will yield the required anatomical representation, the system eliminates trial-and-error manual adjustment and ensures complete data coverage from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual movement or excessive data collection is used to ensure accurate anatomical representation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical representation accuracyVSAvoidradiation dosage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by collecting only the minimum necessary data points along optimized trajectories. Rather than excessive comprehensive scanning, the system calculates and acquires precisely the number of projections required for accurate 3D reconstruction, avoiding redundant radiation exposure while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes imaging parameters including radiation intensity, detector positioning, and sampling frequency along the trajectories. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on the specific anatomical region and required precision, the system minimizes radiation dosage while ensuring sufficient data quality for accurate 3D model construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If automated optimal movement is implemented to minimize radiation exposure, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation exposureVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical manual positioning with automated computer-controlled movement along pre-calculated trajectories. The automation software handles the complexity of trajectory optimization and coordinate transformation, substituting sophisticated algorithms for manual mechanical adjustment while reducing radiation exposure through precise, minimal necessary movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If comprehensive data collection is performed to ensure accurate three-dimensional model construction, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional model accuracyVSAvoiddata collection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of optimal imaging trajectories and required data points before acquisition. By pre-determining the exact sampling locations and movement paths needed for accurate 3D reconstruction, the system collects comprehensive necessary data in a single optimized pass, eliminating redundant measurements and maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables the generation of accurate three-dimensional models with minimal radiation exposure, automating the optimal movement of the imaging system to collect necessary data efficiently, reducing procedure time and radiation dosage, and allowing for precise anatomical representation during surgical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The image data acquired of the human subject with the imaging system can include two-dimensional projections of the subject. These projections are acquired by detection of X-rays from the source.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentEP3146901B1Image acquisition technique to optimize patient model construction
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 MEDTRONIC NAVIGATION INC
  • EP3146901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3146901B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3146901B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An imaging system (16) comprising an image detector (38) movable within an annular gantry housing (34) encircling a region of a subject (14), a memory system configured to store a start position, an end position, and a non-circular path from the start position to the end position of the image detector (38) and a processor (22, 26) configured to execute instructions from the memory system to drive movement of the image detector (38) from the start position to the end position along the non-circular path, detect radiation with the image detector (38) at a selected rate as the image detector (38) moves along the non-circular path, and form a three-dimensional reconstruction of the region of the subject (14) based at least in part on the detected radiation.