Optical Camera Iso-Centering for Interventional X-Ray Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current iso-centering processes for rotational X-ray scans are inefficient due to reliance on manual methods, high X-ray exposure, and excessive contrast agent use, especially in cases with limited field of view and large patients or equipment constraints.
Innovation Solution
An interventional X-ray system utilizing optical cameras to create a three-dimensional model of the patient, allowing for precise alignment of the anatomy of interest with the iso-center without X-ray images or contrast agents, using a processing unit to determine a translation vector for table movement based on optical outlines and pre-interventional data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual iso-centering with contrast agent injection is used, then iso-centering can be performed, but X-ray exposure and contrast agent use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray-based mechanical iso-centering system with an optical imaging system. Optical cameras capture images of the patient's anatomy, and a processing unit automatically calculates the translation vector to move the table, eliminating the need for X-ray exposure during iso-centering while maintaining precision through optical measurement and computational alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the patient's anatomy using optical cameras instead of using actual X-ray images. This optical replica allows for iso-centering calculations to be performed on the copied data rather than requiring repeated X-ray exposures, thereby reducing harmful radiation while preserving measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual iso-centering with contrast agent injection is used, then iso-centering can be performed, but contrast agent use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the contrast agent injection method with an optical imaging approach. Optical cameras capture anatomical structures without requiring contrast agents, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and align the anatomy of interest, eliminating contrast agent consumption while maintaining iso-centering precision through computational analysis of optical images.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If optical cameras are used for iso-centering, then X-ray exposure and contrast agent use are reduced, but automation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated system where the processing unit autonomously performs iso-centering calculations based on optical images. The system automatically identifies anatomical landmarks, computes the translation vector, and controls table movement without requiring manual intervention, thereby managing complexity through automation while reducing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary between the optical cameras and the table positioning system. This intermediary component automatically processes optical images, calculates alignment parameters, and generates control signals for table movement, mediating the complexity by centralizing computational functions in a dedicated unit rather than distributing complexity across multiple manual operations.
4Manufacturing precision
If optical outline registration is used, then alignment precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing multiple optical images of the patient's anatomy before the rotational scan begins. The processing unit pre-processes these images to identify anatomical landmarks and calculate the optimal translation vector in advance, so that when the scan starts, the table can be quickly positioned without time-consuming real-time adjustments, thereby achieving high precision without excessive processing time during the actual procedure.
Data Source
AI summary
An interventional X-ray system (10), includes a processing unit (30), a table (20) for receiving a patient (44), an X-ray image acquisition device (12) having an X-ray source (16) and an X-ray detector (18) and at least one optical camera (46) adapted for acquiring optical images of a patient (44) situated on the table (20) and for providing image data to the processing unit (30). The processing unit (30) is adapted for segmenting an outline (64) of a patient from an existing three-dimensional model, for receiving acquired images from the at least one camera (46) for determining an optical outline (66) of the patient, for registering the optical outline (66) to the outline (64) obtained in the segmentation and for determining a translation vector (48) representing a required movement of the table for coinciding a center (42) of the anatomy of interest given in the three-dimensional model with the iso-center (38) of a rotational X-ray scan that will be performed. By this process, no X-ray exposure or injection of contrast agent is required.