Optical Camera Trajectory Tracking for X-Ray Image Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing x-ray imaging methods require calibration with a phantom before each measurement to correct image errors caused by deformation of the carrying arm or object movement, which is time-consuming and restricts patient mobility.
Innovation Solution
An optical camera records the object's movement trajectory relative to the x-ray source and detector during imaging, allowing for online calibration and minimizing image errors by using this actual trajectory in reconstruction, eliminating the need for prior calibration and enabling patient mobility during scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration with a phantom is performed before each measurement, then image errors caused by carrying arm deformation or object movement are corrected, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming and patient mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements with a phantom before actual patient imaging to determine the actual circulation trajectory and deformation characteristics of the carrying arm. This pre-calibration data is then stored and applied during patient imaging, eliminating the need for time-consuming calibration before each patient measurement while maintaining image accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a calibration phantom that creates a known geometric pattern (circle or sphere) to copy and establish the ideal circulation trajectory. By detecting the phantom's known structure with the x-ray detector, the system creates a reference model of the carrying arm's actual trajectory, which is then used to correct subsequent patient images without requiring repeated calibration measurements.
2Measurement precision
If calibration with a phantom is performed before each measurement, then image errors are corrected, but the operation becomes more complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function as a separate, standalone procedure that is performed once to characterize the carrying arm's deformation. The calibration phantom and its detection process are separated from the actual patient imaging workflow, allowing the main imaging procedure to remain simple while the calibration serves as a one-time setup step that enables subsequent error-free imaging.
3Measurement precision
If the optical camera records the object continuously during circulation, then the actual movement trajectory is determined and image errors are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical camera as an intermediary device that optically tracks the object's position and movement during x-ray circulation. The camera serves as a mediator between the mechanical x-ray system and the reconstruction software, providing real-time positional data that corrects for carrying arm deformation and object movement without requiring direct modification of the x-ray hardware itself.
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 method enables error-free three-dimensional x-ray imaging without pre-calibration, allowing patients to move freely and reducing imaging errors by using the actual movement trajectory, thus improving the accuracy and convenience of x-ray imaging.
Implementation Method 1
At least one optical camera records the object during the circulation, and at least one first optical image is created
Implementation Method 2
the x-ray beams created by the x-ray source and passing through the object are detected from several different directions by means of the x-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing an x-ray image (1) of an object (2) by means of an x-ray device (3). An x-ray source (4) and an x-ray detector (5) are moved about an object (2) during an at least partial circulation (8, 9), and the x-ray beams (10) which are generated by the x-ray source (4) and pass through the object (2) are detected from multiple different directions by means of the x-ray detector (5). In the process, at least one optical camera (13, 14) captures the object (2) during the circulation, wherein an optical image (15, 17) is produced. The optical camera (13, 14) has a rigidly defined position relative to the x-ray source (4) and/or the x-ray detector (5). The optical image (15, 17) is then used to determine a movement trajectory of the object (2) relative to the x-ray source (4) and/or the x-ray detector (5).