Optical-Radiation Image Alignment for Remote Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In radiation imaging systems, it is challenging for users to confirm and maintain proper patient positioning during imaging due to the difficulty in aligning optical and radiation images, especially when the user is not in direct view of the patient, leading to potential misalignment and the need for patient adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An image processing apparatus that aligns optical and radiation images by performing rotation, extraction, and scaling processing to ensure they correspond, using a controlling apparatus with an obtaining unit, image processing unit, and learned models for estimating subject orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the user operates the X-ray exposure from the operation room away from the patient, then the workflow is improved and imaging cycle is faster, but it becomes difficult to confirm whether the positioning is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the patient's positioning. These optical images are then processed and displayed to the user, allowing them to confirm positioning accuracy without being physically present at the patient's side. This mediator system bridges the gap between the user's remote location and the need for visual feedback on positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the patient's positioning through optical imaging. Instead of requiring the user to directly observe the patient, the system captures optical images that replicate the positioning information and displays them on a monitor. This copying approach allows remote verification of positioning while maintaining workflow efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the orientation of the radiation image is set to be constant, then the image output is standardized, but the optical image appearance changes depending on patient orientation and position making alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image processing that adapts to different patient orientations and positions. The system performs rotation processing on optical images to align them with the standardized radiation image orientation. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to handle various patient positions while maintaining consistent output orientation, resolving the conflict between standardization and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of optical images through rotation processing. By dynamically adjusting the rotation angle based on the detected patient position and the desired standardized orientation, the system transforms optical images into alignment with the radiation image framework. This parameter transformation enables both adaptability to different positions and precision in final alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If image processing including rotation, extraction and scaling is performed on optical images, then the optical and radiation images can be aligned, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated image processing. The system automatically performs rotation, extraction, and scaling operations on optical images based on detected patient positioning information, without requiring manual intervention. The processing parameters are determined and applied automatically, reducing the perceived complexity for users while achieving precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary image processing operations on optical images before displaying them to the user. By pre-processing the images with appropriate rotation, extraction, and scaling based on the patient's position, the system prepares aligned images in advance. This preliminary action reduces the need for complex real-time processing during image display and interpretation.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus is provided that comprises: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an optical image which is obtained by optically imaging a subject and a radiation image which is obtained by imaging the subject with radiation; and an image processing unit configured to perform image processing including at least one of rotation processing, extraction processing and scaling processing on the optical image so that the optical image and the radiation image correspond to each other.