Optical Sensor Calibration for Patient ROI Marking

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Solution Overview

Problem

The alignment of operation tools relative to a patient during medical procedures is time-consuming and strain-inducing due to the difficulty in aligning tools within the bore of medical imaging devices, with existing solutions like robotics and optical navigation systems facing limitations in tactile feedback and requiring frequent recalibration.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a medical imaging device and an optical sensor device, where the devices are calibrated to share a common coordinate system, allowing for real-time marking of a region of interest on the patient's surface using a light source, such as a steerable laser, to assist in tool alignment, even when the patient is moved outside the bore.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the patient is transferred outside the bore for tool alignment, then the operation tool can be oriented relative to the patient's body surface, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and requires repeated trial and error

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool alignmentVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by projecting the region of interest and alignment markers onto the patient's body surface before the actual tool insertion. This allows the operator to see the target location and orientation in advance, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error alignment attempts after the patient is positioned outside the bore.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides visual feedback by projecting images of the region of interest and alignment markers directly onto the patient's body surface. This real-time visual guidance allows the operator to immediately see whether the tool is properly aligned with the target, enabling rapid correction without time-consuming repeated imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If optical navigation devices are used to track the operation tool, then the alignment can be monitored, but the system requires frequent recalibration when table position changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool position trackingVSAvoidsystem recalibration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection system serves itself by using the existing medical imaging device to generate the projection images. The same imaging system that captures the anatomical data also provides the visual guidance, eliminating the need for separate complex navigation systems that would require recalibration when table positions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the imaging function and the navigation function into a single integrated system. The medical imaging device performs both diagnostic imaging and surgical guidance projection, eliminating the need for separate optical navigation devices that would require frequent recalibration when table positions change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If robotics or inserters compatible with the medical imaging device are used, then tool alignment is facilitated, but tactile feedback and handling are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool alignmentVSAvoidlimited tactile feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical robotic systems with a simpler optical projection system. Instead of using robots that provide limited tactile feedback, the invention uses visual projection to guide manual tool manipulation, preserving the operator's tactile feedback and dexterity while still providing alignment assistance.

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

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 simplifies and enhances the accuracy of aligning operation tools by providing real-time visual feedback and adapting to patient movements, reducing procedural time and strain on the patient.

Implementation Method 1

providing a light source for marking a spot on the body surface of the patient as the region of interest in the second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3533408B1Method, system, computer program product and computer-readable medium for temporarily marking a region of interest on a patient
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP3533408B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Method for temporarily marking a region of interest (ROI) on a patient (5), comprising - providing a medical imaging device (1) having a bore (7) and a table (4), wherein the table (4) is transferable between a first position, in which at least a part of the patient (5) is located inside the bore (7), and a second positon, in which at least the part of the patient (5) is located outside the bore (7), wherein a medical image data set (11) of the patient (5) is recorded by the medical imaging device (1) in the first position; - providing an optical sensor for recording an image of the patient (5) for registering a position and/or a motion of the patient; - providing a light source for marking a spot on a body surface of the patient (5) as region of interest (ROI) in the second position, wherein for matching the coordinate systems of the medical imaging device and the optical sensor, the medical imaging device and the optical sensor are calibrated with each other.