Optical Treatment Tool Alignment for X-Ray and Ultrasound Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aiming and aligning treatment tools in X-ray and ultrasound devices require expensive and complex tracking units and expose patients to multiple X-ray exposures, necessitating a more cost-effective and less complex solution that eliminates the need for rigid mechanical connections and reduces radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system using a calibration plate with radiopaque and optical markers, a camera, and a processing unit to determine the position and orientation of the treatment tool relative to the imaging device, allowing alignment without mechanical connections and X-ray exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid mechanical connection between the treatment tool and the guiding imaging device is used, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid mechanical connection system with an optical tracking system. A camera mounted on the treatment tool tracks radiopaque markers visible in X-ray images, determining position and orientation through image processing rather than mechanical linkage. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical structures while maintaining alignment accuracy through computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If a tracking unit capable of monitoring relative position and orientation at high update frequency is used, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple camera to capture optical images of radiopaque markers, creating a visual copy of the marker positions. The processing unit then determines treatment tool position and orientation by analyzing these image copies rather than using complex electromagnetic tracking units. This approach achieves high update frequency alignment monitoring through standard imaging technology.
3Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used for tracking the treatment tool, then the alignment accuracy is improved, but the patient exposure to X-ray radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode tracking system where optical tracking using a camera monitors treatment tool position continuously at high update frequency during the procedure. X-ray imaging is used only periodically for initial calibration and verification, significantly reducing patient radiation exposure while maintaining alignment accuracy through the primary optical tracking mechanism.
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
Enables accurate alignment of treatment tools with reduced complexity and cost, while minimizing patient exposure to X-ray radiation by using optical and radiopaque markers to determine tool position and orientation.
Implementation Method 1
receive, from the X-Ray imaging unit, an X-Ray image including a visual representation of the at least one radiopaque marker
Implementation Method 2
receive, from the camera, a camera image including a visual representation of the at least one optical marker
Data Source
AI summary
In general, systems and methods for aiming of a treatment tool at a target area and/or aligning of the treatment tool with respect to an imaging device are disclosed. The system may determine a position and orientation of the treatment tool with respect to the imaging device and to display, on a display, a visual indicator that indicates the determined position and orientation of the treatment tool. A user may aim and/or align the treatment tool based on the visual indicator displayed on the display.