Patient Chest Orientation Detection Using Clavicle–Spine Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the orientation of a patient's chest during X-ray examinations are imprecise due to variations in body shape, making it difficult to accurately estimate the rotation angle from projected landmarks, which can compromise image quality and diagnostic accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize an input unit to receive an image of a patient's chest, including an X-ray radiograph, and a processing unit to determine the orientation by measuring the clavicle to spinous process distance, allowing for precise estimation of the patient's rotation relative to the X-ray imaging axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If anatomical a priori estimates are used to determine rotation angle from projected landmarks, then the method is scale invariant and works with patients of different sizes, but the estimation precision deteriorates due to variations in body shape and morphology
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for rotation angle calculation from assumed constant anatomical ratios to individually measured 3D distances between landmarks. Instead of using a fixed ratio ρ that varies across patients, the system measures actual distances P-C1 and P-Cr in 3D space for each patient, thereby adapting the calculation to individual anatomy while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If the distances between anatomical landmarks are measured in the PA chest radiograph, then the rotation angle can be estimated, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the lines are almost parallel to the x-rays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D radiograph measurements to 3D distance measurements. By reconstructing the positions of landmarks in three-dimensional space, the system overcomes the limitation of parallel projection lines in the 2D PA view. The 3D distances P-C1 and P-Cr are calculated using spatial coordinates, eliminating the measurement difficulty inherent in the parallel projection geometry.
3Extent of automation
If empirical threshold values are used to determine if re-scan is necessary, then the assessment can be automated, but the reliability deteriorates due to the 5-10 degree variation in estimated angles across different patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the rotation angle calculation uses patient-specific 3D measured distances to dynamically adjust the assessment. Instead of applying a fixed empirical threshold that doesn't account for individual anatomy, the system calculates the actual rotation angle based on each patient's unique landmark positions, providing reliable automated feedback that adapts to individual variations.
Data Source
AI summary
An orientation of a patient's chest is determined by an apparatus and method. According to the invention, a camera image of a patient comprising image data of the patient's chest is received, wherein the camera image is acquired with an optical camera. Further, an X-ray radiograph of the patient's chest with an X-ray imaging axis extending from an X-ray source to an X-ray detector is received. Then, the camera image and the X-ray radiograph are provided to at least one processor. Further, information relating to a clavicle to spinous process distance of the patient is then determined using the camera image. Finally, an orientation of the patient's chest in the X-ray radiograph with respect to the X-ray imaging axis is determined using the camera image, the X-ray radiograph, and the information relating to the clavicle to spinal process distance of the patient.