Radiograph Correction via 3D Model Repositioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional medical imaging techniques struggle to produce radiographic images of anatomical objects in desired orientations, leading to measurement errors and incorrect templating during surgical planning due to limitations in obtaining 2D projections that correspond to the actual anatomy.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method generates modified radiographs by creating a 3D model of the anatomical object from actual radiographs and repositioning it to the desired orientation, then projecting it back onto a 2D plane, allowing for accurate visualization and templating while maintaining the original visual information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional 2D radiography is used to obtain images of anatomical objects, then the imaging process is simple and quick, but the images do not accurately represent the desired orientation of the anatomy leading to measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidimaging process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms 2D radiographic images into a 3D model of the anatomical object, enabling visualization and measurement in multiple orientations. This dimensional transition allows accurate representation of anatomy in desired views without requiring complex repositioning of the patient or imaging device, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through computational methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the orientation parameters of the anatomical object by rotating and repositioning the 3D model in virtual space. This allows the same anatomical structure to be viewed from multiple angles (AP, lateral, oblique views) without physically moving the patient, improving measurement accuracy across different orientations while maintaining the simplicity of a single imaging session

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the anatomy is repositioned to obtain the desired view, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but it is difficult to reposition the patient or imaging device due to patient pain or immobility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemplating accuracyVSAvoidpatient positioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy of the anatomical object from initial 2D radiographs. This virtual replica can be manipulated and repositioned in computer space without affecting the actual patient. The copied model allows accurate templating and measurements in desired orientations while the patient remains stationary, eliminating the need for difficult repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical process of physically repositioning the patient or imaging device with computational operations on a 3D model. Instead of mechanically moving bones or adjusting the X-ray machine, the solution uses software-based rotation and reorientation of the digital anatomical model, greatly improving ease of operation

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

3Measurement precision

If mental corrections are made for incorrect views, then some compensation can be achieved, but the corrections are not accurate leading to measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcorrection automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides visual feedback by displaying the 3D model and 2D projections in the desired orientation alongside the original radiographs. This allows clinicians to directly compare the corrected view with the original image, verifying the accuracy of the transformation. The feedback mechanism replaces inaccurate mental corrections with objective visual information, improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a 3D model as an intermediary between the original 2D radiographs and the desired corrected view. This intermediate representation contains all the anatomical information in three dimensions, allowing accurate derivation of any 2D projection angle. The intermediary model eliminates the need for direct mental correction by providing a precise intermediate step

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enables accurate surgical planning and templating by providing radiographic images in the needed orientations, improving the precision of measurements and implant selection in medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an imaging device includes a source device that generates X-rays that are projected toward an anatomical object... Some amount of the X-rays is absorbed by the anatomical object and the remaining portion of the X-rays is captured by a detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11291423B2System and method of radiograph correction and visualization
Publication Date: 2022.04.05 MATERIALISE NV
  • US11291423B2 patent drawing
  • US11291423B2 patent drawing
  • US11291423B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods of radiograph correction and visualization are disclosed. Certain embodiments provide a method for generating a 3D model of at least part of one anatomical object based on one or more radiographs. The method further includes positioning the 3D model based on information indicative of a normalized projection comprising information indicative of a desired position and orientation of the at least part of one anatomical object with respect to the projection plane. The method further includes generating a 2D projection of the 3D model onto the projection plane. The method further includes generating one or more modified radiographs of the at least part of one anatomical object based on the 2D projection.