Radiographic Unit Positioning via Passive X-ray Target

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the position of a radiographic device during X-ray imaging are complex and require expensive sensors, making them difficult to implement effectively, especially when the device needs to be displaced during surgical operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a target mechanically connected to the object, with elements transparent and opaque to X-rays, to determine the position of the radiographic device relative to a reference frame by analyzing impressions on the image, allowing for direct calculation of geometric transformations without the need for permanent attachment of a rigid body to the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid localization body is permanently attached to the radiographic device, then the position determination becomes reliable, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition determination reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A passive target with known geometry is introduced as an intermediary object that is mechanically connected to the radiographic device. The target's position is determined by detecting its characteristic impressions on the radiographic image itself, eliminating the need for complex active sensors or permanent rigid localization bodies attached to the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The position information of the radiographic device is obtained by analyzing the copied geometric pattern of the target as it appears on the radiographic image. The known geometry of the target creates a recognizable pattern that can be detected and used to calculate device position without requiring complex tracking sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If expensive sensors and complex tracking systems are used, then measurement precision improves, but ease of manufacture and system cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition measurement precisionVSAvoidsystem implementation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The target is designed as a simple, passive, disposable component with known geometry that can be easily manufactured and attached to the radiographic device. It uses no expensive sensors or electronics, yet provides sufficient measurement precision through its geometric pattern visible on the radiographic image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The radiographic image itself serves dual purposes: it provides the diagnostic medical information and simultaneously serves as the measurement medium for determining the radiographic device's position. The system uses its own output (the radiographic image) to achieve position determination, eliminating the need for separate expensive tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the radiographic device is displaced during surgery, then adaptability improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring position increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice displacement adaptabilityVSAvoidposition detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The target is mechanically connected to the radiographic device in a way that allows it to move with the device during surgical procedures. The geometric pattern on the target remains detectable on the radiographic image regardless of the device's position or orientation, enabling continuous position determination throughout the dynamic surgical process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 simplifies the determination of geometric transformations between the radiographic device and the reference frame, enabling accurate three-dimensional imaging and reducing the complexity and cost of the system, while allowing for precise tracking of the device's position during displacement.

Implementation Method 1

A target connected to the object to be X-rayed and comprising elements transparent to X rays and elements opaque to X rays, each element capable of providing a characteristic impression on the radiography of the object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS7672709B2Determination of the position of a radiographic or radioscopic unit

Publication Date: 2010.03.02 ECENTIAL ROBOTICS

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the determination of the position of a radiographic or radioscopic unit (16) with relation to a reference point (Rref) on producing a radiographic image of an object (10). The position of the unit (16) with relation to a reference point (Rref) is determined from the determination of the position of a test pattern (25), with relation to the unit (16), which is mechanically fixed to the object, by using the image of the test pattern with relation to the reference point (Rref). The invention further relates to a determining device for carrying out said method.