Automated Reference System Validity Check via X-ray Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
During operative interventions, the validity of the reference system between a reference structure and an anatomical structure can be compromised due to displacement or detachment, leading to invalidation of the transformation rule, necessitating a time-consuming manual registration process.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using X-ray imaging to acquire and register image data sets before and after the intervention, comparing them to determine the validity of the reference system, eliminating the need for manual checks and mechanical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual sanity check is performed to determine reference system validity, then reliability of reference system validation is improved, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming manual checking process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sanity check process with an automated image-based validation system. The computer automatically compares pre-intervention and post-intervention image data sets to determine reference system validity, eliminating the need for manual mechanical checking by users while maintaining validation reliability and significantly reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image data set) of the patient's anatomical structures before intervention and compares it with post-intervention images. This copying approach allows automated validation of the reference system by comparing the copied pre-intervention state with the actual post-intervention state, replacing manual visual verification with automated image analysis.
2Measurement precision
If manual sanity check with mechanical contact is used, then measurement precision of displacement can be improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement of medical instrument and anatomical landmark access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based sanity check system with an optical/image-based system. Instead of requiring physical medical instruments to contact anatomical landmarks, the system uses X-ray or fluoroscopic images to detect and measure displacements of the reference structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through automated image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the reference structure's position and orientation from pre-intervention images and compares them with post-intervention images. This copying and comparison approach enables precise displacement measurement without requiring complex mechanical checking devices or direct anatomical landmark access, simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If automated image-based validation is implemented, then productivity is improved by reducing checking time, but measurement precision may worsen compared to manual visual check
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated computer-based image analysis. The computer algorithm automatically compares pre- and post-intervention images to detect displacements of the reference structure, achieving both high productivity through rapid automated processing and high measurement precision through systematic computational analysis that can detect subtle displacements objectively without human visual limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of the reference structure's characteristics from medical images and performs automated comparison algorithms. This copying approach enables the system to process multiple image parameters simultaneously (position, orientation, shape) with high precision while maintaining fast processing speeds, overcoming the trade-off between automated speed and measurement accuracy.
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 allows for a rapid, quantitative, and image-based determination of the reference system's validity, reducing the time and cost associated with manual checks and enabling precise detection of smaller displacements without requiring anatomical landmarks for mechanical contact.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a first image data set of the patient via an X-ray apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method includes acquiring a first image data set of the patient, via an X-ray apparatus, at a first time point during the operative intervention, the first image data set including the reference structure, the anatomical structure and the reference system between the reference structure and the anatomical structure; acquiring a second image data set of the patient at a second time point, the second image data set including at least the reference structure; registering the second image data set to the first image data set. As a result of the registering of the second image data set to the first image data set, a registered second image data set is determined. Finally, an embodiment of the method includes determining the validity of the reference system by a comparison of the registered second image data set with the first image data set.