Registration Correction via Shift Detection in Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the spatial relationship between a medical imaging apparatus and an anatomical body part in navigated medical procedures are inefficient and prone to errors due to hardware demands and measurement inaccuracies, especially when the patient moves, causing the navigation reference system to be misaligned.
Innovation Solution
A data processing method that acquires initial and actual position data of the anatomical body part and medical imaging apparatus, determines positional transformation data to correct registration, and updates the relative position using user input or automatic image analysis, allowing for continuous imaging even after patient movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tracking markers are used to determine spatial relationship between imaging apparatus and anatomical body part, then position determination is enabled, but hardware demand increases and measurement errors occur due to contamination and marker disappearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of position determination from the complex marker-based system and implements it through image processing of anatomical features. By removing the physical markers and using only the imaging apparatus and image analysis, the solution eliminates hardware complexity while maintaining position determination capability through automatic feature detection and template matching algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical marker-based tracking system with an optical/image processing-based system. Instead of using physical markers that require detection devices, the solution uses image data processing, template matching, and feature recognition to determine spatial relationships, substituting mechanical tracking with computational image analysis
2Reliability
If tracking markers are used for online determination of spatial relationship, then registration can be maintained, but errors occur due to contamination and markers disappearing from field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the imaging apparatus automatically performs both imaging and position determination functions. The system uses the acquired image data itself to calculate spatial relationships and update registration, eliminating dependency on external markers that can be contaminated or disappear. The image processing algorithm automatically adapts to changing conditions without requiring marker visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where image data is continuously acquired, processed to determine current position, compared with reference data, and used to update registration information. This closed-loop system automatically compensates for patient movement and maintains accurate spatial relationships throughout the procedure without relying on vulnerable external markers
3Productivity
If patient moves during medical procedure, then navigation reference system becomes misaligned, but continuous imaging and navigation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic registration system that continuously updates spatial relationships based on current image data. Instead of using a static reference established at the beginning, the system adaptively recalculates position transformations throughout the procedure, allowing the navigation reference system to dynamically adjust to patient movement and maintain accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of reference image data and anatomical feature templates before the procedure begins. These pre-acquired references are then used as basis for continuous comparison and registration updates during the procedure, enabling quick and accurate position determination without requiring re-acquisition of reference data when movement occurs
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a data processing method of determining a positional transformation (T, M) for correcting the registration of an anatomical body part with a medical imaging apparatus, the method being executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring initial body part position data comprising initial body part position information describing an initial relative position (1) between the medical imaging apparatus and the anatomical body part; b) acquiring, from the medical imaging apparatus, body part medical image data comprising body part medical image information describing an image of the anatomical body part; c) acquiring, based on the body part medical imaging data, actual body part position data comprising actual body part position information describing an actual relative position (2, 4) between the anatomical body part and the medical imaging apparatus; d) determining, based on the actual body part position data and the initial body part position data, body part position transformation data comprising body part position transformation information describing a transformation (T, M) between the initial relative position (1) between the anatomical body part and the medical imaging apparatus, and the actual relative position (2, 4) between the anatomical body part and the medical imaging apparatus.