Slot Filter Assembly for Distortion-Free Long View Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging systems face challenges in generating long view images of subjects during surgical procedures, particularly in providing detailed, distortion-free images of anatomical structures like the spine, which are essential for precise implant placement and navigation.

Innovation Solution

The proposed imaging system employs a slot filter assembly with multiple slots to shape the x-ray beam into fans, allowing for precise image acquisition and reconstruction of long views by stitching together projections from different angles, minimizing parallax distortion and enhancing image clarity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional imaging systems are used to generate long view images, then image acquisition is possible, but parallax distortion occurs and image clarity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidparallax distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system divides the x-ray beam into multiple discrete fan beams using a slot filter assembly with multiple slots. Each slot generates a separate fan beam that can be independently controlled and directed at different angles through the anatomical structure, enabling precise spatial encoding and elimination of parallax distortion in the reconstructed long view image.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from conventional 2D projection imaging to a 3D tomographic imaging approach by acquiring x-ray projections from multiple angles and reconstructing cross-sectional slices. This dimensional transformation allows for the elimination of parallax distortion and provides clearer anatomical visualization through slice-based imaging.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple projections from different angles are acquired to reduce distortion, then image accuracy improves, but imaging time and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical accuracyVSAvoidimaging time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging system continuously rotates the x-ray source and detector assembly around the patient, acquiring multiple angular projections without interruption. This continuous rotational acquisition method enables comprehensive multi-angle data collection for accurate anatomical reconstruction while minimizing total imaging time compared to discrete, step-by-step positioning methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts multiple parameters including x-ray beam angle, source-to-detector distance, and rotation speed during the imaging process. These parameter changes enable optimized acquisition of angular projections that maximize anatomical accuracy while minimizing imaging time through efficient data collection strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the generation of high-quality, distortion-free long view images that facilitate precise surgical interventions and implant placement by providing clear, anatomically accurate representations of the subject's anatomy.

Implementation Method 1

A subject, such as a human patient, may undergo a procedure. The procedure may include a surgical procedure to correct or augment an anatomy of the subject.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray: X-Ray

Implementation Method 2

The proposed imaging system employs a slot filter assembly with multiple slots to shape the x-ray beam into fans

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBeam shaping:

Implementation Method 3

stitching together projections from different angles, minimizing parallax distortion and enhancing image clarity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParallax: Parallax

Data Source

PatentEP3902474B1System and method for imaging a subject
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 MEDTRONIC NAVIGATION INC
  • EP3902474B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3902474B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3902474B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and/or motion. More than one projection may be combined to generate and create a selected view of the subject.