Treatment Tool Alignment Using Optical Markers in X-Ray Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for aiming and aligning a treatment tool with an imaging device, such as an X-Ray device, require expensive and complex tracking units and expose patients to multiple X-Ray radiation exposures, necessitating a more cost-effective and radiation-reduced solution.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a calibration plate with radiopaque and optical markers, a camera, and a processing unit to determine the position and orientation of the treatment tool relative to the imaging device, allowing alignment without rigid mechanical connections and reducing radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If rigid mechanical connection or complex tracking unit is used for aiming and aligning treatment tool, then alignment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid mechanical connections and complex mechanical tracking units with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of optical markers attached to the treatment tool, and a processing unit calculates position and orientation data from these images, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking infrastructure while achieving accurate alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical markers that create visual copies or representations of the treatment tool's position and orientation. By capturing images of these markers and processing the visual information, the system determines spatial parameters without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex physical tracking devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If X-Ray imaging is used for tracking treatment tool, then alignment accuracy is improved, but patient exposure to X-Ray radiation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracking accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes X-Ray imaging with optical imaging for tracking the treatment tool. A camera captures images of optical markers on the tool, and processing unit determines position and orientation from these optical images, completely eliminating the need for repeated X-Ray exposures while maintaining tracking accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses disposable or reusable optical markers that can be attached to the treatment tool. These markers are imaged optically rather than requiring expensive and harmful X-Ray imaging, providing a safe alternative that eliminates radiation exposure while enabling continuous tracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If expensive tracking unit is used for monitoring position and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive specialized tracking units with a standard camera and processing unit. The camera captures images of optical markers, and the processing unit calculates position and orientation data, utilizing readily available technology instead of costly proprietary tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual copying through camera imaging of optical markers to determine treatment tool position and orientation. This approach uses inexpensive optical copying rather than expensive electronic tracking sensors, achieving accurate measurement at lower cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables accurate alignment of the treatment tool with reduced complexity and cost, while minimizing patient exposure to X-Ray radiation by using marker-based positioning and imaging techniques.

Implementation Method 1

a calibration plate attachable to an X-Ray device and including at least one radiopaque marker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectX-ray absorption by radiopaque material: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a camera attachable to the treatment tool at a predetermined position and orientation with respect to the treatment tool; receive, from the camera, a camera image including a visual representation of the at least one optical marker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20250352277A1Systems and methods for aiming and aligning of a treatment tool within an x-ray device or an ultrasound device environment

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 FUSMOBILE INC

AI summary

In general, systems and methods for aiming of a treatment tool at a target area and/or aligning of the treatment tool with respect to an imaging device are disclosed. The system may determine a position and orientation of the treatment tool with respect to the imaging device and to display, on a display, a visual indicator that indicates the determined position and orientation of the treatment tool. A user may aim and/or align the treatment tool based on the visual indicator displayed on the display.