Trajectory Determination Using Alignment Frames for Tissue Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the trajectory of living tissue are prone to errors due to uncontrollable movements, especially with high-speed involuntary movements, and require either real-time tracking or post-processing compensation, which are not fully effective and depend on potentially distorted reference frames.

Innovation Solution

A method using multiple high-frame-rate imaging devices to acquire frames with a first imaging device at 500 FPS and 1000 pixels, and a second imaging device for alignment frames, combined with a processing unit to determine the tissue trajectory by relative displacements and error correction techniques, minimizing cumulative errors through alignment frames.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If real-time tracking of living tissue is implemented, then trajectory determination speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to uncontrollable movements and distortion by reference frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory determination speedVSAvoidtrajectory measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the trajectory determination process into multiple segments by using multiple reference frames (first reference frame for high-speed tracking, second reference frame for high-precision measurement). Each reference frame handles a specific segment of the tracking task, allowing real-time speed while maintaining precision through the second reference frame's high-precision measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces alignment frames as intermediary elements that bridge the first and second reference frames. These alignment frames are used to register and align the coordinate systems of both reference frames, enabling seamless transition between high-speed tracking mode and high-precision measurement mode while maintaining overall measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If high-frame-rate imaging is used to capture tissue movement, then trajectory determination accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirement for multiple imaging devices and processing units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory determination accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes both imaging devices serve multiple functions: the first imaging device performs both high-speed trajectory tracking and provides alignment frames for registration, while the second imaging device provides both high-precision reference images and additional alignment frames. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of trajectory tracking and reference frame provision into a unified processing system that handles both first and second reference frames through a single processing unit. The alignment frames from both imaging devices are processed together to register their coordinate systems, combining multiple functions into a coordinated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple reference frames are used for trajectory determination, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of information increases due to cumulative errors and registration distortions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidtrajectory information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through alignment frames that continuously monitor and adjust the registration between reference frames. The alignment frames provide feedback on registration quality and allow for iterative correction of coordinate transformations, preventing cumulative errors from propagating through the entire trajectory determination process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares alignment frames in advance that are specifically designed to compensate for potential registration errors. These alignment frames are captured at known positions and used beforehand to establish accurate registration parameters, cushioning against the harmful effects of cumulative errors before they can affect trajectory measurement reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP4096497B1Method and apparatus for determination of a trajectory and imaging device
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 INOKO VISION SP ZOO
  • EP4096497B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4096497B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP4096497B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention concerns a method of determination of a trajectory (T) of a living tissue (O), in which subsequent frames (F1, Fk, Fl, Fn) representing images of living tissue are acquired with at least a first imaging device (FET) and at least a first segment of a trajectory (T) of the living tissue is determined with a use of relative displacements of at least first subset of subsequent frames and recalculation thereof to coordinates corresponding to time of frame acquisition to form a vector Tm elements tm wherein element tm is at least one coordinate of living tissue, element tm of vector Tm is determined with a use of relative displacements pm,k of at least two preceding frames. The invention further concerns an imaging apparatus for a use with a method according to the invention and a computer program product. The invention further concerns imaging system.