Treatment Tool Alignment Using Optical Markers in X-Ray Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aiming and aligning treatment tools with imaging devices, such as X-Ray devices, require rigid mechanical connections and complex tracking units, which are costly and expose patients to excessive radiation.
Innovation Solution
A system using 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 mechanical connections and reducing radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If rigid mechanical connection and complex tracking units are used for aiming and aligning treatment tools, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical connections and complex mechanical tracking units with an optical-based system. A camera captures images of optical markers on the treatment tool and calibration plate, and a processing unit computationally determines position and orientation. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical-electronic systems resolves the contradiction by achieving high positioning accuracy through image processing while dramatically reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical markers (visual copies) on the treatment tool and calibration plate that can be captured by a camera. Instead of complex mechanical tracking, the system creates a visual representation (copy) of the physical positions through marker images, then processes these images to determine precise positioning. This copying approach maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple X-Ray exposures are used for tracking the treatment tool, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes X-Ray imaging with optical imaging for tracking the treatment tool. A camera captures optical images of markers on the treatment tool and calibration plate, eliminating the need for repeated X-Ray exposures. The processing unit then determines position and orientation from these optical images, achieving tracking accuracy without subjecting the patient to additional ionizing radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical markers as an intermediary between the treatment tool and the imaging system. Instead of directly imaging the treatment tool with X-Rays, the system images the optical markers which serve as proxies. These markers provide sufficient information for positioning while being harmless to the patient, thus resolving the contradiction between tracking accuracy and radiation safety.
3Measurement precision
If expensive tracking units are used for monitoring relative position and orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive specialized tracking units with a standard camera and processing unit. The camera, which is a common and relatively inexpensive device, captures images of optical markers. The processing unit then performs computational analysis to determine position and orientation with high precision. This substitution of specialized expensive equipment with standard off-the-shelf components resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple optical markers that create visual copies of position information, which can be captured by inexpensive cameras. Instead of requiring expensive tracking units with specialized sensors, the system uses standard image capture technology to obtain position data through marker images. This copying approach with standard equipment achieves the same measurement precision at a fraction of the cost.
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 treatment tools with reduced complexity and cost, while minimizing patient exposure to X-Ray radiation.
Implementation Method 1
a calibration plate attachable to an X-Ray device and including at least one radiopaque marker
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical marker at predetermined positions within the calibration plate; receive, from the camera, a camera image including a visual representation of the at least one optical marker
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
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.