Virtual Fluoroscopic Image for X-ray Detector Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital X-ray imaging systems face challenges in accurately positioning a portable detector relative to an X-ray source and patient, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased retakes due to manual estimation and lack of precise 3D alignment.
Innovation Solution
The integration of augmented reality and sensor technology to determine and display a virtual fluoroscopic image based on prior patient images, allowing for precise alignment of the detector, patient, and X-ray source, using cameras and sensors to calculate relative positions and generate positioning signals for improved anatomical targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning estimation is used by technician, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates leading to suboptimal image quality
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual fluoroscopic image is introduced as an intermediary visual aid between the technician and the actual anatomy. This virtual image, generated from prior patient images and registered to the current geometry, serves as a mediator that guides manual positioning without requiring complex automated positioning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the patient's anatomy using prior imaging data to generate a virtual fluoroscopic representation. This copied anatomical model is then registered and displayed to guide positioning, allowing the technician to align the detector with the virtual anatomy rather than relying on direct visual estimation of the actual patient.
2Productivity
If manual positioning estimation is used, then device complexity remains low, but productivity decreases due to additional retakes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning using the virtual fluoroscopic image before actual image acquisition. The technician uses the registered virtual anatomy to pre-align the detector and adjust positioning parameters, ensuring correct anatomical targeting before exposing the patient, thereby reducing the need for retakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual fluoroscopic image provides visual feedback to the technician during positioning. By displaying the registered prior image overlaid with current geometry information, the system enables the technician to assess positioning accuracy in real-time and make adjustments before acquisition, improving first-pass success rate.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning is used without visual guidance, then device complexity is minimized, but image quality deteriorates due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
A virtual copy of the patient's anatomy is created from prior images and registered to the current imaging geometry. This copied anatomical representation is displayed to guide alignment, allowing the technician to achieve precise positioning without requiring complex automated alignment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual fluoroscopic image may use visual enhancements such as color coding or contrast variations to highlight anatomical landmarks and alignment references, making it easier for the technician to achieve precise positioning visually without adding mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present approach relates to the use of augmented or enhanced reality to facilitate positioning of one or more of a patient, X-ray source, or detector during an image acquisition. In certain implementations, sensors and/or cameras provide quantitative information about the position of system components and the patient, which may be used to generate a positioning signal (positioning image audio or textual positioning instructions) based upon reference to a prior patient image.