Virtual Marker Superposition for X-ray Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional X-ray imaging apparatuses face challenges in accurately displaying the position of a region-of-interest when the imaging unit and the subject move relative to each other, leading to incorrect visualization of the region-of-interest due to the use of pseudo rulers, which complicates surgical procedures by requiring repeated use of contrast agents.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging apparatus equipped with an image processing unit that generates a virtual marker image by superimposing it onto a second X-ray image, reflecting the change in relative position from a marker reference position, allowing accurate visualization of the region-of-interest even when the imaging unit and subject move, thereby reducing the need for contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pseudo ruler is used to display the position of the region-of-interest, then the position can be visualized, but the position becomes incorrect when the imaging unit and subject move relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing a first X-ray image with the subject at an initial position, setting a marker reference position, and storing this reference data before any movement occurs. This preliminary capture of the reference state enables subsequent images to be corrected by comparing against this pre-established baseline, resolving the contradiction between maintaining position accuracy and adapting to movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual marker image that is a copy of the marker reference position from the first X-ray image. This virtual copy is then superimposed onto the second X-ray image after applying position correction based on relative movement. By copying and transforming the reference marker rather than relying on a fixed pseudo ruler, the system maintains position accuracy while adapting to movement between the imaging unit and subject.
2Ease of operation
If the imaging unit or subject moves relative to each other, then flexibility in positioning is improved, but the display position of the region-of-interest becomes incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by calculating the relative position change between the first and second X-ray images and using this information to correct the position of the virtual marker image. The correction amount is determined based on the detected movement, creating a feedback loop that maintains display position accuracy despite positioning flexibility. This resolves the contradiction by allowing movement while compensating for its effects through real-time position correction.
3Device complexity
If conventional methods are used without virtual marker correction, then the system is simpler, but repeated contrast agent injections are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing the first X-ray image with the subject at an initial position and establishing the marker reference position before surgical procedures begin. This preliminary setup enables continuous accurate tracking of the region-of-interest throughout the surgery without requiring repeated contrast agent injections, thus reducing surgical time while maintaining reasonable system complexity through efficient image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating and superimposing a virtual marker image that copies the reference position information onto subsequent X-ray images, the system eliminates the need for repeated contrast agent injections to locate the region-of-interest. This copying approach maintains surgical efficiency and reduces time loss while keeping the system relatively simple by using software-based image processing rather than additional hardware components.
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
The solution enables accurate visualization of the region-of-interest without the need for repeated contrast agent injections, improving surgical precision and reducing contrast agent usage by displaying virtual markers at corresponding positions, even when the imaging unit and subject move relative to each other.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit configured to capturing an X-ray image by irradiating X-rays to a subject and detecting the X-rays that have passed through the subject
Data Source
AI summary
This X-ray imaging apparatus is equipped with an image processing unit. The image processing unit obtains a first image with a marker reference position set in a first X-ray image and generate a second image in which a virtual marker image is superimposed at a corresponding position in a second X-ray image reflecting the change of a relative position from the marker reference position with respect to the second X-ray image different from the first X-ray image.