Wire Calibration Target for Artifact-Low 3D X-Ray Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiographic imaging systems face challenges in generating real-time three-dimensional CT quality images for surgical navigation, particularly in reconstructing 3D volumes from biplanar radiographic images, due to inaccuracies in calibration and interference from traditional spherical markers, which complicate digital subtraction and introduce artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A wire-based calibration target is used to enhance imaging capabilities by combining optical and radiographic data, employing thin wires at different depths for precise calibration, and utilizing deep learning models to detect and correct image distortions, allowing for accurate 3D reconstruction and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spherical markers are used for calibration, then calibration targets are visible in radiographic images, but digital subtraction is complicated and artifacts are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration function from traditional spherical markers and implements it using wire-based targets. The wires are specifically designed to be radiopaque for visibility but thin enough to minimize interference, allowing calibration without the harmful artifacts generated by spherical markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the calibration target from spherical markers to thin wires with specific diameter ranges (0.1-1.0 mm). This parameter change maintains radiographic visibility while reducing the harmful effects that cause artifacts during digital subtraction.
2Productivity
If real-time 3D CT quality images are generated from biplanar radiographic images, then surgical navigation is enabled, but calibration inaccuracies reduce reconstruction quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the wire-based calibration target provides precise reference points that enable accurate coordinate system alignment. This feedback ensures that the 3D reconstruction maintains high precision while operating in real-time during surgical procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical calibration methods with a wire-based system that uses radiographic visibility and geometric relationships. This substitution enables real-time calibration without complex mechanical setups, maintaining both speed and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If wire-based calibration targets are used, then calibration accuracy is improved and manufacturing complexity is reduced, but wires must be sufficiently radiopaque for detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies optimal parameter ranges for wire diameter (0.1-1.0 mm) and material properties to achieve the right balance between radiopacity and manufacturability. These parameter changes ensure wires are detectable in radiographic images while remaining easy to manufacture and integrate into calibration targets.
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 system enables accurate, real-time generation of 3D CT quality images for surgical navigation, improving calibration accuracy, reducing manufacturing complexity, and enhancing robustness to occlusions, while simplifying the calibration process and reducing interference with anatomical structures.
Implementation Method 1
wire-based calibration target is used to enhance imaging capabilities by combining optical and radiographic data
Data Source
AI summary
A calibration target for use with a radiographic image detector includes a target body securable to the image detector and a plurality of radiopaque linear markers, e.g. wires, fixed to the target body, wherein access to the image detector by incident radiation is at least partially blocked by the plurality of linear markers. By using the geometric properties of wires and advanced detection techniques, a precise calibration suitable for high-quality, volumetric three-dimensional CT reconstruction from biplanar X-ray images is achieved.