X-Ray Image Processing With 3D Registration for Bone Landmark Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray imaging techniques struggle to clearly depict relevant bone landmarks in minimally invasive procedures due to superimposed bone structures, which obscure the region of interest, making it difficult to guide instruments accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method involving 2D/3D registration of X-ray images with a 3D model, followed by post-processing to accentuate image elements within a defined volume of interest, using specific editing rules to enhance visibility of relevant structures while attenuating others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional X-ray imaging is used to capture all bone structures, then complete anatomical information is obtained, but relevant bone landmarks become obscured by superimposed distracting bone structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image space into a volume of interest (VOI) and regions outside the VOI based on 3D spatial coordinates. Image elements are selectively processed according to their location: those within the VOI are accentuated while those outside are attenuated. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating relevant from irrelevant bone structures in the 2D projection, making landmarks visible without losing complete anatomical information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different image processing qualities to different spatial regions. Image elements within the VOI undergo accentuation processing to enhance visibility of relevant landmarks, while image elements outside the VOI undergo attenuation processing to reduce distraction. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing high visibility where needed while maintaining overall anatomical context.
2Loss of information
If 2D bone removal methods are used to eliminate distracting structures, then visibility of relevant landmarks is improved, but relevant bone landmarks are also removed
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing entire bone structures, the patent segments image elements based on their 3D spatial location relative to a defined VOI. Only image elements whose 3D coordinates fall outside the VOI are attenuated, while those inside are preserved and accentuated. This precise spatial segmentation resolves the contradiction by selectively processing only distracting structures while preserving all relevant landmarks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the visibility parameter of image elements based on their 3D spatial location. Image elements within the VOI have their visibility enhanced through accentuation, while those outside have visibility reduced through attenuation. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction by providing selective enhancement without removal of relevant structures.
3Loss of information
If virtual bokeh methods are used to accentuate regions at certain depths, then focus on specific regions is improved, but depth information requires multiple sensors and multi-view geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a pre-acquired 3D model (copy of the anatomical structure) to provide depth information without requiring additional depth-sensing sensors during the X-ray acquisition. The 3D model serves as a reference to determine which image elements lie within the VOI, enabling selective accentuation using only the standard 2D X-ray sensor. This resolves the contradiction by achieving depth-based focus with single-sensor 2D imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a 3D model as an intermediary between the 2D X-ray image and the depth information needed for selective processing. The 3D model provides the spatial coordinates needed to distinguish between image elements within and outside the VOI, enabling virtual depth-of-field effects without requiring multi-view geometry or additional depth sensors. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by bridging 2D imaging with 3D spatial awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an X-ray apparatus includes acquiring at least one 2D X-ray image of an object under examination by an X-ray device and 2D/3D registering the at least one 2D X-ray image with a 3D model by a computing device of the X-ray apparatus. 2D image elements of the at least one 2D X-ray image are associated with corresponding 3D image elements that are situated at respective 3D image-element locations in the 3D model. A volume of interest is determined within the 3D model, and the at least one 2D X-ray image is post-processed. At least one of the 2D image elements is edited according to a relative location, in relation to the volume of interest, of the 3D image-element location of the 3D image element corresponding to the at least one 2D image element. Output data including the at least one 2D X-ray image is provided.