X-Ray Bone Pose Estimation for Soft Tissue Property Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current X-ray imaging techniques struggle to directly visualize soft tissue-related properties due to their lower density, necessitating time-consuming and costly MRI scans for diagnosis, which are equipment and personnel-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A 3D pose estimation computer model is used to analyze X-ray imaging data, incorporating geometric parameters between bones to determine soft tissue-related properties, allowing automatic analysis without MRI, reducing the need for skilled personnel and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI is used to observe soft tissue injuries, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses geometric parameters of bone constellations as an intermediary to indirectly infer soft tissue properties. Instead of directly imaging soft tissue with MRI, the system measures bone positions and orientations, then derives soft tissue status from these bone geometric parameters, making the diagnostic process faster and cheaper while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D model of the bone constellation from 2D X-ray images, copying the essential geometric information needed for diagnosis. This virtual model allows automated analysis of bone positions and orientations to infer soft tissue conditions without requiring actual MRI scanning
2Reliability
If MRI is used to diagnose soft tissue abnormalities, then diagnostic capability is improved, but equipment requirements and personnel expertise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex MRI equipment with inexpensive, widely available X-ray imaging systems. The X-ray images are then processed through automated computer vision algorithms to extract diagnostic information, eliminating the need for costly MRI scanners while maintaining diagnostic reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical and physical complexity of MRI equipment with a computational system. Instead of using complex magnetic fields and radio waves to image soft tissue directly, the system uses standard X-ray imaging combined with automated geometric analysis and machine learning to infer soft tissue conditions
3Productivity
If automated analysis is implemented for soft tissue properties, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of X-ray images to create accurate 3D bone constellation models before conducting soft tissue analysis. By pre-processing the imaging data to establish precise bone geometric parameters, the system ensures that the subsequent automated soft tissue inference maintains high measurement precision while achieving full automation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the automated analysis results are validated against known anatomical relationships and clinical criteria. The geometric parameters of bones provide feedback to refine the inference of soft tissue properties, ensuring measurement precision is maintained throughout the automated diagnostic process
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~4B
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus (100) for determining a soft tissue-related property of a bone constellation from X-ray imaging data. The apparatus (100) comprises a data processor (110) configured to obtain the X-ray imaging data of a region of interest including the bone constellation, and to determine, by utilizing a 3D pose estimation computer model (CM) into which the X-ray imaging data is fed, a pose estimation of the bone constellation, and at least one geometric parameter (d, t, r) defined between bones of the bone constellation, to determine the soft tissue-related property of the bone constellation.