X-ray Image Calibration Using 3D Surface Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
X-ray imaging in orthopedic procedures faces challenges in accurately calibrating and scaling 2D images due to variable X-ray machine setups and patient positioning, leading to unreliable measurements for pre-operative planning, especially in joint replacement surgeries.
Innovation Solution
Combining traditional X-ray images with 3D scans captured using a connected 3D scanning system to automatically calibrate and register X-ray images, eliminating the need for calibration markers and providing accurate digital templating for 3D reconstruction and surgical planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional X-ray imaging is used with variable machine setups, then flexibility and availability are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration object with known geometry as an intermediary between the X-ray imaging system and the measurement process. This calibration object serves as a reference that mediates the transformation from variable machine setups to standardized measurements, enabling precise measurements despite variations in source-to-detector distance and machine configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines scaling factors by analyzing the projected geometry of the calibration object in each X-ray image. By calculating the relationship between known physical dimensions and their projected 2D representations, the system adapts the measurement parameters (scaling factors) to compensate for variations in imaging geometry, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different machine setups
2Measurement precision
If calibration markers are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration object is designed to be self-calibrating through its specific geometric features. The system automatically detects geometric features (such as circles, lines, or specific patterns) on the calibration object and computes scaling factors without requiring manual intervention, complex marker placement protocols, or additional calibration equipment. The calibration object serves itself as the reference standard
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential calibration function from complex multi-component calibration systems and condenses it into a single integrated calibration object with built-in geometric features. By taking out only the necessary geometric reference elements and eliminating unnecessary calibration components and procedures, the system achieves accurate calibration with reduced device complexity
3Ease of operation
If manual evaluation of limb orientation is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical evaluation process with an automated computational system. Image processing algorithms automatically detect anatomical landmarks and calculate limb orientation angles from the X-ray images, substituting the subjective manual assessment with objective, reproducible computational measurements. This maintains ease of operation while significantly improving measurement precision and consistency
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments provide a system for calibrating an X-ray image. The system may receive an X-ray image of an anatomical part of a patient. The system may further receive a 3-D surface scan of a surface of the patient where the anatomical part is located. The system may derive a measurement correction to apply to measurements of the X-ray image based on the 3-D surface scan. The measurement correction may account for: an orientation of the patient with respect to the X-ray detector plate, a first distance between the patient and the detector plate, or a second distance between the patient and an X-ray source used to generate the X-ray image. The system may further determine a corrected measurement of the anatomical part based on the measurement correction and a measurement taken from the X-ray image.