X-ray Fluoroscopic Imaging Apparatus Device Vicinity Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing X-ray fluoroscopic imaging systems face challenges in accurately aligning blood vessel extracted images with X-ray images in the vicinity of medical devices introduced into blood vessels, leading to positional deviations that can complicate procedures like catheter insertion.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus and method that includes an imaging unit, an X-ray image acquisition unit, a blood vessel extracted image acquisition unit, a composite image generation unit, and a region of interest setting unit, which aligns X-ray and blood vessel images based on a device reflected in a set region of interest, ensuring precise positioning even without feature points like markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If feature points are used for aligning blood vessel images and X-ray images, then alignment can be performed using existing methods, but positional deviation increases in the vicinity of devices where feature points are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary object that is attached to or near the medical device. This marker serves as a reliable feature point for alignment purposes, mediating between the device (which lacks natural feature points) and the image processing system (which requires feature points for alignment). The marker enables consistent and accurate alignment in the vicinity of the device without relying on absent anatomical feature points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary attachment of markers to devices or positioning of markers near devices before the actual imaging and alignment process. This preliminary action ensures that reliable feature points are already in place when needed for alignment, preventing the problem of missing feature points during the critical alignment phase.
2Ease of manufacture
If blood vessel images are superimposed on fluoroscopic moving images using conventional methods, then composite images can be generated, but positional deviation occurs in regions without feature points
Solution Approach 1:
The marker acts as an intermediary reference that enables accurate composite image generation in regions where conventional feature point-based methods fail. By providing a known, detectable feature point near the device, the marker allows the composite image generation process to maintain high positional accuracy throughout the entire image, including previously problematic device vicinity regions.
3Ease of operation
If feature points distant from the device are used for alignment, then alignment can be performed, but the distance between feature point and device increases causing larger positional errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing markers specifically in the local region near the device rather than relying on distant feature points. This localized approach ensures that the alignment reference is as close as possible to the area of interest, minimizing the propagation of alignment errors and maximizing precision in the critical device vicinity region.
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
This approach significantly reduces positional deviations between X-ray and blood vessel images near the device, enhancing the accuracy of composite image generation and facilitating precise medical interventions by aligning images based on the device's position and shape within the blood vessel.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit including an X-ray source for irradiating an object with X-rays and an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays emitted from the X-ray source
Data Source
AI summary
This X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus is provided with: an imaging unit; an X-ray image acquisition unit for acquiring an X-ray image; a blood vessel extracted image acquisition unit for acquiring a blood vessel extracted image; a composite image generation unit for generating a second composite image in which the X-ray image and the blood vessel extracted image are composed; and a region of interest setting unit for setting a region of interest in which a device is reflected. The composite image generation unit is configured to generate the second composite image by aligning the positions of the X-ray image and the blood vessel extracted image, based on the device and the blood vessel image reflected in the region of interest.