X-ray Scanner Indicator for Surgical Entry Point Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing X-ray scanner systems lack equipment to accurately indicate the entry point for surgical procedures, requiring manual determination by doctors, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

An X-ray scanner system comprising an X-ray source, a detector, an indicator, and an actuator, where the indicator, potentially using linear laser lights, is positioned to indicate a target area by translating or swinging to guide the X-ray source and detector for precise alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual determination of entry point is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

An indicator device is introduced as an intermediary between the X-ray scanner and the patient's body surface. The indicator includes a display unit showing the projected entry point position and a projection unit that projects visual markers onto the patient's skin, serving as a mediator to transfer precise positioning information from the imaging system to the surgical site without requiring complex manual measurement tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning methods with an automated optical indication system. Instead of using physical rulers, calipers, or manual measurement tools, the system uses digital image processing and optical projection to automatically determine and display the entry point position, substituting mechanical measurement with optical-digital methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If automated indicator system is added, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentry point positioning precisionVSAvoidscanner system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator device is designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The display unit can show different types of positioning information (entry point, target depth, angular information), the projection unit can project multiple visual markers, and the system can work with different X-ray scanner models. This universal design allows a single added device to provide comprehensive positioning functions without requiring multiple specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a visual copy of the internal anatomical target position on the patient's body surface. The indicator projects visual markers that replicate the three-dimensional target position and entry point location onto the two-dimensional skin surface, allowing the surgeon to see the precise positioning information directly on the patient without complex manual measurement or interpretation of imaging data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If manual positioning method is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator device performs self-service by automatically receiving positioning data from the X-ray scanner and generating visual indications without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically calculates the entry point position based on the target coordinates, generates the appropriate visual markers, and projects them onto the patient's skin. This automation eliminates manual measurement errors while keeping the operation simple for the surgeon who only needs to follow the visual guidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If indicator translation and swing mechanisms are added, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget position indication precisionVSAvoidindicator mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator device adds spatial dimensions to the positioning information display. The translation mechanism moves the indicator in the horizontal and vertical directions to match the two-dimensional position of the target on the patient's surface. The swing mechanism adds angular dimension to indicate the entry angle and depth direction. By distributing the positioning information across multiple spatial dimensions (position and orientation), the system achieves precise three-dimensional targeting without requiring a single complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 provides accurate and automated positioning of the X-ray scanner, enhancing precision and reducing manual errors in determining the entry point for medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the indicator may include a first linear laser light and a second linear laser light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3725228B1Systems and methods for x-ray scanner positioning
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • EP3725228B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725228B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3725228B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for positioning an X-ray scanner. The systems may perform the methods to obtain one or more images relating to the target in the object; determine one or more image target locations corresponding to the target based on the one or more images; determine a target position of the target based on the one or more image target locations corresponding to the target; and determine positioning information of an indicator or an X-ray source of the X-ray scanner based on the target position.