X-ray Imaging Position Marker Tracking for Motion Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient movements during medical X-radiography lead to blurred X-ray images and uncertain diagnoses due to errors in creating precise three-dimensional models, especially when imaging is limited to a narrow angle and the number of captured images is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize position markers to create a model geometry, predict their locations, and apply an automatic identification method to minimize offsets by optimizing a penalty function, thereby reducing errors caused by patient movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If imaging is performed from limited angles with restricted number of captured images, then radiation exposure to patient is reduced and imaging time is shortened, but image quality deteriorates and three-dimensional model precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the expected orbital paths of position markers before the actual imaging session. During imaging, these pre-computed trajectories are used to predict marker positions, allowing the system to compensate for patient movements without requiring additional imaging time or angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing the actual detected position of markers during imaging with their predicted positions based on the orbital model. The discrepancies (offsets) are fed back into the system to adjust and refine the three-dimensional model reconstruction, improving precision despite limited imaging angles.
2Measurement precision
If patient movements occur during imaging session, then diagnostic accuracy deteriorates due to blurred images, but patient comfort and cooperation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces position markers as intermediary objects that move with the patient but provide stable, detectable reference points. These markers serve as mediators between the patient's movements and the imaging system, allowing the system to track and compensate for movements rather than being directly affected by them, thus maintaining image clarity and diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the reconstruction parameters based on detected marker positions. When patient movement is detected through marker displacement, the system changes the transformation parameters in the three-dimensional model to realign with the actual marker positions, correcting the blurring effect and maintaining diagnostic reliability.
3Measurement precision
If position marker identification is performed manually, then accuracy can be maintained, but processing time increases and automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical identification processes with automated computational algorithms. The system uses pattern recognition and image processing algorithms to automatically detect position markers, calculate their coordinates, and determine their orbital paths, eliminating the need for manual measurement while maintaining or improving accuracy through computational precision.
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 effectively eliminates errors from patient movements in medical X-radiography, even with limited imaging angles, by accurately determining position marker locations and minimizing offsets, resulting in clearer three-dimensional images and reducing the risk of false diagnoses.
Implementation Method 1
performing X-radiography on an imaged object for compiling three-dimensional X-radiographic information
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for eliminating error elements caused by movements of an imaged object in X-radiography, said method comprising performing X-radiography on an imaged object for compiling three-dimensional X-radiographic information. The method comprises creating a model geometry of an X-ray imaging process, said creation work comprising a determination of the location for two or more position markers in a set of coordinates graded for an X-ray imaging apparatus. When X-radiography of an imaged object is completed, predictions are worked out regarding the locations of position markers during the imaging session. The locations and predictions determined on the basis of the model geometry are used as a basis for defining projected or most likely locations for the position markers and an automatic position markers identification method is applied for finding the locations of position markers from within a search area in the X-radiographic information. When the locations of at least two position markers have been found with the automatic position markers identification method, a minimization of offsets between the projected locations of position markers and the locations of position markers looked up by the automatic identification method is performed by searching for a minimum point of the function for eliminating the error elements resulting from movements of an imaged object.