X-Ray Surface Projection of Internal Structures for Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for positioning objects in X-ray imaging systems are inefficient, often requiring manual palpation and repeated X-ray images, which increases patient dose and hampers workflow.
Innovation Solution
An X-ray imaging system equipped with a depth sensor and processor that generates depth sensor data to identify internal structures, computes a surface projection of these structures from the perspective of the X-ray source, and overlays this projection onto the object's surface for accurate positioning, reducing the need for re-takes and X-ray dose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional positioning methods (eye, monitor, light field, markings) are used, then the operator can position the object with respect to the X-ray imaging system, but the positions of internal structures such as skeletal features are hidden requiring manual palpation or repeat X-ray images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of internal structures by projecting their expected positions onto the object's surface. This allows the operator to see where internal structures should be located without exposing the patient to additional radiation or requiring manual palpation, thus resolving the contradiction between information visibility and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visualization layer that mediates between the hidden internal structures and the operator's perception. By displaying projected positions of internal structures on the object surface, this intermediary provides the missing information without requiring direct observation of internal structures or additional X-ray exposure
2Measurement precision
If manual palpation is performed to locate skeletal features, then positioning accuracy improves, but workflow is hampered and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary visualization of internal structure positions before the operator begins positioning the object. By displaying where skeletal features should be located in advance, the operator can directly position the object without time-consuming manual palpation, thus improving both positioning accuracy and workflow efficiency
3Measurement precision
If repeat X-ray images are acquired to confirm positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but patient exposure to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of what the X-ray image would show by projecting internal structure positions onto the object surface. This allows the operator to verify positioning accuracy without acquiring additional X-ray images, thus eliminating the harmful radiation exposure while maintaining positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful radiation-based verification method into a beneficial non-radiation-based visualization method. By using projected positions of internal structures, the system provides the same verification function that X-ray images would provide, but without the harmful radiation exposure to the patient
Data Source
AI summary
An X-ray imaging system (100) includes an X-ray source (110) and an X-ray detector (120) that are separated by an examination region (150) for performing an X-ray imaging operation on an object (160). A processor (140) is configured to identify (S120) one or more internal structures (180) within the object (160), based on a comparison of depth sensor data representing a three-dimensional surface (170) of the object (160), with an anatomical model comprising the one or more internal structures (180). The processor (140) is also configured to compute (S130), using the depth sensor data and the identified one or more internal structures (180), a surface projection (190) of the one or more internal structures, on the surface (170) of the object (160), from a perspective of the X-ray source (110); and to output (S140) an image representation of the surface projection (190) for displaying as an overlay on the surface (170) of the object (160).