Imaging systems and methods
Inventors
Franklin, Jason • KOLOVICH, Gregory • Ruff, Evan • Shelton, Addison • ZAMLINSKY, Igor
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10076302-B2
Publication Date
2018-09-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
Versatile, multimode radiographic systems and methods utilize portable energy emitters and radiation-tracking detectors. The x-ray emitter may include a digital camera and, optionally, a thermal imaging camera to provide for fluoroscopic, digital, and infrared thermal imagery of a patient for the purpose of aiding diagnostic, surgical, and non-surgical interventions. The emitter may cooperative with an inventive x-ray capture stage that automatically pivots, orients and aligns itself with the emitter to maximize exposure quality and safety. The combined system uses less power, corrects for any skew or perspective in the emission, allows the subject to remain in place, and allows the surgeon's workflow to continue uninterrupted.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to non-invasively imaging an object using a portable or handheld emitting apparatus that is moved to a location relative to the object. A position of the emitting apparatus relative to a plurality of position tracking elements is determined while at least one position tracking element produces a unique signal, and an area adjacent to the object includes a plurality of corners identifiable by respective signals of the position tracking elements. A distance between the emitting apparatus and the object is measured and emitting energy is prevented until the distance meets a predetermined distance condition.
The system relays the position of the emitting apparatus to a motor system that adjusts an imaging sensor into operative alignment with the emitting apparatus. The relaying uses the emitting apparatus to provide orientation data and to determine a distance from each position tracking element, and the orientation data in combination with the distance from each position tracking element is used to determine the position of the emitting apparatus. Imaging energy is emitted when the imaging sensor is in operative alignment and the distance condition is satisfied, and image data from the imaging sensor is transmitted to a display.
In a further aspect, the invention uses a non-invasive imaging system in which a platform with an external surface positions the object and includes at least one positioning mechanism adjacent to the external surface to move the imaging sensor adjacent to the external surface. A plurality of position tracking elements are affixed relative to the platform and produce unique signals positioned along a portion of a perimeter, where each perimeter portion is identifiable by a respective signal. A control system uses coordinate measurements between the tracking elements and the imaging sensor and between the emitting apparatus and the tracking elements to control actuation of the positioning mechanism during or after movement of the emitting apparatus, including using the emitting apparatus orientation data combined with distances to determine the emitting apparatus position.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims cover non-invasive imaging methods and systems with three inventive features: multi-tracking-element position determination, operative alignment of an imaging sensor, and distance-based energy emission control, with one claim set also reciting projected-shape exposure adjustment and display output.
Corner-identifiable multi tracking element position determination with unique signals
Determining a position of the emitting apparatus relative to a plurality of position tracking elements each respectively producing a unique signal, where an area adjacent to the object includes a plurality of corners each having one of the plurality of position tracking elements such that a corner is identifiable by the respective signal of the position tracking element.
Distance-threshold gating of energy emission
Measuring a distance between the emitting apparatus and the object and preventing emitting energy until the distance is less than a pre-determined distance; emitting energy from the emitting apparatus when the imaging sensor is in operative alignment with the emitting apparatus and the distance between the object and the emitting apparatus is greater than the pre-determined distance.
Orientation data plus per tracking element distances to determine emitting apparatus position
Using the emitting apparatus to provide orientation data and determine a distance from each of the plurality of tracking elements; using the orientation data in combination with the distance from each of the plurality of tracking elements to determine the position of the emitting apparatus.
Motor system controlled operative alignment of imaging sensor
Relaying the position of the emitting apparatus to a motor system that adjusts an imaging sensor into an operative alignment with the emitting apparatus, and controlling actuation of the positioning mechanism moving the imaging sensor into the aligned position during or after movement of the emitting apparatus using the control system.
Platform perimeter tracking elements affixed relative to the platform for coordinate control
A platform having an external surface for positioning of the object and comprising at least one positioning mechanism located adjacent to the external surface; a plurality of position tracking elements affixed relative to the platform, where the plurality of position tracking elements each respectively produces a unique signal and each of the plurality of position tracking elements is positioned along a portion of a perimeter of the area, where each portion of the perimeter of the area is identifiable by the respective signal of one of the plurality of position tracking elements.
Projected-shape exposure and exposure-area adjustment based on emitting apparatus position
Emitting energy from the emitting apparatus in a projected shape to the object, the energy being received by the imaging sensor configured to generate image data; adjusting the projected shape using the position of the emitting apparatus relative to at least one position tracking element to adjust an area of exposure of the projected shape on the imaging sensor.
The independent claims require determining emitting apparatus position using unique signals from multiple position tracking elements at corners, combining emitting apparatus orientation data with distances to those tracking elements, and using that position determination to align an imaging sensor with the emitting apparatus via motor-system or positioning-mechanism control. The claims further condition energy emission based on a measured distance threshold and, in one claim set, project energy in a projected shape while adjusting the projected shape or exposure area based on the determined emitting apparatus position, followed by transmitting imaging output to a display.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
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