Imaging systems and methods

Inventors

Franklin, Jason • KOLOVICH, Gregory • Ruff, Evan • Shelton, Addison • ZAMLINSKY, Igor

Assignees

OXOS Medical Inc

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

A non-invasive imaging system for examining an object includes an emitting apparatus configured to emit energy and an imaging sensor configured to generate an imaging signal upon receipt of the energy when the emitting apparatus and imaging sensor are in an aligned position. The system uses a plurality of position tracking elements fixedly positioned relative to each other, where each tracking element produces a unique signal and defines an area having a perimeter with identifiable perimeter portions. The emitting apparatus is moveable relative to the area.

A control system determines a first coordinate measurement between at least one position tracking element and the imaging sensor, and a second coordinate measurement between the emitting apparatus and the at least one position tracking element. Using the first coordinate measurement and the second coordinate measurement, the control system uses orientation data in combination with the distance from each of the plurality of tracking elements to determine the position of the emitting apparatus. The system bases imaging alignment on coordinate-based position determination from the tracking elements and the emitting apparatus.

An associated non-invasive imaging method moves the emitting apparatus to a location relative to the object and relative to the plurality of position tracking elements, emits energy so that the energy is received by an imaging sensor to generate image data, determines a position and orientation of the emitting apparatus relative to the plurality of position tracking elements, and adjusts the image data based using the position and orientation. The method transmits the image data to a display, where image data adjustment is performed using the determined position and orientation.

In a related non-invasive imaging system, an emitting apparatus is configured to emit energy and freely moveable about the object, and an imaging sensor is configured to generate an imaging signal upon receipt of the energy when the emitting apparatus and imaging sensor are in an aligned position. At least one positioning mechanism coupled to the imaging sensor allows movement of the imaging sensor adjacent to the object, and at least one position tracking element is in electrical communication with at least the emitting apparatus and the imaging sensor. A control system determines coordinate measurements between the position tracking element and the imaging sensor and between the emitting apparatus and the position tracking element to control actuation of the positioning mechanism moving the imaging sensor into the aligned position during or after movement of the emitting apparatus.

Claims Coverage

The partial content includes four independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive coverage centers on uniquely signaled position tracking elements, coordinate measurement between tracking elements and components, determining position and orientation for image data adjustment or positioning mechanism actuation, and an aligned position condition for non-invasive imaging.

Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is the use of uniquely signaled position tracking elements, coordinate measurements that relate the emitting apparatus and imaging sensor to tracking elements, and determination of position and orientation to adjust image data or control a positioning mechanism so that an imaging sensor reaches an aligned position during or after movement of the emitting apparatus.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications