Imaging systems and methods
Inventors
Ruff, Evan • Bennett, Paul • VISHWAKARMA, Dhruv • KOLOVICH, Gregory
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11207047-B2
Publication Date
2021-12-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and systems for x-ray and fluoroscopic image capture and, in particular, to a versatile, multimode imaging system incorporating a hand-held x-ray emitter operative to capture digital or thermal images of a target; a stage operative to capture static x-ray and dynamic fluoroscopic images of the target; a system for the tracking and positioning of the x-ray emission; a device to automatically limit the field of the x-ray emission; and methods of use. Automatic systems to determine the correct technique factors for fluoroscopic and radiographic capture, ex-ante.
Core Innovation
The integrated multimode imaging system uses a handheld x-ray emitter with selectable fluoroscopic, digital picture mode, and thermal modes, together with safety interlocks based on emitter-to-subject distance and safe orientation. A dedicated fixed x-ray capture stage includes a motorized, movable/tiltable detector sensor, and the system is configured for orthopedic/fluoroscopic use and includes an embedded x-ray sensor and a sensor tray.
The fixed stage includes a sensor positioning system that tracks emitter position and orientation using position tracking elements, including infrared/IR beacons/tiles and an inertial measurement unit/IMU. The detected emitter pose is used to align the detector and minimize skew without repositioning the patient, and the emitter includes a dynamic/rolling adjustable collimator that scales and rotates an emission window in real time as the emitter position and orientation changes.
The dynamic/rolling adjustable collimator forms and maintains an exposure profile within the imaging sensor perimeter by adjusting the emission window size and rotation relative to the emitting apparatus. Encoder-based mechanical validation, homing, and damage/drift detection are included to validate operation and prevent unsafe emission.
The system further includes automatic, ex-ante determination of radiographic technique factors using comprehensive sensor measurements such as SSD/SDD, incidence angle, and temperature, together with object classification using computer vision. It also includes estimation of operational parameter values inferred from sensor measurement and machine-learning database/model updates informed by collected data such as CPT code and biometric data.
Claims Coverage
The provided material identifies one independent claim directed to a non-invasive imaging method with continuously tracking the emitting apparatus and continuously adjusting a dynamically variable emission window to limit the exposure pattern to an imaging sensor.
Non-invasive imaging with uniquely identifiable position tracking signals
The method non-invasively images an object by moving an emitting apparatus relative to position tracking elements, where each position tracking element produces a unique signal and the plurality defines an area having a perimeter with portions identifiable by the respective signal.
Emission through an emission window to form an exposure pattern on an imaging sensor
Energy is emitted through an emission window in the emitting apparatus to form an exposure pattern on the object such that the energy is received by an imaging sensor configured to generate image data.
Continual determination of position and orientation of the emitting apparatus
The method continually determines a position and an orientation of the emitting apparatus relative to the plurality of position tracking elements.
Continuous adjustment of emission window size and rotation
The method continuously adjusts a size of the emission window and rotation of the emission window relative to the emitting apparatus in response to a change in the position and the orientation to limit the exposure pattern to the imaging sensor.
Across the independent claim, the core coverage combines uniquely identifiable position tracking signals with continual pose determination of the emitting apparatus, and continuous, pose-responsive adjustment of the emission window size and rotation so that the exposure pattern remains limited to the imaging sensor.
Stated Advantages
Reduces motion artifacts.
Reduces unnecessary dose.
Documented Applications
Orthopedic/fluoroscopic use.
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