Imaging systems and methods
Inventors
Ruff, Evan • KOLOVICH, Gregory Paul • Mandavia, Dev • VISHWAKARMA, Dhruv • ZAMLINSKY, Igor • Dolan, Sean
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11832976-B2
Publication Date
2023-12-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
X-ray and fluoroscopic image capture and, in particular, to a versatile X-ray emitter operative to capture images of a target configured to track and position the X-ray emission relative to an image sensor that generates the X-ray image using the X-ray emission. The system is configured to prompt the user or operator of the X-ray system with various informational data to improve the outcome of the X-ray and decrease the frequency of X-ray emissions required to obtain a desirable X-ray image.
Core Innovation
A method obtains a radiological image of an individual or a body part by positioning an emitting apparatus at a distance from a working surface, where the working surface includes an imaging sensor. The emitting apparatus includes a camera system and an aperture opening configured to pass an emission energy therethrough, and is oriented such that the aperture opening and the camera system face towards the working surface. A signal from the camera system is transmitted to a display to produce an image of the working surface on the display.
The method provides at least one informational image on the display for viewing by the operator, where the at least one informational image comprises a suggested positioning of the individual or the body part. The method then emits the emission energy to the imaging sensor to produce the radiological image of the individual or the body part and displays the radiological image on the display.
Anatomic representations and virtual overlays are presented to support positioning, including an anatomic representation on the display with one or more anatomic areas that permit identification of a selected anatomic area. Virtual anatomical representation and virtual detecting perimeter are displayed, where the virtual detecting perimeter corresponds to a detecting perimeter of the imaging sensor.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are present. The claims center on operator-assisted capture using an emitting apparatus with a camera system and aperture opening, display-based informational guidance, and emission to an imaging sensor to obtain and display the radiological image; one claim additionally anchors guidance to an operator-selected anatomic area.
Camera-based working-surface imaging and operator-facing display guidance
Position the emitting apparatus at a distance from a working surface including an imaging sensor, orient the aperture opening and camera system toward the working surface, and transmit a signal from the camera system to a display to produce an image of the working surface for operator viewing.
Suggested positioning informational images on a display
Provide at least one informational image on the display for viewing by the operator, where the informational image comprises a suggested positioning of the individual or the body part.
Emission energy to imaging sensor with radiological image display
Emit the emission energy to the imaging sensor to produce the radiological image of the individual or the body part and display the radiological image on the display.
Selected anatomic area identification driving informational guidance
Display an anatomic representation on the display including one or more anatomic areas that permit the operator to identify a selected anatomic area, and provide at least one informational image on the display corresponding to the selected anatomic area and including suggested positioning of a body part corresponding to the selected anatomic area.
The inventive coverage lies in using the emitting apparatus camera system to display the working surface, presenting informational images including suggested positioning, and capturing and displaying a radiological image by emitting emission energy to an imaging sensor. One independent claim further specifies an anatomic representation enabling operator selection of a selected anatomic area, with informational guidance corresponding to that selected anatomic area.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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