US5636255A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for CT image registration
Assignee: IGO TECHNOLOGIES Inc
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Filing: 1996-03-05
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Granted: 1997-06-03
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Expires: 2016-03-05
Abstract
Abstract A method and system for correlating accuracy of computer tomography (CT) image resolution is described. Small radio-opaque markers having a diameter less than one slice width of a CT scan are embedded in the object, such as a bony skeletal member, to be measured, the object is then CT scanned so that the radio-opaque markers appear in at two slices of the scan. The markers are also physically located by detecting them with a sensor, such as a positioning pointer. Also described is one form of marker comprising a tantalum sphere mounted in a ceramic, preferably alumina, pin.
Inventors
- 👤 Randy E. Ellis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 01:24
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B6/00; A61B6/58; A61B6/582; A61B6/583; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61B34/00; A61B34/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for deriving high accuracy correlation between data obtained by a computed tomography (CT) scan, in which an object is scanned in a plurality of CT slices, and data relating to said object obtained from other sources, comprising: providing in said object at least one radio-opaque marker having a diameter less than one slice width of said CT scan; detecting said radio-opaque marker in at least two said slices; and determining a three dimensional position of said marker therefrom for comparison with said from other sources.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
87 words
A method for deriving high accuracy correlation between data obtained by a computed tomography (CT) scan, in which an object is scanned in a plurality of CT slices, and data relating to said object obtained from other sources, comprising: providing in said object at least one radio-opaque marker having a diameter less than one slice width of said CT scan; detecting said radio-opaque marker in at least two said slices; and determining a three dimensional position of said marker therefrom for comparison with said from other sources.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said radio-opaque marker is a biocompatible metallic marker for implantation into a bone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 including the step of detecting a plurality of said markers with a sensor operatively coupled to a calibrating device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said other data is derived from at least one of (a) Roentgen stereogrammetric analysis (b) a mechanical pointing arm, (c) ultrasonic position sensor, (d) 3D optical tracking device (3) laser range sensor (f) stereoscopic camera (g) fluorscopic x-ray detector and (h) 3D magnetic position sensor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein said calibrating device comprises an optical comparitor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method as claimed in claim 2 including surgically implanting said radio-opaque marker in a radio luscent biocompatible holder therefor, into a patient.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
A marker for use in computed tomography (CT) scanning, comprising: a radio-opaque marker elment; a radio luscent holder adapted to receive said marker element; and means to secure said marker in said holder; wherein said marker element has a diameter less than one CT scan slice width.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
47 words
A marker for use in computed tomography (CT) scanning, comprising: a radio-opaque marker elment; a radio luscent holder adapted to receive said marker element; and means to secure said marker in said holder; wherein said marker element has a diameter less than one CT scan slice width.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A marker as claimed in claim 7 wherein said radio luscent holder comprises a ceramic holder.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A marker as claimed in claim 8 wherein said radio luscent holder is an alumina holder.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A marker as claimed in claim 7 wherein said radio-opaque marker element is a sphere.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A marker as claimed in claim 10 wherein said sphere is a biocompatible metal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A marker as claimed in claim 11 wherein said biocompatible metal is selected from the group consisting of tantalum, stainless steel, titanium alloys, and chrome-cobalt alloys.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A marker as claimed in claim 7 wherein said means to secure said marker element in said holder comprises a biocompatible, radio luscent adhesive material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
32 words
A marker as claimed in claim 7 wherein said holder comprises an elongated ceramic pin member having a longitudinal axial bore at one end thereof adapted to receive said marker element therein.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
73 words
A system for deriving high accuracy correlation between data obtained by a CT scan, and data obtained from other sources, comprising: (a) means for CT scanning in a plurality of slices of selected bandwith; (b) radio opaque marker means having a diameter of less than said selected bandwidth; (c) means for detecting said radio opaque marker in at least two said slices; and (d) means for deriving said data obtained from other sources.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
73 words
A system for deriving high accuracy correlation between data obtained by a CT scan, and data obtained from other sources, comprising: (a) means for CT scanning in a plurality of slices of selected bandwith; (b) radio opaque marker means having a diameter of less than said selected bandwidth; (c) means for detecting said radio opaque marker in at least two said slices; and (d) means for deriving said data obtained from other sources.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said means for deriving said data obtained from other sources is selected from (a) Roentgen stereogrammatic analysis means (b) a mechanical pointing arm, (c) ultrasonic position sensor, (d) 3D optical tracking device, (e) laser range sensor (f) stereoscopic camera (g) fluorscopic x-ray detector and (h) 3D magnetic position sensor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as claimed in claim 16 wherein said mechanical arm includes sensor means for detecting a plurality of said marker means, operatively coupled to a calibrating device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as claimed in claim 17 wherein said sensor means comprises means to touch said marker means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as claimed in claim 18 wherein said calibrating device comprises optical calibration means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4991579A
Cited
US5397329A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-06-02 | 2000-12-02 | 2001-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-02 | 2004-12-02 | 2005-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-02 | 2008-12-02 | 2009-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |