Method and Device for Determining a Geometric Calibration for an Imaging Device and Method for Determining Allocation Data for Geometric Calibration

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This patent describes an improved method and device for geometric calibration of imaging devices (like X-ray CT scanners) using a 3D calibration phantom comprised of several calibration objects each with an arrangement of calibration elements (e.g., metallic spheres or rods). The core innovation is the use of projectively invariant descriptors based on the spatial arrangement of these calibration elements, allowing robust matching between their 3D positions and their 2D images. This enables flexible and accurate calibration, even with custom or adaptively arranged calibration phantoms, and supports advanced computer vision algorithms for mapping and calibration, leading to more precise imaging results.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Calibration of medical X-ray and CT imaging devices for higher imaging accuracy.
• Calibration of industrial non-destructive testing imaging systems (e.g., for analyzing materials or components).
• Quality assurance and maintenance of imaging systems in healthcare and industrial applications.
• Flexible creation and adaptation of calibration phantoms to suit differently sized or shaped objects being imaged, both in medical and industrial fields.
• Integration into automated workflows for imaging device self-calibration or remote calibration.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables more flexible and efficient calibration of imaging systems, as calibration phantoms can be easily adapted to different shapes and objects.
• Increases the accuracy of 3D imaging reconstructions by ensuring better geometric calibration—reducing systematic image errors.
• Reduces dependency on specialized, precisely manufactured phantoms and specific imaging trajectories, saving costs and improving usability.
• Supports the use of robust computer vision algorithms in the calibration process, increasing automation and reducing the chance of human error.
• Allows for easier and more reliable calibration in advanced or non-standard imaging system geometries (e.g., robotic C-arm CT).
• Improves traceability and validation of calibration results through quantifiable descriptors and error metrics.

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Patent Abstract

A method for determining assignment data is carried out in a method for determining a geometry calibration. The 3D calibration phantom features a calibration object with a number of calibration elements, which are arranged so that a descriptor based on the spatial arrangement is projectively invariant. Based upon the descriptor the calibration elements mapped in the 2D transmission element can be assigned to the calibration elements of the calibration object, so that the geometry calibration is determined on the basis of this assignment and the arrangement of the calibration elements in the three-dimensional space as well as on the 2D image.