Target tracking using surface scanner and four-dimensional diagnostic imaging data

Abstract

Tracking a pathological anatomy within a patient's body is described. A data model of a skin surface of the patient's body may be acquired using light reflected from the skin surface. The data model can be matched with skin surfaces reconstructed and/or interpolated from four-dimensional diagnostic imaging data, such as 4D CT data, to determine a temporal phase of the patient's respiratory motion. The identified temporal phase may then be used in conjunction with the diagnostic imaging data to identify a location of the pathological anatomy within the patient's body.

1 . A method, comprising:
 acquiring a data model of a skin surface of a body based on light reflected from the skin surface, wherein the skin surface undergoes movement; and   registering the data model of the surface with diagnostic imaging data to determine a matching temporal phase of the movement of the skin surface.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic imaging data is four-dimensional diagnostic imaging data.