3D Sensor-Guided Gamma Detector Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in efficiently scanning and imaging body regions with complex geometries, as existing methods often require manual positioning and alignment of gamma detectors, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when trying to achieve optimal detector placement and image resolution.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize 3D sensors to determine the coordinates of the patient's outer surface, allowing for automated determination of target positions for gamma detectors, enabling precise alignment and movement of detectors to optimize gamma radiation detection, including the use of extendable arms and gantries for flexible positioning and simultaneous detection from multiple angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual positioning and alignment of gamma detectors is used, then flexibility in detector placement is achieved, but scanning time increases and positioning accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector positioning flexibilityVSAvoidscanning speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computer-controlled system that uses 3D sensor data to calculate and execute precise detector movements. The system automatically determines optimal detector positions and controls motorized arms to achieve exact placement, eliminating manual intervention while maintaining positioning flexibility and significantly reducing scanning time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual positioning and alignment of gamma detectors is used, then operator judgment is applied, but positioning precision and repeatability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetector alignment capabilityVSAvoiddetector placement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual alignment operations with automated computer-controlled positioning based on 3D sensor data. The computer calculates optimal detector positions and controls motorized mechanisms to achieve precise, repeatable placement, eliminating human error and variability while maintaining alignment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates 3D sensors to obtain real-time data about the patient's body surface and automatically adjusts detector positions based on this feedback. The computer processes the 3D coordinates and continuously refines detector placement to achieve optimal positioning, ensuring high precision and repeatability through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If extended scanning coverage is performed to capture complex anatomical regions, then imaging completeness improves, but scanning time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanatomical coverageVSAvoidscanning duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary 3D scanning of the patient's body surface to create a digital model before the actual gamma detection begins. This preliminary action allows the computer to pre-calculate optimal detector positions and paths, enabling comprehensive coverage of complex anatomical regions during the subsequent scanning phase without extending total scan time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamically adjustable detector positions and movement paths based on the 3D body surface data. The computer-controlled arms can adapt their trajectories and stopping points in real-time to optimize coverage of complex anatomical regions, maintaining efficient scanning speeds while ensuring complete imaging coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances imaging efficiency by allowing for precise and automated alignment of gamma detectors, reducing scanning time and improving image resolution, especially in complex anatomical regions, while ensuring detectors do not collide or miss critical areas.

Implementation Method 1

obtain data indicative of coordinates of points on the outer surface of the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D sensing: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

causing the gamma detector to detect gamma radiation from the patient when the gamma detector is at the target position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGamma radiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11684332B2Methods and systems for utilizing 3D sensors in nuclear medicine

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 MOLECULAR DYNAMICS LTD

AI summary

Described are methods and systems for scanning at least a portion of a patient with a gamma detector mounted on an arm extending towards the patient. One described method includes: obtaining data indicative or coordinates of points on the outer surface of the patient; determining a target position for the gamma detector based on the data indicative, of the coordinates; and causing the gamma detector to detect gamma radiation from the patient when the gamma detector is at the target position.