Automated Imaging System Positioning for Precise Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual positioning of imaging devices during medical procedures is time-consuming and exposes patients to excessive radiation due to the need for trial and adjustment based on two-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a moveable source and detector that can be automatically positioned relative to the subject using a controller and tracking systems, allowing precise alignment to reduce imaging time and radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the imager is used based on two-dimensional images, then the technician can adjust the position, but the positioning time increases and radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated navigation system that uses three-dimensional imaging data and computational algorithms to determine and execute the optimal imager position, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-adjustment positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a three-dimensional digital copy or model of the patient's anatomy from pre-acquired imaging data, allowing the system to simulate and determine the optimal imager position before actual positioning, thereby reducing real-time positioning time and radiation exposure
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning with trial and adjustment is used, then the technician can achieve desired image, but the amount of radiation exposure to the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary three-dimensional imaging and computational position determination before the actual imaging procedure, allowing the optimal imager position to be pre-calculated, thus minimizing the number of trial exposures and reducing patient radiation exposure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-adjustment positioning with an automated navigation system that uses three-dimensional spatial data and algorithms to precisely determine the optimal imager position, achieving accurate alignment with minimal radiation exposure
3Productivity
If automated positioning system is implemented, then imaging time is reduced and radiation exposure is minimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified automated positioning system, including three-dimensional image acquisition, computational position determination, real-time tracking, and automated imager positioning, allowing a single system to perform all these functions rather than requiring separate systems for each task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the navigation computer, tracking system, and imager positioning mechanism into an integrated automated positioning system, merging previously separate functions into a coordinated system that operates automatically to reduce imaging time and radiation exposure
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are disclosed for analyzing image data of a subject and/or operating and moving an imaging system to obtain image data. The image data can be collected with an imaging system in a selected manner and/or motion. An automatic system and method may define or identify positions for image data acquisition.