Autonomous Patient Repositioning for Motion-Resilient Medical Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient positioning in medical imaging is labor-intensive and prone to motion artifacts due to patient movement, leading to blurred images and increased costs from repeated scans or sedation, especially in MR imaging where complex deformations are difficult to correct.
Innovation Solution
A motion positioner system that includes an input unit, processing unit, and output unit to detect patient motion and determine a critical range for tolerable image distortion, adjusting the medical imaging apparatus to pause or resume scans based on this range, using machine learning and sensor feedback to guide patient repositioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual patient positioning is performed, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but labor intensity increases and staff availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous patient positioning through automated detection of motion artifacts and generation of repositioning instructions, eliminating the need for manual staff intervention. The processing unit automatically analyzes image quality, identifies motion-related degradation, and guides patients to correct their positioning independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning adjustments with an automated digital system that uses image analysis algorithms and provides visual feedback to patients. The system substitutes human operators with computer-based detection and guidance mechanisms.
2Reliability
If prospective motion correction techniques are used, then rigid motion events can be compensated, but complex deformations in joints and inner organs cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different types of motion by analyzing image artifacts and determining their cause. It distinguishes between rigid body motion and complex deformations, and provides differentiated responses - using motion compensation for rigid motion and repositioning guidance for complex deformations that cannot be compensated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach based on the detected motion characteristics. When rigid motion is detected, prospective motion correction parameters are adjusted to compensate. When complex deformations are identified, the system switches to providing repositioning instructions to the patient, changing the correction strategy based on the nature of the motion artifact.
3Productivity
If scanning continues without interruption, then productivity is maintained, but motion artifacts degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors image quality during scanning and provides real-time feedback to patients about their positioning. When motion artifacts are detected, the system generates repositioning instructions and guides patients to correct their position, enabling continuous scanning with maintained image quality through active feedback control.
4Manufacturing precision
If repeated scans are performed to correct motion artifacts, then image quality can be improved, but scanning time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of motion artifacts during the scanning process and immediately provides repositioning guidance to patients. By detecting and addressing motion issues during the scan rather than after completion, it prevents the need for repeated scans and reduces total scanning time while maintaining image quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to patient positioning. In order to improve patient positioning during a scan, an autonomous motion positioner is proposed using a critical range, which may correspond to maximum corrections achievable by the scanner hardware and the maximum tolerable image distortions. The critical range is determined based on one or more machine settings of the medical imaging system. As the machine setting(s) may vary in a given imaging exam, the critical range may dynamically change in response to a change of the machine setting in the given imaging exam. External sensors may measure, via a feedback loop, the deviation from the start position, i.e. the imaging pose position. If patient motion is too large and the motion parameter (e.g. translation and/or rotation) exceeds the determined critical range, then the scan process may be stopped. The autonomous scanner may hold in an idle mode. During that mode, the patient may be guided to retake its original position via a feedback system. A control loop may calculate critical range deviation and the scan process may be continued, if the motion parameter is less than the determined critical range. Accordingly, uncorrectable motion artefacts due to large body movements may be avoided. The motion positioner may be suitable for systems, such as MR, MR-LINAC, computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET).