Bore-Mounted 3D Camera Layout for Accurate Patient Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring systems in integrated bore-based medical apparatus struggle to provide accurate monitoring of patient positioning and movement during scanning and treatment due to suboptimal camera setups and calibration challenges, especially when patients are moved between imaging and treatment positions.
Innovation Solution
A 3D camera system with image sensors mounted on opposing surfaces of a circuit board and using mirrors to redirect image views, along with a speckle projector, is designed to reduce physical size while maintaining accuracy. The system includes a calibration method using a calibration object with marked surfaces to align images from different locations, ensuring precise patient positioning models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conventional camera setup is used for patient monitoring, then the camera can capture images, but the physical size is large and the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by mounting image sensors on opposing surfaces of a circuit board (transitioning from a single-plane to a three-dimensional arrangement) and using mirrors to redirect light paths. This allows the camera to achieve a compact physical footprint while maintaining an extended field of view through optical path folding, directly resolving the contradiction between small size and large field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the first and second image sensors within the same housing structure on opposing sides of the circuit board, with mirrors positioned to redirect views from both sensors through the same optical path. This nested arrangement allows multiple sensing elements to occupy a compact volume while collectively providing an expanded field of view.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are used to monitor patient positions, then coverage is improved, but calibration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple cameras into a single integrated monitoring system by combining images from the first and second image sensors within one housing. The processor integrates these multiple views to create comprehensive patient positioning information, thereby achieving enhanced monitoring coverage while simplifying calibration compared to using separate camera systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single camera system that performs multiple monitoring functions simultaneously - capturing images from different angles (setup position and treatment position) using the same housing, processors, and calibration framework. This universal design achieves versatile monitoring coverage without the increased calibration complexity that would result from using multiple independent camera systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the camera system is made compact, then installation space is reduced, but image quality and accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains measurement precision in a compact form factor by transitioning to three-dimensional sensor arrangement with sensors on opposing surfaces of the circuit board. This vertical stacking approach preserves the optical quality and resolution of each sensor while reducing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining patient positioning accuracy despite the reduced overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mirrors as intermediary elements to redirect light paths from the compact sensor arrangement to the image processing components. These mirrors enable the compact optical layout to achieve the same effective field of view and image quality as a larger conventional system, preserving measurement precision while reducing installation space requirements.
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
The system enables reduced size and increased field of view for the camera, allowing for accurate patient monitoring and positioning within bore-based medical systems, facilitating effective treatment by minimizing distortion and ensuring consistent patient alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror positioned within the housing so that the first image sensor is presented with a first view of an object to be imaged via the first mirror
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror positioned within the housing so that the second image sensor is presented with a second view of an object to be imaged via the second mirror
Data Source
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AI summary
A camera monitoring system for a bore based medical apparatus is described, wherein the camera monitoring system comprises a first and a second image sensor mounted on opposing surfaces of a circuit board. The first image sensor is arranged to view an object from a first viewpoint via a first lens arrangement and a first mirror and the second image sensor is arranged to view the object from a second viewpoint via a second lens arrangement and a second mirror. By having the image sensors view an object via the mirrors, via the lens arrangements, the lens arrangements contribute to the effective separation of the first and second viewpoints enabling the size of the housing of the camera to be reduced. Furthermore, a method for calibrating a camera monitoring system in a bore based setup is described and also a configuration of arranging a camera monitoring system in connection with a bore based medical apparatus.