Breathing Motion Phantom With Multi-Axis Organ Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motion phantoms for medical imaging systems primarily simulate rigid body motion in one or two directions, failing to replicate the complex, elastic movements of human organs, and often lack the dual requirements for realistic appearance and internal structure necessary for both CT and MR imaging and camera analysis.
Innovation Solution
A phantom system comprising flexible fluid containers mimicking human chest motion, with tissue simulacra and a ribcage-like structure, hydraulically controlled to simulate realistic breathing motion, and an apparatus with linear actuators for generating multiple motion types, including tilting, rotating, and lifting, synchronized with image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If rigid body motion is simulated in one or two directions, then device complexity is reduced, but motion realism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phantom is divided into multiple independently controllable segments including at least one deformable segment and one rigid segment. Each segment can be actuated separately by independent actuators to simulate different aspects of physiological motion simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between simple device operation and realistic multi-directional motion simulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom incorporates both rigid and deformable segments that can dynamically change their mechanical properties during operation. The deformable segment can transition between rigid and flexible states, allowing the system to simulate complex physiological motion patterns that cannot be achieved with purely rigid structures, thereby improving motion realism without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single phantom design is used for both CT and camera experiments, then adaptability is improved, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the phantom are constructed with locally optimized materials and structures tailored to specific imaging modalities. The rigid segments use materials optimized for CT imaging with appropriate attenuation properties, while the deformable segments use materials with optical properties suitable for camera experiments. This local differentiation allows each segment to perform optimally for its intended imaging modality while the integrated system provides versatility across multiple modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom employs composite material construction where rigid segments and deformable segments are made from different material compositions optimized for their respective functions. The rigid segments may use radiopaque materials for CT visibility, while deformable segments use elastomers or gels with specific optical scattering properties for camera imaging, allowing the single phantom to maintain high image quality across different imaging modalities.
3Reliability
If multiple separate phantoms are built for different motion types, then motion realism is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple motion simulation capabilities are merged into a single integrated phantom system. The combination of rigid and deformable segments, each controlled by independent actuators, allows the single phantom to simulate various motion types (rigid body translation, rotation, and elastic deformation) that would otherwise require separate phantom devices, thereby reducing the number of phantoms needed while maintaining motion realism.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple motion simulation tasks through a single device. The deformable segment can be actuated to simulate elastic deformation, while the rigid segment can simulate rigid body motion, and both can operate simultaneously or independently to create complex composite motion patterns, making the single phantom versatile enough to replace multiple specialized phantoms.
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 provides a realistic simulation of human chest motion, creating complex artifacts in medical images and accommodating both CT and MR imaging needs, while ensuring accurate calibration and testing of imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first flexible fluid container hydraulically coupled to a second flexible fluid container which are caused to sequentially inflate and deflate by a pumping means hydraulically coupled to the first and second flexible fluid containers
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described an apparatus (200) for use with a medical imaging system (10). The apparatus comprises a phantom object (202) to be imaged, a linear actuator (206), an imaging stage (204) configured to receive the phantom object, and coupling means (214) configured to couple the imaging stage to the linear actuator. The coupling means are configured to generate at least one of a tilting motion (214a), a rotating motion (214b), and a lifting motion (214c), of the phantom object, when the linear actuator is in operation.