Camera-Guided MR Patient Table Positioning for Isocenter Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual positioning of a patient table within a magnetic resonance apparatus is challenging for untrained operators, making it difficult to accurately align the patient or object with the isocenter for examination.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a magnetic resonance apparatus with a position acquisition unit, such as a camera, to acquire position data of the patient table and object, and a setting unit to automatically or manually set the position using acquired data, facilitated by a monitoring unit that provides setting parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of the patient table is used, then the operator can control the positioning process, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates for untrained operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a camera to capture images of the patient table position and provides real-time visual feedback to the operator. The monitoring unit displays the current position and guides the operator to adjust the table until the target position is achieved, thereby improving positioning accuracy without removing manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera and monitoring unit act as an intermediary between the operator and the patient table. Instead of directly manipulating the table without guidance, the operator uses the visual information from the monitoring unit as a mediator to achieve accurate positioning, bridging the gap between manual control and precision requirements.
2Productivity
If automatic positioning is implemented, then positioning speed increases, but the ability to prevent undesirable movements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the operator to perform positioning independently using the visual guidance from the monitoring unit. The operator can rapidly adjust the table position based on real-time feedback without requiring external assistance or complex automated systems, achieving both speed and safety control.
3Measurement precision
If a camera-based position acquisition unit is added, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical encoders or laser measurement systems, the patent uses a camera to create a visual copy of the patient table position. This optical copying method provides sufficient positioning precision while avoiding the complexity of precision mechanical measurement systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and a monitoring unit, wherein the MR apparatus includes: a scanner unit to acquire medical MR data; a patient receiving region surrounded at least in part by the scanner unit; a patient positioning apparatus having a patient table designed to be movable into the patient receiving region; a position acquisition unit to acquire position data of a position of the patient table and/or of an object positioned on the patient table, wherein the position acquisition unit comprises a camera; and a setting unit operable, based on a provided setting parameter, to set the position of the patient table and/or of the object on the patient table, wherein the monitoring unit is designed so as, with the acquired position data, to provide the setting parameter for setting a position of the patient table and/or of the object on the patient table.