Camera Superimposition for Medical Imaging Position Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical image capturing apparatuses face difficulties in confirming the designated imaging position after the table starts moving, especially when it enters the scan gantry unit, making it challenging for operators to align the imaging position accurately.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a camera image acquisition unit to capture images before, during, and after table movement, and a superimposed image generation unit to display the imaging position on the camera image, allowing for continuous confirmation of the designated imaging position on a display unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the table moves to align the imaging position with the detection unit, then the imaging position can be accurately positioned, but the imaging position becomes difficult to confirm visually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device to capture images of the subject and table from above. This camera image serves as a visual mediator that allows operators to confirm the imaging position and table movement status without directly observing the interior of the scan gantry unit, thus resolving the contradiction between precise positioning and visual confirmation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (camera image) of the physical arrangement of the subject and table. This copied image is displayed on a monitor, allowing operators to observe the imaging position and table movement status indirectly. The camera image acts as a representation that maintains the spatial relationships while enabling easy visual confirmation throughout the movement process.
2Productivity
If the table enters the scan gantry unit, then the imaging process can be performed, but the imaging position becomes even more difficult to confirm
Solution Approach 1:
The camera positioned above the scan gantry unit acts as an intermediary that captures images during the table's entry into the gantry. This allows the imaging process to proceed efficiently while the operator can simultaneously monitor the imaging position through the camera image displayed on the monitor, eliminating the visual confirmation difficulty that would otherwise occur inside the gantry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the observation by positioning the camera above the scan gantry unit rather than requiring direct horizontal observation inside the gantry. This dimensional change allows operators to view the imaging position from above through the camera image, making it possible to confirm position accuracy both during table movement and when the table is inside the gantry.
3Ease of operation
If the imaging position is designated before table movement, then the alignment process can be initiated, but the imaging position cannot be confirmed after table movement starts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a continuous visual copy of the table and subject position through the camera image displayed on the monitor. This allows operators to easily designate the imaging position before movement while simultaneously tracking its actual position during movement through the same visual interface, eliminating the confirmation difficulty that would otherwise occur after movement starts.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera image acquisition unit continuously captures images throughout the table movement process, providing continuous visual feedback. This continuous observation allows operators to confirm the imaging position at any stage of movement, maintaining ease of operation from the initial designation through the entire movement process without interruption or loss of visual confirmation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a medical image capturing apparatus and a control method of the same that enable confirmation of an imaging position designated with respect to a subject even after a start of movement of a table.There is provided a medical image capturing apparatus including: a table on which a subject is placed; a scan gantry unit that includes a detection unit which detects a signal obtained from the subject; an image generation unit that generates a medical image by using a detection signal transmitted from the detection unit; a display unit that displays the medical image; a camera that images the subject on the table; and an imaging position designation unit that designates an imaging position with respect to the subject before movement of the table, in which the medical image capturing apparatus further includes: a camera image acquisition unit that acquires a camera image captured by the camera before, during, or after the movement of the table; and a superimposed image generation unit that generates a superimposed image in which the imaging position is superimposed on the camera image and displays the superimposed image on the display unit.