Camera-Based Patient Support Height Adjustment in Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual adjustment of patient support height in medical imaging examinations is time-consuming and physically demanding, particularly when handling heavy objects, and varies significantly among operators with different experiences and working styles.
Innovation Solution
A medical image acquisition unit assistance apparatus equipped with cameras and a processing unit that automatically adjusts the patient support height based on the operator's height, using 2D and depth data to determine the operator's location and identity, enabling personalized workflow support features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual height adjustment is performed by the operator, then the patient support can be positioned, but the exam preparation time increases and physical burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support adjusts its own height automatically based on the operator's detected height, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system detects the operator's presence and automatically positions the support at the optimal height, making the system self-serve the operator's needs without requiring manual adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment operation is replaced by an automated system using optical detection (cameras) and control mechanisms. The system substitutes the operator's manual mechanical adjustment with an automated detection-and-adjustment process that measures the operator's height and positions the support accordingly.
2Ease of operation
If manual height adjustment is performed, then the patient support height can be changed, but the physical demand on the operator increases especially when carrying heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patient support system automatically detects the operator's height and adjusts itself without requiring the operator to exert physical force. The system serves itself by positioning the support at the appropriate height before the operator needs to interact with it, eliminating the need for the operator to manually lift or push heavy components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the height adjustment action in advance, before the operator needs to use the patient support. By detecting the operator's presence and pre-positioning the support at the optimal height, the system eliminates the need for the operator to perform physically demanding adjustments at the moment of need.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different operators with varying experience work on the same system, then operational flexibility is maintained, but consistency in workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures the patient support height based on each operator's measured height before they begin work. This preliminary customization ensures that every operator starts with the equipment already positioned optimally for them, eliminating variability in setup time and creating consistent workflow efficiency across all operators regardless of their experience level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides personalized adjustment for each operator based on their individual height characteristics. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the system tailors the patient support position to match each operator's specific physical attributes, ensuring optimal ergonomics and efficiency for each user while maintaining adaptability to different operators.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical image acquisition unit assistance apparatus (10) comprising: at least one camera (20); a processing unit (30); and an output unit (40). The at least one camera is configured to be located in the vicinity of a patient support of a medical image acquisition unit. The at least one camera is configured to acquire at least one data of a human operator standing adjacent to the patient support. The at least one camera is configured to provide the at least one data of the operator to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine a height of the operator, wherein the determination comprises utilization of the at least one data. The output unit is configured to output a signal to adjust a height of the patient support, wherein the adjustment comprises utilization of the height of the operator.