Medical Imaging Couch Sagging Compensation via Deformation Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures are compromised by couch deformation, leading to poor image quality and inaccurate positioning due to unaccounted vertical sagging, which current systems cannot effectively correct.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using processors and storage to determine deformation measurements of a couch at reference points in both imaging and treatment positions, employing optical, rangefinder, or electromagnetic induction devices to adjust positions and compensate for sagging, ensuring precise alignment and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the couch is extended along the longitudinal direction to scanning regions of multi-modality imaging devices, then the subject can be transferred to different imaging regions, but the couch sags causing poor image qualities and imprecise fused images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of couch deformation at multiple positions along the longitudinal direction before actual imaging procedures. By pre-characterizing the sagging behavior at each position, the system can compensate for these deformations during image acquisition and fusion, ensuring positioning precision is maintained despite couch extension for multi-modality imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where deformation measurements are continuously acquired at different couch positions, and these measurements are used to dynamically adjust positioning parameters. The measured sagging data feeds back into the image fusion algorithm to correct for positional deviations, maintaining imaging quality throughout the extended couch range
2Ease of operation
If the couch is moved from imaging device to treatment device, then the subject can be transferred for treatment, but the couch sags causing inaccurate positioning of target point
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-measures couch deformation at both imaging and treatment positions, establishing a deformation profile for the entire transfer path. This preliminary characterization allows the system to calculate compensatory adjustments needed for accurate target point positioning at the treatment device, ensuring precision is maintained throughout the transfer process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from deformation measurements taken at imaging and treatment positions to dynamically correct positioning data. The measured sagging values are fed back into the positioning system to adjust the coordinates of the target point, ensuring accurate localization despite couch movement and deformation during transfer
3Productivity
If the couch moves in horizontal direction to transfer subject, then the subject can be positioned at scanning region, but vertical offset or sagging cannot be read out from motion control system
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary measurement device (such as a laser rangefinder or optical sensor) that specifically measures vertical couch position and deformation. This intermediary device complements the horizontal motion control system by providing the missing vertical position information, enabling complete spatial characterization of the couch at any given position
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces reliance on the mechanical motion control system's vertical readout (which is insufficient) with an optical or electromagnetic measurement system. This substitution enables accurate measurement of vertical sagging and offset through non-contact methods, recovering the lost vertical position information without interfering with horizontal transfer efficiency
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 effectively corrects couch sagging, enhancing image quality and accuracy in multi-modality imaging and IGRT procedures by adjusting positions based on measured deformation differences, stabilizing the spatial position of subjects during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
employing optical, rangefinder, or electromagnetic induction devices to adjust positions and compensate for sagging
Implementation Method 2
employing optical, rangefinder, or electromagnetic induction devices to adjust positions and compensate for sagging
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a deformation measurement of a couch in a medical procedure may include determining a first deformation measurement of the couch at a reference point, the first deformation measurement corresponding to a first working position of the couch. The method may also include determining a second deformation measurement of the couch at the reference point, the second deformation measurement corresponding to a second working position of the couch. The method may further include determining a difference between the first deformation measurement and the second deformation measurement and causing an adjustment of one of the first working position and the second working position of the couch based on the difference between the first deformation measurement and the second deformation measurement.