CT Laser Marking Device Rotary Frame Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for marking intervention positions in computed tomography units require complex numerical calculations and accurate knowledge of the laser light sight's position relative to the recording system, making precise and efficient marking challenging.

Innovation Solution

A computed tomography unit with a marking device assigned to the rotary frame and arranged directly in the recording plane, allowing for precise positioning and alignment of a laser beam for marking intervention positions and angles, using a plurality of laser diodes that can be adjusted in multiple axes for flexible marking during both planning and operation phases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a laser light sight is assigned to a C arm of an x-ray device and adjusted in the plane defined by the C arm, then the intervention position can be marked, but complex numerical calculations and accurate knowledge of the laser light sight position relative to the recording system are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking precisionVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking device is merged with the rotary frame of the computed tomography unit and arranged directly in the recording plane. This integration causes the marking device to move synchronously with the recording system during rotation, eliminating the need for complex coordinate transformations and calculations between different reference systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The marking device is designed to function both during the planning phase (for marking intervention positions in the volume image) and during the operational phase (for real-time marking during rotation). This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating the marking device into the rotary frame, allowing it to participate in both planning and execution without requiring separate positioning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the marking device is assigned to the rotary frame and arranged directly in the recording plane, then complex coordinate system transformations are eliminated, but the device requires precise mechanical integration with the rotary frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation complexityVSAvoidintegration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The marking device is physically integrated into the rotary frame structure, becoming a permanent component that moves with the frame during rotation. This merging ensures that the marking device maintains a fixed geometric relationship with the recording system throughout the scanning process, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The marking device is pre-positioned and fixed to the rotary frame during manufacturing, establishing the correct geometric relationship between the marking device and the recording system before operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that no complex coordinate transformations are needed during actual use, as the spatial relationship is predetermined and maintained by the mechanical integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple laser diodes are used for flexible marking during planning and operation phases, then marking versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarking flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking device is segmented into multiple independent laser diodes arranged around the periphery of the rotary frame. Each laser diode can be independently activated based on the rotational position and marking requirements, allowing flexible marking during both planning and operational phases while keeping each individual component simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The marking device utilizes the dynamic rotation of the rotary frame to achieve versatility. By synchronizing the activation of specific laser diodes with the rotational position, the system can mark different positions and angles without requiring complex mechanical adjustments, thereby achieving adaptability through dynamic operation rather than static complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise, intuitive, and efficient marking of intervention positions and angles without complex coordinate system transformations, allowing for accurate placement and alignment of surgical instruments, even during rotational movements of the rotary frame.

Implementation Method 1

at least one marking device (5) for the positionally accurate marking of an intervention position (6) by way of a laser beam (10) on an object (11) to be examined

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS7798709B2Computed tomography unit and method for a computed tomography unit having at least one marking device for the positionally accurate marking of an intervention position by way of a laser beam on an object to be examined
Publication Date: 2010.09.21 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • US7798709B2 patent drawing
  • US7798709B2 patent drawing
  • US7798709B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computed tomography unit and a method are disclosed, for a computed tomography unit having at least one marking device for the positionally accurate marking of an intervention position by way of a laser beam on an object to be examined. The at least one marking device is assigned to a rotary frame of the computed tomography unit and is arranged directly in a recording plane of a recording system. As such, a positionally accurate marking of an intervention position with the aid of simple devices/methods is possible without a large numerical outlay, particularly even during operation of the computed tomography unit, that is say during a rotational movement of the rotary frame.