CT Scanner Patient Motion Tracker Using Non-Concentric Laser Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient movement during a CT scan can negatively affect the quality of the resulting three-dimensional CT image, as existing technologies lack effective means to detect and correct for such movement in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A motion tracker system comprising a head band with three laser devices directing non-concentric laser beams to a charge coupled device, which detects movement and adjusts the x-ray images in real-time to maintain image stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the patient remains still during the CT scan, then the three-dimensional CT image quality is maintained, but the patient may experience discomfort or inability to remain motionless for the required duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors patient head position using laser devices and a charge-coupled device, providing real-time feedback about movement. This feedback loop enables the system to detect even minor movements and trigger appropriate corrections, allowing the patient to remain comfortable while maintaining image quality through automated compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical restraints or rigid fixation devices with an optical detection and computational correction system. Instead of mechanically constraining the patient's head, the system uses laser beams and digital image processing to detect and compensate for movements, thereby improving patient comfort while maintaining image quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time motion detection and correction is implemented, then patient movement does not affect the final three-dimensional CT image, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a charge-coupled device as an intermediary between the laser measurement system and the CT imaging system. This intermediary component captures the position of laser spots and translates them into movement data that can be used for correction, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling real-time motion compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or representation of the patient's head position and movement through the laser detection system. By capturing the positions of laser spots on the charge-coupled device, the system generates a simplified digital model of head movement that can be processed and used for image correction without requiring direct mechanical intervention.
3Measurement precision
If multiple laser devices with non-concentric axes are used to detect movement, then the precision of movement detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from one-dimensional or simple two-dimensional movement detection to comprehensive three-dimensional movement detection by using multiple laser devices with non-concentric axes. This spatial arrangement of lasers provides redundant measurement paths and enables accurate detection of movement in all three spatial dimensions, significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion detection function is divided into multiple independent laser measurement channels, each with its own laser device and detection path. This segmentation allows each laser to measure specific movement components, and the combined data from all segments provides comprehensive three-dimensional movement information with high precision.
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
Ensures that patient movement does not impact the final three-dimensional CT image by accurately detecting and correcting for movement, potentially requiring re-scans only when significant movement occurs.
Implementation Method 1
three laser devices that direct laser beams having non-concentric axes to a charge coupled device
Implementation Method 2
The charge coupled device detects the movement of the contact locations of the laser beams on the charge coupled device
Data Source
AI summary
A motion tracker including a head band and laser devices that direct laser beams having non-concentric axes to a charge coupled device is used to determine movement of a patient during a CT scan. When the patient is motionless, the laser devices each direct a laser beam along a line, and the laser beams contact the charge coupled device at a contact location. If the patient moves, the laser devices, and therefore the contact locations, move. The charge coupled device detects the movement of the contact locations to determine the movement of the patient. A computer adjusts the x-ray image taken at the time of the movement to accommodate for this movement.