CT Scanner Laser Positioning System for X-Ray Area Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of CT scanners cannot visually determine where x-rays are directed on a patient, leading to incorrect patient positioning and the need for repeated scans, which increases radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
The use of first and second laser devices with prisms to project laser lines on the patient indicating the area exposed to x-rays, along with a third laser for orientation, and optionally a camera to project virtual lines on an external image, allowing operators to accurately position the patient before and during the scan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual indication of x-ray area is added to CT scanner, then patient positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces laser devices as intermediary tools that project visible lines onto the patient's body to indicate the x-ray exposure area. These laser devices act as mediators between the invisible x-ray beam and the operator's visual perception, allowing accurate positioning without requiring the operator to interpret complex technical parameters. The laser lines provide an intuitive visual guide that simplifies the positioning task while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical alignment process with an optical indication system. Instead of relying on mechanical adjustments and physical measurements to position the patient, the system uses laser projection to create visual boundaries that guide positioning. This substitution transforms a mechanically complex alignment task into a visually guided process, improving accuracy while the added optical components are relatively simple to integrate.
2Measurement precision
If repeated scans are performed due to incorrect positioning, then measurement precision is maintained, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing visual indication of the x-ray exposure area before the scan is performed. The laser devices project lines onto the patient's body to show exactly where the x-rays will be directed, allowing the operator to verify positioning and make adjustments before exposure begins. This preliminary visual confirmation prevents incorrect scans and the need for repetition, thereby reducing radiation exposure while ensuring image quality is achieved on the first attempt.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate visual feedback to the operator about where the x-rays will be directed. The laser lines create a real-time visual representation of the exposure area, allowing the operator to see whether the desired anatomical region is properly positioned within the indicated boundaries. This feedback mechanism enables corrective action before radiation exposure occurs, eliminating the need for repeated scans and reducing cumulative radiation dose.
3Productivity
If visual indication system is implemented, then scan efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser devices serve as simple intermediary tools that bridge the gap between the technical x-ray system and human visual perception. By projecting visible lines that correspond to the exposure area, the lasers provide an intuitive guide that accelerates the positioning process. The addition of these relatively simple optical components significantly improves scan efficiency by reducing positioning time and eliminating the need for trial-and-error adjustments.
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 accurate patient positioning, reducing the need for repeated scans by allowing operators to visually confirm the area of exposure, thus minimizing radiation exposure and improving scan efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each laser device includes a prism that deflects the laser beams to form a line on the patient
Implementation Method 2
A first laser device and a second laser device direct a laser beam on a patient before a CT scan
Data Source
AI summary
A first laser device and a second laser device direct a laser beam towards a patient before a CT scan to visually indicate an outer boundary of an area where x-rays will be directed during the CT scan. Each laser device includes a prism that deflects the laser beams to form lines on the patient that define an outer boundary of an area of the patient that will be exposed to the x-rays. If the area of the patient between the lines is not the desired area, the operator can move the patient until the desired area of the patient is located between the lines. A third laser device can direct a laser beam to define an outer boundary that is used to ensure proper orientation of the patient in the space.