Diaphragm-State Triggering for Consistent Medical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The comparison of medical images is compromised by variations in the patient's diaphragm state due to lung inflation and deflation, leading to uncertainty and potential errors in diagnosis, as existing non-rigid registration algorithms rely on models and assumptions, and maintaining a consistent diaphragm state is challenging due to physical and psychological factors.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors to detect patient data, an input unit to convert this data into computer-readable values, and a control unit to automatically initiate medical imaging based on the determined diaphragm state, ensuring consistent imaging conditions by triggering the capture of medical images when the diaphragm state matches a desired or previous state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If non-rigid registration algorithms are used to address diaphragm state variations, then the comparison of medical images can be performed, but the degree of uncertainty within the medical image is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to compare images with varying diaphragm statesVSAvoidprecision of diagnosis

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting the diaphragm state before acquiring the medical image and using this information to control the imaging timing. The sensor detects diaphragm position, and the control unit uses this data to trigger image acquisition only when the diaphragm is in the desired state, preventing the need for post-acquisition correction algorithms and maintaining image reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the diaphragm state via sensors and using this information to control the timing of image acquisition. The control unit receives sensor data about diaphragm position and adjusts the imaging trigger accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that ensures consistent diaphragm state across images without requiring uncertain registration algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If manual triggering is used to maintain consistent diaphragm state, then some control over imaging timing is achieved, but the ease of operation is reduced and patient cooperation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of diaphragm stateVSAvoidsimplicity of imaging process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by using automatic sensors to detect the patient's diaphragm state and autonomously controlling the image acquisition timing. The control unit processes sensor data and triggers imaging without requiring manual intervention or patient cooperation, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for technician intervention while maintaining diagnostic reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the mechanical/manual triggering system with an automated sensor-based control system. Instead of requiring manual timing or patient cooperation to maintain diaphragm state consistency, electronic sensors and control units automatically detect and respond to diaphragm position, substituting mechanical operation with automated electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If postprocessing algorithms are used to correct diaphragm state variations, then image comparison is possible, but the device complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle varying diaphragm statesVSAvoidcomplexity of image processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the diaphragm state detection function into a separate sensor system that operates independently from the imaging system. By using dedicated sensors to monitor diaphragm position and feeding this information to the control unit, the complex postprocessing correction algorithms are eliminated, and the system handles diaphragm state management through simple temporal coordination based on sensor data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250387028A1Auto trigger of medical imaging by diaphragm state

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE PTE LTD

AI summary

A system for acquiring a medical image of a patient, comprises: a medical imaging unit configured to acquire the medical image; at least one sensor configured to acquire sensor data of the patient; an input unit configured to receive the sensor data; and a control unit configured to initiate acquisition of the medical image based on the sensor data. The system may automatically initiate acquisition of the medical image based on the diaphragm state of the patient. Accordingly, respective postprocessing algorithms may be rendered unnecessary, and the usage of models and assumptions may be avoided.