Electrode Positioning via Image Overlay for Bio-Impedance Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Precise positioning of electrodes on a patient's body is challenging for non-medically trained individuals, as it requires medical and technical knowledge, especially in home environments for bio-impedance measurements, where variations in electrode placement can affect the accuracy of serial measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a reference image to virtually project electrode positions onto a patient's body, utilizing a camera system to match and indicate the correct placement, with optional stereo imaging for spatial accuracy and a radiation pointer system for precise alignment, allowing non-medically trained persons to accurately position electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a not medically trained person positions electrodes manually, then the operation is simple and requires no special equipment, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference image (a copy of the correct electrode placement) to guide the positioning process. The reference image contains pre-determined electrode positions that are copied onto the patient's body through image overlay, allowing non-medical personnel to achieve accurate placement without requiring medical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system as an intermediary between the user and the electrode positioning task. This intermediary automatically compares the actual image with the reference image, calculates the transformation parameters, and guides the positioning, thereby eliminating the need for medical training while maintaining high accuracy.
2Reliability
If electrode placement varies between measurements, then the measurement process is flexible and easy to perform, but the measurement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the image processing system continuously monitors the electrode placement by comparing actual images with reference images. The system provides visual feedback through overlay displays and numerical feedback through transformation parameters, guiding the user to achieve consistent positioning across multiple measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-determining the correct electrode positions in the reference image before the actual measurement takes place. This preliminary positioning guide is then applied to each new measurement, ensuring that the same positions are used consistently without requiring the user to make judgments about correct placement each time.
3Measurement precision
If a stereo camera system is used to capture actual images, then the positioning accuracy is improved through spatial distance determination, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image analysis to 3D spatial analysis by using a stereo camera system. The stereo camera captures images from two different viewpoints, enabling the image processing system to calculate real spatial distances on the patient's body surface. This dimensional enhancement allows for more accurate electrode positioning by accounting for the three-dimensional topology of the body.
Data Source
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AI summary
For obtaining a sequence of mutually comparable measurement results, it is desirable to position a number of electrodes on a patient body (10) at substantially the same position for each measurement. As such measurements may be performed every day, it is desirable for a patient to be able to perform the measurement at home, for example. The present invention provides a method and system (100) for enabling a not medically trained person to position the electrodes at substantially the same position for each measurement. The method comprises capturing an image (126) of the patient (10) and comparing the image (126) with a reference image (128). In the reference image (128), the electrode positions (130) are indicated. The electrode positions (130) of the reference image (128) are superimposed on the image (126) of the patient (10). An indicator system (134) indicates the position (130) of the electrodes such that the patient (10) may position the electrodes correctly.