Electronic Ruler for Medical Imaging Patient Beds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging patient beds lack an efficient method for marking scan limits relative to the patient's body position, with existing solutions being cumbersome and expensive, such as using physical rulers or electromechanical switches.
Innovation Solution
An integrated electronic ruler system on the patient bed, comprising a light strip, a laser distance meter, and a microcontroller, which illuminates the light strip based on distance measurements to mark scan limits, allowing for easy adjustment of imaging parameters and user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical rulers are adhered to the patient bed, then scan limits can be marked, but the system becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical ruler system with an optical-electronic system consisting of a laser distance meter, microcontroller, and light strip. The laser distance meter optically measures distance to the patient's body, the microcontroller processes this data, and the light strip visually indicates the scan limit position, eliminating the need for physical rulers and manual marking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the measurement scale on the light strip that corresponds to the actual patient bed position. The light strip displays illuminated segments that represent distance measurements, providing a visual replica of the measurement scale that moves or adjusts with the patient's position, eliminating the need for physical rulers.
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical switches are used to mark scan limits, then electronic marking is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electromechanical switches with a non-contact optical measurement system. The laser distance meter measures distance without physical contact, the microcontroller processes the measurement data, and the light strip provides visual feedback, eliminating the mechanical complexity and operational difficulty of electromechanical switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs measurement and marking functions without requiring user intervention to manually position rulers or activate switches. The laser distance meter continuously or periodically measures the distance to the patient's body, the microcontroller automatically processes this data, and the light strip automatically indicates the scan limit position, making the system self-servicing.
3Measurement precision
If electromechanical switches are used, then scan limits are marked electronically, but the materials become relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive components such as a laser distance meter, microcontroller, and light strip (comprised of LEDs or similar elements) that are significantly cheaper than electromechanical switches. These components have no moving parts, require minimal maintenance, and can be easily replaced if needed, reducing both initial manufacturing costs and long-term operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electromechanical switches with a more cost-effective optical-electronic system. The laser distance meter uses optical components rather than mechanical switches, the microcontroller provides intelligent processing without mechanical complexity, and the light strip uses simple LED elements instead of expensive electromechanical actuators, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
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
The system provides a reliable, non-invasive, and cost-effective means to mark scan limits, enhancing user experience and compliance with safety standards, while reducing the need for expensive electromechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
the time between the emission of the emitted laser and the reception of the reflected laser determines the distance measurement
Implementation Method 2
a laser distance meter attached to the open end of the trough; wherein the microcontroller is configured to illuminate the light strip after one or more distance measurements are received from the laser distance meter
Implementation Method 3
the laser distance meter further comprises a laser source configured to emit an emitted laser; and a laser receiver configured to receive a reflected laser
Implementation Method 4
a light strip, mounted to the medical imaging bed; wherein the microcontroller is configured to illuminate the light strip after one or more distance measurements are received from the laser distance meter
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments can provide a medical imaging patient bed with an integrated electronic ruler system, comprising a light strip, mounted to the medical imaging bed; a trough comprising an open end and a closed end, mounted to the medical imaging bed and oriented such that the light strip is bounded by the open end and the closed end of the trough; a laser distance meter attached to the open end of the trough; a microcontroller; and a power source configured to provide power to the light strip, laser distance meter, and microcontroller; wherein the microcontroller is configured to illuminate the light strip after one or more distance measurements are received from the laser distance meter when an object is inserted into the trough; wherein a position of the illumination of the light strip corresponds to the one or more distance measurements received from the laser distance meter.