Flexible Proximity Sensor Array for Gamma Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity sensors for gamma cameras in medical imaging systems are not adaptable to curved surfaces, protrude and interfere with scanning arrangements, and are expensive, limiting their positioning and increasing the overall cost of the imaging system.
Innovation Solution
A flexible proximity sensor array with sensors arranged in rows and columns on a deformable substrate, allowing for mounting flush to the gamma camera surface and reducing interference, coupled with a method of fabricating these sensors for integration with the imaging system to prevent contact with patients or other cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional proximity sensors protrude beyond the detector surface to enable early contact detection, then proximity detection capability is improved, but the gamma camera cannot be positioned in certain scanning arrangements such as L-mode configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor array is mounted on a flexible substrate that can be deformed to conform to the curved scanning surface of the gamma camera detector. This allows the sensor array to be positioned flush with the detector surface without protruding, enabling use in various scanning arrangements including L-mode configuration while maintaining proximity detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional proximity sensors are mounted on gamma cameras with curved scanning surfaces, then proximity detection is enabled, but the flat profile sensors are not easily adaptable to curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible substrate is used to mount the proximity sensor array, allowing the sensor array to be deformed and conform to the curved scanning surface of the gamma camera detector. This flexible mounting approach enables easy adaptation to curved surfaces without requiring complex custom fabrication for each camera geometry.
3Reliability
If conventional proximity sensors are used to prevent contact between gamma camera and patient, then safety is improved, but the overall cost of the imaging system increases due to expensive sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensing function is divided into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged in an array on the flexible substrate. This segmentation allows for cost-effective fabrication using standard sensor array technologies while maintaining comprehensive coverage for safety detection across the entire gamma camera surface.
4Measurement precision
If gamma camera is placed as close as possible to the patient to minimize resolution loss, then imaging resolution is improved, but contact with the patient may occur causing safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor array detects potential contact between the gamma camera and patient before actual contact occurs. The sensor array mounted flush on the detector surface provides early warning, allowing the system to take preliminary action to prevent contact while maintaining the camera's close proximity to the patient for high-resolution imaging.
Data Source
AI summary
A proximity sensor array for a medical imaging system includes a flexible substrate configured to be mounted to a detector, and a plurality of sensors disposed on the substrate, the flexible substrate being deformable to contact a sensing surface of the detector. A method of fabricating a proximity sensor array and a medical imaging system are also described herein.