Haptic Feedback Positioning for Medical Imaging Accessories
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurate and timely positioning of imaging accessories during medical imaging procedures is challenging, especially when requiring additional equipment to be placed on or adjacent to the patient, which can be difficult for patients or staff to manage, impacting throughput and safety.
Innovation Solution
An imaging accessory positioning system utilizing a position sensor, processing unit, and haptic feedback unit to provide intuitive and fast feedback to users, allowing for precise alignment of imaging accessories relative to a reference position, with haptic feedback generated directly on the accessory.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual feedback methods are used to guide positioning, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but the method requires the user to see the accessory which is not feasible when the patient is lying down
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual feedback mechanisms with haptic feedback mechanisms. Instead of requiring the patient to see visual indicators on the accessory, the system uses tactile vibrations and haptic signals that can be felt through touch. This substitution allows the patient to receive positioning guidance while lying down without needing to view visual displays, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces haptic feedback as an intermediary between the positioning system and the patient. The haptic feedback unit acts as a mediator that translates positioning information into tactile sensations that the patient can perceive through touch. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the need for accurate positioning information and the patient's limited ability to access visual feedback while supine.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning by staff is used, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but operator dependency increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables patients to perform self-positioning of imaging accessories with the guidance of haptic feedback. Instead of requiring staff to manually position each accessory for every patient, the system provides automated tactile guidance that allows patients to independently achieve accurate positioning. This self-service approach reduces operator dependency and increases patient throughput while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where haptic feedback provides real-time information to the patient about their positioning status. The system continuously monitors the accessory position and provides tactile feedback signals that guide the patient toward the correct positioning. This automated feedback loop replaces manual staff intervention, enabling accurate positioning without reducing productivity.
3Ease of operation
If complex visual instruction systems are deployed, then positioning guidance can be provided, but additional hardware is required and user interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex visual instruction systems with simpler haptic feedback mechanisms. Instead of requiring sophisticated visual displays, cameras, and processing systems to provide positioning guidance, the invention uses tactile feedback that can be delivered through simple vibration motors or haptic actuators integrated into the accessory. This substitution reduces hardware complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential positioning guidance function from complex visual systems and implements it through dedicated haptic feedback components. By separating the guidance function from visual display requirements and implementing it through tactile feedback, the system eliminates the need for additional complex hardware such as cameras, screens, and complex processing units, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an imaging accessory positioning system (11) and method for medical imaging. Haptic feedback (151) is used to assist a user (16) with positioning an imaging accessory (12) relative to a reference position (122). A position sensor (13) measures the position (121) of the imaging accessory (12) and provides a position signal (131). A processing unit (14) derives the position (121) of the imaging accessory (12) from the position signal (131), computes a feedback signal (141) based on the deviation between the position (121) of the imaging accessory (12) and the reference position (122), and provides the feedback signal (141) to a haptic feedback unit (15). The haptic feedback unit (15) generates haptic feedback (151) to assist the user (16). In one embodiment, the reference position (122) relative to a patient is automatically determined.