Image Capture Positioning Using Region-Specific Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging systems face inaccuracies in automatic positioning due to calibration precision issues with image capture apparatuses, particularly when calibration is performed on regions other than those directly facing the apparatus, and rely heavily on manual operations prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines a plurality of image capture apparatus parameters for multiple regions within the medical imaging system, selects the appropriate parameter for precise positioning, and automates the calibration process to ensure accuracy across all table positions, eliminating human error.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning operations are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated image capture apparatus that uses optical imaging and computational algorithms to determine patient anatomy location. The system captures images of anatomical landmarks, automatically identifies their positions, and calculates the precise location of the site to be examined, eliminating human error in positioning while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The image capture apparatus performs self-calibration by automatically capturing images of calibration targets at multiple positions, determining its own positioning parameters, and using these parameters to automatically position the patient. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the calibration and positioning tasks that previously required manual operator intervention, thereby improving accuracy while reducing operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed only in specific regions, then calibration simplicity is maintained, but calibration precision deteriorates for other regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the calibration process into multiple segments by performing calibration at multiple distinct positions across the patient table. The image capture apparatus captures calibration images at different locations, processes each image independently to determine positioning parameters for that region, and then uses these segmented calibration results to accurately position patients across the entire table. This segmentation approach improves calibration precision across all regions while managing complexity through systematic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by capturing images of calibration targets at multiple positions before actual patient scanning. These preliminary calibration images are processed to determine the image capture apparatus's positioning parameters in advance, ensuring that when patient images are captured, the system already has the necessary calibration data to achieve precise positioning. This preliminary action improves overall calibration precision without adding complexity during the actual scanning process.
3Productivity
If automated positioning is implemented, then positioning speed is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the image capture apparatus continuously captures images of calibration targets at multiple positions, processes these images to determine positioning parameters, and uses this feedback information to adjust and refine the positioning accuracy. The system captures patient anatomy images, automatically identifies anatomical landmarks, and uses this feedback to verify and correct positioning, thereby maintaining high accuracy while achieving fast automated positioning speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes positioning parameters by adjusting calibration data based on the specific location and characteristics of the site to be examined. The image capture apparatus determines different positioning parameters for different regions based on the calibration images captured at various positions. This parameter adaptation allows the automated system to maintain high positioning accuracy across different anatomical locations while preserving the speed benefits of automation through algorithmic processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning assisting method for an image capture apparatus, and a medical imaging system is provided. The method includes: determining a plurality of image capture apparatus parameters corresponding to a plurality of regions in the medical imaging system; selecting, from the plurality of image capture apparatus parameters, an image capture apparatus parameter corresponding to a region in which a site to be examined of a subject under examination is located; and performing processing of positioning of the site to be examined according to the selected image capture apparatus parameter.