Automated Patient Positioning via Image-Guided Couch Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical systems, such as CT and MRI systems, face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning patients due to manual methods, which decrease the accuracy and efficiency of medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a processor and storage device to obtain data on a scanning range, acquire images of the patient, determine the position of the scanning range, and automatically move the couch to a position where the scanning range is aligned with the radiation region of the medical device, using a trained machine learning model and coordinate systems for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning by operator according to experience is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the positioning accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated image-guided positioning system. The system captures images of the subject on the couch, processes these images to determine the scanning range position, and automatically calculates couch movement distance. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with automated image processing and calculation significantly improves positioning accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automatic execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically capturing images, determining the scanning range position, calculating required couch movement, and executing the positioning without continuous manual intervention. The automated nature of the system allows it to service itself in terms of positioning operations, reducing reliance on operator experience while maintaining simplicity.
2Productivity
If manual positioning by operator according to experience is used, then the system is easy to operate, but the procedure efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated image-guided positioning system replaces manual positioning operations, significantly improving procedure efficiency. The system automatically captures images, determines positions, calculates movement distances, and executes couch positioning, eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual experience-based positioning while keeping the interface simple for operator initiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing images and determining the scanning range position before couch movement is executed. This preliminary image acquisition and position determination streamlines the overall process, allowing efficient automated positioning without requiring complex manual operations during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If automated image-guided positioning is implemented, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated image-guided positioning by replacing manual positioning with an integrated system that captures images, processes them to determine scanning range position, and automatically calculates couch movement. This substitution improves positioning accuracy while managing complexity through automation of the entire positioning workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single automated positioning system: image capture, image processing, position determination, movement calculation, and couch control. This multi-functionality achieves high positioning accuracy while consolidating complexity into a unified automated system rather than separate manual operations.
4Reliability
If automated image-guided positioning is implemented, then procedure quality is enhanced, but initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated image-guided positioning system enhances procedure quality by replacing manual positioning with objective image-based measurement and automated calculation. This substitution ensures consistent, accurate positioning that improves procedure reliability while managing system complexity through integration and automation of all positioning functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from captured images to determine the actual position of the scanning range and automatically calculates the required couch movement distance. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate positioning by continuously monitoring image data and adjusting couch position accordingly, enhancing procedure quality while the automated feedback loop manages operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for positioning in medical systems are provided. The system may obtain data associated with a scanning range of a subject. The system may also obtain an image of the subject on a couch of a medical radiation device. The image may be acquired by an imaging device when the couch is at a first position. The system may determine a position of the scanning range of the subject in the image. The system may further cause, based on the position of the scanning range in the image, the couch to move to a second position. The scanning range of the subject may be in a radiation region of the medical radiation device when the couch is located at the second position.