Medical Imaging Calibration Using Image-Based Subject Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of lasers for positioning scanned subjects in medical imaging systems leads to high costs and accuracy issues if the subject is not aligned correctly, posing safety concerns and compromising the calibration reliability.

Innovation Solution

A calibration method that involves obtaining an image of a reference object and a scanned subject, determining distances, and moving the subject to a preset position for accurate calibration without the need for a laser apparatus, thereby simplifying the process and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a laser apparatus is used to position the scanned subject, then the calibration process can be performed, but the cost of the medical imaging system increases and safety concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the laser apparatus from the calibration system and replaces it with a camera-based imaging system. The camera captures images of the scanned subject and reference objects, and a processor calculates distances and positions without requiring laser irradiation. This extraction of the laser component eliminates the associated costs and safety concerns while maintaining calibration functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical images captured by a camera as a copy or representation of the scanned subject's position, rather than relying on direct laser irradiation. The image serves as an intermediary that allows the system to determine spatial relationships and calculate positions indirectly, replacing the direct laser-based positioning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If a laser apparatus is used for positioning, then the calibration can be performed, but the accuracy is compromised if the subject is not strictly aligned with the laser

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously captures images of the scanned subject and reference objects, and the processor calculates distances and positions in real-time. This feedback loop allows the system to detect and correct positioning errors, ensuring accurate calibration without requiring strict alignment with a laser beam. The system adapts to the actual position of the subject based on image analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical laser alignment system with an optical imaging and computational system. Instead of relying on physical laser beams and strict mechanical alignment, the system uses camera imaging and mathematical calculations to determine positions and calculate distances, thereby achieving higher positioning accuracy with greater flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a laser apparatus is used for positioning, then the calibration process can be completed, but safety concerns are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration reliabilityVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential harm of laser radiation into a beneficial optical imaging system. By using a camera to capture images and a processor to analyze spatial relationships, the system eliminates the harmful laser radiation entirely while maintaining the calibration function. The optical imaging approach provides a safe alternative that avoids the safety concerns associated with laser apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS20250366715A1Calibration method for medical imaging system, and medical imaging system
Publication Date: 2025.12.04 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US20250366715A1 patent drawing
  • US20250366715A1 patent drawing
  • US20250366715A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Aa calibration method for a medical imaging system and a medical imaging system includes: obtaining a first image including a reference object and a scanned subject, and determining a first distance according to the first image. The first distance includes a distance from at least one point of the scanned subject to the reference object. The method further includes moving the scanned subject to a preset position according to the first distance and a second distance from the reference object to the preset position; and calibrating a parameter of the medical imaging system by using the scanned subject at the preset position.