Automated Medical Imaging Structure Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual positioning of patients within the field of view of medical imaging systems is cumbersome, time-consuming, and complex, especially in multi-modality systems like CT-PET and NM, leading to inefficient data acquisition and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system with a structure detecting module that automatically positions a structure of interest within the field of view by detecting images, determining optimal positions, and moving the imaging detector to ensure the structure is centered, utilizing a controller to adjust the patient table and imaging components based on count rates and persistence images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning is used to center the structure within the FOV, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting the structure's location in the persistence image and adjusting the patient table or detector position without operator intervention. The processor calculates the required displacement based on the structure's position relative to the FOV center and automatically executes the positioning adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated computer-controlled system. The processor analyzes the persistence image to determine structure location and automatically controls the motorized patient table or detector positioning mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning is performed while viewing persistence images, then the structure can be centered, but patient discomfort increases due to prolonged stillness requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic positioning using the persistence image before the actual diagnostic scan begins. This allows the structure to be centered in advance, reducing the time the patient must remain still during the critical imaging phase and thereby minimizing patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated positioning system performs the centering operation independently without requiring continuous manual monitoring or adjustment during the scan setup, reducing the overall time the patient must remain in a fixed position and thereby reducing discomfort.
3Measurement precision
If manual positioning is used with small FOV or multi-pinhole collimator systems, then positioning can be achieved, but the complexity of the positioning process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual positioning operations with automated image-processing-based control. The processor automatically calculates the displacement needed based on persistence image analysis, simplifying the positioning process for complex systems with small FOV or multi-pinhole collimators by eliminating manual coordination requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the persistence image to automatically adjust positioning. The processor continuously monitors the structure's position in the persistence image and automatically adjusts the patient table or detector position until optimal centering is achieved, simplifying the positioning process for complex imaging systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient, automated patient positioning, reducing the need for manual adjustments, minimizing scan reacquisitions, and enhancing imaging quality by ensuring the structure of interest is consistently within the field of view, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
at least one imaging detector for detecting radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging system for automatically positioning a structure of interest within a field of view (FOV) of an imaging detector comprises at least one imaging detector for detecting radiation. The imaging detector has a FOV and detects a first image while at a first system position with respect to a predetermined reference point. A structure detecting module detects a structure of interest within the first image and determines whether the structure of interest is within the FOV of the imaging detector. The structure detecting module determines a second system position with respect to the predetermined reference point at which the structure of interest will be positioned within the FOV of the imaging detector, and a controller moves the FOV of the imaging detector to the second system position.