Medical Imaging Table Lateral Alignment Using Image Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning an object relative to a gantry in medical imaging devices, such as a human or animal body part, are prone to misalignment due to changes in position during imaging, leading to image distortions and potential misdiagnosis, especially when lateral alignment is not accurately maintained.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an adjustment system to perform lateral translational movements of a support structure relative to the gantry system axis, aided by image data analysis and machine learning algorithms, to automatically correct deviations in the object's position and ensure precise alignment using optical and radiological data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning using pillows or similar aids is used for lateral alignment of the skull, then the alignment can be achieved, but the position of the object may change between alignment and imaging data acquisition due to curiosity or discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting the object's position using image data and actuating the adjustment system to align the object with the gantry opening, eliminating the need for manual positioning and subsequent position changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the object's position using image data during the examination and provides real-time feedback to the adjustment system to maintain proper alignment, preventing position drift that occurs with manual positioning methods
2Extent of automation
If automatic table height adjustment is used, then the vertical positioning can be adjusted, but lateral alignment of the skull still requires manual intervention which is imprecise and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment system is designed to perform both vertical positioning (table height adjustment) and lateral alignment functions, consolidating multiple positioning tasks into a single automated system that handles all alignment requirements with consistent precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning (pillows and manual table adjustment) with an automated mechanical adjustment system controlled by image data analysis, achieving both vertical and lateral alignment automatically without manual intervention
3Productivity
If the object position is not continuously monitored and adjusted, then the imaging process can proceed without interruption, but image distortions occur due to position changes leading to potential misdiagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the object's position using image data throughout the imaging process and maintains continuous adjustment capability, ensuring position stability without interrupting the imaging workflow to achieve both productivity and image quality
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for adjusting the position of an object under investigation relative to a gantry of a medical imaging device, the method comprising: - positioning the object under investigation on a support structure of an examination table of the medical imaging device, - acquiring image data relating to the object under investigation, - calculating an actual position relating to the object under investigation based on the image data, - calculating, based on the actual position and a target position relating to the object under investigation, adjustment data for the adjustment system in order to influence the actual position by means of the lateral translational movement of the support structure relative to the system axis in order to align it with the target position, wherein the lateral translational movement is horizontal and perpendicular to the system axis, - adjusting the position of the object under investigation relative to the gantry.by performing the lateral translational movement of the bearing structure relative to the system axis using the adjustment system based on the adjustment data.