Medical Imaging Table Probe Repositioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in accurately reproducing the position and orientation of a subject and a probe between pre-treatment and post-treatment imaging sessions, leading to inconsistencies in image comparison and treatment efficacy assessment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a table assembly with movable mechanisms and a probe support assembly with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing precise positioning and orientation of the subject and probe, which can be recorded and reproduced for consistent imaging sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the subject and probe is used during imaging sessions, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the position and orientation cannot be accurately reproduced between pre-treatment and post-treatment imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses physical markers attached to the subject and probe, along with imaging equipment, to create a reproducible spatial map. The markers serve as reference points that can be detected and used to reproduce the exact position and orientation of the subject and probe between different imaging sessions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems while achieving high reproduction accuracy.
2Reliability
If complex moving mechanisms are added to reproduce probe position and orientation, then imaging consistency improves, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the imaging equipment itself to detect the markers and calculate position information, rather than requiring separate complex positioning mechanisms. The imaging system performs dual functions: both capturing diagnostic images and measuring spatial positions through marker detection, thereby achieving reliable position reproduction without adding operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple markers and complex detection systems are used to track subject and probe positions, then position reproduction accuracy improves, but the device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The markers serve multiple functions: they act as both diagnostic references and position measurement references. The same imaging equipment used for diagnostic purposes also detects the markers to determine spatial positions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated positioning systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system including: a table assembly for supporting a subject in one or more examination positions; a table support assembly for supporting the table assembly, wherein the table support assembly includes: one or more moving mechanisms controlled to move the table assembly relative to a reference point along one or more axes, and to rotate the table assembly around the one or more axes; and a probe support assembly comprising: a grip for holding a probe; and an arrangement of a plurality of arms and joints controlled to movably support the probe that is held by the grip, wherein the probe support assembly is removably arranged at a predetermined position and orientation relative to the table support assembly to permit movement of the table support assembly and the probe support assembly for reproduction of a position and orientation of the probe relative to the subject supported by the table assembly.