Laser-Guided Travel Accuracy Check for Mobile Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for checking and calibrating the travel accuracy of mobile medical devices, such as mobile C-arm x-ray devices, are resource-intensive and require expensive external tracking systems, making frequent checks impractical.
Innovation Solution
A measuring system comprising a flat mat with indicator patterns and a removable illumination unit, allowing for precise and qualitative verification of travel accuracy through manual or automatic alignment and motion tracking, using a laser beam to guide the device along predefined paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external tracking systems with cameras are used to measure travel accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a laser beam to create a light spot that copies the trajectory path on the mat, replacing complex camera-based tracking systems. The light spot acts as a simplified visual copy of the desired travel path, allowing accurate measurement without expensive external equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/camera-based tracking systems with an optical laser system. The laser beam provides a visual reference trajectory that is simpler and more cost-effective while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If external tracking systems are deployed for travel accuracy checking, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup and resource requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mat with pre-defined trajectory markings and zero point marks is prepared in advance, allowing quick setup. The laser unit is pre-attached to the device, eliminating time-consuming setup procedures associated with external tracking systems
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam creates an immediate visual copy of the trajectory path on the mat, allowing instant measurement without the setup time required for camera calibration and system initialization
3Reliability
If frequent travel accuracy checks are performed, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mat and laser unit are prepared in advance for quick deployment, enabling frequent checks without significant time investment. The removable laser unit can be quickly attached and detached
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified laser-based measurement system reduces the time and resources required for each check, making frequent verification practical and cost-effective
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
Enables quick, precise, and cost-effective verification and calibration of travel accuracy without the need for external systems, improving imaging quality and examination outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The measuring system also includes a unit for illuminating the indicator patterns that are arranged on the mat using at least one concentrated light beam
Data Source
AI summary
For a particularly precise check of travel accuracy, a measuring system is provided for checking and/or calibrating a travel accuracy of a mobile medical device that may be moved over a floor automatically or semiautomatically in a motorized manner. The measuring system includes a flat mat with an underside that may be arranged on the floor, and with an upper side on which indicator patterns that include at least one zero point mark for positioning the medical device and a number of track markings for travel motions of the mobile device are arranged. The measuring system includes a unit for illuminating the indicator patterns that are arranged on the mat using at least one concentrated light beam. The unit is arranged on the mobile medical device, such that the light beam is directed onto the upper side of the mat.