LiDAR-CT Integration for Radiation-Free 3D Patient Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging systems, specifically CT imaging, lack the capability to accurately obtain three-dimensional measurements of patients without increasing radiation dose, which is essential for improved patient positioning and workflow efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a LiDAR scanning system with a CT imaging system, where LiDAR scanners acquire data from different angular positions relative to the axis of rotation, and processing circuitry generates accurate three-dimensional measurements for subsequent workflow processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a 3D scout is acquired utilizing radiation dose to obtain three-dimensional information, then 3D measurement accuracy is improved, but radiation dose increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve3D measurement accuracyVSAvoidradiation dose

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces LiDAR technology as an intermediary non-ionizing radiation-based measurement system to obtain 3D surface measurements. The LiDAR system uses light time-of-flight measurements to capture precise 3D anatomical surface data without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and radiation dose exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional X-ray-based 3D scout imaging system with an optical LiDAR measurement system. This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation while maintaining the capability to acquire accurate three-dimensional surface measurements, directly addressing the harmful effects of radiation dose

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If regular two-dimensional images are obtained with a regular camera, then device complexity is reduced, but three-dimensional information is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoid3D information

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional camera imaging to three-dimensional LiDAR surface mapping by measuring time-of-flight of light signals. This dimensional enhancement captures depth information and creates accurate 3D surface models of patient anatomy, eliminating the information loss inherent in 2D imaging while maintaining relative system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If accurate three-dimensional measurements are obtained before or during CT scan, then patient positioning and workflow efficiency are improved, but additional imaging steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidimaging process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the LiDAR 3D measurement system with the existing CT imaging workflow by integrating the LiDAR scanner into the CT suite environment. The system combines non-ionizing LiDAR surface scanning with subsequent CT imaging, allowing accurate patient positioning and anatomical reference to be established before the CT scan without requiring separate complex imaging equipment or procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration enables the generation of high-resolution, accurate 3D measurements without the need for additional radiation, improving patient positioning, workflow efficiency, and post-processing steps in CT imaging.

Implementation Method 1

A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system is physically coupled to the CT imaging system. The LiDAR scanning system is configured to acquire data of the subject from different angular positions relative to the axis of rotation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

The LiDAR scanning system includes one or more LiDAR scanners configured to acquire data of the subject from different angular positions relative to the axis of rotation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12263024B2System and method for incorporating lidar-based techniques with a computed tomography system

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A medical imaging system includes a CT imaging system including a gantry having a bore, rotatable about an axis of rotation. The CT imaging system includes a table configured to move a subject to be imaged into and out of the bore, a radiation source mounted on the gantry and configured to emit an X-ray beam, and a detector configured to detect the X-ray beam. The medical imaging system includes a LiDAR scanning system physically coupled to the CT imaging system. The LiDAR scanning system is configured to acquire data of the subject from different angular positions relative to the axis of rotation. The medical imaging system includes processing circuitry configured to receive the data acquired with the LiDAR scanning system, to generate a three-dimensional (3D) measurement of the subject, and to utilize the 3D measurement in a subsequent workflow process for a CT scan of the subject.