LiDAR-Guided CT Patient Positioning Without Manual Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a way to properly position a patient for a CT scan without exposing a technologist to highly contagious diseases, as existing systems require technologist intervention which poses infection risk.
Innovation Solution
A LiDAR guided patient positioning apparatus is integrated with a CT imaging system, using LiDAR scanning to generate a multi-dimensional avatar of the patient, displayed on a cradle, providing instructions for self-positioning, and utilizing voice, visible light, or haptic cues for guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a technologist manually positions the patient for the CT scan, then the patient positioning accuracy is improved, but the technologist is exposed to highly contagious diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The patient is empowered to position themselves using the LiDAR-generated visual feedback and instructions displayed on the screen. The system provides real-time guidance allowing the patient to autonomously achieve correct positioning without technologist intervention, thereby eliminating exposure risk while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning action by the technologist is replaced with an automated optical measurement system (LiDAR) that captures 3D body surface data and provides visual feedback to guide patient self-positioning, substituting physical contact with non-contact optical fields
2Measurement precision
If a technologist manually positions the patient for the CT scan, then the patient positioning accuracy is improved, but the workflow efficiency is reduced due to safety protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patient independently completes the positioning task using automated guidance, eliminating the time-consuming safety protocols and manual intervention required in traditional workflows, thereby improving overall workflow efficiency while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The LiDAR system captures the patient's 3D body surface data and generates positioning instructions before the scan begins, allowing the patient to pre-position themselves correctly without requiring technologist intervention during the scanning process
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a LiDAR scanning system is used to enable patient self-positioning, then the technologist exposure to contagious diseases is reduced, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The LiDAR system is integrated with the existing CT imaging system, allowing it to serve multiple functions: capturing 3D body surface data, generating visual avatars, providing positioning instructions, and verifying patient position, thereby managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate independent systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D avatar copy of the patient's body surface from LiDAR data, which is then used for visualization and positioning guidance on the display screen, eliminating the need for direct technologist-patient interaction while maintaining positioning accuracy
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 patient self-positioning for CT scans, reducing technologist exposure to contagious diseases and improving workflow efficiency with high-fidelity 3D data collection.
Implementation Method 1
A LiDAR guided patient positioning apparatus for a computed tomography (CT) imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving data acquired with a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning system physically coupled to a computed tomography (CT) imaging system of a subject to be imaged disposed on a cradle of a table, wherein the table is configured to move the subject into and out of a bore of a gantry of the CT imaging system. The method also includes generating a multi-dimensional avatar of the subject representing a topography of the subject. The method further includes causing display of the multi-dimensional avatar positioned on the cradle that represents a current position of the subject on the display, wherein the display is disposed adjacent the table within view of the subject. The method even further includes providing instructions on the display to enable the subject to guide themselves to a target position on the cradle for a CT scan with the CT imaging system.