3D Light Curtain Patient Positioning for Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for automatically positioning patients in medical apparatuses lack precision and require manual intervention, exposing staff to electromagnetic radiation and not ensuring accurate alignment for imaging or treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a three-dimensional light curtain arrangement to determine the patient's start position and calculate position deviations, allowing for automatic positioning in up to three dimensions using actuators, ensuring precise alignment without manual intervention and continuous monitoring during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the patient is performed, then the patient can be positioned on the patient support, but medical staff are exposed to electromagnetic radiation and positioning precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual positioning system with an optical measurement system (light curtain arrangement) that automatically detects patient position and controls positioning, eliminating the need for manual intervention and exposure to electromagnetic radiation while achieving high positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning where the patient support automatically positions itself based on optical detection of the patient's body parts, without requiring medical staff intervention, thereby eliminating radiation exposure and improving precision
2Extent of automation
If automatic positioning is implemented using existing methods, then manual intervention is reduced, but positioning accuracy and alignment precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (depth) to the positioning system by using stereoscopic cameras and light curtain arrangements that measure not only x and y coordinates but also z-distance, enabling precise three-dimensional positioning and alignment that two-dimensional systems cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces imprecise mechanical positioning mechanisms with optical measurement systems that use light curtains and stereoscopic vision to detect patient position and orientation, providing superior measurement precision that drives more accurate automatic positioning
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional light curtain arrangement is used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical positioning system into separate functional modules: light curtain arrangements for distance measurement, stereoscopic cameras for position detection, and control units for processing, allowing each component to be optimized independently and simplifying overall system implementation despite the three-dimensional capability
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 precise, automatic patient positioning in three dimensions, reducing manual handling and exposure to radiation, with continuous monitoring and adaptive re-positioning during imaging or treatment to maintain alignment accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one three-dimensional light curtain arrangement, wherein a start position of the patient is ascertained by the optical position determining device
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for automatic positioning of a patient relative to a medical device, the patient is positioned on a patient support of the medical device in a detection area of an optical position determining device of the medical device. The optical position determining device has at least one three-dimensional light curtain arrangement. A start position of the patient is detected by the optical position determining device and a position deviation between the start position detected and a target position stored in a control processor is determined. Depending on the position deviation, the patient support is automatically positioned in three dimensions.