Marking Laser Beam Alignment in Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for adjusting marking laser beams in medical imaging apparatuses, such as magnetic resonance or computed tomographs, are complex and time-consuming, requiring manual intervention and are prone to inaccuracies due to potential misalignment of the laser housing during servicing, which can lead to imprecise patient positioning and increased radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
An automated adjustment method and system for marking laser beams, comprising a central beam and peripheral beams, that uses a detection unit and adjusting unit controlled by a control unit to automatically align the laser beams with predefined target positions, allowing for precise and quick re-adjustment without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of the laser beam is performed by operating personnel, then the laser beam can be adjusted to strike target positions, but the adjustment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-adjustment of the laser beam through a control unit that receives signals from detection units and autonomously controls adjusting units to reposition the laser beam, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where detection units monitor the laser beam's actual position, compare it with target positions, and feed this information back to the control unit, which then automatically adjusts the beam position to eliminate deviations
2Ease of repair
If the laser housing is removed for servicing or repair, then maintenance work can be performed, but the laser beam becomes misaligned and requires re-adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs re-alignment of the laser beam after housing maintenance by detecting the new position of the laser source and autonomously adjusting the beam to strike the correct target positions, eliminating the need for manual realignment and ensuring reliability is restored after repair
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated optical-electrical system that uses detection units to measure beam position and controlling units to actuate adjusting mechanisms, transforming the adjustment process from a manual mechanical task to an automated controlled process
3Ease of operation
If the laser beam course is displaced or inclined due to housing offset, then the housing can be re-installed, but patient positioning becomes imprecise and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection units continuously monitor the laser beam's position and provide feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts the beam to compensate for any displacement or inclination caused by housing re-installation, ensuring precise patient positioning and minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustment method is for a marking laser beam of an imaging modality. The marking laser beam includes a central beam and at least one peripheral beam and extends from a laser source to a detection plane. The detection plane includes a central target position for the central beam and at least one peripheral target position for the at least one peripheral beam and a detection unit. The detection unit is embodied to capture whether the marking laser beam is striking at least one of the target positions. In an embodiment, the method includes a first adjustment of the marking laser beam via an adjusting unit, until it strikes the central target position; and a second adjustment of the marking laser beam via the adjusting unit, until it strikes the at least one peripheral target position. The marking laser beam will also be kept at the central target position.