Medical Image Capturing Control Device for Home Healthcare Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In home healthcare settings, capturing medical images using portable radiographic and ultrasound devices is challenging due to the lack of proper positioning guidance for non-technical healthcare professionals, leading to inefficiencies in acquiring appropriate images.
Innovation Solution
A medical image capturing control device that acquires imaging conditions, calculates correction amounts based on pre-shot images, and provides notifications to facilitate accurate positioning of imaging apparatuses, enabling efficient capture of medical images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a portable radiographic device is used in home healthcare, then the device can be operated by doctors or nurses, but the positioning of the subject becomes difficult to control appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures a pre-shot image, extracts anatomical features (vertebrae, ribs, sternum), calculates the actual positioning based on these features, compares it with target positioning, and provides feedback by displaying the difference to the operator. This closed-loop feedback enables non-expert operators to achieve accurate positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning expertise (mechanical skill) with an automated image processing system that uses computer vision to detect anatomical landmarks and calculate positioning corrections, substituting human expertise with an automated computational system.
2Device complexity
If the photographer is only notified that the guide matches, then the notification is simple, but the photographer does not know how much the imaging apparatus is to be moved
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning correction information is segmented into specific anatomical components (vertebrae, ribs, sternum), with each component's positioning error calculated and displayed separately. This segmentation provides detailed actionable information while maintaining clear presentation.
3Ease of operation
If the photographer manually adjusts positioning without guidance, then the operation is simple, but it takes time to achieve appropriate positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically capturing a pre-shot image, extracting anatomical features, and calculating the required positioning correction before the main imaging process. This preliminary automated preparation eliminates time-consuming manual trial-and-adjustment cycles.
4Measurement precision
If a pre-shot image is acquired to check positioning, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the imaging process requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the pre-shot image capture and analysis into an integrated automated workflow where the pre-shot image is automatically captured, processed, and used to generate positioning correction guidance, combining multiple functions into a unified process that adds minimal operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging conditions acquisition unit acquires imaging conditions relevant to the positioning of an irradiation device and a radiation detector for acquiring a medical image. An imaging control unit controls the irradiation device and the like so as to acquire a pre-shot image or the medical image of the subject. A correction amount calculation unit calculates the correction amount of the imaging conditions based on the pre-shot image. A notification unit sends notification of the correction amount.