Medical Imaging Positioning Guidance via Real-Time Camera Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies, such as X-ray systems, face challenges in accurately guiding patients to optimal positions for clear imaging, especially for non-cooperative or difficult-to-instruct subjects, leading to increased radiation exposure, prolonged imaging times, and inefficiencies due to the lack of real-time feedback and guidance on correct posture and location.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that provide real-time guidance by setting and adjusting photographing conditions, acquiring and comparing current and recommended location information of a target object, and outputting corrective feedback through visual and auditory means, using cameras, projectors, and display units to ensure accurate positioning and reduce imaging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time location guidance and feedback systems are implemented, then positioning accuracy and patient cooperation are improved, but device complexity and initial radiation exposure for positioning checks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cameras and display units as intermediary devices between the X-ray imaging system and the patient. These intermediaries capture real-time images of the patient's position, process them to generate location information, and display guidance feedback without requiring additional complex positioning hardware or increasing radiation exposure beyond the imaging process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the patient's current position is continuously captured by cameras, compared against the optimal position determined from X-ray images, and corrective guidance is displayed in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables iterative position correction without requiring repeated high-radiation imaging scans.
2Reliability
If multiple imaging attempts are made without real-time guidance, then comprehensive image capture may be achieved, but radiation exposure and imaging time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning using low-radiation camera imaging to capture the patient's current position before initiating X-ray imaging. By pre-positioning the patient based on visual feedback from camera images, the system reduces the likelihood of failed imaging attempts and minimizes the need for repeated high-radiation exposure scans.
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time feedback system allows operators to monitor patient positioning through camera images and make corrective adjustments before each X-ray exposure. This feedback loop ensures that each imaging attempt is optimized, reducing the total number of attempts needed and thereby reducing cumulative radiation exposure while maintaining image capture quality.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning instructions are given to patients, then some guidance is provided, but effectiveness is limited for non-cooperative or difficult-to-instruct subjects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verbal positioning instructions with an automated visual guidance system using cameras and display units. The system automatically captures images, processes location data, generates positioning feedback, and displays it to the patient, eliminating the need for manual instruction and reducing dependency on patient comprehension and cooperation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables patients to self-correct their positioning by displaying visual feedback from camera images that show their current position relative to the optimal position. Patients can independently adjust their posture based on the visual guidance without requiring continuous verbal instructions from operators, thereby improving imaging efficiency.
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 approach enhances the efficiency of medical imaging by providing real-time feedback and guidance, reducing radiation exposure, and improving the accuracy of image capture, thereby shortening imaging times and improving patient cooperation.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring an image including the target object by using at least one camera
Implementation Method 2
outputting the acquired recommended location information may include projecting the recommended location information toward the target object
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of providing location information regarding a location of a target object through a medical apparatus. The method includes setting photographing conditions about the target object, acquiring current location information of the target object, acquiring recommended location information of the target object according to the photographing conditions, outputting the acquired recommended location information, comparing the current location information with the recommended location information, and outputting additional information about a current location of the target object, according to a comparison result.