Mobile CT Error Correction via Encoder Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile CT machines experience errors in 3D data set generation due to inaccuracies in movement along the Z-axis, changes in tilt, and variations in scanner speed, leading to scan degradation and inaccurate reconstructions.

Innovation Solution

A method to correct for drive errors, tilt errors, and speed variations by using encoders to measure actual movement, tilt sensors to detect machine tilt, and calibration with phantoms to adjust scan parameters, ensuring accurate reconstruction parameters are applied to the scan data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If mobile CT machines are used to enable scanning in irregular environments, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but drive errors, tilt errors, and speed variations cause deterioration in manufacturing precision and measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemobilityVSAvoidscan accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs encoders on drive motors to measure actual table movement distances and tilt sensors to detect machine tilt angles in real-time. This feedback is fed to a controller that calculates correction factors and applies them to reconstruction parameters, thereby compensating for drive errors, tilt errors, and speed variations that occur during mobile scanning operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts reconstruction parameters based on measured errors. Correction factors are calculated from encoder measurements and tilt sensor data, then applied to modify scan spacing, slice thickness, and other reconstruction parameters to compensate for the physical deviations caused by mobile operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If encoders and tilt sensors are added to correct for errors, then manufacturing precision and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical precision mechanisms with electronic sensing and computational correction. Instead of using highly precise mechanical drive systems that would be costly and complex, the invention uses standard motors with encoders and tilt sensors, then achieves precision through software-based error compensation and correction factor application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 yields superior scan results by accurately correcting for errors in the 3D data set, improving the precision and accuracy of mobile CT scans, even in irregular environments.

Implementation Method 1

A method to correct for drive errors, tilt errors, and speed variations by using encoders to measure actual movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncoder measurement:

Implementation Method 2

tilt sensors to detect machine tilt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTilt detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10492756B2Correction for drive, tilt, and scanning-speed errors in imaging systems

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 NEUROLOGICA CORP

AI summary

Methods for the correction of drive, tilt, and scanning-speed errors in imaging systems such as CT machines.