Mobile Imaging Localization via Angular and Linear Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiographic imaging systems, particularly those mounted on mobile units, face challenges in precise positioning and navigation due to their weight and the need to maintain a sterile environment, often requiring complex mechanical linkages and sensor systems that are costly and less accurate.
Innovation Solution
A localization system incorporating a first angular sensor, a second angular sensor, and a linear sensor, including rotary encoders and a string encoder, to determine the position and orientation of a mobile imaging system relative to a fixed reference point, allowing for precise automated movement and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex mechanical linkages and sensor systems are used for positioning, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a simplified sensor system consisting of a single linear sensor and two angular sensors. This substitution achieves accurate positioning measurement without requiring complex mechanical structures, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex mechanical systems and implements it through a minimal sensor configuration. By taking out only the necessary sensing elements (linear sensor for distance, angular sensors for orientation) and removing unnecessary mechanical components, the system achieves high positioning accuracy with reduced complexity
2Ease of operation
If automated movement systems are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated movement by having the mobile imaging system self-determine its position and orientation through the sensor system. The localization system provides autonomous positioning capability without requiring complex external control infrastructure, improving ease of operation while limiting complexity growth
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated navigation through feedback from the sensor system that continuously monitors position and orientation. This feedback enables the control system to automatically adjust and maintain desired positioning without complex manual intervention, achieving ease of operation with manageable system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for determining the position of a mobile imaging system. One example system includes a first angular sensor coupled to a reference point and configured to measure a first angle of rotation relative to the reference point, a linear sensor coupled between the reference point and the mobile imaging system and configured to measure a distance between the reference point and the mobile imaging system, the linear sensor coupled to the first angular sensor with its string axis perpendicular to and intersecting a rotational axis of the first angular sensor, and a second angular sensor configured to measure a second angle of rotation relative to the mobile imaging system.