Movable Gantry Imaging System for Extended Length Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face limitations in acquiring long image data of subjects, particularly in medical procedures, where a single image acquisition method fails to generate images of extended lengths, such as 50 cm to 80 cm, due to fixed gantry positions, restricting the range and mobility of imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a moveable imaging system with a gantry that utilizes a telescoping track system, allowing the gantry to move along a selected axis while maintaining orientation relative to the subject, enabling the acquisition of image data over extended lengths without requiring the entire imaging system to be relocated, thus enabling the generation of long images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the gantry is fixed at a single position, then the imaging system structure is simple and stable, but the imaging range is limited and cannot acquire long image data
Solution Approach 1:
The gantry is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable structure that can translate along the patient's long axis. The imaging system dynamically adjusts the gantry position during image acquisition, enabling the system to capture extended anatomical regions while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture without requiring complete system relocation
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging process is segmented into multiple acquisitions at different gantry positions along the patient's axis. Each position captures a portion of the long image data, and these segments are subsequently combined to form the complete extended image, allowing the fixed-resolution detector to achieve extended field of view
2Length of moving object
If the entire imaging system is relocated to acquire extended area images, then the imaging range is extended, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relocating the entire imaging system, only the gantry is made movable along a linear track. This dynamic adjustment allows the gantry to position itself at different locations along the patient's body while the base system remains stationary, significantly simplifying operation and reducing setup time compared to complete system relocation
Solution Approach 2:
A linear track system serves as an intermediary mechanism between the stationary base and the movable gantry. This track enables smooth, controlled movement of the gantry along the patient's long axis without requiring the operator to manually reposition the entire heavy imaging system, making the process more convenient and efficient
3Length of moving object
If the gantry moves relative to the subject, then long image data can be acquired, but maintaining image registration accuracy becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that track the gantry position throughout its movement along the patient's axis. This positional information is used to accurately register and stitch together image data acquired at different positions, maintaining precise spatial relationships and registration accuracy across the extended imaging range
Solution Approach 2:
Before acquiring the extended image data, the system pre-plans the gantry movement path and positions. This preliminary setup ensures that the gantry moves along the correct trajectory and that image acquisitions are timed and positioned to maintain proper spatial registration, preventing registration errors before they occur
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 solution allows for the generation of images with lengths of up to 90 cm, enhancing the capability to perform procedures that require imaging over extended areas, such as spinal procedures, by enabling the gantry to move relative to the subject while maintaining image data quality and registration accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging portion of the imaging system may include an x-ray emitter and a x-ray detector
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for operating an imaging system. The imaging system may move or be moved to acquire image data of a subject at different positions relative to the subject. The image data may, thereafter, be combined to form a single image.