Moveable Imaging Modalities for Multi-Modality Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges with patient movement during modality changes, leading to data alignment issues and increased time and costs due to the need for separate examination rooms and additional agent administration, especially when testing new imaging modalities.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with multiple modalities that are aligned and can be moved between scanning and non-scanning positions, allowing for efficient swapping of imaging modalities within a shared examination zone without requiring structural or electrical modifications, enabling temporary integration of new modalities for testing without occupying a room.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the patient support is moved between two different modalities, then the patient can be scanned with multiple modalities, but patient motion occurs which degrades data alignment and registration
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the patient support table from the imaging modalities. The support table remains stationary in one examination room while multiple imaging modalities are moved independently to position over the stationary table for scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging modalities are made moveable rather than stationary, allowing them to be dynamically positioned over the stationary patient support table. This enables multiple modalities to share a common examination zone without requiring movement of the patient support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the patient support is moved between modalities, then multiple modalities can be accessed, but time is consumed for moving and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scanning process into separate steps where the stationary patient support remains in place while only the imaging modalities are moved. This eliminates time-consuming patient repositioning and allows for faster modality switching.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a third imaging modality is located in another examination room, then it can be accessed, but additional patient transport time and agent administration is required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging modalities are merged into a single shared examination room, allowing all scans to be performed in one location. This eliminates the need for patient transport between rooms and reduces agent administration requirements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an imaging modality under development is physically integrated with an existing imaging system, then testing can occur, but structural and electrical modifications are required which may limit functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system under development is separated from the existing imaging system. Instead of physical integration, the new modality is positioned independently in the shared examination room, allowing testing without modifications to the existing system.
Solution Approach 2:
A common stationary patient support table serves as an intermediary between multiple imaging modalities, including those under development. This allows different systems to share the examination space without direct physical or electrical connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes a first imaging modality (1021), a second imaging modality (1022), wherein the first and second imaging modalities are in alignment with scanning zones for scanning an object or subject, and a third imaging modality (102N) which is selectively moveable between a first location (114) in which the third imaging modality is in alignment with the scanning zones for scanning the object or subject and a second location (122) in which the third imaging modality is outside of alignment with the scanning zones.