MRI Subject Positioning via Camera-Based Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems, such as MRI, face challenges in efficiently and safely positioning subjects due to the risk of laser damage and time-consuming processes during the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a medical device with a couch, imaging devices, and a control device that acquires image data to determine the position and posture of a subject, allowing for automatic adjustment of the couch to position the subject within the scanning region without the use of laser lights, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser lights are used for positioning the subject, then the subject can be positioned in the scanning region, but there is a risk of laser damage to the subject
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the laser positioning system from the medical imaging device and replaces it with imaging devices (cameras) positioned outside the scanning region. This extraction eliminates the harmful laser radiation while maintaining positioning functionality through visual capture and image processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces imaging devices as an intermediary between the positioning system and the subject. Instead of using lasers that directly interact with the subject, the system uses cameras to capture images and a control device to process these images and calculate positioning information, thereby mediating the positioning process without harmful radiation.
2Ease of operation
If manual positioning instructions are given to the subject, then the subject can be positioned, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic positioning by having the subject remain stationary while imaging devices capture images and the control device automatically calculates positioning information. This eliminates the need for operators to manually guide the subject through complex positioning procedures, allowing the system to position the subject autonomously and quickly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated image-based system. Instead of operators physically guiding or instructing the subject, the system uses imaging devices to capture visual data and computational algorithms to determine positioning, substituting human-operated mechanical processes with automated optical and computational processes.
3Productivity
If the subject is moved to the scanning region using traditional methods, then imaging can be performed, but the process involves safety risks and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning outside the scanning region by capturing images with imaging devices positioned externally. The control device calculates positioning information from these images before the subject enters the scanning region, allowing the subject to be moved directly to the correct position without requiring additional positioning adjustments inside the scanning region, thereby improving efficiency and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system. The system may include a medical device, a couch, one or more imaging devices, and a control device. The medical device may include a cavity. The couch may be configured to support a subject. The one or more imaging devices may be configured to acquire image data. The image data may indicate at least one of a target portion of the subject or posture information of a user. The control device may be configured to control a movement of the couch based on at least one of position information of the target portion of the subject or the posture information of the user.