MRI Patient Table Magnetic Sensing for Precise B0 Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance tomography devices face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning and orienting a patient table relative to the B0 field magnet, often resulting in imprecise movements and shaking during manual alignment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensors arranged on the patient table to determine orientation and position relative to the B0 field magnet, filtering position data based on known sensor geometry, and providing control data for automated navigation and movement to ensure precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning and alignment of the patient table is performed, then the system can be operated with simple equipment, but positioning precision deteriorates and shaking movements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated navigation system that uses magnetic field sensors to detect the B0 field magnet's position and orientation. The system automatically calculates the patient table's position relative to the magnet and generates control signals for automated movement, eliminating manual alignment operations and their associated imprecision and shaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system enables the patient table to self-navigate to the correct position by automatically detecting magnetic field characteristics, calculating its own position and orientation, and controlling its movement without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-correction of positioning errors through continuous magnetic field monitoring.
2Productivity
If automated gripping apparatus is used to move the patient table, then positioning speed is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to imprecise initial positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where magnetic field sensors continuously monitor the patient table's position relative to the B0 field magnet during automated movement. The system compares actual position data with target position data and dynamically adjusts control signals to correct deviations, ensuring both high speed and high precision positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely mechanical automated gripping with an intelligent control system that uses magnetic field detection and real-time calculation to guide the patient table's movement, combining automated speed with precision through electronic control rather than mechanical force alone.
3Manufacturing precision
If imprecise positioning is corrected through shaking movements, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system performs preliminary positioning actions by automatically guiding the patient table to the correct position before automated gripping occurs. The system calculates the exact position and orientation needed and pre-aligns the patient table, eliminating the need for subsequent shaking corrections and ensuring patient comfort from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical shaking corrections with an electronic navigation system that uses magnetic field sensing and real-time control to achieve precise positioning without physical disturbance. The system substitutes violent mechanical correction with gentle electronic guidance.
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
Enables automated, gentle, and rapid docking of the patient table with the B0 field magnet, enhancing patient comfort and reducing manual intervention, while ensuring accurate and reliable positioning.
Implementation Method 1
ascertaining position data for a respective magnetic field strength sensor from measurement value portions of the magnetic field strength sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the orientation and position of a movable object relative to the B0 field magnet of a magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) device in the X-Z plane of an X-Y-Z coordinate system aligned with the B0 field, may include: providing B0 reference data representing magnetic field strengths at multiple X-Y-Z coordinates; employing at least three three-dimensional magnetic field sensors fixed in known positions on the object; acquiring position data for each sensor by evaluating magnetic field measurement components independent of the object's orientation in the X-Z plane; filtering the sensor position data based on their known relative positions to yield filtered position data; and determining the object's orientation and position relative to the B0 field magnet using the filtered data. This technique allows precise localization and tracking within the magnetic field environment of the MRT system.