MRI Table Orientation Tracking via B0 Field Sensor Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of manually moving a patient table towards a B0 field magnet in an MRI scanner is prone to inaccuracies due to vibrations, necessitating a method to simplify and stabilize the orientation and positioning of movable objects relative to the B0 field magnet.
Innovation Solution
A method using three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensors arranged on the object to determine position and orientation data, independent of the object's orientation, which are then filtered based on known sensor positions to provide accurate orientation and position values for automatic navigation and docking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual moving of patient table is used, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated navigation system that uses magnetic field sensors to detect position and orientation relative to the B0 field magnet. The system automatically calculates navigation data and controls the patient table movement, eliminating manual operation vibrations while achieving precise positioning through electronic control and feedback mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated gripping device is used to correct positioning inaccuracies, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining the target position and orientation of the patient table relative to the B0 field magnet before movement begins. The navigation system calculates the optimal path and required corrections in advance, allowing the automated gripping device to make precise, pre-planned adjustments rather than reactive corrections, thereby reducing the complexity of real-time control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field strength sensors are used to determine position independent of orientation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the magnetic field itself as an intermediary reference system. Magnetic field strength sensors detect the characteristic magnetic field strengths of the B0 field magnet, and the system calculates position data based on these field measurements. This intermediary magnetic field reference allows the system to determine position independently of the patient table's orientation, achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical alignment systems.
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 precise, automated, and efficient alignment of the patient table with the B0 field magnet, enhancing patient comfort and reducing manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
providing BO reference data of the B0 field magnet with characteristic magnetic field strengths for a variety of XYZ coordinates; determining position data for each magnetic field strength sensor by evaluating measured component values of the respective magnetic field strength sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining the orientation and position of a moving object (120) relative to a B0 field magnet (110) of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner (100) in an XZ coordinate plane in an XYZ coordinate system aligned with the B0 field magnet (110), the method comprising at least the following steps: providing (40) B0 reference data of the B0 field magnet (110) with characteristic magnetic field strengths for a plurality of XYZ coordinates; providing (41) at least three three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensors (145, 146, 147) arranged in a fixed relative position on the object (120); Determining (42) position data for a respective magnetic field strength sensor (145, 146, 147) by evaluating measured component data of the respective magnetic field strength sensor (145, 146, 147) that are independent of the respective orientation of the moving object (120) in the XZ coordinate plane;Filtering (43) the determined position data of the magnetic field strength sensors (145, 146, 147) based on the fixed relative position of the magnetic field strength sensors (145, 146, 147) and providing filtered position data; providing (44) an orientation value and a position of the moving object (120) relative to the B0 field magnet (110) based on the filtered position data.;