Off-Center Imaging Rotor Mechanism for CT Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging systems face challenges in acquiring high-quality images of patient anatomy off-center from the isocenter, limiting the precision and effectiveness of surgical procedures that require imaging beyond the central axis.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a gantry to encompass the patient, with a source and detector coupled to a rotor, allowing for controlled movement to acquire image data off-center by pivoting the source and detector relative to the rotor, enabling the reconstruction of image data from off-center positions without repositioning the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging system uses a fixed source and detector positioned at the isocenter, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot acquire images off-center from the isocenter
Solution Approach 1:
The source and detector are mounted on a rotor that can rotate within the gantry, transforming the fixed imaging system into a dynamic one. This rotational capability allows the source-detector assembly to move between isocenter and off-center positions, enabling the system to adapt to different imaging requirements without changing the fundamental system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is divided into independent functional modules: the gantry structure, the rotor mechanism, the source assembly, and the detector assembly. This segmentation allows the rotor to rotate independently while the source and detector remain coupled to it, enabling complex motion patterns that achieve off-center imaging capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the patient is repositioned to acquire off-center images, then the imaging coverage is expanded, but the procedural time increases and patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of repositioning the patient, the imaging system uses a dynamic rotor mechanism to change the relative position of the source and detector. The rotor rotates to different angular positions, allowing the system to capture images from multiple angles and positions (including off-center views) while the patient remains stationary on the table.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a rotational dimension to the imaging process by introducing the rotor mechanism. This allows the source-detector assembly to access different spatial positions and angles around the patient without physically moving the patient, effectively expanding imaging coverage through angular variation rather than translational movement.
3Ease of operation
If the source and detector are fixed relative to the gantry, then the system is easier to operate, but it cannot achieve the desired motion profile for off-center imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The source and detector are coupled to the rotor, which provides a standardized rotational interface. This dynamic coupling allows the system to achieve various motion profiles (isocenter imaging, off-center imaging, rotational imaging) by simply changing the rotor's angular position or rotation characteristics, while the source and detector automatically follow the desired motion through their coupling to the rotor.
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 and efficient acquisition of image data off-center, improving surgical precision by allowing for detailed imaging of anatomical structures without the need to reposition the patient, thereby enhancing procedural accuracy and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The source can be responsive to a signal to output at least one pulse
Implementation Method 2
a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry and the source to detect the at least one pulse emitted by the source
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system is provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, which can be positioned along at an isocenter of the imaging system. The system can include a source and a detector positioned within and movable relative to the gantry on a rotor. The system can include a move control module that sets move data for each of the source, detector and rotor that causes the source, detector and rotor to move in a desired motion profile to acquire image data of a portion of the subject off the isocenter of the imaging system.