Optical Sensor Positioning for Medical Imaging Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for precise location of medical imaging devices relative to patients or person support apparatuses during surgical and diagnostic procedures, especially when initial and subsequent images need to be compared, without exposing patients and healthcare professionals to additional radiation from recursive imaging.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optical sensors communicatively coupled to processors, which capture light signals from optical markers on medical imaging devices, person support apparatuses, or patients to determine their relative positions, allowing for accurate alignment without taking recursive medical images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If recursive medical images are taken to locate the imaging device, then positioning accuracy is improved, but radiation exposure to patients and healthcare professionals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediary objects that are attached to the imaging device and detected by optical sensors. These markers serve as mediators between the imaging device and the detection system, enabling precise location tracking through optical signals rather than recursive medical imaging, thus eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiation-based imaging system with an optical detection system. Instead of using recursive medical images (which involve radiation), the system uses optical sensors to detect optical markers, substituting a harmful mechanical/radiation-based measurement method with a safe optical measurement method while preserving measurement precision
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical sensors are used to track the imaging device, then radiation exposure is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical markers that are essentially simplified copies or representations of the imaging device's position. Instead of using the complex imaging device itself for tracking, simple optical markers are attached to it, and these markers can be detected by optical sensors. This copying approach reduces system complexity while maintaining the ability to track position accurately and eliminate radiation exposure
3Measurement precision
If the imaging device is repositioned to capture subsequent images, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where optical sensors continuously monitor the position of optical markers on the imaging device. This real-time position feedback allows operators to quickly and accurately reposition the imaging device to capture subsequent images at precise locations, reducing the time needed for repositioning while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through precise location control
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
This approach enables precise positioning of medical imaging devices for subsequent images without exposing patients and healthcare professionals to additional radiation, reducing risk and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An optical sensor includes a light sensor communicatively coupled to a processor. The optical sensor is adapted to receive a light signal corresponding to at least one of the person support apparatus and the medical imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and processes of locating a medical imaging device relative to a person support apparatus and/or a patient are provided. An example system includes an optical sensor disposed at the person support apparatus and/or the imaging device. In embodiments, optical markers may also be disposed on one or more of the medical imaging device, the person support apparatus and/or patient for determining the relative location of the imaging device and the person support apparatus and/or patient. In other embodiments, an optical sensor may use image recognition processes to determine the relative locations. By locating and positioning the medical imaging device without taking recursive medical images to position the device, the imaging device can be positioned for a subsequent image without exposing the patient and healthcare professionals to additional radiation generated while positioning the medical imaging device, thereby reducing risk to the patient and the medical staff.