Patient Body Depth Mapping for Accurate Scanner Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging technologies face challenges in accurately determining the vertical center and thickness of the region of interest, leading to improper positioning of the patient, uneven radiation dose distribution, and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method using a depth camera and an overhead camera to create patient and patient support depth maps, which are then mapped to a template for accurate body thickness determination and vertical center location, utilizing statistical modelling and neural networks to predict and adjust the vertical center position, utilizing statistical modelling and neural networks to predict and adjust the vertical center position, and display images for technician guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual estimation is used to determine vertical center, then the process is simple and quick, but the measurement precision is poor leading to significant offset errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation with automated optical measurement systems (depth cameras and overhead cameras) to determine vertical center location and body thickness, thereby improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces depth maps and template matching as intermediary processing steps between the camera systems and the final vertical center determination, enabling accurate measurement through intermediate data representation and comparison
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the region of interest is not centered exactly in the scanner, then the radiation dose distribution becomes uneven, but the scanning process remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of vertical center location and body thickness before the actual scanning process, allowing the scanner to be pre-positioned or scan parameters to be pre-adjusted, ensuring proper radiation dose distribution from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses measured vertical center location and body thickness information to adjust scanner positioning or scan parameters, creating a feedback loop that ensures optimal radiation dose distribution to the region of interest
3Productivity
If body thickness measurement is inaccurate, then the scan parameters cannot be optimized, but the scanning process remains straightforward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple visual estimation with automated depth camera measurement and template matching systems to accurately determine body thickness, enabling optimized scan parameters while maintaining straightforward operation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided of obtaining body depth information for a patient who is lying on patient support. A patient support depth map of the upper surface of the patient support is obtained without the patient as well as an image and patient depth map of the patient on the patient support. Landmark body positions of the patient are extracted from the image so that points in a region of interest can be mapped to points of a template, using the identified landmark body positions. A body thickness is obtained for said points using the template, the depth value for the respective point and the patient support depth value for the respective point.