Patient Marker for Autonomous Imaging Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging procedures in hospitals require manual placement and positioning of patients, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and lack automated tools to accurately mark body regions of interest for scanners to detect automatically.
Innovation Solution
A patient marker with a specific structure that is visible to imaging systems, allowing for autonomous image acquisition and setup, enabling the imaging system to identify the marker and define parameters such as the region of interest and scanning protocols, compatible with X-ray, CT, and MRI systems, and capable of providing different signal levels and ferromagnetic particles for distinct imaging modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual placement and positioning of patients is used for imaging procedures, then the imaging system can be set up with clinical staff interaction, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is placed on the patient's body before the imaging procedure to pre-define the region of interest and scanning parameters. This preliminary action allows the imaging system to automatically detect the marker and retrieve pre-stored imaging parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual positioning and setup during the actual imaging procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system automatically detects the marker's position and orientation, retrieves the corresponding imaging parameters from storage, and configures the scanning settings without requiring manual intervention from clinical staff. This self-service capability significantly improves workflow efficiency and reduces setup time.
2Productivity
If manual placement and positioning of patients is used, then clinical staff can interact to set up the imaging system, but a lot of interaction is required which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system automatically detects the marker, identifies its unique identifier, retrieves the associated imaging parameters from storage, and configures the scanning settings without requiring manual interaction from clinical staff. This automation eliminates the need for extensive human intervention while maintaining ease of operation through a simple marker placement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of positioning and configuring the imaging system is replaced by an automated detection and retrieval system. The imaging system uses sensors or cameras to detect the marker's position and orientation, automatically retrieves the corresponding parameters from a database, and configures the scanning settings, replacing the need for manual mechanical adjustment and configuration.
3Extent of automation
If no automated marking tool is used, then the imaging system lacks automatic detection capability, but the setup process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is placed on the patient's body before the imaging procedure to pre-define the region of interest and scanning parameters. This preliminary action allows the imaging system to automatically detect the marker and retrieve pre-stored imaging parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual positioning and setup during the actual imaging procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker serves as an intermediary between the patient and the imaging system. It carries unique identification information that links to pre-stored imaging parameters in the system's database. The imaging system detects the marker's position and orientation, uses its identifier to retrieve the corresponding parameters, and automatically configures the scanning settings, thereby mediating the setup process and eliminating manual intervention.
4Extent of automation
If a marker with specific structure is placed on the patient, then the imaging system can automatically identify the marker and define imaging parameters, but the marker must be visible across different imaging modalities which increases design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is designed with a universal structure that can be detected by multiple imaging modalities including X-ray, CT, and MRI systems. It incorporates materials and geometric features that are visible across different imaging techniques, allowing a single marker design to serve multiple functions and work with various imaging systems without requiring modality-specific variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker utilizes composite materials with specific radiographic and magnetic properties that enable it to be detected by both X-ray-based systems (X-ray, CT) and MRI systems. The composite structure allows the marker to provide sufficient contrast and visibility across different imaging modalities while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
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 solution significantly improves imaging workflow efficiency and reliability by allowing pre-placement of markers for autonomous image acquisition, enabling accurate setup of imaging systems and automatic detection of regions of interest, reducing manual interaction and enhancing scanning precision across different modalities.
Implementation Method 1
capable of providing different signal levels and ferromagnetic particles for distinct imaging modalities
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a patient marker (10). The marker is configured to be placed on or inside a patient. The marker comprises a specific structure (20). When the marker is placed on or inside the patient, and the patient is positioned at least partially within an image acquisition unit of an imaging system, the marker is configured such that an image acquired by the imaging system comprises image data of the specific structure of the marker. The marker is configured such that image data of the specific structure of the marker comprises information useable to identify the marker. The marker is configured such that image data of the specific structure of the marker comprises information useable to define at least one parameter relating to an examination of the patient.