Automatic Patient Positioning via Machine Identifiable Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CT imaging systems require manual and time-consuming patient positioning, relying on doctor observation, which leads to inaccuracy and affects image quality due to variations in patient body profiles.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system that uses machine identifiable codes on the scan support member and a processing means to automatically determine and adjust the position of the patient, combined with a transmitter and receiver system to accurately align the patient with the gantry, enabling quick and precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning by doctor observation is used, then flexibility in positioning is maintained, but positioning speed is slow and positioning accuracy is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical positioning system with an automated detection system. A detection device automatically detects the patient's body profile and calculates positioning parameters, eliminating the need for manual observation and adjustment by the doctor. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated detection and calculation systems directly addresses both the speed and accuracy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning by automatically detecting patient characteristics and computing positioning parameters without requiring doctor intervention. The detection device and processing system work autonomously to determine the optimal positioning, allowing the positioning process to serve itself rather than requiring human expertise for each positioning task.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning adjustment is performed, then positioning can be adapted to individual patients, but positioning accuracy depends on doctor experience and is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skill-dependent manual positioning process with an automated detection system that objectively measures patient body profiles and calculates precise positioning parameters. This eliminates the variability introduced by different doctors' experiences and expertise, providing consistent and reliable positioning accuracy across all patients without requiring operator skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the approach from subjective manual adjustment to objective parameter-based positioning. By detecting specific physical parameters of the patient's body profile and using these measurable parameters to calculate positioning coordinates, the system achieves consistent accuracy that does not depend on the operator's judgment or experience.
3Productivity
If multiple manual adjustments are made to accommodate different patients, then positioning can be optimized for each individual, but the scanning process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically detecting and calculating positioning parameters before the actual scanning begins. The detection device captures patient body profile data and the processing system computes the optimal positioning parameters in advance, eliminating the need for multiple trial adjustments during the scanning process and thereby increasing scanning speed while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes repeated manual mechanical adjustments with a single automated detection and calculation process. Instead of requiring multiple iterative adjustments to achieve the correct positioning, the automated system determines the optimal position in one step, significantly reducing the time required for positioning while maintaining or improving accuracy.
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
The system allows for rapid and accurate patient positioning, improving image quality by automating the alignment process and reducing reliance on human observation.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter disposed on one side of a bore of the imaging system, the transmitter transmitting a beam incapable of effectively penetrating a scan object
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system configured to automatically detect a patient's body profile and to position the patient. The imaging system includes a scan support member configured to support a scan object, a processing device; and an identification device electrically connected to the processing device. The scan support member includes a machine identifiable code representing a distance from a position of the machine identifiable code to one end of the scan support member. The identification device is configured to identify the machine identifiable code, to decode the distance represented by the machine identifiable code and to send the distance represented by the machine identifiable code to the processing device. The processing device determines a distance from an interested location of the scan object to a scanning plane of the imaging system according to the distance represented by the machine identifiable code.