Patient Positioning Feedback with Immobilization Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical imaging systems struggle to provide effective positioning feedback for patients with immobilizations such as casts, immobilization devices, or bone dislocations, as manual interaction can be painful, uncomfortable, or impossible, disrupting the workflow.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that receives immobilization information, detects immobilization using skeleton models and image analysis, determines constraints for patient movement, and provides positioning feedback for optimal patient positioning, without requiring manual interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If positioning feedback is provided based on optimal patient positioning, then image quality is improved, but patient discomfort or harm increases when the patient has immobilization devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpatient discomfort or harm
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of positioning feedback by incorporating immobilization status as a new parameter. When immobilization is detected, the system modifies the recommended positioning adjustments to account for the patient's limited mobility, suggesting alternative positioning strategies that achieve acceptable image quality without requiring movements that would cause discomfort or harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary analysis layer that processes immobilization information from various sources (patient records, image analysis, operator input) and mediates between the optimal positioning requirements and patient constraints. This intermediary layer generates customized positioning feedback that balances image quality requirements with patient comfort and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual interaction is used to adjust patient positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but workflow efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidworkflow efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting immobilization conditions and generating appropriate positioning feedback without requiring manual operator intervention. The system autonomously analyzes patient data, determines positioning constraints, and provides customized guidance, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system enhances feedback mechanisms by providing automated, real-time positioning guidance that adapts to detected immobilization conditions. This feedback loop continuously monitors patient positioning status and provides corrective guidance that accounts for immobilization constraints, improving both accuracy and efficiency by eliminating manual iteration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If positioning feedback does not account for immobilization, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidpositioning effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the positioning feedback process into distinct modules: immobilization detection, constraint analysis, and customized feedback generation. This segmentation allows the system to handle immobilization cases without overwhelming complexity, as each module performs a specific function that can be independently developed and maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by detecting and analyzing immobilization conditions before generating positioning feedback. This advance detection allows the system to pre-calculate appropriate positioning strategies that account for patient constraints, ensuring positioning effectiveness without adding complex real-time decision-making requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4553843A1Method for patient positioning in a medical procedure and medical system
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4553843A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4553843A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4553843A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method (10) for patient positioning in a medical procedure performed by a medical device (2). According to the method (10), immobilization information (11) is received (S1), wherein the immobilization information (11) is information on immobilization (12) of a patient (3). Then, immobilization (12) of the patient (3) is detected (S2) based on the immobilization information (11) and a skeleton model (13) of the patient (3) is determined (S3). Further, a constraint (14) for patient movement are determined (S4) based on the detected immobilization (12) of the patient (3) and the skeleton model (13) and a constrained optimal patient positioning (15) is determined (S5) based on the skeleton model (13) and the constraint (14) for patient movement. Finally, positioning feedback (17) is provided (S8) based on the constrained optimal patient positioning (15). Further, the invention relates to a corresponding computer-readable medium and a corresponding medical system (1).