Multi-Sensor Layout for Patient Setup With Wider Field Coverage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current commercially available combined sensor arrangements for patient setup in medical imaging and treatment systems are not optimized for specific applications, leading to suboptimal sensor data and inefficient workflow support.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement comprising multiple sensors with non-1 aspect ratios, arranged along their short axis, optimized for patient setup, enabling improved field of view and data integration, with a control unit for mapping and synchronization to a virtual camera.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple sensors are arranged in a conventional ceiling-mounted configuration, then the system provides a reasonable compromise for generic applications, but the sensor arrangement is not optimized for specific patient setup workflows and suffers from data deficits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific optimizationVSAvoidsensor data deficits
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor arrangement is segmented into multiple sensors with different field of view characteristics (different aspect ratios) positioned at various locations. Each sensor captures specific spatial regions, and their data is combined to form a complete view, eliminating data deficits while maintaining application-specific optimization for patient setup workflows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dimensional diversity by arranging sensors with different aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 16:9) in a multi-dimensional configuration rather than a single plane. This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows each sensor to capture unique spatial information, collectively providing comprehensive coverage without data losses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single sensor type is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the integral sensing capability is insufficient for comprehensive patient setup guidance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor arrangement complexityVSAvoidintegral sensing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor types with different field of view aspect ratios into a unified sensor arrangement. By combining sensors with 1:1, 4:3, and 16:9 aspect ratios, the system achieves comprehensive sensing capability that exceeds what any single sensor type could provide, while the merging process integrates them into a coordinated system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If sensors are arranged to maximize field of view coverage, then the integral sensing capability is improved, but the data integration and synchronization complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield of view coverageVSAvoiddata integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors with different field of view aspects and performs coordinate transformations, synchronization, and integration. This intermediary component manages the complexity of data integration while enabling the sensors to achieve maximum field of view coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4670637A1Multi-sensor system for patient setup guidance
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4670637A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4670637A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4670637A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement for patient setup guidance to be embedded in a medical imaging or treatment system, the sensor arrangement comprising a plurality of sensors, wherein at least a first sensor of the plurality of sensors comprises a field of view of the first sensor having an aspect ratio unequal to 1, thus comprising a first axis of the field of view of the first sensor and a second axis of the field of view of the first sensor, wherein the field of view of the first sensor is larger in the direction of the first axis than in the direction of the second axis, and wherein the plurality of sensors are arranged along a line parallel to the direction of the second axis of the field of view of the first sensor.