Patient Support Height Adjustment Using Operator Height Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual adjustment of patient support height in medical imaging examinations is time-consuming and physically demanding for operators, exacerbated by varying levels of experience and working styles among technicians, prolonging exam preparation time and increasing stress.
Innovation Solution
A medical image acquisition unit assistance apparatus comprising a camera, processing unit, and output unit that automatically adjusts the patient support height based on the operator's height, determined through data acquisition and analysis, enabling personalized workflow support features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of patient support table height is performed by operator, then flexibility and control are improved, but time consumption and physical effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects operator presence and adjusts patient support table height without manual intervention. The camera-based detection system identifies operator characteristics and triggers automated height adjustment, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust the table while maintaining optimal height for each operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using camera-based detection and electronic control signals. The mechanical act of manually moving the table is substituted by an automated actuation mechanism controlled by processing unit based on operator detection data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of patient support table height is performed by operator, then adaptability to different operators is improved, but physical demand and stress on operator increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adapts to different operators by detecting their physical characteristics through cameras and autonomously adjusting the patient support table height. This eliminates the physical burden of manual adjustment while maintaining adaptability to each operator's needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the height parameter of the patient support table based on detected operator characteristics. By automatically adjusting this critical parameter according to each operator's physique, the system maintains adaptability while removing the physical stress associated with manual adjustment.
3Productivity
If automated height adjustment is implemented, then time efficiency and operator comfort are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a processing unit as an intermediary between camera detection and patient support table control. This intermediary processes operator detection data, determines appropriate height settings, and generates control signals, thereby managing system complexity through modular architecture while maintaining time efficiency benefits.
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
Facilitates faster, more convenient exam preparation by automating the height adjustment and providing tailored support features to operators, enhancing efficiency and reducing operator stress.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one camera is configured to acquire at least one data of a human operator standing adjacent to the patient support
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical image acquisition unit assistance apparatus (10) comprising: at least one camera (20); a processing unit (30); and an output unit (40). The at least one camera is configured to be located in the vicinity of a patient support of a medical image acquisition unit. The at least one camera is configured to acquire at least one data of a human operator standing adjacent to the patient support. The at least one camera is configured to provide the at least one data of the operator to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine a height of the operator, wherein the determination comprises utilization of the at least one data. The output unit is configured to output a signal to adjust a height of the patient support, wherein the adjustment comprises utilization of the height of the operator.