Patient Table Deflection Correction in Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical image diagnosis apparatuses face challenges in accurately correcting patient table deflection caused by the weight of the object, leading to inaccurate image reconstruction and potential misalignment during radiation therapy, which complicates precise tumor targeting and increases the risk of exposing normal tissues to radiation.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves scanning the patient table in both unloaded and loaded states to acquire first and second scan data, respectively, and using image data-forming and displacement calculation parts to correct the position of the image based on the displacement calculated from these scans, allowing for precise correction of patient table deflection without significant alterations to the hardware configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If patient table deflection is corrected by adding supporting members or sensors to the hardware configuration, then image reconstruction accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient table's unloaded state through image processing. By acquiring images in both unloaded and loaded states and calculating displacement based on image data, the system replicates the reference state without adding physical sensors or supporting members to the patient table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding physical supporting members and sensors with an image-based computational method. The displacement calculation is performed through image processing algorithms that compare the unloaded and loaded state images, substituting mechanical measurement systems with optical and computational methods.
2Measurement precision
If patient table deflection is corrected by tilting the patient table or gantry based on sensor data, then image reconstruction accuracy is improved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual representation of the patient table's unloaded state through image processing. By acquiring images in both unloaded and loaded states and calculating displacement based on image data, the system replicates the reference state without adding physical sensors or supporting members to the patient table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding physical supporting members and sensors with an image-based computational method. The displacement calculation is performed through image processing algorithms that compare the unloaded and loaded state images, substituting mechanical measurement systems with optical and computational methods.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are installed on the patient table to detect deflection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the patient table's unloaded state through image processing. By acquiring images in both unloaded and loaded states and calculating displacement based on image data, the system replicates the reference state without adding physical sensors or supporting members to the patient table structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of adding physical supporting members and sensors with an image-based computational method. The displacement calculation is performed through image processing algorithms that compare the unloaded and loaded state images, substituting mechanical measurement systems with optical and computational methods.
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 approach enables accurate correction of patient table deflection, improving the precision of image reconstruction and radiation delivery during therapy by ensuring accurate alignment of the tumor location, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing unnecessary radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The X-ray tube 22 generates X-rays based on a specified tube voltage and the tube current applied by a high-voltage transformer assembly 24 and delivers an X-ray fan-beam and cone-beam to an object P located inside the opening 2A of the gantry 2
Implementation Method 2
The X-ray detector 23 comprises arrayed multiple X-ray detection elements that detect dosage of the X-ray beam transmitted at the object P
Data Source
AI summary
Obtain a tomographic image of a patient table in advance in a state in which the object is not placed on the patient table. Obtain a tomographic image of the patient table with the object placed on the patient table. This tomographic image consists of an image of a patient table. The displacement calculation part determines the vertical displacement of images of the patient table in a non-loaded state and the tomographic image of the patient table in a loaded state. Meanwhile, markers are placed on the side of the patient table to indicate the displacement detecting position (reference position). The corrected image-forming part corrects the vertical positions of image data of the tomographic image in the loaded state based on the calculated displacement.