Automated Patient Table Positioning Using Sensor Correction Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient positioning in medical imaging devices is inefficient, requiring manual adjustments and attention, especially for precise positioning, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for less experienced operators.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a table position based on the organ or body part being examined, using correction data to automatically adjust the table position, reducing the need for manual readjustment and enabling patient-specific positioning through the use of patient data and sensors, such as weight and height determination by appliances or cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning with laser cross is used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but operator workload and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines patient position and table position using sensors and cameras, enabling the positioning system to self-adjust without continuous operator intervention. The correction data is automatically calculated and applied based on detected position deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning process using laser cross and foot switches is replaced by an automated sensor-based detection and control system that uses cameras and position sensors to automatically adjust the table position.
2Extent of automation
If 3-D camera systems are used for automatic positioning, then positioning automation is improved, but device complexity and installation work increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging device's existing camera and sensor systems are used for multiple purposes: both for the primary imaging function and for patient positioning detection. This eliminates the need for dedicated 3-D camera systems and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex 3-D camera systems, the system uses simpler position sensors and existing imaging cameras to capture position information, creating a simplified copy of the positioning function that achieves the same automation goal with less complexity.
3Ease of operation
If foot switch control is used for approximate positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system first performs approximate positioning using the simple foot switch control, then automatically performs preliminary correction by detecting the patient's actual position and calculating the necessary correction data to achieve precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors and cameras to continuously monitor patient position and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts the table position based on detected deviations from the target position, closing the control loop.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for positioning a positionable table for a patient inside a medical imaging device. In an embodiment, the method includes a determination of a table position as a function of an organ or body part of the patient for examination; an ascertainment of correction data for correcting the table position; a determination of a corrected table position based on the ascertained correction data; and a positioning of the table at the corrected table position.