MRI Patient Table Alignment Using 3D Magnetic Stray Field Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning patient tables in MRI scanners relative to the patient tunnel are time-consuming and require precise installation of reflector elements, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor to provide position information by determining the Y-coordinate of the patient table relative to the B0 field magnet, eliminating the need for reflector elements and enabling quick alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reflector elements and light sources are used for alignment, then positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical alignment system (reflector elements and light sources) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. The three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor detects the magnetic field distribution to determine the patient table's position, eliminating the need for physical reflector elements and complex optical alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium for position detection. Instead of direct optical detection between reflector and photodiode, the magnetic field serves as a mediator that carries position information through its spatial distribution, which the sensor then measures to determine position.
2Manufacturing precision
If reflector elements are attached during installation, then alignment can be performed, but the installation process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reflector element from the system entirely. By removing this component, the installation process no longer requires precise positioning of reflector elements, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining alignment precision through the magnetic field sensing method.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensing system is self-contained and does not require external reflector elements or additional alignment components. The system uses the inherent magnetic field properties to automatically determine position, making the installation process simpler and faster.
3Reliability
If the patient table is moved slowly for reliable detection, then detection reliability is improved, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow mechanical movement-based detection method with a magnetic field sensing method. The three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor can reliably detect position information without requiring slow table movement, as the magnetic field provides continuous position data that can be read at any table position.
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
Enables rapid and accurate alignment of patient tables in MRI scanners, reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
a three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor in the vicinity of a device generating a magnetic stray field
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for providing position information of an object (120) with a three-dimensional magnetic field strength sensor (125, 126) in the vicinity of a device (100) generating a magnetic stray field, comprising: providing (40) B0 reference data of the magnetic stray field at least along a first spatial direction, wherein the first spatial direction is orthogonal to a second spatial direction and a third spatial direction, and wherein the B0 reference data is provided along the first spatial direction at a predefined position in the second and third spatial directions; arranging (41) the magnetic field strength sensor (125, 126) of the object (120) at the predefined position; providing (42) a measured value of the magnetic field strength sensor (125, 126) at the predefined position;Providing (43) position information of the object (120) in the first spatial direction based on the B0 reference data and the measured value.;