Pressure Sensor Motion Detection for Full-Body Imaging Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, face challenges in accurately monitoring subject motion due to the limitations of conventional cameras that cannot image the complete subject during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical system utilizing an array of spatially distributed fiber optic pressure sensors on a subject support, integrated with a remote spatial mapping system and computational system, generates a spatial object map and applies sensor-specific signal scaling factors to provide accurate subject motion signals, even when imaging parts of the body that are moving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cameras are used to monitor subject motion, then voluntary and involuntary motion can be detected, but the complete subject cannot be imaged during the imaging procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The subject support surface is divided into multiple discrete sensor elements (e.g., pressure-sensitive pads or capacitive sensors) arranged in an array pattern. Each sensor element independently measures pressure or contact information at its specific location, allowing comprehensive coverage of the entire subject body without requiring a single large camera field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional optical imaging (cameras) to a combination of pressure distribution mapping and spatial object recognition. By adding the dimension of pressure measurement across the subject support surface and integrating it with spatial mapping algorithms, the system achieves complete subject monitoring without the line-of-sight limitations of cameras.
2Area of stationary object
If pressure sensors are distributed across the subject support, then complete subject contact can be measured, but sensor variations and scaling issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies sensor-specific signal scaling factors to each individual sensor element or group of sensors based on their local characteristics and position. The computational system determines unique scaling factors for different regions of the subject support, allowing each sensor to be calibrated according to its specific location and properties, thereby achieving consistent measurements across the entire array.
Solution Approach 2:
The computational system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters by applying sensor-specific scaling factors to the raw pressure data from each sensor element. This parameter transformation compensates for variations in sensor sensitivity, positioning, and characteristics, converting heterogeneous sensor readings into a unified, consistent measurement scale that accurately represents the subject's contact distribution.
3Measurement precision
If spatial mapping and object recognition are integrated, then accurate motion signals can be provided, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computational system performs multiple functions using a single integrated processing platform: it receives pressure data from the sensor array, generates spatial maps of the subject's position and contact distribution, performs object recognition to identify body parts and objects, determines sensor-specific scaling factors, and generates motion signals. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the pressure sensor array and spatial mapping data to automatically calibrate and scale its own measurements without requiring external reference standards or manual calibration procedures. The computational system self-adjusts by comparing spatial object maps with pressure distribution patterns, automatically determining appropriate scaling factors and generating accurate motion signals through self-contained processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a medical system (100, 200, 400, 600) comprising a subject support (112) comprising a subject surface (114). The subject surface comprises an array (108) of spatially distributed pressure sensors (110). The medical system further comprises a remote spatial mapping system (106, 106') configured for measuring a spatial map (132) descriptive of objects (116, 902) on the subject surface. The execution of machine executable instructions (130) causes a computational system (120) to: receive (300) the spatial map (132); generate (302) a spatial object map (134) of objects placed on the subject support by inputting the spatial map into an object recognition module (136); determine (304) sensor specific signal scaling factors (138) using the spatial object map; repeatedly (306) receive the array of pressure data; and repeatedly (308) provide a subject motion signal (142) using the sensor specific signal scaling factors and the array of pressure data.