Projection Marker Positioning for Faster MRI Exam Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inexperienced users face difficulties in correctly positioning the area to be examined during medical imaging, leading to time-consuming and potentially incorrect alignments, especially in MRI scans, due to existing methods that require repositioning after marker detection, causing low user acceptance and prolonged workflow delays.

Innovation Solution

A medical imaging device with a first detection device to mark the area to be examined and a projection device to provide feedback, combined with a linear axis unit that moves the projection device parallel to the table, and a second detection device to track the position of the medical operator, allowing rapid and precise alignment based on detected position data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the projection device is repositioned after marker detection, then the feedback marker can be displayed at the correct position, but the workflow time is prolonged and user acceptance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidworkflow time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The projection device is moved to a position parallel to the examination table in advance, aligned with the longitudinal direction of the table. This preliminary positioning allows the device to be quickly adjusted to the isocenter position after marker detection without requiring time-consuming repositioning, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning accuracy and workflow time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device is designed to be movable along a linear axis that runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the examination table. This dynamic positioning capability allows the device to be quickly adjusted to the correct position after marker detection, maintaining positioning accuracy while reducing the time required for repositioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the projection device is moved to the correct position after marker detection, then accurate feedback can be provided, but the device complexity and repositioning time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback accuracyVSAvoidrepositioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear axis unit serves multiple functions: it positions the projection device parallel to the examination table during preparation and enables quick adjustment to the isocenter position during the examination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate repositioning mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining feedback accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection device is mounted on a linear axis that allows it to move dynamically between a parallel position (for preparation) and the isocenter position (for feedback). This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex repositioning mechanisms while ensuring accurate feedback can be provided when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4498106B1Device and method for detecting a position of an area to be examined
Publication Date: 2025.11.12 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG
  • EP4498106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4498106B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4498106B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a medical imaging device comprising a reclining table on which an object can be positioned for a medical imaging examination, a first detection device configured to detect the position of an area of ​​the object to be examined, a projection device configured to project and/or display a feedback marker at the detected position of the area to be examined, a linear axis unit comprising a drive unit for moving the projection device, and a second detection device configured to detect position data of a medical operator during the preparation of the object for the medical imaging examination.wherein the projection device is guided to a position of the medical operating personnel in the longitudinal direction of the examination table on the linear axis unit during the preparation of the object, based on the position data acquired by the second detection device.