Proximity Sensor Patient Alignment in Nuclear Medicine Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Diagnostic nuclear imaging systems face challenges in accurately aligning patients due to manual setup procedures, which are time-consuming and prone to operator error, leading to potential image degradation and interruptions during scanning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a proximity sensor system that automatically adjusts the patient table height and detector position to minimize distance and avoid contact, using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to control the movement and positioning of the patient table and imaging detectors for optimized setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual user setup procedure is performed to adjust patient table position, then operator can visually inspect and set scan position, but the process is time consuming and accuracy is affected by operator experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic patient alignment and table positioning without requiring manual operator intervention. The proximity sensor system autonomously detects patient position and adjusts the patient table height and detector positioning automatically, eliminating the time-consuming manual setup process while ensuring consistent accurate results regardless of operator experience level.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated sensor-based system. Proximity sensors detect patient position and trigger automatic motorized adjustments of the patient table and detector positioning, substituting the manual mechanical operation with an automated electromechanical system that improves both speed and precision.
2Measurement precision
If gamma imaging detector head is placed close to patient to minimize resolution loss, then imaging resolution is improved, but risk of contact with patient during imaging increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor system continuously monitors the distance between the detector and patient during the imaging process. When the detector approaches within a predetermined safe distance, the system automatically generates feedback signals to adjust the patient table height or detector positioning, ensuring the detector remains close enough for high resolution imaging while preventing contact that would cause scan interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic positioning of the patient table and detector before the actual imaging scan begins. The proximity sensors detect patient position in advance and adjust settings proactively, so that when imaging starts, the optimal safe distance is already established, preventing the need for interruptions during the scan.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual setup procedure is used, then operator can determine contour of rotation based on visual inspection, but significant user input and interaction are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the patient contour and rotation path using proximity sensors that map patient geometry without requiring manual measurement or operator input. The automated system independently calculates optimal detector rotation contours based on sensed patient position and shape, eliminating the need for significant user interaction while maintaining adaptability to different patient anatomies.
4Productivity
If automated proximity sensor system is implemented, then setup time is reduced and accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects patient position for table height adjustment, determines optimal detector positioning, monitors distance during scanning to prevent contact, and establishes safety margins. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single integrated sensor system, the patent achieves high productivity and accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 automated setup method reduces the distance between detectors and patients, enhances imaging resolution, and minimizes interruptions during scanning by ensuring accurate and efficient alignment.
Implementation Method 1
activating a proximity sensor system associated with imaging detectors of the diagnostic imaging system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for patient alignment for nuclear medicine imaging are provided. One method includes activating a proximity sensor system associated with imaging detectors of the diagnostic imaging system, wherein the imaging detectors are in an L-mode configuration. The method also includes initiating movement of a patient table of the diagnostic imaging system and using a sensed proximity of a patient on the moving patient table by the proximity sensor system to automatically adjust a height of the patient table on which the patient is supported to a patient table height scanning position.