Rotating Gantry Camera for 3D External Patient Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior CT scanner systems require multiple fixed cameras to generate three-dimensional external images, which are cumbersome and difficult to use, and lack efficient integration with three-dimensional CT images.
Innovation Solution
A CT scanner design featuring a gantry with a rotating camera that captures external images synchronously with x-ray images, allowing for registration and simultaneous display of three-dimensional external and CT images, enabling seamless zooming and orientation manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple fixed cameras are used to generate three-dimensional external images, then the three-dimensional external image can be obtained, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the camera system from static multiple fixed cameras to a single movable camera that rotates with the gantry. The camera is mounted on the gantry and rotates about the patient's axis, dynamically capturing external images at multiple angular positions corresponding to each x-ray projection angle. This dynamic approach achieves three-dimensional external image reconstruction with a single camera, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple fixed cameras are used to capture external images, then three-dimensional external images can be generated, but the ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the external image camera with the CT scanning system. The camera is mounted on the gantry and rotates synchronously with the x-ray source and detector, combining the external imaging function with the existing CT scanning mechanism. This integration allows automatic coordination between x-ray image acquisition and external image capture, eliminating the need for separate camera operation and improving ease of use while maintaining three-dimensional external image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed cameras are used, then external images can be captured from multiple angles, but the device complexity and difficulty of use increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a single camera mounted on the rotating gantry that captures external images at multiple angular positions during rotation. The camera dynamically changes its viewing angle as the gantry rotates, achieving multi-angle external image capture with a single device. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed cameras while maintaining the adaptability to capture external images from all necessary angles for three-dimensional reconstruction.
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 solution simplifies the imaging process by integrating external and CT images, providing a user-friendly interface where technicians can easily switch between or view both images side by side, enhancing operational efficiency and image correlation.
Implementation Method 1
A first arm houses an x-ray source that generate x-rays
Implementation Method 2
a second arm houses a complementary flat-panel detector. As the gantry rotates about a patient, the detector takes a plurality of x-ray images
Implementation Method 3
a camera mounted to the gantry takes photographic external images of the exterior of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A CT scanner includes a gantry that supports and houses components of the CT scanner. A camera is mounted to the gantry. As the gantry rotates about an axis of rotation, the camera captures a photographic external image of the patient at a plurality of rotational positions. A computer generates a three dimensional external image from the plurality of external images. The three dimensional external image is registered relative to a three dimensional CT image generated from a plurality of x-ray images.