Scanning Table Positioning via Laser Intermediary and Lookup Charts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems face challenges in automatically positioning scanning tables due to variable coil positions and require repetitive operations with laser lamps, increasing complexity and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize computing devices to determine the target position of a scanning table by obtaining object dimensions, calculating the number of table positions, adjusting overlapping regions, and setting scanning protocols based on predetermined relationships and lookup charts, allowing for precise positioning without the need for laser alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a coil is used for positioning the scanning table, then the positioning can be automated, but the variable position of the coil makes accurate positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser lamp as an intermediary positioning tool that projects a laser beam to indicate the scanning center position on the patient. This intermediary device bridges the gap between the imaging device and the patient, providing a visual reference that remains accurate regardless of coil position variations, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a laser lamp is used for positioning the scanning table, then the scanning center can be aligned with the target position, but the operation requires repetition 2-3 times increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning calculations by obtaining patient body length and determining the number of table positions in advance using predetermined relationships and lookup charts. This preliminary action establishes the scanning protocol before actual scanning begins, eliminating the need for repetitive 2-3 times adjustment operations and reducing operational complexity while maintaining alignment accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If a laser lamp is used for positioning, then the scanning center can be aligned, but the repeated operations increase time consumption and reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and determines all positioning parameters in advance, including body length, number of table positions, overlapping region lengths, and scanning protocols. This preliminary computation enables one-time accurate positioning without repeated adjustments, significantly improving positioning efficiency while maintaining the alignment accuracy provided by the laser reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses predetermined relationships and lookup charts that store pre-calculated positioning data based on body length. Instead of performing complex calculations and repeated adjustments during each positioning operation, the system copies appropriate positioning parameters from these pre-prepared lookup tables, enabling rapid and efficient one-time positioning.
4Measurement precision
If a laser lamp is used for positioning, then alignment can be achieved, but the laser beam may cause eye damage to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the laser lamp only for the minimum necessary duration to establish the scanning center alignment, then immediately transitions to coil-based positioning for the actual scanning process. This partial use of the laser beam achieves the required alignment accuracy while minimizing patient exposure time and reducing the risk of eye damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for positioning a scanning table are provided. The method may include obtaining a body length of an object; and determining the number of table positions for scanning the object based on a length of each scanning region of the scanning table, an initial length of an overlapping region of the scanning table at two adjacent table positions, and the body length of the object.