Sensor-Guided Medical Imaging System for Patient Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging systems face challenges in efficiently coordinating patient workflow to maximize throughput and patient comfort, particularly with the introduction of wireless RF coils that complicate phase information maintenance and require manual setup, leading to delays and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system with a movable bed, sensors, and a processor unit that acquires and processes sensor information to optimize patient transport and scanner readiness, enabling automated coordination of patient movement and coil setup, allowing simultaneous preparation of multiple patients and reducing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual coil setup and patient preparation procedures are used, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but patient throughput decreases and wait times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning wireless RF coils on the patient's body before the imaging procedure begins. The processor unit determines optimal coil positions based on the imaging protocol and automatically adjusts coil positions, eliminating the need for manual setup during patient preparation and thereby increasing throughput while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through autonomous coil positioning and patient preparation. The processor unit automatically manages coil placement and positioning without requiring operator intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the preparation phase while maintaining full operator control when needed for clinical decisions.
2Ease of operation
If wireless RF coils are introduced to simplify coil handling, then ease of operation improves, but maintaining phase information and powering active parts becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the processor unit continuously monitors the positioning and status of wireless RF coils during the imaging procedure. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts coil positions and configurations to maintain optimal phase information and signal quality, ensuring reliability while preserving the ease of operation provided by wireless technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical coil handling and positioning systems with wireless RF coils that are electronically controlled. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connection and manual positioning while maintaining phase information through electronic feedback and control mechanisms, thereby improving ease of operation without sacrificing reliability.
3Productivity
If autonomous image acquisition is implemented, then operator dependence decreases and workflow efficiency improves, but the need for supporting tools to inform and guide operators and patients increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple supporting functions into a single autonomous platform. The processor unit simultaneously manages coil positioning, patient preparation coordination, imaging protocol execution, and real-time monitoring, thereby improving workflow efficiency while consolidating rather than multiplying the complexity of supporting tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous image acquisition system performs self-service by automatically coordinating all preparation and imaging activities without requiring extensive operator intervention or multiple separate supporting tools. The integrated system manages its own workflow, reducing both operator dependence and the complexity of external supporting infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to medical imaging system (10), comprising: a movable bed (20); a medical imaging scanner (30); at least one sensor (40); and a processor unit (50). The movable bed is configmed to move a patient on the movable bed from a first area of a medical centre to a second area of the medical centre where the medical imaging scanner is located. The medical imaging scanner is intended to acquire at least one medical image of the patient. The at least one sensor is configured to acquire sensor information relating to the patient on the movable bed. The at least one sensor is configmed to provide the sensor information to the processor unit. The medical imaging scanner is configmed to provide scanner status information for the medical imaging scanner to the processor unit. The processor unit is configured to determine control information for the movable bed, the determination comprising utilization of the sensor information and the scanner status information.