Structured Light Curtain for SPECT Detector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SPECT systems face challenges with component parametric variations, complex calibration requirements, and signal connection reliability due to the use of infrared light emitting diodes and photodiodes, which necessitate precise assembly and sorting, and are compromised by the large number of signal interfaces between light rails and microcontrollers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-level light curtain system utilizing structured light sources and imaging sensors, including a dual line laser module and image sensors, projects lines across a detection area to detect obstructions, with a control processor evaluating the images to adjust the position of detectors, such as scintillation detectors in a gamma camera system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If infrared light emitting diodes and photodiodes are used in light rails, then detection function is provided, but component parametric variations require complex calibration and sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses structured light patterns (projections of lines or shapes) as optical copies to represent the detection plane, replacing the need for individual photodiode sensors. The structured light pattern serves as a virtual template that simplifies the detection system by eliminating component-by-component calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection function from individual photodiode components and consolidates it into a camera-based system that captures the entire structured light pattern simultaneously. This removes the need for complex calibration of multiple photodiode components while maintaining detection capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerance assembly is used for IR LEDs and photodiodes, then light plane sensitivity is met, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from individual photodiode sensitivity to overall structured light pattern recognition. This allows the use of standard tolerance components in the light source while maintaining detection accuracy through pattern analysis rather than component precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured light pattern acts as a reference copy that defines the detection plane geometry. This reference pattern allows for easy manufacturing and alignment without requiring tight tolerances on individual optical components, as the pattern itself serves as the precision reference.
3Area of stationary object
If arrays of IR LEDs are used to cover detection area, then coverage is provided, but signal connection reliability is compromised due to large number of interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual light source connections into a single structured light pattern projection. Instead of managing multiple photodiode signal connections across the detection area, the system uses a single camera to capture the entire pattern, reducing the number of signal interfaces from many individual sensors to one imaging device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the signal collection function from multiple distributed photodiodes and consolidates it into a single camera sensor. This eliminates the large number of signal interfaces between light rails and microcontroller while maintaining full detection area coverage through the camera's field of view.
4Manufacturing precision
If detectors are positioned close to patient, then image quality is improved, but patient safety risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The structured light pattern serves as a virtual reference plane that allows the system to determine the optimal detection plane position without requiring physical contact or close proximity sensors. The optical pattern provides a non-contact reference that enables precise positioning while maintaining safety distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the structured light pattern capture as feedback to automatically adjust and maintain the optimal detector-to-patient distance. The feedback mechanism enables automated positioning that achieves close proximity for image quality while preventing contact that would compromise patient safety.
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 reduces the disadvantages of existing light rails by providing a more reliable and efficient method for detecting obstructions, allowing for precise positioning of detectors to enhance image quality while ensuring patient safety and simplifying the calibration process.
Implementation Method 1
The laser module, housed in a first housing unit, may project a set of lines across a detection area
Implementation Method 2
An image of the projected lines may be captured by an image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting an obstruction in a detector surface fields are provided. In one respect, a set of lines may be projected over substantially a half of the detection area and may subsequently imaged and evaluated. Other embodiments may include a second set of lines that may be projected over substantially a second half of the detection area and may subsequently imaged and evaluated. The images may be evaluated to determine if there are breaks (e.g., an obstruction) in the projected set of lines. Based on the evaluation, the detector may provide dynamic feedback signals to a processor, which may adjust the position of the detector or provide a signal indicating an obstruction.