Subject Support Acceleration Measurement Using IMUs

The patent replaces the mechanical computation method (using position markers and clock time to calculate velocity and acceleration as derivatives) with direct acceleration measurement using inertial measurement units (IMUs). This substitution eliminates the need to compute derivatives from position data and directly provides acceleration measurements, resolving the issue of measurement precision degradation due to friction wear while maintaining system simplicity through the use of self-contained inertial sensors.

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where inertial measurement units continuously monitor the actual acceleration and velocity of the subject support, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system compares the measured values with expected values and adjusts the motor control accordingly to compensate for wear in points of friction. This feedback loop maintains positioning reliability without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the friction points themselves.

The patent introduces an intermediary support mechanism in the form of a roller positioned inside the imaging region bore that provides additional support to the subject support table. This roller acts as a mediator between the subject support and the imaging region, minimizing deflection of the unsupported end during movement. The roller support structure is designed to be minimally intrusive to the imaging process while effectively stabilizing the subject support, balancing stability improvement with acceptable device complexity.