Touch-Sensitive Tablet Control for Mobile C-Arm Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile C-arms in medical settings require significant time and effort to reposition and align for x-ray imaging due to the need for precise directional movements, which hinders efficient access to the operating area.
Innovation Solution
A tablet computer with a touch-sensitive control panel is used to control the movement and alignment of the C-arm, allowing for intuitive direction and speed control through touch inputs, enabling storage of positions and navigation aids, and allowing operation even with sterile gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional manual repositioning methods are used, then the C-arm can be moved to different positions, but the repositioning time is increased and physical effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning operations with an automated motorized drive system controlled by a tablet computer. The touch-sensitive interface allows operators to initiate automated movement sequences, eliminating the need for manual physical effort and reducing repositioning time through precise electronic control of the C-arm's motorized drives.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the C-arm automatically executes repositioning tasks based on commands from the tablet computer. The automated drive means performs the physical repositioning work without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself in terms of movement and positioning operations.
2Measurement precision
If precise directional movements are required for positioning, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the complexity of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tablet computer serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the complex motorized drive system. It provides a simplified touch-sensitive interface that translates simple user gestures into precise control signals for the C-arm's motorized components, maintaining positioning precision while reducing the perceived control complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the tablet computer receives and displays real-time information about the C-arm's position and movement status. This feedback loop allows operators to monitor positioning accuracy and make adjustments as needed, ensuring precise directional movements while simplifying control through intuitive visual confirmation.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device, such as a mobile C-arm, is positioned and/or aligned via a touch-sensitive control panel of a tablet. The touch-sensitive control panel provides access to one or more function units, for example, for initiating control signals for a positioning and/or an alignment of the medical device, or a second function unit for specifying a direction of movement for a mobile medical unit, or a third function unit for specifying a motion speed for the mobile medical device.