Wireless Device Table Positioning in Medical Imaging Gantry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical imaging apparatuses face challenges in accurately and efficiently positioning a table supporting a patient within the gantry aperture, leading to suboptimal image quality due to manual adjustments and imprecise setting of imaging points.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a wireless device with RFID technology and detection units to measure distances and calculate axial distances, allowing for precise adjustment of the table's position relative to a reference point within the gantry aperture, enabling accurate setting of imaging points without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment method is used to position the table, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and imaging quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated detection and control system. Detection units measure distances between the table and gantry aperture automatically, and the control unit processes this data to calculate axial distances and control table movement, eliminating manual positioning while achieving precise imaging point placement
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-positioning of the table through automated detection units that continuously monitor distance measurements. The control unit automatically processes these measurements to determine the correct table position, allowing the system to self-adjust without operator intervention and maintain precise positioning
2Productivity
If automated detection system is implemented, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives distance measurements from detection units, calculates axial distances based on reference points, controls table movement, and determines imaging point positions. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated control unit, improving productivity while managing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection units continuously provide distance measurement feedback to the control unit, which processes this information to determine table positioning. This feedback loop enables automated real-time adjustment of the table position, significantly improving imaging efficiency by eliminating manual measurement and adjustment processes
3Measurement precision
If manual setting of imaging point is used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and physical measurement with automated detection units that electronically measure distances between the table and gantry aperture. The control unit automatically calculates the axial distance and determines the precise imaging point position, achieving high measurement precision while eliminating the need for manual measurement skills and procedures
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 enables convenient and precise setting of imaging points, improving the quality of medical images by ensuring accurate positioning of the patient within the gantry, thereby enhancing the imaging process.
Implementation Method 1
measuring respective distances between a plurality of detection units arranged along a first axis and a wireless device
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless device communicates with a medical image capturing apparatus to adjust a position of a table supporting an object to be imaged. An operator adjusts a position of the wireless device, the apparatus measures the wireless device's position, and adjusts the table based on the measured position. A method may include measuring distances between the wireless device and each of a plurality of respective detection units arranged along an axis. An axial distance may be measured between a reference point and the wireless device using measured distances and locations of the detection units relative to the reference point. The table is moved with respect to a gantry aperture of the apparatus based on the calculated axial distance. Controlled table movement may be movement into the gantry aperture and/or table height adjustment.