Wireless Remote Imaging Control With Optical Area Verification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control systems for medical imaging systems, particularly those using wired or infrared connections, are limited by their reliance on direct paths and are not suitable for mobile or space-constrained environments, posing risks to patients and operators due to potential radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control method and system that uses a remote control unit to transmit a start signal via radio link to a medical imaging system, ensuring safe operation by verifying a visual connection to the examination area through optical information capture and comparison of time intervals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired remote control is used, then reliability of control is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cables getting in the way or being damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired control system with an optical control system using a wireless remote control unit that transmits control signals optically to the imaging system, eliminating the need for physical cables and improving ease of operation while maintaining control reliability
2Reliability
If wired remote control with short cable is used, then visual monitoring is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates due to operator being forced to remain in vicinity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based visual monitoring system with an optical monitoring system using a camera that captures images of the examination area and transmits them to the remote control unit, allowing the operator to visually monitor the examination area from a distance while maintaining control reliability
3Ease of operation
If infrared remote control is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates when direct path is blocked or too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the control signal transmission by using a wireless remote control unit with enhanced optical transmission capabilities that can maintain reliable control signals over longer distances and through blocked paths, improving both ease of operation and control reliability
4Object-affected harmful factors
If operator stands outside door in small space, then radiation exposure is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to blocked control path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct optical control path that requires line-of-sight with a wireless optical control system that can transmit control signals through blocked paths, allowing the operator to stand outside the door in small spaces to reduce radiation exposure while maintaining control accessibility
5Ease of operation
If operator has no protective wall in large space, then ease of operation is improved, but radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical protective wall requirement with an optical monitoring system using a camera that captures images of the examination area and transmits them to the remote control unit, allowing the operator to control the imaging system from a distance without requiring physical protective walls, thus improving ease of operation while reducing radiation exposure
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
Enables safe and convenient remote control of medical imaging systems, reducing radiation exposure risks by ensuring proper patient positioning and visual monitoring, even in mobile or confined spaces, without the need for cumbersome cables.
Implementation Method 1
triggering a start signal in a remote control unit, in particular via a radio link, to start an operation of the imaging system
Implementation Method 2
capturing a number of items of optical information in the form of images and/or light signals
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments relates to a control method for remote control of a medical imaging system comprising triggering a start signal in the remote control unit, to start an operation of the medical imaging system; capturing a number of items of optical information as at least one of images or light signals; verifying that the optical information comes from an examination area and has arrived at the remote control unit and, determining a capture time for the optical information if the optical information comes from the examination area and has arrived at the remote control unit; determining a start time at which the start signal was triggered or was sent to the medical imaging system; and comparing a time interval between the capture time and the start time with a specified comparison time interval.