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Publication Number
US-8693619-B2
Publication Date
2014-04-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to a medical computed tomography imaging apparatus which includes a support construction (1) which is arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure (2) supporting x-ray imaging means (21, 22), which x-ray imaging means (21, 22) are arranged within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2) and movable within said substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means (2), which ring-shaped structure (2) supporting the imaging means (21, 22) includes an examination opening (4), whereto the object to be imaged can be positioned for imaging. According to the invention, at least one display (11) is arranged to the apparatus. The display is arranged in functional connection with at least one video camera (12), which at least one video camera (12) is arranged in connection with said ring-shaped structure (2) and as aimed, or so that it can be aimed inside said examination opening (4).
Core Innovation
The described computed tomography imaging apparatus includes a support construction arranged to support a substantially ring-shaped structure supporting x-ray imaging means. The x-ray imaging means include a source of x-ray radiation and a receiver of image information, arranged within the substantially ring-shaped structure substantially on opposite sides of each other and movable within the ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means. The apparatus further includes a control system for controlling at least part of the operations of the apparatus and an examination opening in which the object to be imaged is positionable for imaging.
A key feature is that at least one display is disposed on the apparatus and is arranged in functional connection with at least one video camera. The at least one video camera is arranged in connection with the ring-shaped structure and is aimed, or such that it may be aimed, inside the examination opening. In further refinements, the at least one display is arranged to the apparatus as movably attached, and the at least one camera is arranged inside the ring-shaped structure while at least part of the inner surface of the ring-shaped structure is arranged transparent or to comprise an opening, so that the camera is aimed or can be aimed towards the examination opening.
The apparatus is described for compact cone-beam computed tomography imaging using a movable substantially ring-shaped O-arm with an examination opening. The x-ray imaging means are configured to image extremities, including scenarios with the patient positioned for sitting and standing. The description also addresses ring/opening geometry enabling camera viewing into the examination opening, and mechanical constraints relating to relative movement of the source of radiation and receiver of image information within the ring-shaped structure with respect to a centre of rotation.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims (1, 4, 7, and 12) share the same base computed tomography imaging apparatus architecture with a substantially ring-shaped structure supporting movable x-ray source and receiver on opposite sides and an examination opening, and then add different main inventive features centered on display/video-camera functional connection and camera integration through a transparent or opening portion of the ring, movability, and relative source/receiver movement distances to a centre of rotation.
Functional connection display with video camera aimed inside examination opening
The apparatus includes at least one display disposed on the apparatus, arranged in functional connection with at least one video camera arranged in connection with the ring-shaped structure, aimed or such that it may be aimed inside the examination opening.
Movably attached display component
The at least one display forms a component of the apparatus, arranged in functional connection with at least one video camera, and the at least one display is arranged to the apparatus as movably attached.
Camera inside ring with transparent or opening inner surface portion
The at least one camera is arranged inside the ring-shaped structure and at least part of the inner surface of the ring-shaped structure is arranged transparent or to comprise an opening, through which the at least one camera is aimed or can be aimed towards the examination opening.
Different distances of movable source and receiver relative to centre of rotation
The source of radiation and receiver of image information are arranged movable within the substantially ring-shaped structure supporting the imaging means with respect to a centre of rotation such that the source of radiation moves at a different distance from the centre of rotation than the receiver of image information.
Across the independent claims, the main claim coverage focuses on a ring-shaped CT imaging arrangement with an examination opening and vertical movement relative to a support construction, combined with an at least one display functionally connected to at least one video camera aimed into the examination opening, including specific integration of the camera through a transparent or opening portion of the ring and, in another case, relative source/receiver movement distances to a centre of rotation.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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