Patent ID: 6267503
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
Apparatus for aligning an imaging device relative to a human or animal body to enable an image of an operator selected anatomical region to be obtained, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of light reflective markers for attachment to respective anatomical landmarks of the body, which landmarks mark out said anatomical region;an image sensor arranged in use to view at least a portion of the body including said reflective markers attached thereto;a light source arranged in use to illuminate said reflective markers attached to said body; andan image processing computer for receiving image data from the image sensor, the computer being operative:a) to communicate with a database of standard patient records including, for each of a plurality of anatomical regions, a locating position for the imaging device corresponding to each of said anatomical landmarks;b) to select an appropriate record from the database using operator input data for a patient to be imaged;c) to select from the selected record a particular locating position for the imaging device using operator input data identifying the anatomical region to be imaged;d) to determine from said image data a position corresponding to each of the reflective markers relative to the imaging device; ande) to determine using the selected locating position and the determined position, actual position at which the imaging device should be located in order to obtain the desired image.