Patent Description:
Current imaging patient beds lack the ability to show and adjust the relevant details of a scan range prior to an imaging acquisition (especially in the case of whole body imaging). Due to the lack of direct visual correlation between the scan range and actual patients, the scan range may be incorrect. If the scan range is larger than necessary, this could result in wasted scan time. Conversely, if the scan range is smaller than necessary, additional scans may be required to provide adequate coverage of the area of interest.

<CIT> discloses a method for adjusting a scanning region of a computed tomography (CT) scanner. A row of light emitting diodes extends along the long edge of the patient examination table for indicating the scan region, and the edge points of the scanning range are determined by a hand signal.

Another method for selecting an indicating a scan range is known from <CIT>. A touch-sensitive input bar and a bar of LEDs are attached to a patient support table of a computer tomography apparatus for establishing the start point and end point of the scan range.

Further, currently there are no attention grabbing solutions that alert the clinical user to the status of the medical imaging session when the clinical user is observing the scan progress from outside the imaging room. This lack of communication may make the clinical user unaware of the progress of the scan, or an error condition due to which the medical imaging system is temporarily paused.

Moreover, conventional imaging patient beds lack calming visualizations for relieving anxiety of patients, especially pediatric patients.

Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the above shortcomings and drawbacks, by providing a visual indicator system for a patient bed according to independent claim <NUM>, a medical imaging patient bed having an integrated visual indicator system according to independent claim <NUM>, and a method of using a visual indicator system according to independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are included as dependent claims.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, attachable to a medical imaging patient bed, the visual indicator system comprising: one or more light strips, each light strip comprising a plurality of lights and being attachable to the medical imaging patient bed, and a distance meter, attachable to one end of the medical imaging patient bed and configured to determine a distance value indicative of a distance between a receiver of the distance meter and a finger of a user, the finger positioned on the light strip. The visual indicator system further comprises a storage device, configured to store one or more preconfigured finger gestures, and a microcontroller, which is connected via a host controller to a medical scanner. The microcontroller is configured to illuminate the one or more light strips after the one or more preconfigured finger gestures are made with respect to the one or more light strips; wherein a position of the illumination of the light strip corresponds to a position of performing the one or more preconfigured finger gestures and one or more distance measurements received from the distance meter. The microcontroller is further configured to illuminate at least two lights corresponding to a scan range selected through a first one of the one or more preconfigured finger gestures, wherein an upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a first light and a lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a second light. The microcontroller is further configured to illuminate at least two lights different than previously illuminated lights, corresponding to the user performing a second preconfigured finger gesture of moving the scan range, wherein the upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a third light and the lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a fourth light; and the microcontroller is configured to send a digital value of the scan range to the host controller.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to illuminate at least two lights corresponding to a scan range selected through the one or more preconfigured finger gestures. An upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a first light and a lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a second light.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to illuminate at least two lights different than previously illuminated lights, corresponding to a first preconfigured finger gesture of moving the scan range, wherein the upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a third light and the lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a fourth light.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to illuminate at least two lights different than previously illuminated lights, corresponding to a second preconfigured finger gesture of extending the scan range. The upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a third light while the lower limit of the scan range corresponds to the second light, or the upper limit of the scan range corresponds to the first light while the lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a fourth light.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to illuminate additional lights, corresponding to a third preconfigured finger gesture of adding a new scan range. The additional lights correspond to an upper limit of the new scan range and a lower limit of the new scan range.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to change one or more of color, saturation, and brightness of the at least two lights, corresponding to a fourth preconfigured finger gesture of adjusting an image quality.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to divide the scan range into a plurality of sections, and visualize the plurality of sections on the one or more light strips, corresponding to a fifth preconfigured finger gesture of dividing the scan range. The microcontroller is further configured to visualize a boundary between every two sections on the one or more light strips.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the visual indicator system further includes an overhead laser or an overhead light mounted above the medical imaging patient bed. The microcontroller is further configured to control the overhead laser or the overhead light to illuminate a part of a human body on the medical imaging patient bed, corresponding to the scan range.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to illuminate the one or more light strips when a status of the medical imaging system changes.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to illuminate the one or more light strips to form one or more interactive visual animations.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the distance meter comprises at least one of a laser distance meter, an ultrasound distance meter, or an infrared distance meter.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the laser distance meter further comprises: a laser source configured to emit an emitted laser; and a laser receiver configured to receive a reflected laser. The visual indicator system further comprises a reflective portion, attachable to the other end of the medical imaging patient bed and configured to reflect the emitted laser and produce the reflected laser.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the storage device further includes one or more previous acquisition results, and wherein the microcontroller is further configured to visualize radioactive concentration of the one or more previous acquisition results on the one or more light strips, corresponding to a sixth preconfigured finger gesture of visualizing the radioactive concentration.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to visualize one or more non-scannable regions on the one or more light strips, corresponding to a seventh preconfigured finger gesture of visualizing the non-scannable regions.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the visual indicator system further includes a pressure sensor or a weight sensor, configured to detect a human body on the medical imaging patient bed. The microcontroller is further configured to illuminate lights corresponding to the human body, such that a placement of the human body is visualized on the one or more light strips.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the visual indicator system includes at least two light strips, each light strip corresponding to a predetermined medical imaging type. The microcontroller is further configured to illuminate the at least two light strips, and each light strip is configured to visualize a predetermined scan range for the predetermined medical imaging type.

Embodiments can provide a visual indicator system, wherein the microcontroller is further configured to enable a scan range planning mode by performing an eighth preconfigured finger gesture.

Embodiments can provide a medical imaging patient bed having an integrated visual indicator system as described above.

Embodiments can provide a medical imaging patient bed wherein the microcontroller is further configured to illuminate at least two lights corresponding to a scan range selected through the one or more preconfigured finger gestures. An upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a first light and a lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a second light.

Embodiments can provide a medical imaging patient bed, further comprising a channel on a side of the medical imaging patient bed, the channel configured to accommodate the emitted laser and form a laser path.

Embodiments can provide a medical imaging patient bed, further comprising a finger guide on a sidewall of the channel, the finger guide configured to guide a finger to move along the laser path, wherein the one or more light strips are substantially aligned with the finger guide.

Embodiments can provide a medical imaging patient bed, wherein the finger guide is a slot.

Embodiments can provide a medical imaging patient bed, wherein the one or more light strips are raised out of the slot.

Embodiments can provide a method of using a visual indicator system, comprising: generating, by a laser distance meter, which is attached to one end of the medical imaging patient bed, an emitted laser; performing, by a human finger, one or more preconfigured finger gestures on one of one or more light strips attached to the medical imaging bed, wherein each light strip comprises a plurality of lights, and wherein the one or more preconfigured finger gestures are stored in a storage device; receiving, by the laser distance meter, a reflected laser caused by reflection of the emitted laser from the human finger; generating, by the laser distance meter, based upon properties of the emitted laser and the reflected laser, one or more distance measurements; communicating, to a microcontroller, the one or more distance measurements; and illuminating, by the microcontroller, one or more light strips in a manner corresponding to the one or more distance measurements generated by the laser distance meter and the one or more preconfigured finger gestures. The microcontroller illuminates at least two lights corresponding to a scan range selected through the user performing a first one of the one or more preconfigured finger gestures, wherein an upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a first light and a lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a second light. The microcontroller further illuminates at least two lights different than previously illuminated lights, corresponding to the user performing a second preconfigured finger gesture of moving the scan range, wherein the upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a third light and the lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a fourth light. The method further comprises sending, by the microcontroller, which is connected via a host controller to a medical scanner, a digital value of the scan range to the host controller.

Embodiments can provide a method of using a visual indicator system, further comprising: adjusting, by the host controller, one or more parameters of a medical imaging session based upon the digital value of the scan range.

Embodiments can provide a method of using a visual indicator system, further comprising: communicating, by the host controller, a status of the medical imaging session to the microcontroller; illuminating, by the microcontroller, the one or more light strips to visualize the status of the medical imaging session.

Embodiments can provide a method of using a visual indicator system, further comprising: illuminating, by the microcontroller, the one or more light strips to form one or more interactive visual animations.

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:.

The following disclosure describes several embodiments directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses associated with a visual indicator system for a patient bed.

Embodiments involve a system and method for providing bedside scan range planning during imaging and other medical sessions in a non-invasive manner, using a laser, ultrasound, or infrared rangefinder, one or more LEDs, a storage device, and a microcontroller connected to a host controller included in an imaging scanner. In embodiments, a visual indicator system may display a scan range graphically, or provide a digital output directly to the host controller of the imaging scanner.

Embodiments further provide a system and method for providing status indication during imaging and other medical sessions, using one or more LEDs, a microcontroller, and an imaging scanner. In embodiments, the imaging scanner may provide a status of the medical imaging session to the microcontroller through the host controller, and the microcontroller may control the one or more LEDs to alert the clinic user to the status of the medical imaging session.

Embodiments further provide a system and method for providing interactive aesthetic animations during imaging and other medical sessions, using one or more LEDs, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller may control the one or more LEDs to provide aesthetic animations, with which the clinic user or a patient may interact.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of the visual indicator system <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. The visual indicator system <NUM> may be directly attached to a movable patient bed <NUM>, or may be modular and detachable such that the system may be moved from bed to bed if needed. The visual indicator system <NUM> has a light strip <NUM>, which includes a plurality of lights <NUM>. In an embodiment, the one or more lights <NUM> may be LEDs, but any high-efficiency lighting solutions may be employed. The one or more lights <NUM> may have the same or different colors, or may be color-changing LEDs. Alternatively, the light strip <NUM> may comprise a single, long screen comprising one or more pixels, which may function in a similar manner to the one or more lights <NUM>. In an embodiment, the light strip <NUM> is positioned behind a wire mesh or other transparent protective panel. In an embodiment, the light strip <NUM> is mounted to the patient bed <NUM>, or may be a separate unit attached to the patient bed <NUM>. The resolution of the light strip <NUM> may vary based on the number of lights <NUM> incorporated into the light strip <NUM>; for example, more lights <NUM> may be used in some embodiments to provide finer resolution.

To sense distances, the visual indicator system <NUM> uses a distance meter, e.g. a laser distance meter <NUM> comprising a laser source <NUM> and a laser receiver <NUM>. The laser distance meter <NUM> may be configured to produce emitted laser beam <NUM> from the laser source <NUM>, and the emitted laser beam <NUM> may travel within a channel <NUM> longitudinally located at one side of the patient bed <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>).

In this example, the laser distance meter <NUM> is attached at one end of the channel <NUM>, and a reflective portion <NUM> may be provided at the other end of the laser distance meter <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may be V-shaped, arc-shaped, semicircular, or of other shape. The channel <NUM> prevents interference of the emitted laser beam <NUM> from other objects or liquids in the clinic where the visual indicator system <NUM> may be located. The laser source <NUM> is located at one end of the channel <NUM>, in which a laser path may be provided.

<FIG> shows a schematic illustration of a movable patient bed <NUM>, and <FIG> shows an enlarged part A as illustrated in <FIG>. These figures illustrate a finger guide <NUM> provided on one sidewall of the channel <NUM>. The finger guide <NUM> may be a slot and provided along the channel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the finger guide <NUM> may be V-shaped; but, in general a guide of any shape capable of allowing movement of a human finger can be employed. The finger guide <NUM> provides a guide path for a finger (or other object, for example a stylus). Because the finger guide <NUM> is provided on one sidewall of the channel <NUM> through which the emitted laser beam <NUM> travels, the finger may move along the laser path or the finger may block the emitted laser beam <NUM> altogether. In some embodiments, the finger guide <NUM> and the channel <NUM> have the same length as the patient bed <NUM>. In an embodiment, the light strip <NUM> is located behind the finger guide <NUM>, so that the light is emitted by the light strip <NUM> through the finger guide <NUM>. In an embodiment, the light strip <NUM> is slightly raised out of the finger guide <NUM>. Thus, when the finger moves along the finger guide <NUM>, the finger may touch the slightly raised light strip <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, at the other end of the channel <NUM> opposite the laser distance meter <NUM>, a reflective portion <NUM> is located. The reflective portion <NUM> may be, for example, a mirror or other reflective surface, capable of reflecting the emitted laser beam <NUM> and producing reflected laser beam <NUM>. The reflected laser beam <NUM> travels back along the channel <NUM> and is detected by the laser receiver <NUM>. In some embodiments, the reflective portion <NUM> are used for calibration and resetting of the laser distance meter <NUM> after use by a clinic user.

Various types of laser sources may be used in accordance with different embodiments of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, the laser source <NUM> is a visual laser source, such as a red laser. Alternatively, in other embodiment, an infrared laser or other low power laser may be used by the laser distance meter <NUM>. In another alternative embodiment, an ultrasound distance meter or an infrared (but non-laser) distance meter is used in place of the laser distance meter <NUM>. These embodiments may use an ultrasound source and ultrasound receiver or an infrared source and infrared receiver, respectively, to measure distances.

As shown in <FIG>, the visual indicator system <NUM> controls the light strip <NUM> and the laser distance meter <NUM> through the use of a microcontroller <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> interfaces with a host controller <NUM>, which is connected to a particular medical system, such as a medical imaging scanner (not shown in <FIG>), via direct or indirect network connection. In this way, the microcontroller <NUM>, in addition to visually displaying a scan range through the light strip <NUM>, may also send a digital value of the scan range to the host controller <NUM> for display or recordation on the particular medical imaging scanner being used. The host controller <NUM> may adjust parameters of a medical imaging session, so that the medical imaging session may be performed with the scan range. Further, the medical imaging scanner may send the status data of the medical imaging session to the microcontroller <NUM> via the host controller <NUM>, and the microcontroller <NUM> may control the light strip <NUM> to visualize the status of the medical imaging session so that the clinic user may be alerted.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of using the visual indicator system <NUM> with a finger or other object <NUM> inserted in the figure guide <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), in accordance with some embodiments described herein. As described above, the laser distance meter <NUM> may continuously produce, through the laser source <NUM>, an emitted laser beam <NUM>. Without obstruction, the emitted laser beam <NUM> is transmitted along the channel <NUM>, before being reflected from the reflective portion <NUM> opposite the laser source <NUM>, and returned as a reflected laser beam <NUM> to the laser receiver <NUM>. To use the visual indicator system <NUM> to make measurements and visually display a scan range, a clinic user may make a preconfigured gesture with a finger <NUM> on the finger guide <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) of the patient bed <NUM> at desired positions. The desired positions may correspond to, for example, an area just imaged, the location of a body part, or another metric determined to be important to the clinic user. It should be noted that, although this example refers to a finger <NUM> being inserted, in general any object can be inserted in the finger guide <NUM> and cause a similar response from the visual indicator system <NUM>.

By putting the finger <NUM> on the finger guide <NUM> of the patient bed <NUM>, the emitted laser beam <NUM> is truncated, and the reflected laser beam <NUM> returns with a different time than when unobstructed. This is also known as a time-of-flight calculation. The reflected laser beam <NUM> is received by the laser receiver <NUM> and used to determine a distance value indicative of the distance between the receiver and the finger <NUM>. Then, this distance value may be communicated to the microcontroller <NUM>. Based on the distance value sent to the microcontroller <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> may send a command to the light strip <NUM> to activate one or more lights <NUM>. For example, the light <NUM> may be illuminated such that it corresponds in position to the user's finger <NUM> on the finger guide <NUM> (See <FIG> and <FIG>).

Alternatively, the emitted laser beam <NUM> and reflected laser beam <NUM> may be used to determine distance through optical triangulation instead of time-of-flight. In optical triangulation, the distance of the finger <NUM> may be calculated through a measurement of the angular difference between the emitted laser beam <NUM> and the reflected laser beam <NUM>, which may vary based upon the distance of the finger or other object <NUM> from the laser source <NUM> and the laser receiver <NUM>.

In an embodiment, when a first limit of a scan range (e.g., an upper limit of the scan range) is selected by the finger <NUM> on the finger guide <NUM>, a single light on the light strip <NUM> corresponding to the first limit may be illuminated. When a second limit of the scan range (e.g., a lower limit of the scan range) is selected by the finger <NUM> on the finger guide <NUM>, then all the lights on the light strip <NUM> corresponding to the scan range between the first limit and the second limit may be illuminated. Alternatively, instead of illuminating all the lights, a pattern of lights on the light strip <NUM> may be used, where some are illuminated and some are extinguished. In other embodiments, only two lights may be illuminated on the light strip <NUM>, corresponding to the first limit and the second limit, respectively. The lights on the light strip <NUM> may remain constantly illuminated, or may illuminate and extinguish in a periodic fashion. Alternatively, the lights may remain illuminated for a predetermined interval after the user's finger <NUM> is removed, or the lights may remain illuminated until a reset is communicated by the microcontroller <NUM> or until the finger <NUM> selects another scan range on the finger guide <NUM>. The light strip <NUM> may completely extinguish when a reset command is sent by the microcontroller, or when the user makes a particular preconfigured finger gesture to clear the light strip <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as the one or more lights <NUM> are illuminated, a digital value of the distance measured is communicated by the microcontroller <NUM> to a host controller <NUM> for storage, use, and/or display on a screen or monitor (not shown in the figures). In an embodiment, each time a user's finger <NUM> is put into the channel <NUM>, a measurement communication may occur between the microcontroller <NUM> and the host controller <NUM> (as described above).

<FIG> illustrates commands corresponding to preconfigured finger gestures, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. With respect to the "swipe" finger gesture, if the clinic user swipes on the raised light strip <NUM> or on the finger guide <NUM>, a scan range planning mode is enabled, allowing the clinic user to set the scan range for a medical imaging session. If the clinic user performs a "single tap" finger gesture at a certain position of the light strip <NUM>, a position of the scan range is selected. For example, the user may use a "single tap" finger gesture to select a lower limit of the scan range and another "single tap" finger gesture to select an upper limit of the scan range. Then the lights between the two positions of the light strip <NUM> may be illuminated. Alternatively, the clinic user may select the upper limit of the scan range first, and then select the lower limit of the scan range.

Continuing with reference to <FIG>, the clinic user may perform a "hold and drag" finger gesture to move the scan range by placing a figure at a position corresponding to any one of the illuminated lights and moving the figure to a new position. After completing the gesture, the lights corresponding to the new location of the scan range are illuminated and the lights corresponding to the old location of the scan range are extinguished.

The lights on the light strip <NUM> corresponding to the scan range may be extinguished when the clinic user performs a "double tap" finger gesture by tapping two times on the light strip <NUM> or on the finger guide <NUM> to reset the light strip <NUM>. If there are several scan ranges selected by the clinic user, in an embodiment, the clinic user may double tap on a specific scan range to extinguish the lights corresponding to this scan range while the lights corresponding to other scan ranges may still be illuminated. Alternatively, the clinic user may double tap on any position of the light strip <NUM> or the finger guide <NUM> to reset and extinguish the lights corresponding to all the scan ranges. It should be appreciated that the commands and preconfigured finger gestures as showed in <FIG> are merely illustrative examples. The commands may correspond to different finger gestures. For example, in an embodiment not forming part of the invention, the command "switch to scan range planning mode" may correspond to the gesture "spread. " Further, <FIG> is intended to be non-limiting and is not exhaustive of all the possible commands and preconfigured finger gestures.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of moving a scan range, in accordance with the invention. The lights of the light strip <NUM> corresponding to a scan range <NUM> are illuminated. The user may single tap the center <NUM> of the scan range <NUM>, and then hold at the center <NUM> and drag the scan range <NUM>. The scan range <NUM> may be moved to a new position on the light strip <NUM> selected by the user. The finger of the user may be kept at the center <NUM> during the movement. The embodiment of moving a scan range may be applicable to various types of scans including, for example, the whole-body CT scan, the whole-body planar scan and the whole-body single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of extending a scan range, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In this example, the lights of the light strip <NUM> corresponding to a scan range <NUM> are illuminated. The user may single tap to select the upper limit <NUM> of the scan range <NUM>, and drag the upper limit <NUM>. The upper limit <NUM> of the scan range <NUM> may be moved or extended to a new position on the light strip <NUM> designated by the clinic user, with the lower limit <NUM> remaining at the same position. The embodiment of extending a scan range may be applicable to various types of scans including, for example, the whole-body CT scan, the whole-body planar scan and the whole-body SPECT scan.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of adding a scan range, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> corresponding to a first scan range <NUM> and a second scan range <NUM> may be illuminated. The clinic user may single tap the light strip <NUM> to select an upper limit <NUM> for a new third scan range <NUM>, perform a "pinch" gesture next to the upper limit <NUM>, and then the new third scan range <NUM> may be added beside the second scan range <NUM> on the light strip <NUM>. The embodiment of adding a scan range by performing a "pinch" gesture is not forming part of the invention, and may be applicable to the whole-body SPECT scan.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of dynamically adjusting an image quality for each scan range with respect to human body anatomy, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In this example, the lights of the light strip <NUM> corresponding to a first scan range <NUM>, a second scan range <NUM> and a third scan range <NUM> are illuminated, and characteristics such as the brightness, saturation and/or color of these lights may be dynamically adjusted. In an embodiment, the image quality may be categorized as "Low," "Medium," and "High. " For example, if the image quality of the first scan range <NUM> is low, the lights corresponding to the first scan range <NUM> may be illuminated with light red. If the image quality of the second scan range <NUM> is medium, the lights corresponding to the second scan range <NUM> may be illuminated with brick red. If the image quality of the third scan range <NUM> is high, the lights corresponding to the third scan range <NUM> may be illuminated with bright red. In an embodiment, the user may single tap any position of the first scan range <NUM> to select the first scan range <NUM>. Then, the user may continue to single tap any position of the first scan range <NUM> to change the image quality. For example, the user may single tap any position of the first scan range <NUM>, the image quality of the first scan range <NUM> may be changed from "Low" to "Medium. " The user may single tap any position of the first scan range <NUM> again, the image quality of the first scan range <NUM> may be changed from "Medium" to "High. " Similarly, the image quality of the second scan range <NUM> and the third scan range <NUM> may be changed in the same way. The embodiment of adjusting an image quality may be applicable to all the whole-body scans, for example, the whole-body CT scan, the whole-body planar scan, and the whole-body SPECT scan. It should be appreciated that the image quality may have more and different categories, for example, "class <NUM>," "class <NUM>," "class <NUM>," "class <NUM>," "class <NUM>," "class <NUM>", etc., with improved image quality. The example of <FIG> is intended to be non-limiting and is not exhaustive of all the possible image quality categories.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of a spectrum of values with respect to a distance to the laser source <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>), in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In this example, a color spectrum is employed and the different patterns shown in <FIG> are used to represent the different colors in the spectrum. In an embodiment, the color, brightness and/or saturation of the lights along the light strip <NUM> are dynamically adjusted. In <FIG>, the color spectrum with respect to laser source <NUM> is visualized on the light strip <NUM>. Specifically, a first section <NUM> is the one most close to the laser source <NUM>, and the lights corresponding to the first section <NUM> have the deepest color. A second section <NUM> is the one farthest from the laser source <NUM>, and the lights corresponding to the second section <NUM> have the lightest color. The user may customize any section of the light strip <NUM>. In an embodiment, the user may single tap any position of a third section <NUM> to select the third section <NUM>. Then the user may continue to single tap any position of the third section <NUM> to change the color, brightness and/or saturation of the third section <NUM>. For example, the user may single tap any position of the third section <NUM>, the color of the third section <NUM> may be changed from "color <NUM>" to "color <NUM>. " The user may single tap any position of the third section <NUM> again, the color of third section <NUM> may be changed from "color <NUM>" to "color <NUM>. " The user may continuously single tap the third section <NUM> until the desired color is obtained.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of radioactive concentration of the latest acquisition with respect to the human body anatomy, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. The different patterns shown in <FIG> are used to represent the radioactive concentration of the latest acquisition for the patient with regard to anatomical location. This information would not ordinarily be provided directly on the patient bed. However, using the visual indicator system shown in <FIG>, the radioactive concentration is visualized through the light strip <NUM>. The visual indicator system includes a storage device (not shown in <FIG>), which may store all the previous acquisition results. In another embodiment, the visual indicator system may access a remote server or cloud server, which stores all the previous acquisition results. The microcontroller <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may obtain the latest acquisition result or another previous acquisition result from the storage device, the remote server or cloud server, and then control the lights of the light strip <NUM> to visualize the radioactive concentration of the latest acquisition result or another previous acquisition result. In an embodiment, the radioactive concentration may be visualized with respect to the body anatomy of the patient. For example, if the chest of the patient was scanned with the highest radioactive concentration, then a section <NUM> of the light strip <NUM> corresponding to the chest may be visualized with the deepest color. Conversely, a section <NUM> of the light strip <NUM> corresponding to the lower legs of the patient may be visualized with the lightest color indicative of the lowest radioactive concentration. The radioactive concentration visualization of the previous acquisition result may facilitate the current scan range plan.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of non-scannable regions, with respect to the human body anatomy, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In this example, the non-scannable regions are the head and the lower legs of a patient; however, it should be understood that this concept can be applied to any non-scannable region. In <FIG>, a section <NUM> corresponding to the head and a section <NUM> corresponding to the lower legs are displayed with a cross pattern. In another embodiment, the section <NUM> and the section <NUM> may be displayed with black color or in other patterns.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of a boundary between two scan ranges, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In this example, a boundary <NUM> between two scan ranges <NUM> and <NUM> is visualized. This boundary <NUM> may be useful, for example, when planning for a whole-body SPECT scan. In an embodiment, the lights corresponding to the boundary <NUM> may be illuminated with a specific color (e.g., yellow). In another embodiment, the lights corresponding to the boundary <NUM> may be illuminated with a specific pattern so that the user, for example a scan operator, may notice the boundary easily.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of subdivided sections of a scan range, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In this example, the scan range <NUM> is divided into several sections, for example four quadrants <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, so that the relevant organs, for example the heart, and the lungs of the patient, may be centered or offset as necessary for a given clinical procedure. In an embodiment, the lights corresponding to boundaries <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are illuminated with yellow color. In another embodiment, the lights corresponding to the boundaries <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are illuminated with any color or any pattern so that the clinic user, for example, a scan operator, may notice the boundaries easily. In an embodiment, the four sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> can be moved or translated in a similar manner as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of visualizing a body placement, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In this example, the visual indicator system may further include a sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor or a weight sensor), which is installed on the patient bed <NUM>. When a patient lies on the patient bed <NUM>, the sensor detects the patient body, and the microcontroller <NUM> may control the light strip <NUM> to visualize the body placement. In an embodiment, except non-scannable regions, the lights corresponding to the scannable part of the patient body may be visualized with a dark color. In another embodiment, the lights corresponding to the scannable part of the patient body may be visualized with any color or any pattern.

<FIG> illustrate a graphical representation of visualizing a planned scan range, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. In these embodiments, the visual indicator system includes an overhead light or laser <NUM>. The overhead light or laser <NUM> may be installed above a patient bed and substantially aligned with the center of the patient bed. When a scan range is set and visualized on the light strip <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> may control the overhead light or laser <NUM> to illuminate the corresponding part of the patient body, and the illuminated part may correspond to the set scan range (as shown in <FIG>). In an embodiment, when the clinic user, for example a scan operator, tries to move or translate the scan range in a way as illustrated in <FIG>, the microcontroller <NUM> may control the overhead light or laser <NUM> to illuminate the part of the patient body corresponding to the new scan range (as shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> illustrates a graphical representation of visualizing scan ranges of different scan types, in accordance with embodiments described herein. In these embodiments, the user plans scan ranges for the entire workflow of a plurality of scans. In the example of <FIG>, these scans include a whole-body CT scan, a whole-body SPECT scan and a whole-body planar scan; however, it should be understood that various types of scans may be used in combination. In an embodiment, light strip <NUM> includes a screen, the scan ranges of the different scan types are visualized on different rows of the screen respectively. For example, the planned scan range for the whole-body SPECT scan is shown on the first row, the planned scan range for the whole-body planar scan is shown on the second row, and the planned scan range for the whole-body CT scan is shown on the third row. Each scan range is visualized in different colors or patterns. In another embodiment, the visual indicator system may have more than one light strip, for example three light strips, each for a particular scan type. For example, as shown in <FIG>, first light strip <NUM> is provided for the whole-body SPECT scan, a second light strip <NUM> is provided for the whole-body planar scan, and a third light strip <NUM> is provided for the whole-body CT scan. The scan ranges on the first light strip <NUM>, the second light strip <NUM> , and the third light strip <NUM> are visualized with different colors or patterns.

<FIG> illustrate a graphical representation of unlocking the light strip <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments described herein. In <FIG>, the light strip <NUM> is in a locked mode. In <FIG>, a graphical lock is shown for illustration purposes. In some embodiments, this lock, or a similar graphic, may be provided on the light strip <NUM> or a display of the moveable patient bed <NUM>. While in lock mode, no finger gesture can trigger any operation on the light strip <NUM>. In <FIG>, the user swipes on the light strip <NUM> to unlock the light strip <NUM>, and enables the scan range planning mode. Finally, in <FIG>, the light strip <NUM> is unlocked and the user may then perform one or more preconfigured finger gestures to set and plan the scan range.

In an embodiment, the light strip <NUM> may also work as a status indicator to inform the clinic user, for example a scan operator, of the status of the imaging session. In an embodiment, when axes motion of the imaging system has been initiated and any axis may accelerate to motion at any time, the light strip <NUM> may be illuminated with red color, a different color or a combination of several colors to alert the clinic user to the automated motion state of the imaging system, so that the clinic user may avoid contact with the medical imaging system or machine. Moreover, after the scan range is set and the imaging session is ready, the clinic user may leave the imaging room where the scan session is performed, and thus the status of the scan session may be unnoticeable to him/her. In an embodiment, during the progress of the imaging session, the light strip <NUM> may be illuminated with yellow color, a different color or a combination of several colors. Alternatively, the lights of the light strip <NUM> may flash or change color in a periodic manner. In an embodiment, if the imaging session or an acquisition is completed, the light strip <NUM> may be illuminated with green color, a different color or a combination of several colors, and flashed in a periodic manner. In an embodiment, if the scan session is temporarily paused due to an error condition, the light strip <NUM> may be illuminated with red color, or flashed, so that the clinic user may notice the error condition and resolve the problem immediately.

In an embodiment, diverse animations may be provided through the lights of the light strip <NUM> to relieve the patient's anxiety. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> may be controlled by the microcontroller <NUM> to provide color-changing aesthetic appearance. Alternatively, the lights of the light strip <NUM> may provide a combination of various colors by moving and overlapping sinusoidal waves of various colors. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> may provide a color spectrum. The clinic user or the patient may select and change any color of the color spectrum through the preconfigured finger gestures. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> may provide a brightness spectrum. The clinic user or the patient may select and change any brightness of the brightness spectrum through the preconfigured finger gestures. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> may provide a saturation spectrum. The clinic user or the patient may select and change any saturation of the saturation spectrum through the preconfigured finger gestures.

In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide "moving water" animations. The clinic user or the patient can interact with the "moving water" animations. When the finger of the clinic user or the patient is detected, for example, when the finger blocks the laser path, the "moving water" may ripple with different colors.

In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide a stack animation. Specifically, blocks having an equal length or different lengths run down the strip, one at a time and stack on top of each other. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide a bounce animation, wherein a pixel may be shot from one end of the light strip <NUM> to the other end of the light strip <NUM> while being pulled down by gravity. The ball continues to bounce to lower heights until it comes to a rest, then the ball is shot up again. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide a droplet animation, wherein small rings expand from random locations along the light strip <NUM> and fade out, emulating the rings seen from raindrops.

In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide a 2D object cut into several layers. The several layers are shown on the light strip <NUM> in a sequential order, as if a screen were scrolled past the 2D object. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide a twinkle animation, wherein a random glare may appear on a lit background, simulating glistens of stars or oceans. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide a sliding block animation, wherein blocks having an equal length or different lengths slide into the previous slot, one at a time. The color of each block changes with various color shades. In an embodiment, the lights of the light strip <NUM> provide a sunset or sunrise animation, wherein a series of color gradients radiating from the middle of the strip to look like a sunset or sunrise.

<FIG> depicts a block diagram illustrating various components of the visual indicator system <NUM>, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. As discussed above, the visual indicator system <NUM> may be controlled via a microcontroller <NUM>, which may mediate the interactions between a distance meter <NUM> and a light strip <NUM>. As the object (i.e., the user's finger) <NUM> interacts with the distance meter <NUM> at one end of the patient bed <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> may turn lights in the light strip <NUM> on and off with respect to the preconfigured finger gestures and the measured distances. The preconfigured finger gestures may be stored in a storage device <NUM>. The storage device <NUM> may further store previous acquisition results of all the patients. If one or more lights are illuminated (for instance, when visually displaying a scan range), the system may completely return to a basic operating state through the use of a reset command, which may be sent via a switch, button, toggle, or software command. Alternatively, the reset command may be provided by double tapping the light strip <NUM>. The basic operating state may include extinguishing the light strip <NUM> and resetting the distance meter <NUM>. Additionally, the measured distances may be output by the microcontroller <NUM> to the host controller <NUM>, which, in turn, may communicate with a medical imaging system <NUM>. Furthermore, the medical imaging system <NUM> may communicate the status data of a medical imaging session to the microcontroller <NUM> via the host controller <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> may control the light strip <NUM> to visualize the status of the medical imaging session for the clinic user. The microcontroller <NUM> may further control the light strip <NUM> to provide diverse interactive animations which may relieve the anxiety of patients. The visual indicator system <NUM> may further include an overhead light or laser <NUM>, which may illuminate the body part corresponding to the set scan range. The visual indicator system <NUM> may further include a pressure sensor or a weight sensor <NUM>, which may detect the patient body for body placement. The visual indicator system <NUM> may be powered by a power source <NUM>, which may be an external plug or a battery. A battery may be used for portability, such that a patient bed <NUM> with the visual indicator system <NUM> installed may be moved between rooms or within a large room without the need to unplug from and re-plug into the outlet.

Modes of measurement by the distance meter <NUM> may include a laser distance meter <NUM>, an ultrasound distance meter <NUM>, or an infrared distance meter <NUM>. In an embodiment, the laser distance meter <NUM>, ultrasound distance meter <NUM>, or infrared distance meter <NUM> determines distances through time-of-flight. Alternatively, the laser distance meter <NUM> may determine distance through optical triangulation.

Advantages of embodiments of the visual indicator system include easy adjustment and planning of scan ranges through preprogrammed gesture commands, timely alert of the clinic user to the status of a medical imaging session, interaction with relaxing aesthetic animations, and flexibility of user input control.

The present description and claims may make use of the terms "a," "at least one of," and "one or more of," with regard to particular features and elements of the illustrative embodiments. It should be appreciated that these terms and phrases are intended to state that there is at least one of the particular feature or element present in the particular illustrative embodiment, but that more than one may also be present. That is, these terms/phrases are not intended to limit the description or claims to a single feature/element being present or require that a plurality of such features/elements be present. To the contrary, these terms/phrases only require at least a single feature/element with the possibility of a plurality of such features/elements being within the scope of the description and claims.

In addition, it should be appreciated that the following description uses a plurality of various examples for various elements of the illustrative embodiments to further illustrate example implementations of the illustrative embodiments and to aid in the understanding of the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. These examples are intended to be non-limiting and are not exhaustive of the various possibilities for implementing the mechanisms of the illustrative embodiments. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present description that there are many other alternative implementations for these various elements that may be utilized in addition to, or in replacement of, the example provided herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The system and processes of the figures are not exclusive. Other systems, processes, and menus may be derived in accordance with the principles of embodiments described herein to accomplish the same objectives. It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustration purposes only. Modifications to the current design may be implemented by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the embodiments. As described herein, the various systems, subsystems, agents, managers, and processes may be implemented using hardware components, software components, and/or combinations thereof.

Claim 1:
A visual indicator system (<NUM>), attachable to a medical imaging patient bed (<NUM>), the visual indicator system (<NUM>) comprising:
one or more light strips (<NUM>) configured to be attached to the medical imaging patient bed (<NUM>), each light strip (<NUM>) comprising a plurality of lights (<NUM>);
a distance meter (<NUM>), attachable to one end of the medical imaging patient bed (<NUM>) and configured to determine a distance value indicative of a distance between a receiver (<NUM>) of the distance meter (<NUM>) and a finger (<NUM>) of a user, the finger (<NUM>) positioned on one of the light strips (<NUM>);
a storage device, configured to store one or more preconfigured finger gestures performable by the finger (<NUM>) of the user; and
a microcontroller (<NUM>), which is connected via a host controller to a medical scanner;
wherein the microcontroller (<NUM>) is configured to illuminate the one or more light strips (<NUM>) after the one or more preconfigured finger gestures are performed by the user's finger (<NUM>) with respect to the one or more light strips (<NUM>);
wherein a position of the illumination of the light strip (<NUM>) corresponds to one or more distance measurements generated by the distance meter (<NUM>) and a position of performing the one or more preconfigured finger gestures by the user's finger (<NUM>),
wherein the microcontroller (<NUM>) is further configured to illuminate at least two lights (<NUM>) corresponding to a scan range selected through a first one of the one or more preconfigured finger gestures,
wherein an upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a first light and a lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a second light, wherein the microcontroller (<NUM>) is further configured to illuminate at least two lights (<NUM>) different than previously illuminated lights, corresponding to the user performing a second preconfigured finger gesture of moving the scan range,
wherein the upper limit of the scan range corresponds to a third light and the lower limit of the scan range corresponds to a fourth light; and wherein the microcontroller (<NUM>) is configured to send a digital value of the scan range to the host controller.