Networked imaging system with real-time feedback loop

Abstract

An integrated imaging system for creating an optimal imaging session by importing information in real time from several sources over a network and using that information to automatically and continuously adjust the parameters of the imaging session so as to create the optimal session for the prescribed testing session.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for use in a shared computer network being able to carry real-time data streams the apparatus comprising:
 a non-transitory machine-readable medium that provides instructions over the shared computer network that, when executed by a set of processors, causes the processors to provide instructions to at least one of a motion device and an imaging device which are connected to the shared computer network comprising:
 receiving information from at least one of the motion device and the imaging device during an imaging session over the shared computer network; 
 analyzing the received information during the imaging session; 
 determining whether a target anatomy is within a field of view during the imaging session; 
 evaluating a position of the imaging device, a position of the motion device, a radiographic imaging technique, and a geometric configuration of a collimator; 
 determining whether a change to one or more of a position of the imaging device, a position of the motion device, a radiographic imaging technique, and a geometric configuration of a collimator will bring the target anatomy within the field of view; and 
 instructing at least one of the motion device and imaging device over the shared computer network to change an imaging environment automatically and continuously during the imaging session to maintain the target anatomy within a field of view by one or more of changing the position of the imaging device, changing the position of the motion device, changing the radiographic imaging technique, and changing the geometric configuration of the collimator. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the instructions are streamed over the shared computer network a plurality of times during the imaging session. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is an X-ray tube and image intensifier with dosage control. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the imaging device is a magnetic resonance scanner. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein motion device further comprises a laterally moveable platform. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the movable platform is situated on a support which lies on an upper surface of the platform base. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the imaging device is an X-ray tube and image intensifier with dosage control. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the imaging device is a magnetic resonance scanner. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the motion device further comprises a control arm for driving movement of a moveable platform. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  further comprising a processing system. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the motion device is adapted to communicate motion information to the imaging device during use. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein continuous adjustments are made to an imaging environment. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a range of motion of the motion device is based on a selected target motion for a patient. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a range of motion of the device is based on a gross motion of a patient.