Device for multi-dimensional breath detection with a time-of-flight camera

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a device for detecting a patient's breathing in multiple dimensions using a time-of-flight (ToF) camera system. The invention emits modulated light onto a patient's body, detects the reflected light with a sensor, and then uses the timing data to create depth maps. These depth maps are processed in real time to monitor and analyze complex, region-specific breathing patterns across the patient's torso, enabling advanced tracking of respiratory motions.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Improving medical imaging accuracy by compensating for breathing-induced organ movement during CT, MRI, or PET scans.
• Guiding and monitoring radiotherapy doses in oncology by accurately tracking tumor position as the patient breathes.
• Supporting research or clinical studies involving respiratory mechanics and their effects on internal organ motion.
• Integrating real-time respiratory monitoring into surgical navigation systems to enhance precision.
• Non-contact, multi-region respiratory monitoring for intensive care or sleep studies.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides a detailed, multi-dimensional view of respiratory movement across different areas of the body, rather than just a single measurement point.
• Enables real-time monitoring of breathing patterns, improving the timing and accuracy of medical procedures affected by patient movement.
• Non-invasive and does not require attaching sensors directly to the patient, enhancing patient comfort and reducing infection risk.
• Can reduce imaging artifacts and improve the diagnostic quality of CT, MRI, and PET scans.
• Improves targeting precision and safety in radiotherapy by tracking tumor motion caused by breathing.
• Flexible integration with various medical devices and workflows due to digital data processing.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The device (500) has a time-of-flight based sensor for receiving light reflected from a body region of a patient and generating a sensor signal representing the received light. A modulation unit (103) controls a light source (106) according to modulation information such that the light source transmits a modulated light signal to the body region of the patient. An evaluation unit (104) e.g. digital signal processor, is connected with the sensor for evaluating the sensor signal by using the modulation information to evaluate depth data that is used to compute multi-dimensional breath signal. An independent claim is also included for a method for acquisition of depth data to detect a multidimensional breath signal of a patient.