SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR POSITIONING TABLE IN A MEDICAL

IMAGING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a medical imaging system for capturing images of a subject. More specifically, the invention relates to positioning a table with respect to the medical imaging system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Medical imaging systems are used in different applications to image different regions or areas (e.g. different organs) of patients or other objects. For example, a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging system may be utilized to generate an image of organs, vasculature, heart, or other portions of the body. A patient may be lying down on a table that can be connected to an image capturing subsystem of a medical imaging system. A typical table can be moved from one location to another. The table includes a cradle, cradle rollers, a bed, other movable components and electric motors for moving the cradle and bed with respect to the image capturing subsystem. Considering an MR imaging system the cradle may be operated to move the subject into the image capturing subsystem for performing imaging. The cradle along with the bed is moved using some electronic control units, motor, encoder and moving mechanisms such as belt and latch mechanism. However these mechanisms have higher tolerance ranges and the ranges cannot be manageable. Further adjustments may need to be made in these mechanisms to maintain the tolerance range.

[0003] The table needs to be docked with the image capturing subsystem in order to use them and then undocked when not in usage. The docking and undocking of the table is performed using mechanical paddles that need to have frequent maintenance and regular adjustments. The docking and undocking process is done manually and therefore the impact of docking is controlled manually dependent on an operator's way of docking and force applied. A connector system is present in the image capturing subsystem to establish an electrical connection. The tolerance associated with the connector system and manual docking (using the mechanical paddles) cannot be controlled within a predefined limit leading to misalignment of the table while docking. The connector system may also become faulty often adding more cost and poor reliability. Moreover as the movement of table cannot be controller except manually by the operator, possibility of accidental collision with the image capturing subsystem is high.

[0004] For these and other reasons there is a need for an improved system for positioning a table in a medical imaging system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005J The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages and problems are addressed herein which will be understood by reading and understanding the following specification.

[0006] In an embodiment a system for positioning a table in a medical imaging system is disclosed. The system includes one or more magnetic components configured to control positioning of the table with respect to an image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system. The image capturing subsystem generates a magnetic field assisting the at least one magnetic component to control position of the table. The image capturing subsystem is configured to capture medical images of a subject. The system also includes a control unit communicably coupled to the one or more magnetic components. The control unit is configured to regulate a magnetic field generated by the one or more magnetic components to control the position of the table.

[0007] In another embodiment a medical imaging system for performing imaging of a subject is disclosed. The medical imaging system includes a table for holding the subject, an image capturing subsystem configured to capture medical images of the subject, one or more magnetic components and the control unit. The one or more magnetic components are configured to control positioning of the table with respect to an image capturing subsystem. The image capturing subsystem generates a magnetic field assisting the at least one magnetic component to control position of the table, the at least one magnetic component is configured in the table. A control unit is communicably coupled to the at least one magnetic component. The control unit is configured to regulate a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component to control the position of the table.

[0008] In yet another embodiment a method of positioning a table in a medical imaging system is disclosed. The medical imaging system includes a table for holding the subject, and an image capturing subsystem configured to capture medical images of the subject. The method includes controlling position of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system by at least one magnetic component, wherein the image capturing subsystem generates a magnetic field assisting the at least one magnetic component to control position of the table; and regulating a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component to control the position of the table by a control unit.

[0009] Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and detailed description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIGURE 1 illustrates a medical imaging system that is used for performing imaging of an object, typically a human body in accordance with an embodiment;

[0011] FIGURE 2 illustrates a side view of a medical image capturing subsystem having a system for positioning a table in the medical imaging system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0012] FIGURE 3 is a schematic illustration of side view of an image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system showing connecting members in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013] FIGURE 4 is a schematic illustration of front view of a table to be positioned with respect to the medical imaging system showing magnetic components in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIGURE 5 is a schematic illustration of a magnetic component in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015] FIGURE 6 is a schematic illustration of a flow of electric current through the magnetic components in accordance with an embodiment;

[0016] FIGURE 7 is a schematic illustration of polarities associated with the magnetic components and polarities of the image capturing subsystem for positioning the table in accordance with an embodiment;

[0017] FIGURE 8 is a schematic illustration of locking members used in connecting members present in the image capturing subsystem in accordance with an embodiment;

[0018] FIGURE 9 is a schematic illustration of a control unit for controlling the operation of the magnetic components in the medical imaging system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0019] FIGURE 10 is flow diagram of a method of positioning a table in a medical imaging system in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0020] FIGURE 11 is a flow diagram of a method of docking the table in the medical imaging system in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0022] As discussed in detail below, embodiments of the invention including a system for positioning a table in a medical imaging system is disclosed. The system includes one or more magnetic components configured to control positioning of the table with respect to an image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system. The image capturing subsystem generates a magnetic field assisting the at least one magnetic component to control position of the table. The image capturing subsystem is configured to capture medical images of a subject. The system also includes a control unit communicably coupled to the one or more magnetic components. The control unit is configured to regulate a magnetic field generated by the one or more magnetic components to control the position of the table.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a medical imaging system 100 that is used for performing imaging of an object, typically a human body in accordance with an embodiment. The medical imaging system 100 includes for example, a computed tomography imaging system, a single photon emission computed tomography imaging system, a magnetic resonance imaging system, a positron emission tomography system or the like. Multiple images of the body are captured to analyze tissues and structures of the body. The medical imaging system 100 includes a table 102 that can be docked to an image capturing subsystem 104. A table such as the table 102 includes a cradle, cradle rollers facilitating movement of the cradle, a table top positioned on the cradle, table vertical movement assembly (for example scissor units), handles for moving the table, motors, and other electronic/electrical units for controlling the function of the table. Before docking the cradle and the table top may be in a lowered position. When docked the subject can lie down on the table 102. Thereafter the cradle of the table 102 is lifted in a vertical direction using the table vertical movement assembly to align the cradle with respect to the gantry of the medical imaging system 100. The table vertical movement assembly may be operated using foot switches such as a foot switch 106, a foot switch 108. The foot switch 106 may be used to vertically move the cradle along with the table top in the upward direction. Whereas the foot switch 108 may be used to vertically move down the cradle along with the table top. The cradle is then moved in a horizontal direction for allowing the subject present on the table top to move into the gantry for performing the imaging of the subject at the image capturing subsystem 104. The table described herein is according to an exemplary embodiment and hence it may be appreciated that other tables can be used in a medical imaging system.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a medical image capturing subsystem 200 having a system for positioning a table 202 in the medical imaging system 200 in accordance with an embodiment. The system includes one or more magnetic components such as a magnetic component 204 and a control unit 206 communicably coupled to the magnetic component 204. The magnetic component 204 and the control unit 206 are present in the table 202. In an embodiment the magnetic component 204 and the control unit 206 are used for docking the table 202 with the medical imaging system 200. The magnetic component 204 may be configured at an end portion 208 of the table 202.

[0025] In an embodiment the table 202 may have three magnetic components at the end portion 208. A magnetic component generates a magnetic field that can be controlled by the control unit 206. The magnetic field of the magnetic component 204 interacts with a magnetic field generated by an image capturing subsystem 210 of the medical imaging system 200. The magnetic field of the magnetic component 204 assists the magnetic component to control the position of the table. For example the magnetic field of the image capturing subsystem 210 and the magnetic field of the magnetic component 204 have opposite polarity so that they attract each other. The control unit

206 can regulate the magnetic field for instance by regulating a strength and/or polarity of the magnetic field to control the position of the table 202.

[0026] The magnetic component 204 may be an electromagnet that generates the magnetic field in response to flow of electric current through the magnetic component 204. The electric current may be supplied from a power source for example a battery in the table 202. The rate of the flow of electric current is controlled by the control unit 206 communicably connected to the power source. Once the electric current flow stops, the magnetic field of the magnetic component 204 disappears.

[0027] It may be noted that hereafter the FIGs. 1-7 are explained together describing the system for positioning a table 202 in the medical imaging system 200. Referring now back to docking of the table 202, the table 202 may have three magnetic components configured at the end portion 208 as shown in FIG. 4. The magnetic components include a magnetic component 212-1, a magnetic component 212-2 and a magnetic component 212-3 configured in a particular arrangement as shown in FIG. 4 in an exemplary embodiment. The magnetic components connect with the one or more connecting members configured on a portion of the image capturing subsystem 210. The one or more connecting members include a connecting member 214-1, a connecting member 214-2 and a connecting member 214-3. The connecting member 214-1, the connecting member 214-2 and the connecting member 214-3 are arranged in a manner similar to the arrangement of the magnetic components in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] In an embodiment a connecting member may have a countersunk configuration as shown in FIG. 3. The connecting member may have a circular cross-section as depicted in FIG. 3. The diameter of the connecting member may be more near to a first end proximal to a surface of the image capturing subsystem 210 and reduces gradually from the first end to a second end of the connecting member. For instance the connecting member 214-1 has a first end 216 and a second end 218. Diameter of the connecting member 214-1 at the first end 216 is high and the diameter gradually reduces when it reaches the second end 218. Thus the second end 218 may have a lower diameter as compared to the first end 216. The connecting member 214-1 may have a cone shaped cross-section when seen from the side as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0029] When the magnetic field is generated at the image capturing subsystem 210 and the magnetic components, the table 202 is attracted towards the image capturing subsystem 210 so that the magnetic components (such as the magnetic component 212-1, the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3) are guided to connect with the connecting members. For example, the magnetic component 212-1 gets attracted to the image capturing subsystem 210 due to the magnetic field and connects with the connecting member 214-1. Similarly the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3 connect with the connecting member 214-2 and the connecting member 214-3 respectively for aligning or positioning the table 202 with respect to the image capturing subsystem 210.

[0030] In an embodiment the magnetic component 212-1, the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3 may protrude outwardly from a surface of the end portion 208 of the table 202. These magnetic components move through the counter sunk configuration of their corresponding connecting members to establish the connection. When the magnetic components pass through the connecting members, the table 202 aligns properly with respect to the image capturing subsystem 210. More specifically the table 202 aligns with respect to a gantry of the image capturing subsystem 210. It may be appreciated that the magnetic components and the connecting members may be configured in any other pattern of arrangement on the table 202 and have different configuration to facilitate positioning of the table 202 with respect to the image capturing subsystem 210.

[0031] When the magnetic components pass through the connecting members, some assistance may be required to align the magnetic components within the connecting members. To this end at least one guiding member may be configured on a magnetic component to guide the magnetic component through a connecting member. As shown in FIG. 5, guiding members such as a guiding member 500, a guiding member 502, a guiding member 504 and a guiding member 506 may be positioned around a magnetic component 212-1 in accordance with an embodiment. These guiding members push and guide the magnetic component 212-1 to slide on an inner surface of the connecting member 214-1 to align with the connecting member 214-1. The magnetic component 212-1 is aligned such that its end gets aligned to a second end of the connecting member 214-1.

[0032] In an embodiment the guiding members may be bearings such as but not limited to, ball bearings and roller bearings. In an alternative embodiment an inner surface of a connecting member may have guide ways that can engage with the guiding members on a magnetic component when they are connecting each other.

[0033] As the magnetic field of the image capturing subsystem 210 and the magnetic components interact to position the table 202, the control unit 206 may need to regulate the magnetic field of the magnetic components to control interaction (i.e. attraction) between these magnetic fields. The control unit 206 controls the flow of current passing through the magnetic components to regulate the magnetic field generated by the magnetic components. The control unit 206 can also change the direction of flow of current through a magnetic component to modify its polarity.

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates the magnetic component 212-1 having different polarities at their ends i.e. an end 600 and an end 602 at different instances in accordance with an embodiment. When the current flows in a direction shown by an arrow 604, the end 600 has a north polarity and the end 602 has a south polarity. The control unit 206 can change the direction of current flow as shown by an arrow 606. In this instance the end 600 has a south polarity and the end 602 has a north polarity.

[0035] The polarities of the image capturing subsystem 210 may be south polarity at a first end 700 and north polarity at the second end 702. In order to move the table 202 closer to the image capturing subsystem 210 the polarity of an end of the magnetic component 212-1 i.e. the end 602 facing the first end 700 is north. As the first end 700 and the end 602 of the magnetic component 212-1 have opposite polarity they attract each other. Similarly the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3 may have their ends facing the first end 700 may be north and hence the table 202 is attracted towards the image capturing subsystem 210 for docking. Even though the table 202 move towards the image capturing subsystem 210 due to the magnetic field, a person may handle the table 202 to manually control its movement.

[0036] In an embodiment the control unit 206 may be configured to vary the strength of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic components 212-1, the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3 to vary a degree of movement of the table 202 with respect to the image capturing system 210. So if the strength of the magnetic field is less, the table 202 may be attracted with less force or strength and thus the table 202 may move slowly towards the image capturing subsystem 210. In case the strength of the magnetic field is high, the table 202 may be attracted with high force or strength and thus the table 202 may move faster towards the image capturing subsystem 210 for docking. Accordingly the degree of movement of the table 202 can be controlled.

[0037] To move the table 202 away from the image capturing subsystem 210, the polarities associated with the magnetic components i.e. the magnetic components 212-1, the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3 may be reversed. For instance the control unit 206 reverses the polarities of the magnetic component 212-1 so that the end 602 has a south polarity that repels from the south polarity of the first end 700 of the image capturing subsystem 210. This repulsive force facilitates the table 202 to move away from the image capturing subsystem 210. The control unit 206 controls the strength of the magnetic field and polarities of these magnetic components based on the need for positioning the table 202. When the magnetic components are connected to their corresponding connecting members when the table 202 is docked, to undock the table 202 the control unit 206 adjust the strength of the magnetic field and polarities of the magnetic components for releasing the connection. For example the polarities associated with the magnetic component 212-1, the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3 are reversed to release the connection with the connecting members. As a result the table 202 can be undocked freely from the image capturing subsystem 210.

[0038] In an embodiment the control unit 206 may be configured to determine the degree of movement of the table 202 based on multiple movement determination factors at a time instance. The movement determination factors may include but are not limited to a weight associated with the subject, a velocity associated with the movement of table, a magnetic field of the one or more magnetic components, a static friction associated with the movement of table, a magnetic field of the image capturing subsystem and the modulation current. The velocity of movement of the table 202 may be a vector sum of magnetic fields of the magnetic components present in the table 202. The control unit 206 may control the strength of the magnetic field and the polarity associated with the magnetic components based on these movement determination factors. The control unit 206 may analyze the movement determination factors at each time instance while moving the table 202 with respect to the image capturing subsystem 210.

[0039] Explaining by way of an example when a table is moving to be docked at a given instance, the control unit 206 determines the velocity of movement of the table and the weight of the patient to evaluate the momentum and distance that the table may travel in a predefined time period. Based on this evaluation if the table is too close to the image capturing subsystem and there may be a possibility of collision due to the momentum, the control unit 206 may reduce the strength of the magnetic field of the magnetic components in the table (i.e. reduce the magnetic attraction between the magnetic components and an image capturing subsystem) thereby slowing down the movement of the table. In order to stop the movement the table or lower the velocity of movement of table at a higher rate the control unit 206 may modify or change the polarity of magnetic components so that a repulsive force is established with the image capturing subsystem 210.

[0040] In an embodiment when the table 202 is docked, one or more locking members may engage with a magnetic component such as the magnetic component 212-1, the magnetic component 212-2 and the magnetic component 212-3 so as to prevent any disconnection from its corresponding connecting member such as the connecting member 214-1, the connecting member 214-2 and the connecting member 214-3.

[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates locking members that engage with magnetic components in accordance with an embodiment. A locking member 800 and a locking member 802 may protrude out from an inner surface of the connecting member 214-1 to engage with a slot in the magnetic component 212-1. The locking member 800 and the locking member 802 may engage with a slot 804 and a slot 806 respectively. The locking member 800 and the locking member 802 are controlled by the control unit 206. The control unit 206 detects when the magnetic component 212-1 is connected to the connecting member 214-1 and releases the locking member 800 and the locking member 802 to engage with the slots (i.e. the slot 804 and the slot 806) of the connecting member 214-1.

[0042] In another scenario the locking member may protrude out from an inner surface of a connecting member to restrict any movement of the magnetic component connected to the connecting member. In this scenario there may be no slots in the magnetic component. Now to undock the table 202 the control unit 206 may instruct the locking member 800 and the locking member 802 to retrieve back into the inner surface of the connecting member 214-1 so as to disengage from the magnetic component 212-1. The magnetic component 212-1 can then be released from the connecting member 214-1 so that the table 202 is undocked.

[0043] A table in the medical imaging system when docked can be used for capturing medical images of the subject lying on the table. So the table needs to be moved with respect to an image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system to align the subject to the image capturing subsystem. As discussed earlier a table such as the table 202 may include a cradle, cradle rollers facilitating movement of the cradle, a table top positioned on the cradle, table vertical movement assembly (for example scissor units), handles for moving the table, motors, and other electronic/electrical units for controlling the function of the table.

[0044] In an embodiment the magnetic components may be arranged in the table such as the table 202 to facilitate movement of the table 202 in a vertical direction. For example magnetic field of the magnetic components may be used to lift up and move down the table 202. These movements of the table 202 and the magnetic components facilitating the movements in the horizontal and vertical directions may be controlled by a single control unit such as the control unit 206. In another instance the movement of the table in the horizontal and vertical directions and docking of the table may be controlled by three separate control units without deviating from the scope of this disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 9 illustrates the control unit 206 for controlling the magnetic components in the medical imaging system in accordance with an embodiment. The control unit 206 includes a field controller 900 configured to control a magnetic field associated with magnetic components. The magnetic field may be controlled by varying a polarity and a magnitude associated with the magnetic field. The magnetic field is controlled based on analysis performed by a linear encoder 902. The linear encoder 902 may be configured to analyze various movement determination factors that may include but are not limited to a weight associated with the subject, a velocity associated with the movement of table, a magnetic field of the one or more magnetic components, a static friction associated with the movement of table and the modulation current.

[0046] In an embodiment the table such as the table 202 may include multiple linear encoders communicably connected to the field controller 900. A linear encoder may function based on optical, magnetic, inductive, capacitive and eddy current techniques. These linear encoders may be positioned at different locations in the table to determine and analyze the movement determination factors. In an embodiment different linear encoders may be used for determining each movement determination factor.

[0047] For instance when a table is moving to be docked at a given instance, a linear encoder (such as the linear encoder 902) determines the velocity of movement of the table and the weight of the patient to evaluate the momentum and distance that the table may travel in a predefined time period. Based on this evaluation if the table is too close to the image capturing subsystem and there may be a possibility of collision due to the momentum, the field controller 900 may reduce the strength of the magnetic field of the magnetic components in the table (i.e. reduce the magnetic attraction between the magnetic components and an image capturing subsystem) thereby slowing down the movement of the table. Jn order to stop the movement the table or lower the velocity of movement of table at a higher rate the field controller 900 may modify or change the polarity of magnetic components so that a repulsive force is established with the image capturing subsystem 210. Further the polarity and the magnitude of the magnetic components are varied so that a direction of movement of the table through the image capturing subsystem can be changed.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a method 1000 of positioning a table in a medical imaging system in accordance with an embodiment. The position of the table is controlled with respect to an image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system by one or more magnetic components at step 1002. The one or more magnetic components may be communicably coupled to a control unit. The magnetic components and the control unit are configured in the table. In an embodiment the magnetic components and the control unit are used for docking the table with the medical imaging system. The magnetic components may be configured at an end portion of the table.

[0049] For example, one or more magnetic components such as a magnetic component 204 and a control unit 206 communicably coupled to the magnetic component 204. The magnetic component 204 and the control unit 206 are present in the table 202. In an embodiment the magnetic component 204 and the control unit 206 are used for docking the table 202 with the medical imaging system 200. The magnetic component 204 may be configured at an end portion 208 of the table 202. In an embodiment the table may have three magnetic components at the end portion. A magnetic component generates a magnetic field that can be controlled by the control unit. The magnetic field of the magnetic component interacts with a magnetic field generated by an image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system.

[0050] The magnetic field of the magnetic component is regulated to assists the magnetic component to control the position of the table at step 1004. For example the magnetic field of the image capturing subsystem and the magnetic field of the magnetic component have opposite polarity so that they attract each other. The control unit can regulate the magnetic field for instance by regulating a strength and/or polarity of the magnetic field to control the position of the table. The magnetic component may be an electromagnet that generates the magnetic field in response to flow of electric current through the magnetic component. The electric current may be supplied from a power source for example a battery in the table. The rate of the flow of electric current is controlled by the control unit communicably connected to the power source. Once the electric current flow stops, the magnetic field of the magnetic component disappears.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a method 1100 of docking the table in the medical imaging system in accordance with an embodiment. The table may have three magnetic components configured at the end portion of the table. The magnetic components are configured in a particular arrangement. The magnetic components connect with the one or more connecting members configured on a portion of the image capturing subsystem. The connecting members are arranged in a manner similar to the arrangement of the magnetic components. In an embodiment a connecting member may have a countersunk configuration. The connecting member may have a circular cross-section. The diameter of the connecting member may be more near to a first end proximal to a surface of the image capturing subsystem and reduces gradually from the first end to a second end of the connecting member.

[0052] For instance a connecting member may have a first end and a second end. Diameter of the connecting member at the first end is high and the diameter gradually reduces when it reaches the second end. Thus the second end may have a lower diameter as compared to the first end. The connecting member may have a cone shaped cross-section when seen from the side. When the magnetic field is generated at the image capturing subsystem and the magnetic components, the table is attracted towards the image capturing subsystem so that the magnetic components are guided to connect with the connecting members to position the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem at step 1102.

[0053] As the magnetic components pass through the connecting members, some assistance may be required to align the magnetic components within the connecting members. To this end at least one guiding member may be configured on a magnetic component to guide the magnetic component through a connecting member. These guiding members push and guide the magnetic component to slide on an inner surface of the connecting member to align with the connecting member. In an embodiment the guiding members may be bearings such as but not limited to, ball bearings and roller bearings. In an alternative embodiment an inner surface of a connecting member may have guide ways that can engage with the guiding members on a magnetic component when they are connecting each other.

[0054] In an embodiment locking members may be present to engage with magnetic components for keeping the magnetic components and the connecting members connected. The locking members may protrude out from an inner surface of the connecting member to engage with a slot in the magnetic component. The locking members may engage with corresponding slots. The locking members are controlled by the control unit. The control unit detects when a magnetic component is connected to a connecting member and releases the locking members to engage with corresponding slots of the connecting member.

[0055] In another scenario the locking member may protrude out from an inner surface of a connecting member to restrict any movement of the magnetic component connected to the connecting member. In this scenario there may be no slots in the magnetic component. Now to undock the table 202 the control unit 206 may instruct the locking member 800 and the locking member 802 to retrieve back into the inner surface of the connecting member 214-1 so as to disengage from the magnetic component 212-1. The magnetic component 212-1 can then be released from the connecting member 214-1 so that the table 202 is undocked.

[0056] When the magnetic components are connected to their corresponding connecting members when the table is docked, to undock the table the control unit adjust the strength of the magnetic field and polarities of the magnetic components for releasing the connection at step 1104. For instance the polarities associated with the magnetic components are reversed to release the connection with the connecting members. As a result the table can be undocked freely from the image capturing subsystem.

[0057] The methods 1000 and 1100 can be performed using a processor or any other processing device. The method steps can be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable medium. The tangible computer readable medium may be for example a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), any other computer readable storage medium and any storage media. Although the method for positioning a table in a medical imaging system in accordance with another embodiment are explained with reference to the flow chart of FIGS. 10 and 11, other methods of implementing the method can be employed. For example, the order of execution of each method steps may be changed, and/or some of the method steps described may be changed, eliminated, divide or combined. Further the method steps may be sequentially or simultaneously executed for positioning a table in a medical imaging system in accordance with another embodiment.

[0058] When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely software and/or firmware implementation, in an embodiment, at least one of the elements is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible medium. As used herein, the term tangible computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage and to exclude propagating signals. Additionally or alternatively, the example methods, systems, and tangible computer-readable media may be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium such as a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), a random-access memory (RAM), a cache, or any other storage media in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, brief instances, for temporarily buffering, and/or for caching of the information). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable medium and to exclude propagating signals.

[0059] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any computing system or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

We Claim:

1. A system for positioning a table in a medical imaging system, the system comprises:

at least one magnetic component configured to control positioning of the table with respect to an image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system, wherein the image capturing subsystem generates a magnetic field assisting the at least one magnetic component to control position of the table, wherein the image capturing subsystem is configured to capture medical images of a subject; and a control unit communicably coupled to the at least one magnetic component, wherein the control unit is configured to: regulate a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component to control the position of the table.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic component is configured in the table, the magnetic field of the at least one magnetic component assists the movement of the table in a horizontal and vertical direction.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic component is configured at an end portion of the table.

4. The system of claim 3 further comprises at least one connecting member configured on a portion of the image capturing subsystem, the at least one connecting member is configured to connect with the at least one magnetic component to position the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the at least one connecting member have a countersunk configuration.

6. The system of claim 5 farther comprises at least one guiding member configured on a magnetic component, wherein the at least one guiding member guides the magnetic component through a connecting member to establish connection with the connecting member.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the control unit is further configured to adjust the magnetic field at the at least one magnetic component for releasing the connection between the at least one magnetic component and at least one connecting member.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to:
control a flow of current through the at least one magnetic component; and modify a polarity associated with the at least one magnetic component based on the flow of current.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to vary the magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component, wherein variation in the magnetic field determines a degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to tune a polarity associated with the at least one magnetic component, wherein tuning the polarity determines the degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is further configured to:
analyze a plurality of movement determination factors at a time instance, wherein the plurality of movement determination factors comprises a weight associated with the subject, a velocity associated with movement of the table, a magnetic field of the at least one magnetic component, a static friction associated with the movement of the table, a magnetic field of the image capturing subsystem and a modulation current; and determine a degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem at the time instance based on the plurality of movement determination factors.

12. A medical imaging system comprising:

table for holding a subject for imaging; an image capturing subsystem configured to capture medical images of the subject; at least one magnetic component configured to control positioning of the table with respect to an image capturing subsystem, wherein the image capturing subsystem generates a magnetic field assisting the at least one magnetic component to control position of the table, the at least one magnetic component is configured in the table; and a control unit communicably coupled to the at least one magnetic component, wherein the control unit is configured to regulate a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component to control the position of the table.

13. The medical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the at least one magnetic component is configured at an end portion of the table.

14. The medical imaging system of claim 13 further comprises at least one connecting member configured on a portion of the image capturing subsystem, the at least one connecting member is configured to connect with the at least one magnetic component to position the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem.

15. The medical imaging system of claim 14, wherein the at least one connecting member have a countersunk configuration, the medical imaging system further comprises at least one guiding member configured on a magnetic component, wherein the at least one guiding member guides the magnetic component through a connecting member to establish connection with the connecting member.

16. The medical imaging system of claim 14, wherein the control unit is further configured to adjust the magnetic field at the at least one magnetic component for releasing the connection between the at least one magnetic component and at least one connecting member.

17. The medical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the control unit is further configured to:
control a flow of current through the at least one magnetic component; and modify a polarity associated with the at least one magnetic component based on the flow of current.

18. The medical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the control unit is further
configured to:
vary the magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component, wherein variation in the magnetic field determines a degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem; and tune a polarity associated with the at least one magnetic component, wherein tuning the polarity determines the degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem.

19. The medical imaging system of claim 12, wherein the control unit is further
configured to:
analyze a plurality of movement determination factors at a time instance, wherein the plurality of movement determination factors comprises a weight associated with the subject, a velocity associated with the table, a magnetic field of the at least one magnetic component, a static friction, a magnetic field of the image capturing subsystem and a modulation current; and determine a degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem at the time instance based on the plurality of movement determination factors.

20. A method of positioning a table in a medical imaging system, wherein the medical
imaging system comprises a table for holding a subject for imaging and an image
capturing subsystem configured to capture medical images of the subject, the method
comprising: controlling position of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem of the medical imaging system by at least one magnetic component, wherein the image capturing subsystem generates a magnetic field assisting the at least one magnetic component to control position of the table; and regulating a magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component to control the position of the table by a control unit, wherein the control unit is communicably coupled to the at least one magnetic component.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprises:
connecting at least one connecting member with the at least one magnetic component to position the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem, wherein the at least one connecting member is configured on a portion of the image capturing subsystem, wherein the at least one connecting member have a countersunk configuration; and adjusting the magnetic field at the at least one magnetic component for releasing the connection between the at least one magnetic component and at least one connecting member.

22. The method of claim 20 further comprises:
controlling a flow of current through the at least one magnetic component; and modifying a polarity associated with the at least one magnetic component based on the flow of current; varying the magnetic field generated by the at least one magnetic component; and tuning a polarity associated with the at least one magnetic component, wherein at least one of variation in the magnetic field and tuning the polarity of the at least one magnetic component determines a degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem.

23. The method of claim 20 further comprises:
analyzing a plurality of movement determination factors at a time instance, wherein the plurality of movement determination factors comprises a weight associated with the subject, a velocity associated with the table, a magnetic field of the at least one magnetic component, a static friction, a magnetic field of the image capturing subsystem and a modulation current; and
determining a degree of movement of the table with respect to the image capturing subsystem at the time instance based on the plurality of movement determination factors.