Method and system for medical imaging scan optimization

The motion-sensitive mat system with optical fibers in sealed silicone chambers addresses the challenge of patient motion artifacts in medical imaging, enhancing image quality and diagnostic accuracy by providing real-time detection and adaptive scanning protocols across various imaging modalities.

WO2026109439A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-05-28UNIVERSITÉ DE GENÈVE - UNIGE +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2025/083196
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-11-20
Filing Date
2025-11-17
Publication Date
2026-05-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current methods for managing patient motion during medical imaging scans, such as MRI, CT, and PET, are inadequate, leading to motion artifacts that compromise image quality and diagnostic accuracy, particularly affecting elderly and pediatric patients, and existing systems face issues with fluid leakage, temperature sensitivity, and interference with imaging modalities.

Method used

A motion-sensitive mat system using sealed silicone chambers with optical fibers to detect pressure-induced light distribution changes, providing real-time detection and alerts, compatible with MRI, CT, and PET environments, and enabling adaptive scanning protocols to minimize motion artifacts.

Benefits of technology

The system enhances image quality by reducing motion artifacts through real-time detection and adaptive scanning, ensuring long-term reliability and compatibility across diverse imaging modalities, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient experience.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an medical imaging optimization system comprising a scanning module adapted to carry out a imaging process on a patient, a patient motion detection module adapted to detect motion of a patient during the imaging process and generate motion data when a motion of a patient is detected, and characterized in that said system further comprises a processing unit adapted to receive said patient motion data from the patient motion detection module, analyze the patient motion data in real- time to determine patient motion events, judge whether the patient motion events are relevant and adjust said medical imaging scanning process based on said detected motion data when judged relevant.
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Description

[0001] Method and System for Medical Imaging Scan Optimization

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and a method in the field of medical imaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and a system for optimizing a medical imaging scanning process. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an optimized adaptive medical imaging method and system capable of improving and easing the whole imaging chain.

[0004] Background of the art

[0005] In general, in radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy as well as in various imaging examinations such as MRI, CT, PET, and SPECT, motion of the relevant body portion of the patient is problematic because it causes artefacts which poses a significant challenge. Motion artifacts refer to an image quality degradation caused by a patient or an object movement during image acquisition, often leading to blurred, distorted, or ghosted images. This issue can substantially impact both image quality and diagnostic accuracy which therefore renders them unusable.

[0006] For this reason, it is of importance to find ways to enhance patient compliance and stability during scans to reduce the occurrence of motion artifacts. With approximately 20% of annual MRI scans requiring repeat imaging due to motion, the consequences are considerable: reduced patient satisfaction, prolonged scan durations, increased stress for healthcare providers, and elevated examination costs. Indeed, it is well known that uncooperative patients, lengthy scan durations, and stationary positions contribute to fatigue and as a result motion artifacts, which lead to frequent repetitions of sequences or entire scans.

[0007] Therefore, there exists a need for an effective solution to minimize motion artifacts during imaging examinations, especially for patients who may struggle to i remain still, such as the elderly or pediatric patients, or in cases where challenging examination positions and lengthy scan times increase the risk of movement.

[0008] However, current methods to manage patient motion during scans are often inadequate, leading to a substantial number of image artifacts that compromise diagnostic quality and patient experience.

[0009] For example, patent application US20240260853A1 , describes a motiondetection system for MRI brain scans that uses a head-supporting pad with fluid-filled chambers, each equipped with pressure sensors to detect head movement through pressure changes. However, this fluid-based approach has several limitations. First, the challenge of long-term fluid containment in flexible chambers, as all materials exhibit some permeability, causes fluid leakage over time, degrading sensor performance and requiring frequent recalibration. Additionally, the system is temperature-sensitive, with fluid volume and density affected by room or body temperature, leading to instability in motion detection accuracy. The propagation of pressure waves in fluids is also slow, resulting in reduced sensitivity and response time. Furthermore, fluid-filled chambers can attenuate radiation in PET, SPECT, and CT scans, impacting image quality and potentially increasing the patient's surface dose.

[0010] US7030764B2 discloses mat-type patient position sensors using conductive / resistive arrays or a clear optical core to infer the nearest contact point or one-dimensional position; however, it offers limited spatial resolution without complex arrays, and does not address PET / CT attenuation or MRI RF safety for a fully passive, bore-compatible build.

[0011] US2003 / 0095263A1 teaches an interferometric fiber-optic pad in which one interferometer arm is routed through the pad and combined with a reference arm to read acoustic-mechanical modulation; however, it produces a global fringe signal unless multiple interferometers are added, relies on couplers, polarization controllers, and metal-containing components typically near the pad. US2021 / 0121139A1 describes a patient table with a matrix of pressure sensors and on-board electronics to estimate sag, motion, or respiration; however, it uses electrical sensor grids embedded in the table, and it does not solve PET / CT attenuation and MRI RF-safety constraints of conductive paths and electronics within the imaging field.

[0012] GB2452065A teaches monitoring patient motion using pressure sensors (preferably piezoelectric) embedded in the patient support and triggering alarms when thresholds are exceeded; however, it relies on electrical transducers in the support, keeps electronics within or near the bore, and does not address radiolucency or MRI compatibility of a passive, optics-only mat.

[0013] US10492738B2 and related optical-grid approaches employ x-y fiber matrices or waveguide sheets that sense bend-loss or bulk light escape to infer contact; however, bend-loss signals are dominated by large deformations and are susceptible to noise and fiber damage at crossings, provide limited sensitivity to subtle, slow human motion.

[0014] Alternative approaches, such as using an optical fiber grid structure for pressure mapping have certain limitations. The optical fiber pad designed for this purpose involves a web-like x-y matrix, where fibers are arranged in parallel to both the x-axis and y-axis. When a mass with a specific surface contour is applied to the pad, because of bend loss or light loss that occurs when an optical fiber is bent sharply, allowing light to escape from the fiber. This type of pressure sensing works best with high-amplitude pressure changes. However, for applications like human motion detection during scans, where pressure changes are subtle, bend loss may not produce detectable changes and can easily be lost in background noise. Additionally, crossing fibers in a grid can damage them when pressure is applied, reducing their transparency and performance over time. Any bending or deformation of the mat itself can also affect light transmission, leading to inaccurate signals.

[0015] Other methods based on Printed Pressure Sensors, which use conductive ink can wear out or degrade with repeated flexing, which affects long-term reliability. They can also be sensitive to environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. While flexible, they can be challenging to manufacture in high resolution, which limits their effectiveness in high-precision applications like human motion detection. Fourthermore the conductive ink may lead to artifacts in CT scan.

[0016] The methods based on visual imaging by cameras are not practical for long axial field of view scanners and they can not cover the whole body of patient as he / she is in a long cylinder.

[0017] There is therefore a need for such a system that can detect and manage patient movement in real-time, enabling timely intervention and minimizing the impact of motion on image quality.

[0018] In this regard, a primary object of the invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and more particularly to provide a motion-sensitive module system that enables real-time detection and notification of patient movement during scans, allowing for prompt intervention to maintain optimal image quality.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a system and a method that is compatible with MRI, CT, PET, and SPECT machines, and radiation therapy setups ensuring broad applicability across various imaging modalities without interference.

[0020] A further object of the invention is to provide a system and a method for adaptive scanning protocols, which can extend scan duration or selectively process motion-free segments, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient experience.

[0021] A further object of the invention is to provide a system and a method addressing the above drawbacks by eliminating the use of fluid, thus ensuring long-term reliability, temperature stability, faster response times, and preservation of imaging quality, making it ideal for precise, efficient motion detection across diverse scanning environments.

[0022] Summary of the invention The above problems are solved by the present invention, which is a motionsensitive mat system for real-time detection and management of patient movement during imaging scans, thereby reducing motion artifacts and improving diagnostic accuracy. The present invention is preferably comprising a mattress detecting pressure-induced light-distribution change inside sealed silicone chambers fed by optical fibers, with no fluid, metal or electronics in the mat.

[0023] A first aspect of the invention is a medical imaging optimization system comprising a scanning module adapted to carry out a imaging process on a patient, a patient motion detection module adapted to detect motion of a patient during the imaging process and generate motion data when a motion of a patient is detected, wherein the system further comprises a processing unit adapted to receive said patient motion data from the patient motion detection module, analyze the patient motion data in real-time to determine patient motion events, judge whether the patient motion events are relevant and adjust said medical imaging scanning process based on said detected motion data when judged relevant. Thanks to this, any movement detected during a scan can trigger alerts to the patient or examiner to help minimize further motion.

[0024] Preferably, the motion detection module is a motion-sensitive mat comprising a plurality of motion-sensitive chambers.

[0025] Advantageously, each of the motion-sensitive chamber comprising a light source, a light sensor and a deformable wall, wherein the light sensor is adapted to detect a light intensity variation upon variation of the volume of the chamber under the deformation of the deformable wall when the pressure applied on it is modified.

[0026] In the present invention, the optical fibers are not in direct contact with the pressure points. Instead, pressure is applied to chambers, and the resulting light changes are transmitted via optical fibers. This setup increases the mat’s sensitivity to small pressure changes, generating larger signal amplitudes and offering a more reliable performance without compromising fiber integrity. Although optical fibres are preferred, they can be replaced by alternatives solutions among which Hollow-Core Fibers, Plastic Optical Fibers, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene-Based Waveguides and the like.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the motionsensitive mat is a flexible element made components compatible with MRI, PET, CT and SPECT environments so as to be embedded inside a scanner bed. This embodiment is particularly adapted for pediatric and elderly patients who may struggle to remain still during scans.

[0028] Preferably, the deformable wall is made of a flexible material (e.g silicon) and said light source is an optical fiber.

[0029] Advantageously, the medical imaging optimization system further comprises a notification system configured to provide alerts to at least one of the patient and the medical technician when said detected motion data are judged relevant and / or an image reconstruction module configured to reconstruct images using only frames acquired during motionless period and register and combine motion-free frames to generate a final motion-free image or utilize transformation matrices derived from patient motion data to correct motion-affected frames. According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mat triggers a prerecorded message to the patient and sends real-time notifications to the examiner if significant motion is detected. In this manner, the system promotes patient awareness and compliance while allowing the examiner to take immediate action.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the patient motion data include location, timing, and intensity of patient motion.

[0031] Preferably, the medical imaging optimization system further comprises a stop and go system adapted to stop the scanning process upon detection of leave of the patient and resume said scanning process upon detection of returning of said patient and extract transformation matrices based on initial and final patient positions for image correction. In a stop-and-go mode, the processor continuously derives a relevance score from the per-chamber motion map; when the score exceeds a predefined threshold for a minimum duration, it commands the scanner to pause, records the motion interval, and resumes only after a stability window has elapsed. For leave-and-return events, the system estimates the initial and subsequent patient positions from the chamber signals, computes a rigid or affine transform, and registers the pre- and post-event image blocks before fusion. Acquisition time or counts are extended as needed to meet the protocol’s diagnostic targets without increasing dose beyond the planned limits.

[0032] Advantageously, the medical imaging optimization system further comprises a visualization module adapted to generate a two-dimensional heat map, indicating regions and intensity of patient motion.

[0033] Preferably, the system allows for adaptive scanning protocols, where scanning duration can be adjusted based on the patient’s motion patterns. Thus, the invention enhances image quality by only using motionless scan data or compensating for lost data due to motion.

[0034] A second aspect of the invention is a medical imaging optimization method using the medical imaging optimization system of the first aspect of the invention comprising the steps of processing an imaging process, detecting a motion of a patient undergoing an imaging scan, processing the motion data to calculate at least one of location, time, and intensity of said motion judging whether said motion is relevant or not in regards of the current scanning process,

[0035] Preferably, if the judging step judges that the motion is relevant, the method carries out a step of notifying at least one of the patient and the medical technician of said movement and or a step of correcting the final image by discarding the frames captured during the detected motion and combining motion-free frames or using transformation matrices derived from patient position data to correct motion-affected frames. Advantageously, the medical imaging scan is conducted using at least one of a. Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and radiation therapy.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medical imaging optimization method employs machine learning algorithms to improve motion detection accuracy and scan optimization over time.

[0037] Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Further particular advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent from the following non-limitative description of at least one embodiment of the invention which will refer to the accompanying drawings, wherein

[0039] Figure 1 represents a global view of a medical imaging optimization system with a motion detection module on top of its bed according to the present invention,

[0040] Figure 2 represents an upper view of a patient laid down on the motion detection module, moving during the scan,

[0041] Figure 3A, 3B and 3C represent a global view of the motion detection module with a section of the motion detection module and more particularly of a sensitive zone of the present invention ,

[0042] Figure 4 represents a CT scan of a patient's head phantom laid down on the motion detection module with and without motion, ,

[0043] Figure 5 shows a CT scan of the motion detection module with two metallic object on top of it to highlight that the mat is completely free of metallic and electronic objects.

[0044] Detailed description of the invention

[0045] The present detailed description is intended to illustrate the invention in a non- limitative manner, as each feature of an embodiment may be combined with any other feature from a different embodiment in an advantageous manner.

[0046] Figure 1 shows the first aspect of the invention, which is a medical imaging optimization system, such as a scanner, comprising a scanning module 10 adapted to carry out a imaging process on a patient and a patient motion detection module 11 adapted to detect motion of a patient during the imaging process and generate patient motion data when a motion of a patient is detected. Advantageously, the medical imaging system is conducted using at least one of a. Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and radiation therapy setup. All active opto-electronics, including light emitters and photodetectors, are located outside the imaging field and couple to the mat solely via optical fibers, keeping the mat fully passive, non-metallic and radiolucent.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in figure 1 , the motion detection module is a motion-sensitive mat made of flexible elements, free from metallic or electronic materials, free from any high density material and of components compatible with MRI, CT, PET, and SPECT environments so as to be embedded inside a scanner bed ensuring compatibility across multiple imaging modalities without interference.

[0048] Figure 5 shows a CT scan of the motion detection module with two metallic object on top of it to highlight that the mat is completely free of metallic and electronic objects.

[0049] Its easy integration onto existing scanner beds simplifies installation and requires minimal calibration, making it an ideal addition to standard medical imaging setups. In addition, it comprises a plurality of motion sensitive zones so as to provide real-time detection of patient movement during medical imaging scans. Advantageously, the mat and its components are within the imaging area, while as shown in Figure 1 , the system further comprises a processing unit adapted to receive the patient motion data from the patient motion detection module, analyze the patient motion data in real-time to determine patient motion events, judge whether the patient motion events are relevant and adjust said medical imaging scanning process based on said detected motion data when judged relevant.

[0050] Figure 2 shows a schematic view representing the patient laid down on the motion-sensitive module and inside the scanner while moving different parties of its body, the head, the arm and one leg. Showing that with the system of the present invention, several motion detection may occur simultaneously while screening between the relevant ones from the irrelevant ones.

[0051] Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show a more detailed view of the patient motion detection module 11. The motion-sensitive mat is preferably designed with multiple silicon chambers arranged in a grid pattern. Each chamber, there represented as a half sphere voxel, contains a light source and a light sensor, preferably two optical fibers: one connected to an external light source and the other to a photoresistor. Chamber geometry may be spherical, semi-spherical, cylindrical, pyramidal or prismatic provided it deforms predictably under load. Typical lateral size is 5-20 mm with wall thickness 0.3-1.5 mm; centre-to-centre spacing (pitch) is 6-25 mm. The chambers are preferably maintained at the same pressure as the surrounding environment, meaning they can be filled with air and / or do not need to be sealed or filled with any fluid including liquid. This design minimizes sensitivity to temperature variations and eliminates the risk of leakage. Another advantages is that the mates and the chambers contain no liquid, piezoelectric element or ambient-light photodetector.

[0052] Although optical fibres are preferred, they can be replaced by alternatives solutions among which Hollow-Core Fibers, Plastic Optical Fibers, Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene-Based Waveguides and the like. Fibres may be polymer or silica with core diameters 200-1000 pm. These constraints are preferable to produce repeatable optical modulation, avoid mechanical cross-talk between neighbouring chambers and ensure durability under repeated loading. These dimensions and materials ensure that local chamber deformation, rather than bulk fibre bend-loss, dominates the signal, yielding higher sensitivity to subtle, slow patient motions and minimizing drift. It also comprises a deformable wall, preferably made of flexible materials (e.g. silicon) , such that when pressure is applied to a chamber, such as from patient movement causing variation of the volume of the chamber under the deformation of the deformable, the light distribution is altered, and this change is detected by the photoresistor, allowing the system to capture specific data about the motion's location, timing, and intensity of the patient's motion.

[0053] The system further comprises a notification system configured to provide personalized alerts to at least one of the patient or the medical technician when said detected motion data are judged relevant this can have the form of a speaker and data processing software.

[0054] If the patient's motion exceeds a predetermined threshold, the processing module will play a specific, personalized prerecorded message for the patient. By specific and personalized, this means that the message can be like: “[patient name], please don’t move your [moved region] or the like. ”

[0055] When the detected motion data are judged relevant for example when the detected motion surpasses a predefined threshold, the software activates the speaker to play a prerecorded message, alerting the patient to remain still, while simultaneously notifying the examiner. This continuous feedback allows the examiner to adjust scanning protocols in real-time, such as extending scan duration if necessary.

[0056] Alternatively or additionally, the system can comprise an image reconstruction module configured to reconstruct images using only frames acquired during motionless period and register and combine motion-free frames to generate a final motion-free image. In addition to this it may utilize transformation matrices derived from patient motion data to correct motion-affected frames, preferably in real-time.

[0057] Besides these options, the system may also comprise a stop and go system adapted to stop the scanning process upon detection of leave of the patient and resume said scanning process upon detection of returning of said patient and extract transformation matrices based on initial and final patient positions for image correction. This can be combined with a visualization module adapted to generate a two- dimensional heat map at the end of the scan, indicating regions and intensity of patient motion.

[0058] In conclusion, the system allows for adaptive scanning protocols, where scanning duration can be adjusted based on the patient’s motion patterns. Thus, the invention enhances image quality by only using motionless scan data or compensating for lost data due to motion.

[0059] The mat design ensures comfort for the patient while maintaining high sensitivity to movement. The silicon chambers are calibrated to detect slight movements without disturbing the scan setup or impacting compatibility with imaging modalities like MRI, CT, PET, and SPECT.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the data processing software utilizes the precise motion data to either exclude affected sections from the image reconstruction process (motion rejection) or divide the image into motionless segments for separate reconstruction and registration, effectively reducing motion artifacts. This adaptability allows for customized scanning based on the patient’s motion profile, making it particularly beneficial for pediatric and elderly populations who may have difficulty remaining stationary for extended periods.

[0061] A second aspect of the invention is a medical imaging optimization method using the medical imaging optimization system of the first aspect of the invention comprising the steps of carrying out an imaging process, detecting a motion of a patient undergoing an imaging scan, processing the motion data to calculate at least one of location, time, and intensity of said motion, judging whether said motion is relevant or not in regards of the current scanning process and when the judging step judges that the motion is relevant, the method carries out a step of notifying at least one of the patient and the medical technician of said movement and or a step of correcting the final image by discarding the frames captured during the detected motion and combining motion-free frames or using transformation matrices derived from patient position data to correct motion-affected frames. Such frames is exemplified in in figure 4 showing an image with and without motion.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the medical imaging optimization method employs machine learning algorithms to improve motion detection accuracy and scan optimization over time.

[0063] We will now have a more detailed view of an example of the method.

[0064] In the method and the system of the present invention, information such as position, time, and intensity of motion will be received in the processing module from the mat. The processing module also has access to scan information, including the type of modality (CT, PET, SPECT, MRI), the region of the scan, scan time, dose level, and other related details such as the patient’s age, sex, and the same.

[0065] The intensity and location of motion are continually recorded over time. The location of motion is stored in a 2D matrix, which can be used for further assessment of the image. Each voxel of this 2D matrix represents the intensity and frequency of motion. For instance, if the patient moves their shoulder a lot, this matrix will show high values in that region, guiding the physician during image assessment.

[0066] Several motion thresholds can be defined based on factors, such as scan duration, patient age, and scan type. If the patient's motion exceeds these thresholds, the processing module will play a specific, personalized prerecorded message for the patient. By specific and personalized, this means that the message can be like: “[patient name], please don’t move your [moved region] or the like. ”

[0067] Location can be crucial, because, if a brain scan is being performed and the patient moves their hand, the software won't play any message, as it doesn’t affect the region of interest. The processing module continually notifies the technician about the intensity and location of motion. In case of high-intensity motion during transmission scans like CT, considering the scan location and remaining scan time, the processing module can downregulate the scanner to prevent extra radiation to the patient. The processing module can also notify the patient about the remaining scan time and encourage them to endure the final moments.

[0068] In emission-based scans such as PET, SPECT, and MRI, the processing module can adjust the scanning protocol. This means that if the patient moves during the scan, some recorded information may become unusable. To compensate, the processing module can intelligently extend the scan duration to acquire more usable information. The scan duration is extended based on the total patient motion; the more the patient moves, the more the scan extends. After the scan is completed, the processing module generates a graph showing motion intensity over time and a 2D heat map of motion, saving it alongside the generated image.

[0069] The processing module can also use the recorded information to reduce motion artifacts in the image. This means that in all imaging modalities, if a patient moves a region and returns it to its previous position, using the motion event timing and the scan’s raw data, the software can automatically remove the affected information from the raw data before reconstructing the image. This results in an motion artifact-free image. If the patient moves a region and does not return it to the previous position, the software will reconstruct the image based on data recorded before and after the motion, then register these images to generate an artifact-free result.

[0070] With knowledge of the patient’s position at each moment, the software enables the scan to be paused and resumed in different positions and at different times. This feature allows the patient to leave the scanner mid-scan and return to resume it.

[0071] The initial and subsequent locations of the patient can be extracted from the mat, and using this information, a transformation vector can be calculated. This vector can then be used to register the initial and secondary images.

[0072] While the embodiments have been described in conjunction with several configurations, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations are apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, this disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations within the scope of this disclosure. This is especially relevant concerning the various apparatuses that may be used, allowing for tailored adaptations to meet specific clinical or diagnostic needs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Medical imaging optimization system comprising a scanning module adapted to carry out an imaging process on a patient, a patient motion detection module adapted to detect motion of a patient during the imaging process and generate motion data when a motion of a patient is detected, and a processing unit adapted to receive said patient motion data from the patient motion detection module, analyze the patient motion data in real-time to determine patient motion events, judge whether the patient motion events are relevant and adjust said medical imaging scanning process based on said detected motion data when judged relevant characterized in that the motion detection module is a motion-sensitive mat comprising a plurality of motion-sensitive chambers wherein each motion-sensitive chamber comprises a light source, a light sensor and a deformable wall, wherein the light sensor is adapted to detect a light variation upon deformation of the deformable wall when the pressure applied on it is modified.

2. Medical imaging optimization system according to claim 1 , characterized in that each chamber is filled with gas or air.

3. Medical imaging optimization system to claim 2, characterized in that the light source is an input optical fiber and the light sensor is an output optical fiber connected to a photodetector.

4. Medical imaging optimization system according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said motion-sensitive mat is a flexible element made components compatible with PET, CT and SPECT environments so as to be embedded inside a scanner bed.

5. Medical imaging optimization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said deformable wall is made of flexible materials and said light source and said light sensor are optical fibers.

6. Medical imaging optimization system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further comprises a notification system configured to provide personalized alerts to at least one of the patient or the medical technician when said detected motion data are judged relevant and / or an image reconstruction module configured to reconstruct images using only frames acquired during motionless period and register and combine motion-free frames to generate a final motion-free image or utilize transformation matrices derived from patient motion data to correct motion- affected frames.

7. Medical imaging optimization system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said patient motion data include location, timing, and intensity of patient motion.

8. Medical imaging optimization system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a stop and go system adapted to stop the scanning process upon detection of leave of the patient and resume said scanning process upon detection of returning of said patient and extract transformation matrices based on initial and final patient positions for image correction.

9. Medical imaging optimization system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises a visualization module adapted to generate a two-dimensional heat map, indicating regions and intensity of patient motion.

10. Medical imaging method using the medical imaging system of any one of claims 1-9 comprising the step ofProcessing an imaging process, detecting a motion of a patient undergoing an imaging scan,processing the motion data to calculate at least one of location, time, and intensity of said motion judging whether said motion is relevant or not in regards of the current scanning process.

11. Medical imaging method according to claim 10, characterized in that if the judging step judges that the motion is relevant, carries out a step of notifying at least one of the patient and the medical technician of said movement and or a step of correcting the final image by discarding the frames captured during the detected motion and combining motion-free frames or using transformation matrices derived from patient position data to correct motion-affected frames.

12. Medical imaging method according to claim 10 or 11 , characterized in that the medical imaging scan is conducted using at least one of a. Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Computed Tomography (CT), Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and radiation therapy.

13. Medical imaging method according to anyone of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that employs machine learning algorithms to improve motion detection accuracy and scan optimization over time.

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