3D Head Modeling for MRI-Free TMS Target Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, such as TMS, require time-consuming manual processes to locate treatment locations on individual patients, which can be burdensome and difficult to replicate accurately.
Innovation Solution
A system using a sensor to determine a plurality of points on a patient's head, generate a fitted head model, and register anatomical landmarks without additional image information, enabling precise location of treatment targets for procedures like TMS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual processes are used to locate treatment locations on individual patients, then treatment location identification can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a 3D scanned copy of the patient's head instead of manual measurement. The sensor system captures a digital 3D representation of the patient's head geometry, which can then be processed automatically to identify treatment locations. This digital copy eliminates the need for time-consuming manual landmark identification while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with an automated sensor-based system. Instead of requiring a technician to manually locate and mark anatomical landmarks, the system uses sensors (such as optical sensors, infrared sensors, or other detection devices) to automatically capture head geometry and determine treatment locations through computational algorithms.
2Reliability
If manual processes are used to locate treatment locations, then treatment can be performed, but the process is difficult to replicate accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the 3D scanned data is processed and compared against predetermined anatomical landmark locations. The system provides feedback by automatically adjusting and refining treatment location identification based on the scanned geometry, ensuring consistent and reliable results that can be replicated across different patients and sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of treatment location identification from manual anatomical landmark marking to automated 3D geometric analysis. By using digital 3D coordinates and automated algorithms to determine treatment locations, the system achieves consistent and reliable results that are not dependent on manual operator skill or variability.
3Measurement precision
If additional image information is used for head modeling, then modeling accuracy can be improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and uses only the essential 3D geometric information from the patient's head surface, eliminating the need for additional image information such as MRI or CT scans. The sensor system captures only the external head geometry, which is sufficient to create accurate head models and determine treatment locations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining modeling precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal 3D scanning system that can be applied to all patients without requiring patient-specific additional imaging. The same sensor-based 3D capture method works for every patient, providing a universal approach that simplifies the system while achieving accurate head modeling for treatment location determination.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient and accurate determination of treatment locations on individual patients, reducing time and improving procedural consistency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor may comprise an infrared (IR) sensor
Implementation Method 2
A sensor may be used to determine a cloud of points that may be associated with a head of a human subject
Data Source
AI summary
A model of a human subject's head may be generated to assist in a therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedure. A treatment and/or diagnostic system may generate a fitted head model using a predetermined head model and a plurality of points. The plurality of points may include facial feature information and may be determined using a sensor, for example, an IR or optical sensor. One or more anatomical landmarks may be determined and registered in association with the fitted head model using the facial feature information, for example, without the use of additional image information, such as an MRI image. The fitted head model may include visual aids, for example, anatomical landmarks, reference points, marking of the human subject's MT location, and/or marking of the human subject's treatment location. The visual aids may assist a technician to perform the therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedure of the human subject.