AR-Guided Neuroimager Alignment Using Fiducial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current neuroimaging systems, particularly those using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), face challenges in ensuring accurate and efficient sensor placement across multiple subjects without expert intervention, as they require precise alignment with cranial landmarks and adequate scalp coupling for proper signal quality, which is difficult to achieve outside laboratory settings.
Innovation Solution
A neuroimager alignment and coupling evaluation (NACE) system that employs an augmented reality (AR) application on mobile devices, using a fiducial marker and monocular cameras to guide users in aligning fNIRS devices with cranial landmarks and assess signal quality in real-time, allowing lay users to independently set up neuroimaging equipment without specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual adjustment of caps or enclosures with respect to cranial landmarks is used, then sensor placement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring expert participation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of caps or enclosures with respect to cranial landmarks with an automated optical system using a monocular camera to capture images and identify cranial landmarks. The system uses image processing algorithms to automatically determine sensor positions based on detected landmarks, eliminating the need for manual mechanical positioning by experts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables untrained professionals or lay users to place neuroimaging headsets independently by providing automated guidance through a user interface that displays detected landmarks and recommended sensor positions. The device performs self-positioning assistance without requiring expert intervention, allowing users to complete the setup process autonomously.
2Measurement precision
If 3D scanning methods such as benchtop digitizers or depth-sensitive infrared cameras are used, then sensor placement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost deteriorate due to requiring expensive specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive 3D scanning equipment with a standard monocular camera that is widely available and inexpensive. The system uses a single 2D camera instead of complex 3D scanning systems, significantly reducing hardware costs while maintaining adequate measurement precision for sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential function of 3D scanning (landmark detection) and implements it using a simplified 2D monocular camera system. By taking out the core requirement of landmark identification and implementing it with a single camera rather than full 3D scanning, the system achieves the necessary precision without the complexity and cost of specialized equipment.
3Measurement precision
If expert participation is required for sensor placement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming setup procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual expert adjustment with automated image processing. The monocular camera captures images of the user's head, algorithms automatically identify cranial landmarks, and the system computes optimal sensor positions without requiring expert manual positioning, significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automated guidance through a user interface that displays detected landmarks and recommended sensor positions, enabling untrained users to complete setup independently without expert assistance. This self-service capability eliminates the time cost of requiring expert participation while maintaining placement precision.
4Measurement precision
If fiducial markers are used for device positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring additional setup steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of fiducial markers (providing reference points for landmark detection) and implements it by detecting natural cranial landmarks directly from images. By taking out the fiducial marker requirement and using naturally occurring anatomical landmarks instead, the system maintains positioning precision while eliminating the need for additional markers and their associated setup steps.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a neuroimager alignment and coupling evaluation (NACE) system, includes a neuroimaging device; a fiducial affixed to the neuroimaging device; an imaging device; and an augmented reality (AR) module coupled to the imaging device and configured to provide alignment data for the neuroimaging device by tracking facial or cranial landmarks and the fiducial.