Facial MRI Motion Correction Using Optical Feedback and Restraints

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance imaging of the facial region is challenged by patient motion, leading to artifacts such as blurring, streaking, and ghosting due to involuntary movements like blinking or swallowing, which compromise image quality and diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using mechanical restraints, motion sensors, optical sensors, and image processing algorithms to correct and limit patient motion during MRI, employing techniques like mouth guards, suction pipes, and real-time parameter adjustments to reduce artifacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic resonance imaging is performed on the facial region, then soft tissue contrast and three-dimensional imaging capability are improved, but patient motion causes image artifacts that worsen image quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddiagnostic accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by providing visual feedback to the patient before and during the scan to proactively prevent motion artifacts. The optical camera captures real-time images and displays them on a monitor, allowing the patient to see their position and make adjustments before motion occurs, rather than correcting artifacts after they happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using an optical camera to continuously monitor the patient's facial region and displaying the captured images on a monitor. This visual feedback loop allows the patient to observe their own positioning and make real-time adjustments to maintain optimal alignment during the scan, directly addressing the motion artifact problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the scan duration is extended to improve image quality, then measurement precision is improved, but patient motion increases leading to more artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidscan duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining continuous visual feedback throughout the entire scan duration. The optical camera operates continuously during the MRI scan, providing uninterrupted visual information to the patient, which helps maintain consistent positioning throughout the extended scan period and prevents motion artifacts from developing over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If mechanical restraints are used to limit patient motion, then image quality is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical restraints with an optical feedback mechanism. Instead of using physical devices to constrain patient motion, the system uses an optical camera to capture images and displays them on a monitor, allowing the patient to voluntarily adjust their position based on visual feedback. This substitution eliminates the need for uncomfortable mechanical restraints while still achieving motion control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If motion correction algorithms are applied, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system converts the potentially harmful effect of patient motion into a beneficial outcome by using the same optical feedback mechanism to prevent motion before it occurs. Rather than applying complex post-processing algorithms to correct motion artifacts, the system uses real-time visual feedback to eliminate the root cause of motion, thereby avoiding the need for complicated correction algorithms and associated processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12514510B2Motion correction and motion reduction in a facial region during dedicated magnetic resonance imaging

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a method and system for reducing motion artifacts in magnetic resonance image data acquired from a facial region of a patient, the patient is positioned in an imaging region of a magnetic resonance imaging device configured to perform a magnetic resonance measurement of the facial region of the patient, the magnetic resonance measurement is performed to acquire magnetic resonance image data of the facial region of the patient, and a motion correction technique is employed exploiting an accessibility to the facial region of the patient during the magnetic resonance measurement. The motion correction technique advantageously reduces an influence of a patient motion on the magnetic resonance image data.