Medical Imaging Movement Detection Using Multi-Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patient movement during long scanning medical imaging procedures, such as MRI, SPECT, and PET, leads to artifacts in medical slice images, which existing technologies fail to accurately detect and correct effectively.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging unit equipped with a movement detection system comprising multiple detection elements and an evaluation unit that establishes three-dimensional patient movement within the imaging area, using distance sensors or position-sensitive devices to provide reliable and rapid movement detection, allowing for the correction of artifacts in medical images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detection elements are used to detect patient movement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection elements (at least two) positioned at different locations. Each element independently measures distance to the patient, and the evaluation unit processes these segmented measurements to establish three-dimensional movement. This segmentation improves measurement precision while keeping individual elements relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as distance sensors and as part of the three-dimensional movement detection system. The same detection elements can detect movement in different spatial directions, reducing the need for separate specialized sensors for each dimension.
2Measurement precision
If detection elements are read out with high temporal resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection elements are read out periodically with high temporal resolution during the medical imaging examination. This periodic high-resolution reading allows accurate detection of position changes while potentially reducing energy consumption by not maintaining continuous maximum-resolution operation throughout the entire imaging process.
3Measurement precision
If detection elements are disposed at different positions on the housing unit, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection elements are positioned at different spatial locations on the housing unit, utilizing three-dimensional space to improve measurement capability. By distributing sensors across different positions and orientations, the system achieves three-dimensional movement detection without requiring overly complex individual sensor designs.
4Reliability
If movement detection is implemented, then reliability of medical image data is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit serves as an intermediary that processes the raw distance measurements from multiple detection elements and converts them into meaningful three-dimensional movement data. This intermediary processing layer improves the reliability of medical image data by enabling movement correction, while keeping the individual detection elements and their positioning relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical imaging unit includes a patient receiving area, a housing unit at least partly surrounding the patient receiving area, a detector unit, and a movement detection unit. The movement detection unit includes two or more detection elements configured for detecting a distance from the detection elements to the patient, and including an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit is configured to establish from detected movement of the individual detection elements a three-dimensional movement of the patient within the patient receiving area.