MR Body Coil Positioning with Embedded Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning MR body coils in nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) systems are prone to human error, leading to suboptimal image quality and repeated scans, especially when patients are covered with blankets, as they rely on visual feedback and image processing algorithms that can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
Attaching multiple light sources, including LEDs and IR LEDs, to the MR body coils for precise positioning, which can be identified through image recognition systems, even under blankets, using coded flashing for individual identification and data transmission, and combining with depth sensors for three-dimensional alignment determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual feedback and image processing algorithms are used for coil positioning, then operator guidance is provided, but reliability deteriorates when patients are covered with blankets
Solution Approach 1:
Light sources are introduced as intermediary elements that are attached to the body coil and can be detected through blankets. These light sources serve as mediators between the coil positioning system and the camera, enabling reliable detection even when the patient is covered, by transmitting positional information through the blanket material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on visual feedback from anatomical features with an optical signaling system using light sources. This substitution transitions from a visual-mechanical detection method to an optical emission method, where light sources actively emit signals that can be captured by the camera regardless of blanket coverage.
2Measurement precision
If light sources are attached to the body coil, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented from the main coil structure by using separate, attachable light sources. This allows the coil and light sources to be independently optimized and replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through the dedicated light emission capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coded flashing is used for light sources, then individual identification is enabled, but loss of information increases due to potential detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
Light sources are made to flash in coded patterns at different frequencies or sequences, creating periodic signals that encode individual identification information. This periodic flashing allows the camera system to distinguish between multiple light sources and track their positions independently, enabling versatile identification while the periodic nature provides robust signal detection.
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
Enables precise and reliable determination of body coil position and orientation, improving image quality and reducing the need for re-scans by providing accurate alignment and status information, even when patients are covered, thus enhancing operator guidance and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source includes at least one light-emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light sources are attached at a predetermined position on an outside of the body coil
Implementation Method 3
at least one light source is an infrared (IR) light source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An MR body coil (8, 9) is provided with a contact surface for resting on an object (P) to be examined and an outer surface (10) facing away from the contact surface, wherein at least one light source (11-13) is attached to the outer surface (10) at a predetermined position. An MR system (1, 8, 9) comprises at least one MR body coil (8, 9) and an image acquisition device (4) for acquiring light emitted by the at least one light source (11-13) of the at least one MR body coil (8, 9). A method is provided for operating an MR body coil, in which at least one light source emits light for positioning the MR body coil.Another method serves to position an MR body coil (8, 9) on an object (P) to be examined, wherein at least one light source (11-13) attached to an MR body coil (8, 9) emits light, the light is recorded by an image acquisition device (4) comprising at least one camera and at least one position of the at least one light source (11-13) is determined by means of the recording.