MR-Compatible Camera with Optical Fiber Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical monitoring systems for MRI procedures face challenges such as obstructed line of sight, electromagnetic interference, and high user interaction requirements, which hinder their adoption as routine clinical tools.
Innovation Solution
Integration of miniature, MR-compatible cameras within the MRI scanner's imaging coil, utilizing optical data transfer and power sources that avoid galvanic connections to the outside world, including low-power optical links, battery-powered designs, and wireless communication to ensure unimpeded view and minimal setup interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cameras are placed outside the scanner, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but line of sight to the tracking marker is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary medium to transmit images from the MRI scanner interior to the exterior monitoring system. The camera captures images inside the scanner, and optical fibers convey these images outside without requiring direct electronic connections or line-of-sight cameras outside the scanner, thus resolving the contradiction between electromagnetic interference reduction and line-of-sight requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a spatial arrangement where cameras must be positioned outside the scanner for electromagnetic safety to a solution where images are transmitted through optical fibers in a different dimensional pathway. This allows the camera to be positioned inside the scanner while the monitoring equipment remains outside, effectively changing the problem from a spatial positioning issue to a signal transmission issue.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If cameras are placed inside the scanner bore, then line of sight to the subject is improved, but electromagnetic interference with the MRI procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediaries to transmit images from the camera inside the scanner to monitoring equipment outside. This allows the camera to be positioned inside the scanner bore where it can capture images of the subject without direct electronic connections that would cause electromagnetic interference with the MRI procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electronic cable connections with optical fiber transmission. This substitution eliminates galvanic connections that would cause electromagnetic interference while maintaining the ability to transmit images from inside the scanner to outside monitoring systems.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cameras with cable connections are used, then power and data transfer are simplified, but electromagnetic interference and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical cable connections with optical fiber connections for both power transmission and data transfer. This substitution eliminates galvanic connections that cause electromagnetic interference and safety hazards while maintaining simplified power and data transfer capabilities through the optical medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from electrical conductors to optical fibers, fundamentally altering the physical parameter of signal transmission from electrical to optical domain. This parameter change eliminates electromagnetic interference while maintaining the functionality of power and data transfer.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual positioning and calibration of cameras is required, then setup flexibility is maintained, but workflow efficiency and user interaction requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated positioning and calibration systems that enable the camera to self-align and self-calibrate within the MRI scanner. This automation maintains setup flexibility while eliminating manual intervention requirements, thereby improving workflow efficiency and reducing user interaction needs during clinical procedures.
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
The solution provides high-quality video data during MRI scans with improved MR compatibility, reduced electromagnetic interference, and streamlined setup processes, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of motion correction and other applications like eye tracking and physiological monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The camera is connected to the outside world only via an optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
The camera is enclosed in a Faraday cage
Data Source
AI summary
A miniature, low-power, optical sensing device that operates in the harsh electromagnetic environment of a magnetic resonance imaging system is provided. The device includes a means of transferring imaging data obtained with the optical sensor out of this harsh electromagnetic environment without requiring a galvanic connection. It is practical to power the device using a small battery that is compatible with the harsh environment. In other embodiments, the device is powered using ‘power over fiber’ or by taking power by ‘power harvesting’ directly from the harsh electromagnetic environment. One embodiment is to directly integrate the device into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) head coil, using a wired connection to the head coil to provide electrical power. Here the wired connection does not penetrate the Faraday cage of the MRI system or cross into the bore of the MRI system from outside the bore.