MRI Bore Display Using Beam Projector and Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI apparatuses face challenges in reducing patient boredom and image quality due to the narrow and enclosed scanning environment, leading to patient movement during scans.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with a beam projector that projects images onto the inner wall of the bore, using a detachable module and constant voltage control circuit to maintain constant brightness, allowing for image display within the bore and reducing patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If video data is provided through glasses worn by the inspection target, then the inspection target can be entertained during scanning, but the inspection target experiences inconvenience due to the closeness of the glasses
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror is introduced as an intermediary device between the projector and the inspection target. The projector displays video data outside the bore, and the mirror reflects this image into the bore where the inspection target can view it. This intermediary approach allows the inspection target to be entertained without wearing uncomfortable glasses, as the video is projected and reflected rather than displayed directly through contact lenses.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If video data is provided through a mirror installed within the bore, then the inspection target can view images during scanning, but the quality of the image is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The video data is projected onto the mirror surface before the inspection target views it. By pre-projecting the high-quality video image onto the mirror, the system ensures that the original image quality is maintained during the reflection process. The mirror simply reflects the pre-formed image rather than attempting to create or enhance it, preserving the quality of the video content while still providing entertainment to the inspection target.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a projector is installed on the table within the bore, then images can be displayed to reduce inspection target boredom, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projector is extracted from the bore environment and relocated to outside the bore. Instead of installing complex equipment within the constrained bore space, the system projects video data from outside the bore onto a mirror that is positioned within the bore. This extraction approach reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for a projector inside the bore while still achieving the goal of entertaining the inspection target during scanning.
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 effectively reduces patient boredom and movement, thereby improving MRI image quality by providing engaging content and maintaining consistent image brightness during scans.
Implementation Method 1
the light source emits a light beam with a constant brightness for use in beam projection
Implementation Method 2
a constant voltage power can be supplied to the light source under control of the constant voltage control circuit in the form of an exemplary fast switching device, based on the information which relates to the current magnitude sensed by the current sensor and fed back to the constant voltage control circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus includes a housing which has a bore to which a magnetic field for use in an MRI scan is applied, a moving table on which an inspection target may be placed and that enters the bore of the housing, a projector which projects an image onto an inner wall that forms the bore of the housing, and a controller which controls the projection unit and transmits a video signal to the projector.