MRI Bore Projector Viewing With Retractable Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing projection systems for MRI patients face challenges in providing high-quality images due to space limitations within the MRI bore and interference with the MRI equipment.
Innovation Solution
A system that projects images through an MRI bore using a projector onto a translucent screen, which scatters light to form an image on the front side, reflected by a mirror to the patient, with retractable components to accommodate patient comfort and MRI procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a projector system is installed within the MRI bore to provide images to patients, then image quality and patient viewing experience are improved, but the system interferes with MRI operations and occupies limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The projector is extracted from the MRI bore environment and placed in the equipment room, connected via optical fiber. This removes the source of electromagnetic interference and heat generation from the sensitive MRI scanning space, while still delivering high-quality images to the patient through the optical fiber transmission medium.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical fiber acts as an intermediary between the projector in the equipment room and the screen in the MRI bore. This intermediary transmits optical signals without electromagnetic interference, allowing high-quality image delivery while maintaining MRI operational integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed mirror is used to reflect images to the patient, then the optical path is stable, but the patient cannot comfortably sit up or exit the bed
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is mounted on a retractable arm with pivot points instead of being fixed. This dynamic mounting allows the mirror to be repositioned or retracted when the patient needs to change position, while maintaining a stable optical path during scanning when the mirror is in its operational position.
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror assembly is segmented into movable components (retractable arm, pivot points) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the optical path to remain stable during imaging while enabling patient position changes when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the projector is placed inside the MRI bore, then image projection is achieved, but electromagnetic interference and heat generation affect MRI quality
Solution Approach 1:
The projector is extracted from the MRI bore and relocated to the equipment room. This physical separation eliminates electromagnetic interference and heat generation within the MRI scanning environment, while optical fiber transmission maintains image projection capability to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical/optical projection system is separated from the MRI environment, replacing the need for electronic components within the bore with an optical fiber-based transmission system that is immune to electromagnetic interference.
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 high-quality image projection to patients without interfering with the MRI, ensuring patient comfort and system stability by minimizing electromagnetic interference and heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a screen, which in some embodiments scatters light, to form an image
Implementation Method 2
The image on the front of the screen is reflected by a mirror to a patient receiving an MRI
Data Source
AI summary
A projector projects images through an MRI bore of an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) system onto the back of a translucent screen. In some embodiments, the screen scatters light. When the light is focused on the back of the screen, an image is formed on the front of the screen. The image on the front of the screen is reflected by a mirror towards a patient receiving an MRI. In some embodiments, the mirror is retractable. In some embodiments, the mirror is mounted on a retractable arm. In some embodiments, the screen is mounted on side panels, which also support pivots. In some embodiments, the retractable arm pivots on the pivots that are supported on the side panels.