MRI Head Coil Micro Display with Adjustable Optical Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional video systems for MRI scanners face challenges such as interference from magnetic fields, radio frequencies, and limitations in providing high-resolution, three-dimensional images due to issues with fibre optic bundles and positioning, which affect patient comfort and the quality of diagnostic imaging.
Innovation Solution
An MRI-compatible visual system featuring a head coil-mounted micro display with adjustable components, including a fibre optical transmitter and receiver, shielded electronics, and optical elements to ensure high-resolution images without stray magnetic fields, and allowing for easy adjustment and dioptic correction, integrated within the MRI environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional video systems are used in MRI scanners, then patient comfort and functional imaging are improved, but magnetic fields interfere with image quality and device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system (mirrors, prisms, or fiber optic bundles) to transmit visual stimuli from a display located outside the MRI bore to the patient's eyes inside the bore. This intermediary allows the video system to be positioned where it won't interfere with magnetic fields while still delivering images to the patient, thus resolving the contradiction between patient comfort and magnetic field interference.
2Ease of operation
If mirrors or prisms are used to reflect images to the patient, then visual stimuli are provided, but the system becomes complex and positioning is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex optical components (mirrors, prisms) from the MRI bore environment and relocates them to the control room or positions them outside the tunnel. Only the essential light transmission path remains inside the bore, significantly reducing system complexity and eliminating time-consuming positioning adjustments while maintaining visual stimulus delivery capability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fiber optic bundles are used for image transmission, then magnetic field interference is reduced, but image resolution and three-dimensional quality are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical transmission system into multiple independent fiber optic bundles, each carrying a portion of the visual information. By using multiple separate bundles instead of a single bundle, the system maintains higher image resolution and three-dimensional quality while still being immune to magnetic field interference, as each segment independently transmits visual data without interference.
4Ease of operation
If the display screen is positioned inside the MRI tunnel, then patient comfort is improved, but ambient light washes out the screen image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical intermediaries (mirrors, prisms, or fiber optic bundles) to deliver light from a display positioned outside the MRI tunnel to the patient's eyes inside the tunnel. This allows the display to be located in an environment without ambient light interference while still providing the visual stimulus to the patient in a comfortable position, effectively isolating the display from harmful ambient light while maintaining patient comfort.
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
This system provides high-resolution, three-dimensional visual stimuli that minimize image distortion and ambient light interference, accommodating various patient sizes and positions, while being compact and easy to set up, thus enhancing patient comfort and diagnostic effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a bundle of optical fibres for transmitting the video images to the patient's eyes
Implementation Method 2
optical elements to ensure high-resolution images without stray magnetic fields
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing high resolution images to patients positioned in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device (3), the MRI device (3) comprising a head coil (21), the head coil arranged to surround a patient's (5) head and to provide MRI images thereof, the apparatus comprising means (12, 13, 14) for receiving video or picture image signals from an external source. According to the present invention, the apparatus further comprises means (14, 28, 34, 29) for displaying a video or picture image, said display means being arranged in a housing (20), said housing (20) being suspended in an arm comprising at least two successive members (38, 39), wherein a joint (40) between the housing (20) and the adjacent member (38), a joint or joints (41) between the successive members (38, 39), and a joint (42) between an attachment element (16) for attaching the apparatus to the head coil (21), or other part of the MRI device (3), and the member (39) adjacent to the coil attachment element (16), each is hinged to allow rotation of the joints (40, 41, 42).