Automatic Motion Threshold Calibration for MRI Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging techniques, particularly MRI, face challenges in accurately and efficiently detecting and quantifying patient motion during data acquisition, leading to image artifacts and increased costs due to the need for repeated scans and patient sedation, especially in children and elderly patients.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for automatically calibrating motion detection systems in medical imaging, combining fast motion detection with precise quantification to determine a patient- and system-specific motion threshold, allowing for real-time correction and adaptation of imaging parameters during scans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If motion detection is performed repeatedly during diagnostic measurements to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated acquisitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidtime for repeated scans
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs a calibration process before diagnostic measurements to establish motion thresholds and detection parameters. This preliminary calibration allows the system to efficiently detect and correct motion during actual diagnostic scans without requiring repeated calibration acquisitions, thereby improving detection accuracy while minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors motion during diagnostic measurements and provides feedback to adjust imaging parameters in real-time. When motion is detected beyond calibrated thresholds, the system automatically modifies acquisition parameters or triggers corrective actions, enabling precise motion detection without requiring repeated manual scans.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If motion thresholds are set to be highly sensitive to detect all motion, then measurement precision is improved, but false positive rate increases leading to unnecessary corrections and lost time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion detection sensitivityVSAvoidfalse positive rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts motion detection parameters and thresholds based on calibration data specific to each patient and imaging scenario. By adapting parameters to individual patient characteristics and scan conditions, the system maintains high sensitivity for detecting relevant motion while reducing false positives from normal physiological variations or noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Before diagnostic measurements, the system performs calibration to establish patient-specific motion thresholds based on their unique motion characteristics and the imaging system's capabilities. This preliminary characterization allows the system to distinguish between clinically relevant motion and negligible variations, improving reliability while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2915478B1Method for automatic calibration of motion detection techniques in medical imaging systems
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 SIEMENS HEALTHCARE GMBH
  • EP2915478B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A computer implemented method and a medical imaging system for calibrating a motion detection system working according to a motion detection technique and configured for detecting a motion of an object during medical imaging by means of the medical imaging system, the computer-implemented method comprising an automatic calibration process for determining at least one motion threshold for said object motion detection system, said calibration process taking place for said object being in a position and place allowing its imaging by said medical imaging system, the calibration process comprising: a. using the motion detection system working according to said motion detection technique for repeatedly acquiring motion detection data enabling object motion detection and using a motion quantification system working according to a motion quantification technique for repeatedly acquiring motion quantification data enabling object motion quantification; b. analyzing the motion quantification data for determining if said object was mobile or immobile