MRI Movement Sensor Unit with Dual Fields of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are hindered by patient movements, which cause artifacts in images and may necessitate repeated scans, especially in claustrophobic, painful, or pediatric patients, and existing methods require time-consuming preparation and limited space for sensor placement.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance unit with two movement sensor units providing different fields of view to accurately detect patient movements from various perspectives, allowing for reliable and efficient acquisition of both rotational and translational movements without the need for optical marking elements, and enabling redundant measurement to reduce errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical marking elements are arranged on the patient to detect movement, then movement detection capability is improved, but preparation time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the marking elements from the patient's body and integrates them into the magnetic resonance coil system. The coil elements themselves serve as the marking structure, eliminating the need for separate optical marking elements on the patient. This reduces preparation time while maintaining movement detection capability through the coil's inherent structural markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic resonance coil is given multiple functions: it serves both as the electromagnetic sensing element for MRI and as the structural framework for movement detection. The coil's geometric markers provide reference points for tracking patient movement without requiring additional dedicated marking systems.
2Measurement precision
If a detector unit rests directly against the patient's tissue for measurement, then measurement contact is improved, but space availability and ease of operation worsen due to restricted space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the movement detection function with the existing magnetic resonance coil system. The detector unit is integrated into the coil assembly, merging two functions (MRI and movement detection) into a single device that occupies the same space, eliminating the need for separate contact measurements in the restricted area.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic resonance coil system performs dual functions: generating electromagnetic fields for MRI and providing structural markers for optical movement detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices in the constrained patient space.
3Reliability
If multiple movement sensor units with different fields of view are used to detect rotational and translational movements, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple sensor units positioned at different locations around the patient, each providing a different viewing angle or dimension. This spatial arrangement allows simultaneous detection of both rotational and translational movements by combining information from multiple perspectives, improving reliability without requiring overly complex single-sensor solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance unit with a housing unit and a patient accommodation area for the accommodation and/or holding of at least one part region of a patient is provided. The patient accommodation area is surrounded at least partially by the housing unit, a first and a second movement sensor unit for acquiring a first and a second item of movement information of a movement of the patient. The first movement sensor unit exhibits a first field of view for the acquisition of a first part region of the patient and/or of the patient accommodation area, and the second movement sensor unit exhibits a second field of view for the acquisition of a second part region of the patient and/or of the patient accommodation area, which is formed differently in relation to the first part region of the patient and/or of the patient accommodation area.