Modular MRI Video Display for Flexible Patient Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video systems for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are not flexible enough to accommodate various patient positions, are not magnetic-resonance-compatible, require cabling, and isolate patients from their surroundings, leading to issues with hygiene, preparation time, and image distortion.
Innovation Solution
A modular video playback facility with detachable display modules, optical arrangements, and wireless power/data transmission, allowing use in multiple patient positions, maintaining magnetic-resonance-compatibility, and enabling partial environmental perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mirror is mounted on a head coil to redirect the patient's line of sight to a monitor, then the patient can view video content during MRI, but the image size varies considerably depending on table position and body part being examined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D mirror surface to a 3D holographic display that projects images in space, allowing consistent image perception regardless of patient table position or body part being examined. The holographic projector creates a three-dimensional image field that maintains proper proportions and size across different viewing angles and distances.
2Ease of operation
If a video headset is provided to the patient, then video content can be delivered, but the patient is isolated from the external environment and direct skin contact requires cleaning and increases preparation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the video display function from contact-based headsets and relocates it to a non-contact holographic projection system positioned above the patient. This eliminates the need for skin contact, cleaning procedures, and cable connections, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining video content delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic projector acts as an intermediary device that delivers video content to the patient's field of view without requiring physical contact with the patient's body. The projection medium (light) serves as the mediator between the video source and the patient's eyes, eliminating the need for headsets that contact skin.
3Ease of operation
If a heavy Innovision device with parabolic mirror is used to magnify video image, then video can be displayed, but the vertical travel of patient table must be mechanically limited to prevent collision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy mechanical Innovision device with a lightweight holographic projector that uses optical fields instead of mechanical structures. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical limitations on patient table vertical travel, restoring full movement freedom while maintaining video display capability.
4Ease of operation
If a bundle of coherent optical fibers or relay lenses with liquid crystal displays is used, then video can be transmitted to the patient, but the system complexity and resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of image transmission from physical light guiding (optical fibers) or complex lens systems to direct holographic projection in space. This parameter change simplifies the system by eliminating the need for fiber bundles, relay lenses, and liquid crystal displays, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective video transmission to the patient.
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 system provides flexible, compact, and efficient video playback that minimizes image artifacts, reduces preparation time, and maintains patient interaction with the environment, while ensuring hygiene and compatibility with MRI equipment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical arrangement mounted on the support arrangement, e.g. at least partially in front of the respective eye, for projecting onto the eye an image output by the display facility
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a modular video playback system for use in a magnetic resonance device. The video playback system comprises a display module with a respective display unit for a left and right eye of the patient, each display unit including a display, a support arrangement for holding the display at a distance from the head laterally, and an optical arrangement fastened to the support arrangement at least partially in front of each respective eye for projecting an image output by the display onto the patient's eye. The video playback system also includes a holder that may be detachably connected to the display module and has fastening means for detachably fastening to at least one component of the patient table, a data transmission arrangement which can be connected to the display module, and a power supply arrangement which can be connected to the display module.