Optical Fiber Surface Scanning for MRI Motion Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for surface scanning in medical imaging, particularly in MRI and PET, face challenges with head motion artifacts that degrade image quality, and existing motion tracking systems are either error-prone or fail to achieve high temporal and spatial resolution simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing optical fibers and a multi-lens optical coupler for surface scanning, which separates noise-generating components from the scanner bore, reduces occlusion effects, and maintains high image quality over long distances by projecting and capturing pattern sequences with a digital micromirror device or light modulator, allowing for compact and efficient motion tracking within medical scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external tracking systems use markers attached to the subject's head, then motion tracking capability is improved, but error rate increases and preparation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating components (radio emitting components and ferromagnetic components) from the scanner bore environment. By positioning these components outside the bore, the system eliminates sources of interference and error while maintaining motion tracking functionality through optical fibers that can transmit signals without being affected by the scanner's electromagnetic environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as an intermediary medium to transmit light and images between the scanner bore and external components. This intermediary allows motion tracking to function without requiring electronic components inside the bore, thereby reducing errors while maintaining tracking capability.
2Ease of operation
If image based motion tracking methods are used, then preparation complexity is reduced, but temporal resolution and spatial resolution cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motion tracking system into separate functional components: an image source outside the bore, optical fibers for light transmission, and imaging components inside the bore. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution through proper optical design while maintaining ease of operation by keeping complex components outside the scanner environment.
3Volume of moving object
If noise-generating components are positioned inside the scanner bore, then device compactness is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to noise and occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts noise-generating components (radio emitting components and ferromagnetic components) from the scanner bore and positions them outside. This extraction eliminates noise and occlusion effects that would otherwise degrade image quality, while optical fibers maintain system functionality without requiring these components to occupy space inside the bore.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic and mechanical signal transmission systems with an optical system using fibers. This substitution allows the removal of noisy electronic components from the bore environment while maintaining signal transmission capability, thereby improving image quality without sacrificing essential system functions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If long distances are used between scanner and light source, then device flexibility is improved, but image quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electronic signal transmission with optical fiber transmission. Optical fibers can transmit light signals over long distances with minimal loss and without being affected by electromagnetic interference, thereby maintaining image quality while allowing greater flexibility in positioning the light source and other components outside the scanner bore.
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 solution provides improved image quality and motion tracking capabilities with reduced noise and occlusion, enabling high-resolution imaging even in confined spaces, while being compact and easily integratable with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical coupler for coupling an image from the image source into the proximal ends of the first optical fibers
Implementation Method 2
the first optical coupler comprising a plurality of lens elements including a first lens element and a second lens element
Implementation Method 3
a first fiber bundle comprising first optical fibers having proximal ends and distal ends
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for surface scanning in medical imaging is provided. The surface scanning apparatus comprises an image source, a first optical fiber bundle comprising first optical fibers having proximal ends and distal ends, and a first optical coupler for coupling an image from the image source into the proximal ends of the first optical fibers, wherein the first optical coupler comprises a plurality of lens elements including a first lens element and a second lens element, each of the plurality of lens elements comprising a primary surface facing a distal end of the first optical coupler, and a secondary surface facing a proximal end of the first optical coupler.