Optical Waveguide Bundle for MRI-Compatible Patient Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging systems face challenges in simultaneously imaging and providing visual feedback to patients, particularly in environments like MRI scanners where electronic components interact with magnetic and radiofrequency fields, making it difficult to integrate optical systems for motion tracking and image display without interference.
Innovation Solution
A medical imaging system component utilizing an optical waveguide bundle that couples both an optical image generator and an optical imaging system, allowing for the same bundle to be used for displaying images to the patient and imaging them, while also incorporating an infra-red illuminator and processor to control the system for real-time feedback and data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical systems are used for image display and patient imaging, then functional independence is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical image generator and optical imaging system into a single integrated optical pathway system. The same optical components (lenses, waveguides, beam splitters) serve dual functions: displaying instructional images to the patient and capturing optical image data from the patient. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining functional independence through software-controlled operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed with multi-functionality, where a single optical pathway can operate in different modes. The beam splitter and waveguide components enable the system to alternatively direct light for display purposes or for imaging purposes, making the same hardware universal for both functions. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems.
2Reliability
If optical systems are integrated into MRI environment, then patient monitoring capability is improved, but interference with magnetic fields may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical pathway as an intermediary medium to transfer information between the patient and the external monitoring system. By using light transmission through waveguides and optical fibers, the system avoids direct electronic or magnetic field interactions within the MRI environment. The optical components act as mediators that are insensitive to magnetic fields, enabling patient monitoring without interfering with the MRI's magnetic field operations.
3Device complexity
If a single optical pathway is used for both display and imaging, then device complexity is reduced, but functional versatility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system incorporates dynamic switching capabilities through the beam splitter and controllable optical components. The system can dynamically switch between display mode and imaging mode based on operational requirements. The beam splitter can be configured to direct light primarily toward the patient for display or primarily toward the imaging sensor for data capture, providing functional versatility within a simplified single-pathway architecture.
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
Enables effective monitoring and feedback to patients during imaging procedures, improving positioning and image quality by using the same optical waveguide bundle for both display and imaging, and allowing for integration with various medical imaging modalities like MRI without interfering with the magnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide bundle that comprises a subject end and an equipment end... The optical waveguide bundle is configured for projecting the two-dimensional image through the image projection pathway
Implementation Method 2
The subject end comprises at least one lens. The optical image generator is configured for optically coupling to the equipment end to form an image projection pathway
Implementation Method 3
The optical imaging system is configured for optically coupling to the equipment end to form an optical image data acquisition pathway. The optical imaging system is configured for acquiring the optical image data through the lens via the optical image data acquisition pathway
Implementation Method 4
an infra-red illuminator. The infra-red illuminator is configured for optically coupling to the equipment end. The optical imaging system is an infra-red camera
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a medical imaging system (100, 400) component comprising: an optical image generator (122) configured for generating a two-dimensional image (200); an optical imaging system (126) configured for acquiring optical image data (166); and an optical waveguide bundle (124) comprising a subject end (132) and an equipment end (130). The subject end comprises at least one lens (136, 136). The optical image generator is configured for optically coupling to the equipment end to form an image projection pathway. The optical waveguide bundle is configured for projecting the two-dimensional image through the image projection pathway. The optical imaging system is configured for optically coupling to the equipment end to form an optical image data acquisition pathway. The optical imaging system is configured for acquiring the optical image data through the lens via the optical image data acquisition pathway.