PET Motion Compensation Using Position Marker Slippage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion correction methods in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging are invasive, complex, and result in inaccurate image quality due to patient movements, particularly from slippage of positron-emitting position markers during scanning.

Innovation Solution

A method for compensating motion in PET data by detecting slippage of position markers, deriving motion correction parameters, and applying these parameters to the PET data to obtain accurate, non-invasive motion-compensated images, using intensity-based registration and masking of position markers to prevent errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional motion correction methods using external camera devices are used, then motion tracking capability is provided, but system complexity increases and measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion tracking accuracyVSAvoidimaging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motion tracking function directly into the PET scanner by utilizing the scanner's own detection devices to detect positron emissions from markers, eliminating the need for separate external camera systems. This integration maintains measurement accuracy while reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The PET scanner's detection devices perform dual functions: both imaging the patient and tracking motion markers. The same detection devices used for medical imaging are also utilized to detect positron-emitting markers, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated motion tracking hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If video recording methods are used for motion correction, then motion data is captured, but data accuracy is reduced and delays occur between motion data and PET data

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion data accuracyVSAvoiddata synchronization delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces video recording systems with a positron emission-based tracking system. Instead of using optical cameras to record marker positions, the system uses PET detection devices to directly detect positron emissions from markers, providing synchronized and accurate motion data without the delays and inaccuracies of video processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If position markers are used for motion tracking, then motion correction is enabled, but marker slippage causes erroneous motion correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion tracking capabilityVSAvoidmotion correction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors marker positions and detects slippage events. When slippage is detected through analysis of marker position changes, the system identifies and excludes affected data segments, preventing erroneous motion correction while maintaining the overall motion tracking capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Ease of manufacture

If motion correction is applied without detecting marker slippage, then processing is simplified, but image accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoidimage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection and identification of marker slippage before applying motion correction. By analyzing marker position data and identifying slippage events in advance, the system prepares corrected motion vectors that exclude slippage artifacts, ensuring accurate motion correction without compromising image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 high-quality reconstructed images with improved diagnostic confidence by accurately differentiating between patient movement and marker slippage, reducing image artifacts, and ensuring precise motion compensation.

Implementation Method 1

coincident lines of response from positron-emitting position markers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositron emission: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentEP4066214B1Motion compensation of positron emission tomographic data
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
  • EP4066214B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4066214B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4066214B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Example embodiments describe a method for compensating motion in positron emission tomographic, PET, data comprising coincident lines of response from positron-emitting position markers, the method comprising: detecting a slippage of one or more of the position markers; determining slippage correction parameters based on the detected slippage; and applying motion correction to the PET data by taking into account the slippage correction parameters, thereby obtaining a motion-compensated PET data.