Optical Respiration Monitoring for CT Breath-Hold Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiration monitoring systems for CT scanning are invasive, uncomfortable, and time-consuming, leading to prolonged scanning times and impaired image quality due to respiratory motion artefacts, and there is a lack of active monitoring in ordinary CT scans.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive respiration detection apparatus using RGB and depth signal acquisition, combined with optical flow and body volume detection, to determine respiration phase, amplitude, and frequency, which can be integrated with existing surveillance cameras to provide real-time feedback to physicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional invasive sensors are used for respiration monitoring, then respiration detection is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and image quality is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with an optical measurement system that uses cameras to capture chest wall movement. This substitution eliminates the need for invasive or skin-contact devices, thereby maintaining patient comfort and avoiding interference with CT image quality while achieving reliable respiration detection through optical methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical measurement system between the respiration motion and the detection process. Instead of direct contact, the system uses cameras to capture optical changes in the chest wall, serving as a mediator that transmits respiration information without requiring physical contact with the patient's body.
2Reliability
If additional monitoring equipment is installed on the patient, then respiration monitoring capability is improved, but scanning time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical measurement system multi-functional by using the same camera-based approach for both respiration monitoring and guiding the scanning process. The system can continuously monitor respiration and trigger scanning at appropriate phases without requiring separate dedicated equipment, thereby adding monitoring capability without proportionally increasing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary respiration monitoring and phase determination before the actual scanning begins. By pre-characterizing the respiration pattern and determining optimal scanning phases in advance, the system can efficiently coordinate scanning timing without requiring additional time during the scan execution itself.
3Reliability
If conventional respiration monitoring systems are used, then respiration detection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential respiration monitoring function from complex conventional systems and implements it using simplified optical components. By taking out only the necessary capability (detecting chest wall movement) and implementing it through cameras and optical measurement, the system achieves reliable detection with reduced complexity compared to traditional mechanical sensors and multiple coordinated devices.
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 accurate and cost-effective respiration monitoring during CT scans without additional equipment, ensuring high-quality imaging by synchronizing patient breath-holding with scan exposure, and providing visualized signals and warnings to improve diagnostic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a light intensity optical flow detection unit configured to detect information on optical flow and a change in light intensity of an upper body of the subject according to the chest-and-abdomen RGB signal
Implementation Method 2
the signal acquisition unit is further configured to continuously acquire depth signals of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for detecting respiration including: a signal acquisition unit configured to continuously acquire RGB signals of a subject; and a signal processing unit configured to receive the RGB signals, and determine a respiration phase, amplitude, and frequency of the subject. The apparatus automatically captures respiration signals of the subject and sends them synchronously to a physician in a control room for various types of CT scan without the need to introduce invasive or contact-type equipment. Many scanning protocols involve regions of the body that are affected by respiratory motion, so ensuring that the patient holds his breath in the exposure stage is crucial for image quality. Advanced applications may be provided according to the respiration signals acquired; apart from visualized respiration signals, warnings may be issued to the physician when the patient is unable to hold his breath.