Structured Light Motion Tracking in Medical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems, such as CT scanners, face challenges in reducing motion artifacts due to subject movement, particularly with external devices like breathing belts that are prone to signal drift and discomfort for patients.
Innovation Solution
An optical, non-contact motion tracking system using structured-light technology to detect and monitor subject motion within the imaging system, allowing for real-time adjustment of data acquisition and reconstruction without external devices, thereby mitigating motion artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external devices such as breathing belts are used to track subject motion, then motion tracking capability is improved, but device complexity and patient comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motion tracking function from external devices and integrates it into the imaging system itself using optical sensors and structured light projection. This eliminates the need for separate breathing belts or external motion tracking devices while maintaining motion tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating motion tracking capabilities into the existing imaging apparatus. The optical system serves dual purposes: capturing imaging data and tracking subject motion, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated external tracking devices.
2Measurement precision
If external devices such as breathing belts are used to track subject motion, then motion tracking capability is improved, but patient comfort is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for external devices that require patient contact or attachment. By using optical projection and detection within the imaging system, motion tracking is achieved without any physical interaction with the patient, thereby maintaining comfort while preserving tracking accuracy.
3Reliability
If signal drift occurs in external devices, then measurement reliability is worsened, but motion tracking capability is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or electronic sensing devices (breathing belts) with an optical measurement system. Structured light projection and optical detection provide contactless measurement that is not subject to signal drift issues inherent in electronic sensors and mechanical attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces structured light as an intermediary medium for motion detection. Instead of directly measuring physiological signals with prone-to-drift sensors, the system uses optical patterns that reflect off the subject to indirectly measure motion, providing a more stable and drift-free measurement approach.
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
This approach effectively reduces motion artifacts by accurately tracking subject motion and synchronizing data acquisition, providing more comfortable and accurate imaging results without the limitations of external devices.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a first reflected optical pattern, which is the projected optical pattern reflected off the subject at a first time
Implementation Method 2
optical (e.g., structured-light) based non-contact motion tracking/monitoring device
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system (100) includes a subject support (114) that supports a subject in an examination region (106). The imaging system further includes a detector (112) that detects a signal traversing the examination region, generating an output indicative of the examination region. The imaging system further includes a subject motion sensing system (118) that includes an optical system (206, 208, 214) that detects motion of the subject in the examination region and generates motion data indicative thereof. The imaging system further includes a console (122) that controls at least one of data acquisition or reconstruction based on the motion data.