Wearable Mobile Brain Imager for Upright PET Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PET scanners are bulky, limited to horizontal imaging geometries, and cannot image subjects in motion or upright positions, while fMRI is inadequate for functional brain imaging of upright subjects due to insufficient magnetic fields and immobility requirements.
Innovation Solution
A wearable mobile brain imager system combining PET with EEG and NIRS, integrated with a virtual reality environment, allowing subjects to be imaged in various positions, including upright and moving, using a compact, high-resolution, ambulatory microdose PET (AMPET) system with imaging photodetector modules arranged in a semi-spherical geometry for enhanced sensitivity and coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional PET scanner is used, then high-resolution molecular imaging is achieved, but the device is bulky and limited to horizontal imaging geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The PET scanner is divided into multiple independent photodetector modules arranged in a semi-spherical configuration. Each module contains its own photodetector array and can be independently positioned, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive coverage without requiring a single large bulky structure. This segmentation enables the scanner to maintain high imaging resolution while reducing overall device complexity and enabling upright imaging geometries.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional PET scanner is used, then molecular imaging is achieved, but the subject must be in supine or prone position and cannot move
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector modules are designed to be movable and reconfigurable, allowing the scanner to adapt to different imaging geometries including upright, supine, and prone positions. The semi-spherical arrangement of modules can be dynamically adjusted to track subject movement, enabling functional brain imaging of subjects in various positions and during motion while maintaining molecular imaging accuracy.
3Loss of information
If fMRI is used for functional brain imaging, then functional information is obtained, but the magnetic field strength is insufficient for upright subjects and immobility is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges PET molecular imaging capability with functional imaging requirements by using a semi-spherical photodetector module arrangement that can simultaneously capture molecular tracer distribution and functional brain activity. This combination allows functional brain imaging of upright and moving subjects with adequate field strength, eliminating the immobility requirement while maintaining functional information quality.
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 safe, comfortable, and high-resolution brain imaging in motion, providing accurate molecular images and functional information, with reduced logistical and safety issues, and the ability to simulate real-world environmental stimuli for enhanced therapeutic impact.
Implementation Method 1
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a well-established molecular imaging modality
Implementation Method 2
imaging photodetector modules arranged in a semi-spherical geometry for enhanced sensitivity and coverage
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods, systems and apparatus are provided for brain imaging during virtual reality stimulation. In one example, among others, a system for virtual ambulatory environment brain imaging includes a mobile brain imager configured to obtain positron emission tomography (PET) scans of a subject in motion, and a virtual reality (VR) system configured to provide one or more stimuli to the subject during the PET scans. In another example, a method for virtual ambulatory environment brain imaging includes providing stimulation to a subject through a virtual reality (VR) system; and obtaining a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the subject while moving in response to the stimulation from the VR system. The mobile brain imager can be positioned on the subject with an array of imaging photodetector modules distributed about the head of the subject.