公开(公告)号：US08374411B2

公开(公告)日：2013-02-12

申请号：US13338166

申请日：2011-12-27

Applicant: Thomas Michael Ernst ,  Thomas Edmund Prieto ,  Brian Stewart Randall Armstrong

Inventor： Thomas Michael Ernst ,  Thomas Edmund Prieto ,  Brian Stewart Randall Armstrong

IPC: G06K9/00

CPC classification number: A61B5/055 ,  A61B5/0077 ,  A61B5/1127 ,  A61B5/1128 ,  A61B5/721 ,  A61B5/7292 ,  A61B6/0492 ,  A61B6/547 ,  G01R33/28 ,  G01R33/56509 ,  G06K9/00624 ,  G06K2009/3291 ,  G06K2017/0045 ,  G06T7/0012 ,  G06T7/70 ,  H04N7/18

Abstract: This invention relates to a system that adaptively compensates for subject motion in real-time in an imaging system. An object orientation marker, preferably a retro-grate reflector (RGR), is placed on an organ of interest of a patient during a scan, such as an MRI scan. The marker allows measuring the six degrees of freedom or “pose” required to track motion of the organ of interest. A detector, preferably a camera, observes the marker and continuously extracts its pose. The pose from the camera is sent to the scanner via an RGR processing computer and a scanner control and processing computer, allowing for continuous correction of scan planes and position (in real-time) for motion of the patient. This invention also provides for internal calibration and for co-registration over time of the scanner's and tracking system's reference frames to compensate for drift and other inaccuracies that may arise over time.

Abstract translation: 本发明涉及一种在成像系统中实时补偿被摄体运动的系统。 在诸如MRI扫描之类的扫描期间，将物体取向标记物，优选逆格栅反射器（RGR）放置在患者感兴趣的器官上。 该标记允许测量跟踪感兴趣的器官的运动所需的六个自由度或姿势。 检测器，优选摄像机，观察标记并连续地提取其姿态。 来自相机的姿势通过RGR处理计算机和扫描仪控制和处理计算机发送到扫描仪，允许扫描平面的连续校正和位置（实时）用于患者的运动。 本发明还提供内部校准和随着扫描器和跟踪系统的参考帧随时间的共同配准，以补偿随时间可能出现的漂移和其他不准确。

公开(公告)号：US08319403B2

公开(公告)日：2012-11-27

申请号：US13069908

申请日：2011-03-23

Applicant: Michael G. Lipton ,  Ilya Polyakov ,  Alrieza Zarrabi ,  Otto Hui ,  Silmon James Biggs ,  Thomas A. Kirdl ,  Gordon Russell ,  Jonathan R. Heim ,  Roger Hitchcock ,  Chris A. Weaber

Inventor： Michael G. Lipton ,  Ilya Polyakov ,  Alrieza Zarrabi ,  Otto Hui ,  Silmon James Biggs ,  Thomas A. Kirdl ,  Gordon Russell ,  Jonathan R. Heim ,  Roger Hitchcock ,  Chris A. Weaber

IPC: H01L41/08

CPC classification number: H01L41/0986 ,  G01R33/28 ,  G06F3/016 ,  H01H13/84 ,  H01H2003/008 ,  H01H2203/008 ,  H01H2217/018 ,  H01L41/0933 ,  H01L41/113 ,  H01L41/1132 ,  H01L41/1138 ,  H01L41/18 ,  Y10S310/80 ,  Y10T29/42 ,  Y10T29/49005 ,  Y10T29/4902 ,  Y10T29/49117 ,  Y10T29/49121 ,  Y10T29/49126 ,  Y10T29/49128 ,  Y10T29/4913 ,  Y10T29/49147 ,  Y10T29/49155 ,  Y10T29/49165

Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers for sensory feedback applications are disclosed.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于感官反馈应用的电活性聚合物换能器。

公开(公告)号：US08222901B2

公开(公告)日：2012-07-17

申请号：US12544840

申请日：2009-08-20

Applicant: Rajiv Chopra ,  Michael John Bronskill ,  Arvin Forghanian-Arani

Inventor： Rajiv Chopra ,  Michael John Bronskill ,  Arvin Forghanian-Arani

IPC: G01V3/00

CPC classification number: G01R33/28 ,  A61B5/0051 ,  A61B5/055 ,  G01R33/563 ,  G01R33/56358

Abstract: A system and method for intracorporeal elastography include an intra-luminal vibratory member configured to be positioned within a lumen of an imaging subject and configured to impart mechanical energy into tissue of the lumen. In a preferred embodiment, an external piezoelectric energy source is included and coupled to the vibratory member and configured to cause the vibratory member to longitudinally vibrate, thereby generating shear waves for use with magnetic resonance elastography.

Abstract translation: 用于体内弹性成像的系统和方法包括腔内振动构件，其被构造成定位在成像对象的内腔内并且被配置为将机械能赋予腔的组织。 在优选实施例中，包括外部压电能量源并耦合到振动构件并且构造成使振动构件纵向振动，从而产生用于磁共振弹性成像的剪切波。

公开(公告)号：US08200309B2

公开(公告)日：2012-06-12

申请号：US10902263

申请日：2004-07-30

Applicant: Ernest Wollin

Inventor： Ernest Wollin

IPC: A61B5/05

CPC classification number: G01R33/422 ,  A61B5/0035 ,  A61B5/0536 ,  A61B5/0555 ,  A61B5/708 ,  G01R33/28 ,  G01R33/30 ,  G01R33/4808

Abstract: A method of measurement of or mapping the distribution of complex permittivity, complex conductivity, complex impedance, or electric loss angle during magnetic resonance imaging or analysis. The method includes applying a time-varying electric field of a Faraday shield to a sample and cross-correlating the line spectrum signal so produced with the voltage applied to the Faraday shield in a detection circuit. The method permits non-contrast magnetic resonance screening for breast cancer in vivo and/or continuous measurement of electrical characteristics of materials at variable frequencies in vitro. A system of detecting and evaluating sample pathology includes a Faraday shield device that includes parallel electrodes oriented orthogonal to the static magnetic field of a MRI device to produce a time varying electric field. A detector is coupled to the MRI device to detect at least one of a complex permittivity, a complex conductivity, and an electrical impedance of the sample.

Abstract translation: 在磁共振成像或分析期间测量复合介电常数，复电导率，复阻抗或电损耗角分布的方法。 该方法包括将法拉第屏蔽的时变电场施加到样本，并将所产生的线谱信号与检测电路中施加到法拉第屏蔽的电压互相关。 该方法允许体内乳腺癌的非对比磁共振筛选和/或在体外以不同频率连续测量材料的电特性。 检测和评估样本病理学的系统包括法拉第屏蔽装置，其包括垂直于MRI装置的静磁场定向的平行电极，以产生时变电场。 检测器耦合到MRI装置以检测样品的复介电常数，复电导率和电阻抗中的至少一个。

公开(公告)号：US20120071750A1

公开(公告)日：2012-03-22

申请号：US13302331

申请日：2011-11-22

Applicant: Jan BOLLENBECK ,  Wolfgang RENZ

Inventor： Jan BOLLENBECK ,  Wolfgang RENZ

IPC: A61B5/055

CPC classification number: G01R33/36 ,  G01R33/28 ,  G01R33/34007 ,  G01R33/34084 ,  G01R33/3415

Abstract: In a method to affix RF coils (in particular local coils) on a patient in examinations with a magnetic resonance apparatus, a horizontal board accommodates the patient for a magnetic resonance examination to be implemented, an RF coil that has coil electronics is affixed with a fastening strap on the patient, and the fastening strap has a connection cable integrated therewith. The coil electronics are supplied with energy via the integrated connection cable.

Abstract translation: 在用磁共振装置进行检查的情况下将RF线圈（特别是局部线圈）固定在患者身上的方法中，水平板容纳患者进行磁共振检查以实施，具有线圈电子器件的RF线圈固定有 紧固带在患者身上，并且紧固带具有与其一体的连接电缆。 线圈电子设备通过集成连接电缆供电。

公开(公告)号：US20120065496A1

公开(公告)日：2012-03-15

申请号：US13320942

申请日：2010-05-20

Applicant: Mathew David Frederick Stratton ,  Hugo George Derrick

Inventor： Mathew David Frederick Stratton ,  Hugo George Derrick

IPC: A61B5/055

CPC classification number: G01R33/34046 ,  A61B5/0555 ,  A61B90/14 ,  A61B90/39 ,  G01R33/28 ,  G01R33/286 ,  G01R33/34084 ,  G01R33/58

Abstract: Apparatus for imaging a body part of a subject, for example using MRI, is described. The apparatus includes a housing for at least partially surrounding a body part (e.g. a head) and a first fiducial marker assembly retained at least partially within the housing that includes one or more fiducial markers and a datum feature. The position of the datum feature is fixed relative to the one or more fiducial markers. The first fiducial marker assembly is moveable with respect to the housing and the datum feature is accessible from outside of the housing.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于使受试者的身体部分成像（例如使用MRI）的装置。 该装置包括用于至少部分地围绕主体部分（例如头部）的壳体和至少部分保持在壳体内的第一基准标记组件，该组件包括一个或多个基准标记和基准特征。 基准特征的位置相对于一个或多个基准标记是固定的。 第一基准标记组件相对于壳体是可移动的，并且基准特征可从外壳的外部接近。

公开(公告)号：US08121361B2

公开(公告)日：2012-02-21

申请号：US11804417

申请日：2007-05-18

Applicant: Thomas Michael Ernst ,  Thomas Edmund Prieto ,  Brian Stewart Randall Armstrong

Inventor： Thomas Michael Ernst ,  Thomas Edmund Prieto ,  Brian Stewart Randall Armstrong

IPC: G06K9/00

CPC classification number: A61B5/055 ,  A61B5/0077 ,  A61B5/1127 ,  A61B5/1128 ,  A61B5/721 ,  A61B5/7292 ,  A61B6/0492 ,  A61B6/547 ,  G01R33/28 ,  G01R33/56509 ,  G06K9/00624 ,  G06K2009/3291 ,  G06K2017/0045 ,  G06T7/0012 ,  G06T7/70 ,  H04N7/18

Abstract: Current MRI technologies require subjects to remain largely motionless for achieving high quality magnetic resonance (MR) scans, typically for 5-10 minutes at a time. However, lying absolutely still inside the tight MR imager (MRI) tunnel is a difficult task, especially for children, very sick patients, or the mentally ill. Even motion ranging less than 1 mm or 1 degree can corrupt a scan. This invention involves a system that adaptively compensates for subject motion in real-time. An object orientation marker, preferably a retro-grate reflector (RGR), is placed on a patients' head or other body organ of interest during MRI. The RGR makes it possible to measure the six degrees of freedom (x, y, and z-translations, and pitch, yaw, and roll), or “pose”, required to track the organ of interest. A camera-based tracking system observes the marker and continuously extracts its pose. The pose from the tracking system is sent to the MR scanner via an interface, allowing for continuous correction of scan planes and position in real-time. The RGR-based motion correction system has significant advantages over other approaches, including faster tracking speed, better stability, automatic calibration, lack of interference with the MR measurement process, improved ease of use, and long-term stability. RGR-based motion tracking can also be used to correct for motion from awake animals, or in conjunction with other in vivo imaging techniques, such as computer tomography, positron emission tomography (PET), etc.

Abstract translation: 目前的MRI技术要求受试者保持大部分不动，以实现高质量的磁共振（MR）扫描，通常每次5-10分钟。 然而，谎言绝对仍然在严格的MR成像仪（MRI）隧道是一项艰巨的任务，特别是对于儿童，非常病的病人或精神病患者。 即使距离小于1mm或1度的运动也可能会损坏扫描。 本发明涉及一种实时自适应补偿受试者运动的系统。 在MRI期间将物体取向标记物（优选地是反转格栅反射器（RGR））放置在病人的头部或其他身体器官上。 RGR可以测量跟踪感兴趣的器官所需的六个自由度（x，y和z-平移，俯仰，偏航和滚动）或“姿势”。 基于相机的跟踪系统观察标记并持续提取其姿态。 来自跟踪系统的姿势通过接口被发送到MR扫描仪，允许实时扫描平面和位置的连续校正。 基于RGR的运动校正系统具有优于其他方法的显着优点，包括更快的跟踪速度，更好的稳定性，自动校准，对MR测量过程的干扰，改进的易用性和长期的稳定性。 还可以使用基于RGR的运动跟踪来校正来自清醒动物的运动，或者与其他体内成像技术（例如计算机断层摄影，正电子发射断层摄影（PET）等）相结合）。

公开(公告)号：US20120019064A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-26

申请号：US13186880

申请日：2011-07-20

Applicant: James Frank Caruba ,  Darryl Hrdina ,  Grant Arthur Albert ,  Paul Finlon

Inventor： James Frank Caruba ,  Darryl Hrdina ,  Grant Arthur Albert ,  Paul Finlon

IPC: H02J1/10

CPC classification number: G01R33/28 ,  A61B5/055 ,  A61B6/037 ,  A61B6/5235 ,  G01R33/481 ,  Y10T307/305

Abstract: An integrated magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) system includes an MR scanner including a magnet that defines an opening in which a subject is positioned, a set of PET detectors disposed about the opening, a plurality of data processing units each electrically connected with a respective one or more of the PET detectors of the set of PET detectors, and a plurality of power supply modules, each power supply module being operable to generate a DC power supply for different groups of one or more of the data processing units. Each power supply module is discrete from the other power supply modules.

Abstract translation: 集成磁共振（MR）和正电子发射断层摄影（PET）系统包括MR扫描仪，其包括限定被摄体所在的开口的磁体，围绕开口设置的一组PET检测器，每个 与所述一组PET检测器中的一个或多个PET检测器电气连接，以及多个电源模块，每个电源模块可操作以产生用于不同组中的一个或多个数据处理的DC电源 单位。 每个电源模块与其他电源模块分离。

公开(公告)号：US20120018644A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-26

申请号：US13186962

申请日：2011-07-20

Applicant: James Frank Caruba

Inventor： James Frank Caruba

IPC: G01T1/164 ,  G01R33/36

CPC classification number: G01R33/28 ,  A61B5/055 ,  A61B6/037 ,  A61B6/5235 ,  G01R33/481 ,  Y10T307/305

Abstract: A data processing unit for an integrated magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET) system includes an RF shield housing, a first input port in the RF shield housing configured to receive a PET detector signal, a first filter disposed in the RF shield housing, in communication with the first input port, and configured to remove MR noise from the PET detector signal, a second input port in the RF shield housing configured to receive DC power, a second filter disposed in the RF shield housing, in communication with the second input port, and configured to remove the MR noise from the DC power, and a signal processing circuit disposed in the RF shield housing and powered by the DC power, the signal processing circuit including an analog-to-digital converter to digitize the PET detector signal.

Abstract translation: 用于集成磁共振（MR）和正电子发射断层摄影（PET）系统的数据处理单元包括RF屏蔽壳体，RF屏蔽壳体中的第一输入端口，被配置为接收PET检测器信号，第一滤波器设置在RF 屏蔽壳体，与第一输入端口通信，并且被配置为从PET检测器信号去除MR噪声，RF屏蔽壳体中被配置为接收DC电力的第二输入端口，布置在RF屏蔽壳体中的第二滤波器，在通信中 具有第二输入端口，并被配置为从DC电力中去除MR噪声，以及信号处理电路，其布置在RF屏蔽壳体中并由DC电力供电，所述信号处理电路包括模数转换器以数字化 PET检测器信号。

公开(公告)号：US20120018643A1

公开(公告)日：2012-01-26

申请号：US13186950

申请日：2011-07-20

Applicant: James Frank Caruba ,  Roger E. Arseneau

Inventor： James Frank Caruba ,  Roger E. Arseneau

IPC: G01T1/161 ,  G01R33/28

CPC classification number: G01R33/28 ,  A61B5/055 ,  A61B6/037 ,  A61B6/5235 ,  G01R33/481 ,  Y10T307/305

Abstract: PET signals are amplified in a hybrid PET/MR system. An amplifier structure is provided for operation in the magnetic field of the MR magnets. By filtering to remove signals at the MR frequency (e.g., about 123 MHz) as part of the amplification circuit, the amplification circuit may be positioned within the RF cabin, within the magnetic field, and even within a same housing as the MR magnets. MR interference may be reduced by staged amplification. The filtering may be bi-directional, such as using parallel and series traps. Digitization of the PET signals may be provided within the magnetic field with no or little interference with MR operation.

Abstract translation: PET信号在混合PET / MR系统中被放大。 提供了用于在MR磁体的磁场中操作的放大器结构。 通过滤波以除去作为放大电路的一部分的MR频率（例如，约123MHz）的信号，放大电路可以位于RF舱内，在磁场内，甚至在与MR磁体相同的外壳内。 可以通过分阶段放大来减少MR干扰。 滤波可以是双向的，例如使用并联和串联阱。 可以在磁场内提供PET信号的数字化，而对MR操作没有或几乎没有干扰。