The University of Texas System

Other

The United States Government as Represented by the Department of Veterans Affairs

Andrei A Zaremba

Duncan Leo MacFarlane

Keith David White

Richard W Briggs

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method to track the movement of a target. One embodiment tracks the movement of the patient during medical imaging scanning using optical technology. Optical systems record the position and movement of the target and provide inputs to a processor. The processor is capable of performing mathematical analysis of the movement of the target to determine the positional shift of the patient. Weighted averages, phase correlation, Fourier-Mellin algorithms, and cross-correlation of data related to X-Y translation are used to calculate movement of the target subject. Feedback related to the movement is provided to the medical imaging scanning machine which allows for adjustments in focusing coils for real time tracking of the patient's movements during the procedure. As a result, the medical image scanning procedure becomes more accurate as it is adjusted for the patient's movements.

Apparatus and method for tracking movement of a target

The present invention discloses a method for determining location and movement of a moving object. One embodiment of the method tracks the movement of a target during medical imaging scanning and transmits the position shift to the medical imaging scanning device in real time. The method includes the steps of projecting structured light on the target, receiving the reflection of structured light, converting the received structured light into spatial positions, and transmitting the positional shift to the medical imaging scanning device. The method further includes the step of adjusting the medical imaging scanning device in response to the positional change to increase accuracy.

Method for determining location and movement of a moving object

The present invention relates, in general, to the field of motion tracking, and in particular to join a target in an MRI application. In particular the invention teaches an apparatus and method to track the movement of a target during medical imaging scanning using optical technology. Optical systems record the position and movement of the pattern and are able to perform mathematical analysis of the pattern to determine the positional shift of the patient. Weighted averages, Fourier transforms, Hadamard matrices and cross-correlation of data related to X-Y translation, rotation and scaling of the image of the pattern are used to analyze movement of the subject's head. Feedback related to the movement is provided to the MRI machine which allows for adjustments in focusing coils for real time tracking of the patient's movements during the MRI procedure. As a result, the MRI procedure becomes more accurate as it is adjusted for the patient's movements.

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Richardson, TX, United States of America

Andrei A Zaremba