Three-dimensional high resolution mri video and audio system and method

Abstract

A three-dimensional high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) video and audio system employed within the magnetic field of a bore of an MRI scanner to provide video images via a relay lens system and corresponding audible sound via a non-magnetic path to an MRI patient. The invention provides non-magnetic video sources and audio speakers for generating the images and sound, respectively, and includes a first non-magnetic shielded generating mechanism positioned within the magnetic field of the bore for providing a video image. A first optical mechanism captures and transmits the generated video image to provide a high resolution video image. A second optical mechanism magnifies and redirects the high resolution video image for viewing by the patient. A second non-magnetic shielded generating mechanism is positioned within the magnetic field of the bore for providing audible sound over the full frequency range. In a preferred embodiment, twin optical systems each receive a video signal supplied by a video source to a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel for providing a video image. The video image is impressed upon and travels across a relay lens system to a multi-element eyepiece prism and lens assembly. Each eyepiece assembly utilizes a combination of lenses to magnify the image and a prism to refract the image into the eye of the viewer in the scanner tunnel. Likewise, twin audio systems each receive audio signals supplied by an audio source to a non-magnetic shielded transducer. The audio signals are converted to audible sound over the full frequency range and transmitted to a noise canceling headset via a short non-magnetic path.