Gesture-controlled MR imaging system and method

US10180469B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Siemens Healthcare Limited · DE
• The John Hopkins University · US

Inventors

• Arne Hengerer · Steinfeld (Oldenburg), DE
• Eva Rothgang · Nuremberg, DE
• Lars Lauer · Neunkirchen, DE
• Jonathan S. Lewin · Atlanta, US
• Wesley David Gilson · North Beach, US
• Jan Fritz · Baltimore, US
• Clifford R. Weiss · Baltimore, US
• Katarzyna J. Macura · Baltimore, US
• Paul A. Bottomley · Clifton Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 28, 2015
• Grant date: Jan 15, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 28, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06V40/28
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A magnetic resonance imaging system and method are provided that include user control of certain functions using physical gestures, such as hand motions or the like. The gesture control aspects can include one or more cameras, and a processor configured to detect and recognize gestures corresponding to predetermined commands and to provide signals to execute the commands. A verification switch, such as a foot switch, can be included to improve safety and reliability of the gesture control aspects. This switch can be used to activate the gesture detection aspects and/or to confirm a recognized gesture command prior to its execution.