Wireless ‘Smart Cushion’ device, for head motion detection

Motivation: Over the years, many ingenious sensors/devices were invented for motion correction, yet very few get used clinically. This is largely because any extra preparation steps or cables can often become hurdles to clinical adoption. The only parts of MRI scanners that patients have no choice to physically interact with are the cushions that they lie on. As such, we built a wireless 'Smart Cushion' device to monitor head motion. Goal(s): To detect and correct for head motion in an unobtrusive way. Approach: A wireless 'Smart Cushion' device was built. Results: The device was tested at 3T and its data enabled motion correction. Impact: Patients have no choice but to interact with the cushions they lie on. A wireless 'Smart Cushion' device, equipped with pressure and temperature sensors, was built to monitor head motion in a manner that would minimally impact clinical workflows.