How to Print Your Marker: an Open-Source, Easy-to-Make, Compact Active Wireless Marker for Motion Tracking

Motivation: Accurate localization within MRI is critical for compensating for motion and tracking devices in the MRI environment. Goal(s): We aim to improve upon previous fiducial marker designs by developing a compact, wireless open source design marker that simplifies construction and enhances usability for fast localization. Approach: Our 3D-printed marker integrates a miniature RF coil, capacitor, and crossed diodes, designed for inductive coupling with the imaging coil, facilitating enhanced received signal direct connections to the scanner. Results: We report the marker's tracking accuracy and artifact behavior in various imaging sequences, suggesting its potential utility in applications like robotic device tracking. Impact: We introduce a compact, open-source 3D-printed wireless marker for localization applications, such as bulk motion tracking or external device tracking. We hope that the ease of construction and reproducibility will help facilitate its adoption by researchers and in clinical applications.