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Updated: Apr 12, 2026
3D Cine Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Respiratory Motion in Mechanically Ventilated Mice and Rats
Published on: September 19, 2025
A 3D machine vision method for non-invasive assessment of respiratory function
L N Smith1, M L Smith1, M E Fletcher1
1Department of Engineering, Design and Mathematics, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK.
Background:
Respiratory function testing is important for detecting and monitoring illness, however, it is difficult for some patients, such as the young and severely ill, to perform conventional tests that require cooperation and/or patient contact.
Method:
A new method was developed for non-contact breathing measurement, employing photometric stereo to capture the surface topography of the torso of an unconstrained subject. The surface is integrated to calculate time-dependent volume changes during respiration.
Results:
The method provides a useful means of continuously measuring volume changes during respiration with high spatial and temporal resolution. The system was tested by comparison with pneumotachometry equipment and a clear periodic signal, of a frequency corresponding to the reference data, was observed.
Conclusion:
The approach is unique in performing breathing monitoring (with potential diagnostic capability) for unconstrained patients in virtually any lighting conditions (including darkness during sleep) and in a non-contact, unobtrusive (i.e. using imperceptible light) fashion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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