An eye tracking based virtual reality system for use inside magnetic resonance imaging systems

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Virtual Reality Technology
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans can induce significant anxiety and distress in patients.
• Conventional Virtual Reality (VR) systems are incompatible with MRI due to motion-tracking requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, MRI-compatible VR system designed to mitigate patient anxiety during scans.
• To explore the potential of immersive VR to create alternative sensory experiences and distractions during MRI.

Main Methods:

• A fully MRI-compatible VR system was developed, utilizing gaze tracking for interaction instead of head motion tracking.
• Real-time eye tracking with an adaptive calibration strategy was implemented for robust gaze control.
• A dedicated VR framework with a rich virtual world and gaze-controlled games was created.
• Sensory feedback (noise, vibration, proprioception) was synchronized with the virtual environment.

Main Results:

• The system successfully integrates VR with MRI, offering an immersive experience without motion artifacts.
• Gaze control provides an intuitive interaction method compatible with MRI constraints.
• Congruent sensory feedback enhances immersion and potentially reduces patient perception of the enclosed scanning environment.

Conclusions:

• This novel gaze-controlled, MRI-compatible VR system offers a promising approach to reduce patient anxiety and distress during MRI procedures.
• The system's immersive and interactive capabilities can transform the MRI experience, making it less challenging.
• Future applications may include therapeutic interventions and enhanced patient engagement during medical imaging.