A magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus and method

Abstract

The present specification provides a magnetic resonance signal processing device for processing a spectrum radio frequency signal collected by a first front-end receiving device, comprising: a power divider for dividing the spectrum radio frequency signal into at least two power division signals; at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits for converting each power division signal into a power division digital signal; and a control unit for adding the power division digital signals to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectrum radio frequency signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the field of magnetic resonance technology, and in particular to a magnetic resonance signal processing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic resonance radio frequency (MRRF) signals are the energy released in the form of radio frequency signals by at least one nuclide of a target object under the influence of a magnetic field (B0) and a radio frequency field (B1). MRRF signals can be used for both nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis and / or magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis and / or magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging require a balance between high dynamic range and high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0003] Therefore, a magnetic resonance signal processing device is needed to process magnetic resonance radio frequency signals in magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis and / or magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging, so as to achieve a high dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of this specification provides a magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus for processing spectral radio frequency signals acquired by a first front-end receiving device, comprising: a power divider for dividing the spectral radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals; at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits for converting each power-divided signal into a power-divided digital signal; and a control unit for adding the power-divided digital signals to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal.

[0005] Another aspect of this specification provides a magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus, comprising: a first signal receiving unit for processing spectral radio frequency signals acquired by a first front-end receiving device; a second signal receiving unit for processing imaging radio frequency signals acquired by a second front-end receiving device; at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits for performing analog-to-digital conversion on the spectral radio frequency signals and the imaging radio frequency signals; and a control unit for processing the analog-to-digital converted spectral radio frequency signals to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signals, and processing the analog-to-digital converted imaging radio frequency signals to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the imaging radio frequency signals.

[0006] Another aspect of this specification provides a magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus for processing spectral radio frequency signals acquired by a first front-end receiving device, comprising: an amplification circuit for amplifying the spectral radio frequency signals; a mixer circuit for dividing the amplified spectral radio frequency signals into a first signal and a second signal; and a power divider for dividing the first signal into at least two first power-divided signals and the second signal into at least two second power-divided signals; wherein the magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus is configured to be detachably connected to at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits and a control unit, each analog-to-digital conversion circuit being used to convert one of the at least two first power-divided signals into a first power-divided digital signal, or to convert one of the at least two second power-divided signals into a second power-divided digital signal, and the control unit being used to add the at least two first power-divided digital signals and the at least two second power-divided digital signals respectively to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signals. Attached Figure Description

[0007] This specification will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting; in these embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same structures, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 These are exemplary schematic diagrams of a magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0009] Figure 2 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a first signal receiving unit shown according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0010] Figure 3 These are exemplary schematic diagrams of a control unit shown according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0011] Figure 4 These are exemplary schematic diagrams of the first switch unit, the second switch unit, and the third switch unit according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0012] Figure 5a and Figure 5b This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a first amplifier circuit shown according to some embodiments of this specification;

[0013] Figure 6 This is an exemplary flowchart of a magnetic resonance signal processing method according to some embodiments of this specification. Detailed Implementation

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments in this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. Unless obvious from the context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0015] It should be understood that the terms "system," "device," "unit," and / or "module" as used in this specification are a method of distinguishing different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.

[0016] As indicated in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of expressly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0017] Flowcharts are used in this specification to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to embodiments of this specification. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, the steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from them.

[0018] Magnetic resonance radio frequency (RF) signals are the energy released in the form of RF signals by at least one nuclide of a target object under the influence of a magnetic field (B0) and a radio frequency field (B1). In some embodiments, the target object can be a human body, organ, organism, object, phantom, region of interest, injury site, tumor, etc. The nuclide can be the atomic nucleus that makes up the target object. For example, at least one nuclide can include, but is not limited to, hydrogen nuclei and / or polynuclei. Polynuclei can refer to nuclides with more than one proton and one neutron in their nucleus, such as helium, oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, sodium, potassium, chlorine, phosphorus, silicon, etc. Specifically, after at least one nuclide of the target object aligns with the magnetic field direction under the influence of the magnetic field, it resonates under the influence of the RF field, thereby absorbing energy and generating a flip angle. Then, after the RF field is turned off, it returns to alignment with the magnetic field direction under the influence of the magnetic field, simultaneously releasing the absorbed energy in the form of RF signals.

[0019] In some embodiments, a magnetic resonance imaging device can acquire nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) images of a target object based on the magnetic resonance radio frequency signals of nuclides (e.g., hydrogen nuclei or multiple nuclei) in the target object. In some embodiments, a magnetic resonance spectrometer can infer the content of organic compounds in a target object based on the magnetic resonance radio frequency signals of at least one atomic nucleus in the target object. In some embodiments, a magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging device can acquire magnetic resonance spectral images of a target object based on the magnetic resonance radio frequency signals of at least one atomic nucleus in the target object.

[0020] Magnetic resonance spectrometers and magnetic resonance imaging devices typically require a receiving channel to receive the magnetic resonance radio frequency signals of nuclides. However, they also require high signal strength reception range, signal-to-noise ratio, and sensitivity to identify signals from different atomic nuclei. Therefore, a magnetic resonance signal processing device is needed to process the magnetic resonance radio frequency signals in magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis and / or magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging, achieving a high dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0021] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment typically requires multiple receiving channels to receive the magnetic resonance radio frequency (RF) signals from nuclides. Furthermore, the operating frequencies of the receiving channels in MRI equipment differ from those in magnetic resonance spectrometers and magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging equipment. Therefore, if an MRI signal processing device needs to process both RF signals used for MR imaging (i.e., imaging RF signals) and RF signals used for spectral analysis and / or spectral imaging (i.e., spectral RF signals), it must achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio within the same hardware architecture while simultaneously prioritizing high-capacity receiving channels and high dynamic range.

[0022] Figure 1 These are exemplary application scenario diagrams of a magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus according to some embodiments of this specification. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the magnetic resonance signal processing device 100 may include a first signal receiving unit 110, a second signal receiving unit 120, an analog-to-digital conversion unit 130, and a control unit 140.

[0023] As mentioned earlier, magnetic resonance radio frequency signals are the energy released in the form of radio frequency signals by at least one nuclide of a target object under the influence of a magnetic field (B0) and a radio frequency field (B1), and can include spectral radio frequency signals and imaging device signals. Magnetic resonance equipment can be a device that provides magnetic and radio frequency fields.

[0024] In some embodiments, a magnetic resonance device may include a magnetic resonance imaging device, a magnetic resonance spectrometer, and a magnetic resonance spectral imaging device. In some embodiments, the magnetic resonance imaging device provides a narrower range of lower magnetic field and higher radio frequency field, while the magnetic resonance spectrometer and magnetic resonance spectral imaging device provide a wider range of magnetic field and radio frequency field.

[0025] The front-end receiving device can be a device in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device that receives magnetic resonance radio frequency signals. Exemplarily, the front-end receiving device may include a first front-end receiving device 150 and a second front-end receiving device 160. The first front-end receiving device 150 may be a signal receiving system in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The second front-end receiving device 160 may be at least one of a receiver in a magnetic resonance spectrometer and a signal receiving system in a magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging device.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the first front-end receiving device 150 may include an RF coil 152 and a low-noise amplifier 154. In some embodiments, the second front-end receiving device 160 may include an RF coil 162 and a low-noise amplifier 164.

[0027] The radio frequency (RF) coils (152 and / or 162) may be coils for acquiring magnetic resonance radio frequency signals (imaging RF signals and / or spectral RF signals). Exemplarily, the RF coil in a first front-end receiving device 150 (e.g., a magnetic resonance spectrometer and / or a magnetic resonance spectral imaging device) may acquire spectral RF signals. As another example, the RF coil in a second front-end receiving device 160 (e.g., a magnetic resonance imaging device) may acquire imaging RF signals.

[0028] The low-noise amplifier (154 and / or 164) can be a component used to amplify a signal without amplifying noise. In some embodiments, the low-noise amplifier can amplify the magnetic resonance radio frequency signal acquired by the radio frequency coil. For example, low-noise amplifier 154 can amplify the spectral radio frequency signal acquired by the radio frequency coil 152. As another example, low-noise amplifier 164 can amplify the imaging radio frequency signal acquired by the radio frequency coil 162.

[0029] In some embodiments, the amplification factor of the low-noise amplifier can be determined based on the magnetic field strength in the magnetic resonance device. For example, the greater the magnetic field strength in the magnetic resonance device, the stronger the magnetic resonance radio frequency signal and the smaller the amplification factor.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first front-end receiving device 150 can amplify the spectral radio frequency signal acquired from the magnetic resonance imaging device and send it to the first signal receiving unit 110, and the second front-end receiving device 160 can send the spectral radio frequency signal acquired from the magnetic resonance spectrometer and / or the magnetic resonance spectral imaging device to the second signal receiving unit 120.

[0031] The first signal receiving unit 110 can be used to process the spectral radio frequency signal acquired by the first front-end receiving device 150. In some embodiments, the input of the first signal receiving unit 110 may include the spectral radio frequency signal, and the output may include the power divider signal.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first signal receiving unit 110 may include a mixer circuit 112 and a power divider 114.

[0033] The mixer circuit 112 can be used to split a spectral radio frequency signal into a first signal and a second signal. For a detailed description of the mixer circuit 112, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The detailed description of the mixer circuit 220 in the magnetic resonance signal processing device 200 will not be repeated here.

[0034] Power divider 114 can be used to split a spectral radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals. In some embodiments, power divider 230 can be used to split a first signal into at least two first power-divided signals and to split a second signal into at least two second power-divided signals. A detailed description of power divider 114 can be found in [reference to...]. Figure 2 The detailed description of the power divider 230 in the magnetic resonance signal processing device 200 will not be repeated here.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first signal receiving unit 110 may further include a first receiving port and a first amplification circuit. Detailed descriptions of the first receiving port and the first amplification circuit can be found in the respective descriptions of... Figure 2 The detailed description of the first receiving port 210 and the first amplification circuit 240 in the magnetic resonance signal processing device 200 will not be repeated here.

[0036] For more details on the first signal receiving unit 110, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2 The relevant description of the 200 magnetic resonance signal processing device will not be repeated here.

[0037] The second signal receiving unit 120 can be used to process the imaging radio frequency signal acquired by the second front-end receiving device 160. In some embodiments, the input of the second signal receiving unit 120 may include the imaging radio frequency signal, and the output may include the imaging digital signal. In some embodiments, the input of the second signal receiving unit 120 may include the power divider signal, and the output may include the power divider digital signal.

[0038] In some embodiments, the second signal receiving unit 120 may include at least two receiving ports, namely second receiving ports. The second receiving ports may be used to receive imaging radio frequency signals acquired by the second front-end receiving device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the second front-end receiving device 160 may include a signal receiving system of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. A detailed description of the second front-end receiving device can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0040] Imaging radio frequency (RF) signals can be RF signals induced in the target object's nuclides (e.g., hydrogen nuclei or multiple nuclei) under the influence of magnetic and radio frequency fields for MR imaging. It is understood that the power and amplitude range of imaging RF signals are relatively fixed. For example, the frequency of an imaging RF signal can be 800 MHz, the power 4 dBm, and the maximum amplitude (peak-to-peak value) 1 V.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second signal receiving unit 120 can input the imaging radio frequency signals received by different radio frequency coils 162 of the second front-end receiving device 160 into different analog-to-digital conversion circuits. For example, the imaging radio frequency signals -1, -2, ..., -2n received by radio frequency coil-1, radio frequency coil-2, ..., radio frequency coil-2n can be input into analog-to-digital conversion circuit-1, analog-to-digital conversion circuit-2, ..., analog-to-digital conversion circuit-2n, respectively.

[0042] In some embodiments, the second receiving port can also be configured, via a switching unit, to receive a spectrum radio frequency signal or a power-divided signal of a spectrum radio frequency signal. For a detailed description of the second receiving port receiving a spectrum radio frequency signal or a power-divided signal of a spectrum radio frequency signal, please refer to... Figure 4 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0043] In some embodiments, one of the at least two receiving ports may be a target receiving port, further used to receive the spectral imaging signal acquired by the first front-end receiving device. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the second receiving port-1 can be the target receiving port, which is further used to receive the spectral imaging signal collected by the first front-end receiving device 150.

[0044] In some embodiments, an amplifier may be installed after each second receive port.

[0045] An amplifier can be a component that amplifies imaging radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the input of the amplifier can be the imaging radio frequency signal output from a second receiving port, and the output can be the amplified imaging radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the amplifier can be a fixed-gain amplifier or a variable-gain amplifier. Detailed descriptions of fixed-gain amplifiers and variable-gain amplifiers can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here. Continuing with the example above, for instance, an amplifier can amplify the amplitude of an imaging radio frequency signal from 0.01mV to 0.1mV.

[0046] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) unit 130 can be a circuit that converts radio frequency (RF) signals into digital signals. In some embodiments, the ADC unit 130 may include at least two ADC circuits for performing analog-to-digital conversion on spectral RF signals and imaging RF signals. Figure 1As shown, the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130 may include analog-to-digital conversion circuit-1, analog-to-digital conversion circuit-2, ... and analog-to-digital conversion circuit-2n.

[0047] In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital converter circuit can sample a radio frequency signal that is continuous in both the time domain and amplitude domain according to a sampling rate, and then convert the sampled radio frequency signal into a digital signal that is discrete in the time domain and digitized in amplitude domain.

[0048] In some embodiments, the sampling clock frequency f of the analog-to-digital converter circuit s and the maximum bandwidth range BW of radio frequency signals max A specific relationship must be satisfied between them (e.g., f). s ≥2×BW max Only analog-to-digital converters can convert radio frequency signals into undistorted digital signals.

[0049] In some embodiments, the sampling clock frequency of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit can be provided by a clock generation module. A detailed description of the clock generation module can be found in the relevant description of the control unit 140, and will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital conversion circuit can be based on the sampling clock frequency f. s Setting the target frequency of the radio frequency signal ensures the conversion efficiency of the analog-to-digital converter circuit. For example, the bandwidth range (i.e., the target bandwidth range) BW of the target frequency of the radio frequency signal is... t The sampling clock frequency fs of the analog-to-digital converter circuit can satisfy the following relationship: fs = (250~400)BW t For example, if the sampling clock frequency of the analog-to-digital converter circuit is 80MHz (i.e., the sampling rate is 80MSPS), then the target bandwidth of the RF signal input to the analog-to-digital converter circuit can be between 200KHz and 320KHz.

[0050] In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit can be used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the imaging radio frequency (RF) signal. In some embodiments, the input of the ADC circuit can be the imaging RF signal, and the output can be the imaging digital signal. For example, the ADC unit 130 can input imaging RF signal-1, imaging RF signal-2...imaging RF signal-2n into ADC circuit-1, ADC circuit-2...ADC circuit-2n respectively, and output imaging digital signal-1, imaging digital signal-2...imaging digital signal-2n respectively.

[0051] In some embodiments, each analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit can be used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on one of at least two power-dividing signals to obtain a power-dividing digital signal. In some embodiments, each ADC circuit can be used to convert one of at least two first power-dividing signals into a first power-dividing digital signal, or to convert one of at least two second power-dividing signals into a second power-dividing digital signal.

[0052] Specifically, the input to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can be a power-dividing signal (a first power-dividing signal and / or a second power-dividing signal), and the output can be a power-dividing digital signal (a first power-dividing digital signal and / or a second power-dividing digital signal). For example, the ADC can input the first power-dividing signal-1 (not shown), the first power-dividing signal-2 (not shown)...the first power-dividing signal-n (not shown) into ADC-1, ADC-2...ADC-n (not shown), respectively, and output the first power-dividing digital signal-1 (not shown), the first power-dividing digital signal-2 (not shown)...the first power-dividing digital signal-n (not shown); and input the second power-dividing signal-1 (not shown), the second power-dividing signal-2 (not shown)...the second power-dividing signal-n (not shown) into ADC-(n+1) (not shown), ADC-(n+2) (not shown)...ADC-2n, respectively, and output the second power-dividing digital signal-1 (not shown), the second power-dividing digital signal-2 (not shown)...the second power-dividing digital signal-n (not shown).

[0053] In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit can be used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on a spectrum radio frequency (RF) signal. In some embodiments, the input of the ADC circuit can be a spectrum RF signal, and the output can be a spectrum digital signal. For example, the ADC unit 130 can input a spectrum RF signal (not shown) into the ADC circuit -1 through the second receiving port -1 and output a spectrum digital signal.

[0054] In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130 may further include at least two second amplifier circuits.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit is located before the analog-to-digital converter circuit and can be used to amplify the radio frequency signal output from the amplifier and / or the second receiving port. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be an analog gain circuit. In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the radio frequency signal. For a detailed description of the amplification of the radio frequency signal by the second amplifier circuit, please refer to the relevant description of the first amplifier circuit and / or amplifier, which will not be repeated here.

[0056] It is understood that the aforementioned amplifier and second amplifier circuit can respectively perform first-level analog gain and second-level analog gain on the radio frequency signal. The first-level analog gain can perform relatively coarse adjustment and amplification of the radio frequency signal, while the second-level analog gain can perform more fine adjustment and amplification of the radio frequency signal after the first-level analog gain.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the imaging radio frequency signal. For example, imaging radio frequency signal-1, imaging radio frequency signal-2...imaging radio frequency signal-2n can be input into the second amplifier circuit-1, the second amplifier circuit-2...the second amplifier circuit-2n, respectively.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the power-dividing signal. For example, the second amplifier circuit can input the first power-dividing signal-1 (not shown), the first power-dividing signal-2 (not shown)...the second power-dividing signal-n (not shown) into the second amplifier circuit-1, the second amplifier circuit-2...the second amplifier circuit-2n, respectively.

[0059] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the spectral radio frequency signal. For example, the spectral radio frequency signal (not shown) can be input into the second amplifier circuit-1.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit is located after the analog-to-digital converter circuit and can be used to amplify the digital signal output by the analog-to-digital converter circuit. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be a digital gain circuit. In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the digital signal. Specifically, the second amplifier circuit can multiply each amplitude value of the digital signal by a corresponding gain value, thereby amplifying the digital signal.

[0061] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the imaging digital signal. For example, if the amplitude of the imaging digital signal at time t1 is 20, the second amplifier circuit can multiply the gain value by 20 to obtain the signal amplitude after gain at that point. Exemplarily, imaging digital signal-1 (not shown), imaging digital signal-2 (not shown)...imaging digital signal-2n (not shown) can be input to the second amplifier circuit-1, second amplifier circuit-2...second amplifier circuit-2n, respectively.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the power-divided digital signal. For example, the first power-divided digital signal-1 (not shown), the first power-divided digital signal-2 (not shown) ... the second power-divided digital signal-n (not shown) can be input to the second amplifier circuit-1, the second amplifier circuit-2 ... the second amplifier circuit-2n, respectively.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second amplifier circuit can be used to amplify the spectral digital signal. For example, the spectral digital signal (not shown) can be input into the second amplifier circuit-1.

[0064] In some embodiments, the gain and / or attenuation values ​​of each component in the amplifier and / or second amplifier circuit can be determined by a resolution module. A detailed description of the resolution module can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0065] In some embodiments, an anti-aliasing filter (AAF) may also be provided between the second amplifier circuit and the analog-to-digital conversion circuit. The anti-aliasing filter can filter the radio frequency signals (spectral radio frequency signals and / or imaging radio frequency signals), reducing aliasing frequency signals in the radio frequency signals, thereby suppressing image aliasing. In some embodiments, the filtering parameters of the anti-aliasing filter can be determined by the analysis module. A detailed description of the analysis module can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0066] The analog-to-digital conversion circuit and the second amplifier circuit in some embodiments of this specification can be used to process both spectral radio frequency signals and imaging radio frequency signals, expanding the role of components and saving hardware resource costs.

[0067] The control unit 140 can be used to process the analog-to-digital converted spectral radio frequency signal to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal, and to process the analog-to-digital converted imaging radio frequency signal to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the imaging radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can be used to add the power-divided digital signals to obtain the digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can be used to add at least two first power-divided digital signals and at least two second power-divided digital signals respectively to obtain the digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal.

[0068] For a detailed description of the control unit 140, please refer to Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0069] In some alternative embodiments, the control unit 140 may also be located in the first signal receiving unit 110 and / or the second signal receiving unit 120, or in other locations of the magnetic resonance signal processing device 100, which is not limited in this embodiment.

[0070] In some embodiments, the magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus 100 may include a first switching unit. The first switching unit can be used to connect or disconnect the path between the first signal receiving unit 110 and the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130. A detailed description of the first switching unit can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0071] In some embodiments, the magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus 100 may include a second switching unit. The second switching unit can be used to connect or disconnect the path between the target receiving port and the first signal receiving unit 110. A detailed description of the second switching unit can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0072] Figure 2 These are exemplary schematic diagrams of a magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 2 As shown, the magnetic resonance signal processing device 200 may include a first receiving port 210, a mixer circuit 220, a power divider 230, and a first amplifier circuit 240. The magnetic resonance signal processing device 200 can be used to process spectral radio frequency signals.

[0073] The first receiving port 210 can be a circuit for receiving spectral radio frequency signals.

[0074] Radio frequency (RF) signals can be radio frequency signals induced by a nuclide of a target object under the action of magnetic fields and radio frequency fields of different intensities, used for spectral analysis and / or spectral imaging.

[0075] The resonance frequencies of the same atomic nuclei of different compounds in the target object and / or different atomic nuclei of the same compound under the action of different magnetic fields and radio frequency fields will produce differences (i.e. chemical shift values). Therefore, spectral radio frequency signals can be used to infer the chemical composition of the target object.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first receiving port can receive various spectral radio frequency signals corresponding to various nuclides. In some embodiments, the first receiving port can be used to receive spectral radio frequency signals collected by a first front-end receiving device.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first front-end receiving device may include the receiver of a magnetic resonance spectrometer. A detailed description of the first front-end receiving device can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0078] In some embodiments, under different magnetic fields, the frequency range at which the same nuclide resonates varies, resulting in different absorbed and released energies and correspondingly different amplitudes of the spectral radio frequency signals. Therefore, the first receiving port needs to be configured to receive signals of different amplitudes for each nuclide. For example, under high magnetic fields of 4.7T, 7T, 9.4T, 11.7T, and 14.1T, the resonant frequencies of the hydrogen nucleus can be 200MHz, 300MHz, 400MHz, 500MHz, and 600MHz, respectively, and the maximum amplitudes (peak-to-peak values) of the corresponding spectral radio frequency signals can be 0.1mV, 0.15mV, 0.2mV, 0.25mV, and 0.3mV, respectively. Therefore, the first receiving port needs to be configured to receive spectral radio frequency signals of the hydrogen nucleus with a maximum amplitude range of 0.1mV to 0.3mV.

[0079] The first amplification circuit 240 can be a circuit for amplifying spectral radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the input of the first amplification circuit 240 can be the spectral radio frequency signal output from the first receiving port 210, and the output can be the amplified spectral radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the first amplification circuit 240 can include a variable gain amplifier (VGA), for example, a combination of one or more of a digital step attenuator (DSA), a broadband high power gain block (BBHPG2), and a variable gain amplifier integrated circuit chip.

[0080] A digital step attenuator (DSA) is an electronic component used to control the attenuation range of an radio frequency signal amplitude within a specified frequency range. In some embodiments, the DSA may include a resistive material and a control device. In some embodiments, the control device may be used to control the range of the resistive material connected to a first amplification circuit, thereby controlling the resistance value of the DSA, allowing the DSA to attenuate the radio frequency signal amplitude by different amounts.

[0081] A Broadband High Power Gain Block (BBHPGB) is an electronic component used to provide greater power gain for radio frequency signals over a wider frequency band.

[0082] A variable gain amplifier integrated circuit chip can be a chip that integrates one or more digitally controlled attenuators and / or broadband high-power amplifier modules onto a single semiconductor material. In some embodiments, the variable gain amplifier integrated circuit chip can provide different types of gain for the amplitude of radio frequency signals based on the different components integrated therein.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first amplification circuit may further include a fixed-gain amplifier. A fixed-gain amplifier may be an electronic component that provides a fixed gain for the amplitude of the radio frequency signal.

[0084] Figure 5a This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a first amplifier circuit shown according to some embodiments of this specification. For example... Figure 5a As shown, the first amplification circuit may sequentially include a digitally controlled attenuator 1, a broadband high-power amplifier module, and a digitally controlled attenuator 2. As mentioned earlier, the amplitudes of the spectral radio frequency signals received by the first port for different nuclides are different. In some embodiments, the broadband high-power amplifier module can provide gain for radio frequency signals over a wider frequency band, that is, it can be used to provide gain for both small-amplitude and large-amplitude spectral radio frequency signals simultaneously.

[0085] In some embodiments, digitally controlled attenuator 1 and digitally controlled attenuator 2 can provide a larger attenuation value for larger amplitude spectral radio frequency signals and a smaller attenuation value for smaller amplitude spectral radio frequency signals, thereby maximizing the utilization of the dynamic range of the subsequent analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0086] Some embodiments in this specification are based on a first amplification circuit composed of a digitally controlled attenuator and a broadband high-power amplification module. This circuit can configure appropriate attenuation and / or gain values ​​for the received magnetic resonance radio frequency signals of different atomic nuclei, so that the amplified spectral radio frequency signal can achieve the best signal-to-noise ratio, while ensuring that the frequency of the spectral radio frequency signal does not exceed the sampling clock frequency of the subsequent analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0087] Figure 5b This is an exemplary schematic diagram of another first amplifier circuit shown according to some embodiments of this specification. Figure 5b As shown, the first amplification circuit may include a fixed attenuator and a variable gain amplifier integrated circuit chip. In some embodiments, the fixed attenuator can provide the same gain for radio frequency signals of different amplitudes. In some embodiments, the variable gain amplifier integrated circuit chip may integrate one or more digitally controlled attenuators to provide a larger attenuation value for larger amplitude spectral radio frequency signals and a smaller attenuation value for smaller amplitude spectral radio frequency signals.

[0088] In some embodiments, the gain and / or attenuation values ​​of each component in the first amplification circuit (such as a digitally controlled attenuator, a broadband high-power amplifier module, a fixed attenuator, and a variable gain amplifier integrated circuit chip) can be determined by the analysis module. A detailed description of the analysis module can be found in the relevant description of the control unit 140, and will not be repeated here.

[0089] For example, the first amplifier circuit can amplify the maximum amplitude of the spectral radio frequency signal of hydrogen nuclei, which has a maximum amplitude of 0.1mV, 0.15mV, 0.2mV, 0.25mV and 0.3mV, to 0.4mV.

[0090] Some embodiments in this specification are based on a first amplifier circuit, which provides different gain and / or attenuation values ​​for spectral radio frequency signals of different amplitudes corresponding to different atomic nuclei, ensuring that spectral radio frequency signals of different amplitudes are suitable for analog-to-digital converters after amplification, thereby improving the applicability of analog-to-digital converters.

[0091] The mixer circuit 220 can be a circuit that changes the frequency of a radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the mixer circuit 220 can divide the spectral radio frequency signal (or the amplified spectral radio frequency signal) into a first signal and a second signal.

[0092] The first and second signals can be spectral radio frequency signals with a target frequency. In some embodiments, the target frequency can be determined based on the sampling clock frequency of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit. A detailed description of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0093] In some embodiments, the mixing circuit may include a first mixer and a second mixer. The first mixer and the second mixer may be mixers that convert a spectral radio frequency signal (or an amplified spectral radio frequency signal) into a first signal and a second signal, respectively. In some embodiments, the mixer (first mixer or second mixer) may include nonlinear elements, a local oscillator, and a bandpass filter. Figure 2 As shown, the structure of the first mixer may include: a local oscillator 221 connected to a nonlinear element 223, and the nonlinear element 223 connected to a bandpass filter 225; the structure of the second mixer may include: a local oscillator 222 connected to a nonlinear element 224, and the nonlinear element 224 connected to a bandpass filter 226.

[0094] The local oscillator (221 and / or 222) can generate a high-frequency constant-amplitude signal that is one intermediate frequency higher than the received signal. Specifically, local oscillator 221 can generate a first high-frequency constant-amplitude signal that is one intermediate frequency higher than the spectral radio frequency signal (or the amplified spectral radio frequency signal), and local oscillator 222 can generate a second high-frequency constant-amplitude signal that is one intermediate frequency higher than the spectral radio frequency signal (or the amplified spectral radio frequency signal). The first and second high-frequency constant-amplitude signals can be orthogonal signals. In some embodiments, the local oscillator (221 and / or 222) can include, but is not limited to, LC transistor oscillators and digital oscillators.

[0095] In some embodiments, the first high-frequency constant-amplitude signal and the second high-frequency constant-amplitude signal can be provided by the phase-locked loop of the clock generation module, and the local oscillator (221 and / or 222) can be the internal oscillator of the phase-locked loop. A detailed description of the clock generation module can be found in the relevant description of the control unit 140, and will not be repeated here.

[0096] In some embodiments, the phase relationship between the first high-frequency constant-amplitude signal and the second high-frequency constant-amplitude signal can be determined by the analysis module. A detailed description of the analysis module can be found in the relevant description of the control unit 140, and will not be repeated here.

[0097] The nonlinear element (223 and / or 224) can be an electronic component with a nonlinear relationship between current and voltage. In some embodiments, the nonlinear element (223 and / or 224) can mix the received signal and the signal output by the local oscillator (221 and / or 222). Specifically, the nonlinear element 223 can mix the spectral radio frequency signal (or amplified spectral radio frequency signal) output from the first receiving port 210 with the first high-frequency constant-amplitude signal output from the local oscillator 221 to generate a first mixed signal; the nonlinear element 224 can mix the spectral radio frequency signal (or amplified spectral radio frequency signal) output from the first receiving port 210 with the second high-frequency constant-amplitude signal output from the local oscillator 222 to generate a second mixed signal. In some embodiments, the nonlinear element (223 and / or 224) can be, but is not limited to, one or more combinations of diodes, transistors, and field-effect transistors.

[0098] The bandpass filter (225 and / or 226) can be an electronic component that filters out a first signal and a second signal from a mixed signal. In some embodiments, the bandpass filter (225 and / or 226) allows signals of a target frequency in the mixed signal to pass through, while signals of other frequencies are attenuated to extremely low levels, thereby filtering out the first signal and the second signal. Specifically, bandpass filter 225 can filter out the first signal from the first mixed signal, and bandpass filter 226 can filter out the second signal from the second mixed signal.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first high-frequency equal-amplitude signal and the second high-frequency equal-amplitude signal can be orthogonal signals, and correspondingly, the first signal and the second signal can be orthogonal signals.

[0100] For example, the mixer circuit 220 can convert an amplified spectral radio frequency signal with a frequency of 160 MHz into a first signal and a second signal with a frequency of 64 MHz.

[0101] Some embodiments in this specification utilize a mixer circuit to ensure that the frequency of the spectral radio frequency signal meets the sampling clock frequency of the analog-to-digital converter circuit, thereby improving the applicability of the analog-to-digital converter circuit.

[0102] The power divider 230 can be a component that distributes the power of a spectrum radio frequency signal (or a first signal / second signal). In some embodiments, the power divider 230 can be used to divide the spectrum radio frequency signal (or the first signal / second signal) into at least two power-divided signals.

[0103] The power-dividing signal can be a spectral radio frequency signal with a target power. In some embodiments, the target power can be determined based on the operating power of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit. A detailed description of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0104] In some embodiments, the power divider 230 can divide the first signal into at least two first power-divided signals and the second signal into at least two second power-divided signals.

[0105] In some embodiments, the power divider 230 may include a first power divider 231 and a second power divider 232. Specifically, the first power divider 231 can divide the first signal into at least two first power divider signals, and the second power divider 232 can divide the second signal into at least two second power divider signals. Corresponding to the first signal and the second signal being orthogonal signals, each first power divider signal and each second power divider signal can be orthogonal signals.

[0106] In some embodiments, the power of the first power-sharing signal (and / or the second power-sharing signal) may be the same.

[0107] For example, the first power divider 231 can first divide the first signal with a power of 0dBm into two signals with a power of -3dBm, and then divide each signal into two signals with a power of -6dBm, thereby obtaining n = 4 first power divided signals with a power of -6dBm: first power divided signal 1, first power divided signal 2, ..., first power divided signal 4; similarly to the first power divider 231, the second power divider can divide the second signal with a power of 0dBm into n = 4 second power divided signals with a power of -6dBm: second power divided signal 1, second power divided signal 2, ..., second power divided signal 4.

[0108] In some embodiments, the power of the first power-sharing signal (and / or the second power-sharing signal) may be different.

[0109] For example, the first power divider 231 can first divide the first signal with a power of 0dBm into two signals with a power of -3dBm, and then divide each signal into one signal with a power of -4dBm and one signal with a power of -2dBm, thereby obtaining n=4 first power divided signals: first power divided signal 1 and first power divided signal 2 with a power of -4dBm, and first power divided signal 3 and first power divided signal 4 with a power of -2dBm; similarly, the second power divider can divide the second signal with a power of 0dBm into n=4 second power divided signals: second power divided signal 1 and second power divided signal 2 with a power of -4dBm, and second power divided signal 3 and second power divided signal 4 with a power of -2dBm.

[0110] In some embodiments, each power-divided signal is configured to be sent to one of at least two analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) to convert each power-divided signal into a power-divided digital signal; the power-divided digital signals output from the at least two ADCs are configured to be added together to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency (RF) signal. For a detailed description of obtaining the digital output signal corresponding to the RF signal, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0111] In some embodiments of this specification, a power divider is used to increase the power of the spectral radio frequency signal suitable for the analog-to-digital converter (ADC), thereby enabling multiple ADCs to process multiple spectral radio frequency signals simultaneously, improving the processing efficiency of the spectral radio frequency signal. At the same time, the ADC can process both spectral radio frequency signals and imaging radio frequency signals simultaneously, thus expanding the applicability of the ADC.

[0112] In some alternative embodiments, a narrowband Wilkinson power divider can be used instead of the bandpass filter and power divider 230 in mixer circuit 220. The narrowband Wilkinson power divider can simultaneously perform the functions of filtering and distributing signals from the mixer signal. In some embodiments of this specification, the simultaneous implementation of filtering and power division functions using a narrowband Wilkinson power divider can save hardware resources and optimize the circuitry.

[0113] Some embodiments in this specification utilize a mixer circuit to simulate I / Q modulation and a power divider to split the radio frequency signal into multiple power-divided signals, such as N power-divided signals. This allows the amplitude of the synthesized signal obtained from the N power-divided digital signals converted by the analog-to-digital converter to be increased by N times, and the noise power in the synthesized signal is also increased by N times. Therefore, the average noise amplitude in the synthesized signal is increased to [a higher value]. This multiplies the noise generated by the analog-to-digital conversion circuit, thereby reducing the impact of noise on the signal.

[0114] In some embodiments, the magnetic resonance signal processing device 200 may be configured to be detachably connected to at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits and control units. For example, the magnetic resonance signal processing device 200 may be configured as a board including at least one socket into which at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits and control units can be inserted. In some embodiments, each analog-to-digital conversion circuit may be used to convert one of at least two first power-divided signals into a first power-divided digital signal, or to convert one of at least two second power-divided signals into a second power-divided digital signal. A detailed description of the analog-to-digital conversion circuits can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the control unit can be used to add at least two first power-divided digital signals and at least two second power-divided digital signals respectively to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal. For a detailed description of the control unit, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0115] Figure 3 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a control unit shown according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0116] The control unit 140 may be a circuit for controlling the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120 and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130.

[0117] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the control unit 140 may include a parsing module 310, a control module 320, and a clock generation module 330.

[0118] The parsing module 310 can be a module for parsing host instructions. In some embodiments, the parsing module 310 can receive and parse host instructions, and then generate local control instructions and local operating parameters based on the parsing results.

[0119] Host instructions can be control instructions received from a host. In some embodiments, host instructions may include, but are not limited to, task type, nuclide information, front-end receiving device parameters, and radio frequency signal frequency.

[0120] In some embodiments, the task type may include spectral analysis tasks and imaging tasks. In some embodiments, nuclide information may include nuclide type. For example, hydrogen nucleus. Other examples include hydrogen nucleus, helium nucleus, fluorine nucleus, and phosphorus nucleus. In some embodiments, front-end receiving device parameters may include magnetic field (B0) magnitude and radio frequency field (B1) magnitude, etc. In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal frequency may be divided into higher frequency signals and lower frequency signals based on the maximum bandwidth of the analog-to-digital converter circuit. Specifically, when the radio frequency signal frequency is higher than the maximum bandwidth of the analog-to-digital converter circuit, it is a higher frequency; otherwise, it is a lower frequency.

[0121] The local control instructions can be instructions generated by the parsing module based on host instructions to control the components and / or circuits in the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120, and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130. In some embodiments, the local control instructions may include, but are not limited to, switching unit control instructions, power supply control instructions, and signal processing control instructions. Switching unit control instructions may be instructions to start a switching unit control program. Signal processing control instructions may be instructions to start a signal processing control program. Power supply control instructions may be instructions to start a power supply control program.

[0122] The operating parameters of this device can be the operating parameters of the components and / or circuits in the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120, and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130, generated by the parsing module based on host instructions. In some embodiments, the operating parameters may include, but are not limited to, the phase relationship of the high-frequency constant-amplitude signal, the gain and / or attenuation values ​​of the first amplifier circuit, the second amplifier circuit, and the amplifier, and the filtering parameters of the anti-aliasing filter. For a detailed description of the high-frequency constant-amplitude signal, please refer to the relevant description of the mixer circuit 112; for a detailed description of the first amplifier circuit, please refer to the relevant description of the first signal receiving unit 110; and for a detailed description of the second amplifier circuit, the amplifier, and the anti-aliasing filter, please refer to the relevant description of the second signal receiving unit 120. These will not be repeated here.

[0123] For example, the parsing module can determine the signal processing control instruction as "start the first signal processing control program", the switching unit control instruction as "start the switching unit control program A", and the power supply control instruction as "start the first power supply control program" based on the "imaging task" and "nuclide type: hydrogen nucleus" in the host instruction; furthermore, the parsing module can determine the gain value and / or attenuation value of the amplifier and the second amplification circuit and the filtering parameters of the anti-aliasing filter, etc., based on the "front-end receiving device parameters" and "nuclide type: hydrogen nucleus" in the host instruction.

[0124] As another example, the parsing module can determine the signal processing control instruction as "start the second signal processing control program", the switching unit control instruction as "start the switching unit control program B", and the power supply control instruction as "start the second power supply control program" based on the "spectral analysis task", "nuclide type: hydrogen nucleus, helium nucleus, fluorine nucleus and phosphorus nucleus" and the radio frequency signal frequency "higher frequency" in the host instruction; furthermore, the parsing module can determine the gain value and / or attenuation value of the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit, the filtering parameters of the anti-aliasing filter, and the phase relationship of the high-frequency constant amplitude signal, etc., based on the "front-end receiving device parameters" and "nuclide type: hydrogen nucleus, helium nucleus, fluorine nucleus and phosphorus nucleus" in the host instruction.

[0125] As another example, the parsing module can determine the signal processing control instruction as "start the third signal processing control program", the switching unit control instruction as "start the switching unit control program B", and the power supply control instruction as "start the second power supply control program" based on the "imaging analysis task", "nucleus type: hydrogen nucleus, helium nucleus, fluorine nucleus and phosphorus nucleus" and the radio frequency signal frequency "higher frequency" in the host instruction; furthermore, the parsing module can determine the gain value and / or attenuation value of the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit, the filtering parameters of the anti-aliasing filter, and the phase relationship of the high-frequency constant amplitude signal, etc., based on the "front-end receiving device parameters" and "nucleus type: hydrogen nucleus, helium nucleus, fluorine nucleus and phosphorus nucleus" in the host instruction.

[0126] As another example, the parsing module can determine the signal processing control instruction as "start the fourth signal processing control program", the switching unit control instruction as "start the switching unit control program C", and the power supply control instruction as "start the third power supply control program" based on the "spectral analysis task", "nucleus type: nitrogen nucleus" and the radio frequency signal frequency "lower frequency" in the host instruction; furthermore, the parsing module can determine the gain value and / or attenuation value of the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit, the filtering parameters of the anti-aliasing filter, and the phase relationship of the high-frequency constant amplitude signal based on the "front-end receiving device parameters" and "nucleus type: nitrogen nucleus" in the host instruction.

[0127] As another example, the parsing module can determine the signal processing control instruction as "start the fifth signal processing control program", the switching unit control instruction as "start the switching unit control program C", and the power supply control instruction as "start the third power supply control program" based on the "imaging analysis task", "nucleus type: nitrogen nucleus" and the radio frequency signal frequency "lower frequency" in the host instruction; furthermore, the parsing module can determine the gain value and / or attenuation value of the first amplification circuit and the second amplification circuit, the filtering parameters of the anti-aliasing filter, and the phase relationship of the high-frequency constant amplitude signal, etc., based on the "front-end receiving device parameters" and "nucleus type: nitrogen nucleus" in the host instruction.

[0128] For detailed descriptions of the first signal processing control program, the second signal processing control program, the third signal processing control program, the fourth signal processing control program, the fifth signal processing control program, the first power supply control program, the second power supply control program, and the third power supply control program, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the control module, which will not be repeated here.

[0129] For detailed descriptions of switch unit control program A and switch unit control program B, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0130] In some embodiments, the parsing module can send local control commands to the control module to instruct the control module to start the corresponding control program.

[0131] In some embodiments, the parsing module can send local operating parameters to various components and / or circuits.

[0132] The control module 320 may be a module for controlling the components and / or circuits in the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120, and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130. In some embodiments, the control module 320 may be, but is not limited to, one or more combinations of Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Microcontroller Unit (MCU), Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

[0133] For example, the control module 320 may be an integrated circuit of an FPGA, including logic gates, registers, hard-core multiply-accumulators, and random access memory, etc.

[0134] In some embodiments, the control module may include a switching unit control program, a power supply control program, and a signal processing control program.

[0135] The switching unit control program can be a program that controls the switching units in the magnetic resonance signal processing device 100 to turn on and / or off. In some embodiments, the switching unit control program can control a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and / or a third switching unit based on switching unit control commands. In some embodiments, the switching unit control program may include switching unit control program A, switching unit control program B, and switching control unit program C. A detailed description of the switching unit control program can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0136] The power supply control program can be a program that controls the power supply and / or power cut-off of components and / or circuits in the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120, and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130. In some embodiments, the power supply control program may include a first power supply control program, a second power supply control program, and a third power supply control program.

[0137] The first power supply control program may be a program for supplying power to components and / or circuits that process higher frequency spectral radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the first power supply control program may include: de-energizing a first amplifier circuit and energizing the amplifiers of all receiving channels and the second amplifier circuits of all receiving channels.

[0138] The second power supply control program can be a program for supplying power to components and / or circuits that process imaging radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the second power supply control program may include: powering off the amplifier, and powering on the first amplifier circuit and the second amplifier circuits of all receiving channels.

[0139] The third power supply procedure can be a procedure for powering components and / or circuits that process lower-frequency spectral radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the third power supply control procedure may include: de-energizing the first amplifier circuit, energizing the amplifier and second amplifier circuit of the receiving channel corresponding to the target port, and de-energizing the amplifiers and second amplifier circuits corresponding to the remaining receiving channels. For a detailed description of the target port, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0140] The signal processing control program can be a program that processes imaging digital signals and / or spectral digital signals. In some embodiments, the signal processing control program may include a first signal processing control program, a second signal processing control program, a third signal processing control program, a fourth signal processing control program, and a fifth signal processing control program.

[0141] The first signal processing control program can be a program that generates K-space data based on the imaging digital signal. In some embodiments, the first signal processing control program may include a conversion operation. In some embodiments, the conversion operation may fill the K-space with the imaging digital signal corresponding to the nuclide (e.g., hydrogen nucleus or multiple nuclei) to obtain the K-space data corresponding to the nuclide as a digital output signal.

[0142] The second signal processing control program can be a program that generates a spectrogram of chemical shift values ​​based on at least two power-divided digital signals corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei. For a description of chemical shift values, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions are not repeated here. In some embodiments, the second signal processing control program may include a synthesis operation and a spectrogram generation operation. In some embodiments, the synthesis operation may include adding power-divided digital signals (first power-divided digital signal and / or second power-divided digital signal) to obtain a synthesized signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signals corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei. For example, the synthesis operation may add first power-divided digital signal-1, first power-divided digital signal-2...first power-divided digital signal-n, second power-divided signal-1 (not shown)...second power-divided signal-n to obtain a synthesized signal corresponding to the imaging radio frequency signals corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei. In some embodiments, the spectrogram generation operation may generate chemical shift values ​​based on the synthesized signal to obtain a spectrogram of the chemical shift values ​​as a digital output signal.

[0143] The third signal processing control program can be a program for generating K-space data based on power-divided digital signals corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei. In some embodiments, the third signal processing control program may include a synthesis operation and a conversion operation. In some embodiments, the synthesis operation may add the power-divided digital signals (the first power-divided digital signal and / or the second power-divided digital signal) to obtain a synthesized signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signals of multiple atomic nuclei. In some embodiments, the conversion operation may fill the K-space with the synthesized signals corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei to obtain K-space data corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei as a digital output signal.

[0144] The fourth signal processing control program can be a program that generates spectrograms of chemical shift values ​​based on digital signals corresponding to one or more atomic nuclei. For a description of chemical shift values, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The relevant descriptions will not be repeated here. In some embodiments, the fourth signal processing control program may include a spectrogram generation operation. In some embodiments, the spectrogram generation operation may generate chemical shift values ​​based on the digital spectral signal, and obtain a spectrogram of the chemical shift values ​​as a digital output signal.

[0145] The fifth signal processing control program can be a program that generates K-space data based on the spectral digital signals corresponding to one or more atomic nuclei. In some embodiments, the third signal processing control program may include a conversion operation. In some embodiments, the conversion operation may fill the K-space with the digital signals corresponding to the atomic nuclei to obtain the K-space data corresponding to the atomic nuclei as a digital output signal.

[0146] The clock generation module 330 can provide operating frequencies and / or signals for the components and / or circuits of the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120 and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130.

[0147] In some embodiments, the clock generation module 330 can first generate a signal of a specific frequency based on a phase-locked loop (PLL). A PLL is a negative feedback control system that uses a voltage generated by phase synchronization to tune a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) to generate a specific frequency. In some embodiments, the PLL may include a phase detector, a low-pass filter, and a VCO. Specifically, the PLL can use a phase detector to detect the phase difference between the input and output signals, convert the detected phase difference signal into a voltage signal, and then use a low-pass filter to filter the voltage signal, which is then used as the control voltage input to the VCO, thereby controlling the frequency of the VCO's output signal.

[0148] In some embodiments, the clock generation module 330 can provide the mixer circuit 220 with a first high-frequency constant-amplitude signal and / or a second high-frequency constant-amplitude signal. Specifically, the clock generation module can use the voltage-controlled oscillator output signal as the first high-frequency constant-amplitude signal and / or the second high-frequency constant-amplitude signal. A detailed description of the first high-frequency constant-amplitude signal and / or the second high-frequency constant-amplitude signal can be found in the mixer circuit 220, and will not be repeated here.

[0149] In some embodiments, the clock generation module 330 can further provide an operating frequency for analog-to-digital converter circuits and / or programmable logic devices based on a frequency divider. Specifically, the clock generation module can use a frequency divider to divide the frequency of the voltage-controlled oscillator output signal into the operating frequency required by the analog-to-digital converter circuits and / or programmable logic devices.

[0150] Some embodiments in this specification utilize a clock generation module to configure the operating frequency of the circuit and a digitally controlled attenuator to configure different gains for the RF signal amplitude. Both can be flexibly configured for different nuclides, thereby achieving the best match between circuit gain and operating frequency, ensuring that a high dynamic range and a high signal-to-noise ratio are always maintained.

[0151] Figure 4 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a switching unit according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0152] The switching unit can be used to control the connection between the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120, and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130, and / or the connection between the internal circuits of each device. In some embodiments, the switching unit can control the circuit connection of the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120, and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130, so that the first signal receiving unit 110, the second signal receiving unit 120, and / or the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130 can execute different processing programs, thereby realizing different functions.

[0153] like Figure 4 As shown, the switching unit may include a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a third switching unit.

[0154] The first switching unit may be a unit used to connect or disconnect the path between the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130 and the first signal receiving unit 110.

[0155] In some embodiments, the first switching unit may include at least two first switches. In some embodiments, the first switches may connect the output circuit of the power divider 116 of the first signal receiving unit 110 to the analog-to-digital converter unit 130, thereby inputting the power-divided signal into the analog-to-digital converter circuit. In some embodiments, the first switches may connect the second receiving port to the corresponding analog-to-digital converter circuit, thereby inputting the imaging radio frequency signal into the analog-to-digital converter circuit. In some embodiments, the first switches may be single-pole double-throw switches, used to connect or disconnect the path between the analog-to-digital converter unit 130 and the first signal receiving unit 110, and to connect or disconnect the path between the analog-to-digital converter unit 130 and the second signal receiving unit 120. In some embodiments, the first switches may include single-pole single-throw switches, used to connect or disconnect the path between the analog-to-digital converter unit 130 and the first signal receiving unit 110.

[0156] like Figure 4 As shown, when the first switch-1, first switch-2...first switch-2n are flipped upwards, the power divider 116 of the first signal receiving unit 110 can be connected to the analog-to-digital converter circuit-1, analog-to-digital converter circuit-2...analog-to-digital converter circuit-2n, thereby inputting the first power-divided signal-1 (not shown), the first power-divided signal-2 (not shown)...the second power-divided signal-n into the analog-to-digital converter circuit-1, analog-to-digital converter circuit-2...analog-to-digital converter circuit-2n respectively; when the first switch-1, first switch-2...first switch-2n are flipped downwards, the second receiving port-1, second receiving port-2...second receiving port-2n can be connected to the analog-to-digital converter circuit-1, analog-to-digital converter circuit-2...analog-to-digital converter circuit-2n respectively, thereby inputting the imaging radio frequency signal-1 (not shown), the imaging radio frequency signal-2 (not shown)...the imaging radio frequency signal-2n (not shown) into the analog-to-digital converter circuit-1, analog-to-digital converter circuit-2...analog-to-digital converter circuit-2n respectively.

[0157] In some embodiments, a portion of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit may be configured to communicate only with the second receiving port and / or the first signal receiving unit 110, and the corresponding first switch may be replaced by a path that communicates only with the second receiving port and / or the first signal receiving unit 110.

[0158] In some implementations, an attenuator can be placed between each first switch and the amplifier. In some embodiments, when the first switch inputs the power-divided signal into the analog-to-digital converter circuit, the attenuator can provide attenuation for the power-divided signal, thereby ensuring that the signal output by the subsequent second amplifier circuit after gaining the power-divided signal is not saturated and compressed, and does not overflow the dynamic range of the analog-to-digital converter circuit, while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. In some embodiments, the attenuator can be one or more combinations of fixed attenuators, variable attenuators, and digitally controlled attenuators.

[0159] The second switching unit can be a unit that controls the output direction of the target port. In some embodiments, the second switching unit can be used to connect or disconnect the path between the target port and the first signal receiving unit 110.

[0160] The target port can be a port configured to receive spectral radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, at least one of at least two receiving ports can be designated as the target port. For example, such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the second receiving port-1 is designated as the target port, the second receiving port-1 can receive spectral radio frequency signals.

[0161] It is understandable that when the second receiving port of the second signal receiving unit is designated as the target port for receiving spectral radio frequency signals, the target port can be used to receive both imaging radio frequency signals and spectral radio frequency signals.

[0162] In some embodiments, when at least one second receiving port of the second signal receiving unit is designated as a target port for receiving spectral radio frequency signals, the first receiving port may be retained or omitted.

[0163] In some embodiments, the second switching unit may include at least one second switch.

[0164] In some embodiments, the second switch may be a single-pole double-throw switch. In some embodiments, when the target port receives a spectral radio frequency signal, the second switch can connect the target port to the first signal receiving unit 110, thereby outputting the received spectral radio frequency signal to the first signal receiving unit 110 for further processing. In some embodiments, when the target port receives an imaging radio frequency signal, the second switch can connect the target port to the second signal receiving unit 120, thereby inputting the imaging radio frequency signal to the second signal receiving unit 120 for further processing.

[0165] like Figure 4 As shown, when the target port "second receiving port-1" receives a spectral radio frequency signal, the second switch-1 is flipped upwards to connect the second receiving port-1 with the first signal receiving unit 110 and disconnect the second receiving port-1 from the receiving channel-1, so that the spectral radio frequency signal can be transmitted to the first signal receiving unit 110 through the second receiving port-1; when the target port "second receiving port-1" receives an imaging radio frequency signal, the second switch-1 is flipped downwards to disconnect the second receiving port-1 from the first signal receiving unit 110 and connect the second receiving port-1 with the channel for receiving imaging radio frequency signal-1 (not shown), so that the imaging radio frequency signal-1 (not shown) can be transmitted to the second signal receiving unit 120 through the second receiving port-1.

[0166] In some embodiments, the second switching unit may also connect other second switches besides the target port to the corresponding receiving channel, thereby inputting the imaging radio frequency signals received by the other second switches into the second signal receiving unit 120 for further processing.

[0167] In some embodiments, the second switching unit may include only the second switch corresponding to the fixed target port, which is used to output the spectral radio frequency signal received by the target port to the first signal receiving unit 110, output one of the received imaging radio frequency signals to the processing channel corresponding to the second signal receiving unit 120, and replace other second switches except the target port with a path so that other second receiving ports are connected to the corresponding processing channel.

[0168] Continuing with the example above, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the target port "Second Receiving Port-1" receives the imaging radio frequency signal and the second switch-1 is turned down, "Second Receiving Port-2"..."Second Receiving Port-2n" also simultaneously receive imaging radio frequency signal-2 (not shown)...imaging radio frequency signal-2n (not shown) respectively. At this time, the second switches-2...second switches-2n are turned down so that the imaging radio frequency signal-2 (not shown)...imaging radio frequency signal-2n (not shown) can be transmitted to the second signal receiving unit 120.

[0169] In some embodiments, the second switch may be a single-pole single-throw switch. In some embodiments, when the second switch is closed, the target port can be connected to the first signal receiving unit 110, thereby outputting the received spectral radio frequency signal to the first signal receiving unit 110 for further processing.

[0170] The third switching unit can be a unit used to connect or disconnect the at least two receiving channels.

[0171] In some embodiments, the third switching unit may include at least one third switch. In some embodiments, the third switch may be a single-pole single-throw switch. In some embodiments, when the third switch is closed, the second receiving port may input the received imaging radio frequency signal to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit. Figure 4 As shown, when the third switch-1 is closed, the second receiving port-1 can input the received imaging radio frequency signal-1 (not shown) into the analog-to-digital conversion circuit-1.

[0172] In some embodiments, the third switching unit can also be used to connect or disconnect other receiving channels. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when the third switch-2...the third switch-2n is closed, the second receiving port-2...the second receiving port-2n can input the received imaging radio frequency signal-2 (not shown)...imaging radio frequency signal-2n (not shown) into the analog-to-digital conversion circuit-2...analog-to-digital conversion circuit-2n respectively.

[0173] In some embodiments, the switching unit can control the outflow direction of the target port based on a single-pole double-throw second switch, thereby inputting the spectral radio frequency signal into the first signal receiving unit 110, or inputting the imaging radio frequency signal into the second signal receiving unit 120. In some alternative embodiments, the receiving channels corresponding to other second receiving ports besides the target port can be replaced by a path instead of the third switch, so that the other second receiving ports remain connected to the corresponding receiving channels.

[0174] In some embodiments, the switching unit can connect the target port and the first signal receiving unit 110 respectively based on a single-pole single-throw second switch, thereby inputting the spectral radio frequency signal into the first signal receiving unit 110; and connect the receiving channel based on a single-pole single-throw third switch, thereby inputting the imaging radio frequency signal into the corresponding receiving channel. In some embodiments, the switching unit control program can be activated based on a switching unit control command, thereby controlling the first switching unit, the second switching unit, and the third switching unit. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the switching unit control program may include switching unit control program A, switching unit control program B, and switching unit control level C.

[0175] In some embodiments, the third switch can be omitted. For example, when the first switch corresponding to a receiving channel is a single-pole double-throw switch, used to connect or disconnect the path between the analog-to-digital conversion circuit and the first signal receiving unit 110, and to connect or disconnect the receiving channel, the third switch corresponding to that receiving channel can be omitted. As another example, when the second switch corresponding to a receiving channel is a single-pole double-throw switch, used to connect or disconnect the path between the target port and the first signal receiving unit 110, and to connect or disconnect the receiving channel corresponding to the target port, the third switch corresponding to that receiving channel can be omitted.

[0176] Some embodiments of this specification have target ports that can receive spectral radio frequency signals or imaging radio frequency signals, which improves the dynamic range of the circuit and saves circuit resources.

[0177] The switching unit control program A can be a switching unit control program for processing imaging radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the switching unit control program A may include: a second switching unit connecting the target port and / or the second receiving port to the corresponding receiving channel, a third switching unit connecting the target port and / or the receiving channel corresponding to the second receiving port, and a first switching unit connecting the second receiving port to the corresponding analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0178] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, the switch unit control program A may include: the second switch-1 of the target port "second receiving port-1" and the second switches-2...2n of other second receiving ports are turned down; the third switch-1 of the target port "second receiving port-1" and the third switches-2...3n of other second receiving ports are connected; and the first switch unit turns down the first switch-1, the second switch-2... and the second switch-2n.

[0179] The switching unit control program B can be a switching unit control program for processing higher frequency spectrum radio frequency signals. In some embodiments, the switching unit control program B may include: a second switching unit connecting the target port to the first signal receiving unit, a third switching unit disconnecting the receiving channel corresponding to the target port, and a first switching unit connecting the output circuit of the power divider of the first signal receiving unit 110 to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0180] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the switch unit control program B may include: the second switch-1 of the target port "second receiving port-1" is flipped up; the third switch-1 is turned off; and the first switch-1, the first switch-2... and the first switch-2n are flipped up.

[0181] The switching unit control program C can be a switching unit control program for processing lower frequency spectral radio frequency signals. As mentioned above, when at least one second receiving port of the second signal receiving unit is designated as the target port for receiving spectral radio frequency signals, the first receiving port can be omitted. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the switching unit control program C may include: a second switching unit connecting the target port to a corresponding receiving channel, a third switching unit connecting the target port to the receiving channel corresponding to the target port, and a first switching unit connecting the target receiving port to a corresponding analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0182] For example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the target port "second receiving port-1" is also regarded as the first receiving port of the first signal receiving unit 110, which is used to receive low-frequency spectral radio frequency signals. The switch control program unit C may include: the second switch-1 of the target port "second receiving port-1" is turned down; the third switch-1 is connected; the first switch-1 is turned down; and all other switches are disconnected.

[0183] Some embodiments of this specification utilize a first switching unit, a second switching unit, and a third switching unit to change the radio frequency signals received by the first receiving port and / or the second receiving port, thereby achieving different uses for the same port and saving hardware resource costs.

[0184] In some embodiments, the first signal receiving unit 110 can be used as a separate processing device to process the spectral radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the first signal receiving unit 110 may further include an analog-to-digital conversion circuit for performing analog-to-digital conversion on the power-divided signal. A detailed description of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit can be found in [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The relevant descriptions are omitted here. In some embodiments, the first signal receiving unit 110 may further include a control unit for controlling the first signal receiving unit 110 to process the spectral radio frequency signal, for example, controlling the first receiving port to receive the radio frequency signal from the front-end receiving device; controlling the power divider to divide the spectral radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals; controlling at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits to convert the at least two power-divided signals into digital signals; adding the at least two digital signals to obtain a composite signal; and outputting the corresponding digital output signal of the spectral radio frequency signal according to the composite signal. For a detailed description of the control unit, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0185] In some embodiments, one or more first signal receiving units 110 can be configured to achieve parallel acquisition of nuclides. For example, four first signal receiving units 110 can be configured to achieve four channels. 13 Applications of C-coils. For example, four first signal receiving units 110 can be configured, based on... 15 N, 1 H, 2 H, 13 The four nuclides are used to achieve parallel acquisition, with each nuclide corresponding to one channel (corresponding to one first signal receiving unit 110).

[0186] Figure 6 This is an exemplary flowchart illustrating a magnetic resonance signal processing method according to some embodiments of this specification. Specifically, Figure 6 This can be executed by the control unit 140. For example... Figure 6 As shown, process 600 may include one or more of the following steps:

[0187] Step 610: Control the receiving port to receive radio frequency signals from the front-end receiving device.

[0188] As mentioned earlier, the front-end receiving device can be a device in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device that receives magnetic resonance radio frequency (RF) signals (or radio frequency signals). For a detailed description of the front-end receiving device, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0189] In some embodiments, the radio frequency signal may include an imaging radio frequency signal or a spectral radio frequency signal.

[0190] In some embodiments, when the radio frequency signal is an imaging radio frequency signal, the control unit 140 can determine that the receiving port is the second receiving port of the second signal receiving unit 120.

[0191] In some embodiments, when the radio frequency signal is a spectral radio frequency signal, the control unit 140 can determine that the receiving port is the first receiving port of the first signal receiving unit 110, or the second receiving port of the second signal receiving unit 120 that is designated as the target port.

[0192] Step 620: Control the power divider to split the radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals.

[0193] In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can control the power divider to split the spectral radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals. For a detailed description of the power divider, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0194] Step 630: Control the analog-to-digital conversion circuit to convert the imaging spectrum signal, radio frequency spectrum signal, or at least two power divider signals into digital signals.

[0195] In some embodiments, the digital signal may include an imaging digital signal, a radio frequency digital signal, or a power-dividing digital signal.

[0196] In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can control at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits to convert the imaging spectral signal into an imaging digital signal.

[0197] In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can control an analog-to-digital converter circuit to convert a spectral radio frequency signal into a spectral digital signal.

[0198] In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can control at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits to convert at least two power-dividing signals into at least two power-dividing digital signals.

[0199] For a detailed description of analog-to-digital conversion circuits, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0200] In some embodiments, the control unit may further acquire K-space data based on the imaging digital signal.

[0201] Step 640: Add at least two digital signals to obtain a composite signal.

[0202] In some embodiments, the synthesized signal may be a synthesized signal corresponding to a spectral radio frequency signal. In some embodiments, the control unit 140 may add at least two power-divided digital signals to obtain a synthesized signal corresponding to a spectral radio frequency signal.

[0203] For a detailed description of obtaining the synthesized signal, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0204] Step 650: Based on the synthesized signal or the spectral digital signal, output the corresponding digital output signal of the radio frequency signal.

[0205] In some embodiments, the digital output signal may be a spectrum of chemical shift values ​​or K-space data corresponding to a spectral radio frequency signal.

[0206] For a detailed description of the corresponding digital output signal for the output radio frequency signal based on the synthesized signal, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 The details and related descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0207] In some embodiments, the control unit 140 can perform operations based on different radio frequency signals. Figure 6 One or more steps in the process, and according to the native control instructions generated by the parsing module 310 based on the host instructions.

[0208] In some embodiments, when the radio frequency signal is an imaging radio frequency signal, the control unit 140 may execute steps 610 and 630.

[0209] For example, the control unit 140 can start a "switch unit control program A". The "switch unit control program A" can control the target port in the second receiving port to disconnect from the first signal receiving unit 110 so that the imaging radio frequency signal can be input from the second receiving port to the second signal receiving unit 120 (i.e., step 610). Further, the third switch unit connects to the receiving channel corresponding to the second receiving port, and the first switch unit disconnects the first signal receiving unit 110 from the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130 so that the imaging radio frequency signal can be input to the corresponding analog-to-digital conversion circuit in the analog-to-digital conversion unit 130 to output the imaging digital signal. Then, the control unit 140 can start a "first signal processing control program" based on the "imaging task" to fill the imaging digital signal into the K space and generate the K space data corresponding to the imaging radio frequency signal (i.e., step 630).

[0210] In some embodiments, when the radio frequency signal is a higher frequency spectral radio frequency signal, the host instruction includes "spectral analysis task", and the control unit 140 can execute steps 610 to 650.

[0211] For example, the control unit can initiate a "switch unit control program B," which controls the second switch unit to connect the target port in the second receiving port to the first signal receiving unit 110, so that the spectral radio frequency signal can be input to the first signal receiving unit 110 (i.e., step 610); further, the first signal receiving unit 110 can use a power divider to divide the radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals (i.e., step 620); even further, the "switch unit control program B" can control the third switch unit to disconnect the receiving channel and the first switch unit to connect the output circuit of the power divider of the first signal receiving unit 110 to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit, outputting a power-divided digital signal (i.e., step 630); then the control unit 140 can initiate a "second signal processing control program" based on the "spectral analysis task" and "higher frequency," combine the power-divided digital signals, and obtain a synthesized signal (i.e., step 640); finally, the control unit 140 can generate a digital output signal based on the synthesized signal (i.e., step 650), and the digital output signal can be sent to a processor (e.g., a host computer) for spectral analysis. It is understandable that when the frequency of the spectral radio frequency signal is high, it is necessary to perform power division on the spectral radio frequency signal so that the frequency of the power-divided signal obtained based on the spectral radio frequency signal is suitable for the sampling clock frequency of the analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

[0212] In some embodiments, when the radio frequency signal is a higher frequency spectral radio frequency signal, the host instruction includes "imaging task", and the control unit 140 can execute steps 610, 620 and 630.

[0213] For example, the control unit can initiate "Switch Unit Control Program B", which can control the second switch unit to connect the target port in the second receiving port to the first signal receiving unit 110 so that the spectral radio frequency signal can be input to the first signal receiving unit 110 (i.e., step 610); further, the first signal receiving unit 110 can use a power divider to divide the radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals (i.e., step 620); even further, "Switch Unit Control Program B" can control the third switch unit to disconnect the receiving channel and the first switch unit to connect the output circuit of the power divider of the first signal receiving unit 110 to the analog-to-digital conversion circuit to output a power-divided digital signal. Then, the control unit 140 can initiate "Third Signal Processing Control Program" based on "Imaging Task" and "Higher Frequency" to add the power-divided digital signals (first power-divided digital signal and / or second power-divided digital signal) to obtain a composite signal corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei. Finally, the control unit 140 can fill the composite signal corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei into the K space to obtain K space data corresponding to multiple atomic nuclei (i.e., step 630).

[0214] In some embodiments, when the radio frequency signal is a low-frequency spectral radio frequency signal, the host instruction includes "spectral analysis task", and the control unit 140 can execute steps 610, 630 and 650.

[0215] For example, the control unit can initiate a "switch unit control program C," which controls the second switch unit to connect the target port in the second receiving port to a receiving channel, so that the spectral radio frequency signal can be input into a receiving channel (i.e., step 610). Further, the "switch unit control program C" can control the third switch unit to connect, and control the first switch unit to connect the receiving channel to the corresponding digital-to-analog converter, so that the spectral radio frequency signal can be input through the target port into the analog-to-digital converter circuit of one of the receiving channels, outputting a spectral digital signal (i.e., step 630). Then, the control unit 140 can initiate a "fourth signal processing control program" based on the "spectral analysis task" and "lower frequency," generating a digital output signal (i.e., step 650), which can be sent to a processor (e.g., a host computer) for spectral analysis. It is understood that when the frequency of the spectral radio frequency signal is low, power division of the spectral radio frequency signal is not required, and the spectral radio frequency signal can be used with the sampling clock frequency of the analog-to-digital converter circuit.

[0216] In some embodiments, when the radio frequency signal is a low-frequency spectral radio frequency signal, the host instruction includes "imaging task", and the control unit 140 can execute steps 610 and 630.

[0217] For example, the control unit can initiate "Switch Unit Control Program C", which controls the second switch unit to connect the target port in the second receiving port to a receiving channel so that the spectral radio frequency signal can be input into a receiving channel (i.e., step 610); further, "Switch Unit Control Program C" can control the third switch unit to connect, and control the first switch unit to connect the receiving channel to the corresponding digital-to-analog converter so that the spectral radio frequency signal can be input into the analog-to-digital converter circuit of one of the receiving channels through the target port, and output the spectral digital signal; then the control unit 140 can initiate "Fifth Signal Processing Control Program" based on "spectral analysis task" and "lower frequency" to fill the spectral digital signal into the K space to obtain the K space data corresponding to the atomic nucleus (i.e., step 630).

[0218] It should be noted that the above descriptions of the various processes are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the processes under the guidance of this specification. However, these modifications and changes remain within the scope of this specification.

[0219] The beneficial effects that the embodiments of this specification may bring include, but are not limited to: (1) The first signal receiving unit uses a power divider to divide the spectral radio frequency signal into multiple power divided signals, so that the multiple analog-to-digital converters in the analog-to-digital conversion unit can process the imaging radio frequency signal received by the second signal receiving unit, while also taking into account the high dynamic range and high signal-to-noise ratio when processing multiple power divided signals, thereby improving the utilization rate of the analog-to-digital conversion unit; (2) The frequency of the spectral radio frequency signal is converted into the operating frequency of the components in the second receiving signal receiving unit by the mixing circuit, so that the second amplifier circuit and analog-to-digital conversion circuit in the second receiving signal receiving unit can be used to process the spectral radio frequency signal and the imaging radio frequency signal at the same time, thereby expanding the role of the components and saving hardware resource costs; (3) The magnetic resonance signal processing device is detachably connected to at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits and control units, so that the analog-to-digital conversion circuits and control units can switch freely between magnetic resonance imaging and spectral analysis functions; (4) The first switching unit, the second switching unit and the third switching unit are used to change the radio frequency signal received by the first receiving port and / or the second receiving port, thereby realizing different uses of the same port, further integrating hardware resources and saving hardware resource costs.

[0220] It should be noted that different embodiments may produce different beneficial effects. In different embodiments, the beneficial effects may be any one or a combination of the above, or any other possible beneficial effects.

[0221] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this specification. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this specification and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0222] Furthermore, this specification uses specific terms to describe embodiments thereof. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0223] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of this specification can be described and illustrated in several patentable ways or situations, including any new and useful combination of processes, machines, products, or substances, or any new and useful improvements thereof. Accordingly, various aspects of this specification can be implemented entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. All of the above hardware or software may be referred to as a “data block,” “module,” “engine,” “unit,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, various aspects of this specification may be represented as a computer product located on one or more computer-readable media, including computer-readable program code.

[0224] Computer storage media may contain a propagated data signal containing computer program code, for example, on baseband or as part of a carrier wave. This propagated signal may take various forms, including electromagnetic, optical, and suitable combinations thereof. Computer storage media can be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can be connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device to enable communication, propagation, or transmission of a program for use. The program code located on the computer storage medium can be propagated through any suitable medium, including radio, cable, fiber optic cable, RF, or similar media, or any combination of the above media.

[0225] The computer program code required for the operation of each part of this manual can be written in any one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Scala, Smalltalk, Eiffel, JADE, Emerald, C++, C#, VB.NET, Python, etc.; conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C, Visual Basic, Fortran2003, Perl, COBOL2002, PHP, ABAP; dynamic programming languages ​​such as Python, Ruby, and Groovy; or other programming languages. This program code can run entirely on the user's computer, or as a standalone software package on the user's computer, or partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or processing device. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any network, such as a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), or connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet), or in a cloud computing environment, or used as a service such as Software as a Service (SaaS).

[0226] Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of processing elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names described in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure of some embodiments of the invention that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. For example, while the system components described above can be implemented by hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely by software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing processing devices or mobile devices.

[0227] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description disclosed herein and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of embodiments in this specification may sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this method of disclosure does not imply that the subject matter of this specification requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

[0228] In some embodiments, numbers describing the quantity of components and attributes are used. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of embodiments are modified in some examples with the terms "approximately," "approximately," or "generally." Unless otherwise stated, "approximately," "approximately," or "generally" indicates that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in the specification and claims are approximate values, which may be changed depending on the characteristics required by individual embodiments. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should take into account specified significant digits and employ a general method of digit reservation. Although the numerical ranges and parameters used to confirm their breadth of range in some embodiments of this specification are approximate values, in specific embodiments, such values ​​are set as precisely as feasible.

[0229] For each patent, patent application, patent application publication, and other material, such as articles, books, specifications, publications, and documents, referenced in this specification, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This excludes historical application documents that are inconsistent with or conflict with the content of this specification, as well as documents that limit the broadest scope of the claims in this specification (currently or subsequently appended to this specification). It should be noted that in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in the supplementary materials to this specification and the content of this specification, the descriptions, definitions, and / or terminology used in this specification shall prevail.

[0230] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described herein. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and should be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to those explicitly introduced and described herein.

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus for processing spectral radio frequency signals acquired by a first front-end receiving device, comprising: A power divider is used to divide the spectral radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals. The spectral radio frequency signal is acquired through the radio frequency coil of the first front-end receiving device; At least two analog-to-digital converter circuits are used to convert each of the power-dividing signals into a power-dividing digital signal; The control unit is used to add the power-divided digital signals to obtain the digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal.

2. The magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus as described in claim 1 further includes: A mixer circuit is used to divide the spectral radio frequency signal into a first signal and a second signal; wherein, The power divider is used to divide the first signal into at least two first power-divided signals and the second signal into at least two second power-divided signals; Each of the analog-to-digital converter circuits is used to convert one of the at least two first power-dividing signals into a first power-dividing digital signal, or to convert one of the at least two second power-dividing signals into a second power-dividing digital signal; The control unit is used to add at least two of the first power-divided digital signals and at least two of the second power-divided digital signals respectively to obtain the digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal.

3. A magnetic resonance signal processing device, comprising: The first signal receiving unit is used to process the spectral radio frequency signals collected by the first front-end receiving device; The second signal receiving unit is used to process the imaging radio frequency signals acquired by the second front-end receiving device; At least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits are used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on the spectral radio frequency signal and the imaging radio frequency signal; The control unit is used to process the spectral radio frequency signal after analog-to-digital conversion to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal, and to process the imaging radio frequency signal after analog-to-digital conversion to obtain a digital output signal corresponding to the imaging radio frequency signal.

4. The magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein the first signal receiving unit includes a power divider for dividing the spectral radio frequency signal into at least two power-divided signals; Each of the analog-to-digital conversion circuits is used to perform analog-to-digital conversion on one of the at least two power-dividing signals to obtain a power-dividing digital signal; The control unit is used to add the power-divided digital signals to obtain the digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal.

5. The magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein the first signal receiving unit further includes a mixing circuit for dividing the spectral radio frequency signal into a first signal and a second signal; The power divider is used to divide the first signal into at least two first power-divided signals and the second signal into at least two second power-divided signals; Each of the analog-to-digital converter circuits is used to convert one of the at least two first power-dividing signals into a first power-dividing digital signal, or to convert one of the at least two second power-dividing signals into a second power-dividing digital signal; The control unit is used to add at least two of the first power-divided digital signals and at least two of the second power-divided digital signals respectively to obtain the digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal.

6. The magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein the second signal receiving unit includes at least two receiving ports for receiving the imaging radio frequency signal acquired by the second front-end receiving device.

7. The magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus as described in claim 6, wherein one of the at least two receiving ports is a target receiving port, further configured to receive the spectral imaging signal acquired by the first front-end receiving device.

8. The magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a second switching unit for connecting or disconnecting the path between the target receiving port and the first signal receiving unit.

9. The magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus of claim 3 further includes a first switching unit for connecting or disconnecting the path between the first signal receiving unit and the analog-to-digital conversion circuit.

10. A magnetic resonance signal processing apparatus for processing spectral radio frequency signals acquired by a first front-end receiving device, comprising: An amplifier circuit is used to amplify the spectral radio frequency signal; The spectral radio frequency signal is acquired through the radio frequency coil of the first front-end receiving device; A mixer circuit is used to divide the amplified spectral radio frequency signal into a first signal and a second signal; A power divider is used to divide the first signal into at least two first power-divided signals and the second signal into at least two second power-divided signals; The magnetic resonance signal processing device is configured to be detachably connected to at least two analog-to-digital conversion circuits and a control unit. Each analog-to-digital conversion circuit is used to convert one of the at least two first power-dividing signals into a first power-dividing digital signal, or to convert one of the at least two second power-dividing signals into a second power-dividing digital signal. The control unit is used to add the at least two first power-dividing digital signals and the at least two second power-dividing digital signals respectively to obtain the digital output signal corresponding to the spectral radio frequency signal.

Images