3D MR Measurements via Tensor Field Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI techniques do not effectively scale to 3D measurements, resulting in differences in signal-to-noise ratio and other limitations compared to 2D slices.
Innovation Solution
A computer system that performs MR measurements using a specific RF sequence with multiple pulse sequences, allowing for the computation of parameters associated with voxels in a sample by solving an inverse problem and encoding additional information in the MR measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional MRI techniques use gradient magnetic fields to measure 3D properties via 2D slices, then measurement capability is achieved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates and measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D slice-based measurement to 3D volumetric measurement by adding temporal dimension through dynamic magnetization states. Multiple pulse sequences are applied to encode spatial information in three dimensions, enabling direct 3D measurement without relying on 2D slice reconstruction, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetization state parameter dynamically through multiple pulse sequences with varying flip angles and timing. By encoding spatial information in the temporal evolution of magnetization states rather than static 2D slices, the system achieves better signal-to-noise ratio and direct 3D measurement capability
2Productivity
If existing MRI techniques acquire data using 2D slices, then data acquisition is feasible, but acquisition time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing temporal dimension through dynamic magnetization states and multiple pulse sequences, the patent enables simultaneous encoding of 3D spatial information in a single volumetric acquisition window rather than sequential 2D slice acquisition, significantly reducing data acquisition time and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary gradient moments and dynamic magnetization preparation before readout to pre-encode spatial information in three dimensions. This preliminary encoding allows direct 3D reconstruction without requiring multiple sequential 2D slice acquisitions, thereby accelerating data acquisition
3Measurement precision
If traditional MRI uses gradient fields for spatial encoding, then 3D properties can be measured via 2D slices, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temporal dimension through dynamic magnetization states to encode 3D spatial information directly, avoiding the information loss inherent in 2D slice reconstruction. This dimensional transformation enables accurate 3D measurement while simplifying the measurement process through direct volumetric acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic magnetization states as an intermediary between the applied RF pulses and the measured signal. These intermediate states encode spatial information in three dimensions through their temporal evolution, enabling accurate 3D reconstruction without relying on gradient field-based 2D slice encoding
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient computation of 3D measurements, improving the accuracy and usefulness of MR measurements, and reducing the time required for data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic properties may be studied using magnetic resonance or MR (which is often referred to as 'nuclear magnetic resonance' or NMR), a physical phenomenon in which nuclei in a magnetic field absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
nuclei in a magnetic field absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
In typical magnet resonance imaging (MRI), a gradient magnetic field is applied in the z direction of a sample. This results in a variation in the resonance frequency of nuclear magnetic moments
Data Source
AI summary
During operation, a computer system may perform magnetic-resonance (MR) measurements, where performing the MR measurements includes providing a radio-frequency (RF) sequence to an MR scanner. The RF sequence May include multiple instances of pulse sequences that correspond to a dynamic magnetization state in a sample, and a given pulse sequence may include more than a predefined number of pulses (such as 100 pulses). Then, the computer system may receive, from the MR scanner, information specifying the MR measurements. Next, the computer system may compute parameters associated with voxels in the sample based at least in part on the MR measurements, where computing the parameters may include solving an inverse problem for the parameters given the MR measurements, and where the RF sequence may encode second information in the MR measurements that allows the parameters for the voxels to be computed.