Ambient-Light Detection for MRI Receive Coil Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in accurately determining the proper placement of receive coils due to hardware failures and incorrect configuration, leading to potential protocol failures during imaging.
Innovation Solution
The system employs ambient light sensors mounted on the receive coils to detect changes in light levels between loading and imaging positions, using spatially encoded light data to determine the coil's position and orientation, enabling independent checks on the MRI system's operation and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate optical hardware is installed in the examination zone to detect coil position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receive coil itself serves as the detection platform by integrating ambient light sensors directly onto its structure. The coil's own housing or mounting structure becomes the sensor carrier, eliminating the need for separate optical hardware in the examination zone. This self-service approach allows the coil to detect its own position through light level changes while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receive coil performs dual functions: its traditional electromagnetic reception function and a new position detection function through integrated ambient light sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated optical detection hardware, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the coil's own sensor integration.
2Reliability
If manual configuration and positioning of receive coils is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical positioning process is replaced with an automatic optical detection system. Ambient light sensors integrated on the receive coil automatically detect position changes by measuring light level variations, replacing the need for manual operator intervention and visual alignment, thereby improving reliability while introducing a relatively simple optical detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback by having the ambient light sensors continuously monitor light levels and provide real-time position information. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically detect when the coil is properly positioned or has become dislodged, improving reliability through automated monitoring without requiring complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If ambient light sensors are integrated on the receive coil, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receive coil assembly is segmented into functional modules, with ambient light sensors placed on specific portions of the coil structure such as the housing or mounting elements. This segmentation allows the sensors to be positioned on non-critical areas of the coil, reducing the impact of manufacturing tolerances while maintaining the ability to detect position changes effectively.
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
This method allows for precise positioning and calibration of receive coils, reducing the risk of protocol failures and improving the reliability of MRI scans by providing an independent check on the system's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The light detection system comprises multiple ambient light sensors configured for measuring spatially encoded light data from ambient illumination
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides for a magnetic resonance imaging system (100, 300). The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises: a subject support (120) configured for moving a subject between a loading position (121) and an imaging position (200); a receive magnetic resonance imaging coil (114) configured for being placed on the subject; and a light detection system (115) comprising at least one ambient light sensor for measuring light data (144). The light detection system is any one of the following: mounted to the main magnet such that the light data is measured from the imaging zone and mounted to the receive magnetic resonance imaging coil. The execution of the machine executable (140) instructions by a processor (130) cause the processor to: move (500) the subject support from the loading position to the imaging position; acquire (502) the light data using the at least one ambient light sensor when the subject support is in the imaging position; determine (504) if the receive magnetic resonance imaging coil is positioned for acquiring magnetic resonance imaging data using the light data; and provide (506) a signal (146) if the receive magnetic resonance imaging coil is positioned for acquiring the magnetic resonance imaging data.