Receive Coil Array Landmarking via RF Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current landmarking processes in imaging systems are cumbersome and costly, leading to inefficiencies and increased exam duration due to reliance on operator intervention and complex hardware setups, which can result in inaccurate positioning and low-quality images.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a receive coil array to induce a non-saturating signal and determine phase differences to center the coil relative to the gantry, incorporating visual or audio cues, and a position indication device with contrast medium to automate the landmarking process, reducing operator participation and hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical, optical, or other suitable means are used for landmarking, then the system can position the patient and coil, but the process becomes cumbersome and increases setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and optical landmarking systems with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The system uses RF signals to detect the position of the coil array relative to the magnet bore, eliminating the need for mechanical alignment tools and optical devices. This substitution reduces setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy through electronic detection of coil-magnet spatial relationships.
2Measurement precision
If complex hardware is used for landmarking, then positioning can be achieved, but the monetary cost of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing RF receive coil array perform multiple functions: it serves both as the imaging coil for patient scans and as the detection sensor for landmarking. The same coil array that collects imaging signals is also used to detect its own position relative to the magnet bore through RF signal analysis. This eliminates the need for separate landmarking hardware, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the coil array itself to detect its own position rather than requiring external detection devices. By analyzing the RF signals induced in the coil array when exposed to the magnet's electromagnetic field, the system enables the coil to self-determine its spatial relationship with the magnet bore. This self-service approach eliminates additional hardware components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If operator intervention is required for landmarking, then positioning can be performed, but productivity decreases and exam duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automatic feedback control for landmarking by continuously monitoring the RF signals from the coil array and automatically adjusting the table position to center the coil in the magnet bore. The control system processes the detected coil position information and autonomously makes positioning adjustments without operator intervention. This automated feedback loop maintains positioning accuracy while significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual landmarking steps from the workflow.
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 approach streamlines the landmarking process, reducing setup time and costs while ensuring accurate positioning, thus enhancing imaging efficiency and diagnostic quality without adding complexity to the hardware.
Implementation Method 1
inducing a non-saturating signal in a receive coil array, wherein the receive coil array is placed over a desired region of interest of a subject
Implementation Method 2
determining a phase difference between one or more sets of corresponding coils in the receive coil array and determining, based on the determined phase difference
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes an imager adapted to obtain an image of a desired region of interest of a subject and a coil positioned on the desired region of interest of the subject. The coil includes a plurality of markings disposed at a plurality of locations on the coil. The imaging system also includes a position indication device having a user interface adapted to receive input from a user indicating which of the plurality of markings corresponds to a desired scan plane of the subject.