Digital SQUID MRI System Parallel Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems are slow in achieving high-resolution imaging over substantial tissue volumes, particularly with moving tissues like the heart and lungs, due to the need for extensive scanning magnetic field gradients, and existing alternatives like ultra-low field MRI systems offer low resolution and are not scalable for faster imaging.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of SQUID-based receiver coils with digital SQUID electronics that directly digitize radio-frequency signals, enabling faster imaging by spatially encoding magnetic field data and allowing for parallel processing of signals from multiple antennas, which reduces the need for gradient scanning and enhances spatial resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems use strong uniform magnetic fields with superconducting magnets, then high resolution imaging is achieved, but the system becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging function by using multiple receiver coils distributed across the imaging volume, each detecting signals from specific regions. This eliminates the need for a single large superconducting magnet while maintaining high resolution through parallel signal acquisition from multiple spatial locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial encoding through gradient scanning in conventional MRI to frequency-domain multiplexing. Multiple receiver coils detect signals at different frequencies simultaneously, adding a frequency dimension to the spatial encoding process and enabling parallel acquisition without increasing physical system size.
2Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems scan magnetic field gradients in three dimensions, then spatial resolution is achieved, but imaging time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging volume into multiple regions, each monitored by a dedicated receiver coil. This segmentation allows parallel acquisition of signal data from different spatial locations simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential gradient scanning through the entire volume and dramatically reducing imaging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous signal detection from all receiver coils simultaneously throughout the imaging process. Unlike conventional sequential gradient scanning, this continuous parallel acquisition maintains useful measurement action across the entire imaging volume at all times, maximizing data collection efficiency.
3Productivity
If multiple receiver coils are used to accelerate image acquisition, then imaging speed increases, but the network of RF receivers becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple receiver coils into a unified frequency-domain multiplexing system. All receiver coils are connected to a common signal processing architecture that uses frequency separation to distinguish signals from different coils, combining multiple detection functions into a single integrated system rather than requiring separate processing chains for each coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal receiver architecture where a single signal processing system handles inputs from all receiver coils simultaneously. The frequency-domain multiplexing approach allows one multi-functional device to perform the work of multiple specialized receivers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high acquisition speed.
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 significantly accelerates image acquisition, allowing for high-resolution imaging in shorter times and enabling imaging of moving tissues, while also reducing system bulk and improving flexibility compared to traditional MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance system and method employing a digital SQUID
Implementation Method 2
at least one Josephson junction to generate a series of single-flux-quantum voltage pulses
Implementation Method 3
spatially encoding magnetic field data
Implementation Method 4
magnetic resonance of the magnetic moments of hydrogen nuclei (protons) in the presence of a magnetic field. The process involves resonant absorption and emission of a radio-frequency (RF) signal
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance system, comprising at least one SQUID, configured to receive a radio frequency electromagnetic signal, in a circuit configured to produce a pulsatile output having a minimum pulse frequency of at least 1 GHz which is analyzed in a processor with respect to a timebase, to generate a digital signal representing magnetic resonance information. The processor may comprise at least one rapid single flux quantum circuit. The magnetic resonance information may be image information. A plurality of SQUIDs may be provided, fed by a plurality of antennas in a spatial array, to provide parallel data acquisition. A broadband excitation may be provided to address a range of voxels per excitation cycle. The processor may digitally compensate for magnetic field inhomogeneities.