Direct Temporal Encoding MRI Spatial Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques require mathematical transformations, such as Fourier Transforms, to encode and decode signals, leading to time delays and complexities in controlling imaging parameters, which affect image resolution and field of view.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for direct temporal encoding of spatial information in MRI, using a 2D phase profile generated by a second-order magnetic gradient coil, allowing signals to be directly attributed to specific spatial positions without mathematical transformation, enabling improved image resolution and reduced processing time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mathematical transformations (Fourier Transform) are used to encode and decode signals, then spatial information can be accurately represented, but processing time increases and image resolution may be affected by parameter control complexities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the mathematical transformation step (Fourier Transform) from the signal processing pipeline. By using a constant magnetic gradient during signal acquisition, spatial information is directly encoded in the time-domain signal, allowing image projection data to be obtained without requiring Fourier Transform processing, thus reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mathematical processing mechanism (Fourier Transform) with a physical encoding mechanism (constant magnetic gradient applied during signal acquisition). This replacement shifts the encoding function from the digital processing domain to the physical signal acquisition domain, eliminating the need for time-consuming mathematical transformations
2Measurement precision
If mathematical transformations are used to produce images, then accurate image representation is achieved, but the system complexity and difficulty of controlling imaging parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex mathematical transformation pipeline from the imaging system. By directly encoding spatial information through a constant magnetic gradient, the system eliminates Fourier Transform processors and associated control complexities, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining image accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the signal acquisition process to self-encode spatial information through the application of a constant magnetic gradient. The raw signal data inherently contains projection data without requiring external mathematical processing, making the system self-sufficient and reducing complexity
3Ease of operation
If Fourier Transform is applied to received signals, then pixelated images can be generated, but time delay increases between signal reception and image display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the Fourier Transform processing step from the imaging pipeline. By using a constant magnetic gradient during signal acquisition, the system directly obtains image projection data in the time domain, eliminating the time delay associated with mathematical transformations while preserving image generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the mathematical transformation step entirely by directly encoding spatial information in the time-domain signal through constant magnetic gradient application. This allows the system to rush through the signal processing pipeline more quickly, reducing time delay between signal reception and image display
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 eliminates the need for mathematical transformations, improving image resolution and reducing processing time by directly encoding spatial information, making it independent of read-out gradient strength and sampling timings.
Implementation Method 1
the protons of hydrogen atoms in water and fat tissue and of other magnetic resonant (MR) active nuclei align parallel and anti-parallel to the main magnetic field. These protons precess around the direction of the field at a characteristic angular frequency (the Larmor frequency)
Implementation Method 2
A transmit coil applies pulses of radio frequency (RF) energy at the Larmor frequency in a direction orthogonal to the main field to excite precessing nuclei to resonance
Implementation Method 3
RF receive coils pick up relaxation signals emitted by the disturbed protons
Implementation Method 4
the signals are detected in the presence of a magnetic field gradient, termed a read-out gradient, to enable different positions of relaxing nuclei to correspond to different precession frequencies of those nuclei about the direction of the main magnetic field due to the influence of the gradient
Data Source
AI summary
An improved imaging technique and apparatus for direct temporal encoding of spatial information of an object is presented. The signal collected from the object after application of excitation energy in a magnetic field is directly representative of the spatial position of the object without the need for the signal to undergo mathematical transformation. This is a result of the excitation scheme that generates transverse magnetization across the field of view that is a function of X (read-out) and Z (slice select) positions, resulting in a two-dimensional phase profile that, upon application of a constant gradient along the Z axis, elicits a signal that is directly attributable to the spatial position along the read-out dimension without application of mathematical transformation.