DWI Image Correction via Flip Angle Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) image quality is compromised by inhomogeneous rotating magnetic fields, leading to misdiagnosis, particularly in strong magnetic fields, due to inhomogeneities in the launch site B1+ and receiving field B1−, making existing correction methods labor-intensive and difficult to automate.
Innovation Solution
A correction method and apparatus for DWI images that utilize launch site and receiving field correction factors, calculated based on pulse flip angle actual values and preset relationships between DWI scanning settings, to improve image homogeneity without measuring the intensity of B1+, thereby simplifying the correction process and reducing workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the conventional method of measuring launch site B1+ intensity is used to correct DWI image inhomogeneity, then image homogeneity can be improved, but the workload increases significantly and automation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the correction factor calculation from the complex B1+ intensity measurement process. Instead of directly measuring and correcting based on B1+ intensity distribution, the method calculates a simplified correction factor from the relationship between excitation pulse flip angle setting values and actual values, thereby achieving correction with reduced workload while maintaining image homogeneity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correction factor as an intermediary element between the flip angle parameters and the DWI image correction. This correction factor serves as a mediator that captures the essential correction information without requiring direct B1+ measurement, thus simplifying the correction process while still achieving the desired image homogeneity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the conventional method of measuring launch site B1+ intensity is used to correct DWI image inhomogeneity, then image homogeneity can be improved, but the correction process becomes complex and less automated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential correction information from the complex B1+ measurement process by focusing only on the relationship between excitation pulse flip angle setting values and actual values. This extraction enables automation by eliminating the need for complex measurement and manual processing steps, while still achieving image homogeneity improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-correction by automatically calculating the correction factor from the flip angle parameters and applying it to the DWI image. The correction process becomes self-service oriented, requiring minimal human intervention and enabling higher automation, while maintaining the ability to improve image homogeneity.
3Ease of operation
If correction factors are calculated based on pulse flip angle values and preset relationships, then the correction process is simplified and workload reduced, but the measurement precision of B1+ intensity is not directly obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified correction factor calculation method that is easier to implement and apply than direct B1+ intensity measurement. This 'cheaper' method in terms of computational complexity and operational effort provides sufficient correction capability for practical purposes, even though it doesn't provide direct B1+ intensity measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the correction approach from direct B1+ intensity measurement to correction factor calculation based on flip angle parameters. By changing the parameters used for correction (from B1+ intensity to flip angle relationships), the method achieves simplified operation and reduced workload while maintaining effective image correction through parameter transformation.
Data Source
AI summary
In a correction method and apparatus for a magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging image, a diffusion weighted imaging image is corrected based on a launch site correction factor and/or a receiving field correction factor. The launch site correction factor is used for correcting inhomogeneity of a launch site, and the receiving field correction factor is used for correcting inhomogeneity of a receiving field. The imaging sequence of the diffusion weighted imaging image is thereby improved and the corresponding image reconstruction of the diffusion weighted imaging image, and the homogeneity of the diffusion weighted imaging image also can be improved, without measuring the intensity of the launch site, which significantly reduces the correction workload and is easy to automate.