Dynamic Measuring Coil Selection in MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MR imaging systems face challenges in selecting the appropriate measuring coils, leading to suboptimal image quality and increased measurement duration due to manual and automatic selection limitations, which fail to adapt to patient positioning and size changes during the imaging process.
Innovation Solution
A method for selecting one or more measuring coils based on a defined measuring range and preselection, allowing for dynamic coil selection during the imaging phase, where coils can be classified as selectable or non-selectable, and MR protocols can be associated with the selected coils in real-time, reducing the need for preconfigured protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatic selection of all measuring coils within the measuring range is used, then the selection process is simplified, but image quality deteriorates due to increased foldover artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coil selection process into two independent stages: (1) automatic selection of coils based on measuring range, and (2) manual preselection to exclude specific coils. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from both automatic selection (ease of operation) and manual control (image quality optimization) without the contradictions present in fully automatic or fully manual approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges automatic coil selection with manual preselection functionality into a unified system. The automatic selection provides a baseline set of coils based on anatomical region, while the manual preselection layer allows exclusion of specific coils (e.g., spine coil during knee examination). This combination resolves the contradiction by preserving the simplicity of automatic selection while adding the precision control needed for image quality.
2Ease of operation
If MR protocols are permanently associated with specific measuring coils, then protocol execution is simplified, but adaptability to patient positioning and size changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic coil selection that occurs during the measuring phase rather than being fixed in the planning phase. The system allows coil preselection to be modified based on actual patient positioning and size observed during scanning. This dynamic approach maintains protocol execution simplicity while enabling real-time adaptation to patient variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary coil preselection during protocol configuration, but allows this preselection to be overridden or adjusted during the actual measuring phase. The preliminary setup provides a default configuration that simplifies protocol execution, while the ability to modify during measurement ensures adaptability to actual patient conditions.
3Ease of operation
If manual coil selection is performed during the planning phase, then the workflow is simplified, but the ability to adapt to patient positioning and size during measuring phase is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static manual coil selection process into a dynamic one that spans both planning and measuring phases. While initial coil preselection is performed during planning (maintaining workflow simplicity), the system allows for modifications during the measuring phase based on actual patient positioning and size, thus achieving both workflow simplicity and adaptability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the wrong measuring coil is selected, then image quality deteriorates, but the system provides no mechanism for runtime adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system monitors actual patient positioning and size during the measuring phase and allows coil preselection to be adjusted accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to correct suboptimal coil selections that may have occurred during planning, thereby maintaining image quality through runtime adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to techniques for the selection of one or more measuring coils in magnetic resonance imaging. Herein, account can be taken of a preselection in the selection of the one or more measuring coils from a plurality of candidate coils.