Fusion Phantom for Simultaneous MRI and MRS Performance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current performance testing methods for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy are inefficient, requiring separate tests and lacking in time efficiency, which is critical in the diagnosis field.
Innovation Solution
A fusion phantom that simultaneously conducts performance tests for MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, incorporating inner containers, a geometric accuracy test device, a spatial resolution test device, and a contrast resolution test device, allowing for comprehensive testing and quality control within a predetermined error range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate performance tests are conducted for MRI and magnetic resonance spectroscopy, then comprehensive testing coverage is achieved, but testing time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines MRI performance test elements (geometric accuracy test device with lattice frame, spatial resolution test device with hole groups, contrast resolution test device with disk layers) and MRS performance test elements (inner containers with metabolite solutions) into a single fusion phantom. This merging allows both MRI and MRS performance tests to be conducted simultaneously using one phantom, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage for both modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The fusion phantom is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it contains structural elements (lattice frame, hole groups, disk layers) for MRI performance evaluation and metabolic solution containers for MRS performance evaluation. This universal design enables a single phantom to perform multiple testing functions that previously required separate phantoms, directly addressing the time efficiency problem.
2Productivity
If a single phantom is used for both MRI and MRS testing, then testing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion phantom employs a nested structure where inner containers holding metabolite solutions are placed inside the outer phantom body. The geometric accuracy test device (lattice frame), spatial resolution test device (hole groups), and contrast resolution test device (disk layers) are also integrated within the same phantom structure. This nesting approach allows multiple testing components to coexist in a compact, organized manner, managing device complexity while maintaining testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The phantom is segmented into distinct functional modules: inner containers for MRS testing, geometric accuracy test device for MRI spatial testing, spatial resolution test device for detail resolution, and contrast resolution test device for tissue differentiation. Each segment performs a specific testing function, and their modular organization within the fusion phantom makes the complex structure manageable and systematic.
3Reliability
If conventional phantoms are used for quality control, then established protocols are followed, but time efficiency is insufficient for clinical diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The fusion phantom merges MRI quality control elements (geometric accuracy, spatial resolution, contrast resolution tests) and MRS quality control elements (metabolite concentration and chemical shift analysis) into a single integrated system. This allows clinical diagnostics to perform comprehensive quality control for both imaging modalities simultaneously, maintaining reliability through established testing protocols while significantly reducing the time required compared to using separate conventional phantoms.
Data Source
AI summary
A new imaging phantom called a “fusion phantom” enhances the efficiency of performance testing and quality control. The phantom relocates the test elements of a standard MRI phantom, and provides a configuration of inner containers that enables simultaneous performance testing on magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy within a predetermined error range.The fusion phantom is useful for multi-purpose performance testing of magnetic resonance imaging equipment, including correlation analysis, performance testing, system management and the like in the diagnosis field. The fusion phantom enhances efficiency of time and reliability in testing performance of the magnetic resonance imaging equipment, adjusts incorrect position accuracy and improves quality of images.