Microprogrammed Gradient Correction Device for MRI Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for correcting magnetic field gradients in NMR and MRI systems are limited by their rigidity, performance, and inability to easily modify correction parameters, leading to suboptimal performance and resource management.
Innovation Solution
A digital correction device is inserted between the pulse generator and digital-analog conversion stage, employing a microprogrammed architecture with a micro-sequencer, memory for microinstructions, and arithmetic calculation modules to apply real-time corrections using configurable coefficients, enabling flexible and efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hardware-based correction solutions are used, then correction speed is improved, but flexibility and ease of parameter modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional hardware-based correction circuits with a microprogrammed digital system. The correction algorithm is implemented in software form (microprogram) that can be loaded and modified without changing hardware circuitry, thus maintaining high-speed correction performance while enabling flexible parameter modification through software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction parameters are stored in readable memory that can be easily modified without hardware changes. The microprogrammed architecture allows parameters such as correction coefficients and timing characteristics to be changed by simply loading different parameter sets into memory, providing flexibility while maintaining the high-speed correction capability of the digital processing system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software-based correction solutions are used, then flexibility is improved, but correction performance and processing speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a microprogrammed correction device that combines the flexibility of software with the performance of hardware. The correction algorithm is executed in a dedicated digital processing architecture with optimized data paths and arithmetic units, providing correction performance comparable to hardware solutions while maintaining the parameter flexibility of software-based approaches.
3Device complexity
If fixed implementation correction systems are used, then hardware simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different correction needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The microprogrammed correction device is designed with a universal architecture that can perform multiple types of corrections through different microprograms. The same hardware platform can be configured for various correction algorithms (e.g., pre-emphasis, deconvolution, adaptive filtering) by loading appropriate microprograms and parameter sets, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated hardware systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The correction system employs dynamic reconfigurability through microprogram loading. The correction characteristics can be changed in real-time or between operations by loading different microprograms and parameter sets into memory, allowing the system to adapt to different correction needs without physical reconfiguration or hardware changes.
4Measurement precision
If complex correction algorithms are implemented, then correction precision is improved, but hardware resource requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements complex correction algorithms in a microprogrammed digital environment, replacing the need for complex analog circuitry. Digital signal processing techniques can achieve high precision corrections through software-based algorithms (e.g., adaptive filtering, deconvolution) without requiring proportional increases in hardware complexity, as the computational resources are managed efficiently through microprogrammed control.
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
The solution provides predictable performance, flexible parameter modification, and efficient resource management, achieving effective correction of magnetic field gradients with minimal hardware changes and high processing speed.
Implementation Method 1
the gradients are generated by coils placed inside the magnet generating the constant main magnetic field. These coils are driven by current amplifiers
Implementation Method 2
when the magnetic field varies in a gradient coil, eddy currents appear on conductive elements, external to the coil, subjected to this field. These currents produce a magnetic field opposing the gradient field
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The device (1) has a data processing unit (5) combined with working memories (6, 6'). The processing unit modifies data of original digital set-point signals by taking into account of correction or compensation factors or coefficients in accordance with micro-instructions that are addressed by a micro-sequencer (3) in a storage memory (4), where the coefficients form a correction algorithm that controls operations of operational subassemblies. The subassemblies are programmed based on the factors or coefficients to be implemented. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for generation of magnetic field gradients (2) a method for real-time correction of variable set-points or control signals of gradient coils of a spectrometry or imagery device.