K-space Sampling Pattern for Voxel MR Spectrum Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single voxel spectroscopy methods face challenges in obtaining precise metabolite information due to chemical shift excitation, leading to increased data acquisition time and reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and often require exciting larger regions to correct for this, which can include unwanted metabolite signals.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a predetermined sampling pattern in k-space to selectively sample data, allowing for precise extraction of the MR spectrum of a voxel of interest by configuring a sampling pattern based on energy distribution, reducing processing time and increasing SNR, while avoiding unnecessary excitation of surrounding regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spatial information is obtained through phase encoding process after single voxel excitation, then precise metabolite information of the selected voxel is obtained, but data acquisition time is increased and signal-to-noise ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the k-space data acquisition into selective sampling of specific regions rather than acquiring the entire k-space. By dividing the acquisition into targeted segments (voxel of interest regions), the method reduces total acquisition time while maintaining precision through selective phase encoding of only necessary spatial information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using different sampling strategies for different regions of k-space. High-resolution sampling is applied to regions containing voxel of interest information, while other regions use reduced sampling. This localized approach maintains measurement precision for the target voxel while reducing overall acquisition time.
2Measurement precision
If spatial information is obtained through phase encoding process, then precise metabolite information of the selected voxel is obtained, but signal-to-noise ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring only the necessary portion of k-space data required to obtain precise metabolite information, rather than acquiring complete k-space data. This selective partial sampling maintains the signal-to-noise ratio by avoiding redundant acquisitions that would dilute the signal quality while still obtaining sufficient spatial information through targeted phase encoding.
3Reliability
If a region larger than single voxel region is excited, then chemical shift excitation effects are corrected, but unwanted metabolite signals from surrounding regions are included
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary spatial information corresponding to the voxel of interest from the excited region during k-space sampling. By selectively sampling and processing only the relevant portions of the excited volume, the method corrects chemical shift excitation effects while excluding unwanted metabolite signals from surrounding regions through targeted k-space region selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different processing characteristics to different regions of the excited volume. The voxel of interest region receives full processing attention for chemical shift correction, while surrounding regions are either excluded or processed with reduced priority, ensuring that correction accuracy is maintained for the target region without contaminating it with unwanted signals from adjacent areas.
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 enables faster data processing and extraction of the MR spectrum with improved signal quality, ensuring that only the voxel of interest is accurately represented, thereby enhancing the precision and efficiency of metabolite information acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic resonance signal from the voxel region is received
Implementation Method 2
When the three directions are selected, a chemical shift excitation occurs
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A method obtains a magnetic resonance (MR) spectrum of a voxel in a magnetic resonance (MR) image obtained from a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus. The method includes configuring a sampling pattern of k-space data; sampling predetermined data from the k-space data based on the configured sampling pattern; and obtaining the MR spectrum of the voxel by using the sampled data.