Magnetic Resonance Sensor Checks for Local Coil Position Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging systems face challenges in accurately positioning local coil arrangements due to potential malfunctions in magnetic field sensors, requiring time-consuming manual intervention and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for proactive monitoring of magnetic field sensors by taking measurements at two distinct positions, comparing them to reference values, and detecting errors to initiate timely interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic field sensors are used for automatic positioning of local coil arrangements, then positioning accuracy and convenience are improved, but sensor malfunction over time requires time-consuming manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting sensor malfunctions before they cause positioning failures. The control device continuously monitors sensor output and compares it against expected values, enabling early detection and notification of service requirements, thus preventing complete system failure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the magnetic field sensor output and comparing it with reference values. When deviations exceed a threshold, the system generates notifications to service personnel, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that maintains positioning reliability without manual intervention
2Reliability
If magnetic field sensors are monitored manually by users and service engineers, then sensor malfunction can be detected, but significant time and effort are spent by users and engineers
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own sensor health without requiring user or engineer intervention. The control device autonomously detects sensor malfunctions, compares measurements against reference values, and generates service notifications, eliminating the need for manual quality assurance checks
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical inspection with automated electronic monitoring. Instead of users physically checking sensor functionality, the control device electronically monitors sensor output in real-time, automatically detecting malfunctions and reducing time loss associated with manual quality assurance
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
Enables early detection of sensor malfunctions, reducing downtime and maintenance efforts by providing proactive notifications and recommendations, ensuring accurate positioning of local coil arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field sensor, which measures the main magnetic field (B0 field), here also comprising the stray field outside the patient bore, at least in terms of its magnetic field strength
Implementation Method 2
A Hall sensor, in particular a three-dimensional Hall sensor, is normally used in this context as the magnetic field sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for checking the functionality of an MR sensor within a local coil arrangement, the method including: acquiring at a first couch position a first measurement value from the magnetic field sensor outside the bore at the first measurement position of the local coil arrangement, and determining the first position information; acquiring at a second couch position a second measurement value from the magnetic field sensor during or after the conclusion of the couch's travel into the bore at a second measurement position of the local coil arrangement, which second measurement position differs from the first; determining a reference value, which specifies the expected main magnetic field at the second measurement position, determined from the first position information and the couch's displacement distance; and determining error information, which indicates a potential measurement error, by comparing the second measurement value with the reference value.