Magnetic particle imaging system, magnetic particle imaging method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing magnetic particle imaging program
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic particle imaging systems face challenges in obtaining the system function efficiently, leading to artifacts, reduced spatial resolution, and degraded image quality due to manufacturing errors and skewness, which are not adequately addressed by conventional methods.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic particle imaging system and method that utilizes a magnetic selection field with specific field strength patterns, combined with magnetic excitation and reception, and employs processor-based deconvolution operations to calculate the system function and reconstruct images efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a method using actual measurement with a point-like calibration sample is used to obtain the system function, then the system function can be obtained, but it requires an enormous amount of time to measure at each point to achieve sufficient SN ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a numerical model to create a virtual copy of the calibration sample with known spatial distribution of magnetic particles. This numerical model serves as a reference to calculate the system function through deconvolution operations, eliminating the need for time-consuming actual measurements at each point while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical measurement process (physically moving a calibration sample through the examination region and measuring at each point) with a computational approach using numerical models and deconvolution algorithms. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required to obtain the system function while maintaining accuracy.
2Loss of time
If a method using numerical calculation with spatial symmetry is used to obtain the system function, then the measurement time is reduced, but it cannot handle system function skewness caused by manufacturing errors, resulting in artifacts and reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly accounts for asymmetry and skewness in the system function by using a numerical model that incorporates the actual spatial distribution of magnetic particles in the calibration sample. This allows the system to handle manufacturing errors and deviations from ideal symmetry, producing accurate reconstructed images without artifacts while maintaining fast calculation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs deconvolution operations that use the numerical model as feedback to correct and refine the system function calculation. By iteratively comparing the numerical model with actual measurement data and adjusting the system function accordingly, the method handles manufacturing errors and maintains high image quality while keeping computation time short.
3Productivity
If the system function is obtained quickly using numerical methods, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing errors and skewness cause artifacts that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations using a numerical model of the calibration sample's spatial distribution before actual measurements are taken. This preliminary action establishes a baseline system function that can be quickly refined during actual measurements, maintaining high productivity while ensuring image quality by accounting for manufacturing errors from the outset.
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 rapid acquisition of the system function and production of high-quality reconstructed images, reducing artifacts and improving spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a selector to generate a magnetic selection field having a spatial pattern of magnetic field strength to form in the examination region a first partial region having a low magnetic field strength and a second partial region having a higher magnetic field strength
Implementation Method 2
an exciter to provide a magnetic excitation field to change magnetization of the magnetic particles present in the magnetic selection field
Implementation Method 3
a receiver to receive as a detection signal a change in magnetization of the magnetic particles excited by the magnetic excitation field
Data Source
AI summary
A processor calculates a system function by a first deconvolution operation based on a set of a first detection signal obtained while a calibration sample is disposed in an examination region and a numerical model of a spatial distribution of magnetic particles included in the calibration sample. The processor obtains a spatial distribution of magnetic particles included in an examination sample by a second deconvolution operation based on a set of a second detection signal obtained while the examination sample is disposed in the examination region and the system function.