Local Coil Positioning via Magnetic Field Sensors in MR Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of local coils in magnetic resonance tomography (MR) systems are inefficient and require an initial overview MR image, limiting flexibility and precision, especially when the coils need to be positioned outside the magnet's homogeneity region.
Innovation Solution
A position determination device using magnetic field strength sensors to measure the static magnetic field, allowing for precise localization of local coils without the need for an initial overview MR image, enabling positioning at any point outside the magnet's homogeneity region and accommodating variations in coil orientation and patient positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an overview MR image is used to determine coil position, then the position can be determined, but the method is inefficient and requires an initial imaging sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the MR imaging-based position determination method with a magnetic field strength sensor-based method. Instead of using the MR system's imaging capability to locate coils, the invention uses external magnetic field sensors (such as Hall sensors) to measure the static magnetic field distribution and calculate coil positions directly, eliminating the need for time-consuming overview images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field strength sensors as an intermediary measurement tool. These sensors act as mediators between the coil positions and the control system, providing direct position information through magnetic field measurements without requiring the MR imaging sequence to first generate overview images for analysis.
2Measurement precision
If coil position is determined using overview MR image, then position information is obtained, but precision is limited especially outside the magnet's homogeneity region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the position determination method universally applicable across the entire patient bed range, both inside and outside the magnet's homogeneity region. By using magnetic field strength sensors that can measure the static field distribution anywhere in the measurement region, the system achieves consistent positioning capability regardless of whether the coil is positioned within or outside the homogeneity zone, unlike the image-based method that relies on visible anatomy and signal quality.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic field strength sensors are used to measure static magnetic field, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs the MR system's own static magnetic field (H0 field) as the measurement medium. The system uses the existing, stable magnetic field that is already present in the MR environment, rather than requiring external active field generation equipment. This self-service approach leverages the MR system's inherent magnetic field properties to enable precise positioning without adding complex external field generation hardware.
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 solution allows for rapid, precise, and flexible positioning of local coils at any point on the patient bed, independent of the magnet's homogeneity region, reducing measurement complexity and improving workflow efficiency, even when the MR system is in 'push button' mode or with coils covered.
Implementation Method 1
with at least one magnetic field strength sensor to measure a field strength of a magnetic field of the magnetic resonance tomography apparatus at least one location
Data Source
AI summary
In a device and a method to determine the position of at least one local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus, the field strength of a magnetic field is measured at multiple locations with at least one magnetic field strength sensor, and the position of the local coil (6) is determined based on the field strength measured at multiple locations.