MR Scanner Coil Identification Protocol Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing magnetic resonance examination systems face challenges in efficiently selecting the correct measurement protocols due to the time-consuming and error-prone process of choosing protocols that match specific coil types, leading to potential SNR losses and unnecessary measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves providing coil identification information to automatically select and display only relevant measurement protocols on the system's control device, using a unique identification code read from the connected radio-frequency coils, which reduces user interaction and minimizes incorrect protocol selection by linking coil information with corresponding protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If measurement protocols are manually selected by the user, then the user can choose from all available protocols, but the selection process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting the coil type and selecting the appropriate measurement protocol without user intervention. The control device reads coil identification information and autonomously determines the optimal protocol, eliminating the time-consuming manual selection process while ensuring correct protocol-coil matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from coil identification information to automatically select measurement protocols. The control device receives feedback about the connected coil type and adjusts the protocol selection accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the specific coil configuration and prevents incorrect protocol selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all measurement protocols are displayed to the user, then complete protocol options are available, but the user interface becomes complex and overwhelming
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and displays only the measurement protocols that are relevant to the detected coil type, removing irrelevant protocols from the user interface. This selective display approach maintains protocol availability for the specific coil while significantly reducing interface complexity and helping users avoid selection errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface applies local quality by customizing the displayed protocols based on the specific coil type detected. Instead of a uniform display for all coils, the interface adapts to show only locally relevant protocols for the current coil configuration, making the interface simpler and more context-appropriate.
3Productivity
If incorrect measurement protocols are selected, then measurements can still be performed, but signal-to-noise ratio is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically selecting the correct measurement protocol before the actual measurement process begins. By pre-matching the protocol to the coil type using coil identification information, the system ensures optimal measurement parameters are in place before data acquisition, preventing SNR degradation that would result from protocol-mismatch.
4Reliability
If prior knowledge is required from the user for protocol selection, then accurate selection is possible, but the system becomes less accessible to users without expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the correct measurement protocol based on coil identification information, eliminating the need for users to have prior knowledge or expertise. The control device autonomously matches protocols to coil types, making the system equally accessible to both expert and novice users while maintaining high selection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In a magnetic resonance (MR) apparatus and an operating method therefor, the scanner of the MR apparatus has at least one connector for connecting a radio-frequency coil, as well as a control computer with a display screen. Connection of a radio-frequency coil to the connector causes at least one item of coil identification information, and selection of at least one measurement protocol from among a number of measurement protocols for recording magnetic resonance signals with the connected coil to be made by the control computer as a function of the at least one item of coil identification information.