Magnetic Resonance Coil Mode Selection via Sensitivity Map
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance apparatuses face limitations in selecting the optimal combination of coil elements for scanning due to fixed coil installation positions, increased operator workload, and sensitivity changes caused by deformable coils, leading to prolonged imaging times and suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance apparatus and method that automatically selects a coil mode by preparing a sensitivity map based on data from a candidate coil mode, allowing for quick selection of the most suitable coil configuration for scanning, regardless of coil deformation, thereby reducing operator workload and imaging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed coil installation position is used, then the coil structure is simple, but the number of usable coils is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic coil selection by allowing the coil installation position to vary based on subject characteristics. The system can adaptively choose from multiple coil positions (first installation position and second installation position) depending on the subject's body shape and scanning requirements, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic, adaptable configuration that maintains simplicity while increasing versatility.
2Measurement precision
If a positioning sensor is used to detect coil position, then coil selection accuracy is improved, but operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically determining the appropriate coil installation position based on pre-stored subject information and scanning requirements. The control unit automatically selects between first and second installation positions without requiring operator intervention or manual positioning sensor operation, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing operator workload.
3Adaptability or versatility
If deformable coils are used, then adaptability to different body shapes is improved, but sensitivity becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing reference sensitivity values for each coil element at predetermined installation positions before actual scanning. When scanning, the system uses these pre-stored reference values to normalize the actual sensitivity measurements, compensating for deformations and maintaining stable sensitivity values even when the deformable coil changes shape to adapt to different body forms.
4Measurement precision
If all coil modes are scanned to prepare sensitivity maps, then sensitivity map accuracy is improved, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial action by selecting and scanning only the necessary coil modes based on pre-stored subject information and scanning requirements. Instead of scanning all possible coil modes, the control unit identifies and scans only the relevant coil elements (first coil elements and/or second coil elements) needed for the specific scanning task, thereby maintaining sufficient sensitivity map accuracy while significantly reducing imaging time.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance apparatus configured to select a coil mode that includes a combination of coil elements to be used when a subject is scanned from within a plurality of coil elements and configured to execute a predetermined scan for acquiring data on the subject using the selected coil mode is provided. The magnetic resonance apparatus includes a coil device having n coil modes, a selecting unit configured to select, from within the n coil modes, a candidate for the selected coil mode, a scanning unit configured to execute a first scan for acquiring the data on the subject using the candidate, and a sensitivity map preparing unit configured to prepare a sensitivity map of the candidate based on data obtained by the first scan.