MR Imaging Coil Shape Adaptation via Patient Geometry Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MR imaging devices lack an efficient method for autonomously adapting coils to optimize image quality, which is crucial for effective patient imaging without requiring hazardous X-Rays.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and apparatus that utilize shape data of a patient to generate control signals for pre-forming and adapting the position and shape of coils, mattresses, and dielectric pads, allowing for autonomous adjustment based on imaging data feedback, thereby enhancing image quality and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coil adaptation is performed manually inside the MRI bore, then operator control is maintained, but productivity is reduced and operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil adaptation system performs self-adjustment using automated actuators that modify coil position and shape based on patient geometry data and imaging feedback, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention during the adaptation process
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-adapts the coil to the patient's body geometry before imaging begins by calculating optimal coil configuration from patient shape data and automatically positioning the coil, so that the coil is ready for imaging without requiring manual adjustment inside the bore
2Productivity
If coil pre-forming is performed outside the MRI bore, then productivity increases and patient training time is reduced, but additional positioning steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coil is pre-formed and pre-positioned outside the MRI bore using patient geometry data from CT or MRI scans, so that when the coil enters the bore it is already configured to match the patient's body shape, reducing positioning complexity during actual imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses imaging data feedback to continuously evaluate coil position and shape, automatically adjusting coil parameters based on measured imaging quality to maintain optimal configuration without manual intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If manual coil adaptation is performed, then operator judgment is utilized, but image quality may be inconsistent and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors imaging data to evaluate coil position and shape accuracy, using this feedback to automatically adjust coil parameters and maintain optimal imaging quality consistent with the highest precision standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment by operators with automated actuator systems that precisely control coil position and shape based on computational algorithms and imaging feedback, eliminating human variability
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a method for adapting at least one coil of an MR imaging device, the method comprising the steps: providing, by means of a processor, shape data of a patient (S100); calculating and generating, by means of the processor, a control signal for adapting the at least one coil of the MR imaging device based on the provided shape data of the patient (S200), wherein the generated control signal is configured for adapting a position of said coil to a target position and for adapting a shape of said coil to a target shape; adapting, by means of the processor, the position and the shape of said coil based on the generated control signal (S300); receiving, by means of the processor, current imaging data of the patient from the MR imaging device using the adapted coil (S400); evaluating, by means of the processor, the position and shape of said coil based on the received imaging data and determining an evaluation result (S500).