MR Data Distortion Reduction via Multi-Position Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance (MR) systems face challenges in achieving high spatial precision outside the limited field of view due to distortions caused by inhomogeneities in the basic magnetic field and non-linearities of gradient fields, particularly at the edge regions, which complicates distortion correction and limits accurate imaging in applications like MR-PET hybrid systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving positioning the object at two different axial positions within the MR system to acquire first and second MR data, allowing for the determination of distortion-reduced data by canceling out the effects of inhomogeneities and non-linearities, thereby reducing spatial imprecision in MR images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the field of view is extended to include edge regions of the tunnel, then more anatomical structures can be imaged, but spatial precision deteriorates due to magnetic field inhomogeneities and gradient non-linearities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent acquires MR data at multiple axial positions (different z-coordinates) to capture the same radial subarea from different dimensional perspectives. By combining data from these different axial positions, the system achieves both extended radial coverage and improved spatial precision through multi-dimensional data integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the axial position parameter to acquire data at multiple positions along the longitudinal axis. This parameter variation allows the same radial subarea to be imaged from different axial perspectives, enabling distortion correction through comparative analysis of data acquired at different positions
2Measurement precision
If distortion correction algorithms are applied to data from edge regions, then spatial precision can be improved, but the complexity of the correction process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data acquisition at multiple axial positions before distortion correction is needed. By having redundant data from different axial positions available in advance, the correction process can select and combine appropriate data without requiring complex real-time correction algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates multiple copies of the same radial subarea data at different axial positions. These copies serve as reference data that can be compared and combined to correct distortions, avoiding the need for complex correction algorithms by using redundant measured data instead
3Measurement precision
If multiple distortion correction methods are combined to achieve high spatial precision, then measurement accuracy improves, but the processing time and computational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the computationally intensive data acquisition at multiple axial positions in advance, during the scanning phase. This shifts the computational burden from the correction phase to the acquisition phase, allowing faster correction processing later by simply selecting and combining pre-acquired data from the appropriate axial position
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to a method for determining distortion-reduced magnetic resonance data in a subarea of a magnetic resonance system located along a radial direction of the magnetic resonance system at the edge of a field of view of the magnetic resonance system. The method includes positioning the object to be examined at a first and a second position along an axial direction of the magnetic resonance system and acquiring first magnetic resonance data in the subarea at the first position and acquiring second magnetic resonance data in the same subarea at the second position. The method also includes determining distortion-reduced magnetic resonance data based on the first and second magnetic resonance data.