MR Scanner Gradient Coil Auto-Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MR scanning protocols require manual configuration by a technician, leading to high labor costs and inefficient operations due to the need for on-site assistance when changing gradient coils, and potential damage to the coils from improper scanning parameters.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for automatically determining the type of gradient coil connected to an MR device and generating a compatible target scanning protocol based on user-inputted initial protocols, using a processing device to determine the compatibility and adjust system parameters, thereby avoiding manual configuration and potential damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of scanning parameters is performed by a technician, then the gradient coil can be properly configured to prevent damage, but labor costs increase and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegradient coil safetyVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the gradient coil type and configures scanning parameters without requiring technician intervention. The processing device determines coil type information from the connected gradient coil and autonomously generates appropriate scanning protocols, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating manual configuration steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of technician configuration is replaced by an automated electronic system. The processing device uses electronic detection and data processing to identify gradient coil type and automatically generate scanning parameters, substituting human manual operations with automated computational processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a technician is required to be on-site for gradient coil replacement and configuration, then proper system setup is ensured, but time consumption and operational efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem configuration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The MR device automatically detects gradient coil type information and configures scanning parameters without requiring external technician assistance. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-configuration, eliminating the need for on-site technical personnel and significantly reducing configuration time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-prepares scanning protocols for different gradient coil types and automatically selects and configures the appropriate protocol based on detected coil type information. This preliminary preparation of multiple protocols allows instant configuration without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If scanning parameters are manually configured, then compatibility with specific gradient coils can be ensured, but the process becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processing device automatically detects gradient coil type information and autonomously determines compatible scanning parameters without requiring user input or manual configuration. The system self-adapts to the connected gradient coil type and generates appropriate protocols automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains a library of scanning protocols compatible with multiple gradient coil types and automatically selects the appropriate protocol based on detected coil type information. This universal approach allows the system to work with different coil types using a single automated configuration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240345194A1Methods and systems for configuring magnetic resonance (MR) scanning protocols
Publication Date: 2024.10.17 WUHAN UNITED IMAGING LIFE SCIENCE INSTRUMENT CO LTD
  • US20240345194A1 patent drawing
  • US20240345194A1 patent drawing
  • US20240345194A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and a system for configuring an MR scanning protocol, wherein after determining a first gradient coil type currently connected to the MR device and at least one second gradient coil type applicable to an initial scan protocol input by a user, a target scanning protocol is determined based on the first gradient coil type, the at least one second gradient coil type, and the initial scan protocol.