MR Image Correction via Reception Profile Symmetrization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging systems face challenges in achieving homogeneous signal distribution due to local variations in the radio-frequency field, leading to asymmetries in reconstructed images, which can result in false medical indications or reduced image quality, especially at high field strengths like 3 tesla.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to determine the reception profile of a magnetic resonance scanner's antenna before data acquisition, allowing for the creation of a correction function to symmetrize the reception profile with respect to a symmetry plane, thereby correcting asymmetries caused by reception coil inhomogeneities while preserving true anatomical asymmetries. This method involves determining the reception profile, calculating a correction function, and applying it to the image data during post-processing to ensure symmetric signal distribution without altering the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high field strength (3 tesla or more) is used in MR measurements, then image resolution and signal strength are improved, but local variations in the radio-frequency field cause inhomogeneities in signal distribution and asymmetries in reconstructed images
Solution Approach 1:
The invention determines the reception profile of the reception antenna before actual image acquisition and calculates correction functions in advance. This preliminary characterization of the antenna's asymmetric reception behavior allows for pre-computation of correction factors that will be applied during image reconstruction, thereby eliminating asymmetries without affecting the measurement process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention modifies the image data by applying correction functions that compensate for the asymmetric reception profile. These correction functions adjust the signal intensities in the reconstructed image based on the predetermined reception characteristics, effectively changing the parameter distribution to achieve symmetry while preserving the underlying anatomical information.
2Productivity
If conventional image processing is used without correction, then measurement time is kept short, but asymmetries caused by reception coil inhomogeneities lead to false medical indications
Solution Approach 1:
The reception profile determination and correction function calculation are performed once in advance, separate from the actual diagnostic measurement. This preliminary setup allows rapid correction to be applied during routine examinations without extending measurement time, while significantly improving diagnostic reliability by eliminating false asymmetries.
3Manufacturing precision
If the reception profile is determined and correction functions are calculated, then asymmetries in image data are corrected, but additional processing time and complexity are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex hardware modifications or multiple reception coils with a computational approach. By using mathematical correction functions applied to the image data, the system achieves symmetry correction without requiring physical changes to the antenna or additional measurement sequences, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for correcting image data acquired by an image data acquisition scanner of a magnetic resonance system, a reception profile of a reception antenna of the magnetic resonance scanner is determined. A correction function is determined by which an asymmetry of the reception profile with respect to a symmetry plane is corrected. Furthermore, image data are received and corrected by multiplying the intensity values of the image data with the determined correction function.