Magnetic Resonance Image Correction Using Navigator Data and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices experience heating issues due to gradient coil operation, leading to deviations in Larmor frequency and temperature-related artifacts in reconstructed images, which impair image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acquisition of first and second navigator data, along with temperature measurements, to correct image data by determining temperature values and applying these corrections to the image data using a computer unit, thereby reducing temperature-related artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If gradient coil unit operates to generate magnetic field gradients for spatial encoding, then image data acquisition is enabled, but temperature increases causing Larmor frequency deviation and image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring navigator data before and after the main image data acquisition to detect temperature-dependent changes in advance. The first navigator data is acquired before image data, and the second navigator data is acquired after, allowing the system to measure temperature drift effects (Larmor frequency changes, echo position shifts) and apply corrections to the acquired image data, thereby preventing temperature-related artifacts from degrading image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using navigator data to continuously monitor temperature-dependent parameter changes (such as Larmor frequency shifts and echo position drifts) during the imaging process. The system compares the first and second navigator data to detect changes, then uses this feedback information to correct the image data, creating a closed-loop system that actively compensates for temperature effects rather than passively suffering from them
2Productivity
If gradient coil unit is operated continuously for image acquisition, then productivity is improved, but temperature-related artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces navigator data as an intermediary element that mediates between the gradient coil operation and the image quality. The navigator data serves as a separate measurement channel that detects temperature-dependent changes without requiring interruption of the main imaging sequence. This intermediary allows the system to monitor and correct for temperature effects while maintaining continuous gradient coil operation, thus preserving productivity while eliminating artifacts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by measuring and correcting for changes in temperature-dependent parameters (Larmor frequency, echo position, phase) rather than attempting to maintain constant physical conditions. Instead of trying to keep the gradient coil temperature constant, the system allows temperature to change during operation but compensates for the resulting parameter changes through navigator-based detection and correction, enabling continuous operation without artifact degradation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the reconstruction of magnetic resonance images with fewer temperature-related artifacts, improving image quality by correcting temperature-dependent effects such as echo position drifts and phase changes.
Implementation Method 1
For spatially encoding the image data, magnetic field gradients, (e.g., frequency and phase encoding gradients), are generated during the acquisition of the image data by a gradient coil unit
Implementation Method 2
In particular, the magnetic resonance device may be heated by the operation of the gradient coil unit
Implementation Method 3
For instance, heating a main magnet of the magnetic resonance device may change the Larmor frequency
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for correcting image data acquired by a magnetic resonance device, a magnetic resonance device, and a computer program product. According to the method, first navigator data, image data, and second navigator data are acquired. Moreover, temperature values of the magnetic resonance device are determined. The image data is corrected based on the first navigator data, the second navigator data, and the temperature values.