Magnetic Resonance k-Space Scanning Density Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging techniques face challenges in efficiently recording k-space data, particularly in parallel imaging, where aliasing artifacts occur due to incomplete data acquisition, necessitating additional calibration measurements and prolonged scan times.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a blipped CAIPIRINHA sequence with varying scanning densities in the ky- and kz-directions, allowing for segmented data acquisition without the need for additional calibration measurements by recording more data than required, thereby enabling efficient k-space scanning and reducing aliasing artifacts through GRAPPA reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parallel imaging is used to reduce measurement time, then productivity is improved, but aliasing artifacts occur due to incomplete k-space data acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides k-space into multiple segments (first area with first scanning density, second area with second scanning density, third area with third scanning density) and acquires data from different segments using different reception coils simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel imaging to reduce measurement time while maintaining complete k-space coverage through multi-segment reconstruction, thereby reducing aliasing artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the segment dimension to the traditional parallel imaging approach. Instead of only utilizing spatial distribution of reception coils, it adds temporal/segment distribution, where different segments are acquired by different coils. This dimensional expansion enables more efficient parallel acquisition while ensuring complete k-space sampling through multi-segment data combination.
2Productivity
If segmented measurement is used to acquire k-space data, then measurement time is reduced, but additional calibration measurements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration data acquisition with the actual image data acquisition by using the same multi-segment parallel imaging process. The reception coils simultaneously acquire both calibration information (from segments with lower priority) and image data (from segments with higher priority), merging two previously separate measurement processes into one unified acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the reception coils serve multiple functions: they simultaneously perform calibration measurement and image data acquisition. Each coil contributes to both calibration data (for reconstruction) and actual image data, eliminating the need for dedicated calibration measurement time and making the measurement system universally applicable to both calibration and imaging tasks.
3Ease of operation
If uniform scanning density is used across all k-space areas, then acquisition is simplified, but efficiency is reduced due to redundant data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different scanning densities to different local areas of k-space: the first area uses a first scanning density, the second area uses a second scanning density, and the third area uses a third scanning density. This local differentiation optimizes data acquisition by collecting more data in areas requiring higher resolution and fewer data points in areas where lower resolution suffices, thereby improving overall efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial sampling in certain k-space areas (using lower scanning density in the first and third areas) while maintaining complete or higher-density sampling in the second area. This partial action approach acquires only the necessary amount of data for each region, avoiding redundant data collection and improving acquisition efficiency.
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 approach allows for improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and complete k-space scanning, reducing the need for additional calibration data and minimizing aliasing artifacts, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of magnetic resonance dataset recording.
Implementation Method 1
In magnetic resonance (MR) tomography, radio-frequency (RF) pulses are used to produce magnetic resonance signals as measurement signals
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for recording a magnetic resonance dataset with a number of reception coils, wherein the measurement signals of the magnetic resonance dataset contain measurement signals from at least two slices, the measurement signals are recorded segmented by the measurement signals being recorded in a first area of k-space with a first scanning density and in a second area of k-space with a second scanning density.