MR Localizer Slice Generation via 3D Volume Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance systems face difficulties in efficiently generating localizer slice images for examination planning, particularly in whole-body examinations, as they require acquiring images in three orthogonal planes, leading to complex and time-consuming planning processes due to the lack of an overview of adjacent or entire body regions during the planning phase.
Innovation Solution
A method that acquires 3D volume image data for the entire examination volume in a first designated plane orientation, allowing for the generation of two-dimensional representations, enabling the selection of desired examination regions and calculation of missing orthogonal slice images, thereby reducing data acquisition repetitions and examination time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If localizer slice images are acquired in three orthogonal planes for examination planning, then complete orientation information is obtained, but examination time and data acquisition repetitions increase
Solution Approach 1:
A 3D volume image data set of the entire examination volume is acquired in advance in a first designated plane orientation (e.g., axial plane) before the actual examination. This preliminary 3D data set enables subsequent generation of localizer slice images in all three orthogonal planes (axial, coronal, sagittal) through computational reconstruction, eliminating the need for separate data acquisitions for each plane and providing complete orientation information upfront.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from acquiring data in multiple separate 2D planes to acquiring a single 3D volume data set. By obtaining the entire examination volume in one 3D acquisition and then computationally generating 2D representations in any desired orientation, the system achieves comprehensive multi-planar viewing capability without repeating data acquisition, thus reducing examination time while maintaining complete orientation information.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple data acquisitions are performed for different examination regions, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but patient residence time in the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D volume image data set acquired in the first designated plane orientation serves multiple functions: it provides comprehensive coverage of the entire examination volume, enables generation of localizer slice images in all three orthogonal planes, and allows selective extraction of any region of interest. This single multi-functional data acquisition replaces multiple separate acquisitions for different regions and orientations, reducing patient residence time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The entire examination volume is acquired in advance as a 3D volume data set, which then serves as the foundation for all subsequent examination planning and region selections. This preliminary comprehensive acquisition eliminates the need for multiple sequential data acquisitions for different regions, as any region can be extracted and analyzed from the pre-acquired 3D data, thereby reducing patient residence time.
3Measurement precision
If only the current examination region is shown in planning images, then image detail is maintained, but operator orientation and overview capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the 3D volume image data set to generate 2D representations that can display the entire examination volume in any of the three orthogonal planes. This allows the operator to view the complete examination volume with proper spatial orientation and context, while still maintaining the ability to extract and examine specific regions of interest in detail when needed, thus improving operator orientation without sacrificing image detail capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and magnetic resonance (MR) system for generation of localizer slice images of an examination volume of a subject for MR examination planning, such as for a whole-body examination of a patient, the localizer slice images being in three orthogonal planes, image data for the entire examination volume and acquired in the form of a family of individual, plane-parallel slice images in a first designated plane orientation for generation of a 3D volume image data set, a two-dimensional coronal or sagittal representation of the entire examination volume in the first designated plane is generated using the slice image family and is output to a monitor, for following image data acquisitions, of a desired examination region is selected in the representation of the entire examination volume on the monitor and is represented on the monitor as a localizer slice image for the first plane and the second and third localizer slice images in the two further orthogonal planes are determined using the 3D volume image data of the selected examination region, and are represented on the monitor.