MR Movement Detection via Frequency Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is affected by patient movement during recording periods, leading to suboptimal image quality, as existing methods poorly suppress external and internal movements like breathing and heartbeats, necessitating a method to accurately detect and manage movement information within the examination region.
Innovation Solution
A method using a magnetic resonance apparatus that generates an electromagnetic signal outside the reception frequency range, interacts with the examination region, and modulates it to create a signal within the reception frequency range, allowing for accurate detection and processing of movement information using a processor, which can be implemented with minimal modifications to existing MR systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electromagnetic signal with frequency outside the reception frequency range is generated and interacted with the examination region, then movement information can be detected, but the signal cannot be directly received by the reception circuit
Solution Approach 1:
A modulator is introduced as an intermediary device that receives the electromagnetic signal from the examination region and converts it to a modulated signal with frequency within the reception frequency range. This mediator enables the high-frequency signal containing movement information to be processed by the existing reception circuit without direct connection, resolving the frequency mismatch while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency parameter of the electromagnetic signal is changed through modulation. The modulator shifts the signal frequency from outside the reception frequency range to within it, allowing the same reception circuit to handle both the original high-frequency signal (for movement detection) and the modulated signal (for processing) by changing the frequency parameter.
2Manufacturing precision
If the recording period lasts several seconds to several minutes for MR imaging, then sufficient image data can be acquired, but patient movement significantly affects image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the electromagnetic signal from the examination region throughout the recording period to detect patient movement in real-time. This feedback information is then used to trigger repositioning actions or adjust imaging parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains image quality despite the extended recording duration necessary for sufficient data acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of patient movement using the electromagnetic signal before the movement significantly degrades image quality. By detecting movement early in the recording period, the system can trigger repositioning or parameter adjustment in advance, preventing rather than merely correcting image degradation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modulator is added to generate modulated signals from electromagnetic signals, then movement information can be transmitted within the reception frequency range, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modulator is designed to handle multiple functions: it receives electromagnetic signals from the examination region, detects movement information, performs frequency modulation to bring signals within the reception frequency range, and transmits the modulated signals. This multi-functional approach increases adaptability while minimizing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
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 enables precise and stable determination of patient movement information, improving image quality by allowing for triggered control and correction of movement effects, with the ability to detect both external and internal movements without requiring significant changes to the MR apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic signal is generated that has a frequency outside of the reception frequency range of the reception circuit, and this electromagnetic signal interacts with at least some of the examination region, thereby causing the electromagnetic signal to undergo a modification
Implementation Method 2
The modulated signal is transmitted to the reception circuit, and then to a processor or computer
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and a magnetic resonance apparatus for generating movement information relating to an examination region of a patient, a reception circuit is provided that receives MR signals within a reception frequency range. An electromagnetic signal is generated that has a first frequency that is outside the reception frequency range of the reception circuit, and that interacts with at least some of the examination region, so the electromagnetic signal undergoes a modification. A modulated signal based on the modified first signal is generated that has a frequency within the reception frequency range. The modulated signal is transmitted to the reception circuit, and is forwarded to a computer, wherein movement information is determined based on the modulated signal.