MR Protocol Conversion for MRI Backward Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance measurement protocols generated for new software versions are not compatible with older systems, limiting their use across different software versions within magnetic resonance systems.

Innovation Solution

A method for converting MR measurement protocols from new to old software versions through syntactic and semantic conversion, using conversion rules to adapt parameter values and dependencies, ensuring semantic correctness and compatibility with older systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an MR measurement protocol is generated for a new software version, then the protocol utilizes features and optimizations of the new software version, but the protocol cannot be used with older software versions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibility across software versionsVSAvoidsemantic correctness of parameter values

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion process is segmented into two distinct phases: syntactic conversion (adapting parameter names and structure) and semantic conversion (adapting parameter values and dependencies). This segmentation allows each phase to focus on specific aspects of compatibility, resolving the contradiction between broad adaptability and semantic correctness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A conversion rule set acts as an intermediary between the new software version protocol and the old software version requirements. These rules mediate the transformation by providing mapping relationships for parameter names, valid values, and dependencies, enabling compatibility while preserving semantic correctness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If parameter values are automatically changed during conversion, then compatibility with older software versions is achieved, but manual verification and adjustment of parameter values becomes unnecessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic protocol conversionVSAvoidparameter dependency relationships

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The semantic conversion process incorporates feedback mechanisms where conversion rules are applied iteratively, checking parameter values against valid ranges and dependencies for the target software version. This feedback loop ensures that parameter dependency relationships are maintained while achieving automatic compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Conversion rules are pre-configured with knowledge of valid parameter values and dependencies for the old software version. This preliminary action allows the system to automatically adjust parameter values during conversion without losing critical dependency relationships, as the rules already encode this information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conversion rules are applied to adapt parameter names and values, then syntactic compatibility is achieved, but the complexity of the conversion process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol portability between versionsVSAvoidconversion process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion rule set serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maps parameter names between versions, validates parameter values against dependency rules, and ensures semantic correctness. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate conversion mechanisms, managing complexity while achieving broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If user protocols are converted when MRI scanner software is updated, then protocols remain consistent with the current software version, but protocols cannot be used across different software versions on multiple scanners

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol consistency with software versionVSAvoidprotocol reusability across scanners

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of converting protocols only forward from old to new versions, the system enables bidirectional conversion by applying the same conversion rule infrastructure in reverse. This inversion allows protocols to be converted from new to old versions, enabling protocol reusability across different software versions on multiple scanners while maintaining consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3800480B1Mr measurement protocol conversion

Publication Date: 2023.11.29 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to the conversion of an MR measurement protocol (1) which specifies parameters with associated parameter values that configure a measurement using a new software version of a first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system. The method comprises the following steps: Syntactic conversion (2) of the MR measurement protocol (1), wherein the structure of the measurement protocol (1) is adapted to an older software version of a second MRI system (10). Semantic conversion (4) of the syntactically converted MR measurement protocol by taking into account dependencies of parameter values of certain parameters of the syntactically converted MR measurement protocol with respect to the older software version.