Automatic Start Time Adjustment in Multi-Phase MR Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for setting timelines in multi-temporal-phase scans in medical imaging, such as MR or CT scans, often require manual adjustments by operators to maintain consistent delay times and start points, increasing operator workload when scan times change due to parameter variations.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based system that creates a modified timeline by maintaining the start points of certain scans constant while adjusting the delay times and scan times of other scans, ensuring consistent data acquisition across varying scan conditions without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the scan time is modified based on parameter values specified by the operator, then the scan resolution and quality are improved, but the delay times and start points in time defined in the timeline are modified automatically, increasing operator workload
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when scan time modification would affect critical delay times or start points, and proactively preserves those timing parameters without requiring operator intervention. The processor monitors the timeline parameters and autonomously decides which values to maintain, making the system self-correcting rather than requiring manual re-adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors the relationship between scan time, delay times, and start points. When scan time changes are detected, the system evaluates their impact on timing parameters and automatically adjusts or preserves values based on predefined criteria, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to parameter changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the delay times and start points in time are automatically modified according to scan time, then the timeline adapts to scan duration changes, but the operator loses control over critical timing parameters that should remain fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different modification rules to different parts of the timeline based on their importance. Critical parameters such as delay times between arterial phase scans and start points of portal and equilibrium phase scans are marked for preservation, while other non-critical timing parameters are allowed to adjust automatically with scan time changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines which timeline parameters to preserve and which to modify based on the type of scan and phase being performed. The processor evaluates each timing parameter in context, making real-time decisions about preservation versus adjustment rather than applying a static rule to all parameters.
3Measurement precision
If manual re-modification of delay times and start points is required after automatic modification, then precise timing control is achieved, but the workload and time consumption for operators increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary preservation of critical timing parameters before the actual scan execution. By pre-identifying and protecting important delay times and start points during the timeline creation phase, the system eliminates the need for subsequent manual adjustments, saving operator time while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An MR apparatus creating a timeline suitable for data acquisition in several temporal phases. The MR apparatus including a method for creating a timeline TL2 having a scan time of TS1 based on a reference timeline TL0 having a scan time of TS. The method setting start points in time of scans SC1, SC3 and SC4 in the timeline TL2 to the same points in time as those in the reference timeline TL0, respectively. The method also setting the start point in time of the scan SC2 in the timeline TL2 to a sum of the scan time TS1 and a delay time TD1 with respect to the scan SC1 in the timeline TL2.