Automated MR Scanning Range Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for multi-station magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the manual planning required for positioning patients to record partial images, which can lead to spatial distortions and limit the accuracy of subsequent medical diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for MR imaging that uses a processor to determine scanning ranges based on an overview image of the patient, ensuring each scanning range includes at least one anatomic region, with lengths adjusted to match the longest range in each direction, allowing for precise positioning and composition of an overall image with minimal distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual planning is used for positioning patients in multi-station MR imaging, then flexibility in customizing scanning ranges is maintained, but planning time increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines scanning ranges by processing overview images and identifying anatomical regions, eliminating the need for manual planning by medical personnel. The automated algorithm independently performs the entire planning process, from image acquisition to scanning range definition, thereby reducing both time consumption and human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of planning and positioning is replaced by an automated computer-based system. The processor automatically analyzes overview images, identifies anatomical structures, and calculates optimal scanning ranges, substituting human expertise with computational algorithms that provide consistent and reproducible results.
2Productivity
If scanning ranges are manually determined, then adaptability to individual patient needs is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated analysis of the overview image to identify all anatomical regions and determine optimal scanning ranges before the actual imaging process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex manual planning during the imaging procedure, streamlining the entire workflow and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts scanning parameters such as scanning ranges, positioning coordinates, and imaging parameters based on the analyzed overview image. This automated parameter adjustment eliminates manual intervention and simplifies the planning process while maintaining adaptability to individual patient anatomical variations.
3Reliability
If automated scanning range determination is implemented, then planning time is reduced and reproducibility is improved, but image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the processed overview image is continuously analyzed to verify and adjust scanning range determinations. This feedback loop ensures that automated decisions align with anatomical realities, maintaining image quality while achieving consistent reproducibility across different scans and operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts scanning parameters based on real-time analysis of the overview image, allowing flexible adaptation to individual patient anatomical variations. This dynamic approach maintains high image quality by automatically optimizing scanning ranges for each patient while ensuring reproducible protocols through consistent algorithmic application.
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 reduces planning time, minimizes errors, and enhances the reproducibility of MR images, making multi-station MR imaging more efficient and cost-effective while maintaining high image quality.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic moments (spins) of nuclei are deflected from their rest position (which typically lies parallel to a basic magnetic field of several Tesla) by irradiating radio-frequency (RF) pulses, and the signal emitted during relaxation of the spins is used for imaging
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for automatic magnetic resonance imaging of a patient, an MR overall image is composed from several MR partial images. An MR overview image is received by a process that determines several scanning ranges based on the MR overview image. The MR scanning ranges are characterized by a length along a first direction. For all MR scanning ranges: the length along the first direction is set equal to the length of the longest MR scanning range in the first direction.