Magnetic Resonance Actuation Sequence Parameter Categorization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic resonance actuation sequences require manual and iterative adjustments of multiple properties to adapt to individual patients and examination needs, which is inefficient and can lead to hardware limitations causing sequence abortion or failure to start.

Innovation Solution

A method that categorizes specified parameters into predefined categories to automatically determine boundary conditions, allowing for efficient adaptation of pulse properties within those constraints, ensuring the sequence can be activated by the magnetic resonance device without exceeding hardware limits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual and iterative adjustments of multiple properties are made to adapt magnetic resonance actuation sequences to individual patients and examination needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient and examination needsVSAvoidcomplexity of sequence adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by automatically adjusting multiple sequence parameters (such as TR, TE, flip angles, echo train length) based on a single user-specified parameter. The system calculates optimal values for numerous other parameters algorithmically, transforming a complex multi-parameter manual adjustment process into a simple single-parameter input process, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically determining boundary conditions and adjusting sequence parameters without requiring manual intervention for each parameter. The processor autonomously calculates the optimal actuation sequence based on hardware constraints and the user's single parameter specification, eliminating the need for iterative manual adjustments and reducing both complexity and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual and iterative adjustments are performed to adapt sequence properties, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to inefficient adjustment process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to patient and examination needsVSAvoidtime for sequence adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing boundary conditions for sequence parameters based on hardware constraints before actual image acquisition. The system prepares the optimal actuation sequence in advance by automatically determining parameter relationships and constraints, so that when a user specifies a parameter, the system can immediately generate the complete optimized sequence without time-consuming iterative adjustments during patient examination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system efficiently reduces time loss by automatically changing multiple parameters simultaneously based on a single user input. Instead of requiring sequential manual adjustment of each parameter, the processor algorithmically determines optimal values for all relevant parameters (TR, TE, flip angles, echo train length, etc.) in one computational step, dramatically reducing the time required for sequence adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If sequence parameters are adjusted without considering hardware limitations, then adaptability is improved, but reliability decreases due to sequence abortion or failure to start

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in sequence parameter specificationVSAvoidsuccessful sequence activation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-establishing boundary conditions that prevent violation of hardware limitations before sequence execution. The system proactively defines maximum and minimum values for sequence parameters (such as minimum TR relative to echo time, maximum gradient strength, RF pulse duration limits) based on hardware constraints, thereby preventing sequence abortion or failure to start before they can occur, while still allowing flexible parameter specification within safe boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring parameter relationships and automatically adjusting parameters to satisfy hardware constraints. When a user specifies a parameter value, the system checks it against pre-defined boundary conditions and automatically modifies related parameters to ensure hardware limitations are not violated, providing real-time feedback that maintains both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10422843B2Method and apparatus for modification of a magnetic resonance actuation sequence

Publication Date: 2019.09.24 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a method and magnetic resonance apparatus for modification of a magnetic resonance actuation sequence, a parameter of the magnetic resonance actuation sequence is specified that, is categorized in one of a number of predefined categories for this parameter to which a boundary condition is linked. The boundary condition is taken into account and observed during the determination of a property of the pulses to be activated.