Two-Stage MR Sequence for Parameter Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques face limitations in achieving high resolution for material parameters due to restricted ranges of values, leading to ambiguous assignments and reduced precision in distinguishing between comparison signals.

Innovation Solution

The method involves a two-stage approach, starting with a basic magnetic resonance sequence for an overview measurement, followed by a refinement stage that optimizes the resolution in specific regions by selecting a refinement magnetic resonance sequence tailored to the target values and resolution, allowing for step-by-step refinement of parameter values, particularly for T1 and T2 relaxation times.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a basic magnetic resonance sequence is used to cover a large range of material parameter values, then the overall coverage is improved, but the resolution of parameter values deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of material parameter valuesVSAvoidresolution of parameter values

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement process into two segments: a first measurement with a basic magnetic resonance sequence covering a large range of parameter values at lower resolution, and a second measurement with a refined sequence focusing on a specific sub-range at higher resolution. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both broad coverage and high precision in different measurement phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adapts the measurement strategy by first performing an overview measurement to identify regions of interest, then selectively applying refined measurements only to those specific regions where higher resolution is needed. This dynamic approach optimizes resource allocation and achieves high resolution where necessary without sacrificing overall coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the range of material parameter values is restricted to improve resolution, then the resolution is improved, but the overall coverage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution of parameter valuesVSAvoidrange of material parameter values

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement process is segmented into a first phase covering a broad range of parameter values and a second phase focusing on a restricted sub-range with higher resolution. This allows the system to maintain overall coverage while achieving high resolution in specific regions of interest.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first overview measurement serves as a preliminary action that identifies which regions require refined measurement. This preliminary step enables the second measurement to focus resources on specific areas, achieving high resolution without sacrificing overall coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a refinement measurement is performed on the entire target region, then the resolution is improved, but the measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresolution of parameter valuesVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies refined measurement quality only to specific local regions (regions of interest) identified in the first measurement, rather than uniformly applying high resolution across the entire target region. This local approach maintains high resolution where needed while significantly reducing overall measurement time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of performing exhaustive refined measurements on the entire target region, the patent applies refinement selectively to only those regions where it is most beneficial. This partial action approach achieves the necessary resolution improvement without the excessive time cost of universal refinement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

4Measurement precision

If the resolution of parameter values is increased, then the precision of material characterization is improved, but the complexity of the measurement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of material characterizationVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex measurement process is segmented into two distinct phases with different resolution levels. The first phase uses a simpler basic sequence for overview coverage, while the second phase applies a refined sequence only where needed. This segmentation manages complexity by avoiding the need for a single highly complex measurement protocol across the entire region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10371778B2Method and magnetic resonance apparatus for recording a magnetic resonance data set

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

In a method and apparatus for recording a magnetic resonance data set, an MR data acquisition scanner is operated to acquire a range of basic values of a material parameter of a subject, with a basic resolution within a region of the subject. Thereafter, the aforementioned resolution is refined by selecting a refinement acquisition sequence, dependent on a material property to be refined, and then again operating the scanner to acquire further values for the refinement material parameter with a refined resolution, compared to the original resolution.