MR Signal Correction via Iterative Phase Amplitude Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current magnetic resonance (MR) examination methods face challenges in achieving high-quality MR signals due to the presence of a transmission signal component in the reception signal, which is difficult to suppress, limiting the quality of measurement data and preventing simultaneous transmission and reception of MR signals.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates a correction signal matching the transmission signal, modulated by phase and amplitude, is used to iteratively correct the response signal, effectively suppressing the transmission signal component through a signal combiner, potentially achieving up to 100 dB suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a transmitted signal is radiated into the test object and a response signal is recorded simultaneously, then measurement time is reduced and acquisition efficiency is improved, but the received signal contains a transmitted signal component that impairs its quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacquisition efficiencyVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses the transmitted signal itself as the correction signal, converting the harmful transmitted signal component into a beneficial reference for cancellation. By using the same signal source that causes interference as the basis for correction, the system transforms the problem of signal contamination into an opportunity for precise subtraction, achieving over 100 dB suppression of the transmitted signal component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention dynamically adjusts parameters including phase and amplitude of the correction signal to match the transmitted signal characteristics. By continuously optimizing these parameters during the measurement process, the system adapts to changing conditions and maintains effective cancellation of the transmitted signal component while preserving the response signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If complete decoupling of transmitting and receiving coils is implemented, then transmitted signal component in received signal is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidcoil decoupling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a correction signal as an intermediary element that mediates between the transmitted and received signals. This correction signal acts as a reference that enables mathematical cancellation of the transmitted signal component without requiring physical separation or complex decoupling structures between coils, thereby simplifying the hardware design while maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical or geometric decoupling mechanisms with a signal processing approach. Instead of using intricate coil arrangements or physical barriers to prevent interference, the system uses digital signal correction and subtraction methods to eliminate the transmitted signal component, transitioning from a hardware-based solution to a software-based solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If geometric decoupling and digital signal cancellation are applied, then transmitted signal component is reduced by about 70 dB, but further reduction to 100 dB is unattainable with current methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal qualityVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the transmitted signal serves as a reference that is continuously compared with the received signal. The system uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust and optimize the correction signal, enabling iterative refinement of the cancellation process and achieving suppression levels exceeding 100 dB that were previously unattainable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary characterization of the transmitted signal before it contaminates the response signal measurement. By establishing a reference model of the transmitted signal in advance and using it to pre-correct the received signal, the system eliminates the need for complex post-processing and achieves superior cancellation performance with reduced computational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enables high-quality MR examination by significantly reducing the transmission signal component, allowing for high-quality measurement data and enabling new applications such as unpulsed sequences, increased acquisition efficiency, and measurement of MR signals with ultra-short T2 times.

Implementation Method 1

a transmit signal, typically defining an RF signal, is irradiated into the test object and a response signal, which is emitted by the test object in reaction to the transmit signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

To generate magnetization within a test object, the test object can be placed in a primary magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic Field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3336569B1Method for magnetic resonance examination of an object to be measured and high frequency unit of a magnetic resonance device
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 ALBERT LUDWIGS UNIV FREIBURG
  • EP3336569B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3336569B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3336569B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A method for magnetic resonance imaging of a test object is described, wherein a measurement sequence is used in which the magnetic resonance response to the transmitted signal is measured during transmission. It is proposed to generate a correction signal corresponding to the transmitted signal and to use it to correct the response signal. For this purpose, the correction signal is modulated by a phase value and an amplitude value. The phase value and the amplitude value are automatically and iteratively adjusted using an optimization procedure based on the current state value of the measurement signal to optimally correct the response signal. Furthermore, a high-frequency unit (1) is described with which the method according to the invention can be carried out.