Magnetic Resonance Simulation Isochromat Grouping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance simulations using the Bloch equations face challenges in achieving precision and acceleration due to the need for extensive computation time, particularly in sorting isochromats for each pulse sequence waveform, and the inability to reuse pre-computed combined transition matrices due to slight changes in the Z-directional magnetic field.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance simulation apparatus that processes circuitry to obtain phantom information and group information, classifying isochromats based on their physical magnetization properties under specific pulse sequence conditions, allowing for collective simulation of isochromats within the same group and reducing redundant computations by using look-up tables generated for different gradient field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If isochromats are sorted for each pulse sequence waveform to achieve precise magnetic resonance simulation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive computation time required for sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-sorts isochromats based on their spatial positions and physical values (T1, T2, ΔB0) before the actual simulation process. This preliminary sorting creates a structured foundation that enables faster computation during the actual simulation by avoiding the need to sort isochromats for each pulse sequence waveform, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and computation time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sorting process into two distinct phases: (1) spatial position-based sorting, and (2) physical value-based sorting within each spatial group. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high precision through proper sorting while reducing overall computation time by performing sorts only once rather than repeatedly for each waveform
2Productivity
If pre-computed combined transition matrices are reused for different magnetic resonance simulations, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when Z-directional magnetic field changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic matrix selection mechanism that automatically detects changes in Z-directional magnetic field values and selects or recomputes the appropriate combined transition matrix accordingly. This dynamic approach enables the system to reuse pre-computed matrices for identical magnetic field conditions (improving productivity) while automatically adapting to field changes (maintaining precision), thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and accuracy
3Ease of operation
If sorting is performed to organize isochromats by Z-directional field values, then ease of operation is improved for matrix computation, but loss of time increases when no redundancy is found in the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service sorting mechanism that automatically detects whether sorting would be beneficial by checking for redundancy in Z-directional magnetic field values. When no redundancy is found, the system automatically skips the sorting operation, avoiding wasted computation time. This self-service approach allows the system to maintain ease of operation through organized computation when beneficial while automatically avoiding unnecessary sorting operations when not needed
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance simulation apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry obtains phantom information and group information. The phantom information represents a phantom having an ensemble of positions and physical values relative to a plurality of isochromats. The group information represents groups of isochromats classified with respect to the phantom information, the isochromats that exhibit a same physical magnetization property under a condition preset according to a pulse sequence. Based on the group information and the phantom information, the processing circuitry collectively performs a magnetic resonance simulation with respect to isochromats classified as a same group among the plurality of isochromats, to output a simulation result obtained from the magnetic resonance simulation.