MR Volume Composition Intensity Inhomogeneity Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonance (MR) volume composition often results in intensity inhomogeneity artifacts due to patient movements and scanner non-uniformities, which can reduce the accuracy of image segmentation and registration in automated analysis methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatic composition and normalization of MR volume data, where intensity inhomogeneity correction is performed after composite MR volume generation, either using a template MR volume or without templates, through normalization along specific axes to correct intensity variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple MR volumes are combined to generate a composite MR volume, then the field of view is expanded and more voxels can be observed, but intensity inhomogeneity artifacts are introduced or exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing intensity inhomogeneity correction on individual MR volumes before they are combined into a composite volume. This pre-correction step ensures that each volume has normalized intensity characteristics, preventing the introduction of intensity artifacts during the composition process. The system corrects intensity variations in each volume using reference data or statistical methods prior to merging, thereby maintaining reliability across the expanded field of view.
2Reliability
If intensity inhomogeneity correction is performed before volume composition, then intensity uniformity is improved in individual volumes, but the field of view remains limited to each individual volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the benefits of both approaches by first correcting intensity inhomogeneity in individual volumes and then combining them into a composite volume. The system integrates multiple corrected volumes while preserving the expanded field of view advantage. This merging process allows the system to achieve both intensity uniformity through pre-correction and comprehensive coverage through volume combination, resolving the contradiction between these two objectives.
3Productivity
If automated image analysis methods are used without IIH correction, then processing speed is maintained, but accuracy of image segmentation and registration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating intensity inhomogeneity correction as an automated, integrated step within the existing image analysis workflow. The correction process uses automatic algorithms that operate without manual intervention, applying statistical models or reference-based methods to normalize intensity distributions. This self-service approach maintains processing efficiency while significantly improving segmentation and registration accuracy, as the correction is performed automatically on each volume before analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automatic magnetic resonance (MR) volume composition and normalization is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of MR volumes is received. A composite MR volume is generated from the plurality of MR volumes. Volume normalization of the composite MR volume is then performed to correct intensity inhomogeneity in the composite MR volume. The volume normalization of the composite MR volume may be performed using template MR volume or without a template MR volume.