Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting Parameter Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) methods face challenges in accurately determining parameter values due to effects like phase dispersion, which can falsify results if not accounted for, leading to subjective diagnostic interpretations and increased measurement times.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates further comparison signal characteristics based on initial parameter values determined in a first signal comparison, allowing for the independent determination of additional parameters without requiring additional dimensions, thereby reducing processing power and avoiding falsification of values by effects like phase dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRF methods are used to determine parameter values, then measurement can be performed, but results are falsified by effects like phase dispersion leading to subjective diagnostic interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that generates additional comparison signal characteristics based on initial parameter values. This intermediary process acts as a mediator between the raw signal comparison and final parameter determination, eliminating the direct falsification effect of phase dispersion by using the generated comparison characteristics to correct or compensate for these effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where initial parameter values obtained from the first signal comparison are used to generate further comparison signal characteristics. These generated characteristics are then used in a second signal comparison to refine the parameter values, creating a feedback loop that continuously improves measurement accuracy and eliminates falsification effects.
2Loss of information
If additional parameters are determined using conventional MRF methods, then more information is obtained, but processing power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by first determining initial parameter values through a first signal comparison. These initial values are then used to generate comparison signal characteristics for additional parameters, rather than simultaneously processing all parameters from the beginning. This preliminary step reduces the overall processing power required by breaking down the complex multi-parameter determination into manageable sequential steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the parameter determination process into distinct stages: first determining initial parameters through signal comparison, then using those results to generate comparison characteristics for additional parameters. This segmentation divides the complex task of multi-parameter determination into smaller, more efficient sub-tasks that require less processing power overall.
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
Enables precise determination of multiple parameters with reduced processing power, minimizing the impact of effects like phase dispersion on parameter values, and providing accurate diagnostic insights.
Implementation Method 1
In order to trigger nuclear spin resonance, the examination object is irradiated with radio-frequency excitation pulses (RF pulses). The triggered nuclear spin resonance is detected as so-called k-space data
Implementation Method 2
For the purpose of spatially encoding of the measurement data, rapidly switched magnetic gradient fields are overlaid on the basic magnetic field, which define the trajectories along which the measurement data are entered into k-space
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for determining parameter values in voxels of an examination object using magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF), a first signal comparison is made of signal characteristics of established voxel time series with first comparison signal characteristics. Further synthetic comparison signal characteristics are generated from the first comparison signal characteristics and values determined in the first signal comparison. The generated further comparison signal characteristics are used to perform a further signal comparison, with which values of at least a first and a second further parameter are determined. From the further comparison signal characteristics, a value of at least one further parameter is determined that could not necessarily already be determined in the first signal comparison.