MRI 3D Volumetric Slice Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies face challenges with non-intuitive graphical slice positioning in 2D modes, requiring users to imagine 3D positions from 2D views, leading to poor operability and difficulty in precise positioning, especially for different scanning sequences and small visual field high-resolution imaging.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus employs processing circuitry to generate 3D images and perform automatic 3D rendering based on scanning sequences, allowing for intuitive visualization and precise positioning of regions of interest (ROI) by highlighting relevant tissues and suppressing unnecessary ones, using 3D rendering to enhance user interaction and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two-dimensional graphical slice positioning is performed, then the positioning operation can be performed based on displayed images, but the operation is not intuitive and requires mastery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional graphical slice positioning to three-dimensional volumetric image positioning. The processing circuitry generates a three-dimensional volumetric image from imaging data, allowing users to perform slice positioning operations in 3D space rather than attempting to imagine 3D positions from 2D views. This dimensional change makes the positioning operation intuitive and natural, as users can directly interact with the volumetric representation of the scanned region.
2Measurement precision
If three-dimensional volumetric image is generated and displayed, then intuitive visualization and precise positioning are enabled, but image processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry performs preliminary three-dimensional volumetric image generation from the acquired imaging data before the user performs positioning operations. By pre-processing the data into a 3D volumetric representation, the system prepares the foundation for precise positioning while automating the complex reconstruction algorithms, thus reducing the operational burden on the user while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs the three-dimensional volumetric image generation and processing without requiring manual intervention for each processing step. The processing circuitry autonomously reconstructs the volumetric image from the raw imaging data, allowing the complex computational tasks to serve themselves rather than requiring user-configured processing parameters for each operation.
3Loss of information
If automatic 3D rendering is performed based on scanning sequences, then relevant tissues are highlighted and unnecessary ones are suppressed, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry applies different rendering characteristics to different regions of the volumetric image based on the scanning sequence and imaging purpose. Relevant tissues are highlighted with enhanced visibility while unnecessary tissues are suppressed or rendered with lower priority. This localized quality adjustment ensures that information about relevant anatomical structures is preserved and emphasized without requiring complete processing of all image data at maximum detail.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment executes a first imaging prior to a second imaging and includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry receives, on a first image obtained from the first imaging, a setting of a region in which an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse is to be applied to a subject, generates a three-dimensional image based on the first image, determines, based on an imaging purpose of the second imaging, a translucent region to which translucent processing is to be performed in the three-dimensional image, and displays the translucent region, making the translucent region translucent in the three-dimensional image.