MRI Apparatus Adaptive Imaging for Weak Contrast Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MRI methods struggle with detecting intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies in regions where the contrast is weak, leading to incomplete medical examinations.

Innovation Solution

The MRI apparatus employs a specifying unit to identify successful and failed detection regions, and an acquiring unit to adjust imaging conditions using 2D or 3D sequences, ensuring data acquisition and image generation that includes all relevant areas, even in regions with weak contrast.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If automatic detection of intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies is performed from detection-purpose images, then imaging slice positions can be determined automatically, but detection fails in regions where the contrast of the intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies is weak

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic detectionVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary imaging using a detection-purpose sequence to identify regions with weak contrast before the main imaging process. This preliminary detection allows the system to proactively adjust imaging parameters for regions that are likely to be missed, ensuring comprehensive coverage without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the detection-purpose image analysis to dynamically adjust imaging parameters. When weak contrast regions are identified, the system automatically modifies the imaging protocol for those specific regions, creating a closed-loop system that continuously optimizes detection based on real-time feedback from the imaging data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If imaging conditions are adjusted for regions with weak contrast using different sequences, then detection completeness is improved, but imaging time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection completenessVSAvoidimaging time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different imaging sequences and parameters selectively to specific regions based on their individual characteristics. Regions with weak contrast receive specialized imaging protocols, while regions with adequate contrast use standard protocols, optimizing the balance between detection completeness and imaging efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging process is segmented into different phases: a preliminary detection phase using a detection-purpose sequence, and a main imaging phase where parameters are adjusted based on detection results. This segmentation allows the system to allocate imaging resources efficiently, spending more time only where necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple imaging sequences (2D and 3D) are used to ensure complete data acquisition, then imaging coverage is improved, but device complexity and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging coverageVSAvoidimaging protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging protocol is made dynamic and adaptive rather than static. The system automatically adjusts which sequences to use and how to combine them based on the specific characteristics of the subject's anatomy detected in the preliminary phase, allowing flexibility without requiring complex pre-planning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment of imaging parameters and sequence selection based on automatic analysis of the detection-purpose images. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual protocol configuration and minimizes operator intervention, simplifying the overall process despite using multiple sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 allows for comprehensive diagnosis by ensuring that all target areas, including those with weak contrast, are imaged effectively, enhancing the accuracy and completeness of medical examinations.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance:

Data Source

PatentUS9833166B2Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus configured to acquire target site diagnostic image data based on detection of target sites in prior acquired image data

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a specifying unit and an acquiring unit. The specifying unit specifies, on a basis of a detection result of target sites of a subject detected from an image on which the target sites are visualized, a first region and a second region which is different from the first region on the image. The acquiring unit acquires data of the second region by using an imaging condition which is different from an imaging condition on an imaging slice and used for acquiring data of the first region.