RF Antenna Positioning Feedback for MRI Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance examinations are often marred by image artifacts and high signal-to-noise ratios due to incorrectly positioned local radio-frequency antennas, necessitating repeated procedures, which are stressful and time-consuming for patients and staff, often due to inadequate anatomical knowledge among users.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines the actual position of accessories like radio-frequency antennas using sensors or cameras, compares it to a target position, and provides feedback to users via output units to ensure accurate positioning, allowing for precise alignment and orientation, even by less trained personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the user positions the local radio-frequency antenna manually based on anatomical knowledge, then the positioning process is simple and quick, but the positioning accuracy is insufficient leading to image artifacts and high signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual position of the accessory using sensors or cameras and compares it with the target position, providing real-time feedback to the user through visual or auditory signals to guide positioning adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary computing system processes data between the simple sensing components (sensors/cameras) and the final positioning outcome, calculating deviations and generating guidance information without requiring complex user intervention
2Reliability
If repeated magnetic resonance examinations are performed to obtain useful image data, then the quality of image data is improved, but the examination time and patient stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning verification before the actual magnetic resonance examination by checking whether the accessory is correctly positioned using sensors or cameras, allowing corrections to be made before the examination begins and preventing the need for repetitions
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback is provided to indicate whether the accessory positioning is correct or needs adjustment, ensuring that the examination can proceed with high-quality data acquisition from the first attempt
3Manufacturing precision
If the user has extensive anatomical knowledge to correctly position the accessory, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced for less trained personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of accessory positioning by automatically detecting the actual position using sensors or cameras and comparing it with the target position, eliminating the need for users to possess specialized anatomical knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
Specialized human anatomical knowledge is replaced by an automated electronic system using sensors, cameras, and computing algorithms to detect and verify accessory positioning, making the system accessible to users with varying levels of training
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for supporting a user when positioning an accessory for a magnetic resonance examination on an examination object, the actual position of the accessory is acquired by an acquisition unit, and a target position of the accessory is determined by a determination unit. The actual position and the target position of the accessory are compared with regard to deviation of the actual position from the target position of the accessory. Output information representing any deviation that is found to exist is provided to a user via an output unit.