MRI Quantitative Parameter Map Stabilization via Artifact Exclusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques face challenges in obtaining stable quantitative value maps due to artifacts caused by flow or body motion, which are not adequately addressed in existing methods that do not consider image quality during parameter estimation.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus and image processing method that evaluate and optimize imaging conditions to exclude those likely to cause artifacts, using a measurement unit, image reconstruction unit, parameter estimation unit, and imaging condition determination unit to determine optimal imaging parameters for stable quantitative value mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging parameters are optimized using the law of error propagation to minimize quantitative value estimation error, then measurement precision is improved, but artifacts caused by flow or body motion are not considered, leading to potential degradation of image quality and signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of image quality for multiple imaging conditions before parameter estimation. The imaging condition determination unit evaluates image quality in advance and determines which imaging conditions to use, preventing artifacts from affecting the final quantitative values. This preliminary screening action ensures that only imaging conditions with acceptable image quality are used in subsequent parameter estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback by evaluating image quality and using this evaluation to determine which imaging conditions should be used for parameter estimation. The imaging condition determination unit receives image quality information and adjusts the selection of imaging conditions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents artifact contamination while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If all combinations of imaging parameters are searched to minimize quantitative value estimation error, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of determining imaging parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of image quality for multiple imaging conditions before parameter estimation. The imaging condition determination unit evaluates image quality in advance and determines which imaging conditions to use, preventing artifacts from affecting the final quantitative values. This preliminary screening action ensures that only imaging conditions with acceptable image quality are used in subsequent parameter estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the imaging parameter optimization process into two distinct stages: first, evaluating image quality for multiple imaging conditions; second, using this evaluation to determine which conditions to use for parameter estimation. This segmentation reduces complexity by avoiding the need to evaluate all possible parameter combinations simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If imaging conditions are selected without considering image quality evaluation, then ease of operation is improved, but artifacts reduce signal-to-noise ratio and quantitative value stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of image quality for multiple imaging conditions before parameter estimation. The imaging condition determination unit evaluates image quality in advance and determines which imaging conditions to use, preventing artifacts from affecting the final quantitative values. This preliminary screening action ensures that only imaging conditions with acceptable image quality are used in subsequent parameter estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback by evaluating image quality and using this evaluation to determine which imaging conditions should be used for parameter estimation. The imaging condition determination unit receives image quality information and adjusts the selection of imaging conditions accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that prevents artifact contamination while maintaining measurement precision.
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
The method enables the stable generation of quantitative value maps by optimizing imaging parameters to minimize artifacts, improving image quality and signal-to-noise ratio by excluding imaging conditions that lead to artifacts from flow or body motion.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement unit configured to measure, in accordance with a predetermined imaging condition and a predetermined imaging sequence, an echo signal generated from a subject placed in a static magnetic field by applying a radio frequency magnetic field and a gradient magnetic field to the subject
Implementation Method 2
The MRI apparatus reconstructs an image of the subject by performing computation such as Fourier transform on the echo signal measured in this manner
Implementation Method 3
a parameter estimation unit configured to estimate a distribution of subject parameters depending on the subject or a distribution of apparatus parameters depending on the apparatus by using reconstructed images obtained by executing the imaging sequence while changing the imaging condition and a signal function determined by the imaging sequence
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a technique of stably obtaining quantitative parameter maps by preventing influences of artifacts caused by flow or body motion when calculated images with a plurality of parameters are generated at the same time. When a calculated image of a subject parameter or an apparatus parameter is generated by using a plurality of images obtained by performing imaging under different imaging conditions, an imaging condition under which the artifacts are easy to occur is examined in advance, and an imaging parameter set for quantitative parameter map calculation is optimized by excluding the imaging condition under which the artifact is easy to occur.