MRI Blipped-CAIPI Phase Error Correction for Chemical Shift Artifacts

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and storing the phase error correction values before image reconstruction. The system pre-computes the phase errors that will occur during blipped-CAIPI acquisition based on the known chemical shift of fat relative to water, and stores these correction values for application during the reconstruction process. This prevents artifacts from appearing in the final image while maintaining the accelerated acquisition speed.

The patent changes the phase parameter of the chemical shift component by applying a phase error correction term during image reconstruction. Specifically, it adjusts the phase of the chemical shift component (fat) relative to the main component (water) to compensate for the excitation position errors introduced by the blipped-CAIPI method. This parameter adjustment eliminates artifacts while preserving the benefits of accelerated imaging.

The patent applies self-service by using the system's own acquired data to generate the correction parameters. The phase error correction values are calculated from the actual k-space data acquired during the blipped-CAIPI scan, utilizing the inherent relationship between the main component (water) and chemical shift component (fat) signals. This self-calibrating approach improves image quality without requiring external reference scans or complex additional hardware.

The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based correction mechanisms with a computational approach. Instead of using additional gradient pulses or RF pulses to physically correct the excitation position errors, the system uses mathematical phase correction applied during image reconstruction. This substitution of computational processing for physical correction mechanisms maintains image quality while avoiding increased device complexity.