Magnetic Resonance Apparatus Calibration Using Segmented Operating Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of magnetic resonance apparatuses, particularly body coils, is complex and requires repeated calibration by trained technicians, often necessitating the repositioning of phantoms due to changes in operating parameters after startup or power outages, which disrupts phase relationships between signal channels.
Innovation Solution
A method that separates the calibration of operating parameters into constant and variable components, allowing for the determination of only the variable component post-startup, using a first measuring unit to identify changes and a persistent memory to store the constant component, enabling automatic recalibration without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If full calibration is performed repeatedly after each startup, then phase relationships and image quality are maintained, but calibration time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process is segmented into two distinct components: a constant component that remains unchanged after startup and a variable component that changes. This segmentation allows the system to only recalibrate the variable component after startup, rather than performing full calibration repeatedly, thus reducing calibration time while maintaining phase relationship consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The constant component of the operating parameter is determined in advance during the tune-up phase and stored in persistent memory. This preliminary action ensures that when the apparatus restarts, the system can retrieve the pre-determined constant component and only needs to determine the variable component, eliminating the need for repeated full calibration and reducing operational time.
2Measurement precision
If full calibration is performed repeatedly after each startup, then operating parameters are accurately maintained, but technician intervention and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic resonance apparatus performs self-calibration by automatically determining the variable component of the operating parameter after startup and combining it with the stored constant component. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for trained technicians to perform repeated full calibrations, simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision through automated recalibration.
3Productivity
If all components are started up, then the system is fully operational, but changes in operating parameters require repeated calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The operating parameter is segmented into constant and variable components, where the constant component is determined during tune-up and the variable component is determined after startup. This segmentation allows the system to be fully operational after startup while avoiding the complexity of repeated full calibration, as only the variable component needs to be recalibrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The constant component of the operating parameter is determined in advance during the tune-up phase and stored in persistent memory. This preliminary action reduces the calibration complexity after startup, as the system only needs to determine the variable component and combine it with the pre-stored constant component, rather than performing complex full calibration procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating at least one operating parameter of a magnetic resonance apparatus and a corresponding magnetic resonance apparatus and computer program product are provided. The at least one operating parameter includes a constant component and a variable component. The method includes, after a start-up of at least one part of the magnetic resonance apparatus, determining the variable component of the at least one operating parameter. The constant component of the at least one operating parameter is provided. The constant component and the variable component are used to calibrate the at least one operating parameter.