MRI Cardiac Positioning Automation via Reference Section Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI techniques for cardiac imaging require significant time and labor to position reference cross sections due to the complex cardiac structure, leading to inefficiencies in throughput and accuracy depending on user skill.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method that automatically calculates and displays spatial positional information for reference cross sections using acquired section image data, allowing for quicker and more accurate positioning of imaging parts through a system comprising an acquisition unit, reference section information calculating unit, and imaging unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of reference cross sections is performed by repeating imaging scans, then positioning accuracy can be achieved through user expertise, but examination time and labor increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of repeating imaging scans and visually positioning reference cross sections with an automated computational system. The system automatically calculates reference cross section positions by processing acquired image data through algorithms, eliminating the need for manual repetition and reducing examination time while maintaining positioning accuracy through computational precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically identifying and calculating reference cross section locations based on acquired image data. The automated calculation process enables the system to service itself by determining positioning information without requiring repeated manual intervention or user expertise, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging scans are repeated for positioning reference cross sections, then positioning accuracy improves with user skill, but throughput of heart examinations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of repeating imaging scans with an automated computational system that calculates reference cross section positions algorithmically. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual repetition and increases throughput while maintaining positioning accuracy through computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated calculation of reference cross section positions using acquired image data before the actual imaging examination. By pre-calculating positioning information through automated algorithms, the system prepares positioning data in advance, eliminating the need for repeated scans during the examination and thereby increasing throughput without sacrificing accuracy
3Measurement precision
If manual positioning is performed, then positioning accuracy depends on user skill and experience, but the process requires significant labor and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the skill-dependent manual positioning process with an automated computational system. The system automatically calculates reference cross section positions using algorithms that process acquired image data, eliminating the need for user skill and experience while maintaining positioning accuracy. This substitution significantly simplifies operation and reduces labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically identifying and calculating reference cross section locations based on acquired image data. The automated calculation process enables the system to service itself without requiring user expertise or manual intervention, thereby simplifying operation and reducing labor while maintaining positioning accuracy through computational methods
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 reduces the time and labor required for positioning reference cross sections, improving the efficiency and accuracy of cardiac imaging by automating the calculation and display of necessary imaging parts, thereby enhancing the throughput of heart examinations.
Implementation Method 1
MRI is an imaging method which excites nuclear spins of an object set in a static magnetic field with an RF (radio frequency) signal having the Larmor frequency and reconstructs an image based on MR (magnetic resonance) signals generated due to the excitation
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a MRI apparatus includes an acquisition unit, a reference section information calculating unit, a positioning unit and an imaging unit. The acquisition unit acquires frames of section image data including a heart from an object with use of magnetic resonance. The reference section information calculating unit calculates spatial positional information of a reference section of the heart based on the frames of the section image data. The positioning unit displays a reference section image of the heart on a display unit and performs positioning of an imaging part for imaging through the displayed reference section image of the heart. The reference section image is calculated from the frames of the section image data based on the positional information of the reference section. The imaging unit images the imaging part set by the positioning.