Dynamic Coil Group Selection for MRI Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance apparatuses, the selection and activation of local coils during continuous table movement measurements are inefficient, leading to degraded image quality due to noise and interference signals, and limited by the number of acquisition channels, requiring a method to optimize coil selection and activation for continuous patient movement.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining and controlling coil groups based on the position of a moving support device within the magnetic resonance apparatus, ensuring only suitable coils are used for imaging, with some coils stationary and others movable, and potentially combining groups to align with hardware limitations, to maintain image quality and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all arranged local coils are used during volume measurement, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but additional noise signals and interference signals from unsuitable coils degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the set of local coils into multiple coil groups, where each group is associated with specific regions of the support device. During continuous table movement, only the coil group corresponding to the current region is activated, segmenting the coil usage in space and time to avoid noise from unsuitable coils while maintaining signal quality from appropriate coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic coil selection based on the real-time position of the support device. The coil group activation changes dynamically as the support device moves through different regions, ensuring that only suitable coils are active at any given moment. This dynamic adaptation prevents interference signals from degrading image quality while maintaining optimal signal-to-noise ratio.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple local coils are placed along the body for continuous table movement, then examination region coverage is improved, but the number of acquisition channels becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coils into multiple groups, where each group can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the system to manage a large number of coils by organizing them into manageable units that can be selectively activated based on the examination region and available acquisition channels, thereby expanding coverage without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to coil activation, where different coil groups are activated at different times as the support device moves through regions. This temporal multiplexing allows the limited acquisition channels to serve multiple coils sequentially, effectively increasing the examination region coverage without requiring a proportional increase in the number of simultaneous acquisition channels.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coil selection is performed manually by technician, then flexibility in coil placement is improved, but time expenditure for planning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic coil selection based on the determined position of the support device. The system self-determines which coil group should be activated according to the current examination region and support device position, eliminating the need for manual technician planning. This automatic selection maintains flexibility in coil placement while significantly reducing the time expenditure for examination planning.
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 ensures high-quality imaging with continuous movement by selecting appropriate coil groups dynamically, reducing noise, and optimizing hardware usage, enabling fast and effective examination of large regions without disrupting image homogeneity.
Implementation Method 1
coil devices for generation of an alternating magnetic field for nuclear magnetic resonance excitation and/or for acquisition of the field emanating from excited nuclear spins
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for coil selection of a magnetic resonance apparatus, a determination of coil positions of the multiple coil devices of the magnetic resonance apparatus is made and a determination is also made of a number of coil groups, wherein a coil group is composed of at least one coil device. One or more coil groups is associated with positions of the support device, and the coil group that is associated with a position of the support device includes the coil devices that are suitable for use in that associated position of the support device. A control of one of the multiple coil groups dependent on the position of the support device.