Wireless Coil Positioning in MRI Scanners Using Electronic Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the position of transmission/reception coils in MRI scanners are either manual, restrictive in spatial flexibility, or require complex optical or MR-based techniques, leading to inefficiencies and increased examination time.
Innovation Solution
The use of electronically wirelessly readable labels and reading units with unique ID numbers, stored in a database, to automatically determine the position of local coils relative to the patient couch, eliminating the need for manual intervention and mechanical encoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual methods are used to determine coil position, then spatial flexibility is maintained, but examination time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-identification of coil positions through electronically readable labels and reading units, eliminating the need for manual position determination by operators. The coil assembly autonomously provides its position information to the control unit, resolving the contradiction between reducing examination time and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical position determination methods with an electronic identification system using readable labels and reading units. This substitution automates the position determination process, reducing examination time while maintaining operational simplicity through electronic rather than mechanical means.
2Measurement precision
If complex optical or MR-based techniques are used to determine coil position, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex optical or MR-based position determination systems and implements it through simple electronically readable labels attached to the coil assembly. This extraction maintains measurement precision by providing accurate coil identification while significantly reducing device complexity by using straightforward electronic tags rather than complex imaging-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive electronically readable labels as disposable or reusable identification elements on coil assemblies. These simple electronic tags provide accurate coil position and identification information without the complexity and cost of optical or MR-based determination systems, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
3Productivity
If electronically readable labels are used for coil identification, then productivity increases and examination time reduces, but the system requires additional reading units and database infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The reading units are integrated into the existing MRI scanner infrastructure, serving multiple functions including coil identification, position determination, and verification. The database stores not only coil identification data but also operational parameters and safety information. This multi-functionality increases productivity while minimizing additional device complexity by leveraging existing system capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronically readable labels act as intermediaries between the coil assembly and the scanner control system, providing efficient position and identification information. The reading units serve as mediators that translate label information into actionable data for the control unit. This intermediary approach enhances productivity by automating information transfer while keeping the overall system architecture manageable through standardized communication protocols.
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 allows for precise, automatic, and rapid determination of coil positions, reducing examination time, improving workflow, and ensuring only approved coils are used, enhancing safety and measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
electronic wirelessly readable labels and reading units with unique ID numbers
Data Source
AI summary
A device for identifying a position of a local coil of a magnetic resonance imaging scanner relative to a position of a patient couch includes at least one label configured to transmit a signal with at least one identity number wirelessly, and at least one reading unit with a reading-unit antenna. The at least one reading unit is configured to receive the signal. The device also includes a position determination apparatus configured to determine the position of the local coil relative to the patient couch.