MRI Coil Selection via Scan and Sensitivity Volume Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of selecting coil elements for magnetic resonance imaging using Phased Array Coils is cumbersome, requiring operators to manually choose combinations based on low-resolution images, which complicates the process.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that calculates and selects the optimal combination of coil elements using a sensitive region storage device, a setting device for scan regions, a calculation device for scan and sensitivity volume rates, and a selection device to automate the selection process based on these rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection of coil elements is performed based on low-resolution images, then the operator can choose a combination of coil elements, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic coil element selection without requiring operator intervention. The selection device automatically determines the optimal coil element combination based on scan region information and sensitivity distribution data, eliminating the need for operators to manually review low-resolution images and make selection decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual inspection and decision-making process is replaced by an automated computational system. The calculation device computes scan volume rates and sensitivity volume rates, and the selection device algorithmically determines the optimal coil combination, substituting the mechanical/visual selection process with an automated information processing system.
2Reliability
If multiple coil elements are used to improve image quality, then the coverage and sensitivity are enhanced, but the complexity of selecting the appropriate combination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the complex selection problem into a parameter-based evaluation by calculating scan volume rates and sensitivity volume rates for different coil combinations. These quantitative parameters provide an objective basis for selection, converting the complex qualitative judgment into a straightforward parameter comparison.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate evaluation parameters (scan volume rate and sensitivity volume rate) that mediate between the raw coil configuration data and the final selection decision. These intermediate metrics simplify the decision-making process by providing clear criteria for evaluating different coil combinations.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a plurality of coil elements for receiving magnetic resonance signals of a subject in a plurality of selectable combinations. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus also includes a sensitive region storage device for storing respective sensitive regions for the combinations of the coil elements, a setting device for setting scan regions, a calculation device for calculating a scan volume rate indicating each of proportions of overlap regions between the scan regions and the sensitive regions to the scan regions, and a sensitivity volume rate indicating each of proportions of the overlap regions to the sensitive regions, and a selection device for selecting each combination of the coil elements used to receive the magnetic resonance signals of the subject, out of the combinations of the coil elements, based on the scan volume rate and the sensitivity volume rate.