MRI Contrast Navigation Window with Visual Marker
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI imaging systems lack effective methods for visualizing and navigating the contrast settings of MRI images, particularly in controlling and understanding T1-weighted, T2-weighted, and Proton Density Weighted images, which limits user interaction and image optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that display a visual marker in a window with coordinates representing T1 and T2 weighting of MRI images, allowing users to intuitively understand and adjust scanner settings (TE, TR, and Flip Angle) for optimal image contrast, using equations to translate these settings into indicative W1 and W2 values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional MRI imaging systems use arbitrary scaling for images, then the imaging system is simple to operate, but the user cannot effectively visualize and navigate the contrast settings (T1-weighting, T2-weighting, PD-weighting) of the images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the abstract contrast settings (T1-weighting, T2-weighting, PD-weighting) into a two-dimensional graphical display with axes representing different weighting parameters. This dimensional transformation allows users to visually navigate and understand contrast settings that were previously invisible and arbitrary, resolving the contradiction between information visibility and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graphical user interface as an intermediary between the MRI scanner settings and the displayed images. This interface includes visual elements such as a marker indicating current contrast settings and a scale showing the relationship between different weighting parameters, serving as a mediator that makes the invisible contrast settings visible and navigable without complicating the underlying imaging system.
2Ease of operation
If MRI images use arbitrary intensity scaling, then the imaging process is fast and simple, but the user cannot intuitively understand or adjust scanner settings for optimal image contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the graphical display shows the current contrast settings (T1-weighting, T2-weighting, PD-weighting) corresponding to the displayed image. Users can see the relationship between scanner parameters and image contrast, and adjust settings while observing real-time updates in the graphical representation, making scanner setting adjustment intuitive and informed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual indicators such as color-coded markers and scaled representations to show different contrast weightings. The graphical interface translates numerical scanner parameters into visual information that users can intuitively understand, enabling easier adjustment of scanner settings for optimal image contrast.
3Productivity
If no visual navigation tool is provided for contrast settings, then the display system remains simple, but users cannot quickly visualize or adjust MRI image contrast settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contrast navigation information into distinct visual elements: a marker indicating current settings, axes representing different weighting parameters, and a scale showing the relationship between parameters. This segmentation presents complex contrast information in an organized, easily interpretable format that speeds up image optimization without overwhelming the user with complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of displaying settings for a Magnetic Resonance (MR) image, a visual marker is displayed in a window. The coordinates of the visual marker correspond to T1 weighting of the MR image along a first axis of a display and correspond to T2 weighting of the MR image along a second axis of a display window.