MRI Automatic Sequence Selection for Dental Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional MRI systems require skilled technicians for complex and time-consuming diagnostic examinations, especially in dental applications, due to the need for meticulous preparation and manual target volume definition.

Innovation Solution

A dental MRI system that provides field-of-view information based on a region of interest, allowing for automatic selection of diagnostic applications and recording sequences, enabling technicians without extensive training to perform examinations by positioning imaging coils and generating diagnostic images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual preparation and target volume definition are performed by skilled technicians, then diagnostic image quality is optimized, but examination time is extended and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic image qualityVSAvoidexamination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs target volume definition and recording sequence selection based on pre-stored diagnostic information, enabling the MRI system to serve itself without requiring skilled technicians to manually define volumes or select sequences, thus reducing examination time while maintaining diagnostic quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Diagnostic information including target volume definitions and recording sequences are pre-stored in the system memory before the actual examination. During the exam, the system automatically retrieves and applies this pre-prepared information, eliminating the need for real-time manual preparation and reducing examination time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If manual definition of recording sequences is performed, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The MRI system automatically selects and configures appropriate recording sequences based on pre-stored diagnostic information related to the specific diagnostic inquiry, eliminating the need for technicians to manually define complex sequence parameters and reducing operational difficulty

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system stores multiple pre-configured recording sequences and diagnostic protocols in memory that can be automatically selected based on the type of diagnostic inquiry, making the system universally applicable to various dental examinations without requiring manual reconfiguration for each case

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If skilled technicians perform meticulous preparation, then image quality is optimized, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidoperational ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs all preparation steps including target volume definition, coil position verification, and recording sequence selection based on pre-stored diagnostic information, eliminating the need for skilled technicians to perform meticulous manual preparation while maintaining image quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of technician-operated preparation and parameter adjustment is replaced by an automated computer-controlled system that retrieves pre-stored diagnostic information and automatically configures the examination parameters, thereby improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates quicker and more efficient diagnostic examinations by automating the selection of recording sequences and target volume definition, reducing the need for highly skilled technicians and streamlining the examination process.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2839307B1Magnetic resonance imaging with automatic selection of a recording sequence
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 SIRONA DENTAL SYSTEMS GMBH CORP LEGAL
  • EP2839307B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2839307B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP2839307B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A method for operating an imaging system, and a system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium, that operate in accordance with the method. The method includes providing field-of-view (FoV) information, and automatically selecting at least one recording sequence based on at least one of a particular diagnostic application of interest and the FoV information.