MRI Sequence Heating Compensation for Combined-Modality Detectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining different diagnostic modalities in a combined imaging device leads to heating effects due to gradient magnetic fields and high-frequency electromagnetic fields, causing temperature variations and inhomogeneous distributions that compromise the quality of diagnostic data, particularly affecting detector modules of other modalities.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that determine the heating effect of a magnetic resonance imaging sequence on a detector of another modality using a reference imaging sequence, employing a temperature compensation unit to adjust compensation parameters based on acquired temperature-dependent parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gradient magnetic fields and high-frequency electromagnetic fields are applied for magnetic resonance imaging, then imaging capability is achieved, but heating effects occur in detector modules of other modalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a reference imaging sequence before the actual imaging sequence to determine the heating effect in advance. Temperature-dependent parameters are measured during the reference sequence, and compensation parameters are calculated beforehand to compensate for the expected heating effects during subsequent imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature-dependent parameters are continuously monitored during imaging sequences. Based on these measurements, compensation parameters are dynamically adjusted to maintain detector performance despite temperature variations caused by gradient magnetic fields and high-frequency electromagnetic fields.
2Reliability
If temperature compensation is applied to counteract heating effects, then detector performance is maintained, but additional complexity is introduced to the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a unified approach where a single reference imaging sequence serves multiple purposes: characterizing the heating effect, determining temperature-dependent parameters, and calculating compensation parameters. This multi-functional use of the reference sequence reduces the need for separate compensation mechanisms and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines its own heating effects through self-measurement using temperature-dependent parameters during the reference imaging sequence. The detector module itself provides the data needed to calculate compensation parameters, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors or separate measurement systems.
3Measurement precision
If reference imaging sequences are performed to determine heating effects, then accurate compensation is achieved, but examination time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a simplified reference imaging sequence that captures only the essential temperature-dependent parameters needed for compensation, rather than a complete diagnostic imaging sequence. This partial action provides sufficient data for heating effect determination while minimizing the time penalty.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference imaging sequence is performed periodically, such as at the beginning of an examination or when imaging parameters change significantly. This periodic approach balances the need for accurate heating effect characterization with the constraint of minimizing total examination time.
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
Improves the quality of diagnostic data by accurately compensating for temperature variations and maintaining consistent detector performance across different imaging sequences.
Implementation Method 1
a heating effect of an imaging sequence of a second imaging modality on a detector of a first modality of a combined imaging device is determined in dependence of a reference imaging sequence of the second imaging modality
Implementation Method 2
heating of electrical conductors and other components due to an application of gradient magnetic fields and high frequency electromagnetic fields
Implementation Method 3
a temperature compensation unit configured to compensate a temperature variation of the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A method is for determining a heating effect of an imaging sequence of a second imaging modality on a detector of a first modality of a combined imaging device in dependence of a reference imaging sequence of the second imaging modality. A further method is for compensating a heating effect of an imaging sequence of a second imaging modality on a detector of a first modality of a combined imaging device. Furthermore, a combined imaging device includes a magnetic resonance imaging device and a first modality including a detector and a temperature compensation unit configured to compensate for a temperature variation of the detector. The combined imaging device is configured to perform a method for determining a heating effect of an imaging sequence of the magnetic resonance imaging device on the detector of the first modality in dependence of a reference imaging sequence of the magnetic resonance imaging device.