MRI Apparatus Automated Intervertebral Disc Detection and Imaging Area Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for examining intervertebral discs require prolonged imaging and examination times due to the detection of all intervertebral discs, necessitating manual selection by operators to narrow down the imaging subjects, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with processing circuitry that detects intervertebral discs, selects imaging subjects based on predefined protocols, and displays information in different forms to facilitate easy operator selection, allowing for automatic re-selection and adjustment of imaging areas to optimize imaging time and reduce operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all intervertebral discs are detected and manually selected by operators, then imaging coverage is complete, but examination time and operator workload increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects intervertebral discs, determines imaging areas, and performs imaging without requiring manual operator selection. The MRI apparatus self-manages the workflow from detection through imaging, eliminating the time-consuming manual selection process while maintaining complete imaging coverage of all detected intervertebral discs
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automatic detection and identification of all intervertebral discs before imaging begins. By pre-determining the imaging areas for all detected discs and automatically sequencing them, the system prepares the complete imaging plan in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual selection during the examination
2Reliability
If manual selection of imaging subjects is performed, then imaging protocol compliance is ensured, but operator effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically ensures protocol compliance by integrating imaging protocol parameters into the automated detection and selection process. The processing circuitry autonomously determines the number and arrangement of imaging areas based on detected intervertebral discs while adhering to protocol requirements, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual display of detected intervertebral discs and determined imaging areas, allowing operators to verify automatic selections. This feedback mechanism ensures protocol compliance while minimizing operator effort, as operators only need to review and confirm rather than manually select each parameter
3Manufacturing precision
If imaging areas are manually defined, then imaging accuracy is maintained, but examination throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual operator actions with automated image processing and detection algorithms. The processing circuitry automatically identifies intervertebral disc boundaries, determines optimal imaging areas, and sequences examinations, maintaining imaging accuracy through algorithmic precision while dramatically increasing examination throughput by eliminating manual operations
Solution Approach 2:
The MRI apparatus autonomously performs the complete workflow of detecting intervertebral discs, determining imaging areas, and executing imaging sequences. This self-service capability maintains high imaging accuracy through automated detection algorithms while maximizing examination throughput by eliminating all manual selection and definition steps
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to embodiments includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to detect, defining at least either intervertebral discs or vertebral bodies as target regions, target region information indicative of a position and a direction of each target region for each of a plurality of target regions included in a spine of a subject based on an image in which the spine is imaged; select target regions of imaging subjects out of the target regions based on the target region information; and cause a display to display, regarding the target regions, information representing imaging areas that concern the target regions of imaging subjects and information representing imaging areas that concern other target regions in different display forms.