MRI Display Apparatus Aligning Form and Quantitative Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, accurately specifying the position of tissues for diagnosis is challenging due to the difficulty in correlating form images with quantitative value images, leading to cumbersome operations and reduced diagnostic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus and method that allows for the simultaneous display of form images and quantitative value images, with the ability to set a specific area on the form image and display corresponding quantitative values, enabling accurate tissue positioning and improved diagnostic efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If form image and quantitative image are displayed separately, then each image can be displayed clearly, but the operation becomes cumbersome and diagnostic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the form image display and quantitative value image display into a single integrated display interface. The quantitative value image is overlaid or positioned adjacent to the form image, allowing simultaneous visualization of both anatomical structure and quantitative measurements without requiring separate display screens or repeated switching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the display by incorporating quantitative value visualization alongside the conventional form image. This creates a multi-dimensional display where spatial information (form image) and numerical information (quantitative values) coexist in the same visual space, enabling direct correlation between tissue location and measured characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If form image and quantitative image have different FOV centers, then each image can be optimized independently, but position correlation between tissues becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a common reference frame or alignment mechanism that ensures both the form image and quantitative image share the same field of view center and spatial coordinates. This creates an equipotential display environment where position correlation is maintained across both image types, allowing accurate mapping between anatomical structures and quantitative measurements.
3Productivity
If separate display switching is used, then detailed examination of each image type is possible, but time is lost in switching and position specification becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous simultaneous display of both form images and quantitative value images, eliminating the need to switch between different display modes. The operator can continuously examine both anatomical structure and quantitative measurements without interruption, maintaining uninterrupted diagnostic workflow and preventing time loss associated with display switching.
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 accurate specification of tissue positions and enhances diagnostic efficiency by allowing side-by-side display of form and quantitative value images, aligning image centers and fields of view, thus simplifying the diagnostic process.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging area of a subject is accommodated in an imaging space formed with a static magnetic field thereby to arrange spins of proton in the imaging area in the direction in which the static magnetic field is formed
Implementation Method 2
a magnetization vector thereof is produced. An RF pulse having a resonant frequency is applied to generate a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) phenomenon
Implementation Method 3
An RF pulse having a resonant frequency is applied to generate a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) phenomenon, thereby flipping the spins and changing the magnetization vector of the proton
Implementation Method 4
the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus receives magnetic resonance (MR) signals produced when the proton is returned to the original state of magnetization vector
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus which displays a form image indicative of a form about an imaging area of a subject and a quantitative value image indicative of quantitative values measured with respect to characteristics of the imaging area, said image display apparatus includes a display unit which displays the form image on a display screen thereof and a specific area setting unit which sets a specific area at the form image displayed on the display screen by the display unit. When the specific area is set at the form image by the specific area setting unit, the display unit displays the quantitative value image on the display screen side by side with the form image in such a manner that the quantitative value image indicates the quantitative values measured with respect to a position corresponding to the specific area set at the imaging area.