MRI Apparatus Dynamic Pulse Sequence Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the down sampling technique for acquiring MR signals often results in insufficient data for image reconstruction, leading to unpredictable image quality due to unknown motion states of the subject during data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that dynamically adjusts its pulse sequences by determining the necessity of additional MR signal acquisition based on image quality analysis, adding a second pulse sequence to ensure sufficient data for reconstruction, and using processing circuitry to reconstruct images with methods like parallel imaging or deep neural networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If down sampling technique is used to acquire MR signals, then acquisition time is reduced, but data amount becomes insufficient for image reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of acquired MR signals to predict whether sufficient data has been collected for image reconstruction. This preliminary assessment allows the system to determine before completing the full acquisition whether the down-sampled data is adequate, enabling early termination when sufficient and preventing premature termination when insufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where acquired MR signals are continuously evaluated during the acquisition process. The evaluation result feeds back to the control unit, which dynamically adjusts the acquisition by either terminating early (if sufficient) or extending acquisition (if insufficient), thereby resolving the contradiction between reduced acquisition time and sufficient data amount.
2Manufacturing precision
If extra MR signals are acquired to compensate for insufficient data, then image quality is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of the acquired MR signals to predict image quality and data sufficiency before completing the full acquisition sequence. This allows the system to determine in advance whether additional signals are needed, avoiding unnecessary extended acquisition time while ensuring sufficient data for quality reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The acquisition process is made dynamic through real-time evaluation and adaptive control. The system can dynamically adjust the acquisition duration based on the actual quality and sufficiency of acquired signals, rather than using a fixed acquisition time, thereby optimizing the balance between image quality and acquisition time.
3Manufacturing precision
If navigator data is used for motion correction, then image quality is maintained, but data amount for reconstruction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary evaluation mechanism that assesses the relationship between navigator data and MR signals. This evaluation unit determines whether the navigator data acquired for motion correction has sufficiently impacted the MR signal quality, and based on this assessment, decides whether additional MR signals beyond the standard down-sampled set are required for adequate reconstruction.
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
This approach ensures the acquisition of sufficient MR signals for high-quality image reconstruction, adapting to changing subject motion states and compensating for data insufficiencies, thereby guaranteeing image quality.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging apparatus acquires MR signals
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes imaging control circuitry and processing circuitry. The imaging control circuitry acquires MR signals in accordance with a first pulse sequence set in an imaging protocol. The processing circuitry determines, during MR signal acquisition according to the first pulse sequence, whether or not additional acquisition of MR signals is necessary based on a determination of image quality based on the acquired MR signals, and if necessity of additional acquisition is determined, adds a second pulse sequence for the additional acquisition to the imaging protocol. The imaging control circuitry acquires MR signals in accordance with the added second pulse sequence. The processing circuitry reconstructs an MR image based on the MR signals acquired through the first pulse sequence and the second pulse sequence.