MRI Magnetic Field Calibration via Real-Time Signal Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges with non-uniformity and drift of the imaging magnetic field, leading to poor image quality due to the need for additional hardware and post-acquisition corrections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for measuring and calibrating the imaging magnetic field by providing a measurement RF signal to stimulate a monitoring sample, sampling the resulting magnetic resonance signal, and processing it to obtain actual magnetic field intensity, allowing for real-time calibration based on differences between actual and target field intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware is used to correct anomalies in the imaging magnetic field, then the uniformity and stability of the magnetic field is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the magnetic resonance signal is continuously monitored and used to detect actual magnetic field intensity. This feedback information is then used to adjust and calibrate the imaging magnetic field in real-time, eliminating the need for additional correction hardware while maintaining field uniformity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the magnetic resonance signal from the object itself to provide information about the magnetic field conditions. The object's own magnetic resonance response serves as the measurement signal, allowing the system to self-diagnose and self-correct magnetic field anomalies without external measurement devices.
2Reliability
If post-acquisition image processing is used to calibrate the magnetic field, then the magnetic field uniformity is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs magnetic field calibration during the acquisition process itself rather than after. By incorporating field measurement and calibration into the scanning sequence, the system prepares and adjusts the magnetic field in advance before actual imaging, eliminating post-acquisition processing delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field monitoring and calibration process runs continuously during the imaging acquisition. The system maintains continuous measurement of the magnetic field through ongoing magnetic resonance signal sampling, ensuring uninterrupted calibration without pausing or extending the total imaging time.
3Reliability
If the gradient coil operates continuously to provide gradient field, then the imaging quality is improved, but the temperature rises causing magnetic field drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real-time monitoring of the magnetic resonance signal to detect magnetic field drift caused by temperature changes. This feedback information allows the system to compensate for drift dynamically, maintaining imaging quality despite continuous gradient coil operation and associated heating.
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 improves image quality by ensuring a high uniformity and stability of the imaging magnetic field, reducing artifacts and enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio, while simplifying the calibration process and avoiding the need for extensive additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
providing a measurement RF signal to stimulate protons in a monitoring sample and generate a measurement magnetic resonance signal corresponding to the imaging magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for measuring and calibrating an imaging magnetic field in a magnetic resonance apparatus are provided. The method includes: providing the imaging magnetic field, where the imaging magnetic field is adapted for scanning an object; sampling a signal corresponding to the imaging magnetic field; processing the signal to obtain an actual magnetic field intensity; and calibrating based on a difference between the actual magnetic field intensity and a target magnetic field intensity. The system includes: a magnetic component, adapted for scanning an object to be imaged; a sampling unit, adapted for sampling a signal corresponding to the imaging magnetic field; a processing unit, adapted for processing the signal to obtain an actual magnetic field intensity; a calibration unit, adapted for calibrating based on a difference between the actual magnetic field intensity and a target magnetic field intensity; and a control unit, adapted for controlling the system.