MRI Gradient Curves Adjusted by Acoustic Resonance Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in patient comfort and scanner reliability due to the excitation of acoustic resonance frequencies during gradient operations, which can cause noise, increased heating, and image artifacts, especially when playing music-based gradient sequences.
Innovation Solution
A method that modifies music based on acoustic resonance parameters of the MRI scanner to adjust the gradient curve, reducing the occurrence of acoustic resonance frequencies and ensuring high-quality image acquisition while maintaining patient comfort by generating a sequence of notes corresponding to the modified music.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If music-based gradient sequences are used during MRI data acquisition, then patient comfort is improved, but acoustic resonance frequencies are excited causing noise, heating, and image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the gradient parameters by adjusting the amplitude and timing of gradient pulses to correspond to music waveforms. The gradient curve is transformed to match musical patterns while controlling the frequency content to avoid resonant frequencies of the scanner components, thereby maintaining patient comfort through music-based sequencing while preventing harmful resonance excitation
Solution Approach 2:
The gradient switching operations are made dynamic by using time-varying music-based waveforms instead of conventional static or periodically repeating gradient patterns. The gradient amplitude and duration are continuously adjusted to follow the envelope and frequency characteristics of music signals, creating an adaptive gradient sequence that provides comfort without causing resonance
2Ease of operation
If gradient switching operations are performed to generate music-based sequences, then patient comfort is improved, but scanner reliability deteriorates due to increased heating and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls gradient parameters including amplitude, duration, and repetition rate to match music patterns while staying within safety limits for specific absorption rate (SAR) and acoustic noise. The gradient waveforms are shaped to avoid abrupt transitions that would cause excessive heating and mechanical stress on gradient coils, thereby maintaining scanner reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates monitoring and control mechanisms to detect and prevent excessive heating and noise levels during music-based gradient sequencing. By continuously adjusting gradient parameters based on real-time scanner conditions, the system maintains patient comfort while preventing reliability-degrading conditions such as overheating and excessive mechanical stress
3Productivity
If conventional gradient switching operations are used, then image acquisition is efficient, but patient comfort deteriorates due to noise and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional static or periodically repeating gradient patterns with dynamic music-based waveforms that continuously vary in amplitude and frequency. This dynamic approach creates a more pleasant acoustic experience for patients while maintaining the time-efficient characteristics of conventional sequences through optimized gradient timing and duration
4Ease of operation
If music-based gradient curves are applied, then patient comfort is improved, but image quality may deteriorate due to artifacts from acoustic resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the gradient waveform parameters to match music patterns while carefully controlling the frequency spectrum to avoid resonant frequencies of the scanner housing and components. By shaping the gradient pulses with appropriate rise and fall times and avoiding frequency ranges that excite resonance, the system prevents image artifacts while maintaining the comfort benefits of music-based sequencing
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 enhances patient comfort and scanner reliability by minimizing the excitation of undesirable frequencies, reducing artifacts, and maintaining image quality during MRI data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
gradient switching operations are employed with the operation of a gradient coil unit
Implementation Method 2
the excitation of acoustic resonance frequencies during gradient operations, which can cause noise, increased heating, and image artifacts
Implementation Method 3
gradient switching operations generate a sequence of notes by operation of a gradient coil
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for magnetic resonance imaging with a music-based gradient curve, a magnetic resonance sequence and a piece of music are provided to a controller of a magnetic resonance apparatus. The piece of music is modified in the controller by taking into account at least one acoustic resonance parameter that characterizes at least one acoustic resonance frequency of the magnetic resonance apparatus, so a modified piece of music is generated. A gradient curve of the magnetic resonance sequence is adjusted using the modified piece of music, so an adjusted magnetic resonance sequence is generated. Magnetic resonance image data of the examination object is acquired by operation of the apparatus with of the adjusted magnetic resonance sequence.