MRI Gradient Sensitivity Correction via 3D Phantom Fitting

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for gradient sensitivity correction in MRI devices face challenges such as low accuracy and complex operation, particularly due to high positioning requirements for spherical phantoms, which can be time-consuming and inefficient, especially in MRI systems with small scanning chambers like cantilever systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for gradient sensitivity correction using a three-dimensional image of a phantom with a known actual size, where the fitting size is determined and used to correct the MRI device's gradient sensitivity, allowing for accurate adjustment without requiring precise phantom positioning, applicable to various MRI systems including those with small scanning chambers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a spherical phantom is used for gradient sensitivity correction based on center point consistency, then the correction can be performed, but the positioning accuracy requirements become excessively high and the operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegradient sensitivity correction accuracyVSAvoidphantom positioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The correction process is segmented into two independent stages: (1) gradient sensitivity correction using any positioned phantom, and (2) geometric distortion correction using a precisely positioned spherical phantom. This segmentation allows the spherical phantom's positioning requirements to be relaxed since its center no longer needs to coincide with the MRI center for the gradient sensitivity correction stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gradient sensitivity correction is performed as a preliminary action before geometric distortion correction. By first correcting the gradient sensitivity using a简单地 positioned phantom, the subsequent geometric distortion correction can focus solely on shape accuracy without being confounded by positioning errors, thereby reducing the overall positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If a spherical phantom is used for gradient sensitivity correction, then correction can be performed, but the operation time increases due to high positioning accuracy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegradient sensitivity correction accuracyVSAvoidcorrection operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The correction process is segmented into two independent stages: (1) gradient sensitivity correction using any positioned phantom, and (2) geometric distortion correction using a precisely positioned spherical phantom. This segmentation allows the spherical phantom's positioning requirements to be relaxed since its center no longer needs to coincide with the MRI center for the gradient sensitivity correction stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gradient sensitivity correction is performed as a preliminary action before geometric distortion correction. By first correcting the gradient sensitivity using a简单地 positioned phantom, the subsequent geometric distortion correction can focus solely on shape accuracy without being confounded by positioning errors, thereby reducing the overall positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional gradient sensitivity correction methods are used, then correction can be performed, but the overall correction accuracy remains low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection operation simplicityVSAvoidcorrection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The correction process is segmented into two independent stages: (1) gradient sensitivity correction using any positioned phantom, and (2) geometric distortion correction using a precisely positioned spherical phantom. This segmentation allows the spherical phantom's positioning requirements to be relaxed since its center no longer needs to coincide with the MRI center for the gradient sensitivity correction stage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gradient sensitivity correction is performed as a preliminary action before geometric distortion correction. By first correcting the gradient sensitivity using a简单地 positioned phantom, the subsequent geometric distortion correction can focus solely on shape accuracy without being confounded by positioning errors, thereby reducing the overall positioning requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240426956A1Methods and systems for gradient sensitivity correction

Publication Date: 2024.12.26 WUHAN UNITED IMAGING LIFE SCIENCE INSTRUMENT CO LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems for gradient sensitivity correction. The method may include obtaining a three-dimensional image of a phantom. The three-dimensional image may be acquired using an MRI device, and the phantom may have a known actual size on a target axis. The method may include determining a fitting size of the phantom on the target axis by fitting the three-dimensional image. The method may further include correcting, based on the fitting size and the actual size, a gradient sensitivity of the MRI device.