Magnetic Resonance Imaging Gradient Noise Control for Patient Stillness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patient motion during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) leads to image artifacts, necessitating repeated scans and increased scan time, with existing solutions like sedation posing additional effort and side effects.

Innovation Solution

Modulating gradient noise to deliver an audible signal that induces a non-waking state in patients, such as a hypnotic state, using auditory stimulation or hypnotic suggestions, combined with optional audio and physical interventions like acupressure and motion control, to reduce patient motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If sedation is used to minimize patient motion, then patient motion is reduced, but additional effort and side effects are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient motion stabilityVSAvoidsedation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical approach of sedation with an acoustic approach using modulated gradient noise. The gradient noise is modulated to deliver audible signals that induce a non-waking state in patients, eliminating the need for sedation medications and their associated side effects while maintaining patient motion stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameters of gradient noise by modulating its amplitude and frequency to deliver specific audible signals. By varying the gradient noise parameters within acceptable imaging ranges, the system induces a non-waking state in patients without affecting image quality, thereby reducing patient motion without sedation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If scan sequence is optimized for image quality, then image quality is improved, but gradient noise increases causing patient motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidgradient noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful gradient noise into a beneficial audible signal. By modulating the gradient noise, the system delivers audible signals that induce a non-waking state in patients, which reduces patient motion and improves image quality. The same gradient noise that was previously harmful is now used therapeutically to calm patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically modulates the gradient noise during the scan sequence to deliver audible signals at appropriate times. The modulation allows the system to maintain acceptable image quality while reducing peak gradient noise levels, thereby preventing patient motion without sacrificing diagnostic image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If gradient noise is reduced to minimize patient discomfort, then patient comfort is improved, but image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegradient noise levelVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic modulation of gradient noise to deliver audible signals at specific intervals during the scan sequence. This periodic action allows the system to maintain lower overall gradient noise levels for patient comfort while preserving sufficient signal strength for acceptable image quality through strategic placement of gradient pulses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Reduces patient motion, enhancing image quality and increasing throughput by ensuring patients remain still during scans without the need for sedation.

Implementation Method 1

configuring the scan sequence to modulate gradient noise arising from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus during the magnetic resonance imaging to deliver a first audible signal to the patient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectModulation of gradient noise:

Data Source

PatentUS12422510B2Controlling gradient noise in magnetic resonance imaging

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

There is provided a method of determining a scan sequence for magnetic resonance imaging—MRI. The method comprises: receiving an indication of one or more selected imaging parameters for the MRI; and based on the selected imaging parameters, determining the scan sequence usable by an MRI apparatus to perform the MRI, wherein determining the scan sequence comprises configuring the scan sequence to modulate gradient noise arising from the MRI apparatus during the MRI to deliver a first audible signal to the patient, wherein the first audible signal is configured to perform auditory stimulation of slow wave activity in the patient.