MRI Apparatus Automatic Imaging Condition Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of setting optimal imaging conditions for MRI procedures is complex and time-consuming, requiring manual adjustment by technicians, and varies based on patient body size and breath-holdable time, leading to inconsistencies in image quality due to artifacts from body movement.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with processing circuitry that acquires body size and breath-hold information to automatically determine and set appropriate imaging conditions using pre-defined preset lists, allowing for efficient selection of imaging parameters such as FOV, resolution, and imaging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setting of imaging conditions is performed by a user, then the parameters can be adjusted to be appropriate for the object, but it takes a long time to set the imaging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging condition setting is automated through the processor that automatically determines optimal parameters based on acquired object information, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment while maintaining appropriateness for each object
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts multiple imaging parameters (FOV, matrix size, slice thickness, etc.) based on object characteristics such as body size and breath-hold capability, optimizing the imaging conditions without manual intervention
2Measurement precision
If imaging conditions are manually set and adjusted by a user, then the parameters can be appropriate for the object, but the optimal values may vary depending on the experience and skill of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The processor automatically determines imaging conditions based on objective measurements of object characteristics, eliminating variability introduced by different users' experience and skill levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acquired object information (body size, breath-hold time) as feedback to automatically adjust imaging parameters, ensuring consistent and objective optimization regardless of which user operates the system
3Measurement precision
If the imaging time is set longer to capture detailed images, then the resolution can be improved, but artifacts from body movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts imaging parameters including imaging time based on the object's breath-hold capability, optimizing the balance between resolution and motion artifact suppression for each individual patient
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging conditions are dynamically adjusted based on real-time acquisition of object information, allowing the system to adapt imaging time and other parameters to match the specific breath-hold capability of each patient
4Area of stationary object
If the FOV is increased to capture a larger imaging area, then the coverage can be improved, but the resolution may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the optimal FOV and matrix size based on object body size, dynamically adjusting these parameters to achieve the best balance between coverage and resolution for each patient
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging parameters are customized to match the specific anatomical region and body size of the patient, applying appropriate FOV and resolution settings locally rather than using fixed universal settings
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
Facilitates the quick and accurate setting of imaging conditions, reducing the time required for setup and minimizing artifacts from body movement, thereby improving image quality and consistency across different patient sizes and breath-holdable times.
Implementation Method 1
magnetically excites nuclear spin of an object placed in a static magnetic field by applying an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse having the Larmor frequency
Implementation Method 2
reconstructs an image on the basis of MR (Magnetic Resonance) signals emitted from the object due to the excitation
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, MRI apparatus includes processing circuitry and an imaging device. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire at least one of body size information relating to a size of an object and breath-hold information relating to a breath-holdable time of the object. The processing circuitry is further configured to determine an imaging condition to be performed on the object based on the at least one of the body size information and the breath-hold information. The imaging device performs imaging of the object in accordance with the determined imaging condition.