MRI Interference Suppression via Reference Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance tomographs face challenges in reducing external interference signals while minimizing the need for complex shielding measures, which increases operational effort and cost.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance tomograph design featuring a first receiving antenna inside the patient tunnel and a second receiving antenna arranged outside or near the tunnel opening, with a receiver that suppresses interference signals by processing signals from both antennas, allowing for simpler and more cost-effective shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If complex shielded cabins are installed around the magnetic resonance scanner, then external interference signals are reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interference signal detection function from the main receiving antenna system and implements it through a separate reference antenna. The reference antenna is specifically positioned to receive only external interference signals without magnetic resonance signals, allowing the interference to be isolated and removed through signal processing, thereby eliminating the need for complex physical shielding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reference antenna continuously monitors external interference signals, and the receiver uses this feedback information to actively suppress interference in the magnetic resonance signals. The interference signal detected by the reference antenna is fed back to the receiver, which then subtracts the correlated interference from the main receiving antenna signals in real-time
2Measurement precision
If shielded cabins are installed to reduce external interference, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but operational effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and suppressing interference signals without requiring manual intervention. The reference antenna and receiver work together to automatically identify, measure, and eliminate interference signals from the magnetic resonance signals, maintaining high signal-to-noise ratio without increasing operational effort
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex shielding measures are implemented, then external interference is reduced, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical shielding system (shielded cabins) with an electronic signal processing system. Instead of using physical barriers to block interference, the invention uses electronic methods - the reference antenna and receiver systematically detect, analyze, and subtract interference signals through signal processing algorithms, achieving the same protective effect at lower cost
4Reliability
If a reference antenna is added to detect interference signals, then interference suppression capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional characteristics to different antennas. The reference antenna is specifically designed and positioned to have the quality of receiving only external interference signals (with directional characteristics oriented away from the magnet), while the main receiving antennas are optimized for magnetic resonance signal reception. This functional differentiation allows effective interference suppression without requiring complex modifications to the overall antenna system
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 effectively reduces external interference signals in the magnetic resonance signal, enabling operation without the need for complex shielding cabins, thus reducing operational effort and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the receiver is designed to suppress an interference signal received with the second receiving antenna in a magnetic resonance signal received by the first receiving antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner and a method for operating the MRI scanner. The MRI scanner comprises a first receiving antenna for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from a patient in a patient tunnel, a second receiving antenna for receiving a signal with the Larmor frequency of the magnetic resonance signal, and a receiver. The second receiving antenna is arranged outside or near an opening of the patient tunnel. The receiver is in signal communication with the first and second receiving antennas and is designed to suppress any interference signal received by the second receiving antenna in a magnetic resonance signal received by the first receiving antenna.