MRI K-space Data Reconstruction with Intermediate Image Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems discard underlying k-space data after image reconstruction, necessitating additional scans for further visualization or image adjustments, which is inefficient and limits the ability to produce additional images.
Innovation Solution
A method for storing and reconstructing MRI images by acquiring subsets of k-space data, performing inverse Fourier transforms, and saving intermediate images in a standard format, allowing for later summation to create final images with adjustable spatial and temporal resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If k-space data is discarded after image reconstruction, then storage space is saved and processing time is reduced, but the ability to produce additional images or perform adjustments is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image reconstruction process into two distinct phases: an initial reconstruction phase that produces a preliminary image, and a post-acquisition phase that allows flexible reprocessing. The raw k-space data is preserved separately from the reconstructed image, enabling independent manipulation of each stage without requiring re-scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image reconstruction from the acquired k-space data and stores both the preliminary image and the original k-space data. This preliminary action enables subsequent flexible adjustments and additional image productions without requiring new scans, as all necessary data is already available.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional scans are performed to produce more images or adjust parameters, then image quality and resolution can be improved, but scan time and patient exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding raw k-space data after initial reconstruction, the patent recovers and preserves this data for future use. The stored k-space data can be reprocessed to generate additional images or adjust parameters, eliminating the need for repeat scans and associated time losses.
3Reliability
If raw data is retained in vendor-specific formats, then data integrity is maintained, but data portability and accessibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates copies of the reconstructed image in standard, vendor-independent formats while preserving the original vendor-specific data. This copying approach maintains data integrity of the original while enhancing portability and accessibility of the image data across different systems and platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved method for reconstruction of medical images includes the acquisition of k-space data through MRI imaging. Subsequently, subsets of the k-space data are transformed into intermediate images by performing an inverse Fourier transform on selected sets. These intermediate images are saved to a PACS or other memory storage, and can be recalled later to reconstruct an image. By selecting various intermediate images, a user can vary both the spatial and temporal resolution of the reconstructed image after acquisition, thereby providing adaptive reconstruction of images without the need to acquire new data.