MRI Localizer Screen Layout for Observation-Target Image Prioritization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in efficiently guiding users to perform localizer processes on reference cross-sectional images, as current systems often display irrelevant images alongside relevant ones, making it difficult for users to easily observe and adjust the positions of observation-target images during examinations.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus is configured to generate and display a localizer screen with a layout that includes only observation-target reference cross-sectional images relevant to the current examination, using layout information to arrange and display images in a manner that prioritizes the observation-target images, allowing users to easily perform localizer processes by limiting the display to relevant images based on examination protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If all reference cross-sectional images are displayed on the localizer screen, then complete anatomical information is provided, but it becomes difficult for users to easily observe and adjust positions of observation-target images due to irrelevant images cluttering the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display content by categorizing reference cross-sectional images into observation-target images (relevant to current examination) and non-observation images (irrelevant). The localizer screen is divided to show only observation-target images prominently, while non-observation images are excluded or minimally displayed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining information completeness through selective display while improving ease of operation by removing distracting irrelevant images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different display priorities to different types of images. Observation-target images are displayed with optimal size, position, and visibility in the localizer screen, while non-observation images are either excluded or displayed in a minimized manner. This differential treatment allows the display to be optimized for the specific purpose of guiding localizer processes on relevant images without losing access to complete anatomical information.
2Reliability
If standardized protocols display all types of reference cross-sectional images, then comprehensive anatomical coverage is achieved, but user burden increases and efficiency of performing localizer processes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the display content adaptive based on examination protocols and observation targets. Rather than statically displaying all reference images, the system dynamically determines which images are observation-target images and displays only those on the localizer screen. This dynamic adaptation maintains comprehensive anatomical coverage when needed while significantly improving productivity by reducing user burden and focusing attention on relevant images for localizer processes.
3Measurement precision
If multiple types of reference cross-sectional images are displayed simultaneously, then complete anatomical assessment is enabled, but it becomes difficult for users to focus on and accurately position observation-target images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates observation-target images from the complete set of reference cross-sectional images. By taking out only the relevant observation-target images and displaying them prominently on the localizer screen while excluding non-observation images, the system enables users to focus attention and achieve accurate positioning without the distraction of irrelevant images. The complete anatomical assessment capability is preserved through the ability to access non-observation images when needed, but the primary display focuses on what is essential for accurate positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to embodiments includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry configured to acquire layout information which defines a layout of cross-sectional images on a localizer screen, to detect cross-sectional positions of the cross-sectional images from MR data, and to generate the localizer screen according to the layout information, the localizer screen including all or a part of the plurality of cross-sectional images generated on the basis of the plurality of cross-sectional positions.