MRI Morphology-Function Image Deformation for Anatomical Normalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cerebral blood flow images obtained by MRI using the ASL method lack shape information, making accurate anatomical normalization to a standard brain coordinate system difficult, and existing techniques like SPECT require longer examination times and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with a static magnetic field generation unit, gradient magnetic field generation unit, irradiation coil, receiving coil, and computation processing unit that captures morphology and function images, deforms the morphology image to align with a standard morphology, and then uses the deformation parameters to align the function image, enabling accurate anatomical normalization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If cerebral blood flow images are obtained by MRI using the ASL method, then examination time and cost are reduced, but accurate anatomical normalization to standard brain coordinate system becomes difficult due to lack of shape information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging process into two distinct parts: acquiring a morphology image (structural information) and acquiring a functional image (blood flow information). The morphology image is then normalized to the standard brain coordinate system, and this normalized morphological framework is used to guide the normalization of the functional image, enabling accurate anatomical alignment without requiring complex processing of the functional image itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the morphology image as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the functional image and the standard brain coordinate system. Since the morphology image contains shape information, it serves as a mediator that can be accurately normalized, and its deformation parameters are then applied to the functional image to achieve accurate anatomical normalization without directly processing the shapeless functional data.
2Manufacturing precision
If SPECT is used to obtain cerebral blood flow images with shape information, then anatomical normalization accuracy is improved, but examination time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the MRI apparatus multi-functional by enabling it to perform both morphological imaging and functional blood flow imaging using the ASL method. The morphology image acquired by MRI serves dual purposes: it provides structural information for anatomical reference and contains the same spatial coordinates as the functional image, allowing the MRI system to replace SPECT for both structural and functional imaging needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameters and methodology by using the morphology image's spatial coordinates and deformation parameters to normalize the functional image, rather than relying on the functional image's own (insufficient) shape information. This parameter transformation approach enables accurate anatomical normalization using MRI data alone, eliminating the need for SPECT.
3Ease of operation
If functional images without shape information are directly normalized, then processing simplicity is maintained, but normalization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary normalization on the morphology image before using it to normalize the functional image. By first converting the morphology image to the standard brain coordinate system and obtaining deformation parameters from this preliminary step, the system establishes an accurate anatomical framework that guides the subsequent normalization of the functional image, ensuring high accuracy without complex direct processing of the functional data.
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
Enables accurate comparison of cerebral blood flow images with healthy subjects using the same coordinate system, reducing examination time and cost, and facilitating diagnosis of conditions like dementia and cerebral vascular diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a static magnetic field generation unit that applies a static magnetic field to an imaging space in which an object under examination is placed
Implementation Method 2
a gradient magnetic field generation unit that applies a gradient magnetic field to the imaging space
Implementation Method 3
measures a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal generated by nuclear spins configuring an object under examination
Implementation Method 4
a receiving coil that receives a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the object under examination
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus captures a morphology image and a function image that are captured with respect to an equal imaging region of an object under examination. Processing for deforming the morphology image is performed using a deformation parameter and moving positions of structural objects included in the morphology image to respective positions of structural objects of a previously determined standard morphology. Then, the function image is deformed using a value of the deformation parameter used in deforming the morphology image to cause a position of a region included in the function image to coincide with a position of a corresponding region of the standard morphology or by using the standard morphology in an opposite direction using the value of the deformation parameter to cause a position of a region of the structural object thereof to coincide with a position of a corresponding region included in the function image.