MRI Motion Correction Using ACS Data for Undersampled Reconstruction

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motion correction methods in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lead to lower quality images due to motion-corrupted k-space data, particularly when using shot rejection and external auto-calibration signals (ACS) that are sensitive to motion, resulting in undersampled reconstruction inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for generating motion correction data based on motion-corrupted k-space data, using techniques like GRAPPA weights or sensitivity maps, to improve image quality by correcting motion artifacts before undersampled reconstruction, thereby enhancing image generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If shot rejection is used to remove motion-corrupted k-space data, then motion artifacts are reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to lower quality images from undersampled reconstruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion artifactsVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing motion correction on the auto-calibration signal (ACS) data before using it in the reconstruction process. The system detects motion during the scan and corrects the ACS data in advance, so that when the ACS is used for parallel imaging reconstruction, it already contains corrected motion information, thereby improving image quality while maintaining motion artifact reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by using navigators to detect motion during the MRI scan and feeding this information back to correct the k-space data. The motion detection navigators provide real-time feedback about patient movement, which is then used to adjust and correct the ACS and/or k-space data, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves image quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If external auto-calibration signals are used for parallel imaging reconstruction, then reconstruction efficiency is improved, but motion sensitivity increases leading to lower quality images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing motion correction on the auto-calibration signal (ACS) data before using it in the reconstruction process. The system detects motion during the scan and corrects the ACS data in advance, so that when the ACS is used for parallel imaging reconstruction, it already contains corrected motion information, thereby improving image quality while maintaining motion artifact reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses navigators as an intermediary to bridge the gap between motion detection and image reconstruction. The navigators detect motion and provide corrected ACS data that serves as an intermediary product, combining motion information with the ACS data to produce motion-corrected ACS that can be used in reconstruction without the harmful effects of motion sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If k-space data is undersampled to reduce scan time, then acquisition speed is improved, but reconstruction complexity increases leading to inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacquisition speedVSAvoidreconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing motion correction on the auto-calibration signal (ACS) data before using it in the reconstruction process. The system detects motion during the scan and corrects the ACS data in advance, so that when the ACS is used for parallel imaging reconstruction, it already contains corrected motion information, thereby improving image quality while maintaining motion artifact reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of the ACS data by correcting motion artifacts through navigation-based motion detection and correction. This transforms the ACS from a motion-corrupted state to a motion-corrected state, improving the effectiveness of undersampled reconstruction and reducing the complexity requirements for accurate image recovery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260016553A1Focused motion correction in magnetic resonance imaging

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A method, system, processing circuitry, and computer program product for providing initial motion correction in magnetic resonant imaging (MRI) data that enables additional image correction to be performed on subsequently processed MRI data in the same imaging set. One such method receives k-space data including a first set of motion corrupted k-space data and a second set of k-space data (different than the first set); generates motion correction data based on the first set of motion corrupted k-space data; and generates an image based on the second set of undersampled k-space data and the motion correction data.