Incremental Motion Correction in MRI via Intermediate Image Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motion correction techniques in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are inadequate, leading to reduced diagnostic quality images due to patient motion, particularly in patients with movement disorders, and often require time-intensive or costly processes.
Innovation Solution
An incremental motion correction method that estimates an intermediate image from sections of k-space with minimal motion, calculates motion parameters for other sections, and combines data to generate a final image, reducing the parameter space to be solved and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional motion correction techniques are used in MRI, then motion artifacts can be reduced to some extent, but the process becomes time-intensive and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the motion correction process into distinct phases: identifying minimal motion shots, estimating intermediate images from these shots, and using these intermediates to guide correction of remaining shots. This segmentation allows the system to focus computational effort where most needed while maintaining overall scan efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by identifying and processing minimal motion shots first to create intermediate images before addressing shots with more motion. This preliminary estimation provides a reference framework that simplifies subsequent motion correction steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If motion correction is applied to all shots, then image quality improves, but the parameter space to be solved increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates minimal motion shots from the full dataset to create intermediate images. By taking out these high-quality reference shots, the system reduces the parameter space needed for motion correction while still achieving comprehensive correction across all shots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate images as mediators between the raw k-space data and the final corrected image. These intermediates serve as reference frameworks that simplify the motion parameter estimation process for subsequent shots, reducing the overall complexity.
3Reliability
If repetitive scans are performed to account for motion, then diagnostic quality may be maintained, but time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using intermediate images derived from minimal motion shots to guide and refine motion correction of subsequent shots. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adaptively correct motion artifacts within a single scan, maintaining diagnostic quality without requiring repetitive scans.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for incremental motion correction in medical imaging. The apparatus for motion correction in magnetic resonance imaging includes processing circuitry configured to estimate an intermediate image from a first section of k-space, the first section of the k-space corresponding to acquisition time points within a magnetic resonance scan of a subject, the corresponding acquisition time points within the magnetic resonance scan being associated with shots of the k-space determined to have minimal motion, estimate motion parameters of a second section of the k-space using the estimated intermediate image, combine data from the first section of the k-space with data from the second section of the k-space according to the estimated motion parameters, and reconstruct the combined data of the k-space to generate a final image.