MRI Body Motion Detection via Diffusion Gradient Pulse Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for measuring diffusion-weighted images in MRI face challenges such as prolonged imaging time, increased cost, and reduced precision in detecting body motion, especially when dealing with traumatic injuries or limited positional relationships between imaging targets and cameras.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus that acquires a plurality of diffusion-weighted images using diffusion gradient magnetic field pulses applied in various directions and employs an image analyzer to detect body motion by creating groups of images with spatially uniform diffusion directions, calculating diffusion and body motion indices, and determining the presence of body motion without extending imaging time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional measurement pulses are added to detect body motion, then body motion detection capability is improved, but imaging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines body motion detection functionality with the existing diffusion-weighted image measurement process. The same diffusion gradient pulses used for DWI acquisition are utilized to detect body motion by analyzing signal intensity variations across multiple images, eliminating the need for separate motion detection measurements and avoiding additional imaging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffusion gradient pulses serve dual purposes: acquiring diffusion-weighted images for diagnostic purposes and detecting body motion. The image analyzer processes the DWI images to extract both diffusion information and motion information, making the measurement system multi-functional without requiring additional hardware or measurement time.
2Measurement precision
If external monitoring systems and target attachments are used to detect body motion, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the subject's own DWI images to detect body motion, without requiring external monitoring systems or target attachments. The image analyzer processes the acquired DWI images to identify signal variations caused by body motion, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional hardware components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses diffusion-weighted image signals as an intermediary to detect body motion. Instead of directly measuring body motion with external sensors, the system analyzes changes in DWI signal intensities and patterns that result from body motion, using the image data itself as the detection medium.
3Measurement precision
If diffusion gradient pulses are applied in many directions for accurate diffusion measurement, then diffusion measurement accuracy is improved, but imaging time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies diffusion gradient pulses in multiple directions (excessive action) to ensure accurate diffusion measurement and reliable body motion detection. By using more diffusion directions than the minimum required for DTI, the system enhances both diffusion characterization and motion detection capability, accepting the trade-off of increased imaging time as necessary for comprehensive measurement.
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 the detection of body motion during imaging without prolonging the imaging process, improving temporal resolution and precision, and reducing costs by eliminating the need for external monitoring systems and complex target attachments.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance imaging (henceforth abbreviated as MRI) apparatuses are diagnostic imaging apparatuses for medical use, which utilize nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon of, mainly, protons
Implementation Method 2
DWI is obtained by applying MPG (motion probing gradient), which induces reduction of signal intensity by dephasing, on nuclear spins in random motions of a subject
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a technique for DWI measurement, in which MPG application is performed in many directions, that enables detection of presence or absence of body motion during imaging without prolongation of imaging time. A plurality of image groups each comprising 6 or more diffusion-weighted images selected from a plurality of diffusion-weighted images are created so the groups differ from one anther in one or more diffusion-weighted images included in each of the groups. Value of a predetermined diffusion index representing a characteristic amount of diffusion-weighted image is calculated for each image group from the diffusion-weighted images included in each image group. Value of a predetermined body motion index relating to body motion information is calculated from the value of the diffusion index for each image group. Presence or absence of body motion is determined for each image group on the basis of the value of the body motion index.