MRI Motion Detection Using Non-MRI Intermediary Images

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Quantitative MRI protocols, such as MRI fingerprinting, are limited by patient motion, which can lead to inaccurate determination of T1 and T2 relaxation times due to subtle corruption of parametric maps, and existing methods require additional navigator scans or are cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A method to detect patient motion using a time series of non-MRI images and image domain difference maps, allowing for real-time correction of acquisition parameters during MRI fingerprinting protocols without the need for MRI-based navigator scans, thereby improving image quality and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If MRI fingerprinting protocol is used to reduce imaging time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to patient motion artifacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging timeVSAvoidaccuracy of T1 and T2 relaxation times

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces non-MRI images (optical images, ultrasound images, or other imaging modalities) as an intermediary to detect patient motion. These non-MRI images serve as a mediator between the MRI acquisition process and motion detection, allowing motion monitoring without interrupting the MRI fingerprinting protocol. The motion information from non-MRI images is then used to correct or reject corrupted MRI data, resolving the contradiction between fast imaging and accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If additional navigator scans are used to detect patient motion, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of patient motionVSAvoidacquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the MRI scanner perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acquires MRI signals for fingerprinting protocol while also acquiring non-MRI images (optical, ultrasound, or other modalities) for motion detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate navigator scans, as the same scanning session serves both imaging and motion monitoring purposes, thereby reducing time loss without sacrificing motion detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If MRI-based navigator scans are used for motion detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of MRI protocol

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses non-MRI images (optical images, ultrasound images, or images from other imaging modalities) as an intermediary to detect patient motion. These external imaging modalities serve as a simpler alternative to MRI-based navigator scans, reducing the complexity of the MRI protocol while maintaining motion detection capability. The non-MRI images are acquired alongside the MRI signals and processed to provide motion information without requiring complex MRI-specific navigator sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11609295B2Magnetic resonance imaging and motion detection

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

The disclosure facilitates determining patient motion during a magnetic resonance protocol. According to some examples, the patient motion may be corrected or compensated.