MRI Motion Correction With SNR-Aware Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI technologies face challenges in effectively correcting for subject movement during imaging, leading to image artifacts and deterioration of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), with existing methods failing to adequately address SNR loss and being inflexible in responding to varying movement types and situations.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus and method that estimates SNR before and after movement correction, specifies movement-affected data, and selects an appropriate correction process based on SNR comparison, using filters and user interface parameters to minimize SNR loss and improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If movement-affected data is removed from measurement data to correct subject movement, then image quality is improved by reducing movement artifacts, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively removing only movement-affected data portions from the measurement data, rather than removing all data or using full data. This partial removal approach corrects movement artifacts in affected regions while preserving sufficient data in non-affected regions to maintain adequate signal-to-noise ratio for image reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by identifying and removing only the specific portions of measurement data that are affected by movement, while preserving the quality and integrity of non-affected data portions. This localized approach ensures that data quality varies spatially and temporally based on movement impact, optimizing both artifact reduction and signal preservation
2Manufacturing precision
If movement correction is applied to reduce movement artifacts, then image quality is improved, but the correction process becomes complex and inflexible in responding to varying movement types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a flexible movement correction process that dynamically adapts to different movement types and scenarios. The system determines whether to remove movement-affected data or perform movement compensation based on the specific situation, making the correction process dynamic rather than static or one-size-fits-all
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the correction approach based on movement characteristics. The system changes parameters such as the degree of data removal, the type of compensation applied, and the threshold for identifying movement-affected data, allowing flexible response to different movement types and situations
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
The method effectively suppresses SNR loss and corrects for subject movement, enabling high-quality image reconstruction by dynamically selecting correction processes based on SNR estimation and user input, thus maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging unit that measures a nuclear magnetic resonance signal generated from a subject and that collects measurement data for generating an image of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to enable appropriate movement correction while minimizing an SN ratio deterioration caused by movement correction.A computing unit that performs movement correction estimates an SN ratio of an image before the movement correction and an SN ratio of an image after the movement correction, determines deterioration of the SN ratio caused by the movement correction, and selects an appropriate correction process according to the determination. In addition, in order to appropriately perform such a movement correction process, a user interface that displays a parameter related to the movement correction and that accepts a user designation is provided.