MRI Motion Correction Using Target Region Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MRI technologies struggle to accurately analyze and correct for body movements during examinations, leading to issues such as image blurring or artifacts due to overcorrection or undercorrection.

Innovation Solution

An MRI apparatus equipped with a processor that sets a target region for monitoring body movements, analyzes the movement and retention time of the subject within and outside this region, and adjusts body movement correction accordingly, using surveillance cameras and nuclear magnetic resonance signals to provide detailed information for precise image reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If body movement correction is performed using conventional methods, then artifacts caused by body movement can be reduced, but image blurring may occur due to overcorrection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveartifact reductionVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameters of body movement correction by introducing multiple correction levels (first correction for movements within allowable range, second correction for movements exceeding the range) and selecting appropriate correction methods (zero-filling, estimation, or re-examination) based on the severity and type of movement detected

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The correction process is segmented into multiple stages: initial body movement detection, determination of correction necessity, first correction for minor movements, and second correction for significant movements. This segmentation allows appropriate correction intensity to be applied to different types of movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If body movement correction is performed using conventional methods, then some artifacts can be eliminated, but complete elimination cannot be achieved due to insufficient correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveartifact reductionVSAvoidresidual artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from body movement detection units (cameras, navigator echoes) to continuously monitor subject movement during examination and adjust correction strategies accordingly. The processor determines whether correction is necessary based on detected movement and applies appropriate correction methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The correction approach is made dynamic by adapting the correction method and intensity based on the type and magnitude of detected movement. The system can switch between different correction strategies (zero-filling, data estimation, or re-examination) depending on the situation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If detailed body movement analysis is performed, then correction accuracy can be improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement analysis accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing system is segmented into specialized units: body movement detection units (cameras, navigator echo processors), a processor for determining correction necessity, and an image generation unit for applying corrections. This segmentation distributes complexity across multiple dedicated components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Manufacturing precision

If multiple correction methods are applied, then image quality can be improved, but examination time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidexamination time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies correction selectively based on the severity of detected movement. For minor movements within the allowable range, only minimal correction (zero-filling or simple estimation) is applied. For more significant movements, more substantial correction methods are used, and for severe cases, re-examination is recommended rather than attempting correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach allows for accurate determination of body movement magnitude, direction, and duration, reducing the likelihood of overcorrection or undercorrection and improving image quality by enabling appropriate correction methods.

Implementation Method 1

a video of an imaging device that monitors a body movement is set

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVideo imaging: Photography

Implementation Method 2

the processor is configured to set a first imaging region for monitoring an examination area of the subject in the video, determine at least one of presence or absence of the body movement, duration of the body movement, a direction of the body movement, or a magnitude of the body movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage processing: Image Processing

Implementation Method 3

an imaging unit that collects a nuclear magnetic resonance signal generated from a subject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclear magnetic resonance: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

an image generation unit that generates an image using the nuclear magnetic resonance signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFourier transformation:

Data Source

PatentEP4650812A1Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with means for adaptive correction of body movements
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 FUJIFILM CORP
  • EP4650812A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4650812A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4650812A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a unit capable of more detailed analysis of a body movement occurring during an MRI examination and an MR image in which body movement correction with high accuracy is performed by the unit. An MRI apparatus includes a processor configured to perform body movement processing. The processor is configured to set, in a video of an imaging device that monitors a body movement, a region (target region) for monitoring a body movement with respect to an examination target, monitor a movement of a subject between the target region and a region outside the target region along with a retention time in each region, and accurately specify a part of measurement data to be a target of body movement correction.