MRI Apparatus Multi-Protocol Imaging Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques often require intermediate stops during imaging with multiple protocols, due to concerns about subject influence and image quality, leading to incomplete imaging sessions.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with a receiving unit for collective setting of imaging regions and a determining unit that calculates an index value related to imaging influences, comparing it to a threshold to determine imaging feasibility, allowing continuous imaging across multiple protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If imaging is performed using multiple protocols continuously after positioning, then imaging efficiency and completeness are improved, but subject influence and image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a determination step before imaging to assess whether imaging should be stopped based on predicted subject influence and image quality. This advance assessment allows the system to prevent harmful imaging without interrupting the overall imaging flow, thereby maintaining efficiency while avoiding subject harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring imaging parameters and subject response during the imaging process. The determination unit receives feedback information about imaging conditions and subject state, then adjusts imaging decisions accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain continuous imaging when safe while stopping when subject influence becomes problematic.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If imaging is stopped in the middle of multiple protocol imaging, then subject influence and image quality are protected, but imaging completeness and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary determination before imaging starts to predict potential quality issues. By assessing imaging conditions in advance and identifying protocols that may compromise image quality, the system can pre-plan adjustments or stop imaging only when necessary, thereby maintaining completeness while protecting quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying imaging parameters such as repetition time, echo time, or flip angle based on real-time assessment of subject influence and image quality. These parameter adjustments allow the system to continue imaging while adapting conditions to maintain quality, rather than stopping completely.
3Measurement precision
If determination is made before each imaging protocol, then imaging quality is ensured, but imaging time and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs determination actions preliminarily before imaging protocols are executed. By conducting this assessment in advance and using the results to guide subsequent imaging decisions, the system avoids repeated time-consuming determinations during imaging, thereby ensuring quality while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuity of useful action by using determination results to guide continuous imaging decisions without repeated interruptions. Once a determination is made and imaging is approved, the system continues imaging smoothly without repeated stops for re-determination, thereby balancing quality assurance with time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a receiving unit and a determining unit. The receiving unit collectively receives settings of an imaging region on an image of a subject with respect to at least part of imaging protocols in a series of imaging protocols performed in an examination. The determining unit determines the propriety of the setting with respect to each imaging protocol included in the part of the imaging protocols before imaging is started using the part of the imaging protocols.