Segmented Echo Planar MRI Navigator Sampling for Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques require additional reference measurement data for techniques like DPG, which increases overall measurement time and is time-consuming due to the need for separate recordings and dummy scans.
Innovation Solution
A method for recording measurement data using a segmented echo planar recording technique, such as RESOLVE, that records navigator data for each segment with varying sampling patterns, allowing for the generation of reference data without additional separate measurements, thus reducing overall measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate reference measurement data is recorded for techniques like DPG, then the quality of measurement data is improved, but the overall measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the recording of reference measurement data and navigator data into a single integrated process. By using varying sampling patterns within the same measurement sequence, the system generates both reference data (for DPG technique) and navigator data simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate recording sessions and reducing overall measurement time while maintaining data quality
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement sequence is designed to serve multiple functions: it records measurement data for image reconstruction, generates reference measurement data for DPG technique, and acquires navigator data for phase correction. This multi-functional approach allows a single measurement sequence to fulfill multiple purposes that traditionally required separate recordings
2Measurement precision
If additional reference measurements are performed, then the accuracy of image reconstruction is improved, but the measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses varying sampling patterns that record more data points than the minimum required for basic image reconstruction. This excessive sampling approach generates sufficient reference measurement data for accurate DPG-based image reconstruction while integrating these measurements into the existing sequence, thereby maintaining measurement efficiency
3Reliability
If dummy scans are performed for reference data acquisition, then the reliability of measurement data is improved, but the total measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement sequence is designed to acquire reference measurement data and navigator data in advance within the same sequence, eliminating the need for subsequent dummy scans. By performing these preparatory measurements simultaneously with the main measurement sequence, the system ensures data reliability without extending the total measurement time
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 enables the generation of improved measurement data by utilizing navigator data with changed sampling patterns, reducing the need for additional reference measurements and thereby shortening the overall measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
the examination object is positioned in a magnetic resonance device in a comparatively strong static, homogeneous basic magnetic field, also called Bo field... so that its nuclear spins are oriented along the basic magnetic field. In order to trigger nuclear magnetic resonances that can be measured as signals, high-frequency excitation pulses (RF pulses) are irradiated into the examination object
Implementation Method 2
For the local coding of the measurement data, rapidly switched magnetic gradient fields, called gradients for short, are superimposed on the basic magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for recording measurement data of an examination object, by a MR system using an echo planar recording technique that is segmented into at least two segments in the readout direction that also records navigator data (ND) for each of its segments, sampling patterns are changed during recordings of ND, so that the ND can be recorded overall such that reference data for determining further information for improving the recorded measurement data can be generated from the ND. The navigator phases of the recording technique segmented in the readout direction may be used to determine further information. The sampling patterns can be changed depending on the type of desired information and associated reference data. Separate measurements for reference measurements that are otherwise necessary for determining the desired information can be omitted, whereby a time period that is required for the entire measurement can be reduced.