MRI Output Pattern Determining Unit for Multi-Element Coil Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing MRI techniques face challenges in flexibly adapting to changes in imaging conditions and apparatus configurations, particularly when the number of channels is less than the number of elements in a multi-element coil, leading to difficulties in maintaining image quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus that automatically determines an optimal output pattern for synthesizing reception signals from multiple elements based on imaging conditions, ensuring maximum coverage, signal-to-noise ratio, and element utilization efficiency, using a synthetic pattern table to select the appropriate elements and synthesis method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the number of elements in the multi-element coil is increased, then the imaging coverage and signal reception capability are improved, but the device complexity and the difficulty of signal synthesis increase when the number of channels is less than the number of elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of elements and synthetic patterns based on imaging conditions. The control unit automatically determines which elements to use and how to synthesize their signals according to the specific imaging range and quality requirements, making the system adaptable rather than fixed. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize element usage dynamically, maintaining simplicity when possible while leveraging additional elements when needed for extended coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of element selection and synthesis method based on imaging conditions. By storing multiple synthetic patterns with different characteristics and selecting appropriate patterns according to the imaging range and quality requirements, the system can adjust its behavior to balance coverage and complexity. This allows the same hardware configuration to serve multiple imaging scenarios without requiring manual reconfiguration.
2Device complexity
If fixed elements are used for signal synthesis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to changing imaging conditions and the ability to maintain image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of synthetic patterns before actual imaging. Multiple synthetic patterns are pre-stored in the system, each optimized for different imaging scenarios. When imaging begins, the control unit selects from these pre-prepared patterns based on the imaging conditions, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations or manual configuration. This resolves the contradiction by preparing multiple options in advance while maintaining simple operation during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically determines the appropriate elements and synthetic pattern based on imaging conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts by selecting from the pre-stored patterns according to the imaging range and quality requirements, making the adaptation process transparent to the user. This maintains operational simplicity while achieving high adaptability through automated decision-making.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of synthetic form is required, then the system can be customized, but the time and effort required for configuration increases and image quality consistency becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically determines the optimal synthetic form by evaluating imaging conditions against stored patterns, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system performs the selection process autonomously, maintaining both flexibility and consistency without requiring user intervention. This resolves the contradiction by automating the configuration process, ensuring that optimal settings are applied consistently while eliminating the time and effort previously required for manual setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses imaging conditions as feedback to automatically select appropriate synthetic patterns. By continuously monitoring parameters such as imaging range and quality requirements, the control unit can make informed decisions about element selection and synthesis methods, ensuring optimal performance without manual intervention. This feedback mechanism maintains configuration flexibility while eliminating the time loss associated with manual adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a database is created for all synthesizable combinations, then complete coverage of imaging conditions is achieved, but the difficulty of dealing with configuration changes increases when elements are added or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the synthesis configuration into modular synthetic patterns, where each pattern represents a self-contained synthesis method for a specific imaging scenario. When elements are added or removed, only the affected patterns need to be updated rather than recreating the entire database. This segmentation approach maintains comprehensive coverage while significantly reducing the effort required for configuration updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthetic patterns are designed to be universally applicable across different imaging conditions. Each pattern can work with different combinations of elements, and the control unit selects the appropriate pattern based on the current configuration. This universality allows the system to maintain complete coverage of imaging conditions while easily adapting to hardware changes without requiring extensive database recreation.
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 high flexibility and quality in MRI imaging by optimizing the synthesis of signals according to changing conditions, maximizing channel utilization, and simplifying the process of updating configurations when elements are added or removed.
Implementation Method 1
a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (hereinafter, referred to as "MRI") technique that measures a nuclear magnetic resonance (hereinafter, referred to as "NMR") signal from hydrogen, phosphorus, etc. in an object
Data Source
AI summary
In order to obtain high-quality images easily with high flexibility for imaging conditions and apparatus configuration changes in an MRI apparatus using a multi-element coil, an output pattern identifying a synthesizing mode of the respective reception signals received by the respective elements comprising a reception coil is determined according to imaging conditions in the present invention. The determination is performed so that, for example, at least one of a covering rate of an imaging range, an S/N ratio of the final image, and element utilization efficiency becomes the best. The output pattern is comprised of information identifying one or more elements that use reception signals and a synthetic pattern synthesizing the reception signals among the elements to be used. The synthetic pattern, for example, is selected in advance from among a plurality of synthetic pattern candidates to be stored according to a synthesizing method.