MRI Overview Image Planning with Partial Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems require waiting until the last level of a whole-body overview measurement is completed to assemble and provide the resulting images, which delays the planning of further measurements, increasing examination time and cost.
Innovation Solution
Acquire and provide the first part of the overview image immediately, allowing planning to begin before the second part is completed, and combine both parts for further planning, enabling early image availability and reducing the need for waiting until the entire overview measurement is finished.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the overview measurement is completed fully before providing images for planning, then the completeness of the overview image is improved, but the examination time and planning efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing the first part of the overview image to the user before the second part is acquired. This allows the user to begin planning the actual measurement in advance, overlapping the planning activity with the remaining acquisition process, thereby reducing total examination time while maintaining image completeness through subsequent combination of both parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The overview measurement is segmented into at least two parts (first part and second part) that can be processed and provided independently. The first part is provided for planning purposes while the second part is still being acquired, and both parts are later combined to form the complete overview image, resolving the contradiction between early availability and completeness.
2Productivity
If the first part of the overview image is provided before the second part is completed, then the planning efficiency is improved, but the completeness of the available image data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by making the first part of the overview image available for planning before the second part is completed. This enables the user to start planning activities in advance without waiting for the complete overview image, improving productivity while the incomplete information is temporarily acceptable for preliminary planning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The overview image is divided into segments (first part and second part) that can be independently processed and provided. The first segment is sufficient for initial planning activities, allowing productivity improvement, while the complete information is restored later when both segments are combined.
3Measurement precision
If the entire overview measurement is completed before planning begins, then the accuracy of planning decisions is improved, but the workflow complexity and time duration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling planning decisions to be made in advance based on the first part of the overview image. This overlapping of planning and acquisition processes reduces the total examination duration while maintaining sufficient accuracy for planning purposes, as the first part provides adequate anatomical information for slice position determination.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for planning an examination of an examination subject in a magnetic resonance system, the planning of the examination ensues based on a composite overview image that is composed of at least two individual images. A first part of the overview image is acquired and the first part of the overview image is made available to operating personnel of the magnetic resonance system for planning further measurements. A second part of the overview image is acquired and the first part and the second part of the overview image are combined. The combined image of the first part and second part of the overview image is made available for planning further measurements. The first part of the overview image is made available to operating personnel no later than before making the overview image available.