Synchronizing MRI and PET Data Acquisition for Functional Brain Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current functional brain examinations using magnetic resonance and PET modalities are sequential, leading to increased time requirements, patient discomfort, and spatial inaccuracy in image fusion, as these modalities cannot be recorded simultaneously, which hampers the correlation of brain processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for synchronizing magnetic resonance and PET image data acquisition within time windows determined by activity states, allowing for simultaneous data acquisition and isocentric recording, using a central control device to manage the timing and stimulation, thereby aligning the different time scales and requirements of both modalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic resonance and PET examinations are performed sequentially, then each modality can be optimized independently, but the total examination time increases and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines magnetic resonance and PET examinations into a single hybrid unit that performs both modalities simultaneously. The control device coordinates both imaging processes to occur in parallel within the same examination session, eliminating the need for separate sequential examinations while maintaining the measurement precision of both modalities through synchronized data acquisition.
2Ease of manufacture
If magnetic resonance and PET examinations are performed sequentially, then setup and calibration are simpler, but spatial accuracy in image fusion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical co-registration methods with a computational approach. The control device automatically performs digital co-registration of images from both modalities using algorithmic processing, which eliminates the manual alignment procedures and improves spatial accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated workflows.
3Productivity
If simultaneous data acquisition is implemented, then examination time is reduced and data correlation improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed as a universal system that manages both magnetic resonance and PET modalities through a single integrated interface. It performs multiple functions including coordinated data acquisition, synchronized timing control, and unified image co-registration, thereby managing system complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of separate control systems.
4Measurement precision
If a hybrid unit is used for simultaneous measurement, then isocentric recording is achieved and spatial correlation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic resonance and PET imaging systems into a single hybrid unit with a common isocenter. By combining both modalities in one physically integrated system rather than two separate units, the patent achieves inherent spatial correlation through shared positioning references while managing the complexity through unified mechanical and control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for data acquisition and/or data evaluation during a functional brain examination with the aid of a combined magnetic resonance/PET unit. In at least one embodiment, functional image data of the brain are acquired in at least two activity states with the aid of both modalities. Further, magnetic resonance image data and PET image data are acquired within time windows determined by the activity states, the acquisition mode and/or the image data being synchronized as a function of a timing of stimulations determining the activity states.