MRI Phase Difference Analysis for Tissue Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging equipment, such as MRI, struggles to directly portray tissues or lesions with low magnetic field intensity and short imaging time, which are beyond the range of standard healthcare services, limiting the detection of amyloid β in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
An image analysis device that creates a phase difference image by comparing complex magnetic resonance images with low-pass filtered versions, compiles phase data statistics, and fits distributions with function groups to determine tissue normality based on magnetic susceptibility, allowing for the detection of tissues or lesions using low-magnetic field MRI equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution MRI equipment is used to directly portray target tissue or lesions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase beyond health care service range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a low-pass filtered version of the complex magnetic resonance image as an intermediary element. By comparing the original image with this filtered version, the system extracts phase difference information that reveals tissue characteristics without requiring high-resolution imaging equipment. This intermediary approach enables detection of target tissues and lesions using standard MRI scanners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of direct high-resolution imaging with a signal processing approach. Instead of relying on high-field MRI hardware to directly portray tissues, the system uses phase difference calculation and statistical analysis of complex image data to indirectly detect tissue abnormalities, substituting physical imaging capability with computational analysis.
2Measurement precision
If superhigh magnetic MRI (7 Tesla) is used for direct portrayal, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and accessibility worsen beyond medical insurance coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a computationally intensive but hardware-simple approach that can be implemented on standard MRI scanners. By using statistical analysis and phase difference processing rather than expensive superhigh-field equipment, the method provides a cost-effective solution that falls within health care service ranges and can be covered by medical insurance.
3Measurement precision
If imaging time is extended to improve portrayal quality, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to time limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using only the phase difference information extracted from complex magnetic resonance images, rather than requiring complete high-resolution portrayal. This selective approach to information extraction achieves sufficient diagnostic precision while maintaining short imaging times, as it leverages existing phase data without needing extended acquisition periods.
4Productivity
If standard MRI is used with short imaging time, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates making target tissue detection impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from direct image intensity to phase difference statistics. By transforming the measurement approach to analyze phase variations in complex image data and applying statistical tests (such as comparing phase difference distributions between regions), the system achieves high detection precision using standard MRI scanners with routine imaging times.
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
Enables the stable detection of minute tissue changes and lesions using MRI with short imaging times and low magnetic field intensity, facilitating detection without requiring high-cost or high-resolution imaging equipment, thus making it feasible within standard healthcare services.
Implementation Method 1
an image analysis device for analyzing a complex magnetic resonance image obtained from a living body
Implementation Method 2
verify normality of the living body included in the predetermined area, on the basis of the magnetic susceptibility of the tissue included in the predetermined area determined on the basis of the parameters of the plurality of function groups fit to the phase difference distribution
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem to be Solved] The present invention detects a tissue or lesions, which cannot be portrayed by means of medical imaging equipment such as an MRI, realistically within the current range of health care services provided under medical insurance. [Solution] When analyzing an MR image obtained from a living body, the phase difference distribution of an MR signal obtained from an area of interest is created, the phase difference distribution is simultaneously fit with a plurality of function groups, and the dependence on magnetic susceptibility of the tissue included in the area of interest is determined on the basis of the parameters of the plurality of function groups fit to the phase difference distribution.