MRI Phase Encoding Direction Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MRI systems burden operators with the need to manually set and synchronize phase encoding directions for multiple image taking regions, leading to inconsistencies and increased artifacts in MRI images.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with a direction setting unit that automatically sets phase encoding directions for multiple image taking regions to be uniform, using a collective setting button to ensure consistency across all regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If phase encoding directions are automatically set based on mouse dragging direction for each image taking region, then the setting process is simplified, but the phase encoding directions become inconsistent across different regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the phase encoding direction setting into two independent components: (1) automatic direction determination based on mouse dragging for each region, and (2) a separate collective setting function that can uniformly adjust all regions. This allows operators to first benefit from automatic individual setting, then apply a single uniform direction to all regions when consistency is needed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and directional consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a collective setting button that provides a universal function to set phase encoding directions for all image taking regions simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows the system to serve both individual region customization and global uniformity requirements, enabling operators to achieve consistent phase encoding directions across all regions with a single operation while maintaining the ability to set regions individually when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If operators manually adjust phase encoding directions for each region to ensure consistency, then directional uniformity is achieved, but the operator burden and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables operators to perform preliminary automatic setting of phase encoding directions for each region based on mouse dragging, establishing initial directions without manual adjustment. Then, when consistency is required, a single collective setting operation uniformly adjusts all regions at once. This two-stage approach eliminates the need for time-consuming individual manual adjustments while ensuring directional uniformity, significantly reducing the time and effort required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different phase encoding directions are used for different slabs to match their orientations, then each slab is optimized, but additional operations are needed to synchronize directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic phase encoding direction setting system that can adapt to different slab orientations initially (providing versatility), then seamlessly transition to a unified directional setting through the collective setting function. The system dynamically switches between individualized adaptation and global uniformity based on operator needs, allowing slabs to be optimized for their specific orientations while enabling easy synchronization when consistency becomes necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an input unit and a direction setting unit. The input unit receives a setting operation to set a plurality of image taking regions within a position determining image, from an operator of the apparatus. The direction setting unit sets phase encoding directions for the plurality of image taking regions to be in the same direction as one another, regardless of setting operations performed by the operator via the input unit.