MRI Apparatus Automatic Prostate Region Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems require manual user input to set the region of interest for diagnosis-purpose images, which is time-consuming and prone to variability, affecting reproducibility and efficiency in imaging processes, especially for prostate examinations.

Innovation Solution

The MRI system incorporates processing circuitry that detects specific tissues like the femoral heads, pelvis, articular labra, pubic symphysis, urethra, and prostate from a locator image, using template matching or deep learning models to automatically determine the region of interest for diagnosis-purpose images, including slice direction, center, width, and rotation, thereby automating the position determining process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual user input is used to set the region of interest, then flexibility in adjusting imaging parameters is maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to variability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting region of interestVSAvoidtime for position determining process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic detection of anatomical structures and autonomous determination of imaging regions using processing circuitry that analyzes locator images to identify tissues such as femoral heads, pelvis, articular labra, pubic symphysis, urethra, and prostate, eliminating the need for manual user input while maintaining accurate region setting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection and analysis of anatomical structures from locator images before the main imaging process, automatically determining the region of interest in advance so that when imaging begins, the parameters are already optimized and ready, significantly reducing the time required during the actual imaging procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual user input is used to set the region of interest, then user judgment and adaptation to individual cases are utilized, but reproducibility of imaging positions is affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to individual casesVSAvoidreproducibility of imaging positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts imaging parameters such as slice direction, center, width, and rotation based on detected anatomical structures, ensuring consistent and reproducible positioning by standardizing parameter determination while still adapting to individual patient anatomy through automated structure recognition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment and visual estimation with automated image processing and algorithmic determination, using processing circuitry to objectively identify anatomical landmarks and calculate optimal imaging parameters, thereby eliminating human variability and improving reproducibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automatic detection of tissues is implemented, then user workload is reduced and reproducibility is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of imaging processVSAvoidcomplexity of processing circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions including detection of various anatomical structures (femoral heads, pelvis, articular labra, pubic symphysis, urethra, prostate), automatic determination of imaging regions, and calculation of imaging parameters, consolidating these capabilities into a single multi-functional system that improves efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11660042B2Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.05.30 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a coil configured to receive a magnetic resonance signal emitted from a subject due to influence of a radio frequency magnetic field; and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to detect at least one tissue from among a femoral head, the pelvis, an articular labrum, the pubic symphysis, the urethra, and the apex of the prostate of the subject, from a locator image based on the magnetic resonance signal and corresponding to a range including the prostate of the subject. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a region to be imaged of the prostate of the subject, on the basis of the detected tissue.