MRI Protocol Parameter Selection Using Performance Radar Charts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face difficulties in protocol parameter selection due to numerous sequences and adjustable parameters, making it challenging for inexperienced users to achieve balanced performance that meets scanning requirements, as they struggle to understand the impact of different sequences and parameters on signal to noise ratio, scan time, contrast ratio, resolution, and fat suppression.
Innovation Solution
A protocol parameter selection method and apparatus that utilize performance index radar charts to visually display the states and dynamic balance situations of scanning performances, allowing for convenient selection of protocol parameters by normalizing performance indices and providing advance warnings and recommended settings, facilitating parameter adjustments and sequence selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous sequences and adjustable parameters are provided to achieve balanced performance, then the MRI system can meet diverse scanning requirements, but it becomes very difficult for inexperienced users to select the appropriate sequence and parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces performance index radar charts as an intermediary visual tool between the complex parameter settings and the user's scanning requirements. The radar chart displays multiple performance indices (SNR, scan time, contrast ratio, resolution, fat suppression) in a normalized manner, allowing users to visually compare different sequence and parameter combinations without needing to understand the underlying complexity of each parameter
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual representation through radar charts where different sequences and parameter settings are displayed as graphical patterns. The visual characteristics of the radar chart (shape, area, distribution of performance indices) provide intuitive information about the balance of scanning performance, making it easier for users to select appropriate parameters based on visual perception rather than numerical analysis
2Adaptability or versatility
If a very large number of adjustable parameters are provided for each sequence, then diverse MRI performances can be obtained, but novice users will be unable to understand the nature of the MRI performances corresponding to different sequences and parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex parameter space into distinct visual regions on the radar chart. Each sequence and parameter combination is represented as a separate graphical element, and the performance indices are divided into distinct axes (SNR, scan time, contrast ratio, resolution, fat suppression). This segmentation allows users to understand the impact of individual parameters by observing their corresponding axes without being overwhelmed by the interdependence of all parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the numerical parameter values into normalized visual representations on the radar chart. By changing the representation from raw numerical values to normalized graphical patterns, the system makes the relationship between parameters and performance indices more interpretable. The normalization process preserves the relative relationships between different performance indices while making them comparable on a unified visual scale
Data Source
AI summary
In a protocol parameter selection method and corresponding device, when previewing a current sequence in multiple predetermined sequences, a corresponding reference performance index radar chart is displayed in a standard radar chart, according to a reference value of each performance index in multiple performance indices obtained in advance on the basis of the current sequence. The standard radar chart is a radar chart generated using the multiple performance indices as components and using as a standard a standard value of each performance index obtained in advance on the basis of at least one sequence. The method and device also include determining, as a sequence required for scanning, a current sequence selected according to the reference performance index radar chart and a performance index currently of interest.