MRI Protocol Selection via RF Coil Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatuses face challenges in allowing users to easily select and set appropriate protocols and imaging conditions due to the numerous options available for each type of receiver coil, leading to confusion and difficulty in choosing the correct settings for imaging.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus employs coil classification information to narrow down protocol and imaging condition candidates based on the type of receiver coil used, prioritizing specific coils for specific imaging regions and postures, and displaying these options to the user in a hierarchical structure for easier selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receiver coils with various protocols and imaging conditions are provided, then imaging versatility and functionality are improved, but user operation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protocol selection process by receiver coil type. The display interface is divided into multiple display regions, each corresponding to a specific receiver coil type. When a receiver coil is selected, only the protocols and imaging conditions relevant to that coil type are displayed in the corresponding display region, rather than showing all possible protocols for all coil types. This segmentation reduces the information load on users and makes the selection process more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtering of protocols and imaging conditions based on the selected receiver coil type before presentation to the user. The control unit pre-processes the available protocols, identifying only those that are applicable to the selected coil type, and displays only these pre-filtered options. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to manually filter through irrelevant protocols, reducing operational complexity.
2Loss of information
If comprehensive protocol options are displayed for all receiver coils, then complete information availability is improved, but information processing complexity and user confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display interface implements local quality by providing different information content in different display regions based on the selected receiver coil. Each display region is tailored to show only the protocols and imaging conditions that are locally relevant to the selected coil type. This ensures that complete information is available when needed, but presented in a localized, context-appropriate manner rather than overwhelming the user with all possible information simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The display content dynamically changes based on the selected receiver coil type. When the user selects different receiver coils, the displayed protocols and imaging conditions automatically update to reflect only those applicable to the selected coil. This dynamic adaptation ensures information completeness while maintaining interface simplicity, as the system actively manages information presentation based on user input rather than requiring manual filtering.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry and a display. The processing circuitry acquires information of an RF (radio frequency) coil. The processing circuitry sets a protocol to be applied to imaging using the RF coil before execution of the imaging. When there are a plurality of protocols that can be selected as the protocol applied to the imaging, the display displays at least one protocol narrowed down from the protocols as the protocol that can be applied to the imaging, based on information of the RF coil.