MRI Scanner Spectrally Selective Pulse Precomputation for Faster Scans
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners using dynamic pulses face significant computing time challenges, typically ranging from seconds to minutes, which hinder efficient image acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating MRI scanners that involves ascertaining an excitation pulse based on 3D data from the patient, including B0 and B1 field maps, to optimize nuclear spin excitation, allowing the computation to be performed before the actual scan, reducing the need for real-time processing during the scan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dynamic pulses (multi-channel or PTX pulses) are used to adapt to magnetic field distribution and achieve uniform B1 distribution or targeted excitation, then image quality and excitation uniformity are improved, but computing time increases to seconds or minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the computationally intensive optimization of dynamic pulse parameters before the actual MR scan. The controller determines optimal pulse parameters in advance based on patient-specific 3D data, B0 field maps, and B1 field maps obtained during a preliminary scanning phase. This allows the complex calculations to be completed beforehand, so that during the actual scan, only the pre-determined pulse parameters need to be applied, significantly reducing the computing time during the critical imaging phase while maintaining the excitation uniformity benefits of dynamic pulses
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic pulses are calculated in real-time during the scan, then patient-specific optimization is achieved, but scan duration is extended due to processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by performing the patient-specific optimization in advance during a preliminary scanning phase. The controller obtains patient-specific 3D data, B0 field maps, and B1 field maps before the actual diagnostic scan, and uses this information to pre-calculate the optimal dynamic pulse parameters. This preliminary action ensures that patient-specific customization is achieved without compromising scan speed during the actual imaging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the scanning process into two distinct phases: a preliminary scanning phase for data acquisition and pulse parameter optimization, and an actual diagnostic scan phase for image acquisition using pre-determined parameters. This segmentation allows the computationally intensive optimization to be separated from the time-critical imaging phase, enabling patient-specific customization without extending the overall scan duration
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
This approach significantly reduces the computing time required for dynamic pulse determination, enabling faster MR scan times and efficient image acquisition without compromising image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a field magnet (4) for generating a static homogeneous magnetic field B0
Implementation Method 2
a transmitter facility (8) for generating an alternating magnetic field B1 for exciting nuclear spins in a patient
Implementation Method 3
The precession or return of the spins from this excited state to a state with lower energy generates, as a response, an alternating magnetic field that is received by antennas
Implementation Method 4
gradient coils (7) for generating magnetic field gradients that span a space
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, comprising: providing 3D data from a patient; providing target parameters, wherein the target parameters include an excitation of nuclear spins to be achieved; ascertaining a spectrally selective excitation pulse for emission by a transmitter based on the 3D data from the patient, wherein the spectrally selective excitation pulse is configured to generate the target parameters; and outputting the spectrally selective excitation pulse via the transmitter.