MRI Pulse Sequence Parameter Optimization via Historical Database Querying
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), modifying pulse sequence parameters to accommodate non-standard imaging requirements can be challenging due to the numerous adjustable parameters, often requiring repeated trials and affecting image quality, especially when dealing with abnormal anatomy or unfamiliar imaging tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a historical database to query and retrieve historical image data based on selected pulse sequence parameters, allowing operators to estimate results and optimize parameters such as signal-to-noise and contrast without the need for preliminary scans, using techniques like cluster analysis and meta-data for automatic selection and modification of scan parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pulse sequence parameters are manually adjusted for non-standard imaging requirements, then imaging flexibility is improved, but the number of trials required increases and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by querying a historical database for previously acquired images with similar pulse sequence parameters before conducting the actual MRI scan. This allows operators to preview expected image quality and adjust parameters in advance, avoiding repeated trial scans and reducing time loss while maintaining imaging flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pulse sequence parameters are adjusted to accommodate non-standard imaging requirements, then adaptability is improved, but operator expertise and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The historical database acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex pulse sequence parameters. Instead of directly manipulating numerous technical parameters, operators query the database using accessible criteria and receive visual feedback from historical images, simplifying the operation while maintaining adaptability to non-standard imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies previously successful parameter configurations from the historical database and presents them to the operator. This allows operators to leverage established parameter sets from similar cases without needing deep expertise in pulse sequence optimization, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If physical MRI scans are performed to test parameter modifications, then image quality verification is improved, but the imaging process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies of historical images that match the queried pulse sequence parameters, allowing operators to verify expected image quality without performing physical scans. This maintains measurement precision by providing actual historical examples while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating the need for multiple trial scans.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides for a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) for acquiring magnetic resonance data (154) from an imaging zone (108). The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises: a memory (136) for storing initial pulse sequence commands (140) and machine executable instructions (160); and a processor (130) for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system. Execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to receive (200) a set of selected pulse sequence parameters (142) comprising a definition of a region of interest (109) of a subject (118). The region of interest is within the imaging zone. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to send (202) an image data request to a historical database (138). The image data request comprises the set of selected pulse sequence parameters. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to receive (204) historical image data (146, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 402) from the historical database in response to the image data request. The historical database comprises multiple image data entries. Each image data entry comprises a set of historical pulse sequence parameters (502). The historical database is configured to search the historical database to retrieve the historical image data by matching the set of selected pulse sequence parameters to the set of historical pulse sequence parameters. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to display (206) at least a portion (148) of the historical image data on a user interface. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to receive (208) scan input modifications (150) in response to displaying the at least a portion of the historical image data on the user interface. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to generate (210) modified pulse sequence commands (152) using the initial pulse sequence commands, the set of selected pulse sequence parameters, and the scan input modifications. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to control (212) the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire the magnetic resonance data using the modified pulse sequence commands.