MRI Pulse Sequence Parameter Dependency Graph
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for developing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pulse sequences are complex and labor-intensive, requiring significant resources and expertise due to the difficulty in managing parameter dependencies across hierarchical modules, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies in sequence development and reusability.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sequence module providing unit, a sequence hierarchy generating unit, a parameter dependency graph generating unit, and a parameter determination unit that decouples parameter dependencies from the sequence hierarchy, allowing for efficient and accurate determination of pulse sequence parameters through a parameter dependency graph, facilitating modular reuse and structural changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sequence blocks or methods are assembled manually with high complexity, then the pulse sequence can be customized and optimized, but the development requires large amounts of resources, methodological expertise and quality assurance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pulse sequence into hierarchical modules (sequence blocks, methods, and individual pulses) that can be independently developed, stored, and reused. This segmentation allows complex sequences to be built from simpler, pre-validated components, reducing development resources and expertise requirements while maintaining customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining and validating sequence blocks and methods with their parameter dependencies established in advance. These pre-configured modules can be directly reused in different contexts without requiring manual re-validation, significantly reducing quality assurance resources while enabling flexible customization through combination.
2Ease of manufacture
If parameter dependencies are tightly coupled in hierarchical modules, then the sequence can be developed with clear structure, but the reusability of sequence blocks is limited due to dependency depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts parameter dependencies from the hierarchical structure and represents them explicitly as a separate dependency graph. This extraction allows sequence blocks to be defined independently of their specific parameter values, enabling the same sequence block to be reused in different contexts with different parameter settings without requiring adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates universal sequence blocks that can function in multiple contexts by separating the structural definition from parameter-specific configurations. A single sequence block can be instantiated multiple times with different parameter values by querying the dependency graph, achieving multi-functionality without increasing development complexity.
3Productivity
If the operator knows exactly which parameters each sequence block depends on, then the parameter can be readily available at calculation time, but the operator has to understand the entire sequence structure and all parameter dependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating and maintaining the parameter dependency graph from the hierarchical module definitions. The operator does not need to manually track or understand all parameter dependencies; instead, the system autonomously queries the dependency graph to resolve parameters at the appropriate times, reducing operator burden while ensuring parameter availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dependency graph provides continuous feedback about parameter availability and relationships throughout the sequence development process. The system automatically tracks which parameters are defined, which are dependent, and resolves them in the correct order, eliminating the need for operators to mentally track complex interdependencies across the entire sequence structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for providing at least part of a pulse sequence for acquiring imaging information using a magnetic resonance scanner, a corresponding method and a corresponding computer program. The system comprises a sequence module providing unit, wherein one or more sequence modules comprise a hierarchy description and a parameter description, a sequence hierarchy generating unit for generating a sequence hierarchy based on the sequence modules and the hierarchy description, a parameter dependency graph generating unit for generating a parameter dependency graph based on the parameter dependencies comprised in the parameter description of the sequence modules. The parameter dependencies are decoupled from the sequence hierarchy. The system, method and computer program of the invention allow for an improved determination of at least part of a pulse sequence.