MRI Pulse Sequence POI Analysis and Snapping Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a pulse sequence for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is challenging due to the complexity of manually selecting and verifying points of interest (POIs) in the sequence, which can lead to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in determining the quality and feature of MR images.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that receive and analyze information about default and additional POIs in a pulse sequence, displaying them on a user interface and allowing for snapping and editing, using a pointer to match and display information about the closest POI, and generating time difference information between POIs, facilitating easier pulse sequence design and editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual selection and verification of points of interest (POIs) in the pulse sequence is performed, then the pulse sequence can be designed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the pulse sequence to automatically identify and mark default points of interest (POIs) such as RF pulses, gradient pulses, and echo signals before user interaction. This preliminary action provides a head start for accurate POI selection without requiring manual verification of every point, thereby reducing design time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of selecting and verifying POIs with an automated computer-based system that analyzes pulse sequence data, identifies characteristic patterns, and marks POIs automatically. This substitution eliminates manual errors and significantly reduces the time required for pulse sequence design while improving accuracy through consistent algorithmic application.
2Measurement precision
If manual verification of POIs is performed to ensure accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the pulse sequence and identifying POIs without requiring user verification. The automated marking of default POIs based on characteristic patterns (RF pulses, gradient pulses, echo signals) allows the system to serve itself in the verification process, improving both accuracy and ease of operation simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated analysis layer between the raw pulse sequence data and the user interface. This intermediary automatically identifies and marks POIs, serving as a mediator that translates complex pulse sequence data into easily interpretable marked points, thereby improving both precision and operational ease.
3Measurement precision
If detailed information about each POI is displayed to improve design accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but information overload occurs making the interface less usable
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing detailed information about POIs contextually based on user interaction. When users interact with or hover over specific marked POIs, detailed information about those particular points is displayed, while other areas maintain a cleaner, less cluttered interface. This ensures precision information is available when needed without creating constant information overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by selectively displaying detailed POI information only when relevant to the user's current task or interaction state. Instead of displaying all possible information simultaneously, the system provides partial information sets based on context, reducing interface complexity while maintaining the ability to access detailed precision data when required.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and apparatus for providing information about a point of interest (POI) with respect to at least one pulse sequence for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The method includes receiving information about a first POI and at least a second POI of the at least one pulse sequence, analyzing the at least one pulse sequence, displaying the at least one pulse sequence, based on the analysis, marking the first POI and the at least second POI on the displayed at least one pulse sequence, matching a pointer with a closest POI with respect to the first POI and the at least second POI when the pointer is located within a predetermined range from at least one of the marked POIs, and displaying information about the matched POI.