MRI Receiver Coil Positioning for Multimodal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-modality imaging systems face challenges in producing accurate 3D, time-resolved images of internal subjects and bodily tissues, as they often require subject mobility between imaging modalities, leading to anatomical deviations and mismatched image accuracy due to the limitations of each modality's environment and spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging system with a nonconductive housing, a stable magnetic field, and a movable receiver coil that can be positioned at the midpoint of the magnetic field axis, combined with an optical imaging module for real-time functional light imaging, allowing for simultaneous 3D multimodal imaging without subject movement, using a mechanical translation system for precise positioning and interdependent motion with the imaging platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the subject is extracted from the optical imager and transferred to another imaging device, then multi-modality imaging can be performed, but the subject position cannot be maintained accurately leading to anatomical deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (optical imaging and MRI) into a single integrated system where the subject remains stationary. The optical imaging device and MRI scanner share the same imaging space, allowing simultaneous or sequential imaging without subject transfer, thereby maintaining positional accuracy while achieving multi-modality imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple imaging functions (optical imaging, MRI, and potentially other modalities) within a single unified platform. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to transfer the subject between separate devices, resolving the contradiction between versatility and measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the subject is manually relocated between imaging modalities, then different imaging techniques can be applied, but image matching accuracy deteriorates due to subject movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging techniques into a single integrated system where all imaging modalities operate on the stationary subject within the same coordinate system. This eliminates the need for manual relocation and subsequent image registration, directly improving image matching accuracy while maintaining technique variety.
3Device complexity
If the receiver coil is fixed within the MRI device, then the imaging structure is simplified, but the ability to accommodate additional instrumentation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the receiver coil from the main MRI device structure, allowing it to be positioned independently within the imaging space. This modular approach maintains relative simplicity of the overall system while creating flexible space for additional instrumentation such as optical detectors and other imaging modalities to be integrated without interfering with the receiver coil's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (vertical space above the subject) to position the receiver coil and additional instrumentation, rather than only horizontal placement. This spatial arrangement allows multiple components to coexist in the imaging space without interfering with each other, maintaining structural simplicity while increasing adaptability.
4Reliability
If the imaging facilities are separated, then each modality can operate independently, but the subject must be moved between facilities causing anatomical deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging modalities into a single integrated facility where all imaging devices operate simultaneously or sequentially on the same stationary subject. This eliminates the need to move the subject between separate facilities, maintaining anatomical position consistency while preserving the independence of each imaging modality through separate control systems.
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
Enables accurate, simultaneous 3D anatomical and functional imaging of internal subjects over time, improving spatial resolution and image matching accuracy by maintaining the subject's position within the imaging system, thus overcoming previous limitations in multi-modality imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet adapted for generating a stable magnetic field with a defined magnetic field axis in the VOI
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of coils adapted for establishing at least one magnetic gradient within the VOI
Implementation Method 3
at least one coil for applying pulses of RF radiation to excite nuclear spins of a body located within the volume; and, at least one receiver coil adapted to optimize reception of resonance signals emanating from the body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an imaging device within an MRI. In a magnetic resonance imaging system, a spatially fixed coupled imaging device (SFCID) for producing combined anatomical and real time functional light images, the SFCID functionally incorporates a maneuverable imaging system MIS with a coupled imaging system CIS.