Wireless MRI Receiver Coil Phase Control for Image Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless-type receiver coil units for MRI systems, phase shifting between system clocks in the receiver coil unit and the main unit can occur due to phasing in the wireless propagation channel, leading to a decline in image accuracy, and there is a need for low power consumption due to battery operation.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus employs a main unit with a clock generating unit that generates a first clock signal, synchronizes it with a second clock signal received from the receiver coil unit, and controls the phase of a third clock signal using a clock phase control unit to send it wirelessly, ensuring synchronization while minimizing power consumption by intermittent transmission of wireless clock signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wireless-type receiver coil unit is used with continuous clock signal transmission, then image accuracy is maintained through clock synchronization, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of clock signals from the receiver coil unit to the main unit. The receiver coil unit transmits clock signals at specific intervals rather than continuously, maintaining synchronization while reducing power consumption. The transmission timing is controlled based on pulse sequence information, enabling the system to achieve both accurate image reconstruction and energy efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If wireless-type receiver coil unit is used, then ease of operation is improved, but phase shifting occurs between system clocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the receiver coil unit transmits received clock signals back to the main unit. The main unit then adjusts its local clock phase based on the received signals, creating a closed-loop synchronization system. This feedback approach compensates for phase shifts introduced by wireless propagation, ensuring accurate timing for image reconstruction while maintaining the wireless convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a main unit and a receiver coil unit. The main unit includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry generates a first clock signal. The processing circuitry receives a clock signal sent by the receiver coil unit in a wireless manner, and generates a second clock signal. The processing circuitry performs, in a first time period which is based on pulse sequence information, phase control of a third clock signal, based on the phase difference between the first clock signal and the second clock signal; and stops the phase control in a second time period which is based on the pulse sequence information. Then, the processing circuitry sends the third clock signal in a wireless manner to the receiver coil unit.