MRI Image Reconstruction Using Varied Acceleration to Suppress Infolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic resonance imaging techniques suffer from infolding artifacts when using high acceleration factors, particularly in slice multiplexing methods, which degrade image quality.

Innovation Solution

Acquire multiple sets of measurement data from the same slice using different acceleration factors and/or field of view shift factors, and apply a trained reconstruction function to combine and reconstruct the data, leveraging the varied positions of aliasing artifacts for improved image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high acceleration factors are used in slice multiplexing methods, then measurement time is reduced and productivity is improved, but infolding artifacts occur and image quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement timeVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement data acquisition into multiple sets with different acceleration factors. Instead of using a single high acceleration factor that causes infolding artifacts, the method divides the acquisition into multiple passes (first set with first acceleration factor, second set with second acceleration factor), allowing artifact-free or reduced-artifact reconstruction through combination of these segmented measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the acceleration factor parameter between different measurement data sets. By acquiring a first set of measurement data with a first acceleration factor and a second set with a different second acceleration factor, the method exploits parameter variation to position infolding artifacts differently in each set, enabling their removal through combination while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple sets of measurement data are acquired with different acceleration factors, then infolding artifacts are reduced and image quality is improved, but measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by acquiring multiple sets of measurement data with different acceleration factors rather than a single complete set. The first set may use a lower acceleration factor to capture essential data, while the second set uses a different acceleration factor to fill gaps and reduce artifacts, achieving quality improvement without requiring a full additional measurement cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of infolding artifacts into a beneficial separation strategy. By intentionally using different acceleration factors in different measurement sets, the artifacts appear at different positions in the combined image, allowing them to be identified and removed through the combination process, thus turning what would be quality-degrading artifacts into a means for artifact suppression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple sets of measurement data are acquired with different field of view shift factors, then aliasing artifacts are positioned differently facilitating reconstruction, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereconstruction qualityVSAvoidacquisition sequence complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics into the field of view shift factor parameter. Instead of using a static, fixed field of view shift throughout acquisition, the method dynamically varies the field of view shift factor between different measurement data sets. This dynamic parameter change causes aliasing artifacts to appear at different positions in the combined reconstruction, enabling their removal while maintaining a relatively simple reconstruction algorithm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Reduces infolding artifacts and enhances signal-to-noise ratio by positioning aliasing artifacts differently, facilitating effective reconstruction and improved image quality.

Implementation Method 1

To trigger nuclear spin resonances, which can be measured as signals, radio-frequency excitation pulses (RF pulses) are radiated into the examination object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNuclear spin resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

For the location coding of the measurement data, rapidly switched magnetic gradient fields, known as gradients, are superimposed on the basic magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field gradient: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a so-called multi-band RF pulse is used to excite or otherwise manipulate, for example, to refocus or to saturate, two or more slices simultaneously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio-frequency excitation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12535546B2Image data creation using magnetic resonance

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

A method for creating image data of an examination object using a magnetic resonance system, including: acquiring a first and at least a second set of measurement data at least of one slice, wherein during each acquisition of measurement data different acceleration factors and/or different field of view shift factors are used; and reconstructing image data based on the acquired sets of measurement data.