MRI Image Reconstruction Independent of Table Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) planning methods are limited by distortion corrections that are dependent on the initial table position, leading to suboptimal diagnostic examinations, especially when regions far from the scanner's center are targeted, as they result in incorrect excitation and image representation.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows the reconstruction of non-distortion corrected (ND) images for any desired target position, independent of the initial table position, enabling precise planning by determining the target position based on MR data from preliminary scans, allowing for flexible positioning during diagnostic examinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distortion correction is applied based on initial table position, then image accuracy at the scanned position is improved, but planning accuracy for target positions different from the initial position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring multiple MR datasets at different table positions before final image reconstruction. These preliminary scans are performed to capture the object's position information and distortion characteristics across multiple positions, which are then used to guide subsequent image reconstruction and planning procedures. This allows the system to pre-establish the spatial relationships and distortion patterns needed for accurate planning at any target position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional image correction to three-dimensional spatial modeling by incorporating table position information as an additional dimension. Instead of merely correcting distortion in the acquired images, the system reconstructs the object's position in three-dimensional space relative to the scanner, creating a spatial model that accounts for variations in table position. This dimensional expansion enables accurate planning for any target position by referencing the three-dimensional spatial relationships established during preliminary scanning.
2Ease of manufacture
If ND images are reconstructed for the initial table position, then reconstruction simplicity is improved, but flexibility in positioning for diagnostic examination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning at multiple table positions to pre-acquire the necessary spatial and distortion information. This preliminary data collection enables subsequent non-distortion-corrected (ND) image reconstruction to be performed for any desired target position without requiring complex real-time correction calculations, thus maintaining reconstruction simplicity while achieving positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of the object's spatial representation at different table positions through preliminary scanning. These copied spatial models allow the system to generate ND images for any target position by referencing the pre-acquired spatial data, rather than performing complex distortion corrections. This copying approach maintains the simplicity of ND reconstruction while enabling flexible positioning for diagnostic examinations.
3Productivity
If multiple images are planned simultaneously with different contrasts, then diagnostic comprehensiveness is improved, but coordination of table positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves table position coordination complexity by transitioning from two-dimensional image planning to three-dimensional spatial planning. The system creates a three-dimensional spatial model that incorporates table position information, allowing multiple images with different contrasts to be planned simultaneously by referencing their spatial coordinates rather than coordinating complex table position sequences. This dimensional approach simplifies the coordination of multiple examinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified three-dimensional spatial model that serves multiple functions: it stores position information for all preliminary scans, enables planning for any target position, and coordinates multiple images with different contrasts. This single spatial model replaces the need for separate coordination mechanisms for each image or contrast type, allowing comprehensive diagnostic planning through a universal framework.
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
This approach enables precise and spatially correct planning of MRI examinations, allowing for accurate excitation and image representation regardless of the initial table position, improving diagnostic quality and flexibility in planning multiple images simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
spatial encoding is generally carried out by magnetic field gradients being temporarily overlaid on a static and substantially homogeneous basic magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The excitation of the nuclear spins is the result of radio frequency (RF) pulses being radiated so as to act on the object
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance system is operated in a preliminary examination so as to acquire magnetic resonance data while an object undergoing investigation is in a first position relative to the scanner of the magnetic resonance system. Using the first magnetic resonance data, or image data derived therefrom, a processor reconstructs an image of the object. The image has a distortion in relation to the object. The processor presents the image to a person operating the system at a display device. The processor reconstructs the image such that the distortion is determined by a target position that is independent of the position of the object.