MRI Apparatus Reduced FOV Aliasing Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques face challenges in acquiring sectional images with reduced Field of View (FOV) while minimizing aliasing, as existing methods struggle to effectively suppress magnetic resonance signals and distinguish between saturated and unsaturated regions within the same image.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method utilizing a saturation pulse sequence to pre-apply RF pulses to specific regions of interest, allowing for the subtraction of saturated images from unsaturated images to achieve a reduced FOV with aliasing removal, enabling the acquisition of sectional images with enhanced resolution and reduced FOV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a saturation pulse sequence is applied to suppress magnetic resonance signals in targeted areas, then image clarity and resolution in reduced FOV are improved, but the complexity of the imaging sequence and difficulty of signal differentiation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging process is divided into two separate acquisition phases: one with saturation pulse applied to targeted regions and one without. This segmentation allows the complex saturation operation to be isolated and systematically managed, reducing overall sequence complexity while maintaining high resolution in the reduced FOV through selective signal suppression in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The saturation pulse is applied in advance before the main imaging sequence to pre-suppress signals in targeted regions. This preliminary action prepares the magnetization state of spins in advance, allowing the subsequent imaging sequence to capture the desired contrast without requiring complex real-time modulation during the main acquisition.
2Manufacturing precision
If saturation pulses are pre-applied to specific regions of interest, then reduced FOV imaging with aliasing removal is achieved, but the imaging time and scan duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying saturation pulses to the entire imaging volume, the method selectively applies saturation only to specific regions of interest that require aliasing removal. This partial action approach achieves the necessary FOV precision in critical areas while minimizing the additional time required compared to full-volume saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The saturation pulse sequence is integrated periodically into the imaging protocol at strategic intervals rather than continuously. This periodic application maintains the suppressed signal effect needed for precise reduced FOV imaging while allowing sufficient time for magnetization recovery between applications, thereby reducing total scan duration.
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
The solution effectively suppresses magnetic resonance signals in targeted areas, allowing for the generation of high-resolution sectional images with reduced FOV, thereby improving image clarity and removing aliasing issues, which enhances diagnostic accuracy in MRI imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a saturation pulse sequence that pre-applies RF pulses to a given position to saturate spins
Implementation Method 2
magnetic resonance imaging apparatus configured acquire sectional images of an object
Data Source
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AI summary
It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide an MRI apparatus configured to and a method to acquire a sectional image of an object and implement a reduced Field of View (FOV) from which aliasing is removed by using a saturation pulse sequence that suppresses a magnetic resonance (MR) signal at a given position, and a method of controlling the same. An MRI apparatus may include: a sequence controller controlling a scanner to apply an unsaturation pulse sequence and a saturation pulse sequence to the object; and a data processor configured to acquire a first image by receiving an MR signal from the object to which the unsaturation pulse sequence is applied, acquire a second image by receiving an MR signal from the object to which the saturation pulse sequence is applied, and generate a difference image between the first image and the second image.