MRI Reference Scan Region Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), conventional methods require users to manually select a wide region for signal acquisition in reference scans to prevent data lackage, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when the sensitivity distribution map is incomplete or not available for parts of the imaging region.

Innovation Solution

An MRI apparatus and method that automatically calculates and sets the signal acquisition region for reference scans based on the imaging region of the main scan, optimizing the region to exclude areas with existing sensitivity distribution maps and allowing interpolation for missing data, thereby reducing redundant scans and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wide region is manually selected for signal acquisition in reference scans to prevent data lack, then reliability of sensitivity distribution map generation is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of sensitivity distribution map generationVSAvoidtime for reference scan setup and execution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the signal acquisition region for reference scans by comparing the main scan imaging region with existing sensitivity distribution map coverage. The control device performs this calculation without user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself by eliminating manual region selection while ensuring complete coverage of the imaging region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of the signal acquisition region by calculating the difference between the main scan imaging region and the region already covered by existing sensitivity distribution maps. This preliminary action identifies exactly which areas need reference scan data, preventing both data lack and redundant scanning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a wide region is scanned in reference scans to ensure complete coverage, then manufacturing precision of the sensitivity distribution map is improved, but loss of energy and SAR increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of sensitivity distribution mapVSAvoidenergy consumption and SAR of reference scan

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies local quality by scanning only the specific regions where sensitivity distribution data is missing or incomplete. Instead of uniformly scanning the entire imaging region, the reference scan is localized to the calculated difference region, providing precise data where needed while avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure in already-covered areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If manual selection of signal acquisition region is required, then ease of operation deteriorates, but measurement precision of the imaging region can be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of imaging region definitionVSAvoidease of reference scan setup

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical/manual process of region selection with an automated computational system. The control device uses algorithmic processing to calculate the signal acquisition region by comparing imaging region coordinates with existing sensitivity map coverage, substituting manual operation with automated mechanical/computational determination while maintaining precise region definition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces unnecessary scanning time, power consumption, and Specific Absorption Ratio (SAR) by focusing the reference scan on only the necessary regions, easing user burden and enhancing imaging speed and quality.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which magnetically excites nuclear spin of an object (a patient) set in a static magnetic field with an RF pulse having the Larmor frequency and reconstructs an image based on MR signals generated due to the excitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance:

Implementation Method 2

a phased array coil which includes many coil elements is used as an RF coil device set on an object so as to receive MR signals by these coil elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10393844B2Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

In one embodiment, an MRI apparatus (20) includes a reference scan setting unit (100), a reference scan execution unit, and an image generation unit. The reference scan setting unit calculates a signal acquisition region of “a reference scan in which MR signals used for generation of a sensitivity distribution map of each coil element are acquired”, depending on an imaging region of a main scan of parallel imaging. The reference scan execution unit executes the reference scan on the calculated signal acquisition region. The image generation unit generates image data according to “MR signals acquired by the main scan” and “the sensitivity distribution map generated based on MR signals acquired by the reference scan”.