Wireless MRI RF Coil Battery Estimation for Scan Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of power storage in wireless RF coils used in MRI systems is challenging due to the long imaging times and inefficiencies in battery charging, which can lead to insufficient power for continuous operation and potential battery deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A medical information processing device that estimates power consumption based on imaging conditions and battery information to determine if the wireless RF coil can be used for scanning, managing battery power state and providing real-time feedback to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery is used to supply power to the wireless RF coil unit, then the RF coil can be wirelessly configured and used, but the battery requires frequent charging and may deplete power during long imaging processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary estimation of battery power consumption before the imaging process begins. The processing circuitry calculates the expected power consumption based on imaging conditions and compares it with the battery's current power storage state, allowing operators to prepare adequately charged batteries in advance and avoid power depletion during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the battery's power storage state and provides feedback to the operator through the display unit. This real-time feedback allows operators to understand the remaining power level and make informed decisions about when to charge the battery, ensuring reliable power supply throughout the imaging process.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the battery is charged between imaging processes, then power can be replenished, but it takes a long time to charge and cannot keep up with continuous imaging needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system estimates the time required to charge the battery to the necessary power level before the imaging process begins. By calculating this advance and providing information to the operator, the system allows for efficient scheduling of charging operations during off-hours or between patients, minimizing time loss during actual imaging workflows.
3Productivity
If multiple wireless RF coil units with fully charged batteries are maintained, then continuous imaging can be performed, but it increases operational complexity and resource requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors and manages the battery status of wireless RF coil units without requiring manual intervention. The processing circuitry continuously checks power storage states, estimates consumption patterns, and provides automated guidance for charging schedules, reducing the operational burden on staff while ensuring continuous availability of fully charged units.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If the battery is charged while already having stored power, then charging can continue, but this accelerates battery deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors the battery's current power storage state and provides feedback information that guides charging decisions. By knowing the exact power level and estimated consumption for the upcoming imaging process, the system can determine the optimal charging timing and duration, charging only when and to the extent necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary charging cycles that would accelerate battery deterioration.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a medical information processing device for managing a power storage state of a battery provided in a radio frequency (RF) coil unit to be mounted on a subject to be scanned by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the medical information processing device includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry acquires an imaging condition to be used when the subject is scanned, estimates, based on the imaging condition, an amount of power of the battery of the RF coil unit consumed by a scanning of the subject based on the imaging condition, acquires battery information including an amount of the power stored in the battery, and determines, based on the estimated amount of the power and the acquired battery information, whether or not the RF coil unit can be used to scan the subject based on the imaging condition.