Magnetic Resonance Motion Detection from RF Coil Reflected Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition protocols face challenges in accurately detecting and mitigating patient motion during long acquisition periods, leading to degraded image quality and data usability due to the limitations of existing motion detection methods, particularly in Turbo Spin Echo sequences.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a radiofrequency coil array to acquire a time series of measurement values, incorporating background information and prior knowledge for preprocessing to clean the time series, allowing for robust and reliable motion detection without modifying the MRI hardware or timing sequences, and enabling real-time correction and evaluation of motion-related effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional motion detection methods are used in MRI acquisition protocols, then the acquisition can proceed with standard hardware and timing sequences, but motion detection accuracy is insufficient leading to degraded image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring a time series of measurement values during the MRI acquisition process itself, rather than relying on post-acquisition analysis. The measurement values are collected in real-time during radiofrequency pulse transmission, enabling motion detection to occur before the acquisition is complete, thus allowing for timely correction or discarding of affected data segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the radiofrequency coil array's inherent measurement capability as a mediator between the MRI system and motion detection. Instead of adding separate motion sensors, the system utilizes the existing coil elements to detect motion through reflected power measurements, thereby improving motion detection accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If motion detection is improved through preprocessing with background information, then motion detection accuracy increases, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the preprocessing steps during the acquisition process itself. Background information about expected time series properties is used to clean the measurement values in real-time, rather than performing complex analysis after acquisition. This enables motion detection accuracy improvement without significant post-processing time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the raw measurement values through preprocessing that adjusts them according to expected background properties. The time series is cleaned by removing expected non-motion variations, which enhances motion detection accuracy while the processing is performed efficiently during acquisition rather than requiring extensive post-processing time.
3Extent of automation
If measurement values are acquired during radiofrequency pulse transmission, then real-time motion detection is enabled, but the acquisition period may be prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the motion detection function with the existing radiofrequency pulse transmission process. The measurement values are acquired during the same time intervals when radiofrequency pulses are transmitted, rather than requiring separate measurement periods. This integration enables real-time motion detection without proportionally increasing the total acquisition period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by having the radiofrequency coil array serve dual purposes: transmitting radiofrequency pulses for MRI imaging and simultaneously measuring reflected power for motion detection. This universal use of the coil elements enables real-time motion detection capability without adding separate dedicated measurement systems that would prolong the acquisition period.
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 enhances motion detection accuracy, allowing for improved identification and correction of motion-induced artifacts, facilitating higher-quality image acquisition and reconstruction by identifying and discarding affected data segments, and enabling efficient reacquisition or reconstruction of corrupted data.
Implementation Method 1
evaluate the reflected power reflected back by coil elements of a radiofrequency coil array that is used for transmitting radiofrequency pulses in order to detect movements of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer-implemented method, at least one measurement value that describes a reflected power reflected back by a coil element that is used to output radiofrequency pulses is acquired for at least some of the radiofrequency pulses in each case in a measurement interval such that a time series of measurement values is produced over the acquisition period. The time series of measurement values is evaluated for the purpose of detecting an occurring movement of a scanned examination subject. The movement is described by motion information. The motion information is used for controlling the acquisition procedure and/or in a reconstruction of an image dataset from acquired magnetic resonance data. The time series is used prior to the evaluation for at least partially cleaning the time series of the property using at least one piece of background information that describes an expected, non-motion-related property of the time series.