Deformable MRI RF Coil Orientation Detection for Accurate Element Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deformable RF coils in MRI systems lack a method to accurately distinguish between their front and back surfaces and determine their orientation, making it difficult to specify effective coil elements for diagnostic scans.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with processing circuitry that acquires MR signals from representative coils, detects their positions, and determines the RF coil's disposition relative to the table based on these signals, enabling accurate selection of effective coil elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deformable RF coil is used to increase imaging flexibility and coverage, then adaptability is improved, but the ability to distinguish front and back surfaces and determine orientation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary reference object with known geometric features that mediates between the deformable RF coil and the imaging system. This reference object provides stable geometric references that enable accurate orientation determination even when the RF coil itself is deformable and lacks fixed reference features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/orientation-based reference systems with image processing and geometric analysis. Instead of relying on physical markers or mechanical orientation indicators on the RF coil, the system uses image data from the reference object to calculate and determine the RF coil's orientation through computational geometry.
2Ease of operation
If the RF coil is made deformable to accommodate different body shapes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference object acts as an intermediary that simplifies the overall system complexity. While the RF coil becomes more complex and deformable, the reference object provides a stable, simple geometric structure that enables automated orientation detection, balancing the increased coil flexibility with manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the reference object to automatically determine RF coil orientation without requiring manual intervention or complex sensors on the coil itself. The geometric features of the reference object enable the system to self-determine orientation through image processing, reducing the need for additional complex components on the deformable coil.
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
Facilitates precise identification of effective coil elements for diagnostic scans, improving image quality by ensuring correct orientation and surface alignment of deformable RF coils.
Implementation Method 1
An MRI apparatus is an imaging apparatus that magnetically excites nuclear spin of an object placed in a static magnetic field by applying a radio frequency (RF) signal having the Larmor frequency and reconstructs an image on the basis of magnetic resonance (MR) signals emitted from the object due to the excitation.
Implementation Method 2
A receiving coil such as a WB (Whole Body) coil and an RF coil is used to receive MR signals emitted from the object.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, An MRI apparatus comprising: an RF coil that includes a plurality of coil elements and can be installed in an arbitrary orientation with either a front surface or back surface brought into contact with the object; a table on which the object is placed; and processing circuitry configured to acquire an MR “Magnetic Resonance” signal in a first scan along any one axis from each of a plurality of representative coils selected from the plurality of coil elements, detect respective positions of the plurality of representative coils along the one axis based on MR signals, and determine disposition of the RF coil relative to the table based on the respective positions of the plurality of representative coils.