MRI RF Coil Selection via Reception Intensity Profile Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI technologies face challenges in accurately determining the position of RF coil elements, leading to insufficient reception sensitivity and suboptimal image quality, especially for coil elements distant from the magnetic center.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus with a profile data generation unit and a judging unit that analyzes reception intensity distributions to select effective coil elements for imaging, calculating the representative position of the RF coil device based on peak reception intensity and positional data, ensuring adequate sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If coil elements distant from the magnetic center are included in imaging, then the quantity of coil elements increases, but the reception sensitivity decreases leading to insufficient image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of coil element selection by introducing a quantitative evaluation index based on reception intensity distribution. Instead of using fixed geometric criteria, the system dynamically evaluates each coil element's reception intensity at the magnetic center position and selects elements that meet a predetermined threshold, thereby optimizing the balance between quantity and reception sensitivity.
2Measurement precision
If the representative position is calculated based on peak position of reception intensity distribution, then the position detection accuracy improves, but the trustworthiness of peak position identification decreases when multiple peaks or noise is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the calculated representative position is used to evaluate the trustworthiness of the peak position identification. By comparing the reception intensity distribution around the identified peak with expected characteristics, the system can determine whether the peak position is reliable or if alternative methods should be used, creating a self-correcting evaluation system.
3Ease of operation
If manual selection of coil elements is performed by users, then the ease of operation decreases, but the selection accuracy may improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the MRI apparatus automatically performs coil element selection based on objective evaluation of reception intensity distributions. The system independently calculates representative positions, evaluates trustworthiness, and selects optimal coil elements without requiring manual user intervention, thereby improving both ease of operation and selection accuracy through automated objective criteria.
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 allows for more precise detection of the RF coil device position and selection of effective coil elements, enhancing image quality by excluding coil elements with insufficient sensitivity and improving the trustworthiness of peak position identification.
Implementation Method 1
an RF (Radio Frequency) coil device is a device which transmits an RF pulse to nuclear spin inside an object by, for example, supplying a coil with an RF pulse electric current
Implementation Method 2
detects generated echo signals as MR signals
Implementation Method 3
MRI is an imaging method which magnetically excites nuclear spin of an object (a patient) placed in a static magnetic field with an RF pulse having the Larmor frequency
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an MRI apparatus (10) includes a profile data generation unit (68) and a judging unit (65). The profile data generation unit generates a plurality of profile data that respectively correspond to a plurality of coil elements and indicate reception intensity distributions of nuclear magnetic resonance signals. The profile data are generated on the basis of the nuclear magnetic resonance signals from an object detected by the plurality of coil elements of each of a first RF coil device (100) and a second RF coil device (120). The judging unit judges at least one coil element effective for magnetic resonance imaging in each of the first RF coil device and the second RF coil device, by performing analysis of the plurality of profile data in which the first RF coil device and the second RF coil device are separately analyzed.