MRI RF Prepulse Timing GUI for Multi-Pulse Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems lack a clear graphical user interface for setting the application timings and regions of multiple RF prepulses, making it difficult for users to easily configure imaging conditions.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method that includes an imaging condition setting unit to display the application timings of RF prepulses on a time axis, allowing users to set and edit the application conditions of RF prepulses, such as IR pulses and saturation pulses, through a graphical user interface, with options to display application regions on locator images and adjust settings visually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF prepulses are applied to achieve various imaging contrasts, then the imaging contrast capability is improved, but the complexity of setting and managing the pulses increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the management of RF prepulses by separating the setting interface into distinct functional areas: a time axis display showing application timing of multiple pulses, and a locator image display showing application regions. This segmentation allows users to independently configure timing and spatial parameters without being overwhelmed by the full complexity of multiple pulse settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the setting interface by displaying RF prepulse application timings on a time axis, while simultaneously maintaining the spatial dimension through locator images that show application regions. This multi-dimensional display approach helps users visualize and manage the complex relationships between multiple pulses in both time and space.
2Loss of information
If the setting interface displays detailed information about multiple RF prepulses, then the information completeness is improved, but the interface clarity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The setting interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: a time axis display for showing application timing information and a locator image display for showing application regions. This segmentation allows detailed information to be presented in an organized manner that maintains interface clarity while ensuring completeness of information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces visual intermediaries in the form of graphical representations on the time axis and locator images. These visual elements act as intermediaries between the complex pulse parameters and the user, translating detailed technical information into an intuitive visual format that maintains clarity while conveying complete information.
3Manufacturing precision
If the application regions of RF prepulses are displayed on locator images, then the spatial accuracy is improved, but the visual complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by displaying application regions only on the locator image when relevant, rather than uniformly across all displays. This allows spatial accuracy to be enhanced in the specific context where it is needed (region visualization) while maintaining overall visual simplicity by limiting the display to appropriate areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is segmented such that locator images show application regions while the time axis shows timing information. This segmentation allows spatial accuracy to be improved in the locator image display without unnecessarily increasing visual complexity in other parts of the interface.
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
Enables users to clearly and easily set and visualize the application timings and regions of multiple RF prepulses, improving the usability and accuracy of MRI imaging conditions, particularly for techniques like magnetic resonance angiography.
Implementation Method 1
excites nuclear spin of an object set in a static magnetic field with a RF (radio frequency) signal having the Larmor frequency magnetically and reconstruct an image based on MR (magnetic resonance) signals generated due to the excitation
Implementation Method 2
reconstruct an image based on MR (magnetic resonance) signals generated due to the excitation
Implementation Method 3
a region selective IR pulse... when a labeling region is labeled with a region selective IR pulse, so that MR signals from blood in a specific region are enhanced
Implementation Method 4
A presaturation (Presat) pulse which is applied as an RF prepulse is a prepulse for suppressing signals from a desired matter by saturating spins in the desired matter
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes an imaging condition setting unit and an imaging unit. The imaging condition setting unit is configured to display a setting screen of a radio frequency prepulse on a display unit to set imaging conditions including application timings of radio frequency prepulses according to input information from an input device through the setting screen. The setting screen displays an application timing of a radio frequency excitation pulse and the application timings of the radio frequency prepulses on a time axis. The imaging unit is configured to perform imaging of an object according to the imaging condition.