MRI Apparatus Automatic Sectional Positioning with Characteristic Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in efficiently and intuitively setting and adjusting reference cross-sectional images, particularly in cardiac imaging, where manual detection and positioning of characteristic portions are time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus automates the detection of characteristic portions from three-dimensional data, displays multiple cross-sectional images with marked positions, and allows users to easily change and emphasize sectional positions, facilitating accurate positioning through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual detection and positioning of characteristic portions is used, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic detection of characteristic portions and automated setting of sectional positions using image processing algorithms. The processor automatically identifies anatomical landmarks and calculates optimal section positions without requiring manual operator intervention, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining positioning accuracy through algorithmic precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates candidate sectional position images in advance and displays them for operator selection. By pre-processing and presenting multiple potential section positions before final acquisition, the system reduces the time required during actual imaging while ensuring accurate positioning through preliminary evaluation of candidate positions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cross-sectional images are displayed for selection, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the display into distinct functional regions: a main display area showing enlarged candidate sectional position images for accurate visual assessment, and a thumbnail area showing multiple section images for context. This segmentation allows operators to easily compare and select the most appropriate section position without being overwhelmed by a single complex view.
Solution Approach 2:
The system displays candidate sectional position images at an enlarged size in the main display area, transitioning from a conventional single-small-view approach to a multi-scale presentation. This dimensional change in display presentation allows operators to clearly see anatomical details for accurate positioning selection while the thumbnail area provides overall context, simplifying the selection process.
3Productivity
If automatic detection is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to automation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying candidate sectional position images with marks indicating detected characteristic portions. Operators can see the results of automatic detection and make informed decisions about whether to accept or adjust the suggested positions, maintaining ease of operation through intuitive visual confirmation while benefiting from automated detection efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary by generating candidate sectional position images that serve as a bridge between automatic detection algorithms and final image acquisition. The processor automatically detects characteristic portions and proposes section positions, which are then presented to operators for confirmation or modification, combining automated efficiency with operator control in a straightforward workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry generates a plurality of cross-sectional images for setting a sectional position to be collected in main imaging based on a characteristic portion of a target detected in three-dimensional data. The processing circuitry lists the cross-sectional images on a display and superimposes a mark corresponding to the characteristic portion on at least one of the cross-sectional images. The processing circuitry receives a setting operation to determine the sectional position. The processing circuitry causes, when the mark is selected in the setting operation, a cross-sectional image to be emphasized a sectional position of which is defined using the characteristic portion corresponding to the mark among the listed cross-sectional images. The processing circuitry performs main imaging based on the sectional position after the setting operation.