Segmented Reference Data Acquisition for MRI Slice Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for simultaneous multi-slice (SMS) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) require extensive reference measurement data recordings, leading to increased measurement time and potential artifacts due to undersampling.
Innovation Solution
A method for separating measurement data from multiple slices recorded simultaneously using an in-plane acceleration technique, which involves recording reference measurement data in segments with a sampling pattern corresponding to the acceleration factor, thereby reducing the need for additional reference measurements and improving data separation quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive reference measurement data recording is performed for SMS MRI, then data separation quality is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the reference measurement data acquisition into multiple segments, where each segment is acquired with a specific sampling pattern corresponding to the acceleration factor. This allows the reference data to be collected more efficiently while maintaining the quality needed for accurate slice separation in SMS imaging.
2Loss of time
If undersampling is used in parallel acquisition techniques, then measurement time is reduced, but artifacts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by acquiring reference measurement data with a sampling pattern that matches the undersampling factor before performing the actual accelerated acquisition. This preliminary reference data enables accurate coil sensitivity estimation and k-space interpolation, which compensates for the undersampling effects and reduces artifacts in the final reconstructed images.
3Productivity
If in-plane acceleration technique is applied, then productivity is improved, but reference measurement data recording complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the sampling pattern parameter to match the acceleration factor. Instead of using a fixed sampling pattern, the method dynamically configures the reference measurement acquisition parameters (sampling density, k-space coverage) according to the desired acceleration level, thereby simplifying the overall process while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Measurement data of an examination object is recorded as collapsed from a plurality of slices of the examination object simultaneously while using an in-plane acceleration technique with an undersampled sampling pattern of the k-space. The measurement data is separated into single-slice measurement data by recording reference measurement data in at least two segments such that a complete set of reference measurement data is recorded. A sampling pattern is used within a segment during the recording of the reference measurement data that corresponds to an acceleration factor to which the sampling pattern of the collapsed measurement data corresponds. The collapsed measurement data is recorded, and the separation of the data is performed based upon on the reference measurement data recorded in at least one of the at least two segments. The separation of the collapsed measurement data is recorded into single-slice measurement data while using the created separation data.