MRI Sequence Parameter Range Determination via Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence settings are limited by complex dependencies between parameters, restricting the number of possible parameter constellations and potentially leading to suboptimal or unsafe operational conditions due to interactions between sequence type, device limitations, and patient safety considerations.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a limitation provision unit to determine a permissible range of parameter values for MRI sequence settings, allowing for automatic or operator-driven selection of parameter values within safe and effective limits, including device and application limitations, using a simulation unit to establish sequential patterns and an analysis unit to ensure compliance with these limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If operator manually enters parameter values using traditional user interface, then ease of operation is maintained, but the number of possible parameter constellations is limited due to complex dependencies between parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation and analysis of parameter dependencies before the operator finalizes parameter selection. The simulation unit evaluates sequential patterns and the analysis unit determines permissible ranges in advance, allowing the operator to work within pre-calculated safe parameter constellations without manually navigating complex interdependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of the simulation unit and analysis unit that mediates between the operator's parameter selection and the actual MRI sequence execution. This intermediary automatically handles the complex parameter dependencies and limitation checks, freeing the operator from directly managing complex parameter interactions while expanding available parameter constellations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more parameter constellations are made available for adjustment, then adaptability improves, but ensuring safety and compliance with limitations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the simulation unit evaluates sequential patterns generated from selected parameters, and the analysis unit provides feedback on whether these patterns comply with device limitations and safety requirements. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain reliability by automatically identifying and restricting unsafe parameter constellations while preserving flexibility within safe boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
Safety checks and compliance verification are performed preliminarily through simulation before actual MRI sequence execution. The system pre-evaluates parameter constellations against device limitations and safety criteria, ensuring that only compliant parameter settings are presented to or selected by the operator, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling flexibility.
3Productivity
If automatic determination of parameter values is implemented, then productivity increases, but ease of operation may be reduced due to automation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial automation where the analysis unit automatically determines permissible parameter ranges and identifies optimal values, but the operator retains final selection authority. This partial automation approach increases productivity by eliminating manual calculation and compliance checking while maintaining ease of operation through continued operator involvement in the decision-making process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for setting a MRI sequence, a magnetic resonance device, and a computer program product are provided. The method includes providing, by a limitation unit, at least one limitation; providing, by a parameter provision unit, a plurality of parameters of the sequence, wherein at least one parameter of the plurality of parameters is assigned to a default parameter value; selecting, by a selection unit, a parameter of the plurality of parameters; determining, by a simulation unit, at least one sequential pattern based on at least one default parameter value of the default parameter values; determining, by an analysis unit, a permissible range of parameter values of the selected parameter based on at least one sequential pattern and the at least one limitation; and establishing, by an establishment unit, a new parameter value of the selected parameter within the permissible range of the parameter values.