MRI Shim Tray Volume Distribution Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic field homogeneity adjustment methods in MRI systems require multiple shim operations, increasing the time and complexity of achieving optimal magnetic field homogeneity due to the need for arranging and removing various magnetic material shims.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates and displays composite distributions of magnetic material volumes on shim trays, allowing for reduced operations by identifying peak positions and combining volumes to achieve homogeneous magnetic fields, thereby minimizing the number of shims and adjustments needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If magnetic material shims are arranged according to the determined volume distribution to improve magnetic field homogeneity, then the magnetic field homogeneity is improved, but the number of shim operations and adjustments increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple shim arrangement operations into a single comprehensive adjustment by calculating the cumulative volume distribution of magnetic materials across multiple regions and implementing them together in one operation, thereby reducing the number of separate shim operations while achieving the required magnetic field homogeneity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of the cumulative volume distribution before the actual shim arrangement, determining the optimal combined configuration of magnetic materials in advance. This preliminary calculation allows the adjustment to be completed in a single operation rather than requiring multiple iterative adjustments
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple magnetic field homogeneity adjustments are performed to achieve optimal homogeneity, then the magnetic field homogeneity is improved, but the complexity and time of the adjustment process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple adjustment steps into a single comprehensive adjustment process by calculating the cumulative effect of magnetic materials across different regions and implementing them together, thereby simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining the ability to achieve optimal magnetic field homogeneity
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 significantly reduces the number of shim operations and adjustments required, enhancing the efficiency of magnetic field homogeneity adjustments and improving MRI image quality.
Implementation Method 1
calculating a first volume distribution of magnetic materials on a shim tray, based on a first magnetic field strength distribution in a magnetic field space
Data Source
AI summary
A computer executes: calculating a first volume distribution (v.d.) of magnetic materials on a shim tray, based on a first magnetic field strength distribution (m.f.s.d.) in a magnetic field space (S3); acquiring a first composite distribution (c.d.) representing a volume by addition of volumes of magnetic materials for each region of the shim tray, and positions of the regions (S5); calculating a virtual m.f.s.d. created by magnetic materials supposed to be arranged as in the first c.d. (S8); calculating a second m.f.s.d. by addition of the first m.f.s.d. and the virtual m.f.s.d. (S9); calculating a second v.d. of magnetic materials on the shim tray, based on the second m.f.s.d. (S3); acquiring a second c.d. representing a volume by addition of volumes of magnetic materials for each region, and positions of the regions (S5); and displaying the positions of regions and the volumes in the first c.d. and second c.d. (S10).