MRI Signal Acquisition Modules for Multi-Contrast Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques require complex calculations or multiple scans to achieve images with varying contrasts, which is cumbersome, costly, and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method for MRI that involves obtaining k-space data from an MR scan with multiple signal acquisition modules of the same sequence type but with different design characteristics, and then determining a target k-space data set by combining data from these modules to reconstruct MR images with varying contrasts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MR scans with different imaging sequences are performed to obtain images with different contrasts, then image contrast variety is improved, but scanning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal acquisition modules with different design characteristics into a single imaging sequence. These modules share common k-space data while having different parameters (such as different readout gradients or echo times), allowing multiple contrast images to be generated from one scan by processing the shared k-space data differently for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sequence is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously by incorporating signal acquisition modules that can generate different image contrasts. The sequence acts universally by collecting data that serves multiple imaging purposes through post-processing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated scans for each contrast type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple MR scans with different imaging sequences are performed to obtain images with different contrasts, then image contrast variety is improved, but device complexity and design costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging sequence is segmented into multiple signal acquisition modules, each with specific design characteristics. This segmentation allows the complex task of generating multiple contrasts to be divided into manageable modules that can be systematically configured and processed, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves different image contrasts by changing parameters within the signal acquisition modules (such as readout gradient polarity, echo time, or flip angle) rather than requiring entirely different imaging sequences. This parameter-based approach simplifies sequence design by using a standardized module structure with adjustable parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex calculations are performed on obtained image signals to achieve different contrasts, then image contrast variety is improved, but calculation complexity and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data collection by acquiring comprehensive k-space data that contains information for multiple contrasts during a single scan. This preliminary action during data acquisition reduces the need for complex post-processing calculations, as the raw data already contains the necessary information that can be reconstructed into different contrast images through simpler processing steps.
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 allows for the generation of MR images with different contrasts in a single scan, improving scanning efficiency and image quality by sharing and multiplexing k-space data sets from different signal acquisition modules.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a technique that utilizes a magnetic resonance phenomenon for imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A method for MRI is provided. The method comprises obtaining k-space data collected during an MR scan of a target object, which is performed by applying an imaging sequence to the target object, the imaging sequence includes at least two signal acquisition modules of a same sequence type, different signal acquisition modules of the at least two signal acquisition modules have at least two design characteristics with different characteristic values, and the k-space data includes at least two k-space data sets each of which corresponds to one of the at least two signal acquisition modules. For each signal acquisition module, the method further comprises determining a target k-space data set and reconstructing an MR image of the target object corresponding to the signal acquisition module based on the target k-space data set.