MRI Signal Re-Acquisition for Quantization Error Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in detecting errors in acquired signals, particularly quantization noise, which can corrupt entire images and are typically identified only after the scan is complete, leading to costly re-scans.
Innovation Solution
The MRI system employs an analog to digital converter (ADC) to digitize signals and detects potential quantization errors using a mask-based approach, allowing for dynamic gain adjustments and re-acquisition of signals to correct errors during the scan, thereby preventing image corruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time error detection is implemented during MRI scanning, then image quality and reliability are improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing gain boundaries and quantization error thresholds before scanning begins. The system pre-configures detection parameters including upper and lower gain boundaries, and quantization error thresholds based on expected signal characteristics. This allows the system to have detection capabilities ready in advance without adding complex real-time processing during the actual scan, thus improving reliability while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection layer between signal acquisition and image reconstruction. A quantization error detection module acts as an intermediary that monitors signals during scanning, compares them against pre-established boundaries, and triggers alerts or corrections without disrupting the main scanning workflow. This intermediary approach enables error detection while maintaining system simplicity through modular architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If dynamic gain adjustment and re-acquisition are performed during scanning, then quantization errors are corrected in real-time, but scanning time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing gain adjustments and re-acquisitions only for specific signal portions that exhibit quantization errors, rather than re-scanning entire images. When quantization errors are detected in particular signal segments, the system selectively re-acquires only those affected portions and adjusts gain locally. This selective approach corrects signal accuracy issues while minimizing impact on overall scanning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where quantization error detection results immediately trigger gain adjustment and re-acquisition actions. The system continuously monitors signals against pre-established boundaries and provides real-time feedback by adjusting gain parameters and re-acquiring signals when errors are detected. This closed-loop feedback ensures high signal accuracy while maintaining scanning efficiency through automated, rapid corrections.
3Reliability
If quantization error detection is performed during the scan, then corrupted images are prevented, but processing load and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces processing load during scanning by performing preliminary computations of gain boundaries and quantization error thresholds before the scan begins. The system pre-calculates acceptable signal ranges based on expected characteristics and stores these as lookup tables or configuration parameters. During the actual scan, the system only performs simple comparisons against these pre-computed values rather than complex real-time analysis, thus ensuring image integrity while minimizing processing load and energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of acquiring an image at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is provided. Accordingly, an analog signal based on a pulse sequence and a first gain is obtained. The analog signal is converted into a digitized signal. A potential quantization error is detected in the digitized signal based on a boundary. When the detection is affirmative, a replacement analog signal based on the pulse sequence is received. At least one portion of the replacement analog signal can be based on an adjusted gain. The adjusted gain is a factor of the first gain. The replacement analog signal is digitized into a replacement digitized signal. At least one portion of the replacement digitized signal corresponding to the at least one portion of the replacement analog signal is adjusted based on a reversal of the factor.