MRI Slice Positioning Frame for Adaptive Imaging Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing MRI step shift method is inefficient for imaging objects of varying sizes, as it often requires imaging areas where the object does not exist, and struggles to adapt slice settings across multiple stations, leading to wasteful imaging and suboptimal spatial resolution.
Innovation Solution
An MRI method and apparatus that adjusts slice imaging settings by using a positioning frame, which can be moved, rotated, scaled, and linked across stations, allowing for independent or linked adjustments to optimize slice placement and reduce unnecessary imaging, thereby improving imaging efficiency and adapting to the object's size and curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If identical slice imaging conditions are used at all stations, then the imaging setup is simple, but imaging efficiency decreases when the test object varies in size along the moving direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of slice imaging conditions at each station based on the test object's actual size and position. The slice thickness, number of slices, and field-of-view are automatically modified according to pre-acquired positioning images, allowing the imaging parameters to adapt to variations in test object dimensions along the moving direction rather than using fixed identical settings throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different slice imaging conditions to different stations based on local requirements. By analyzing the test object's size and shape at each specific station through positioning images, the system tailors the imaging parameters (slice thickness, number of slices, FOV) to match the local characteristics, ensuring optimal imaging efficiency for each region rather than applying a uniform setting globally.
2Reliability
If a large number of slices are acquired to cover curved test object portions, then complete coverage is achieved, but imaging time increases due to unnecessary imaging of empty regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by acquiring only the necessary number of slices required to cover the actual test object at each station. Using pre-acquired positioning images to determine the test object's extent, the system adjusts the slice acquisition range to match the actual object boundaries, avoiding excessive acquisition of slices that would cover empty regions beyond the object while ensuring complete coverage of all relevant areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary acquisition of positioning images before the main slice imaging sequence. These positioning images provide advance information about the test object's size, shape, and position at each station, allowing the system to pre-calculate and set the optimal slice parameters (number of slices, slice thickness, FOV) before actual imaging begins, thereby avoiding unnecessary slice acquisitions and reducing total imaging time.
3Productivity
If the slice setting is optimized for each station independently, then imaging efficiency improves, but the setting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automatically determining and setting the optimal slice imaging conditions at each station based on pre-acquired positioning images. The system autonomously analyzes the test object's characteristics and calculates the appropriate imaging parameters without requiring manual intervention or complex operator input, thereby achieving improved imaging efficiency while keeping the operational interface simple and intuitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback by using pre-acquired positioning images to inform and adjust the slice imaging settings at each station. The positioning images provide real-time information about the test object's actual position and dimensions, which feeds back into the imaging parameter calculation, allowing the system to automatically optimize slice thickness, number of slices, and FOV based on actual conditions rather than relying on predetermined or manually estimated parameters.
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 enables efficient whole-body imaging by eliminating unnecessary imaging areas and optimizing slice positioning, resulting in improved spatial resolution and reduced imaging time, while fitting the object's posture and shape.
Implementation Method 1
The MRI apparatus is an apparatus to take an image of the test object by obtaining a signal using a nuclear magnetic resonance from the test object placed in a static magnetic field space
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging according to the step moving method, a slice imaging condition with respect to each station is optimized, thereby enabling an efficient imaging. A controller of an MRI apparatus displays positioning frames 601 to 606, and operation handles 607 and 608 thereof, in order to set a slice imaging condition at every various positions (stations) of a table on which a test object is mounted. By manipulating the positioning frames and the operation handles via I/O unit, the slice imaging condition is set. According to this slice imaging condition, imaging at each station position of the table is executed.