MRI Apparatus Multi-Nuclide Imaging via Static Field Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatuses face challenges in achieving high image quality when targeting hydrogen nuclei (1H) and other nuclides due to the need for dedicated transmit/receive systems, wide band settings, and frequent RF coil changes, which can lead to electrical noise, positional misalignment, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus employs a static magnetic field generator that applies a second static magnetic field in addition to a first static field, with a transmit/receive system capable of operating at a single frequency, allowing for simultaneous imaging of 1H and other nuclides by switching between the two field states, thereby optimizing image quality and reducing unnecessary circuitry and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated transmit/receive system is provided for each nuclide, then imaging capability for multiple nuclides is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single transmit/receive system that can perform imaging for multiple nuclides (1H and other nuclides) by switching between different static magnetic field states. The same RF coil and receiver circuitry are used for both 1H imaging and other nuclide imaging, eliminating the need for dedicated systems for each nuclide while maintaining imaging capability across different nuclides.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wide band setting is used to cover multiple resonance frequencies, then multi-nuclide imaging capability is improved, but electrical noise increases and image quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by dynamically switching between different static magnetic field states (first static magnetic field for 1H and second static magnetic field for other nuclides) to match the resonance frequency of the targeted nuclide. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to use a narrow band setting appropriate for each specific nuclide rather than a wide band setting, thereby reducing electrical noise and improving image quality while maintaining multi-nuclide capability.
3Measurement precision
If RF coils are frequently changed to match different resonance frequencies, then imaging accuracy for different nuclides is improved, but positional misalignment occurs and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single RF coil that serves both 1H imaging and other nuclide imaging functions. By switching between static magnetic field states rather than changing physical components, the system eliminates the need for frequent RF coil changes, thereby preventing positional misalignment and avoiding time loss while maintaining imaging accuracy for different nuclides.
4Ease of manufacture
If a conventional 1H transmit/receive system is used without modifications, then costs are reduced, but imaging quality for other nuclides may be degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the static magnetic field parameters (applying a second static magnetic field in addition to the first) rather than changing the physical hardware of the transmit/receive system. This allows the conventional 1H RF coil to be used for imaging other nuclides by adjusting the magnetic field parameters to match the resonance frequency, thereby maintaining imaging quality while avoiding the costs associated with hardware modifications or dedicated systems.
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 configuration enables high-quality imaging of both 1H and other nuclides without degrading image quality, reducing costs, and minimizing positional misalignment, while using a conventional transmit/receive system designed for 1H without modifications.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic resonance phenomenon is a phenomenon in which, when an aggregation of spins of a targeted atomic nucleus is placed in a static magnetic field, the atomic nucleus resonates with a radio frequency magnetic field rotating at a specific frequency (hereinafter, 'resonance frequency') corresponding to magnetic moment unique to the atomic nucleus and to the intensity of the static magnetic field and emits a signal in a relaxation process
Implementation Method 2
the atomic nucleus resonates with a radio frequency magnetic field rotating at a specific frequency (hereinafter, 'resonance frequency') corresponding to magnetic moment unique to the atomic nucleus
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a static magnetic field generator, a transmit/receive system, and an acquiring means. The static magnetic field generator is configured to apply a second static magnetic field in addition to a first static magnetic field serving as a reference. The transmit/receive system is configured to perform transmitting and receiving at a single frequency. The processing circuitry is configured to acquire a magnetic resonance signal by employing the transmit/receive system. The transmit/receive system is configured to perform transmitting and receiving at a resonance frequency of a hydrogen nucleus in a state in which the first static magnetic field is applied and is configured to perform transmitting and receiving at a resonance frequency of a nuclide different from the hydrogen nucleus in a state in which the second static magnetic field is applied in addition to the first static magnetic field.