MRI Acquisition Sub-period Segmentation for Motion Artifact Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition times are lengthy due to high resolution requirements, leading to unpredictable examination durations and potential patient motion issues, which can result in delayed schedules, reduced patient capacity, and decreased satisfaction. Existing methods for motion monitoring during acquisition do not adequately ensure image quality or planning efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that divides the MRI acquisition period into sub-periods with undersampling of data subsets, allowing for continuous motion tracking and selection of data subsets based on motion status for optimal image reconstruction, ensuring consistent acquisition time and high image quality without the need for repeated measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high resolution magnetic resonance imaging is performed, then image quality is improved, but measuring time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acquisition period into multiple sub-periods and acquires different k-space data subsets in each sub-period. This segmentation allows the measurement process to be broken down into manageable segments that can be evaluated independently for motion artifacts, enabling quality control without requiring a complete repeat of the entire long measurement sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements motion monitoring and evaluation during the acquisition process itself, performing partial evaluation actions on acquired data subsets before the measurement is complete. This allows early detection of motion artifacts and enables aborting or repeating only specific portions of the measurement rather than requiring the full high-resolution acquisition to be redone.
2Measurement precision
If motion monitoring is implemented during acquisition, then image quality can be maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where motion values are continuously determined during acquisition, evaluated against quality criteria, and used to control subsequent measurement actions. The system provides feedback about motion status to the operator and can automatically trigger repeat acquisitions or abort measurements based on evaluated motion levels, maintaining image quality through automated quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-evaluation of data quality by automatically determining motion values and assessing whether acquired data subsets meet quality criteria. The magnetic resonance apparatus autonomously monitors its own measurement quality and makes decisions about whether to continue, repeat, or abort acquisitions without requiring constant operator intervention.
3Loss of information
If complete data acquisition is required before evaluation, then full dataset is available, but examination duration extends due to unpredictable repeats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of acquired data subsets during the acquisition process itself by determining motion values and assessing quality criteria before the complete measurement is finished. This preliminary quality assessment enables early detection of problematic data, allowing the system to abort or repeat specific portions before committing to a complete reconstruction, thereby reducing unnecessary measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the measurement process where the acquisition can be adapted based on real-time evaluation of motion values. The system dynamically adjusts the measurement trajectory by allowing repeat of specific sub-periods or aborting entirely based on evaluated quality, making the examination duration flexible rather than fixed, and optimizing the balance between data completeness and time efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If generous appointment planning is implemented, then patient scheduling flexibility is improved, but productivity decreases due to unused system capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides feedback mechanisms that give information about measurement progress and quality status during acquisition. This enables more accurate tracking of actual examination duration and quality outcomes, allowing for better statistical analysis of measurement times and improved scheduling predictions that reduce the need for excessive buffer time while maintaining adequate flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of measurement predictability by implementing structured sub-period acquisition with motion monitoring. This creates more predictable measurement durations through standardized evaluation points and quality criteria, allowing for tighter scheduling with less buffer time while maintaining the ability to handle quality issues efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method and apparatus for acquiring a magnetic resonance imaging dataset of an area to be examined of a patient by magnetic resonance data are acquired over a prespecified acquisition period which has been fixed for the acquisition process. This acquisition period is divided into a number of sub-periods. For each sub-dataset of the magnetic resonance data acquired by undersampling in a sub-period, at least one motion value describing the motion status of the area to be examined is determined, and the data subsets to be used for the reconstruction of the magnetic resonance imaging dataset are selected in dependence on the motion values in order to minimize motion artifacts.