MRI Susceptibility Imaging Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Susceptibility-emphasized imaging using the echo planar method in MRI apparatuses faces challenges with long imaging times due to the need for long echo times, leading to signal attenuation and a deteriorated signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
The MRI apparatus divides echo signals into two groups, using a phase blip gradient magnetic field and inverting the polar character of the frequency encode gradient magnetic field to generate image data and mask data, which are then processed to obtain a susceptibility-emphasized image with improved signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the echo planar method is applied to susceptibility-emphasized imaging to reduce imaging time, then imaging speed is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to signal attenuation at long echo times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the echo signals into two distinct groups: a first group with shorter echo times for maintaining signal intensity, and a second group with longer echo times for enhancing susceptibility contrast. This segmentation allows each group to serve its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between imaging speed and signal-to-noise ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality requirements are applied to different parts of the data: the first echo signal group uses shorter echo times to preserve signal intensity for baseline image quality, while the second echo signal group uses longer echo times to maximize susceptibility contrast. This local quality differentiation enables simultaneous optimization of both signal-to-noise ratio and susceptibility emphasis.
2Manufacturing precision
If a long echo time is used to increase magnetic susceptibility effect, then contrast is improved, but imaging time increases and signal attenuation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the echo signal acquisition into two groups with different echo times. The second group with longer echo times provides enhanced susceptibility contrast, while the first group with shorter echo times maintains faster signal acquisition. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between achieving high susceptibility contrast and maintaining reasonable imaging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic alternation between two types of echo signal acquisition (short echo time and long echo time) within a single imaging sequence. This periodic action allows the system to cycle between signal preservation and contrast enhancement, achieving both goals within the overall imaging timeframe.
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 faster imaging while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio and enhancing the susceptibility effect, reducing imaging time and improving contrast in susceptibility-emphasized images.
Implementation Method 1
a gradient magnetic field generation system (3) for applying gradient magnetic fields to the object based on gradient magnetic field pulses
Implementation Method 2
utilizing nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
A susceptibility-emphasized image having a preferable signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained by a method including measuring a plurality of echo signals using the echo planar method, dividing the plurality of echo signals into a first echo signal group and a second echo signal group, acquiring an image data from the first echo signal group while acquiring a mask data from the second echo signal group, and obtaining the susceptibility-emphasized image through use of the image data and the mask data.