MRI Table Control for Multi-Sequence Imaging Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI techniques face inefficiencies when performing multiple types of imaging, such as multi-slice imaging and acquiring images with different contrasts, as they require repetitive table positioning and synchronization with periodic body motions like respiration or heartbeating, leading to prolonged imaging times and increased waiting times.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic resonance imaging method that executes multiple imaging sequences while moving the table between predetermined positions, synchronized with periodic body motions, allowing for simultaneous acquisition and reconstruction of images from multiple sequences, thereby reducing the need for repetitive table repositioning and minimizing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging sequences are executed separately with table repositioning, then multiple types of images with different contrasts can be acquired, but the total imaging time is prolonged due to repetitive table resetting and multiple waiting times from gated imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging sequences into a single continuous table movement process. Instead of executing sequences separately with table repositioning, the system acquires data from multiple sequences (e.g., multi-slice imaging and contrast-enhanced imaging) while the table moves continuously in one direction, merging what were previously separate operations into a unified workflow that eliminates idle time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous table movement throughout the entire imaging process without resetting or pausing between sequences. The table moves continuously while multiple imaging sequences are executed, ensuring that the useful action of table positioning never stops and eliminating the downtime that would occur with traditional separate sequence execution
2Reliability
If gated imaging is combined with moving table imaging, then artifacts from periodic body motion can be reduced, but additional waiting time is introduced due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous table movement while executing gated imaging sequences, eliminating idle waiting periods. The system synchronizes data acquisition with periodic body motion phases (such as cardiac or respiratory cycles) but continues moving the table without interruption, ensuring that the table is always positioned optimally for the current phase of the gated sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic gating of imaging sequences to synchronize with periodic body motions (e.g., heartbeats or respiratory cycles). By triggering imaging sequences at specific phases of these periodic motions, the system captures data when the subject is in optimal positions, reducing motion artifacts while maintaining continuous table movement
3Area of stationary object
If the table is continuously moved for wide-range imaging, then a wide-area image can be obtained, but the table must be reset for each imaging sequence, making the operation cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging sequences into a single continuous table movement, eliminating the need to reset the table between sequences. The system acquires data for multiple imaging types (e.g., different slices, different contrasts, different anatomical regions) while the table moves continuously in one direction, transforming a complex multi-step operation into a single streamlined process
Data Source
AI summary
When multiple types of imaging are performed while moving a table on which a subject to be examined is placed, an imaging efficiency is improved and a high-quality image is obtained within a short time. Therefore, within a predetermined time interval such as an identical period of a periodic living body motion, a predetermined number of echo signals from each of the multiple types of imaging sequences are acquired and the table on which the subject to be examined is placed is moved. Along with the movement of the table, data items within the same range in the Ky-direction as to each of the imaging sequences are acquired, the moving speed of the table is controlled in such a manner that the acquired data items become continuous in the x-direction, and images are reconstructed based on the data items obtained respectively from the imaging sequences.