MRI Temporal Phase Reconstruction Using Preliminary Low-Quality Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Short temporal resolution MRI imaging methods, such as the GRASP method, face a long waiting period before obtaining an MR image in a specific temporal phase due to the need for generating images in all phases during a predetermined time period and the use of iterative reconstruction from undersampled data, requiring significant processing load and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
An MRI apparatus is configured with a first generating unit that successively generates MR images using a first reconstruction method and a determining unit that determines a specific temporal phase before all images are generated, allowing for the generation of an MR image in that phase using a second reconstruction method with a larger processing load, enabling quicker image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a second reconstruction method with larger processing load is used to generate an MR image in a specific temporal phase, then the image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but the processing time and computational resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by generating low-quality MR images using the first reconstruction method in advance, allowing the determination function to identify the target temporal phase before the high-quality reconstruction is needed. This preliminary generation of placeholder images enables the second reconstruction method to be applied selectively only to the identified phase, reducing overall processing time while maintaining image quality for the critical phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The image generation process is segmented into two distinct stages: a first reconstruction method that generates low-quality images quickly for temporal phase identification, and a second reconstruction method that generates high-quality images only for the specifically identified temporal phase. This segmentation allows the system to avoid applying the computationally intensive second method to all phases, thereby reducing total processing time while ensuring high quality for the diagnostically relevant phase.
2Reliability
If MR images in all temporal phases are generated before determining the specific phase, then complete temporal data is available for analysis, but the waiting period for obtaining the specific phase image is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs partial action by generating only enough low-quality images across temporal phases to enable determination of the specific phase of interest, rather than generating all possible high-quality images in advance. The determining function identifies the target temporal phase from these partial results, allowing the system to then focus computational resources on generating a high-quality image only for that specific phase, thereby reducing the waiting period while maintaining sufficient temporal data for accurate phase identification.
Solution Approach 2:
Low-quality images are generated as preliminary data to enable temporal phase determination before committing to the time-consuming high-quality reconstruction process. This preliminary action provides sufficient information for the determining function to identify the specific phase, allowing the system to avoid the excessive waiting period that would result from generating all high-quality images in advance.
3Productivity
If iterative reconstruction from undersampled data is used to achieve short temporal resolution, then imaging speed is improved, but the processing load and storage capacity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reconstruction process is segmented into two quality levels: a first reconstruction method that provides quick, low-quality images for temporal phase identification, and a second reconstruction method that provides high-quality images only for the specifically identified phase. This segmentation reduces the overall processing load by applying the computationally intensive iterative reconstruction only when necessary, rather than to all temporal phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial iterative reconstruction by applying the computationally intensive second reconstruction method only to the specific temporal phase that has been identified as diagnostically relevant, rather than performing full iterative reconstruction on all phases. This partial application maintains imaging speed benefits while reducing the total processing load and storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image generating apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to successively generate Magnetic Resonance (MR) images in a plurality of temporal phases by using a first reconstruction method. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a first temporal phase before MR images in all the temporal phases during a predetermined time period are generated. The processing circuitry is configured to generate an MR image in the first temporal phase determined by the determining unit, by using a second reconstruction method having a larger processing load than the first reconstruction method.