MRI Timestamping via Magnetic Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical imaging modalities, such as CT and PET, face limitations like radiation dose and reduced soft tissue contrast, making MRI a preferred alternative for simultaneous data acquisition, but require a method to temporally relate PET and MRI data for enhanced diagnostic information.

Innovation Solution

A data detection device for MRI apparatuses that detects temporally varying magnetic fields using coils and signal processing units to generate timestamps, allowing for temporal correlation of MRI data without a dedicated interface, ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a dedicated interface is used to synchronize PET and MRI data acquisition, then temporal relation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporal relation accuracyVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The PET detection device autonomously detects temporal variations in the MRI magnetic field using its own detection units (coils), and generates timestamps based on these detections. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for a dedicated synchronization interface between PET and MRI systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining temporal accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the MRI magnetic field itself as an intermediary carrier of temporal information. The PET device detects magnetic field variations (gradients or RF pulses) and converts them into timestamps, allowing the magnetic field to serve as a mediator that conveys timing information without requiring a dedicated communication interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If galvanic connection is established between PET and MRI systems, then data synchronization is improved, but safety is worsened due to potential interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata synchronizationVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical/galvanic connection system with a magnetic field detection system. Instead of using wired connections that could conduct interference, the PET device uses coils to detect magnetic field variations and derives timing information from these detections, eliminating galvanic connection and associated interference risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transfers timing information without requiring direct electrical contact. The PET detection device senses magnetic field variations (which are inherent to MRI operation) and uses these to generate timestamps, allowing information transfer without galvanic connection and thus avoiding electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If complex synchronization systems are implemented, then temporal relation accuracy is improved, but cost and ease of manufacture are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemporal relation accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The PET detection device uses its own existing magnetic field detection units (coils) to detect MRI magnetic field variations and generate timestamps. This self-service approach leverages components already present in the PET device, avoiding the need for additional dedicated synchronization hardware and simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The PET detection device's magnetic field detection units serve dual purposes: detecting PET signals and detecting MRI magnetic field variations for timestamp generation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate synchronization components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining temporal accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient temporal alignment of MRI data, enhancing PET image reconstruction by tracking patient movements and providing meaningful temporal relations to acquired data, thus improving diagnostic capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic field detection unit comprises at least one coil for providing electric currents induced by temporal variations of the temporally varying magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2812717B1Data detection device for use in combination with an MRI apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

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AI summary

The invention relates to a data detection device for use in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus. A magnetic field detection unit (34) serves to detect a temporally varying magnetic field generated by the MRI apparatus, and a timestamping unit (35) generates magnetic field detection timestamps in dependence of the detected temporally varying magnetic field. This allows determining a temporal relation to acquired MRI data.