MRT Coil Positioning via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRT examination methods with flexible coils face challenges in accurately positioning and orienting the coil, leading to inefficiencies and errors in imaging due to limited table movement and uncertainty in coil placement, resulting in wasted time and potential SNR issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize automated data acquisition via sensors to determine the coil's location and orientation relative to the examination region, providing visual and acoustic feedback to ensure correct positioning within predetermined boundaries, thereby optimizing coil placement and reducing manual errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of the coil is used, then the user has control over placement, but positioning accuracy and time efficiency deteriorate due to human error and repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting the coil's location via sensors and calculating the required table movement to center the examination region. The control facility autonomously adjusts the table position without requiring manual intervention, thereby eliminating human error and reducing positioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated sensor-based detection and control system. Sensors detect coil position, the control facility processes this data to determine optimal table movement, and the system executes automatic positioning, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system.
2Productivity
If automated sensor-based positioning is implemented, then positioning accuracy and efficiency improve, but system complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control facility serves multiple functions: it detects coil position via sensors, calculates the examination region location, determines required table movements, and executes positioning commands. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single control system, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby managing complexity while achieving high productivity.
3Length of stationary object
If the table has restricted movement range, then the scanner is more compact, but the ability to position the examination region in the isocenter deteriorates when the coil is misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the coil's position and calculation of the required table movement before the actual positioning occurs. By determining the optimal position in advance based on sensor data and anatomical information, the system ensures that the table moves to the correct location within its restricted range, accommodating both compact design and positioning flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If visual feedback is provided during positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the operator interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides visual feedback by displaying the detected coil position and the calculated examination region location on the operator interface. This feedback loop allows the operator to verify the automatic positioning results and make minor adjustments if necessary, improving positioning accuracy while keeping the interface relatively simple through automated calculations.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments relates to a method for supporting an MRT examination of a patient via a coil placed on the patient. One or more example embodiments also relates to apparatus, a control facility for an MRT system and also an MRT system.