Magnetic Resonance Tomography Interference Suppression via Auxiliary Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) systems in hybrid imaging systems face interference from electromagnetic signals from additional modalities, leading to heating and image artifacts, which existing shielding methods cannot completely prevent.
Innovation Solution
An imaging apparatus with a magnetic resonance tomography system and an auxiliary antenna to receive interference signals, allowing for interference suppression in the received MR signal, reducing the need for shielding and minimizing eddy currents and image artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding components are used to prevent electromagnetic interference from additional modalities, then interference signals are blocked, but eddy currents are excited causing heating and image artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interference signal detection function from the shielding function. Instead of relying solely on a shielded housing that causes eddy currents and heating, the system uses auxiliary antennas to detect interference signals and a processing system to suppress them, thereby eliminating the need for extensive shielding while preventing the harmful effects of eddy currents and temperature rise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces auxiliary antennas and signal processing as intermediary components between the interference sources and the MRT receiving antennas. These intermediaries detect and suppress interference signals without requiring a shielded housing, thus avoiding the generation of eddy currents and associated heating problems
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shielding components are used to prevent electromagnetic interference, then interference signals are blocked, but shielding requirements increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interference signal detection function from the shielding function. Instead of relying solely on a shielded housing that causes eddy currents and heating, the system uses auxiliary antennas to detect interference signals and a processing system to suppress them, thereby eliminating the need for extensive shielding while preventing the harmful effects of eddy currents and temperature rise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical shielding approach (shielded housing) with an electromagnetic signal processing approach (auxiliary antennas + digital signal processing). This substitution eliminates the need for complex shielding structures while effectively addressing interference through software-based signal suppression
3Temperature
If slots are provided in shielded housing to reduce eddy currents, then heating is reduced, but eddy currents and image artifacts cannot be completely prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the interference signal detection function from the shielding function. Instead of relying solely on a shielded housing that causes eddy currents and heating, the system uses auxiliary antennas to detect interference signals and a processing system to suppress them, thereby eliminating the need for extensive shielding while preventing the harmful effects of eddy currents and temperature rise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces auxiliary antennas and signal processing as intermediary components between the interference sources and the MRT receiving antennas. These intermediaries detect and suppress interference signals without requiring a shielded housing, thus avoiding the generation of eddy currents and associated heating problems
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 effectively reduces the influence of interference signals on MRT image reconstruction, potentially eliminating the need for shielding and improving image quality by compensating for interference, thus enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of hybrid imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary antenna arranged and configured to receive, during the examination period, a second receive signal containing an interference signal generated by the electronic circuit and emitted into the examination area
Implementation Method 2
a processing system configured to suppress interference in the first receive signal based on the first receive signal and the second receive signal
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic resonance tomography system, MRT system, with a magnetic resonance, MR, receiving antenna. The MR receiving antenna is arranged and configured to receive a first receive signal containing an MR signal from the object
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus has an MRT system with an MR receiving antenna configured to receive a first receive signal containing an MR signal from an object to be examined during an examination period. The imaging apparatus includes a modality for examining the object and/or for acting on the object via mechanical or electromagnetic waves, wherein the modality has an electronic circuit. The imaging apparatus includes an auxiliary antenna arranged and configured to receive a second receive signal containing an interference signal generated by the electronic circuit during the examination period. The imaging apparatus has a processing system configured to suppress interference in the first receive signal based on the first and the second receive signal.