Multi-mode Local-coil Interface for MRI Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in achieving compatibility and efficient signal processing for various local-coil types, such as ToM and TmM, which require different transmission techniques and settings, leading to complexities in backward compatibility and workflow.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-mode local-coil interface that identifies and adapts to different local-coil types by providing necessary settings and processing for both RF and IF transmission methods, allowing for backward compatibility without additional adapter plugs, through a system that recognizes and processes signals from various local-coil types, including ToM and TmM, using a combination of LNA, mixers, FDM combiners, and FPGA processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-mode interface is used for local coils, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot support different local-coil types (ToM and TmM) requiring different transmission techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal multi-mode local-coil interface that can handle both ToM (RF transmission) and TmM (IF transmission) local-coil types through a single standardized connection. The interface includes mode identification circuitry and adaptive signal processing that automatically detects and configures the appropriate transmission mode, eliminating the need for separate interfaces or adapter plugs for different coil types.
2Reliability
If separate interfaces are provided for different local-coil types, then each coil type can be optimized, but the device complexity and workflow burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-mode interface incorporates automatic mode detection and self-configuration capabilities. When a local coil is connected, the interface automatically identifies whether it is a ToM or TmM type through built-in detection circuitry and configures the appropriate signal processing parameters without requiring manual intervention or operator knowledge of the coil type, thereby simplifying the workflow while maintaining optimized signal processing for each mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adapter plugs are added for backward compatibility, then old coil types can be supported, but the device structure and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support for both ToM and TmM local-coil types into a single integrated multi-mode interface, eliminating the need for separate adapter plugs. The interface includes unified connection terminals and integrated signal processing circuitry that can handle both RF and IF transmission modes through the same physical connection, thereby achieving backward compatibility while reducing the overall device structure and component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for a magnetic resonance imaging system are provided. A type of further processing of signals transmitted by a local coil to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is determined in dependence on information received in or from the local coil about a local-coil type of the local coil.