Multi-ROI MRI Imaging Using Single-Scan Localization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional medical imaging techniques require multiple scans for different regions of interest, leading to prolonged waiting times and excessive radiation exposure for patients.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a single scan to obtain images of multiple regions of interest by employing reference information, such as scout images or optical images, to identify local images of each ROI, reducing the need for multiple scans and radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple scans are performed for different regions of interest, then image quality and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but scanning time and radiation exposure increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidscanning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple region-of-interest scans into a single comprehensive scan. The imaging system acquires data from multiple ROIs (e.g., brain, chest, abdomen) simultaneously or in a single continuous scanning sequence, eliminating the need for separate scan sessions. This merging approach maintains diagnostic image quality while significantly reducing total scanning time and patient waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging system is configured to perform multiple imaging functions in a single scan operation. By using universal scanning protocols and multi-functional imaging capabilities, the system can capture images of different anatomical regions with different requirements (e.g., different field-of-view, different contrast settings) within one scan session, making the imaging process more efficient without compromising image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple scans are performed for different regions of interest, then comprehensive coverage of all ROIs is improved, but radiation exposure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive coverageVSAvoidradiation exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple radiation-exposing scans into a single scan operation. By acquiring images of multiple ROIs in one continuous scan rather than multiple separate scans, the system reduces the cumulative radiation dose to the patient while maintaining comprehensive anatomical coverage. The single scan approach eliminates redundant radiation exposure from repeated positioning and scanning of overlapping regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple scans are performed for different regions of interest, then diagnostic completeness is improved, but patient waiting time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic completenessVSAvoidpatient waiting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous imaging action by performing all ROI scans in a single uninterrupted scanning sequence. The imaging system continuously acquires data across multiple regions without stopping between ROIs, eliminating patient repositioning and waiting time between scans. This continuous operation maintains diagnostic completeness by ensuring all ROIs are captured in one session while dramatically reducing patient waiting time and improving workflow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12521075B2System and method for medical imaging
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 SHANGHAI UNITED IMAGING HEALTHCARE
  • US12521075B2 patent drawing
  • US12521075B2 patent drawing
  • US12521075B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a system and method for magnetic resonance imaging. The method may include obtaining reference information associated with at least two regions of interest (ROIs) of a subject. The method may also include obtaining a plurality of images associated with the at least two ROIs, the plurality of images being determined based on scanning data of the at least two ROIs generated in a single scan performed on the at least two ROIs by an imaging device. The method may further include identifying local images of each of the at least two ROIs from the plurality of images based on the reference information.