Narrow-Bandwidth MRI Circuits for High-Speed Multi-Plane Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in achieving high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for magnetic resonance imaging, which affects the quality of generated images, and there is a need for methods to improve imaging speed while maintaining SNR.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using narrow-bandwidth transmitter and receiver circuits to excite and sample magnetic resonance signals, with each circuit tuned to specific frequencies and bandwidths, allowing for simultaneous operation of multiple circuits to process multiple imaging planes, and employing gradient coils to vary the magnetic field strength along an axis, enabling high-speed MR imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MRI systems use standard bandwidth transmitter and receiver circuits, then imaging speed is maintained, but signal-to-noise ratio is insufficient for high quality images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple independent frequency bands by using multiple transmitter circuits (e.g., first, second, third transmitter circuits) each operating at different center frequencies with narrow bandwidths. This segmentation allows simultaneous acquisition of multiple imaging planes without interference, improving SNR while maintaining imaging speed through parallel processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frequency dimension by operating transmitter and receiver circuits at multiple distinct center frequencies (e.g., first center frequency, second center frequency, third center frequency) rather than using a single broad frequency band. This dimensional expansion enables simultaneous multi-plane imaging with narrow bandwidth filtering, resolving the contradiction between SNR and imaging speed.
2Measurement precision
If narrow-bandwidth circuits are used to improve SNR, then image quality increases, but imaging time increases due to sequential processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by operating multiple transmitter and receiver circuits simultaneously at different frequencies. While each circuit uses narrow bandwidth for high SNR, the parallel operation ensures that imaging time is not extended, as multiple imaging planes are acquired concurrently rather than sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the imaging task across multiple frequency channels, each narrow-bandwidth circuit processes a specific frequency range independently. This segmentation enables parallel execution of what would otherwise require sequential processing, thereby maintaining short imaging time while achieving high SNR through narrow bandwidth filtering.
3Productivity
If multiple transmitter circuits operate simultaneously at different frequencies, then multiple imaging planes are processed in parallel, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing transmitter and receiver circuits that can operate at multiple center frequencies. Each circuit is universally capable of processing different frequency bands, allowing the system to achieve parallel multi-plane imaging without requiring completely separate hardware for each frequency, thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent manages complexity by changing operational parameters (center frequencies and bandwidths) of existing circuit architectures rather than fundamentally redesigning the system. By adjusting frequency and bandwidth parameters, the system achieves parallel processing capability while reusing core hardware components, thus limiting the increase in system complexity.
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 significantly increases the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces imaging time, allowing for faster generation of high-quality MR images by processing multiple imaging planes simultaneously without compromising SNR.
Implementation Method 1
The static magnetic field causes the spin vectors of certain atomic nuclei within the body to randomly rotate or 'precess' around an axis parallel to the direction of the static magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
Radio frequency excitation energy is applied to the body, and this energy causes the nuclei to precess in phase and in an excited state
Implementation Method 3
As the precessing atomic nuclei relax, weak radio frequency signals are generated and emitted; such radio frequency signals are referred to herein as magnetic resonance signals
Implementation Method 4
Relatively small gradients in the magnetic field are superimposed on the static magnetic field at various times during the process so that magnetic resonance signals from different portions of the patient's body differ in phase, amplitude and/or frequency
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus for imaging a subject using MR imaging, and a method of exciting nuclei of the subject within an imaging plane using one or more transmitter circuits tuned to a first transmission frequency, sampling MR signals generated from the nuclei at the same time using one or more receiver circuits each receiver circuit having a bandwidth less than 500 kHz, and generating a MR image based on the sampled MR signals. The speed of MR imaging may be increased by providing multiple pairs of transmitter and receiver circuits to operate simultaneously on an imaging plane and/or by streamlining downstream signal processing using multiple phase detectors tuned to detect frequencies associated with particular phase shifts.