Super-Resolution MRI Reconstruction for Non-Rectangular Acquisitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing super-resolution methods for magnetic resonance imaging cannot be applied to non-rectangular acquisition schemes due to the generation of ringing artifacts from zero-valued areas, leading to deteriorated image quality.
Innovation Solution
Extract a rectangular portion of the non-rectangular k-space data, transform it into image space, apply super-resolution, and then back to k-space, filling in the original data to maintain consistency, thereby avoiding artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If super-resolution is applied to non-rectangular k-space data, then image resolution is improved, but ringing artifacts occur due to zero-valued areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts a rectangular portion from the non-rectangular k-space data that contains only completely scanned lines without partial or missing data. This extracted rectangular subset is then used as input for the super-resolution algorithm, eliminating the zero-valued areas that cause ringing artifacts while preserving the essential image information needed for high-resolution reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The k-space data is segmented into two parts: a rectangular portion with complete scan lines that is suitable for super-resolution processing, and the remaining non-rectangular portion that is handled separately. This segmentation allows the super-resolution algorithm to operate on clean, artifact-free data while the original non-rectangular data can be incorporated later without introducing artifacts.
2Loss of time
If a partial scan of k-space is performed to save time, then acquisition time is reduced, but image resolution deteriorates due to reduced sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies super-resolution processing as a preliminary enhancement step to the partially scanned k-space data before final image reconstruction. By extracting a rectangular portion from the partial scan and applying super-resolution algorithms, the method preliminarily enhances the resolution of the undersampled data, compensating for the reduced sampling without requiring a full k-space scan.
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 enhances image resolution without artifacts by ensuring the super-resolution algorithm operates on a complete, scanned k-space subset, improving image quality in non-rectangular acquisitions.
Implementation Method 1
The amount of magnetization (in particular the transverse magnetization in a plane transverse to the basic magnetic field described above) at a specific location on the examination object can be determined from the data of the readout point using a Fourier transformation
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for increasing the resolution of magnetic resonance image data (BD) of an examination object based on magnetic resonance raw data (KD) being acquired using a non-rectangular acquisition scheme is described. The method comprises the step of extracting a rectangular portion (EXT-KD) of the acquired magnetic resonance raw data (KD), wherein the rectangular portion (EXT-KD) comprises a completely sampled k-space portion of the non-rectangular k-space portion. Further, the method comprises the step of transforming the extracted rectangular portion (EXT-KD) into image data space, wherein image data (RD-BD) are generated based on reduced rectangular k-space. Furthermore, the method includes the step of generating high resolution image data (HD-BD) based on the image data (RD-BD) by applying a super resolution method to the image data (RD-BD). The method also comprises the step of transforming the high resolution image data (HD-BD) into k-space, wherein high resolution raw data (HD-KD) are generated. The method comprises the step of partly replacing the high resolution raw data (HD-KD) by original raw data assigned to the non-rectangular portion of the acquired magnetic resonance raw data (KD), wherein consistent high resolution raw data (K-HD-KD) are generated. Eventually, the consistent high resolution raw data (K-HD-KD) are transformed into image data space, wherein consistent high resolution image data (K-HD-BD) are generated. Further, an interpolation device (60) is described. Furthermore, a magnetic resonance imaging system (70) is described.