Phase Difference Enhanced MRI Imaging with Dynamic Pi Function

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing MRI technologies face challenges in flexibly responding to changes in imaging site or conditions, particularly in maintaining consistent contrast enhancement of tissues due to the fixed distribution of phase differences, which affects image resolution and tissue visibility.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a phase difference enhanced imaging method using a π function as an enhancement function, allowing for flexible adjustment of parameters to maintain consistent contrast across varying imaging conditions and resolutions, by selecting a phase corresponding to the objective tissue and masking the magnitude image with the enhanced phase difference image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed polynomial function is used to enhance phase difference, then the enhancement process is simple, but the system cannot flexibly respond to changes in imaging site or conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to imaging conditionsVSAvoidcomplexity of enhancement function
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static polynomial function into a dynamic π function with adjustable parameters (α, β, γ) that can adapt to different imaging conditions. The function evolves from a fixed form to a flexible model where parameters can be optimized based on specific imaging sites and conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces multiple adjustable parameters (α, β, γ) in the π function that can be modified to optimize enhancement for different imaging scenarios. This parameter-based approach allows the system to adapt to varying imaging conditions without changing the fundamental function structure, balancing complexity and versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the enhancement function parameters are optimized for one imaging condition, then the enhancement is effective for that condition, but the contrast enhancement becomes inconsistent when imaging conditions change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of contrast enhancementVSAvoidresponse to imaging condition changes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The π function with adjustable parameters enables dynamic adaptation to different imaging conditions while maintaining reliable contrast enhancement. The parameters can be re-optimized for each imaging scenario, ensuring consistent enhancement quality across varying conditions rather than being locked to a single optimization point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implies a feedback mechanism where the enhancement parameters can be adjusted based on the specific imaging conditions and results. This allows the system to learn from previous enhancements and optimize parameters for new imaging scenarios, maintaining consistency while adapting to changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If LPF size is adjusted to change resolution, then the resolution requirement is met, but the distribution of phase difference changes making enhancement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidphase difference distribution consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses the resolution-phase difference distribution problem by introducing adjustable parameters in the π function that can compensate for changes in phase difference distribution caused by different LPF sizes. This allows maintaining effective enhancement across different resolution levels without being constrained by a fixed function form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables secure enhancement of objective tissues regardless of imaging site or condition changes, improving image resolution and contrast, and allows for accurate visualization of structures like cortical structures, enhancing clinical applications.

Implementation Method 1

MRI is a method of imaging internal information of a subject body using a NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) phenomenon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR):

Data Source

PatentEP2380492B1Phase difference enhanced imaging method (PADRE), phase difference enhanced imaging program, phase difference enhanced imaging apparatus, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 NAT UNIV CORP KUMAMOTO UNIV
  • EP2380492B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2380492B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2380492B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A functional image creating method and a functional image creating apparatus, each enabling rendering of an activated region, are provided. A phase difference image PDr(x) is created using a complex image σr(x) created from an MR signal in an inactive state and a complex image σ'r(x) obtained by filtering the complex image σr(x). A phase difference image PDa(x) is created using a complex image σa(x) created from an MR signal in an active state and a complex image σ'a(x) obtained by filtering the complex image σa(x). Function signal images diff1(x) and diff2(x) are created using the phase difference images PDr(x) and PDa(x), respectively. A magnitude image Mr(x), a magnitude image Ma(x), a standard image, or a morphological image I(x) is masked with the function signal image diff1(x) or diff2(x), thereby a function image I'(x) with an activated region rendered is created.