Phased-Array MRI RF Coil Combining for Signal-to-Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems face challenges in maintaining signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) during imaging, leading to potential image quality degradation due to inefficient power management of preamplifiers in phased array coils.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus with a phased array coil system that includes a combiner and transmission line, where power supply to preamplifiers is controlled based on imaging conditions to selectively combine and amplify signals, thereby optimizing signal processing and reducing unnecessary signal combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power supply to all preamplifiers is maintained continuously, then signal reception capability is ensured, but energy consumption increases and unnecessary signal combinations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by controlling the power supply to preamplifiers based on imaging conditions. The system switches between different power supply modes (first and second modes) depending on whether coil sections need to be combined, allowing the system to adapt its energy consumption to actual operational requirements rather than maintaining continuous power to all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the phased array coil into multiple coil sections (first coil section, second coil section, etc.), each with its own preamplifier. This segmentation allows independent power control for each coil section, enabling the system to turn off preamplifiers for unused coil sections while maintaining reception capability for active sections.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple coil sections are combined to increase coverage, then imaging area is expanded, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to unnecessary signal combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which coil sections to combine based on the specific imaging task and subject size. The control unit determines the appropriate power supply mode by evaluating whether the subject requires coverage from multiple coil sections, thereby expanding imaging area only when necessary while avoiding unnecessary combinations that would degrade signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different reception strategies to different coil sections based on local requirements. When imaging a small subject, only local coil sections are activated and combined, while other sections remain inactive. This localized approach ensures high signal-to-noise ratio for the region of interest without incorporating unnecessary distant coil sections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all preamplifiers operate simultaneously, then complete signal processing capability is maintained, but device complexity and power management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the preamplifier system into multiple independently controllable units, each associated with a specific coil section. This segmentation simplifies power management by allowing the control unit to independently control power supply to individual preamplifiers based on imaging requirements, rather than managing a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power supply state) of preamplifiers based on imaging conditions. The control unit adjusts power supply parameters (on/off states) of specific preamplifiers according to whether the imaging task requires combination of multiple coil sections or uses a single section, thereby managing complexity through parameter adaptation.
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 the signal-to-noise ratio and improves image quality by minimizing signal degradation, ensuring optimal power usage and efficient signal processing in MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
amplify the signal received by the coil element
Implementation Method 2
generates a combined signal obtained by combining the signals amplified by the preamplifiers
Implementation Method 3
transmits an RF pulse to the subject placed in the imaging space
Implementation Method 4
receives an NMR signal generated from the subject under the influence of the RF pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of an embodiment includes an RF coil including a plurality of coil elements, a plurality of preamplifiers, a combiner, and a transmission line. The coil elements transmit an RF pulse to a subject placed in an imaging space, and receive a signal generated from the subject by the RF pulse. The preamplifiers are each connected to each of the coil elements via an input channel with the number of channels corresponding to the coil element, and amplify the signal received by the coil element. The combiner is connected to each pair of preamplifiers that are paired among the preamplifiers, and generates a combined signal obtained by combining the signals amplified by the preamplifiers. The transmission line transmits the combined signal combined by the combiner.