Pilot Tone Signal Generator Phase Stability in MRI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance tomographs face challenges in accurately evaluating pilot tone signals for movement correction during examinations, leading to potential movement artifacts in imaging.
Innovation Solution
A pilot tone signal generator that receives a synchronization signal, emitting a pilot tone signal as an electromagnetic radio-frequency signal, allowing for precise movement correction by integrating the generator into local coils for enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and using optical data signals for wireless control without disrupting magnetic resonance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pilot tone signal is emitted during magnetic resonance examination for movement detection, then movement correction capability is improved, but phase fluctuations and signal instability occur leading to reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a synchronization signal received from the MRT system control unit to lock the phase and frequency of the pilot tone signal generator. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pilot tone signal remains phase-stable and synchronized with the MRT system's timing, preventing phase fluctuations while maintaining reliable movement detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the frequency and phase parameters of the pilot tone signal based on the synchronization signal from the MRT system. By dynamically changing these parameters to match the system clock, the pilot tone signal achieves stable amplitude and phase characteristics, resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining movement correction functionality
2Measurement precision
If the pilot tone signal generator is integrated into local coils for enhanced signal-to-noise ratio, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pilot tone signal generator directly into the local coil assembly, combining the functions of signal transmission and pilot tone generation in a single unit. This merging approach enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by placing the generator close to the examination object while managing complexity through shared hardware resources and unified control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The local coil assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the magnetic resonance signal receiver and the pilot tone signal generator. This multi-functionality improves signal quality by using the same optimized coil structure for both purposes, while the universal design reduces overall device complexity by eliminating separate dedicated components
3Ease of operation
If optical data signals are used for wireless control of the pilot tone signal generator, then ease of operation is improved, but potential interference with magnetic resonance measurements may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical data signals as an intermediary medium for wireless transmission of synchronization commands to the pilot tone signal generator. This optical intermediary allows contactless control while the carefully selected optical frequencies and modulation schemes ensure that the control signals do not interfere with the magnetic resonance measurement frequencies, thus maintaining both ease of operation and measurement integrity
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
The solution enables more accurate evaluation and stable amplitude of pilot tone signals, reducing phase fluctuations and improving movement correction, resulting in higher quality magnetic resonance images.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for receiving an optical data signal from an environment of the pilot tone signal generator and for creating an electrical sensor signal from the optical data signal
Implementation Method 2
The pilot tone signal generator may be configured to emit the pilot tone signal into an examination object as an electromagnetic radio-frequency signal
Implementation Method 3
A pilot tone signal receiver, (e.g., a local coil and/or a body coil permanently installed in the magnetic resonance tomograph), may be configured to receive the pilot tone signal
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot tone signal generator, a magnetic resonance tomograph, a method for transmission of a synchronization signal, and a computer program product are disclosed. The pilot tone signal generator includes a receive unit for receipt of a synchronization signal of a system control unit of a magnetic resonance tomograph. The synchronization signal may include a clock signal, and the pilot tone signal generator is configured to emit a pilot tone signal as a function of the synchronization signal.