Q-space MR Signal Phase Separation for Coherent Motion Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diffusion spectrum imaging methods discard coherent motion information, limiting the accuracy of tissue structure assessment and diffusion characterization in MRI imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method that acquires and processes MR signals with phase and magnitude at q-space locations using a diffusion sensitizing pulse sequence, allowing for the separation and characterization of both coherent and incoherent motion by determining and removing the phase contribution of coherent motion, thereby producing three-dimensional velocity images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional diffusion spectrum imaging methods are used to process q-space data, then data processing is facilitated by discarding coherent motion information, but the accuracy of tissue structure assessment and diffusion characterization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the q-space data processing into distinct components: coherent motion information and incoherent motion information. By separating these components and processing them differently, the method maintains tissue structure assessment accuracy while facilitating data processing through targeted analysis of each motion type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters by retaining phase information that contains coherent motion data, rather than discarding it. This parameter change enables simultaneous characterization of both coherent and incoherent motion, improving measurement precision without compromising processing efficiency
2Loss of information
If phase information is retained in q-space data processing, then coherent motion can be characterized, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex q-space data into coherent motion components (from phase information) and incoherent motion components (from magnitude information). This segmentation allows systematic processing of each component using appropriate methods, managing complexity while retaining all useful information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts coherent motion information from the phase component of the complex q-space data and processes it separately. This extraction approach simplifies the overall processing by handling coherent and incoherent motion through distinct, optimized pathways rather than attempting to process all information uniformly
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 a more accurate assessment of tissue structure and diffusion by retaining phase information, reducing magnitude-induced bias and providing a more precise estimation of both coherent and incoherent motion, improving the accuracy of diffusion MRI data.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are based on the interactions among a primary magnetic field, a radiofrequency (RF) magnetic field, and time varying magnetic gradient fields with gyromagnetic material having nuclear spins
Implementation Method 2
The movement of the water molecules may be characterized as incoherent motion, which results from diffusion processes
Implementation Method 3
acquiring MR signals having phase and magnitude at q-space locations using a diffusion sensitizing pulse sequence... the acquired signals each include a set of complex Fourier encodings representing a three-dimensional displacement distribution of the spins
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging method includes acquiring MR signals having phase and magnitude at q-space locations using a diffusion sensitizing pulse sequence performed on a tissue of interest, wherein the acquired signals each include a set of complex Fourier encodings representing a three-dimensional displacement distribution of the spins in a q-space location. The signals each include information relating to coherent motion and incoherent motion in the q-space location. The method also includes determining a contribution by coherent motion to the phase of the acquired MR signals; removing the phase contribution attributable to coherent motion from the acquired MR signals to produce a complex data set for each q-space location and an image of velocity components for each q-space location; and producing a three-dimensional velocity image from the image of the velocity components.