Digital Receiver Coil Phase Noise Indicator for MRI Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of wireless coils in MRI devices introduces phase noise and synchronization issues with the digitizer clock, leading to unreliable image quality and potential service disruptions due to the lack of proper synchronization with the system clock.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a Received Phase Noise Indicator (RPNI) to analyze and synchronize the digitizer clock with the system clock, including mechanisms for short-term and long-term phase stability corrections, using a reference signal and phase-locked loop circuitry to ensure accurate clock synchronization and minimize phase errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless coils are used to eliminate cable connections, then ease of operation is improved, but phase noise and synchronization issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors phase noise through the RPNI indicator and automatically adjusts the digitizer clock synchronization accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the wireless coil system maintains reliable operation by dynamically compensating for phase noise, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component - the RPNI (Received Phase Noise Indicator) - that mediates between the wireless coil signal and the digitizer clock synchronization system. This intermediary monitors and reports phase noise levels, enabling the system to maintain synchronization accuracy without requiring physical cable connections, thus preserving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Device complexity
If digitizer clock synchronization is not properly maintained, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically monitors and corrects its own clock synchronization using the RPNI indicator. The phase-locked loop circuitry autonomously adjusts the digitizer clock based on received phase noise measurements, eliminating the need for external manual intervention. This self-correcting mechanism maintains high image quality without adding significant device complexity.
3Reliability
If phase noise monitoring and correction systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phase noise monitoring and correction functionality into the existing wireless coil reception system. The RPNI indicator is integrated with the signal reception pathway, and the phase-locked loop circuitry is combined with the digitizer clock system. This consolidation approach improves reliability through comprehensive phase noise management while minimizing the increase in device complexity by reusing existing system components.
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 reliability of MRI scans by reducing phase noise and RMS phase errors, preventing image degradation and service disruptions, while allowing for early detection and corrective actions to maintain high-quality image generation.
Implementation Method 1
using a reference signal and phase-locked loop circuitry to ensure accurate clock synchronization and minimize phase errors
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method synchronizes a digitizer clock of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device with a system clock of an imaging device. In a first method, an original reference signal is split into first and second reference signals in which the second reference signal is phase shifted to generate an orthogonal reference signal. A reliability of image data may be determined based upon a product between the first reference signal and the orthogonal reference signal. In a second method, a reference signal is transmitted from the imaging device to the MRI device and a return signal is received from the MRI device to the imaging device. A discrepancy between the digitizer clock and the system clock may be determined based upon the return signal which includes a variable time delay.