RF Coil Positioning via Electromagnetic Markers for PET Attenuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hybrid MR-PET imaging modalities, determining the exact position, orientation, and shape of RF coil devices is challenging, leading to difficulties in creating accurate attenuation maps for correcting PET image reconstructions, especially with newer RF coils that have higher channel densities and more massive housings, which cannot be easily redesigned for lower PET attenuation without impacting performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a marker arrangement with electromagnetic radiation markers on the RF coil device surface, emitting or reflecting ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and Terahertz radiation, which are detected by cameras to determine the 3D position and orientation of the RF coil, allowing for the transformation and application of a predefined attenuation map to correct PET image reconstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF coil devices with higher channel densities and more massive housings are used, then MR imaging performance is improved, but PET signal attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating attenuation maps for RF coil devices in various positions and orientations before the actual PET scan. These pre-computed attenuation maps are stored and then retrieved and applied during the PET scan based on the coil's detected position, avoiding the need to redesign the coils to reduce attenuation while maintaining MR imaging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using attenuation correction maps as a mediator between the RF coil device and the PET signal. Instead of trying to reduce the coil's physical attenuation properties, the system creates a computational model that accounts for the coil's attenuation effect and uses this model to correct the PET images, thereby preserving both the coil's MR performance and accurate PET quantification.
2Measurement precision
If the position of RF coil device is determined accurately, then attenuation map correction is improved, but measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the RF coil device itself serve multiple functions: it not only performs MR imaging but also carries electromagnetic radiation markers that enable position detection. This eliminates the need for separate tracking systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining accurate position determination for attenuation correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copying approach by creating a digital model of the RF coil device's attenuation properties and position. Instead of physically modifying the coil or using complex physical measurement systems, the system creates a computational copy of the coil's attenuation characteristics and transforms it based on detected position data, simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If predefined attenuation maps are transformed to match RF coil position, then PET image reconstruction quality is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing attenuation maps for the RF coil device in various positions and orientations before the actual PET scan. During the scan, the system only needs to retrieve the appropriate pre-computed map based on the coil's detected position and apply it, significantly reducing processing time compared to calculating attenuation maps in real-time while maintaining high image reconstruction quality.
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
Enables quick and accurate determination of the RF coil device's position and shape within the MR or MR-PET imaging modality, facilitating the creation of precise attenuation maps that correct for PET signal attenuation, thereby enhancing the quality of PET image reconstructions.
Implementation Method 1
a marker arrangement with electromagnetic radiation markers on the RF coil device surface, emitting or reflecting ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and Terahertz radiation
Implementation Method 2
a marker arrangement with electromagnetic radiation markers on the RF coil device surface, emitting or reflecting ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and Terahertz radiation
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an RF coil device for an MR or hybrid MR-PET imaging modality, the RF coil device having a marker arrangement comprising a plurality of electromagnetic radiation markers disposed at the outer surface of its housing, wherein the electromagnetic radiation markers are adapted to reflect or emit electromagnetic radiation within the ultraviolet, visible, infrared (IR) and/or Terahertz spectrum. The disclosure also relates to detecting the position and/or orientation and/or shape of the RF coil device using electromagnetic radiation emitted from the electromagnetic radiation markers, and determining an attenuation map for the RF coil device by transforming a predefined attenuation map using the determined position and/or orientation and/or shape of the RF coil device.