3D Scan Planning With Distortion Mapping for Accurate MR Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MR image reconstruction methods using gradient fields with non-linearities result in distorted images, leading to inaccuracies in planned scan areas, especially near the scanner's edge, causing incomplete or unnecessary scans.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for acquiring 3D images by performing a localization scan, correcting distortions, defining a target area, and automatically or semi-automatically determining a second acquisition area that encompasses the distorted target area with a predefined tolerance, ensuring complete coverage of the planned area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distortion correction is applied to MR images, then image accuracy is improved, but scan planning becomes inaccurate because the corrected images do not represent the actual distorted scan area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and storing the distortion transformation mapping before scan planning. The system pre-computes how distorted coordinates map to actual physical space, so that when planning a scan on corrected images, the planning software can use this pre-existing mapping information to accurately determine the corresponding actual scan area, avoiding the need to re-acquire distortion information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transformation mapping between the distorted image space and the actual physical space. This mapping serves as a mediator that allows accurate translation of scan plans from the corrected image domain to the actual scanner coordinate system, preserving scan area information across the distortion correction process.
2Measurement precision
If a second scan is planned on distortion-corrected images, then image quality is improved, but the scanned area may not correspond to the originally planned area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the distortion transformation mapping to inform the scan planning process. When a user selects a region on the distortion-corrected first image for a second scan, the system uses the pre-calculated transformation to feedback the actual physical coordinates of that region, ensuring the second scan acquires exactly the intended area despite the distortion correction applied to the planning images.
3Ease of operation
If distortion correction algorithms are used, then anatomical structures are displayed at correct positions, but subsequent scan planning becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces planning complexity by performing preliminary calculation of the distortion transformation mapping during the first scan process. This pre-computed mapping is stored and automatically applied during second scan planning, eliminating the need for operators to manually account for distortion effects and simplifying the planning interface while maintaining accurate anatomical display.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for acquiring a 3D image of a target area by performing a first acquisition of a first area to obtain a first image. The first image may be corrected for distortion to produce a corrected image. A target area may be defined in the corrected image, followed by one of two steps: either the target area may be mathematically distorted to obtain a distorted target area, and a corresponding distorted outer envelope may be specified; or an outer envelope of the target area may be specified and then mathematically distorted to obtain a distorted outer envelope. A second acquisition area that contains the distorted outer envelope with a predefined tolerance may then be automatically or semi-automatically determined. A second acquisition may be performed on this second acquisition area.