Shim Pre-settings for Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic resonance devices face challenges in maintaining homogeneity of the main magnetic field due to environmental and patient-related disruptions, leading to suboptimal image quality.
Innovation Solution
A method for improving shim pre-settings by loading initial settings from a database, creating and activating shim settings for magnetic resonance image data recording, and iteratively refining these settings based on acquired data to enhance magnetic field homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If basic shim settings are computed during installation and commissioning, then initial homogeneity is optimized, but the process is time-consuming and requires a separate calibration phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-computing and storing optimal shim settings in a database during the manufacturing or initial setup phase. These pre-computed settings are based on typical patient anatomies and are ready for immediate use, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site calibration while maintaining field homogeneity quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating representative models of patient anatomies and computing shim settings for these models in advance. The computed settings are stored and can be rapidly applied to actual patients with similar anatomical characteristics, avoiding repeated calibration while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If shim settings are individually optimized for each patient, then image quality is maximized, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by categorizing patients into different anatomical groups (e.g., head, torso, extremities) and providing optimized shim settings for each category. This allows individualized optimization for different body regions while maintaining a simplified overall process through classification rather than fully custom optimization for each patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting key shim parameters based on patient-specific characteristics such as body size, shape, and composition. The system modifies relevant shim parameters from the pre-computed settings to account for individual variations, achieving personalized optimization without requiring complete re-calibration for each patient.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive shim measurements are performed for each patient, then optimal homogeneity is achieved, but productivity decreases due to extended measurement time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary shim measurements and adjustments for each patient rather than comprehensive measurements. The system uses pre-computed settings as a starting point and makes targeted adjustments based on minimal patient-specific measurements, achieving sufficient homogeneity without the time cost of exhaustive calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by integrating shim setting retrieval and adjustment into the routine patient workflow. Instead of separating calibration as a distinct pre-patient step, the system continuously adapts shim settings during patient preparation and positioning, maintaining productivity while ensuring adequate homogeneity for each examination.
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 accelerates and simplifies the shim setting process, improving homogeneity and reducing sensitivity to specific settings, potentially eliminating the need for a calibration phase by gradually improving shim settings during ongoing operations.
Implementation Method 1
adjustable shim units are used. For example, electric shim coils that create different compensation magnetic fields when activated with different shim currents in order to improve the homogeneity
Implementation Method 2
the body of a person to be examined (e.g., a patient) may be subjected to a relatively high magnetic field (e.g., 1.5, 3 or 7 Tesla) with the aid of a main magnet
Implementation Method 3
high-frequency radio frequency pulses, such as excitation pulses, are then sent out using suitable antenna devices. The high-frequency radio frequency pulses lead to the nuclear spin of specific atoms excited resonantly by the radio frequency pulses being flipped by a defined flip angle in relation to the magnetic field lines
Data Source
AI summary
A method for improving shim pre-settings of a magnetic resonance device and a magnetic resonance device are provided. Efficient computation of shim settings for magnetic resonance imaging is provided by the method. The method includes loading of shim pre-settings from a database, creating shim settings using the shim pre-settings for recording magnetic resonance image data of an examination object by a magnetic resonance device, and activating a shim unit of the magnetic resonance device for recording the magnetic resonance image data. The method also includes using the created shim settings, improving the shim pre-settings using the created shim settings, and storing the improved shim pre-settings in the database.