Simultaneous Multi-Slice MRI Signal Reception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) methods require long scanning times to acquire multiple slices, which can lead to increased examination duration and potentially lower image quality due to high readout bandwidth and reduced resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method for simultaneous reception of magnetic resonance signals from multiple slices, where signals from different slices are excited at specific times and received concurrently, allowing for improved image resolution and reduced scanning time through the use of radio-frequency pulses and phase inversion techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If magnetic resonance signals from multiple slices are received successively, then the scanning time is extended, but the image resolution and readout bandwidth are maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reception of magnetic resonance signals from multiple slices into a single simultaneous reception process. By using slice-specific encoding applied to excitation pulses for different slices, the system can receive signals from multiple slices at the same time through a single receiver coil, thereby reducing scanning time while maintaining image quality through proper signal separation during reconstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the encoding parameters by applying slice-specific phase encoding to the excitation pulses. This allows the system to differentiate between signals from different slices during simultaneous reception, enabling time reduction without sacrificing the ability to reconstruct high-resolution images from each slice
2Productivity
If high readout bandwidth is used for fast scanning, then the scanning time is reduced, but the image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple slice acquisitions into a single simultaneous reception event, allowing the use of lower readout bandwidth while still achieving fast scanning. The slice-specific encoding enables the system to maintain adequate signal-to-noise ratio at lower bandwidths while the simultaneous multi-slice approach compensates for the reduced bandwidth through parallel acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic refocusing pulses in a turbo spin echo sequence to generate multiple echoes from each excitation. This periodic action allows efficient k-space sampling at lower readout bandwidths while maintaining scanning speed through the use of echo trains that fill k-space rapidly without requiring high instantaneous bandwidth
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 significantly reduces scanning time, enhances image quality by enabling low readout bandwidth and high resolution, and facilitates the efficient separation of fat and water images, improving diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance signals
Implementation Method 2
transmitter coils of magnetic resonance apparatus generate radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic signals (e.g., RF pulses). These RF pulses are irradiated into in the object under examination where the RF pulses excite atomic nuclei
Implementation Method 3
Suitable switching of magnetic field gradients may excite the atomic nuclei in a slice-selective manner
Implementation Method 4
The excited atomic nuclei relax and emit magnetic resonance signals that, as a rule, are received by receiver coils of the magnetic resonance apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the simultaneous reception of magnetic resonance signals from two or more slices, a magnetic resonance apparatus, and a computer program product are provided. The method includes exciting first magnetic resonance signals of at least one first slice at a first excitation time. Further magnetic resonance signals of at least one further slice are excited at a further excitation time. The first and the further magnetic resonance signals are received simultaneously at one reception time.