Patent ID: 12189009

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Elements, features and components that are identical, functionally identical and have the same effect are—insofar as is not stated otherwise—respectively provided with the same reference character.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring embodiments of the disclosure. The connections shown in the figures between functional units or other elements can also be implemented as indirect connections, wherein a connection can be wireless or wired. Functional units can be implemented as hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software.

The object underlying the disclosure is to improve methods which use test measurements on test positions of an examination object.

An inventive method for determining at least one test position for a test measurement to be recorded by means of a magnetic resonance system may include the following operations:recording a test image,selecting at least one test position on the basis of the test image.

The knowledge underlying the disclosure is that with applications which require data of test measurements of a magnetic resonance system, an achievable result depends on the quality of the test positions selected for the test measurements in the target volume of the measurement.

In particular for methods for the compensation of effects of deviations of gradients actually generated during a readout duration from the gradients planned for this readout duration, e.g. for a PSF determination such as is described in the afore-cited article by Cauley et al., by inventively selecting test positions on the basis of a test image, it is possible to ensure that the test positions lie in a recording region which is favorable to the test measurement, e.g. also within an examination object to be examined in the test image.

A higher image quality in MR images, which were generated using test measurements carried out at test positions positioned according to the disclosure, can therefore be achieved.

A magnetic resonance system according to the disclosure comprises a magnet unit, a gradient unit, a radio-frequency unit and a controller designed for carrying out a method according to the disclosure with a test position determining unit.

A computer program according to the disclosure implements a method according to the disclosure on a controller, when it is executed on the controller.

The computer program can herein also be present in the form of a computer program product which can be directly loaded into a memory store of a controller, having program code means in order to carry out a method according to the disclosure when the computer program product is executed in the computer unit of the computer system.

An electronically readable data carrier according to the disclosure comprises electronically readable control information stored thereon, which comprises at least one computer program according to the disclosure and may be configured such that, when the data carrier is used in a controller of a magnetic resonance system, it carries out a method according to the disclosure.

The advantages and details set out in relation to the method also apply accordingly for the magnetic resonance system, the computer program product and the electronically readable data carrier.

FIG.1shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to the disclosure for determining at least one test position for a test measurement to be recorded by means of a magnetic resonance system.

A test image B may be recorded in the process (Block101).

The test image B can be a test image B reconstructed from data, in particular calibration data, recorded within the scope of a pre-scan. Calibration data may be frequently recorded in conjunction with MR measurements, e.g. in order to adjust measurement parameters and/or to determine coil sensitivity data, and generally has a lower resolution than measurement data recorded for diagnostic MR images. It is therefore quick to calculate and requires less storage space. It is also possible, however, for the test image B to be an MR image reconstructed from measurement data recorded for a desired examination of an examination object.

At least one test position P may be selected on the basis of the test image B (Block103).

Different procedures are conceivable here. Examples of this are described on the basis ofFIGS.2to5.

The at least one test position can be selected on the basis of a first predetermined test grid, which defines a number of test positions and their distribution pattern in a displayed target region of the test image B. The test grid can be e.g. a Cartesian test grid or a hexagonal test grid. The test grid can be fixedly predetermined. It is also possible to define the test grid by means of a user input E.

An assignment function M can be determined on the basis of the test image B, said assignment function assigning test positions to permitted test positions (e.g. in favorable regions A2of the test image) or blocked test positions (e.g. in unfavorable regions of the test image B) (Block101′).

The assignment function M can be based on intensity values of the test image B and consider a minimal intensity value, for instance. Regions of the test image B which reach the minimal intensity value can be characterized as favorable for a positioning of a test position, and regions of the test image B which do not reach the minimal intensity value can be characterized as unfavorable for a positioning of a test position. A minimal intensity value can be fixedly predetermined or determined by a user input E.

For instance, the assignment function M can be determined in the form of a binary mask, which blocks test positions which lie in a region A1of the test image B, in which a minimally required intensity value is not reached, and which permits test positions which lie in a region A2of the test image B, in which a minimally required intensity value is reached.

In this way, negative effects of test positions lying in unfavorable, in particular low-intensity and thus noisy regions of the test image can be avoided since such test positions are blocked. For instance, with a determination of PSFs at test positions for an improved reconstruction of measurement data recorded by means of a wave technique, such as described for instance in the already cited article by Cauley et al., the required computing time is simultaneously reduced in this way, since fewer test positions are permitted.

The selection of test positions can also comprise a weighting of test positions according to a weighting factor depending on an intensity value of the test image at a respective, in particular a permitted, test position. Here the weighting factor of a test position can depend directly proportionally on the intensity value present at the test position in the test image. It is however also conceivable to select weighting factors in a graded manner. For instance, for all test positions which have an intensity value in the test image which is greater than or equal to a specific required intensity value of the test image B, e.g. to a specific required intensity value according to the average value or also mean as an average intensity value, the weighting factor can be set to the value one. For all test positions which have an intensity value in the test image which is less than or equal to a specific minimal intensity value of the test image B, e.g. to an intensity value of at most 5% of the average intensity value of the test image B, the weighting factor can be set to the value zero. For test positions with an intensity value in the test image B, which is between the required intensity value and the minimal intensity value, the weighting factor can be set continuously from the value one to the value zero, for instance in a linear or cubic manner or according to a (square) root function. A weighting with the weighting factor zero corresponds here to a blockage of the test position.

A weighting of this type can be easily realized for instance in an assignment function M, in particular in the form of a weighted mask.

By means of a weighting of this type, it is possible to achieve that fewer test positions are blocked, wherein the influence of test positions positioned in more unfavorable regions of the test image B is nevertheless reduced.

The use of more test positions can have a stabilizing effect (e.g. by way of averaging effects).

FIG.2shows a first exemplary distribution of test positions in a test image B. Here first test positions P1are positioned according to a first test grid at predetermined coordinates in the two directions (here: x-direction and y-direction) of the test image B.

Here the predetermined first test grid can uniformly cover the target volume of the test image B, at least a central region of the test image B and/or a region in which the examination object to be examined is assumed.

Of the 15 first test positions P1shown by way of example, 7 lie in a region A1evaluated as unfavorable by an assignment function. These test positions in a region A1evaluated as unfavorable are blocked.

Blocked test positions, for instance the first test positions P1located in the region A1inFIG.2, can however also be moved to second test positions P2. Second test positions P2of this type are in turn assigned in accordance with the assignment function to permitted (e.g. lying in the region A2) or blocked (lying in the region A1) test positions.

For rows or columns of the first test grid, a movement of first test positions P1to second test positions P2can take place row by row or column by column. Movements of this type can be easily calculated. In this regard, the movement can take place here in the manner of a binary search, in order to achieve as uniform a distribution as possible, however.

A binary search of this type can be achieved for instance by the movement firstly taking place by the half distance between the grid point of a test position to be moved to the nearest grid point in the direction of the image center of the first test grid, where a check of the moved test positions is again carried out by means of the assignment function. If all or the majority of test positions P1to be moved lie there in the favorable region A2, it is again possible now for the test positions to be moved for instance by a quarter of the half distance between the grid point of the test position to be moved to the nearest grid point in the opposite direction, wherein a check of the moved test positions is in turn carried out again by means of the assignment function. If more of the test positions P1to be moved lie in the favorable region A2, it is again possible now for the test positions to be moved by an eighth of the half distance between the grid point of the test position to be moved to the nearest grid point back in the opposite direction. If fewer test positions than with the last check of the test positions P1to be moved lie in the favorable region A2, it is again possible now for the test positions to be moved for instance by an eighth of the half distance between the grid point of the test position to be moved to the nearest grid point back in the original direction.

FIG.2shows by way of example how first test positions P1of a column of the test grid (i.e. with an identical x coordinate), which are blocked at least partially, preferably predominantly (because they lie in the region A1), can be moved to second test positions P2(arrows). The movement may be carried out toward the image center of the test image B (in the movement direction, here x direction) so that it is highly likely that a region A2which is classified as favorable is achieved. In the example shown inFIG.2, after the movement only two of the 15 test positions are still blocked (which lie here at second test positions P2in a region A1).

In addition, or alternatively, individually blocked first test positions P1can be moved to second test positions P2in at least one spatial direction (x,y) of the test image B in the direction of the image center (0,0) of the test image B or to a second test position P2with a desired intensity value in the test image B. As a result, it is possible for all blocked first test positions P1to be moved to permitted second test positions P2. In this regard, attention can additionally be paid to as uniform a distribution of the permitted test positions P1and P2as possible and/or a positioning of the permitted test positions P1and P2in the favorable region A2at positions with high intensity values.

This is clarified inFIG.3, in which based on an identical exemplary distribution of first test positions P1according to a first test grid in a test image B as shown inFIG.2, blocked first test positions P1are moved individually to second test positions P2(arrows).

Furthermore, candidate test positions P0can be positioned according to a second predetermined test grid, which is more closely meshed than the first test grid. The candidate test positions P0can in turn be assigned to permitted or blocked test positions in accordance with the assignment function M, and blocked first test positions can be moved for instance to spatially nearest, permitted candidate positions.

In this regard the second test grid can in turn uniformly cover the test image B. For instance, the second test grid can comprise the first test grid and have a mesh width which corresponds to half the mesh width of the first test grid.

An example of this type is shown inFIG.4, in which based on an identical exemplary distribution of first test positions P1according to a first test grid in a test image B as shown inFIG.2, blocked first test positions P1are moved to the nearest permitted candidate positions P0(lying in a region A2) of a second test grid (arrows).

It is further conceivable for the selection of test positions P1′ to comprise a distribution of a predetermined number of test positions P1′ in a region A2′ permitted according to an approval criterion Z based on intensity values of the test image B. The approval criterion Z can define a permitted region A2′, for instance by means of a segmentation of the test image B, such that the permitted region maps the examination object to be examined. In addition, or alternatively, the approval criterion Z can determine a predetermined minimal intensity value, which has to be reached in the permitted region A2.

In particular, the approval criterion Z can also be an approval function M embodied as a binary mask. A desired number of test positions P1′ and/or a minimal intensity value can be fixedly predetermined or defined by a user input E.

An example of this type is shown inFIG.5, in which test positions P1′ are distributed in the permitted region A2′.

In this regard, the distribution of the test positions P1′ can take place for instance by means of a greedy algorithm, which the test positions carry out at grid points of a predetermined or selected (e.g. Cartesian or hexagonal) distribution grid.

The distribution grid can have a gap between its grid points which corresponds to the gap between the grid points of a test grid. The distribution grid can be a test grid.

In a modification of this embodiment, the distribution of the test positions P1′ can take place by means of a dynamic greedy algorithm, which does not distribute the test positions P1′ at fixed grid points of the distribution grid, but instead in circles predetermined by a selected radius about its grid points.

In addition, or alternatively, a distribution of the test positions P1′ can comprise a finding of a distribution equilibrium according to an “electron-scattering” method, in which a uniform loading is attributed to test positions P1′ and in accordance with electrical repulsion an optimal distribution is simulated in the permitted region A2.

Here a loading can also be attributed for instance to an edge of the permitted region A2′, or a suitable edge condition can be used in order to prevent the test positions P1′ from only being arranged along the edge of the permitted region A2′.

Periodic or toroidal edge conditions are considered as a boundary condition of this type, for instance, which connect the opposing edges of the permitted region A2′ as almost adjoining one another so that the edges are resolved. Test measurements which deliver test results K can be carried out at inventively selected determined test positions (Block105).

The test positions can be determined for methods for the compensation of effects of deviations of gradients actually generated during a readout duration from gradients planned for this readout duration. For instance, PSF values can be measured as test results K.

The test results can be used during the processing of further measurement data MD and/or image data BD recorded by means of the magnetic resonance system, in particular using a wave technique, as a result of which processed, in particular corrected measurement data MD* or image data BD* of a higher image quality may be obtained (Block107).

FIG.6schematically represents a magnetic resonance (MR) system1according to the disclosure. This system comprises a magnet unit3for generating the main magnetic field, a gradient unit5for generating the gradient fields, a radio-frequency unit7for radiating in and receiving radio-frequency signals and a controller9configured for carrying out a method according to the disclosure. The magnet unit3, the gradient unit5, and the radio-frequency unit7may collectively be referred to as a MR scanner.

InFIG.6, these subunits of the magnetic resonance system1are shown only roughly schematically. In particular, the radio-frequency unit7can consist of a plurality of subunits, for example a plurality of coils such as the coils7.1and7.2shown schematically or more coils which can be configured either only to transmit radio-frequency signals or only to receive the triggered radio-frequency signals or for both.

In order to examine an examination object U, for example a patient or also a phantom, it can be introduced on a support L into the magnetic resonance system1, in the measurement volume thereof. The slice or the slab Si represents an exemplary target volume of the examination object from which echo signals are to be recorded and captured as measurement data.

The controller9serves to control the magnetic resonance system1and can, in particular, control the gradient unit5by means of a gradient controller5′ and the radio-frequency unit7by means of a radio-frequency transmitting/receiving controller7′. The radio-frequency unit7can herein comprise a plurality of channels on which signals can be transmitted or received.

The radio-frequency unit7may be responsible, together with its radio-frequency (RF) transmitting/receiving (transceiving) controller7′, for the generation and radiating-in (transmission) of a radio-frequency alternating field for manipulation of the spins in a region to be manipulated (for example in slices S to be measured) of the examination object U. Herein, the center frequency of the radio-frequency alternating field, also designated the B1field, is typically adjusted so that, as far as possible, it lies close to the resonance frequency of the spins to be manipulated. Deviations of the center frequency from the resonance frequency are referred to as off-resonance.

In order to generate the B1field, in the radio-frequency (RF) unit7, currents controlled using the radio-frequency transceiver (transmitting/receiving) controller7′ are applied to the RF coils.

Furthermore, the controller9comprises a test position determining unit (determiner)15with which test positions according to the disclosure can be determined. The controller9may be configured overall to carry out a method according to the disclosure.

A computer unit13comprised by the controller9may be configured to carry out all the computation operations necessary for the required measurements and specifications.

Intermediate results and results required for this or determined herein can be stored in a memory storage unit (memory) S of the controller9. The units shown are herein not necessarily to be understood as physically separate units, but represent merely a subdivision into units of purpose which, however, can also be realized, for example, in fewer, or even only in one, physical unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller9includes processing circuitry that is configured to perform one or more functions and/or operations of the controller9. One or more of the components/units of the controller9may include processing circuitry that is configured to perform one or more corresponding functions and/or operations of the respective component(s).

By means of an input/output facility E/A of the magnetic resonance system1, control commands can be passed for example by a user to the magnetic resonance system and/or results from the controller9such as, for example, image data can be displayed. The input/output facility E/A may be an input/output interface, such as a general-purpose computer.

A method described herein can also exist in the form of a computer program product which comprises a program and implements the described method on a controller9when said program is executed on the controller9.

An electronically readable data carrier (memory storage device)26with electronically readable control information stored thereon can also be provided, said control information comprising at least one computer program product as described above and being configured to carry out the method described when the memory26is used in a controller9of a magnetic resonance system1.

To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of the present disclosure, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present disclosure is described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art on the basis of the embodiments in the present disclosure without any creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

It should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, etc. in the description, claims and abovementioned drawings of the present disclosure are used to distinguish between similar objects, but not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that data used in this way can be interchanged as appropriate so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described here can be implemented in an order other than those shown or described here. In addition, the terms “comprise” and “have” and any variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or equipment comprising a series of steps or modules or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or modules or units which are clearly listed, but may comprise other steps or modules or units which are not clearly listed or are intrinsic to such processes, methods, products or equipment.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The exemplary embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes, and are not limiting. Other exemplary embodiments are possible, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the specification is not meant to limit the disclosure. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Embodiments may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuits), firmware, software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). For example, a machine-readable medium may include read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and others. Further, firmware, software, routines, instructions may be described herein as performing certain actions. However, it should be appreciated that such descriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions in fact results from computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices executing the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc. Further, any of the implementation variations may be carried out by a general-purpose computer.

For the purposes of this discussion, the term “processing circuitry” shall be understood to be circuit(y) or processor(s), or a combination thereof. A circuit includes an analog circuit, a digital circuit, data processing circuit, other structural electronic hardware, or a combination thereof. A processor includes a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), central processor (CPU), application-specific instruction set processor (ASIP), graphics and/or image processor, multi-core processor, or other hardware processor. The processor may be “hard-coded” with instructions to perform corresponding function(s) according to aspects described herein. Alternatively, the processor may access an internal and/or external memory to retrieve instructions stored in the memory, which when executed by the processor, perform the corresponding function(s) associated with the processor, and/or one or more functions and/or operations related to the operation of a component having the processor included therein.

In one or more of the exemplary embodiments described herein, the memory is any well-known volatile and/or non-volatile memory, including, for example, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, a magnetic storage media, an optical disc, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), and programmable read only memory (PROM). The memory can be non-removable, removable, or a combination of both.