Optimization of MR imaging sequence

An MR imaging system comprising a processor coupled to a memory and configured to:

• determine gradient requirements of logical gradients switched along logical gradient axes including a read, slice and phase axes in the MR imaging sequence,
• determine, based on the determined gradient requirements, a reference gradient among the logical gradients having a longest minimum duration relative to remaining logical gradients within the sequence block during which the reference gradient is switched on,
• determine a scaling factor for each of the logical gradients, each scaling factor indicating a relationship between the maximum gradient amplitude along the logical gradient axis and a maximum physical gradient limit along a physical axis,
• determine a stretch ratio for each of the remaining logical gradients indicating how a gradient switching period of the remaining logical gradients is increased within a limit of the longest minimum duration while a corresponding amplitude of the remaining logical gradients is reduced,
• update the scaling factors for the logical gradient factors taking into account the determined stretch ratios,
• determine optimized amplitudes for the logical gradients based on the updated scaling factors.

A non-transitory computer-readable media storing computer instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of:

• determining gradient requirements of logical gradients switched along logical gradient axes including a read, slice and phase axes in the MR imaging sequence,
• determining, based on the determined gradient requirements, a reference gradient among the logical gradients having a longest minimum duration relative to remaining logical gradients within the sequence block during which the reference gradient is switched on,
• determining a scaling factor for each of the logical gradients, each scaling factor indicating a relationship between the maximum gradient amplitude along the logical gradient axis and a maximum physical gradient limit along a physical axis,
• determining a stretch ratio for each of the remaining logical gradients indicating how a gradient switching period of the remaining logical gradients is increased within a limit of the longest minimum duration while a corresponding amplitude of the remaining logical gradients is reduced,
• updating the scaling factors for the logical gradient factors taking into account the determined stretch ratios,
• determining optimized amplitudes for the logical gradients based on the updated scaling factors.