Synthetic images for a magnetic resonance imaging scanner using linear combination of source images to generate contrast and spatial navigation
AssigneeBoston Medical Center Corporation
InventorHernan Jara
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention consists of three image-postprocessing phases for the purposes of generating high-quality quantitative MR images (proton density (PD), T1, and T2) as well as high-quality virtual MR images with continuously adjustable computer-synthesized contrast weightings, from source images acquired directly with an MRI scanner. Each of the image-postprocessing phases uses one or several new computer algorithms that improve image quality with respect to prior art, including linear-combination-of source-images (LCSI) algorithms for generating PD images and model-conforming algorithms for generating Q-MR images of tissue properties that influence NMR relaxation.
Claims27
A method for analyzing data obtained from a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, comprising:
- acquiring a plurality of images, hereinafter acquired images, by said magnetic resonance imaging scanner using a predefined pulse sequence;
- forming a linear combination of said plurality of images, said linear combination formed by summing a product of a coefficient and an image of said plurality of images to form a sum of coefficients and images, for each image of said plurality of images;
- evaluating said coefficients to achieve a desired effect on said image to give said coefficients a specific numerical value;
- and,
- synthesizing a desired image using said linear combination of said plurality of images and said specific numerical value of each coefficient.
A method for analyzing data obtained from a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, comprising:
- acquiring a plurality of images by said magnetic resonance imaging scanner using a predefined pulse sequence;
- computing tissue values of model parameters on a pixel by pixel basis;
- setting the tissue value to a predetermined value in response to a measured value of the image giving a calculated value within a specified range of noise value of the image.
A magnetic resonance imaging scanner, comprising:
- a longitudinal magnetic field coil for applying a longitudinal magnetic field to a patient;
- at least one gradient magnetic field coil to apply a magnetic field gradient to said patient;
- a radio frequency transmitter to apply radio frequency electromagnetic energy to said patient;
- a radio frequency receiver coil connected to a radio frequency receiver to receive radio frequency electromagnetic emissions from tissue of said patient;
- control circuits to apply a desired pulse sequence of electromagnetic pulses and magnetic field gradients to said patient to generate data from which an image of said patient may be constructed;
- a memory for storing said data and for storing a computer program;
- a CPU for executing said computer program, said computer program to analyze said data by performing the following steps,
- a. acquiring a plurality of images by said magnetic resonance imaging scanner using a predefined pulse sequence;
- b. forming a linear combination of said plurality of images, said linear combination formed by summing a product of a coefficient and an image of said plurality of images to form a sum of coefficients and images, for each image of said plurality of images;
- c. evaluating said coefficients to achieve a desired effect on said image to give said coefficients a specific numerical value;
- and,
- d. synthesizing a desired image using said linear combination of said plurality of images and said specific numerical value of each coefficient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.