Quantitation and standardization of magnetic resonance measurements
US5644232A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1993 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R33/56
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An MRI apparatus and method useful for both industrial applications and medical applications is provided. The apparatus and procedures are capable of estimating the value of a continuous property, such as concentration, viscosity or the like by interpolating or extrapolating from a model derived from training sets of data representing measurements of samples with known properties. A number of techniques are provided for objectifying the analysis. Cluster analysis techniques can be used to supplement, assist or replace subjective judgments by trained operators. Calculations or judgments regarding similarity can be made with respect to stored libraries of signatures, particularly where the library of stored signatures is obtained objectively, e.g., using cluster analysis, standardization and calibration. The signatures can be expanded signatures which include non-MR as well as MR data. Inhomogeneities in the field of a particular MR device can be corrected for based on measurements of a calibration standard having a homogeneous make up. MR measurements taken through different planes of a body or different times can be standardized by including, in at least some of the fields of view,…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.