Abstract: A method is provided for modified gradient timing in a Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system. The method includes generating radio frequency (RF) excitation pulses in a volume of patient anatomy to provide subsequent acquisition of associated RF echo data and generating a sequence of gradient waveforms on a static magnetic field in three directions each orthogonal to each other for slice selection, phase encoding and readout RF data acquisition in the volume of patient anatomy. The method also includes receiving, by a controller, an indication of the sequence of gradient waveforms to be applied to a plurality of gradient coils and modifying, via the controller, the sequence of gradient waveforms to be applied to the plurality of gradient coils based on one or more parameters to produce a sequence of modified gradient waveforms. The method further includes providing the sequence of modified gradient waveforms to the plurality of gradient coils.

Abstract: A method is provided for modified gradient timing in a Magnetic Resonance (MR) imaging system. The method includes generating radio frequency (RF) excitation pulses in a volume of patient anatomy to provide subsequent acquisition of associated RF echo data and generating a sequence of gradient waveforms on a static magnetic field in three directions each orthogonal to each other for slice selection, phase encoding and readout RF data acquisition in the volume of patient anatomy. The method also includes receiving, by a controller, an indication of the sequence of gradient waveforms to be applied to a plurality of gradient coils and modifying, via the controller, the sequence of gradient waveforms to be applied to the plurality of gradient coils based on one or more parameters to produce a sequence of modified gradient waveforms. The method further includes providing the sequence of modified gradient waveforms to the plurality of gradient coils.

Abstract: A method for optimizing Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) estimation using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner includes detecting movement of a table holding a patient into a bore of the MRI Scanner and, while the table is moving into the bore, performing an MRI scan of the patient to acquire a multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset of an anatomical region of interest of the patient. The multi-slice multi-dimensional MRI dataset is processed to obtain a three-dimensional model corresponding to the patient's body geometry. Then, a patient-optimized SAR estimation is calculated using the three-dimensional model of the patient's body geometry.

Abstract: A method for optimizing imaging protocols usage based on community voting includes a computer storing standard imaging protocol data associated with an imaging device type in a protocol database. The computer receives a request to modify the standard imaging protocol data. Next, the computer presents information from the request on a website accessible by a plurality of community members. Vote values are received from the community members via the website, each respective vote value selected from a range of values with a minimum value indicating rejection of the modified imaging protocol data and a maximum value indicating acceptance of the modified imaging protocol data. The computer then determines whether a consensus decision exists among the vote values. If the consensus decision exists, the computer determines whether to accept or reject the request to modify the standard imaging protocol data based on the consensus decision.