Abstract: In order to acquire data for an image representation which shows the spatial distribution of the magnetic resonance behavior of an object within a selected localized region, the relevant localized region is arranged in a stationary magnetic field and is subjected to a sequence of high frequency pulses and pulses of magnetic field gradients in different spatial directions, such that a succession of magnetic resonance signals appears. These signals are read out by scanning under the influence of a read gradient and are used as sets of data for the filling of the K-space. In accordance with the invention, at least two different sequences of high frequency pulses and magnetic field gradient pulses are used, which differ in at least one of the features of the signal creation responsible for different aspects of the image quality. These sequences are executed one after another in time, with the magnetic resonance signals read out for the different sequences being collated in different bands of the K-space.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance (MR) imaging apparatus and technique exploits spatial information inherent in a surface coil array to increase MR image acquisition speed, resolution and/or field of view. Magnetic resonance response signals are acquired simultaneously in the component coils of the array and, using an autocalibration procedure, are formed into two or more signals to fill a corresponding number of lines in the signal measurement data matrix. In a Fourier embodiment, lines of the k-space matrix required for image production are formed using a set of separate, preferably linear combinations of the component coil signals to substitute for spatial modulations normally produced by phase encoding gradients. One or a few additional gradients are applied to acquire autocalibration (ACS) signals extending elsewhere in the data space, and the measured signals are fitted to the ACS signals to develop weights or coefficients for filling additional lines of the matrix from each measurement set.