Abstract: An MRI system measures the movements of a subject during the acquisition of a series of NMR images and automatically updates the scan parameters such that the image plane or volume tracks the movement of the anatomy of interest. An array of tracking coils fasten to the subject and an NMR measurement pulse sequence is interleaved with the image acquisitions to measure the location of the tracking cols.

Abstract: A method for manipulating motion ghosts is disclosed. The method includes acquiring two image data sets, each including a time averaged image component and a ghost component and processing these components to separate the ghosts from the desired image and further using the ghost information to produce a dynamic image. Motion monitoring systems are not required. Improved scan times and noise control are allowed over previous methods.

Abstract: A method for producing dynamic images from a ghosted MR image is disclosed. The method includes acquiring an image data set including a time averaged image component and a ghost component and processing these components to produce a dynamic image. A motion monitoring system is not required as in conventional cine magnetic resonance imaging.

Abstract: A method for MR imaging in an inhomogeneous magnetic field substantially without inhomogeneity induced artifacts is disclosed. The method includes acquiring more than one line of K-space per pulse sequence. The K-space data is acquired in partial line segments. The method allows shorter imaging times and higher image quality than conventional imaging methods for inhomogeneous fields.

Abstract: An NMR imaging system performs a scan to acquire three sets of data which are Fourier transformed to produce three image data arrays. A corrected image data array is calculated from corresponding elements in the three acquired image data arrays. Image artifacts which cause ghosts in the reconstructed image are masked from the corrected image data by the calculations.

Abstract: Truncation artifacts in NMR images are reduced by splicing to the truncated data extrapolated high frequency data derived from the truncated image. The truncated data is Fourier transformed into image space and processed with an edge enhancing filter. The retransformed, filtered data yields edge derived high frequency information that may augment the truncated data. The spliced truncated data and edge enhanced data are then reconstructed into an artifact reduced image. In one embodiment, the edge enhancement is performed by iterative passes of a modified Sigma filter. The spliced data is blended with the truncated data near the regions of the splice by means of a weighted average.