Optimization of duty cycles for MRI scanners

In the current article, a new approach on reduction of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination time is investigated. The time reduction is accomplished by dividing MRI scans into segments, which are intermixed to reduce the hardware temperature and other duty cycle limitations during the scans execution. The intermixing algorithms are based on a scheduling framework. First, an explicit definition of the algorithms for different duty cycle limitations is presented. Next, the results of application of the algorithms to the Philips Healthcare routine examinations as wellas the MRI experiments which employs this time reduction approach are described.