Example systems, methods, and apparatus associated with determining a
phase-encoding direction for parallel MRI are described. One example,
method includes selecting a set of projection directions along which an
MRI apparatus is to apply RF energy to an object to be imaged. The method
includes controlling the MRI apparatus to selecting a set of projection
directions and to acquire MR signal from the object through a set of
detectors. The method includes analyzing the MR signal to identify
individual sensitivities for members of the set of detectors and
selecting a phase-encoding direction for a pMRI session based on the
individual sensitivities for the members. The method produces a concrete,
tangible, and useful result by controlling the MRI apparatus to perform
the pMRI session based on the selected phase-encoding direction.