AU2017101374A4 - Monitoring system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD The present application relates to monitoring system for monitoring a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, comprising: at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of the MRI device; a communication interface configured to communicate via a predetermined communication network; and a controller configured to transmit a first signal via the communication interface based on the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor; wherein the controller is configured to transmit the first signal if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor achieves a predetermined or critical value. 200 110 200% rHO L _ a Fig. 1

Description

MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Field [0001] The present invention relates generally to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices, more particularly to monitoring of MRI devices.

Background [0002] The operation and maintenance of MRI devices require care and diligence to ensure reliable performance and to avoid or minimize the need for repairs, which can be very costly. In this regard, for example, MRI devices employ sophisticated cooling units which use liquid helium to keep the magnets of the devices at the required temperature. If the cooling units fail and a major loss of helium occurs, the costs and downtime for repairing the MRI devices can be significant. For this reason, it is useful for system parameters to be monitored by users of the MRI devices and, sometimes, by third-party service providers.

[0003] Problems, however, may also arise during installation and prior to commissioning of an MRI device; for example, during the construction and/or fit-out of a hospital, institute, or clinic and before the facility or device is actually in service. Also, the real-time availability of such parameters may be dependent on reliabilities of communication networks such that damage of an MRI device may occur due to failure of communication network. Further, when MRI devices are in storage or not yet in operation, such system parameters are typically unavailable.

Summary [0004] It is an object of the present disclosure to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements.

[0005] According to one aspect, the present disclosure provides a monitoring system for monitoring a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, comprising: at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of the MRI device; a communication interface configured to communicate via a predetermined communication network; and a controller configured to transmit a first signal via the communication interface based on the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor; wherein the controller is configured to transmit the first signal if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor achieves a predetermined or critical value; i.e., if the at least one parameter is sensed by the at least one sensor as having the predetermined or critical value.

[0006] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of monitoring a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, comprising: sensing at least one parameter of the MRI device with at least one sensor; monitoring a value of the at least one parameter sensed with the at least one sensor via a controller; and transmitting a first signal via a predetermined communication network if the value of the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor achieves a predetermined or critical value; wherein the first signal is transmitted if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor achieves the predetermined or critical value; i.e., if the at least one parameter is sensed by the at least one sensor as having that predetermined or critical value.

[0007] The system and method are advantageous in that, by virtue of the predetermined communication network, the transmission of the first signal based on the sensed at least one parameter may be independent of a client-provided network, which may be unreliable. An abnormal status of the MRI device may thus be reported in the form of the first signal via the predetermined communication network, allowing the MRI device to be attended to in a timely manner independent of the client-provided network or the lack thereof.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the predetermined communication network is a wireless communication network, preferably a cellular network, and the first signal comprises a short messaging service (SMS) message, preferably an alert message. SMS messages have a data carrying capacity of 160 characters, which is sufficient for most use scenarios, and have low network overheads, which facilitate transmission.

[0009] In a preferred arrangement, the at least one parameter of the MRI device comprises one or more of: a temperature, especially a temperature of coolant in a cooling unit of the MRI device; a power status; an alarm status; and a quench status of the MRI device. Depending on the design of the MRI device, the at least one parameter of the MRI device may also comprise one or more other system-critical and/or system-non-critical parameters.

[00010] Preferably, the monitoring system further comprises a battery for supplying electrical power to any one or more of the controller, the communication interface, and the at least one sensor. The battery is desirably configured and arranged to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the system, even in situations of a power supply disruption or outage, a generator failure, or a disconnection of the MRI device from the “mains” or town electricity supply (e.g., storage of the MRI device).

[00011] In a preferred arrangement of the system, the controller is configured to transmit the first signal if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor, in achieving the predetermined or critical value, exceeds a predetermined threshold value or falls outside a predetermined range of values. Similarly, in a preferred arrangement of the method, the first signal is transmitted if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor, in achieving the predetermined or critical value, exceeds a predetermined threshold value or falls outside a predetermined range of values. The predetermined threshold value or range of values may be predetermined to match the at least one parameter of the MRI device to be monitored. Such an arrangement ensures that the system and method are suitable for use with a wide range of different MRI devices characterized by different values or ranges of undesirable or abnormal parametric values, thereby improving compatibility.

[00012] Preferably, the system further comprises a server device configured to receive the first signal via the predetermined communication network, the server device is configured to transmit a second signal for triggering a workflow based on the first signal. Preferably, the method further comprises receiving the first signal via the predetermined communication network at a server device; transmitting a second signal via the server device; and triggering a workflow with the second signal to initiate maintenance and/or repair of the MRI device. Further, the workflow comprises at least one of: sending an email; updating a database; and sending a notification to a software application. The system may further comprise at least one computing device configured to perform the workflow based on the second signal transmitted by the server device. By performing the workflow, a group of personnel may thus be informed to respond to the abnormal status of the MRI device.

[00013] As noted above, in a preferred arrangement, the predetermined communication network comprises a wireless communication network, preferably a cellular network. Cellular networks typically operate in frequency bands that facilitate signal transmission around or through obstacles, thereby improving reliability.

[00014] Preferably, controller is configured to transmit the first signal via the communication interface through the predetermined communication network when a wired communication network operatively associated with the MRI device is in a non-operational state. In such a configuration, the predetermined communication network serves as a backup network used only in the event of a malfunction or a failure of another network (e.g., a wired communication network).

Brief Description of Drawings [00015] For a more complete understanding of the monitoring system and method of this disclosure and the advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

Figure 1 shows a system block diagram depicting a monitoring system in use with a magnetic resonance imaging device, according to one example embodiment;

Figure 2 depicts steps of a monitoring method performed by the monitoring system of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of components of the monitoring system of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows an example of a record of events at a workflow server;

Figure 5 shows an example of a user interface of the system with values of parameters of the MRI device sensed by sensors of the system;

Figure 6 shows an example of a user interface of the system with notifications received by a user; and

Figure 7 shows another example of a user interface of the system.

Detailed Description [00016] Figure 1 shows a block diagram depicting a monitoring system 100 in use with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 200, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The monitoring system 100 includes a monitoring device 110, a predetermined wireless communication network 120, a service gateway 130, a workflow server 140, a web platform server 150 and a plurality of computing devices 160. The monitoring system 100 is configured to perform a monitoring method with steps shown in Figure 2.

[00017] The MRI device 200 is normally in communication with a monitoring centre via a client gateway device 300 (e.g., a router) providing a connection to the Internet 400. The monitoring centre receives data from the MRI device 200 via the Internet 400 through the client gateway device 300, the data being indicative of parameters of the MRI device 200.

[00018] The monitoring device 110 is operatively associated with the MRI device 200 and the service gateway 130. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing components of the monitoring device 110. The monitoring device 110 includes a plurality of sensors 111-114, a controller 115, a communication interface 116 and a battery 117.

[00019] The sensors 111-114 are configured to sense respective ones of the parameters of the MRI device 200. The parameters in this embodiment relate to a magnet operating temperature, an alarm status, a quench status and a system power status.

[00020] The communication interface 116 is configured to communicate via the predetermined wireless communication network 120, which is a cellular network in this embodiment. The predetermined wireless communication network 120 operates independently of the connection provided by the client gateway device 300 and is provided by a service provider different from that associated with the client gateway device 300.

[00021] The communication interface 116 is compatible with telecommunication standards that support short messaging service (SMS). Such standards include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code Division Multiplexing Access (WCDMA) and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[00022] The controller 115 is implemented using a microprocessor, is in operative communication with the sensors 111-114 and the communication interface 116, and is configured to perform steps SI) and S2) of the method illustrated in Figure 2. In step SI), the controller 115 monitors, using the sensors 111-114, the parameters of the MRI device 200. In step S2), the controller 115 transmits, using the communication interface 116 via the predetermined wireless communication network 120, a first signal based on the parameters monitored with the sensors 111-114.

[00023] Components suitable for implementing the monitoring device 110 include, for example, AM2302 (by adafruit), DS18B20 (Maxim Integrated), GSM DIN3 (by Pacific GSM), Bluz DK, Bluz Gatweay, RedBear Duo, Particle Photon, and Particle Electron.

[00024] The first signal in this embodiment takes the form of an SMS message representing an alert message (i.e., indicative of an abnormal status) and is transmitted to the service gateway 130 based on the parameters monitored by the controller 115 with the sensors 111-114. The first signal is transmitted in the event of a detected abnormality in the MRI device 200t, e.g., when any one of the parameters monitored by the sensors 111-114 exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold value or when any one of the parameters monitored by the sensors 111114 falls outside a predetermined corresponding range of values. For example, when the temperature exceeds 25°C, the first signal is transmitted. The SMS message may include, in addition to the parameters, identification information (e.g., a name and a number) identifying the MRI device 200 being monitored.

[00025] Below is an example of the first signal: “800-114710 Inputs deactivated 1L, 2H; OUT: Rl-ON R2-OFF; TELSTRA MOBILE, SIG: 42; Power: YES, Bat: 100; Temp.:20.8C, Events: 0” where “800-114710” indicates a serial number, “TELSTRA MOBILE” indicates the predetermined wireless communication network, “SIG: 42” indicates the signal number, “Power YES” indicates the power status of the MRI device 200, “Bat: 100” indicates the battery percentage of the monitoring device 110, “Temp.: 20.8C” indicates the sensed temperature of the MRI device 200 is 20.8 degrees Celsius, and “Event: 0” indicates an event number.

[00026] The service gateway 130 can be implemented using online services such as ClickSend and is configured to perform step S3) of the monitoring method shown in Figure 2. In step S3), the service gateway 130 receives the first signal from the monitoring device 110 and transmits a second signal for triggering a workflow based on the first signal received thereby. In particular, the service gateway 130 is configured to receive the first signal (i.e., the SMS message) via the predetermined wireless communication network 120 and, based on the first signal, to generate and transmit the second signal via the Internet 400 to the workflow server 140.

[00027] In this embodiment, the service gateway 130 is further configured to send an email with a predetermined recipient (e.g., an email address of the monitoring centre). Below is the body of an example email sent by the service gateway 130: “800-114710 Inputs deactivated 1L, 2H; OUT: Rl-ON R2-OFF; TELSTRA MOBILE, SIG: 42; Power: YES, Bat: 100; Temp.:20.8C, Events: 0 PRP DIAG IMAGING -HORNSBY MAGNETOM AERA 52262”.

[00028] The email sent by the service gateway 130 in response to the first signal contains information similar to that of the first signal, with the exception that the email further include “PRP DIAG IMAGING - HORNSBY MAGNETOM AERA 52262”, which identifies the corresponding MRI device 200.

[00029] In step S4) of the method in Figure 2, the workflow server 140 can be implemented using online services such as Zapier. The workflow server 140 is configured to, in response to the second signal, retrieve relevant data from the web platform server 150. Depending on an update frequency at which a notification table of the web platform server 150 is updated, retrieval of the relevant data by the workflow server 140 can be delayed correspondingly. For example, if the update frequency is 15 minutes, the workflow server 140 can be configured to delay the retrieval of the relevant data from the web platform server 150 by 15 minutes. Triggering of the workflow server 140 is implemented in this embodiment using WebHook techniques.

[00030] Figure 4 shows an example tabular representation of a record of events at the workflow server 140. In each row, “ID” represents an identification number of an event, “site id” represents an identification number of an MRI device, “ivk name” represents a name of the MRI device, “serial” represents a serial number of the MRI device, “message texf ’ represents a body portion of a corresponding second signal, “message type” indicates a type of the corresponding second signal (e.g., alert or non-alert), and “date” indicates a time of the event.

[00031] Based on the received second signal and the retrieved relevant data, the workflow server 140 send a group email to users of the computing device 160 and a notification to a plurality of instances of software application running on respective ones of the computing devices 160 (e.g., smartphones and laptop computers). The group email and the notification are indicative of the abnormal status of the MRI device 200. The indication of abnormality allows the users (e.g., technicians) to respond accordingly to prevent or reduce damage of the MRI device 200. The workflow server 140, in this embodiment, is further configured to update a predetermined database to reflect the abnormal status of the MRI device 200. The web platform server 150 can be implemented using online services such as Amazon Web Services.

[00032] Further, a dashboard interface (e.g., CliKView Dash Point) can be provided and made accessible by the users of the computing devices 160, either by way of the software applications or otherwise. Figure 5 shows an example arrangement of the dashboard interface. As can be seen, the dashboard interface shows values of the parameters of the MRI device 200 sensed by the sensors 111-114, such as a chiller water temperature value 501, a chiller room humidity value 502 and a battery life value 503 of the battery 117. The dashboard interface further shows a temperature value 504 and a humidity value 505 of a personal computer, and a battery life 506 of sensors monitoring the personal computer. The personal computer is operatively associated with the MRI device 200. Also shown in the dashboard interface is a graph 507 showing a trend of the temperature of the personal computer, updated every 5 minutes.

[00033] Figure 6 shows an example dashboard interface where notifications are received by the user of one of the computing devices 160. Each item indicates a task that, upon completion, can be ticked off by the user. In the example of figure 6, the user has received and completed four tasks 601.

[00034] Figure 7 shows another example dashboard interface for configuring a WebHook for the workflow server 140.A switch 701 can be toggled to activate or deactivate the Webhook.

[00035] Example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, by virtue of the predetermined wireless communication network 120, monitoring of the at least one parameter of the MRI device 200 by, for example, a monitoring centre 140 is independent of a client-provided network (e.g., the network implemented using at least in part the client gateway device 300), which may be unreliable. Thus, the event of abnormality in the MRI device 200 can be attended to in a timely manner in order to prevent or reduce downtime and costs of repair.

[00036] Further, when in storage or otherwise not in use, the MRI device 200 can nevertheless be continuously monitored by the monitoring system 100 for abnormality. For example, the battery 117 powers the electronic components of the monitoring device 110, including the sensors 111-114, the controller 115 and the communication interface 116. With such a configuration, monitoring of the MRI device 200 is uninterrupted even when the monitoring device 110 is disconnected from an external power source (e.g., mains electricity supply). The provision of the battery 117 ensures continuous operation of the monitoring device 110 even when the MRI device 200 is in storage or otherwise not in use.

[00037] Below are others examples of warning messages sent by the monitoring device:

- Water temp warning sent when secondary water >=25 C - 800-104085 Exceeding the temperature - max limit! Current temperature is: 25,1 st.C CAIRNS BASE HOSPITAL MAGNETOM Verio 40309

- Water temp message to show water temp is below maximum limit of 25 C - 800-104085 Temperature has returned to normal. Current temperature is: 24,9 st.C CAIRNS BASE HOSPITAL MAGNETOM Verio 40309 - Power has failed to helium compressor - 800-106269 AC power supply failed SONIC - QLD XRAY - COORPAROO MAGNETOM Verio 40177 - Power has been restored to helium compressor 800-106269 AC power supply recovered SONIC - QLD XRAY - COORPAROO MAGNETOM Verio 40177.

[00038] It can be understood from the above examples that each notification or warning message identifies one or more of the MRI device 200 of interest, a change of status, and a parameter value.

[00039] In an alternative arrangement, the monitoring system 100 may include one or more wired connections or communication networks (e.g., Ethernet) for wired communication between the monitoring device 110 and the service gateway 130. With such an arrangement, the monitoring device 110 can be configured to communicate with the service gateway 130 via the predetermined communication network 120 in the event of failure (e.g., malfunction or disconnection) of the wired connections or communication networks. In other words, the predetermined communication network 120 serves as a backup network when the wired connections or communication networks are in a non-operational state.

[00040] Other example arrangements are described below.

[00041] The predetermined communication network 120 may be implemented using other wireless networks, such as Bluetooth and WiFi networks. With such an implementation, the first signal may be take any suitable form other than an SMS message. For example, the first signal may take the form of a plurality of data packets.

[00042] The controller 115 may be configured to transmit the first signal via the communication interface 116 only if the condition for transmitting the first signal as described above is met for a duration of time. Such an arrangement is useful in preventing false alarms.

Claims (18)

1. A monitoring system for monitoring a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, comprising: at least one sensor configured to sense at least one parameter of the MRI device; a communication interface configured to communicate via a predetermined communication network; and a controller configured to transmit a first signal via the communication interface based on the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor; wherein the controller is configured to transmit the first signal if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor achieves a predetermined or critical value.

2. The monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the first signal comprises a short messaging service (SMS) message, preferably an alert message.

3. The monitoring system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one parameter of the MRI device comprises one or more of: a temperature, especially a temperature of coolant in a cooling unit of the MRI device, a power status, an alarm status, and a quench status of the MRI device.

4. The monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a battery for supplying electrical power to any one or more of the controller, the communication interface, and the at least one sensor.

5. The monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to transmit the first signal if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor, in achieving the predetermined or critical value, exceeds a predetermined threshold value or falls outside a predetermined range of values.

6. The monitoring system of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a server device configured to receive the first signal via the predetermined communication network, wherein the server device is configured to transmit a second signal for triggering a workflow based on the first signal.

7. The monitoring system of claim 6, wherein the workflow comprises at least one of: sending an email; updating a database; and sending a notification to a software application.

8. The monitoring system of claim 6 or 7, further comprising at least one computing device configured to perform the workflow.

9. The monitoring system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the predetermined communication network is a wireless communication network, preferably a cellular network.

10. The monitoring system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to transmit the first signal via the communication interface through the predetermined communication network when a wired communication network operatively associated with the MRI device is in a non-operational state.

11. A method of monitoring a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, comprising: sensing at least one parameter of the MRI device with at least one sensor; monitoring a value of the at least one parameter sensed with at least one sensor via a controller; and transmitting a first signal via a predetermined communication network if the value of the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor achieves a predetermined or critical value; wherein the first signal is transmitted if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor achieves the predetermined or critical value.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first signal comprises a short messaging service (SMS) message, preferably an alert message.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the at least one parameter of the MRI device comprises one or more of: a temperature, especially a temperature of coolant in a cooling unit of the MRI device, a power status, an alarm status, and a quench status of the MRI device.

14. The method of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first signal is transmitted if the at least one parameter sensed by the at least one sensor, in achieving the critical value, exceeds a predetermined threshold value or falls outside a predetermined range of values.

15. The method of any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising: receiving the first signal via the predetermined communication network at a server device; transmitting a second signal via the server device; and triggering a workflow with the second signal to initiate maintenance and/or repair of the MRI device.

16. The monitoring method of claim 15, wherein the workflow comprises at least one of: sending an email; updating a database; and sending a notification to a software application.

17. The method of any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the predetermined communication network is a wireless communication network, preferably a cellular network.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first signal is transmitted via the communication interface through the predetermined communication network when a wired communication network operatively associated with the MRI device is in a non-operational state.