JP2003144411A - Magnetic resonance imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging device capable of storing raw data obtained by scanning, improving the flexibility of image processing and attaining the improvement of general image quality. SOLUTION: When an operating part 34 gives instructions of storing the raw data taken in from a data collecting part 24, as it is into an image database 32 and carrying out reconstruction using the raw data recorded in the image database 32, in the case the operating part 34 specifies the applied sequence of a plurality of image processing applications, a data processing part 31 reads the specified raw data from the image database, accesses an image processing database 33, carries out reconstruction processing such as inverse Fourier transformation, image filtering processing and distortion correction according to the specified sequence at every request of image display and displays a reconstructed image on a display part 35.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for accommodating an object in a static magnetic field space and imaging an object part of the object by utilizing magnetic resonance, and particularly to one repetition time (TR; A pulse sequence (pulse sequence) that obtains a magnetic resonance signal for each repeat time.
(ce) for collecting raw data and reconstructing an image based on the raw data, the present invention relates to management of collected raw data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a magnetic resonance imaging process, a spin in a subject is excited by an excitation pulse for each 1TR, and a magnetic resonance signal generated thereby is excited by, for example, a spin echo or a gradient echo. ) As two-dimensional Fourier space. A different phase encoding is given to a magnetic resonance signal for each so-called view, and echo data (raw data) of a plurality of views having different positions on the phase axis in the two-dimensional Fourier space is collected. Then, the image is reconstructed by performing a two-dimensional inverse Fourier transform on the collected echo data of all the views. Then, the reconstructed image data is stored in the database.

In such magnetic resonance imaging processing,
The number of pulse sequences (scan sequences) used for each 1TR varies depending on the protocol set corresponding to each test site. For example, it is repeated a different number of times, for example, 64 times to 512 times, for each protocol according to a region to be examined such as the head, chest, and abdomen, and view data of 64 to 512 views is obtained.

[0004]

As described above, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, raw data is collected in a pulse sequence for obtaining a magnetic resonance signal every 1TR (repetition time), and an image is obtained based on the raw data. Reconstruct.

In image reconstruction, a Fourier transform, specifically, a complex number image, that is, two images of a real part and an imaginary part are created, and the absolute value of the complex number image is taken.
Create an image by creating an absolute value image. After image creation, distortion correction, gradient magnetic field distortion correction, interpolation processing, etc. are performed. Further, filter processing may be performed after reconstruction before the inverse Fourier transform.

Many of these processes are irreversible processes in which the image before processing cannot be reproduced from the image after processing, and such processing causes a loss of some of the information held by the raw data. It is a thing.

However, in the conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, only the image data obtained as a result of the above processes is stored, but the raw data and the intermediate data are not stored. Therefore, for example, when trying to apply an image filter to an image, in an image that has been reconstructed in advance, the statistical properties of the image have been modified by distortion correction or other processing, so the filter There is a possibility that the method will be limited or the filter result will be deteriorated.

On the other hand, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is often subjected to image processing for various purposes. Image filtering processing such as noise removal and edge enhancement, and interpolation processing such as enlarged display are performed. Many of these processes usually have a plurality of known or unknown methods even for the same purpose, but image data after reconstruction such as the conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described above. If you only want to save
The applicable methods are limited.

For example, many known image filtering processes assume that the statistical properties of the image are uniform over the entire image. However, in the case of a magnetic resonance image, since the property of statistical homogeneity is lost at the stage of making an absolute value image, those methods cannot be applied. For example, in the case of interpolation processing, there is a method of processing data before the inverse Fourier transform, but this cannot be applied when there is only image data after reconstruction.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to store raw data obtained by scanning, improve image processing flexibility, and improve overall image quality. Another object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of performing the above.

[0011]

To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is to store a subject in a static magnetic field space, collect raw data in a pulse sequence for obtaining a magnetic resonance signal, and A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for reconstructing an image based on raw data, wherein an image database capable of recording and reading data relating to the image, and data for recording and storing the raw data collected by the pulse sequence in the image database And a processing unit.

Further, according to a first aspect of the present invention, an image processing application program and image processing protocol data indicating an order of the application are recorded, and an image processing database accessed by the data processing unit is provided. According to the instruction, the data processing unit reads the raw data stored in the image database and performs a process according to the contents of the image processing database on the read raw data.

Further, according to a first aspect of the present invention, the image processing database stores a plurality of image processing application programs and a plurality of image processing protocol data, and the data processing unit is configured to store a plurality of images. When the application order of the processing applications is instructed, the specified raw data is read from the image database, the image processing database is accessed, and each process is performed according to the specified order.

Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image processing database can be arbitrarily rewritten with an image processing application program or image processing protocol data.

A second aspect of the present invention is a magnetic field for accommodating a subject in a static magnetic field space, collecting raw data by a pulse sequence for obtaining a magnetic resonance signal, and reconstructing an image based on the raw data. A resonance imaging apparatus, which records and reads image data, and an image database,
It has a display unit and a data processing unit for recording and storing the raw data collected by the pulse sequence in the image database and performing the image reconstruction processing to display the image on the display unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, an image processing application program and image processing protocol data indicating the order of the application are recorded, and the image processing database is accessed by the data processing unit. According to the instruction, the data processing unit reads the raw data stored in the image database, performs a process according to the contents of the image processing database on the read raw data, and displays the processed image on the display unit. To display.

Further, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image processing application programs and a plurality of image processing protocol data are recorded in the image processing database, and the data processing unit is configured to store a plurality of images. When the application order of the processing applications is instructed, the specified raw data is read from the image database, the image processing database is accessed, each process is performed in the specified order, and the processed image is displayed on the display means.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image processing database is capable of arbitrarily rewriting the image processing application program and the image processing protocol data.

Further, according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the image data recorded in the image database includes reconstructed image data in addition to the raw data.

According to the present invention, raw data is collected in a pulse sequence for obtaining a magnetic resonance signal in a state where the subject is housed in the static magnetic field space. The raw data collected is
It is input to the data processing unit. In the data processing unit, the input raw data is recorded and stored in the image database. Further, in the data processing section, image reconstruction processing is performed, and the reconstructed image is displayed on the display means, for example.

Further, for example, the data processing unit reads the raw data stored in the image database according to an instruction from the operation unit, and the process corresponding to the contents of the image processing database is performed on the read raw data. . Then, the processed image is displayed on the display means. Further, in the data processing unit, when the application order of a plurality of image processing applications is instructed, the specified raw data is read from the image database, the image processing database is accessed, and each processing is performed according to the specified order. Be seen.
Then, the processed image is displayed on the display means.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A magnetic resonance imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI: Magnetic Resonance I) using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a block diagram which shows one Embodiment of a maging) system.

The MRI system 10 according to this embodiment is
As shown in FIG. 1, an MRI apparatus 20 provided in a scan room (not shown) that forms a closed space for preventing leakage of electromagnetic waves radiated from a magnet and invasion of disturbance electromagnetic waves, and is provided adjacent to, for example, a scan room. An operator console 30 operated by an operator OP in the operation room is provided as a main component.

The MRI apparatus 20 and the operator console 30 will be described below in order.

As shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus 20 includes a magnet system 21, an RF drive unit 22, and a gradient drive unit 2.
3, a data collection unit 24, a control unit 25, and a cradle 26. The RF drive unit 22 and the control unit 25 constitute a phase control means.

As shown in FIG. 1, the magnet system 21 has a generally cylindrical internal space (bore) 211.
The cradle 26, on which the subject 50 is placed, is carried into the bore 211 through a cushion by a transport unit (not shown).

In the magnet system 21, as shown in FIG. 1, a main magnetic field magnet section 212, a gradient coil section 213, and an RF coil section 214 are provided around a magnet center (scanning center position) in the bore 211. It is arranged.

Each of the main magnetic field magnet section 212, the gradient coil section 213, and the RF coil section 214 is composed of a pair of coils facing each other across a space in the bore 211 in which the subject 40 is located at the time of inspection.

The main magnetic field magnet section 212 includes a bore 211.
A static magnetic field is formed inside. The direction of the static magnetic field is, for example, substantially parallel to the body axis direction of the subject 40. That is, a parallel magnetic field is formed. The pair of main magnetic field magnets forming the main magnetic field magnet section 212 is configured by using, for example, a superconducting electromagnet, or a permanent magnet or a normal conducting electromagnet.

The gradient coil section 213 is the RF coil section 21.
In order to provide the magnetic resonance signal received by 4 with three-dimensional position information, a gradient magnetic field that gives a gradient to the intensity of the static magnetic field formed by the main magnetic field magnet unit 212 is generated. The gradient magnetic field generated by the gradient coil unit 213 is a slice (slic).
e) Gradient magnetic field, read out gradient magnetic field and phase encode
de) There are three types of gradient magnetic fields, and the gradient coil unit 213 has three types of gradient coils corresponding to these three types of gradient magnetic fields.

The RF coil section 214 forms a high frequency magnetic field for exciting spins in the body of the subject 40 in the static magnetic field space formed by the main magnetic field magnet section 212. Here, forming a high frequency magnetic field is referred to as transmission of an RF excitation signal. The RF coil unit 214 receives, as a magnetic resonance signal, an electromagnetic wave generated by spins excited in the body of the subject 40. The RF coil unit 214 has a transmission coil and a reception coil (not shown). As the transmitting coil and the receiving coil, the same coil is used in common or dedicated coils are used.

The RF coil section 214 receives the drive signal DR1 corresponding to the protocol from the RF drive section 22 and forms a high frequency magnetic field. 1 in the magnetic resonance imaging process
The number of pulse sequences (scan sequences) used for each TR differs depending on the protocol set corresponding to each test site. For example, it is repeated a different number of times, for example, 64 times to 512 times, for each protocol according to a region to be examined such as the head, chest, and abdomen, and view data of 64 to 512 views is obtained.

The RF drive unit 22 supplies the protocol-corresponding drive signal DR1 based on the instruction of the control unit 25 to the RF coil unit 214 to generate the RF excitation signal, and the subject 40 is detected.
Excite the spin in the body of.

The gradient drive section 23 supplies a protocol-corresponding drive signal DR2 based on an instruction from the control section 25 to the gradient coil section 213 to generate a gradient magnetic field. Gradient drive unit 23
Corresponds to the three-system gradient coils of the gradient coil unit 213, and has three-system drive circuits (not shown).

The data collecting unit 24 includes an RF coil unit 214.
Takes in the received signal and receives it as raw data (r
aw data) and outputs it to the data processing unit 31 of the operator console 30.

The control unit 25 includes an operator console 30.
Drive signal DR1 in which a predetermined pulse sequence is repeated a predetermined number of times within a predetermined repetition time TR according to the protocol to be executed corresponding to the region to be examined of the subject 40 sent from the data processing unit 31 of FIG. The RF drive unit 22 is controlled so as to apply to the RF coil unit 214. Similarly, the control unit 25 controls the gradient driving unit 23 so as to apply a pulse signal having a predetermined pattern to the gradient coil 213 within 1TR according to the protocol to be executed. In addition, the control unit 25 takes in the reception signal received by the RF coil unit 214, collects the received signal as raw data, and the data processing unit 3 of the operator console 30.
The data collection unit 24 is controlled so as to output to 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the RF coil unit 214, the RF drive unit 22, and the data collection unit 23, which are the drive system of the RF coil according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the RF coil unit 214 includes a transmission coil 2141.
And a reception coil 2142. Further, the RF driving unit 22 includes a gate modulation circuit 221 and an RF power amplifier 22.
2 and an RF oscillation circuit 223. Then, the data collection unit 23 includes a preamplifier 231, a phase detector 23.
2, and an analog / digital (A / D) converter 233
Have. The RF oscillation circuit 223 can also be arranged in the control unit 25.

In this RF drive system, for example, the control unit 25 drives the gate modulation circuit 221 in accordance with a command from the data processing unit 331 and outputs the high frequency output signal from the RF oscillation circuit 223 to a pulse of a predetermined timing and a predetermined envelope. Signal into a linear signal. The gate modulation circuit 221 outputs the modulated RF signal to the RF power amplifier 222, amplifies the power by the RF power amplifier 222, and then applies the power to the transmission coil 2141 to transmit the RF pulse.

The preamplifier 231 has a receiving coil 2142.
The magnetic resonance signal from the subject detected in step A is amplified and input to the phase detector 232. The phase detector 232 uses the output of the RF oscillation circuit 223 as a reference signal to output the preamplifier 23.
The magnetic resonance signal from 1 is phase-detected, and the A / D converter 2
Give to 33. The A / D converter 233 converts the analog signal after phase detection into magnetic resonance (MR) data of a digital signal and outputs it to the data processing unit 31.

The protocol specified by the control unit 25 is to be executed in order to carry out magnetic resonance imaging.
The number of repetitions of the pulse sequence in 1TR (repetition time) is different for each protocol.

The pulse sequence for magnetic resonance imaging is
So-called spin echo (SE: Spin Echo)
Method, gradient echo (GRE: GRadient
Echo) method, fast spin echo (FSE: F)
ast Spin Echo) method, fast recovery SE (Fast Recovery Spin Echo)
o) method, echo planar imaging (EPI: Ec)
Ho Planar Imaging) method, etc.

Here, of the pulse sequences of each imaging method, the pulse sequence of the SE method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3A is a sequence of 90 ° pulses and 180 ° pulses for RF excitation in the SE method, which corresponds to the drive signal DR1 applied to the RF coil unit 214 by the RF drive unit 22. 3 (b), (c),
(D) and (e) are slice gradients Gs,
Read out gradient Gr, phase encode gradient Gp,
The pulse of the slice gradient Gs, the readout gradient Gr, and the phase encode gradient Gp corresponds to the drive signal DR2 applied to the gradient coil section 213 by the gradient drive section 23.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the RF drive unit 22
As a result, a 90 ° pulse is applied to the RF coil unit 214, and 90 ° excitation of spin is performed. At this time,
As shown in (b), the gradient drive unit 23 applies the slice gradient pulse Gs to the gradient coil unit 213,
Selective excitation is performed for a given slice. Figure 3
As shown in (a), after a predetermined time from 90 ° excitation,
The RF drive unit 22 makes 18 to the RF coil unit 214.
A 0 ° pulse is applied, and 180 ° excitation, that is, spin inversion is performed. Also at this time, as shown in FIG. 3B, the gradient drive unit 23 applies the slice gradient pulse Gs to the gradient coil unit 213, and the selective inversion is performed for the same slice.

As shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and 3 (d), 9
The gradient drive unit 23 applies the readout gradient pulse Gr and the phase encode gradient pulse Gp to the gradient coil unit 213 during the period between 0 ° excitation and spin inversion. Then, spin dephase is performed by the read-out gradient pulse Gr, and phase encoding of spin is performed by the phase encode gradient pulse Gp.

After spin inversion, as shown in FIG.
A read-out gradient pulse Gr is applied to the gradient coil section 213 by the gradient drive section 23, and the phase is rephased to generate a spin echo MR, as shown in FIG. The spin echo MR is collected as raw data by the data collection unit 24.

The control unit 25 uses such a pulse sequence, for example, in a cycle TR of 6 in accordance with the execution protocol.
The RF drive unit 22, the gradient drive unit 23, and the data collection unit 24 are controlled so as to be repeated 4 to 512 times. Also,
The controller 25 changes the phase encode gradient pulse Gp each time it repeats, and performs control such that different phase encode is performed each time.

As shown in FIG. 1, the operator console 30 includes a data processing section 31, an image database 32, an image processing database 33, an operating section 34, and a display section 3.
Have five.

A control unit 25 is connected to the data processing unit 31 and is above the control unit 25 and controls it. The data processing 31 also includes the image database 3
2, the image processing database 33, the operation unit 34, and the display unit 35 are connected.

The data processing section 31, as shown in FIG.
A user interface unit 311 is provided, and the raw data captured by the user interface unit 311 from the data collection unit 24 is directly stored in the image database 32, and the captured data is stored in a memory (not shown). A data space is formed in the memory. The data space formed in the memory forms a two-dimensional Fourier space. The data processing unit 31 performs a two-dimensional inverse Fourier transform on the data in the two-dimensional Fourier space, that is, a transform from the Fourier frequency space to the real space, and the subject 40.
Image is generated (reconstructed). The two-dimensional Fourier space is also called k-space.

As shown in FIG. 4, the user interface unit 311 of the data processing unit 31 determines in what order the image processing database 33 performs a plurality of image processing applications such as Fourier transform, image filter, and distortion correction. It reads the described image processing protocol and processes the image according to its contents. It is also possible to provide the user with an interface for editing this protocol. As a result, the user can freely add the image processing content and change the order.
Also, it is possible to remove a certain process afterwards, or change the parameter and start again.

The data processing section 31 uses the image database 3
When an instruction to perform reconstruction using the raw data recorded in No. 2 is issued from the operation unit 34, if the application order of a plurality of image processing applications is designated from the operation unit 34, for example, a designated row from the image database is displayed. It reads out the data, accesses the image processing database, and according to the specified order, inverse Fourier transform processing, image filtering processing,
Reconstruction processing such as distortion correction is performed each time an image display is requested, and the reconstructed image is displayed on the display unit 35. Further, the data processing unit 31 stores the reconstructed image data in the image database 32. Note that the reconstruction process is started only after the raw data to be displayed and the reconstruction procedure are specified from the operation unit 34, and the reconstruction image is displayed on the display unit 35.

The image database 32 is composed of, for example, a recordable and reproducible disk device or the like, and as described above, the raw data collected by the data collection unit 24 and the reconstructed reconstructed image data are stored in the data processing unit 31. The recorded raw data is read by the data processing unit 31 when the processing is performed according to the designated image processing application.

The image processing database 33 is composed of, for example, a recordable / reproducible disk device, etc., and stores the image processing application program and the image processing protocol data as described above, and the data processing unit 3
1 is accessed appropriately.

The operation unit 34 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse and the like equipped with a pointing device, and outputs an operation signal according to the operation of the operator OP to the data processing unit 31. Further, for example, the above-mentioned protocol to be executed is input from the operation unit 34. Data processing unit 3
1 supplies information about the protocol (protocol number or the like) input from the operation unit 34 to the control unit 25.

The display unit 35 is composed of a graphic display or the like, displays predetermined information according to the operation state of the MRI apparatus 20 in response to an operation signal from the operation unit 34, and is reconfigured by the data processing unit 31. Display an image.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, the cradle 26 is inserted through the cushion.
The subject 40 placed on the bore 40 of the magnet system 21 of the MRI apparatus 20 is moved by the transport unit (not shown).
It is carried into 11 (ST1).

Next, the region to be examined of the subject 40 is set to the bore 211.
It is located at the inner magnet center (ST2). At this time, a static magnetic field is formed by the main magnetic field magnet section 212 in a predetermined area within the bore 211 including the magnet center.

Then, the operator OP inputs the protocol information corresponding to the site to be examined from the operation section 32 (ST3). Information about the protocol (protocol number, etc.) input from the operation unit 32 is supplied to the control unit 25 by the data processing unit 31.

In the control unit 25, the operator console 3
When the protocol to be executed by the data processing unit 31 of 0 is designated, the protocol is executed in advance according to the protocol to be executed corresponding to the region to be examined of the subject 40 sent from the data processing unit 31 of the operator console 30. The drive signal DR1 in which a predetermined pulse sequence is repeated a predetermined number of times within the determined repetition time TR is supplied to the RF coil unit 2
The RF drive unit 22 is controlled so as to be applied to the gradient control unit 14, and the gradient drive unit 23 is controlled so as to apply a pulse signal having a predetermined pattern to the gradient coil 213 in 1TR according to the protocol to be executed. .

In the RF drive unit 22, the drive signal DR1 corresponding to the protocol based on the instruction of the control unit 25 is applied to the RF coil unit 214, and in the gradient drive unit 23, the control unit 25.
The drive signal DR2 corresponding to the protocol based on the instruction is applied to the gradient coil unit 213 (ST4).

As a result, a gradient magnetic field and a high-frequency magnetic field are formed in a predetermined area inside the bore 211 including the magnet center, and the electromagnetic waves generated by the spins excited at the site of the subject 40 are extracted as magnetic resonance signals. This is collected by the data collection unit 24 and output to the data processing unit 31 of the operator console 30 as the data of the inspection result. That is, the image of the region to be inspected is taken (ST5).

In the data processing section 31, the data collection section 24
The raw data input from is recorded in the image database (ST6). In the data processing unit 31, the input image data is stored in the memory in parallel with the recording of the raw data input from the data collection unit 24, and a data space is formed in the memory. In the data processing unit 31, the data in the two-dimensional Fourier space is subjected to a two-dimensional inverse Fourier transform and the subject 4
An image of the examined region of 0 is generated (reconstructed) (ST
7).

Then, when the data collection of the region to be inspected of the subject 40 is completed, the subject 40 is carried out of the bore 211 together with the cradle 26 by the transport unit (not shown) (ST8).

Here, if it is necessary to display the reconstructed image by performing, for example, interpolation processing on the data before the inverse Fourier transform (ST9), first, the image database 3
The operation unit 34 gives an instruction to perform reconstruction using any of the raw data recorded in 2 (ST10). Further, the application order of the plurality of image processing applications is designated, for example, from the operation unit 34 (ST11). As a result, the necessary original image data is read out to the data processing unit 31 (ST12), and in what order the inverse Fourier transform, the image filter, the distortion correction, etc., which are a plurality of image processing applications, are performed from the image processing database 33 The image processing protocol describing is read, and image interpolation processing and the like are performed according to the contents (ST13). In the data processing unit 31, the reconstruction process is started only after the original image data to be displayed and the reconstruction procedure are designated by the operation unit 34, and the reconstructed image is displayed on the display unit 35 (ST14). .

As described above, according to this embodiment, the original image data collected by the data collection unit 24 is recorded by the data processing unit 31, and the data processing unit 31 is also recorded.
The image database 32 from which the recorded raw data is read, the image processing application program, and the image processing protocol data are recorded when processing is performed according to the specified image processing application.
An instruction to save the image processing database 33 that is appropriately accessed by the data processing unit 31 and the raw data acquired from the data collecting unit 24 in the image database 32 as they are, and perform reconstruction using the raw data recorded in the image database 32. If the application order of a plurality of image processing applications is specified by the operation unit 34, the specified raw data is read from the image database 33, the image processing database is accessed, and the specified order is specified. According to the order, the reconstruction processing such as the inverse Fourier transform processing, the image filtering processing, and the distortion correction is performed every time when the image display is requested, and the data processing unit 31 that displays the reconstructed image on the display unit 35. Since it was provided,
Data obtained by scanning can be saved, flexibility of image processing can be improved, and overall image quality can be improved.

Further, since the raw data is stored, it is possible to postpone processing such as distortion correction for modifying the statistical properties of the image after the inverse Fourier transform.

Further, when the raw data is stored when the image is enlarged and displayed, interpolation processing can be performed in both the frequency space and the real space, so that a better interpolated enlarged image can be obtained.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention,
There is an advantage that the data obtained by scanning can be stored, the flexibility of image processing can be improved, and the overall image quality can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a magnetic resonance imaging system adopting a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an RF coil unit, an RF drive unit, and a data collection unit that are a drive system of the RF coil according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart for explaining a pulse sequence of the spin echo method.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing a main part of a data processing unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

[Description of Reference Signs] 10 ... MRI system, 20 ... MRI apparatus, 21 ... Magnet system, 211 ... Bore, 212 ... Main magnetic field magnet section, 213 ... Gradient coil section, 214 ... RF coil section, 2141 ... Transmitting coil, 2142 ... Receiver coil, 2
2 ... RF driving unit, 221 ... Gate modulation circuit, 222 ... R
F power amplifier, 223 ... RF oscillation circuit, 23 ... Gradient drive section, 24 ... Data collection section, 241 ... Preamplifier, 242
... phase detector, 243 ... A / D converter, 25 ... control unit,
26 ... Cradle, 30 ... Operator console, 31
... data processing unit, 32 ... image database, 33 ... image processing database, 34 ... operation unit, 35 ... display unit, 40
… Subject.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Tetsuo Ogino             127, 4-7 Asahigaoka, Hino City, Tokyo             GE Yokogawa Medical System Co., Ltd.             Within F-term (reference) 4C096 AB01 AD02 AD12 AD13 AD22                       DA03 DA04 DA08 DB01 DB12

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for accommodating a subject in a static magnetic field space, collecting raw data in a pulse sequence for obtaining a magnetic resonance signal, and reconstructing an image based on the raw data A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having an image database capable of recording and reading data, and a data processing unit for recording and storing raw data collected by the pulse sequence in the image database. 2. An image processing application program,
And image processing protocol data indicating the order of the application are recorded, the image processing database has an image processing database accessed by the data processing unit, and the data processing unit follows the instruction to store the raw data stored in the image database. 2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is read out and the processing according to the contents of the image processing database is performed on the read out raw data. 3. The image processing database stores a plurality of image processing application programs and a plurality of image processing protocol data, and the data processing unit is instructed in an application order of the plurality of image processing applications. And reading the specified raw data from the image database, accessing the image processing database, and performing each process in the specified order.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described. 4. An image processing application program or image processing protocol data can be arbitrarily rewritten in the image processing database.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described. 5. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus for accommodating a subject in a static magnetic field space, collecting raw data by a pulse sequence for obtaining a magnetic resonance signal, and reconstructing an image based on the raw data. An image database capable of recording and reading data, a display unit, and raw data collected by the pulse sequence is recorded and stored in the image database, and the image reconstruction process is performed and displayed on the display unit. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a data processing unit. 6. An image processing application program,
And image processing protocol data indicating the order of the application are recorded, and the image processing database has an image processing database accessed by the data processing unit. The data processing unit follows the instruction to store the original image stored in the image database. 6. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the data is read, a process corresponding to the contents of the image processing database is performed on the read raw data, and the processed image is displayed on the display means. 7. The image processing database stores a plurality of image processing application programs and a plurality of image processing protocol data, and the data processing unit is instructed on an application order of the plurality of image processing applications. 7. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the specified raw data is read from the image database, the image processing database is accessed, each process is performed according to the specified order, and the processed image is displayed on the display means. 8. An image processing application program or image processing protocol data in the image processing database can be rewritten arbitrarily.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described. 9. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data recorded in the image database includes reconstructed image data in addition to the raw data.