JP2003225222A - Magnetic resonance imaging system, information providing method regarding various kinds of parameter settings for magnetic resonance imaging system, and information providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging system or the like which can quickly and easily select/set imaging parameters or the like being optimal for respective kinds of imaging. <P>SOLUTION: A parameter group which can be controlled by an operator is defined for respective kinds of examinations, respective kinds of imaging and respective kinds of processes. In addition, ranges which can be set for respective controllable parameters are limited. When a specified imaging kind or the like is selected, only the parameter group corresponding to the imaging kind or the like is provided under a controllable configuration by an interface. This magnetic resonance imaging system has such the interface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

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, a method for providing information regarding various parameter settings of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and a system for providing the information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Medical imaging equipment provides a great deal of information about a subject by means of images, and plays an important role in many medical procedures such as diagnosis of diseases, treatment and surgery planning. There is. Currently, there are ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, X-ray CT equipment, magnetic resonance imaging equipment, nuclear medicine diagnostic equipment, etc. as main medical imaging equipment. Among them, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus can collect an image with excellent contrast in soft tissue and occupies an important position in medical image diagnosis.

In this MR image, the image contrast is dominated by various photographing parameters, phenomena and objects. For example, as MR images with different contrasts depending on the typical shooting type, vertical relaxation emphasis (T1W) images, horizontal relaxation emphasis (T2W) images, diffusion emphasis (DW) images, and inflow (Time-Of-Flight) effects were used. MR blood vessel image (MR
A), Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOL
D) A functional MR image (fMRI) using the effect is known. In addition to this, an image using a contrast agent is actively used. In order to provide such various contrast images by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, it is necessary to appropriately control the factors that affect the contrast, that is, the imaging parameters.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for controlling an imaging parameter and a processing parameter included in a conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 1, in the interface of the conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, when the imaging condition of a certain pulse sequence is set, all the settable imaging parameters can be displayed and input. Usually, all the settable imaging parameters are 10 to 20 kinds. For this reason, it is difficult to understand the shooting parameters and the like to be adjusted to obtain the image contrast of a certain shooting type, and it is necessary to repeat the key operation and the mouse movement to set the shooting parameters one by one. Therefore, the operability may be poor and a heavy burden may be imposed on the operator. Further, due to this lack of operability, the photographing time becomes long, which imposes a burden on the operator and the patient.

In addition, depending on the device, 1 of the parameter group
Some are designed to make it easier to remember and reuse the set. However, even in such a device,
It is difficult to understand the shooting parameters and the like to be adjusted in order to obtain the image contrast depending on a certain shooting type, and there is a lack of operability such that fine adjustment is not easy.

By the way, the optimum range of the imaging parameters and the like may be instructed in advance by a manufacturer of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in an instruction manual, or may be determined by a clinical technologist or a doctor. In any case, the range is fixed as many volunteers and patients are photographed. The optimum range of parameters obtained through such a process can be said to be valuable know-how.
It has been particularly emphasized recently. At present, the optimum parameter range as this know-how has been disseminated throughout society through conference presentations and literature.

[0007] However, in a conference presentation, a document, etc., the opportunity for information acquisition depends on the schedule of the conference and the publication date of the document, and there is a limit to its speed. In addition, the information to be provided is limited to conference presenters and document contributors, which limits the degree of freedom of information.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of quickly and easily selecting and setting the optimum imaging parameters for each imaging type. It is an object.

Further, the present invention centrally manages the optimum parameter range as know-how determined in each facility, etc., with a higher degree of freedom, quickly and simply, and protects this information while paying or free of charge. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information providing system and method for providing information to facilities or providing feedback to manufacturers.

[0010]

The present invention takes the following means in order to achieve the above object.

A first aspect of the present invention is a first condition for allowing an operator to control a plurality of conditions that can be set when at least one of a predetermined inspection type, imaging type and processing type is executed. And a second condition for prohibiting control by the operator, and a storage unit that stores the settable range of the first condition for each inspection type, each imaging type, and each processing type, and an inspection type or an imaging type. Selection means for selecting a species or a treatment species, and a settable range of the first condition corresponding to the selected examination species, imaging species, or treatment species is read out, and the first condition is set to the first form. Interface means having a display means for displaying at, and an input means for changing at least one of the displayed first conditions, and the predetermined first condition is changed through the interface means. Change First condition, and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for performing control relating to the second inspection species selected according to the condition of the or shooting species or process type.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of conditions that can be set when executing at least one of a predetermined inspection type, imaging type, and processing type is a first condition that permits control by an operator. And a second condition for prohibiting control by the operator, and a storage unit for storing each inspection type, each imaging type, and each processing type, and a selection unit for selecting an inspection type, an imaging type, or a processing type. Display means for reading the first condition corresponding to the selected inspection type, imaging type, or processing type and displaying the first condition in a first form; and the displayed first condition. And an interface unit having an input unit for changing at least one of the above, and when a predetermined first condition is changed via the interface unit, the changed first condition, and Selected according to the second condition A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for controlling an inspection species or captured species or processing species.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of conditions that can be set when at least one of a plurality of photographing types is executed are defined as a first condition that is frequently used and a condition that is rarely used or used. Storage means for classifying into the second condition that cannot be performed and storing for each of the shooting types, selecting means for selecting a shooting type from the plurality of shooting types, and the first type corresponding to the selected shooting type. Display means for reading out the condition and the second condition and displaying the first condition in the first form and the second condition in the second form different from the first form; The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus further comprises an interface unit having an input unit for changing at least one of the above-mentioned first conditions.

The fourth aspect of the present invention is controllable when at least one of a predetermined examination type, imaging type, and processing type is executed from each magnetic resonance imaging apparatus arranged in a plurality of medical institutions. An information providing service method in which an information administrator manages and provides setting information regarding a plurality of conditions by using a communication line, and a first condition for permitting control by an operator from each of the magnetic resonance imaging devices. A step of receiving, via the communication line, the setting information for each inspection type, each imaging type, or each processing type classified into a second condition for prohibiting control by an operator, and storing the setting information in a storage unit; , A step of accepting a request for acquisition of predetermined setting information from at least one of a predetermined medical institution, a manufacturer, and a maintenance provider, and, via the communication line, to the person who has made the request. Is an information providing service method characterized by comprising the step of transmitting the serial predetermined setting information.

The fifth aspect of the present invention is controllable when at least one of a predetermined examination type, imaging type, and processing type is executed from each magnetic resonance imaging apparatus arranged in a plurality of medical institutions. An information providing system in which an information manager manages and provides setting information regarding a plurality of conditions by using a communication line, and a first condition and operation for permitting control by an operator from each of the magnetic resonance imaging devices. A first condition in which the setting information for each inspection type, each imaging type, or each processing type, which is classified into a second condition for prohibiting control by a person, is received via the communication line and stored in the storage means. A second server that receives an acquisition request for predetermined setting information from at least one of a predetermined medical institution, a manufacturer, and a maintenance provider, and the second server makes the request. 'S hand, is an information providing system and transmitting the predetermined setting information via the communication line.

With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of quickly and easily selecting and setting the optimum imaging parameters and the like for each imaging type.

Further, with an even higher degree of freedom, the optimum parameter range as know-how determined at each facility etc. is centrally managed, and this information is provided to other facilities for a fee or free of charge while protecting this information. Alternatively, it is possible to provide an information providing system and method for providing feedback to the manufacturer.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, constituent elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given only when necessary.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 transmits and receives a high-frequency signal to a bed on which a patient P as a subject is placed, a static magnetic field generating unit that generates a static magnetic field, a gradient magnetic field generating unit that adds position information to the static magnetic field, and a high frequency signal. And a control / arithmetic unit responsible for overall system control and image reconstruction.

The static magnetic field generating unit includes, for example, a superconducting magnet 101 and a static magnetic field power source 102 that supplies a current to the magnet 101, and has a cylindrical opening (a diagnostic space) into which the subject P is loosely inserted. The static magnetic field H ₀ is generated in the axial direction (Z-axis direction). A shim coil 114 is provided in this magnet section. A current for homogenizing the static magnetic field is supplied to the shim coil 114 from the shim coil power supply 115 under the control of the host computer 106. In the bed, the top plate on which the subject P is placed can be retractably inserted into the opening of the magnet 101.

The gradient magnetic field generator comprises a gradient magnetic field coil unit 103 incorporated in the magnet 101. The gradient magnetic field coil unit 103 includes three sets (types) for generating gradient magnetic fields in the X, Y, and Z axis directions that are orthogonal to each other.
X, y, z coils 103x, 103y, 103z. The gradient magnetic field section also includes x, y, z coils 103x,
A gradient magnetic field power supply 4 for supplying current to 103y and 103z is provided. The gradient magnetic field power source 4 is a sequencer 5 described later.
X, y, z coils 103x, 103y,
A pulse current for generating a gradient magnetic field is supplied to 103z.

By controlling the pulse currents supplied from the gradient magnetic field power source 104 to the x, y, z coils 103x, 103y, 103z, the gradient magnetic fields in the three axes X, Y, Z, which are physical axes, are synthesized. , The slice direction gradient magnetic field Gs, the phase encoding direction gradient magnetic field Ge, and the readout direction (frequency encoding direction) gradient magnetic field Gr that are orthogonal to each other can be arbitrarily set and changed. The gradient magnetic fields in the slice direction, the phase encode direction, and the read direction are superimposed on the static magnetic field H ₀ .

The transmitting / receiving unit is an RF coil 107 arranged near the subject P in the imaging space inside the magnet 101, and a transmitter 108T and a receiver 1 connected to the coil 107.
08R and. This transmitter 108T and receiver 10
8R operates under the control of the sequencer 105. The transmitter 108T supplies an RF current pulse having a Larmor frequency for causing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to the RF coil 10.
Supply to 7. The receiver 108R takes in the echo signal (high frequency signal) received by the RF coil 107, performs various kinds of signal processing such as preamplification, intermediate frequency conversion, phase detection, low frequency amplification, and filtering on the echo signal (A). / D conversion is performed to generate echo data (original data) of a digital amount corresponding to the echo signal.

The control / arithmetic unit includes a sequencer (also called a sequence controller) 105 and a host computer 10.
6, arithmetic unit 110, storage device 111, display device 1
12, the input device 113. Among them, the host computer 106 has a function of commanding the pulse sequence information to the sequencer 105 and controlling the operation of the entire apparatus by the stored software procedure.

Following the preparatory work such as a positioning scan, the host computer 106 carries out an imaging scan based on a predetermined pulse sequence and imaging parameter setting according to each imaging type. Here, the shooting type is
It means the type of shooting for obtaining a certain contrast image. Vertical relaxation enhancement (T1W)
Image, lateral relaxation enhancement (T2W) image, diffusion enhancement (DW) image, MR blood vessel image (MRA) using the inflow (Time-Of-Flight) effect, Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (B
Functional MR image (fMRI) using the OLD) effect,
Other examples include photography for obtaining an image using a contrast agent. Further, the shooting parameter is a parameter (not limited to one) that affects the shooting type in order to obtain a suitable image for each shooting type.

The host computer 106 also performs data processing and image processing according to the processing type according to the shooting type.
Here, the processing type is a type of processing performed on data acquired by a specific shooting type. Also in this processing type, there is a parameter (not limited to one) that affects the acquisition of a suitable image. Hereinafter, this parameter is referred to as a processing parameter.

Further, the host computer 106 has a shooting condition management unit 106a which manages shooting parameters and processing parameters and provides them to the user through an interface of a predetermined format. Note that the shooting conditions refer to shooting parameters managed for each shooting type and processing parameters managed for each processing type. The configuration and function of the shooting condition management unit 106a will be described in detail later.

The imaging scan controlled by the host computer 106 is a scan for collecting a set of echo data necessary for image reconstruction, and is set to a two-dimensional scan here. The pulse sequence may be a three-dimensional (3D) scan or a two-dimensional (2D)
D) Scan. The form of the pulse train is S
E (spin echo) method, FSE (fast SE) method, FAS
E (Fast Asymmetry SE) method (that is,
An imaging method combining a high-speed SE method and a half Fourier method), an EPI (echo planar imaging) method,
Are used.

The sequencer 105 has a CPU and a memory, stores the pulse sequence information sent from the host computer 106, and controls the operations of the gradient magnetic field power source 104, the transmitter 108T, and the receiver 108R according to this information. In addition, the echo data output from the receiver 108R is input once and transferred to the arithmetic unit 110. Here, the pulse sequence information means the gradient magnetic field power source 104, the transmitter 108T, and the receiver 108 according to a series of pulse sequences.
It is all information necessary to operate R, and includes, for example, information regarding the intensity of the pulse current applied to the x, y, z coils 103x, 103y, 103z, the application time, the application timing, and the like.

The arithmetic unit 110 also includes a receiver 10
Echo data output by 8R (original data or raw data)
Is input through a sequencer 105, echo data is arranged in Fourier space (also called k space or frequency space) on its internal memory, and this echo data is subjected to two-dimensional or three-dimensional Fourier transform for each set. Reconstruct image data in real space. In addition, the arithmetic unit can perform a combination process of data relating to an image, a difference calculation process, and the like as necessary.

In this synthesizing process, an adding process for adding image data of a plurality of two-dimensional frames for each corresponding pixel, 3
It includes maximum intensity projection (MIP) or minimum intensity (MIP) projection processing for selecting the maximum or minimum value in the line-of-sight direction for the dimension data. As another example of the combining process, the axes of a plurality of frames may be aligned in the Fourier space and the echo data may be combined as it is into one frame of echo data. Note that the addition processing includes simple addition processing, addition averaging processing, weighted addition processing, and the like.

The storage device 111 can store not only the reconstructed image data but also the image data that has been subjected to the above-mentioned combination processing and difference processing. In addition, the storage device 11
1 has a shooting condition database 106a that stores shooting parameters and processing parameters managed for each shooting type (see FIG. 2).

The display device 112 displays an image. Further, the operator can input desired imaging conditions, pulse sequences, information regarding image composition and difference calculation, and information regarding parameter control to the host computer 106 via the input device 113. Further, in a mode described later, an interface for controlling the shooting parameter and the processing parameter managed for each shooting type is provided.

The input device 113 selects a region of interest (ROI), an inspection type, an imaging type, a processing type, an imaging type (or an inspection type, a processing type) for incorporating various instructions, commands and information from the operator into the device 12. An input device (mouse, trackball, mode changeover switch, keyboard, etc.) for setting shooting conditions managed for each type) is provided.

The communication device 120 communicates information with other devices via a network. In addition, the communication device 120
As described in the fourth embodiment, the shooting information stored in the storage device 111 is transferred to a predetermined server via the network.

(Imaging Condition Management Function) Next, the imaging condition management function of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the shooting condition management executed by the shooting condition management unit 106a.
As shown in FIG. 2, first, when the shooting type information is input via the input device 113 (step S1), the shooting condition management unit 106a uses the shooting condition database 111a in the storage device 111. The shooting conditions corresponding to the shooting type are read (step S2). The read imaging conditions are displayed on the display device 112 in a predetermined form (step S
3).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the photographing conditions displayed on the display device 112 and corresponding to the photographing type. Figure 11
Compared with, the array of parameters is different. In addition, some parameters are displayed in cascade (Fig. 3).
The area is hatched) and cannot be input.

That is, in the main photographing condition management, the photographing condition managed for each photographing type is classified into a parameter desired to be adjusted by the operator and a parameter not desired to be adjusted by the operator, and only the parameter desired to be adjusted can be adjusted. I will provide a. As a parameter that the operator wants to adjust, for example, a parameter that is dominant in the contrast adjustment of the image obtained by the shooting type can be considered. On the other hand, the parameters that should be adjusted in cascade are parameters that should not be changed for each shooting type, such as parameters that do not significantly affect the contrast adjustment of the image obtained by the shooting type, or are regulated by law. Parameters that need to be within the range are possible.

The operator selects a desired parameter from the interface shown in FIG. 3, changes the numerical value of the parameter, and determines the parameter (step S4). Once you have made the necessary parameter changes and decisions, complete the shooting condition settings,
The host computer 106 takes a picture or
Data processing is executed (step S5). The shooting conditions finally set and used for shooting are stored in the shooting condition database 106a as optimum shooting conditions. It is also possible to centrally manage the optimum imaging conditions in a global system by the method described in the fourth embodiment as appropriate.

As described above, according to the configuration in which the minimum necessary peculiar parameter group for the photographing type is intensively arranged and the input enable state is controlled, the photographing condition can be controlled without complicating the operation such as the mouse movement. Can be selected and set quickly and easily. As a result, it is possible to provide a user-friendly magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that reduces the operational burden on the operator. Further, the photographing time can be shortened, and the mental burden on the operator and the patient can be reduced.

The display form and contents shown in FIG. 3 are as follows.
It depends on the shooting type (shooting type A in this case). Therefore, if the photographing type is changed, the array of parameters and the cascade state are changed in principle to the contents corresponding to the changed photographing type. For example, when the shooting type A in which the flip angle as a shooting parameter is displayed in cascade is changed to the shooting type B in which the flip angle needs to be controlled, the flip angle is adjusted from the cascade display area shown in FIG. Changes to the area of possible adjustable parameters.

(Modification) Next, a modification of the interface for providing the shooting conditions for each shooting type will be described.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of an interface for providing shooting conditions for each shooting type. In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, there is no cascade display portion as compared with FIG. 3, and only adjustable parameters are displayed and can be changed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of an interface for providing shooting conditions for each shooting type, and is an example in the case where the setting range of adjustable parameters changes depending on the shooting type. For example, the upper limit of the setting range of the parameter P2 shown in FIG. 5 is P2U and the lower limit is P2L. In this case, P2 may be set between P2L and P2U as a setting unique to the imaging type A.

Further, when the setting range of the adjustable parameter changes depending on the photographing type, the concept of the intermediate value of the setting range is introduced to appropriately control the switching between the photographing types. Is also possible.

FIG. 6 shows the behavior of the interface when the photographing type B is changed to the photographing type A. Note that, in FIG. 6, P2 and P4 are standard parameters in the imaging type A, and are intermediate values P2 between P2L and P2U.
M, and the intermediate value P4M between P4L and P4U is the shooting type A
And the recommended parameter value of. Further, the settable range of the parameter P2 of the shooting type B is different from the settable range of the parameter P2 of the shooting type A, and the current value of P2 in the shooting type B is from the settable range of the shooting type A. Assume that they are out of alignment.

As shown in FIG. 6, shooting type B to shooting type A
When the value is changed to, the value of P2 needs to be included in the settable range of the imaging type A. With this shooting condition management function,
As this P2 initial value, P2M as a recommended value is set. As described above, by setting the parameter value to the intermediate value when switching the photographing type, it becomes easy to change the condition from the recommended condition.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the photographing conditions can be selected and set quickly and easily. as a result,
It is possible to provide a user-friendly magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that reduces the operational burden on the operator.

Next, a more specific effect of the present magnetic resonance imaging apparatus will be described by taking a T1W image using the spin echo method as an example.
This will be described in comparison with the conventional example.

Generally, the signal strength formula in the spin echo method is expressed as follows.

[0052]

[Equation 1]

Here, T2 and T1 are the transverse relaxation time and the longitudinal relaxation time of the tissue, respectively, TE is the echo time, and TR is the repetition time. To obtain a T1W image of the head, TE should be as small as possible, and TR should be similar to or slightly smaller than the T1 value of white matter or gray matter. If it is 1.5T (Tesla), TR is about 500ms.

Actually, T1W with high contrast resolution
It is necessary to consider another factor to obtain an image. Since the spin echo method observes NMR signals slice-excited by a set of 90 ° pulse and 180 ° pulse, the selection characteristics of each pulse affect the contrast in multi-slice imaging. For this reason, TE actually has to take a large value to some extent, and the optimum value of TR may change. On the other hand, the required number of slices and slice thickness are required within a certain imaging time, or a certain level of spatial resolution is required. As described above, in order to obtain a good quality T1W image, it is important to specify the optimum imaging condition from various constraints and requirements.

Such an optimum photographing condition rarely takes a certain set of values, and may be changed flexibly within a certain range. For example, in the case of the above T1W image, it may be desired to increase the number of images to be taken depending on the size of the subject's head. At this time, it is often handled by extending TR a little, but if it is extended too much, the contrast becomes T1.
It deviates from W. In other words, it is necessary to determine the range of clinically acceptable TR.

As described above, in order to obtain a suitable image contrast, it is necessary to appropriately control various parameters. On the other hand, there are various parameters that do not significantly affect the main purpose of photographing, that is, do not affect acquisition of a suitable image contrast. Conventionally, all these parameters have been provided in the form shown in FIG. 11, for example, so that they can be selected and adjusted.

On the other hand, according to the present magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, only the parameters that have a great influence on the main purpose of photographing, that is, the parameters dominant in the image contrast can be adjusted for each photographing type, and the other parameters cannot be controlled. It is only displayed in a possible form. Therefore, the operator
It is possible to quickly and easily adjust the parameters that affect the purpose of shooting, and it is possible to acquire a suitable contrast image.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, by changing the setting of the adjustable parameter group based on the operation history information,
A more user-friendly magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of parameter setting of an interface provided by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to this embodiment. In the setting example of FIG. 7, the display position of the parameter is controlled based on the history information in which the number of changes of each parameter is totaled. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the setting of the parameter (P9, etc.) that is frequently changed is arranged so as to be arranged in the upper left part of the interface for ease of use.

As the setting control based on other history information, there is a configuration in which the values themselves set for each parameter are aggregated and the upper and lower limits of the settable range or the intermediate value is updated.

Naturally, it is desirable that such history information be aggregated and managed for each photographing type. The update of the adjustable parameter group may be arbitrarily performed by the operator, or may be performed by a command from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus itself. Alternatively, the update may be performed in accordance with instructions from a device or software connected to the network. Furthermore, the frequency and timing of the update may be irregular (arbitrary) or regular.

As described above, by referring to the history information such as totaling the actual frequency of use, it is possible to make the interface according to the usage state of the operator.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described.

In recent years, it is often necessary to perform specific data processing for a specific photographing type. The processing of images and data itself is becoming more and more important, such as quantification in diagnostic images and improved informed consent. Therefore, it is required that the interface easily handle not only the shooting parameters for each shooting type, but also the processing parameters for a specific process to be performed for the shooting type.

Furthermore, as a recent tendency, it is becoming important to execute a pulse sequence according to the purpose of inspection. Further, in image diagnosis, a plurality of contrast images are compared to judge the tissue property and diagnose the presence of a diseased part. In this way, protocols such as imaging and data processing according to the purpose of the inspection are set up, and it is considered that the interface also handles the imaging conditions for each inspection type. Note that the inspection type refers to an object including a whole protocol including all of imaging, data processing, etc. necessary for the specific inspection for the purpose of the specific inspection.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the photographing conditions are managed for each inspection type in which a specific photographing type and a specific processing type for performing a specific process for the specific photographing type are combined.
A device that provides an interface of a predetermined form will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation sequence of the apparatus 10 from the definition of the inspection type to the execution of the defined inspection type. In FIG. 9, first, an inspection type is defined by associating an imaging type to be executed with a processing type for performing a predetermined process on the imaging type (step S11). The imaging condition management unit 106a stores the defined inspection type and the imaging conditions related to the inspection type in the storage device 111.

FIG. 8 shows a table showing a correspondence relationship between photographing and processing in a certain inspection type. As shown in FIG.
The inspection type 1 is composed of three imaging types (A, B, C) and three processing types (a, b, c). The processing type a corresponds to the shooting type A. This indicates that it is decided to perform the processing type a when the imaging type A is imaged. Specifically, for example, in a diffusion-weighted image, when a diffusion-weighted pulse is applied to three orthonormal axes, it is usual to create a so-called Isotropic image. Other than this, maximum intensity projection (MIP) in MR angiography, statistical processing in fMRI and fitting to standard brain, quantitative calculation in cardiac function test, creation of various calculation images in Perfusion imaging, etc. The importance of processing in is increasing.

The contents of the photographing type and the processing type are defined in advance, but if necessary, they can be newly defined by a predetermined operation. The definitions of the inspection type, the imaging type, and the processing type may be provided in advance by the manufacturer.

Next, an inspection type selection menu is presented (step S12), and when the operator selects a desired inspection type,
The imaging type and the processing type that constitute the selected inspection type are
It is read by the photographing condition management unit 106a and displayed in the form shown in FIG. 8 (step S13).

Next, for example, the photographing type A is executed (step S14), and then the processing type a corresponding to the photographing type A is executed (step S15). At the time of executing each of the shooting type A and the processing type a, the shooting conditions are provided in the above-described form.

Then, the photographing type B, the processing type b, the photographing type C,
The processing type c is executed, and the inspection type 1 is ended.

With the interface thus configured, it becomes possible to easily select and execute the protocol assembled according to the inspection purpose.

Further, it is decided whether or not the examination type is necessary in a certain diagnostic tree, and it is often decided before the start of imaging. Therefore, the operator can greatly reduce the number of times of setting by the index of the inspection type as compared with the conventional method, and can speed up the work.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, with a higher degree of freedom, the optimum shooting conditions (that is, the setting values and setting ranges of the optimum parameters) as know-how determined in each facility etc. can be centrally managed and this information can be protected quickly and easily. However, an information providing system for providing to other facilities for a fee or free of charge or for providing feedback to the manufacturer will be described.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of the system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the present system has a communication device, and a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 provided in each medical facility (hospital A, hospital B, hospital C in FIG. 10).
0, a photographing condition collection unit 12, and a photographing condition management unit 13. Each device and each unit are connected by an information communication network, and information communication is possible.

The photographing condition collecting unit 12 collects and accumulates the photographing conditions from the target magnetic resonance imaging apparatus at a necessary timing. The timing of this acquisition may be instructed from the acquisition unit side or the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1
It may be instructed from 0. The information accumulated in the collection unit serves as a reference material for user interface development and is used for creating an interface specialized for each operator.

The photographing condition management unit 13 comprises an information storage server 130, a license management / authentication server 131, and a billing server 132. The information storage server 130 collects and stores the imaging condition information obtained from each magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The license management / authentication server 131 issues or authenticates a license that defines whether or not to provide a service regarding imaging conditions to each operator or magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The billing server 132 calculates and settles charges using the managed shooting condition information and services.

(Shooting condition management / providing service) Next,
The shooting condition management / providing service executed by this system will be described.

First, the photographing condition information stored in the storage device 111 of each magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is the communication device 12
0, the photographing condition collection unit 1 through the information communication network
2 is transferred. Further, the shooting condition information transferred to the shooting condition collecting unit 12 is automatically and appropriately stored in the information storage server 130 of the shooting condition management unit 13.
If the photographing condition collection unit 12 or the photographing condition management unit 13 is a dedicated server of the manufacturer, the photographing conditions can be automatically fed back.

The photographing condition information to be transferred may be the photographing condition database itself or may be information extracted and processed from the same database from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of communication data. In the latter case, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10
Is further provided with a device for processing the shooting condition information for communication. The transfer timing may be an arbitrary timing by the operator or may be a command from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus itself. Alternatively, the data may be transferred in accordance with instructions from another magnetic resonance imaging apparatus connected to the information communication network, the imaging condition collection unit 12, and the imaging condition management unit 13.

Next, at a desired timing, a predetermined licensee (for example, a hospital person, a maker, a maintenance provider, etc.) who has a license to use the system uses the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 or a predetermined terminal. , And requests the shooting condition management unit 130 to acquire shooting condition information. At this time, from the viewpoint of security, the license management authentication server 131 confirms that the entity requesting the information acquisition is the licensee, that is, authenticates the access right. This authentication can be generally performed by inputting a password or a licensee ID. The license management authentication server 13
When the access right is authenticated by 1, the reliance sensor can access the information storage server 130 and can download desired imaging conditions.

For a user who wants to obtain a new license instead of a user who already has a license, the license management authentication server 13 is operated by a predetermined operation.
1, the license issuance procedure is executed.

In order to provide a user-friendly system, the licensee side device 10 or terminal is configured to execute a program for acquiring the photographing condition information and a program for issuing a license. Good.

Next, in the case of providing the shooting condition information for a fee, the billing server 132 calculates the information providing fee for each licensee and makes a payment such as withdrawal from the bank account via the information communication network. Automatically.

According to this structure, each hospital or facility /
It is possible to feed back the unique shooting conditions created by a doctor or the like to the development, protect the value of the unique shooting conditions, and provide them to others for a fee or for free.

When there are a plurality of magnetic resonance imaging devices in a facility such as a hospital, a relay device for performing information communication between each magnetic resonance imaging device and an external device via an information communication network is provided. It may be (see Hospital C in FIG. 10). Further, even with a configuration in which a unit in which the photographing condition collection unit 12 and the photographing condition management unit 13 are integrated is provided, the same effect can be obtained.

When the imaging condition collection unit 12 or the imaging condition management unit 13 is a manufacturer's dedicated server, the feedback imaging conditions are requested after verification by the manufacturer's magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. It may be provided to the licensee. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to further improve and provide it as a more preferable imaging condition, and it can also be used as an effective information source for product development. Furthermore, the information recipient (in this case, the licensee) can use the information with confidence because the information has been verified by the manufacturer.

The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments. However, within the scope of the idea of the present invention, those skilled in the art can come up with various modifications and modifications, and the modifications and modifications. It is understood that the examples also belong to the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown below, various modifications can be made without changing the gist of the invention.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the photographing conditions for each photographing type stored in advance in the photographing condition database 111a are used. This is because it is difficult for a general user to distinguish between a parameter to be adjusted and a parameter that is not adjusted in a specific shooting type. However, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is provided with a photographing condition editing function for each photographing type so that a user can define parameters that can be adjusted in a specific photographing type, a parameter setting range, and the like as new photographing conditions. It may be configured.

Further, the respective embodiments may be combined as much as possible, and in that case, combined effects can be obtained. Further, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problem described in the section of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and the effect described in the section of the effect of the invention can be solved. When at least one of the above is obtained, the configuration in which this constituent element is deleted can be extracted as the invention.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of quickly and easily selecting and setting the optimum photographing parameters and the like for each photographing type.

Further, with an even higher degree of freedom, the optimum parameter range as know-how determined in each facility etc. is centrally managed in a quick and simple manner and is provided to other facilities for a fee or free of charge while protecting this information. Alternatively, it is possible to realize an information providing system and method for providing feedback to the manufacturer.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment.
It is a figure showing the schematic structure of 0.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining shooting condition management executed by a shooting condition management unit 106a.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing image capturing conditions displayed on a display device 112 and corresponding to the image capturing type.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of an interface that provides shooting conditions for each shooting type.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of an interface that provides shooting conditions for each shooting type, and is an example when the setting range of adjustable parameters changes depending on the shooting type. .

FIG. 6 shows the behavior of the interface when the shooting type B is changed to the shooting type A.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of parameter setting of an interface provided by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a table showing a correspondence relationship between imaging and processing in a certain inspection type.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation sequence of the device 10 from definition of an inspection type to execution of the defined inspection type.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface for controlling an imaging parameter and a processing parameter included in a conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 ... Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 12 ... Imaging condition collection unit 13 ... Shooting condition management unit 101 ... Magnet 102 ... Static magnetic field power supply 103 ... Gradient magnetic field coil unit 103x. 103y ... coil 104 ... Gradient magnetic field power supply 105 ... Sequencer 106 ... Host computer 106a ... Shooting condition management unit 107 ... RF coil 108T ... Transmitter 108R ... Receiver 110 ... Arithmetic unit 111 ... Storage device 111a ... Shooting condition database 112 ... Display device 113 ... Input device 114 ... Shim coil 115 ... Shim coil power supply 120 ... Communication device 130 ... Information storage server 131 ... License management authentication server 132 ... Billing server

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Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A first condition for allowing an operator to control a plurality of conditions that can be set when executing at least one of a predetermined inspection type, an imaging type, and a processing type, and the operator's control is prohibited. And a second condition, and a storage unit that stores the settable range of the first condition for each inspection type, each imaging type, and each processing type, and selects an inspection type, an imaging type, or a processing type. And a setting means for reading the settable range of the first condition corresponding to the selected inspection type, imaging type, or processing type,
Display means for displaying the first condition in a first form;
Interface means having input means for changing at least one of the displayed first conditions, and if the predetermined first condition is changed via the interface means, after the change 1. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the inspection type, the imaging type, or the processing type selected according to the first condition and the second condition. 2. A first condition for allowing the operator to control a plurality of conditions that can be set when executing at least one of a predetermined inspection type, an imaging type, and a processing type, and the operator's control is prohibited. It is classified into the second condition that
Storage means for storing each imaging type and each processing type, selection means for selecting an inspection type or imaging type or processing type, and the first condition corresponding to the selected inspection type or imaging type or processing type And interface means having display means for displaying the first condition in a first form and input means for changing at least one of the displayed first conditions, When the predetermined first condition is changed via the interface means, control relating to the inspection type or imaging type or processing type selected according to the changed first condition and the second condition is performed. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: a control unit. 3. The display means reads out the second condition corresponding to the selected inspection type, imaging type or processing type, and displays the second condition in a second form. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. 4. A plurality of conditions that can be set when executing at least one of a plurality of shooting types are a first condition with high usage frequency and a second condition with low usage frequency or unusable condition. Storage means for classifying and storing for each of the shooting types, selecting means for selecting a shooting type from the plurality of shooting types, and the first condition and the second condition corresponding to the selected shooting type Read the first condition in the first form and the second condition in the second form, which is different from the first form.
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: an interface unit having a display unit for displaying in the form of the above, and an input unit for changing at least one of the displayed first conditions. 5. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second mode is a cascade display. 6. The first mode is a mode in which a condition in which a change frequency is high is arranged in a predetermined order, or a mode in which at least one of an upper limit, a lower limit and an intermediate value of a settable range is updated based on history information. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein 7. The display means, when the selected inspection type, imaging type or processing type is changed, the first condition corresponding to the changed inspection type, imaging type or processing type. 3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first condition is read out and displayed. 8. The interface means, when the selected inspection type, imaging type or processing type is changed, the first condition corresponding to the changed inspection type, imaging type or processing type. 3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first condition is read out and the recommended value is set and displayed. 9. A first condition for allowing the operator to control a plurality of conditions that can be set when executing at least one of a predetermined inspection type, an imaging type, and a processing type, and the control by the operator is prohibited. 3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising means for registering in the storage means for each inspection type, imaging type, and processing type. 10. The storage means for setting a plurality of conditions that can be set when at least one of a predetermined inspection type, imaging type, and processing type is executed, for each inspection type, imaging type, and processing type. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a unit for registering with the magnetic resonance imaging unit. 11. Setting information relating to a plurality of controllable conditions when at least one of a predetermined inspection type, imaging type, and processing type is executed from each magnetic resonance imaging apparatus arranged in a plurality of medical institutions. An information providing service method managed and provided by an information administrator using a communication line, wherein a first condition for permitting control by an operator and control by an operator are prohibited from each of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses. The setting information for each inspection type, each imaging type, or each processing type classified into the second condition is received via the communication line,
A step of storing in a storage means, a step of accepting an acquisition request for predetermined setting information from at least one of a predetermined medical institution, a manufacturer, and a maintenance provider; and a step of connecting the communication line to the person making the request. And a step of transmitting the predetermined setting information via the information providing service method. 12. The recipient of the predetermined setting information,
The information providing service method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of charging a fee for the transmitted predetermined setting information via the communication line. 13. Setting information relating to a plurality of controllable conditions when at least one of a predetermined examination type, imaging type, and processing type is executed from each magnetic resonance imaging apparatus arranged in a plurality of medical institutions. An information providing system managed and provided by an information manager using a communication line, wherein a first condition for permitting control by an operator and a prohibition for control by the operator from each of the magnetic resonance imaging devices are provided. The setting information for each inspection type, each imaging type, or each processing type classified into the condition 2 is received via the communication line,
A second server that stores the first setting information in a storage unit; and a second server that receives an acquisition request for predetermined setting information from at least one of a predetermined medical institution, a manufacturer, and a maintenance provider. An information providing system, wherein the server transmits the predetermined setting information to the person making the request via the communication line. 14. The second server claims a fee for the transmitted predetermined setting information to a recipient of the predetermined setting information via the communication line. Item 13: The information providing system.