JP2010154873A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and image diagnosing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform the alteration related to the structure of a sequence. <P>SOLUTION: In the calculator system 20 with which a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided, a memory part 23 stores sequence defined data wherein the structure of the sequence and the parameter related to the sequence are defined at every kind of the sequence. Further, a sequence forming part 26d dynamically reads the sequence defined data stored in the memory part 23 and forms the sequence used in imaging on the basis of the read sequence defined data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and an image diagnostic system that capture an image representing the inside of a subject based on a sequence that defines a control procedure related to imaging, and in particular, a magnetic that can easily change the structure of the sequence. The present invention relates to a resonance imaging apparatus and an image diagnostic system.

  Conventionally, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus irradiates a subject placed in a static magnetic field with an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse, and detects a magnetic resonance signal emitted from a hydrogen nucleus in the subject by the irradiation of the RF pulse. This is a device for reconstructing an image. Such a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus performs imaging based on a sequence that defines imaging procedures such as the intensity and waveform of an RF pulse, the timing of applying an RF pulse, the timing of applying a gradient magnetic field, and the timing of detecting a magnetic resonance signal. . Specifically, the “sequence” is information listing processes for controlling various hardware included in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Each process included in the sequence is called a “state”.

  Here, assuming that a sequence of states for realizing a predetermined function is “segment”, the above-described sequence can be defined by loop processing or conditional branching that repeatedly executes a segment. The content of the segment and the number of loop repetitions vary depending on the imaging conditions of the sequence. As described above, since the sequence is defined by loop processing or conditional branching, the sequence is generally realized by programming using a programming language such as C language (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2007-135893 A

  However, when the sequence is realized by programming, it is very difficult to change the part related to the structure of the sequence as described below.

  For example, in order to realize a sequence by programming, it is necessary to perform programming in consideration of the constraints caused by the hardware and software platform. Therefore, especially when changing the part related to the structure of the sequence, the designer of the sequence needs to be familiar with these constraints.

  Further, when a sequence is realized by programming, when changing a part related to the structure of the sequence such as loop processing or conditional branching, it is necessary to compile the program after correcting the program. Therefore, changing the part related to the structure of the sequence is a very time-consuming work.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and an image diagnostic system capable of easily changing the sequence structure.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention according to claim 1 is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that captures an image representing the inside of a subject based on a sequence that defines a control procedure related to imaging. Storage means for storing sequence definition information in which the structure of the sequence and parameters related to the sequence are defined for each type of sequence, and the sequence definition information stored in the storage means is dynamically read, and the read sequence definition And a sequence generation means for generating a sequence used in imaging based on the information.

  The present invention according to claim 8 is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that images a subject based on a sequence that defines a control procedure related to imaging, and a sequence that supports design of a sequence used by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. An image diagnosis system having a design support device, wherein the sequence design support device stores sequence definition information in which a sequence structure and parameters related to the sequence are defined for each type of sequence, and the storage unit Transfer means for transferring the sequence definition information stored by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is used for imaging based on the sequence definition information transferred from the sequence design support apparatus Generate a sequence It characterized characterized by comprising the Sequence generator.

  According to the first or eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily change the sequence structure.

  Exemplary embodiments of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and an image diagnostic system according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is referred to as “MRI apparatus”.

  First, the overall configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an MRI apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power source 3, a bed 4, a bed control unit 5, a transmission RF (Radio Frequency) coil 6, a transmission unit 7, and a reception. RF coil 8, receiving unit 9, sequence control unit 10, and computer system 20 are provided.

  The static magnetic field magnet 1 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and generates a uniform static magnetic field in the internal space. For example, a permanent magnet or a superconducting magnet is used as the static magnetic field magnet 1.

  The gradient coil 2 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 1. The gradient magnetic field coil 2 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the X, Y, and Z axes orthogonal to each other. These three coils generate a gradient magnetic field whose magnetic field intensity varies along each of the X, Y, and Z axes by individually receiving a current supply from the gradient magnetic field power supply 3.

  The gradient magnetic fields of the X, Y, and Z axes generated by the gradient coil 2 correspond to, for example, the readout gradient magnetic field Gr, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and the slice selection gradient magnetic field Gs. The readout gradient magnetic field Gr is used for changing the frequency of the magnetic resonance signal in accordance with the spatial position. The phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge is used to change the phase of the magnetic resonance signal in accordance with the spatial position. The slice selection gradient magnetic field Gs is used to arbitrarily determine an imaging section.

  The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies a current to the gradient magnetic field coil 2. The couch 4 includes a couchtop 4a on which the subject P is placed. Under the control of the couch controller 5, the couchtop 4a is placed in the cavity of the gradient magnetic field coil 2 with the subject P placed thereon (imaging). Insert into the mouth). Usually, the bed 4 is installed such that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1. Under the control of the control unit 26, the bed control unit 5 drives the bed 4 to move the top 4a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

  The transmission RF coil 6 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and receives a high frequency pulse from the transmission unit 7 to generate a high frequency magnetic field.

  The transmission unit 7 includes an oscillation unit, a phase selection unit, a frequency conversion unit, an amplitude modulation unit, a high frequency power amplification unit, and the like. As a result of the operation of each of these units, a high frequency pulse corresponding to the Larmor frequency is transmitted using an RF coil 6 to send. The oscillation unit generates a high-frequency signal having a resonance frequency unique to the target nucleus in the static magnetic field. The phase selection unit selects the phase of the high-frequency signal. The frequency conversion unit converts the frequency of the high-frequency signal output from the phase selection unit. The amplitude modulation unit modulates the amplitude of the high-frequency signal output from the frequency modulation unit according to, for example, a sinc function. The high frequency power amplification unit amplifies the high frequency signal output from the amplitude modulation unit.

  The reception RF coil 8 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and receives a magnetic resonance signal radiated from the subject P under the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field generated by the transmission RF coil 6.

  The receiving unit 9 includes a selector, a pre-stage amplifier, a phase detector, and an analog / digital converter. As a result of the operation of each unit, the receiving unit 9 converts the magnetic resonance signal output from the receiving RF coil 8 into a magnetic resonance signal. Based on this, magnetic resonance data is generated. The selector selectively inputs the magnetic resonance signal output from the reception RF coil 8. The pre-stage amplifier amplifies the magnetic resonance signal output from the selector. The phase detector detects the phase of the magnetic resonance signal output from the preceding amplifier. The analog-digital converter converts the signal output from the phase detector into a digital signal.

  The sequence control unit 10 scans the subject P by driving the gradient magnetic field power source 3, the transmission unit 7, and the reception unit 9 based on the sequence execution data transmitted from the computer system 20. Then, when raw data is transmitted from the receiving unit 9 as a result of scanning, the sequence control unit 10 transfers the k-space data to the computer system 20.

  Here, the “sequence execution data” is data for executing imaging based on a predetermined sequence. That is, the sequence execution data includes the strength of the power supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 to the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and the timing of supplying the power, the strength of the RF signal transmitted from the transmitter 7 to the RF coil 6 for transmission, and the RF signal. This is data defining transmission timing, timing at which the receiving unit 9 detects a magnetic resonance signal, and the like.

  The computer system 20 performs overall control of the MRI apparatus 100, data collection, image reconstruction, and the like. The computer system 20 particularly includes an interface unit 21, an image reconstruction unit 22, a storage unit 23, an input unit 24, a display unit 25, and a control unit 26.

  The interface unit 21 controls input / output of various signals exchanged with the sequence control unit 10. For example, the interface unit 21 transmits sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10 and receives raw data from the sequence control unit 10.

  Here, the raw data received by the interface unit 21 includes the slice selection gradient magnetic field Gs generated by the gradient coil 2, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and the readout gradient magnetic field Gr in the SE (Slice Encode) direction, PE. The information is stored in the storage unit 23 as k-space data in which spatial frequency information in the (Phase Encode) direction and the RO (Read Out) direction is associated.

  The image reconstruction unit 22 generates spectrum data or image data of a desired nuclear spin in the subject P by performing reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the k-space data stored in the storage unit 23.

  The storage unit 23 stores raw data (k-space data) received by the interface unit 21, image data generated by the image reconstruction unit 22, and the like for each subject P.

  The input unit 24 receives various instructions and information input from the operator. As the input unit 24, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode change switch, or an input device such as a keyboard is appropriately used.

  The display unit 25 displays various types of information such as spectrum data or image data under the control of the control unit 26. As the display unit 25, a display device such as a liquid crystal display is appropriately used.

  The control unit 26 controls the entire MRI apparatus 100. Specifically, the control unit 26 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like (not shown), and controls the operation of each unit described above by executing various programs based on instructions from the operator. To do.

  The overall configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, in this embodiment, in the computer system 20, the storage unit 23 stores sequence definition information that defines the sequence structure and sequence-related parameters for each type of sequence. Then, the control unit 26 dynamically reads the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit 23, and generates a sequence used for imaging based on the read sequence definition information.

  With such a configuration, this embodiment eliminates the need for knowledge and compilation related to the constraints necessary when the sequence was realized by programming, and makes it possible to easily change the sequence structure. Yes.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the computer system 20 will be described. Here, the description will focus on the storage unit 23 and the control unit 26. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the computer system 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the computer system 20, the storage unit 23 particularly stores imaging condition information 23a, sequence structure definition information 23b, parameter definition information 23c, and pulse definition information 23d. In this embodiment, each of the sequence structure definition information 23b, the parameter definition information 23c, and the pulse definition information 23d is referred to as “sequence definition information”.

  The imaging condition information 23a is information relating to imaging conditions set by a radiologist or the like during imaging. The imaging condition information 23a includes the type of sequence used for imaging and various imaging parameters related to the sequence.

  Here, the types of sequences include various imaging methods such as SE (Spin Echo), IR (Inversion Recovery), GFE (Gradient Field Echo), FASE (Fast Advanced Spin Echo), and EPI (Echo Planner Imaging). The corresponding sequence type.

  The imaging parameters are, for example, TR (Repetition Time) indicating the irradiation interval of the RF pulse, TE (Echo Time) indicating the time from the RF pulse peak to the echo peak, and the inversion recovery method. TI (Inversion Time) indicating the time from the 180 ° pulse to the 90 ° pulse in the imaging by, the FA (Flip Angle) of the RF pulse, and the like.

  The sequence structure definition information 23b is information that defines the sequence structure for each sequence. Specifically, the sequence structure definition information 23b includes a sequence structure by a segment that is a series of states that control hardware operating at the time of imaging, a loop that represents repetition of the segment, and a link command that defines a combination of segments and loops. Define

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the sequence structure definition information 23b. The example shown in FIG. 3 shows a case where the sequence structure definition information 23b is defined using xml (eXtensible Markup Language).

  In FIG. 3, the <SeqStruct> tag defines the type of sequence. Each sequence is identified by the sequence name “Name” set in the <SeqStruct> tag. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, a sequence whose sequence name is “SE2D” is defined.

  Each element surrounded by <SeqStruct> tags to </ SeqStruct> tags defines the structure of the sequence defined by the <SeqStruct> tag.

  First, the <Loop> tag defines a loop. Each loop is identified by an identifier “id” set in the <Loop> tag. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, six loops with identifiers “Sat”, “Slice”, “Slab”, “Avg”, “PE”, and “Echo” are defined.

  The <Segment> tag defines segment attributes. Each segment is identified by an identifier “id” set in the <Segment> tag. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, six segments having identifiers “E1”, “E2”, “Wait”, “Inv”, “Gate”, and “Sat” are defined.

  Each element surrounded by <Segment> tag to </ Segment> tag defines a state. Each state is defined by a tag determined for each type of hardware, and is identified by an identifier “id” set in the tag. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, an <RFSeg> tag whose identifier is “exite”, a <State> tag whose identifier is “tune0”, an <ADCSeg> tag whose identifier is “show0”, and the like are defined. Yes. Here, for example, the <RFSeg> tag is a tag for defining a state related to irradiation of an RF pulse, and the <State> tag is a tag for defining a state related to application of a gradient magnetic field.

  The <LinkCommand> tag defines link command attributes. Each link command is identified by an identifier “id” set in the <LinkCommand> tag. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, a link command having an identifier “E1” is defined.

  An element surrounded by <LinkCommand> tag to </ LinkCommand> tag defines a combination of a segment and a loop. Specifically, a combination of a segment and a loop is represented by arranging a segment identifier, a loop identifier, “(” indicating a loop start position, and “)” indicating a loop end position in order. .

  For example, in the link command shown in FIG. 3, “(PE, (Cond...))” Indicates that the loop “Cond” is repeated in the loop “PE”. In addition, “(Slice, Inv, (Sat, Sat, SatSpoil) ...)” is the segment “Inv” and loop “Sat” repeated in the loop “Slice”, and the segment in the loop “Sat”. “Sat” and “SatSpoil” are repeated.

  In such a link command, various sequence structures can be defined by appropriately changing the order of the segment identifier, loop identifier, “(” indicating the start position of the loop, and “)” indicating the end position of the loop. Is possible.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the parameter definition information 23 c is information defining parameters related to the sequence for each sequence. Specifically, the parameter definition information 23c defines parameters related to the processing of each state included in the segment defined by the sequence structure definition information 23b.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the parameter definition information 23c. The example shown in FIG. 4 shows a case where the parameter definition information 23c is defined using xml, like the sequence structure definition information 23b already described.

  In FIG. 4, a <SeqParams> tag defines the type of sequence. Each sequence is identified by the identifier “id” set in the <SeqParams> tag. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a sequence having an identifier “SE2D” is defined.

  Note that the identifiers of the sequences defined here correspond to the sequence names of the sequences defined in the sequence structure definition information 23b.

  Each element enclosed by the <SeqParams> tag to </ SeqParams> tag defines a parameter related to the sequence defined by the <SeqParams> tag.

  First, the <params> tag defines a group of parameters. Each group is identified by the attribute set in the <params> tag. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, two groups having attributes “TE1 =“ 4000 ”TE2 =“ 0 ”” and “TE1 =“ 8000 ”TE2 =“ 0 ”” are defined.

  An element enclosed between <params> tag to </ params> tag defines a parameter for each state. Each state is defined by a tag determined for each type of hardware, and is identified by an identifier “id” set in the tag. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the <RFSeg> tag whose identifier is “exite”, the <Grad> tag whose identifier is “tune0”, the <ADCSeg> tag whose identifier is “show0”, and the like are defined. Yes. Here, for example, the <RFSeg> tag is a tag for defining a state related to irradiation of an RF pulse, and the <Grad> tag is a tag for defining a state related to application of a gradient magnetic field.

  Note that the state identifiers defined here correspond to the state identifiers defined in the sequence structure definition information 23b.

  And elements surrounded by <RFSeg> tag ~ </ RFSeg> tag, elements surrounded by <Grad> tag ~ </ Grad> tag, elements surrounded by <ADCSeg> tag ~ </ ADCSeg> tag Defines the parameters required for the processing of each state. The table shown below shows an example of parameters defined for each state.

  For example, among the parameters relating to the state defined by the <RFSeg> tag, <rfiWaveform> defines the waveform of the RF pulse. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a waveform indicated by “sinc41” is defined as the waveform of the RF pulse. <RiseTime> defines the rise time of the RF pulse. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, “500” is defined as the rise time of the RF pulse.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the pulse definition information 23d is definition information that defines parameters relating to a specific pulse. Specifically, the pulse definition information 23d is a pulse that is frequently used at the time of imaging among parameters relating to processing of each state included in the segment defined by the sequence structure definition information 23b.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the pulse definition information 23d. The example shown in FIG. 5 shows a case where the pulse definition information 23d is defined using xml, like the sequence structure definition information 23b and the parameter definition information 23c already described.

  In FIG. 5, a <PlusParams> tag defines a pulse classification. Each classification is identified by the identifier “id” set in the <PlusParams> tag. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, a classification whose identifier is “common” is defined.

  Each element surrounded by <PlusParams> tags to </ PlusParams> tags defines parameters of pulses belonging to the classification defined by the <PlusParams> tag.

  Note that the definition of the parameter group by the <params> tag and the definition of the parameter for each state by the elements enclosed by the <params> tag to </ params> tag are the same as the sequence structure definition information 23b. The description is omitted here.

  In this way, by defining the parameters relating to a specific pulse as the pulse definition information 23d separately from the parameter definition information 23c, it is not necessary to define the parameters in the same state over and over in the parameter definition information 23c. Therefore, the state parameters can be managed efficiently.

  As described above, the sequence name of the sequence in the sequence structure definition information 23b corresponds to the identifier of the sequence in the parameter definition information 23c and the pulse definition information 23d. The state identifier in the sequence structure definition information 23b corresponds to the state identifier in the parameter definition information 23c and the pulse definition information 23d. Accordingly, a sequence used for imaging can be dynamically generated by extracting parameters for each state from each sequence definition information in accordance with the type of sequence specified at the time of imaging.

  In this embodiment, the case where xml is used as the language for defining each sequence definition information has been described. However, other markup languages that can define the logical structure and meaning of data may be used.

  Returning to FIG. 2, in the computer system 20, the control unit 26 particularly includes an imaging condition setting unit 26 a, a definition information editing unit 26 b, a sequence verification unit 26 c, and a sequence generation unit 26 d.

  The imaging condition setting unit 26a sets imaging conditions based on information input by a radiologist or the like during imaging. Specifically, the imaging condition setting unit 26 a accepts input of imaging conditions including the type of imaging and imaging parameters via the input unit 24, and registers the accepted imaging conditions in the imaging condition information 23 a of the storage unit 23.

  The definition information editing unit 26b receives an operation for editing the sequence structure and parameters via the input unit 24, and updates each definition information stored in the storage unit 23 based on the received operation.

  Specifically, the definition information editing unit 26b, in response to a request from the operator, “segment editing screen” for editing the sequence structure definition information 23b and “virtual sequence editing” for editing the parameter definition information 23c. A “pulse edit screen” for editing the “screen” and the pulse definition information 23 d is displayed on the display unit 25. Each of these screens may be displayed one by one, or a plurality of screens may be displayed simultaneously.

  First, the segment edit screen will be described. 6 to 9 are diagrams illustrating examples of the segment edit screen. As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, for example, the segment editing screen 30 includes a menu bar 31, a tool bar 32, a tree view 33, an editor view 34, and the like.

  The menu bar 31 includes a “File” menu for loading and saving various definition information, a “Tool” menu for starting various tools, and a “Help” menu for providing information on various operations. It is included.

  The toolbar 32 includes icons for starting various screens. Specifically, the toolbar includes an “SE” icon for starting a segment edit screen, a “VSE” icon for starting a virtual sequence edit screen, a “PE” icon for starting a pulse edit screen, which will be described later. The “SIV” icon for starting the sequence verification screen is included.

  Then, the definition information editing unit 26b activates the segment edit screen when the operator presses “SE”, activates the virtual sequence edit screen when the “VSE” icon is pressed, and displays the “PE” icon. When is pressed, the pulse edit screen is activated. In addition, when the “SIV” icon is pressed, the definition information editing unit 26b instructs the sequence verification unit 26c described later to start a sequence verification screen.

  In the tree view 33, the contents of the sequence structure definition information 23b are hierarchically displayed in a tree format. The editor view 34 displays various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) for editing the contents of the sequence structure definition information 23b according to the element selected in the tree view 33.

  When the definition information editing unit 26b receives an operation for instructing reading of the sequence structure definition information 23b from the operator, the definition information editing unit 26b reads the sequence structure definition information 23b from the storage unit 23 and displays the contents of the read information in a tree format. And displayed in the tree view 33.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, when an operation for selecting a link command on the tree view 33 is received, the definition information editing unit 26b displays a link command display area 34c in the editor view 34 and the link. The command display area 34c displays the contents of the link command included in the read sequence structure definition information 23b.

  At this time, the definition information editing unit 26b displays loop and segment lists 34a and 34b registered in the apparatus in advance, buttons 34d and 34e for moving a segment in the link command, and loops or segments included in the link command. A delete button 34 f for deleting is also displayed in the editor view 34. Thereby, the operator can edit the link command on the editor view 34.

  For example, the operator selects a loop from the list 34a, and moves the selected loop to a desired position in the link command display area 34c by an operation such as drag and drop. Loops can be added.

  Similarly, the operator selects one of the segments from the list 34b, and moves the selected segment to a desired position in the link command display area 34c by an operation such as drag and drop. New segments can be added.

  Furthermore, the operator can delete a desired loop or segment by selecting a loop or segment from the link commands displayed in the link command display area 34c and then pressing the delete button 34f.

  As shown in FIG. 7, when an operation for selecting a loop is accepted on the tree view 33, the definition information editing unit 26b displays the loop attribute editing area 34g for editing the attribute of the loop in the editor view. 34. Thereby, the operator can edit the attribute of the loop on the editor view 34.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when an operation for selecting a segment on the tree view 33 is accepted, the definition information editing unit 26b is included in the sequence structure definition information 23b read from the storage unit 23. A time chart 34h representing the contents of the segment is displayed on the editor view 34.

  At this time, the definition information editing unit 26b also displays a segment attribute editing area 34i for editing the attribute of the selected segment in the editor view 34. Thereby, the operator can edit the attribute of the segment on the editor view 34.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when an operation for selecting a segment state is accepted on the tree view 33, the definition information editing unit 26b is selected on the time chart 34h displayed on the editor view 34. A state attribute editing area 34j for editing the attribute of the selected state is displayed in the editor view 34. Thus, the operator can edit the state attribute on the editor view 34.

  At this time, the definition information editing unit 26b displays information representing the characteristics of the selected state in the editor view 34. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the selected state relates to a pulse, the definition information editing unit 26b displays pulse information 34k representing a pulse waveform. Thus, the operator can edit the parameters while visually confirming the state characteristics.

  When the definition information editing unit 26b accepts an operation for instructing to save the edited information, the definition information editing unit 26b overwrites the sequence structure definition information 23b stored in the storage unit 23 with the contents edited on the editor view 34. To do.

  Next, the virtual sequence editing screen will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a virtual sequence editing screen. As shown in FIG. 10, for example, the virtual sequence editing screen 40 includes a menu bar 41, a toolbar 42, a tree view 43, an editor view 44, and the like. The functions of the menu bar 41 and the tool bar 42 are basically the same as those of the menu bar 31 and the tool bar 32 of the segment editing screen 30, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In the tree view 43, the contents of the parameter definition information 23c are displayed hierarchically in a tree format. The editor view 44 displays various GUIs for editing the contents of the parameter definition information 23c according to the element selected in the tree view 43.

  Here, when the definition information editing unit 26b receives an operation for instructing reading of the parameter definition information 23c from the operator, the definition information editing unit 26b reads the parameter definition information 23c from the storage unit 23 and converts the content of the read information into a tree format. Are displayed in the tree view 43.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when an operation for selecting a state on the tree view 43 is accepted, the definition information editing unit 26b edits a parameter editing area 44a for editing the parameter of the selected state. It is displayed on the view 44. Thereby, the operator can edit the parameter of the state on the editor view 44.

  At this time, the definition information editing unit 26 b displays information representing the characteristics of the parameter of the selected state in the editor view 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the selected state relates to a pulse, the definition information editing unit 26b displays pulse information 44b representing a pulse waveform. Thereby, the operator can edit the parameter while visually confirming the characteristic of the parameter.

  When the definition information editing unit 26b receives an operation for instructing to save the edited information, the definition information editing unit 26b overwrites the parameter definition information 23c stored in the storage unit 23 with the contents edited on the editor view 44. .

  Next, the pulse editing screen will be described. The pulse editing screen basically has the same configuration as that of the virtual sequence editing screen, except that the information to be edited is the pulse definition information 23d. The operator can register a pulse having a high frequency used during imaging using the pulse editing screen.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the sequence verification unit 26c verifies the sequence generated based on the definition information based on the definition information updated by the definition information editing unit 26b. Specifically, the sequence verification unit 26c activates a “sequence verification screen” for verifying the sequence in response to an instruction from the definition information editing unit 26b.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence verification screen. As shown in FIG. 11, for example, the sequence verification screen 50 includes a menu bar 51, a tool bar 52, a tree view 53, a counter view 54, a snapshot view 55, and the like. The functions of the menu bar 51 and the tool bar 52 are basically the same as those of the menu bar 31 and the tool bar 32 of the segment editing screen 30, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In the tree view 53, segments and loops included in the sequence designated by the operator are displayed hierarchically in a tree format. In addition, a numerical value input box for inputting the name of the loop included in the designated sequence and the number of repetitions of each is displayed. The snapshot view 55 displays the verification result regarding the segment or loop selected in the tree view 53.

  Here, when a specific sequence is specified by the operator, the sequence verification unit 26c refers to the sequence structure definition information 23b, parameter definition information 23c, and pulse definition information 23d stored in the storage unit 23, and specifies the sequence. Read information about the sequence that has been executed. Then, the definition information editing unit 26b displays the content of the read information in the tree view 53 in a tree format. In addition, the sequence verification unit 26c receives input of imaging parameters (for example, TR and TE) set as imaging conditions at the time of imaging from the operator via the input unit 24.

  Then, as illustrated in FIG. 11, when an operation for selecting a segment or a loop is received on the tree view 53, the sequence verification unit 26 c acquires the imaging parameter input by the operator and each definition information. Based on the information, a sequence for the selected segment or loop is virtually generated.

  Thereafter, the sequence verification unit 26c displays information representing the virtually generated sequence on the snapshot view 55 as a simulation result. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the sequence verification unit 26c displays a pulse waveform such as a gradient magnetic field as a simulation result.

  Note that the sequence verification unit 26c regenerates the sequence each time the operator designates another segment or loop or the number of repetitions of the counter view 54 is changed, and the snapshot view 55 Update the display of.

  The sequence generation unit 26d dynamically reads the definition information stored in the storage unit 23, and generates a sequence used for imaging based on the read definition information.

  Specifically, when the sequence generation unit 26 d receives an imaging start instruction from the operator via the input unit 24, first, the sequence generation unit 26 d acquires the imaging conditions set by the imaging condition setting unit 26 a from the storage unit 23. Further, the sequence generation unit 26d reads the sequence structure definition information 23b, the parameter definition information 23c, and the pulse definition information 23d from the storage unit 23.

  Then, the sequence generation unit 26 d dynamically generates sequence execution data based on the acquired imaging conditions and the read definition information, and transmits the generated sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10. Thereby, a series of imaging is performed by the sequence control unit 10, the image reconstruction unit 22, or the like.

  Next, an imaging process procedure performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an imaging process procedure performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the MRI apparatus 100, first, the imaging condition setting unit 26a sets imaging conditions based on information input by the operator during imaging (step S101). Subsequently, when the sequence generation unit 26d receives an imaging start instruction from the operator via the input unit 24 (step S102, Yes), the imaging conditions set by the imaging condition setting unit 26a are stored from the storage unit 23. Obtain (step S103).

  Further, the sequence generation unit 26d reads the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit 23 (step S104). Thereafter, the sequence generation unit 26d dynamically generates sequence execution data based on the imaging conditions and the sequence definition information (step S105), and transmits the generated sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10.

  Then, the sequence control unit 10 collects k-space data by scanning the subject based on the sequence execution data (step S106), and the image reconstruction unit 22 reconstructs an image from the collected k-space data. Configure (step S107).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 23 stores sequence definition information in which a sequence structure and parameters related to the sequence are defined for each type of sequence. Further, the sequence generation unit 26d dynamically reads the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit 23, and generates a sequence used for imaging based on the read sequence definition information.

  Even in a conventional mounting method for realizing a sequence by programming, there is a technique for dynamically changing the sequence by taking in basic conditions such as an RF pulse waveform and a sample pitch from the outside of the program. However, in order to change the structure of the sequence itself, such as segment contents or loops, it is necessary to modify and compile the program. In this embodiment, since the sequence is generated by dynamically taking in the information defining the sequence structure itself from the outside, it is not necessary to modify or compile the program related to the sequence structure.

  In other words, according to the present embodiment, knowledge about the constraint conditions and compilation required when the sequence is realized by programming are not required, and therefore the change regarding the structure of the sequence can be easily performed.

  In this embodiment, the sequence definition information is information that defines a combination of a segment that is a series of states that control hardware that operates during imaging and a loop that represents a repetition of the segment as a sequence structure. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the contents of segments and loops can be easily changed.

  In the present embodiment, the definition information editing unit 26b accepts an operation for editing the sequence structure, and updates the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit 23 based on the accepted operation. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sequence structure can be easily changed.

  In this embodiment, the definition information editing unit 26b further accepts an operation for editing the parameter contents, and updates the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit 23 based on the accepted operation. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the contents of the parameters relating to the sequence can be easily changed.

  In this embodiment, the definition information editing unit 26 b displays information representing the structure of the sequence defined by the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit 23 on the display unit 25. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to change the structure of the sequence while visually confirming the structure of the sequence, so that the structure of the sequence can be changed efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, the definition information editing unit 26 b displays information representing the characteristics of the parameters defined by the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit 23 on the display unit 25. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to change the contents of the parameters while visually confirming the characteristics of the parameters relating to the sequence, so that the contents of the parameters can be changed efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, the sequence verification unit 26c verifies a sequence generated based on the sequence definition information based on the sequence definition information updated by the definition information editing unit 26b. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the sequence structure can be efficiently changed while confirming the validity of the change contents.

  In addition, each component of each apparatus illustrated in the above embodiment is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

  For example, the MRI apparatus has been described in the above embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image server apparatus that stores various images and a client apparatus that displays images are connected via a network. The present invention can also be applied to image display systems (such as PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)).

  For example, although the MRI apparatus has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image diagnosis system having an MRI apparatus and a sequence design support apparatus that supports the design of a sequence used by the MRI apparatus. Can be applied similarly.

  In this case, the sequence design support apparatus stores sequence definition information that defines the sequence structure and parameters related to the sequence for each type of sequence, and transfers the stored sequence definition information to the MRI apparatus. Then, the MRI apparatus generates a sequence used for imaging based on the sequence definition information transferred from the sequence design support apparatus.

  Similarly, an image display system (PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)) in which a modality such as an MRI apparatus, a server device that stores various images, and a client device that displays images are connected via a network. Etc.). In that case, the server device or the client device operates as the sequence design support device described above.

  As described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and diagnostic imaging system according to the present invention are useful when changing the structure of a sequence that defines a control procedure related to imaging, and in particular, easily changing the structure of a sequence. It is suitable when

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the MRI apparatus which concerns on a present Example. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure of a computer system. It is a figure which shows an example of sequence structure definition information. It is a figure which shows an example of parameter definition information. It is a figure which shows an example of pulse definition information. It is a figure (1) which shows an example of a segment edit screen. It is FIG. (2) which shows an example of a segment edit screen. It is FIG. (3) which shows an example of a segment edit screen. It is FIG. (4) which shows an example of a segment edit screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a virtual sequence edit screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a sequence verification screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the imaging by the MRI apparatus which concerns on a present Example.

Explanation of symbols

100 MRI system (magnetic resonance imaging system)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Static magnetic field magnet 2 Gradient magnetic field coil 3 Gradient magnetic field power supply 4 Bed 4a Top plate 5 Bed control part 6 Transmission RF coil 7 Transmission part 8 Reception RF coil 9 Reception part 10 Sequence control part 20 Computer system 21 Interface part 22 Image re-reading Configuration unit 23 Storage unit 23a Imaging condition information 23b Sequence structure definition information 23c Parameter definition information 23d Pulse definition information 24 Input unit 25 Display unit 26 Control unit 26a Imaging condition setting unit 26b Definition information editing unit 26c Sequence verification unit 26d Sequence generation unit

Claims (8)

A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that captures an image representing the inside of a subject based on a sequence that defines a control procedure related to imaging,
Storage means for storing sequence definition information that defines the structure of the sequence and parameters related to the sequence for each type of sequence;
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: sequence generation means for dynamically reading sequence definition information stored in the storage means, and generating a sequence used in imaging based on the read sequence definition information .   The sequence definition information is information defining a combination of a segment that is a series of processes for controlling each unit that operates during imaging and a loop that represents a repetition of the segment as the structure of the sequence. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described in 1.   3. A definition information editing unit that receives an operation for editing the structure of the sequence and updates the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit based on the received operation. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus described in 1.   The definition information editing unit further receives an operation for editing the content of the parameter, and updates the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit based on the received operation. Magnetic resonance imaging equipment.   5. The magnetic resonance imaging according to claim 3, wherein the definition information editing unit displays information representing a structure of a sequence defined by the sequence definition information stored in the storage unit on a display unit. apparatus.   6. The magnetic information according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the definition information editing means displays information representing a characteristic of a parameter defined by the sequence definition information stored in the storage means on a display unit. Resonance imaging device.   7. The method according to claim 3, further comprising sequence verification means for verifying a sequence generated based on the sequence definition information based on the sequence definition information updated by the definition information editing means. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the above. An image diagnostic system having a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that images a subject based on a sequence that defines a control procedure related to imaging, and a sequence design support apparatus that supports design of a sequence used by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. And
The sequence design support device,
Storage means for storing sequence definition information that defines the structure of the sequence and parameters related to the sequence for each type of sequence;
Transfer means for transferring sequence definition information stored by the storage means to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises:
An image diagnostic system comprising sequence generation means for generating a sequence used for imaging based on sequence definition information transferred from the sequence design support device.

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