JP2013009762A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus by which imaging conditions can easily be edited.SOLUTION: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment includes a setting unit, a computing unit, and a display control unit. The setting unit receives an instruction to simulate the change of a value for a given parameter included in the imaging conditions, and sets a simulation value for the parameter for which the instruction is received. The computing unit computes values of other parameters included in the imaging conditions using the simulation value set for the given parameter. The display control unit identifies a parameter the value of which can be changed associated with the given parameter on the basis of the result of the computation, and controls the identified parameter to be displayed differently from the other parameters on an editing screen to edit the imaging conditions.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

  In general, imaging by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus) is performed according to preset imaging conditions. For example, at the time of imaging planning, the operator of the MRI apparatus edits imaging conditions while looking at an imaging condition editing screen (hereinafter referred to as an editing screen) displayed on the console. The edited imaging conditions are set in the MRI apparatus, and the MRI apparatus performs imaging according to the set imaging conditions. Since there are various types of imaging by the MRI apparatus, the editing of the imaging conditions is also performed finely for many parameters included in the imaging conditions.

  Here, a change in value made to a parameter may affect the value of one or more other parameters. For this reason, when a value of such a parameter is changed, a conventional MRI apparatus incorporates a mechanism for automatically changing the value of another parameter and displaying the changed value in a different color. Yes. However, for example, when the skill level of the operator is low, a parameter value unintended for the operator is changed, and it is difficult to edit the imaging condition.

JP 2006-255189 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an MRI apparatus capable of easily editing imaging conditions.

  The MRI apparatus of the embodiment includes a setting unit, a calculation unit, and a display control unit. The setting unit receives an instruction for simulating a change in value for a predetermined parameter included in the imaging condition, and sets a simulation value for the parameter for which the instruction has been received. The calculation unit calculates a value of another parameter included in the imaging condition using a simulation value set for the predetermined parameter. The display control unit identifies a parameter whose value can be changed in conjunction with the predetermined parameter based on the result of the calculation, and displays the identified parameter on an editing screen for editing the imaging condition. It is controlled to be displayed separately from the parameters.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an edit screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the computer system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the parameter value setting unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure by the parameter value calculation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining calculation processing by the parameter value calculation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining calculation processing by the parameter value calculation unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure by editing screen display control according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen according to the second embodiment.

(First embodiment)
The MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment notifies the operator of other parameters that may be affected by the change before the parameter value included in the imaging condition is changed. Hereinafter, after briefly explaining the configuration of the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment, specific processing in the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. The static magnetic field magnet 1 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and generates a uniform static magnetic field in an internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 1 is, for example, a permanent magnet or a superconducting magnet. The gradient coil 2 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape and generates a gradient magnetic field in the internal space. Specifically, the gradient magnetic field coil 2 is arranged inside the static magnetic field magnet 1 and receives a current supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 to generate a gradient magnetic field. The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies a current to the gradient magnetic field coil 2 in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the sequence control unit 10.

  The bed 4 includes a top plate 4a on which the subject P is placed, and the top plate 4a is inserted into the cavity of the gradient magnetic field coil 2 serving as an imaging port in a state where the subject P is placed. Usually, the bed 4 is installed such that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1. The couch controller 5 drives the couch 4 to move the couchtop 4a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction.

  The transmission coil 6 generates a high frequency magnetic field. Specifically, the transmission coil 6 is arranged inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and receives a high frequency pulse (hereinafter referred to as RF (Radio Frequency) pulse) from the transmission unit 7 to generate a high frequency magnetic field. The transmission unit 7 transmits an RF pulse corresponding to the Larmor frequency to the transmission coil 6 in accordance with the control signal transmitted from the sequence control unit 10.

  The receiving coil 8 receives a magnetic resonance signal (hereinafter referred to as MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal). Specifically, the receiving coil 8 is disposed inside the gradient coil 2 and receives an MR signal radiated from the subject P due to the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field. The receiving coil 8 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving unit 9.

  The receiving unit 9 generates MR signal data based on the MR signal output from the receiving coil 8 in accordance with the control signal sent from the sequence control unit 10. Specifically, the receiving unit 9 generates MR signal data by digitally converting the MR signal output from the receiving coil 8, and sends the generated MR signal data to the computer system 20 via the sequence control unit 10. Send. The receiving unit 9 may be provided on the gantry device side including the static magnetic field magnet 1 and the gradient magnetic field coil 2.

  The sequence control unit 10 controls the gradient magnetic field power supply 3, the transmission unit 7, and the reception unit 9. Specifically, the sequence control unit 10 transmits a control signal based on the pulse sequence execution data transmitted from the computer system 20 to the gradient magnetic field power source 3, the transmission unit 7, and the reception unit 9.

  The computer system 20 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 is connected to the sequence control unit 10 and controls input / output of data transmitted / received between the sequence control unit 10 and the computer system 20. The image reconstruction unit 22 reconstructs image data from the MR signal data transmitted from the sequence control unit 10 and stores the reconstructed image data in the storage unit 23.

  The storage unit 23 stores values set in parameters included in the imaging conditions, image data stored by the image reconstruction unit 22, and other data used in the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the storage unit 23 is a semiconductor memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

  The input unit 24 receives various instructions for editing imaging conditions, imaging instructions, and the like from the operator. For example, the input unit 24 receives a value change instruction for a parameter included in the imaging condition, an instruction for simulating the value change, and the like. For example, the input unit 24 is a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. The display unit 25 displays an editing screen, image data, and the like. For example, the display unit 25 is a liquid crystal display or the like.

  The control unit 26 comprehensively controls the MRI apparatus 100 by controlling each unit described above. For example, when the editing of the imaging condition is received from the operator, the control unit 26 generates pulse sequence execution data based on the received imaging condition, and transmits the generated pulse sequence execution data to the sequence control unit 10. For example, the control unit 26 is an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an electronic circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU).

  By the way, as described above, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment sets other parameters that can be affected by the change before the parameter value included in the imaging condition (hereinafter, parameter value) is changed. Notify the operator.

  2 to 5 are diagrams illustrating an example of an edit screen according to the first embodiment. 2 to 5, since it is difficult to express a color, it will be described by enclosing it with a circle for convenience of explanation.

  When the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment receives an instruction for simulating a change in the value in the lower limit direction for the parameter “No Slice (number of slices)”, for example, as indicated by a in FIG. As shown by the symbol b in FIG. 3, the parameter value of the parameter “TR (Repetition Time)” is displayed in a color different from the parameter values of the other parameters as parameters that can be affected by the change. For example, the MRI apparatus 100 displays the characters “266.0” in red (the background of the editing screen is black, and other parameters are white). This notifies the operator that changing the value of the parameter “No Slice” in the lower limit direction affects the parameter “TR”.

  When the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment receives an instruction for simulating a change in the value in the upper limit direction for the parameter “No Slice”, for example, as indicated by a symbol c in FIG. The parameter value of the parameter “TR” is displayed in a color different from the parameter values of other parameters as parameters that can be affected by the change, as indicated by reference sign d of FIG. The tab “SAR (Specific Absorption Rate)” is displayed in a different color from the other tabs as a tab of the editing screen to which the obtained parameter belongs. For example, the MRI apparatus 100 displays the characters “266.0” in red (the background of the editing screen is black, and other parameters are white) and the characters of the tab “SAR” in red (the background of the editing screen is black). , Other tabs are displayed in white). This notifies the operator that changing the value of the parameter “No Slice” in the upper limit direction affects the parameters belonging to the tab “SAR”.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, in the first embodiment, when a tab attached to each editing screen is selected, the editing screen is switched to the editing screen attached with the selected tab. This is a group of editing screens to be displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, an editing screen with a “Basic” tab, an editing screen with a “SAR” tab, and an editing screen with an “Advanced” tab are edited. It is a screen group.

  Such a function of the MRI apparatus 100 is realized by the computer system 20 in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following, the computer system 20 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the computer system 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the storage unit 23 of the computer system 20 includes an edit screen information storage unit 23a and a parameter value storage unit 23b.

  The edit screen information storage unit 23a stores definition information of the edit screen. The parameter value storage unit 23b stores preset parameter values, parameter values after the imaging conditions are edited, and the like. Various types of information stored in the edit screen information storage unit 23a and the parameter value storage unit 23b are used for processing by a parameter value calculation unit 26b and an edit screen display control unit 26c described later.

  The control unit 26 includes a parameter value setting unit 26a, a parameter value calculation unit 26b, and an edit screen display control unit 26c.

(Parameter value setting unit 26a)
The parameter value setting unit 26a receives, via the input unit 24, a parameter value change instruction or an instruction for simulating a parameter value change (hereinafter, a simulation instruction) as an imaging condition editing operation. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the parameter value setting unit 26 a performs left-click or right-click of the mouse on, for example, an upward triangle button or a downward triangle button arranged next to the parameter “No Slice”. Accept.

  Further, when the received editing operation is a normal change instruction, the parameter value setting unit 26a sets the parameter value after the change instruction to the parameter for which the change instruction is received, and stores the parameter value after the setting as the parameter value Stored in the unit 23b. On the other hand, when the received editing operation is a simulation instruction, the parameter value setting unit 26a sets a simulation value for the parameter for which the simulation instruction has been received.

  Then, the parameter value setting unit 26a receives the parameter for which the change instruction or the simulation instruction has been received, the parameter value or the simulation value set for this parameter, and the simulation flag indicating whether the instruction is a change instruction or a simulation instruction. The value is sent to the value calculator 26b.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the parameter value setting unit 26a according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the parameter value setting unit 26 a receives an editing operation via the input unit 24 (step S <b> 101), the parameter value setting unit 26 a determines whether the received operation is a right click of the mouse that is the input unit 24. (Step S102). That is, in the first embodiment, the parameter value setting unit 26a receives the simulation instruction using the same button (for example, the triangular button shown in FIGS. 2 and 4) as the button that receives the normal change instruction. It is accepted by a right click which is an operation different from a left click which is an operation of a change instruction.

  In the case of a left click (No at Step S102), the parameter value setting unit 26a obtains the type and number of buttons pressed on the editing screen because it is a normal change instruction (Step S103), and the parameter of the corresponding parameter A parameter value corresponding to the type and the number of times is set as the value (step S104).

  For example, the parameter value setting unit 26a indicates that the type of button pressed on the editing screen is an upward triangular button corresponding to the parameter “No Slice”, and the number of times pressed is “5 times”. To get that. Then, the parameter value setting unit 26a sets the parameter value “25” obtained by adding “5” to the currently set parameter value “20” to the parameter value of the parameter “No Slice”, and sets the parameter value after the setting. “25” is stored in the parameter value storage unit 23b.

  Thereafter, the parameter value setting unit 26a sets a simulation flag indicating that it is a simulation instruction to “OFF” (step S105), and receives the parameter for which the change instruction has been received, the parameter value set for this parameter, and the simulation flag. The parameter value calculation unit 26b is sent to finish the process.

  On the other hand, in the case of right-clicking in Step S102 (Yes in Step S102), the parameter value setting unit 26a is a simulation instruction, and subsequently determines whether or not it is an upward triangle button (Step S106). That is, in the first embodiment, the parameter value setting unit 26a distinguishes and accepts either a simulation instruction for simulating a change in the parameter value in the upper limit direction or a simulation instruction for simulating a change in the lower limit direction. . Then, the parameter value setting unit 26a sets the simulation value corresponding to the accepted direction as the parameter value of the corresponding parameter.

  As indicated by reference symbol c in FIG. 4, when the button is an upward triangle button (Yes at step S106), since it is a simulation instruction for simulating a change in the parameter value in the upper limit direction, the parameter value setting unit 26a Then, the maximum value included in the permissible setting range of the corresponding parameter is set to the parameter for which the simulation instruction has been accepted (step S107).

  On the other hand, as shown by reference symbol a in FIG. 2, when the button is a downward triangular button (No in step S106), the parameter value setting unit 26a is configured to perform simulation because it is a simulation instruction for simulating a change in the parameter value in the lower limit direction. As a value, the minimum value included in the permissible setting range of the corresponding parameter is set as the parameter for which the simulation instruction has been received (step S108).

  Thereafter, the parameter value setting unit 26a sets a simulation flag indicating “simulation instruction” to “ON” (step S109), and receives the parameter for which the simulation instruction has been received, the simulation value set for this parameter, and the simulation flag. The parameter value calculation unit 26b is sent to finish the process.

  Note that the processing procedure shown in FIG. 7 is merely an example. For example, in the first embodiment, the parameter value setting unit 26a determines whether it is a normal change instruction or a simulation instruction depending on whether it is a left click or a right click. According to such a method, the operation for the simulation instruction is hardly different from the normal change instruction, there is no need to display a special button for the simulation instruction, and the edit screen is preferable in design. As an advantage. Note that the present invention is not limited to the example in which the simulation instruction is assigned to the right click. For example, if there is an operation button at the center of the mouse, the simulation instruction may be assigned to the click of the center operation button. In other words, any operation to which no instruction is assigned may be used.

  However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it may be a technique for determining whether the instruction is a normal change instruction or a simulation instruction by a combination of another operation and a normal operation. For example, when the mouse is simply left-clicked or when the mouse is left-clicked and the keyboard's “Shift key”, “Ctrl key”, or “Alt key” is pressed in combination. It may be a method for determining whether there is any. In addition, for example, a special button for instructing a simulation or a menu for switching to a simulation mode may be displayed on the editing screen.

  Further, for example, in the first embodiment, the parameter value setting unit 26a sets the maximum value and the minimum value included in the allowable setting range of the corresponding parameter as the simulation value. According to such a method, the simulation can be simplified. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as in a normal change instruction, the parameter value setting unit 26a acquires the type and number of buttons pressed on the editing screen, and sets the parameter value according to the acquired type and number as a simulation value. Also good.

(Parameter value calculator 26b)
Returning to FIG. 6, the parameter value calculation unit 26b receives parameters, parameter values or simulation values, and simulation flags from the parameter value setting unit 26a. In the case of a normal change instruction, the parameter value set for the parameter is used, and in the case of a simulation instruction, the simulation value set for the parameter is used to set the parameter value of another parameter included in the imaging condition. calculate. This calculation process is performed as necessary, as will be described later.

  Then, when the calculation process is performed, the parameter value calculation unit 26b sends the parameters and simulation flags received from the parameter value setting unit 26a and the parameter values of each parameter as the calculation result to the edit screen display control unit 26c. . Further, when the calculation process is not performed, the parameter value calculation unit 26b sends the parameter and the simulation flag received from the parameter value setting unit 26a to the editing screen display control unit 26c.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the parameter value calculation unit 26b according to the first embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the parameter value calculation unit 26b receives a parameter, a parameter value or a simulation value, and a simulation flag from the parameter value setting unit 26a (step S201), the parameter value change performed for the received parameter is performed. Determines whether the parameter value of other parameters can be affected (step S202).

  Here, in the following, a parameter whose change in parameter value can affect the parameter value of another parameter, or a parameter whose parameter value can be changed under the influence of change in the parameter value of other parameter is referred to as appropriate. This is called “linked parameter”. That is, in step S202, the parameter value calculation unit 26b determines whether or not the parameter received from the parameter value setting unit 26a is an interlock parameter. In the first embodiment, the parameter value calculation unit 26b stores in advance information indicating whether or not each parameter included in the imaging condition is an interlocking parameter by being registered in advance by the operator. Based on this information, it is determined whether or not the parameter is an interlocking parameter.

  If the parameter is not an interlocking parameter (No at Step S202), the parameter value calculation unit 26b does not need a calculation process for calculating the parameter value of another parameter, and therefore displays the parameter and simulation flag received from the parameter value setting unit 26a on the edit screen. The process is sent to the control unit 26c, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the parameter is an interlocking parameter (Yes at step S202), the parameter value calculation unit 26b calculates the parameter value of another parameter included in the imaging condition by a calculation process using an existing algorithm (step S203). The parameters and simulation flags received from the value setting unit 26a and the parameter values of the respective parameters as calculation results are sent to the edit screen display control unit 26c.

  Note that the parameter value used for this calculation process is a parameter value set in the parameter in the case of a normal change instruction, and is a simulation value set in the parameter in the case of a simulation instruction. The value calculation unit 26b may perform the calculation process without particularly understanding this difference. That is, the calculation process by the parameter value calculation unit 26b can be realized without changing the calculation process using the existing algorithm.

  9 and 10 are diagrams for explaining calculation processing by the parameter value calculation unit 26b according to the first embodiment. As described above, the parameter value calculation unit 26b performs a calculation process using an existing algorithm. There are many parameters included in the imaging conditions, and the influence relationship between the parameters is complicated. The existing algorithm was previously generated as a calculation formula for calculating another parameter value when the parameter value of a certain parameter was changed for a parameter group previously specified as a parameter group that affects each other. is there. Since there are a large number of parameters, an existing algorithm generally includes a plurality of calculation formulas.

  As shown in FIG. 9, for example, it is assumed that an influence relationship exists between parameter a, parameter b, parameter c, and parameter x. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, as an existing algorithm for calculating the parameter value of the parameter x when the parameter value of the parameter a, the parameter b, or the parameter c is changed, x = f (a , B, c) are generated in advance.

  For example, it is assumed that a simulation instruction for the parameter a is received by the parameter value setting unit 26a and the maximum value is set for the parameter a. In this case, the parameter value calculation unit 26b refers to an existing algorithm, extracts a calculation expression including, for example, the parameter a from a plurality of calculation expressions, and acquires, for example, “x = f (a, b, c)” To do. Next, the parameter value calculation unit 26b refers to the parameter value storage unit 23b, and parameter values currently set for the other parameters b and c included in the function f (a, b, c) (in FIG. 6). "Setting value") is acquired.

  Then, the parameter value calculation unit 26b calculates the function f (a, b, c) by substituting the maximum value for the parameter a and substituting the currently set parameter values for the parameter b and the parameter c. Then, the parameter value of the parameter x is acquired as the calculation result. The parameter value of the parameter x is a simulation result when the instruction received by the parameter value setting unit 26a is a simulation instruction.

  An existing algorithm will be described with a specific example. One of the parameters included in the imaging condition is “SAR”. In the imaging by the MRI apparatus, the SAR value is controlled not to exceed the allowable value by appropriately limiting the parameter value in the imaging planning stage. It is known that the value of this SAR is, for example, proportional to the square of the static magnetic field, proportional to the square of the flip angle, and proportional to the number of RF pulses within a certain time. For this reason, the mathematical relationship between the SAR value and a plurality of parameters included in the imaging condition is also known from such a known relationship, and a known algorithm is generated in advance. For example, the parameter value calculation unit 26b stores in advance a calculation formula of SAR = f (parameter “TR”, parameter “FA (Flip Angle: flip angle)”, parameter “number of slices”) as a known algorithm.

  Further, the parameter value calculation unit 26b stores such a calculation formula as a program described by an “if” statement as shown in FIG. 10, for example. Note that the example shown in FIG. 10 is merely an example of a certain calculation formula. For example, it is a program corresponding to a calculation formula of parameter “NUM_DUMMY_SHOT” = f (parameter “DETAIL_TR”, parameter “FLIP_ANGLE”, parameter “GATING_METHOD”). The existing algorithm stored by the parameter value calculation unit 26b may be a program that is appropriately generated according to the operation mode. In general, the parameter value calculation unit 26b stores a large number of such programs.

(Edit screen display control unit 26c)
Returning to FIG. 6, when the parameter value calculation unit 26b performs the calculation process, the edit screen display control unit 26c receives the parameters and simulation flags received from the parameter value setting unit 26a, and the parameters of each parameter as the calculation result. The value is received from the parameter value calculation unit 26b. Further, the editing screen display control unit 26c receives the parameter and the simulation flag received from the parameter value setting unit 26a from the parameter value calculation unit 26b when the calculation process is not performed in the parameter value calculation unit 26b.

  Then, when the parameter value calculation unit 26b performs the calculation process, the editing screen display control unit 26c specifies the affected interlocking parameter based on the calculation result, and the specified interlocking parameter is displayed on the editing screen. The display is controlled so as to be distinguished from other parameters.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure performed by the edit screen display control unit 26c according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, when the editing screen display control unit 26c receives a parameter, a simulation flag, and the like from the parameter value setting unit 26a (step S301), the editing screen display control unit 26c determines whether the simulation flag is “ON” (step S301). S302).

  When the simulation flag is “OFF” (No at Step S302), the editing screen display control unit 26c refers to the editing screen information storage unit 23a and the parameter value storage unit 23b, and changes the editing process as a normal parameter value change. An editing screen corresponding to the subsequent parameter value is displayed (step S303).

  On the other hand, when the simulation flag is “ON” (Yes at Step S302), the edit screen display control unit 26c determines whether there is an affected interlocking parameter (Step S304).

  For example, if the editing screen display control unit 26c does not accept the parameter value of each parameter as a calculation result from the parameter value calculation unit 26b, it is a case where the calculation process is not performed in the first place, and thus the affected interlocking It is determined that the parameter does not exist. For example, when the edit screen display control unit 26c receives the parameter value of each parameter as a calculation result from the parameter value calculation unit 26b, the parameter value indicated as the calculation result and the currently set parameter value The parameter value stored in the parameter value storage unit 23b is compared, and if a change has occurred, the parameter is identified as an affected interlocking parameter.

  If there is no affected interlocking parameter (No at Step S304), the edit screen display control unit 26c displays the currently displayed edit screen without any particular change (Step S305).

  On the other hand, if there is an affected linked parameter (Yes at Step S304), the edit screen display control unit 26c then determines that the affected linked parameter is the same as the edit screen to which the parameter that has received the simulation instruction belongs. It is determined whether or not the parameter belongs to an edit screen with a tab attached (step S306). Here, as described above, in the first embodiment, when a tab attached to each editing screen is selected, the editing screen is displayed by switching to the editing screen with the selected tab. It is a screen group.

  If the parameters belong to the editing screen with the same tab (Yes in step S306), the editing screen display control unit 26c displays the parameter value of the affected interlocking parameter in a color different from the other parameter values. (Step S307). For example, the edit screen display control unit 26c displays the character of the parameter value “266.0” of the parameter “TR” in red (the background of the edit screen is black and the other parameters are white), as indicated by symbol b in FIG. Is displayed. The parameter value itself does not reflect the simulation result and maintains the value before the simulation instruction.

  When the parameters do not belong to the editing screen with the same tab (No in step S306), the editing screen display control unit 26c identifies the editing screen to which the affected parameter belongs (step S308), and displays the editing screen in the identified editing screen. The attached tab is displayed in a different color from the tab attached to other editing screens (step S309). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the edit screen display control unit 26c displays the characters of the tab “SAR” in red (the edit screen background is black and the other tabs are white). When the tab is selected by the operator, the editing screen display control unit 26c displays the parameter value of the corresponding parameter in, for example, red (the editing screen has a black background and other parameters are white). .

(Effects of the first embodiment)
As described above, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment sets a simulation value for a parameter for which a simulation instruction has been received, and calculates parameter values for other parameters using the set simulation value. Next, the MRI apparatus 100 identifies a parameter whose value can be changed in conjunction with the parameter for which the simulation instruction has been received based on the calculation result, and displays the identified parameter separately from other parameters on the editing screen. Control to do.

  For this reason, according to the first embodiment, the operator of the MRI apparatus 100 can easily edit the imaging conditions. That is, according to the first embodiment, before the parameter value is changed, other parameters that may be affected by the change are notified to the operator, so the parameter value of the parameter that is not intended for the operator is changed. It will not result in. Then, since it is possible to know in advance the parameters affected by the change, which could conventionally be determined only after changing the parameter value, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations and improve operability.

  Here, in the first embodiment, there is an influence between the parameter indicating the number of slices (“No Slice”), the parameter indicating the repetition time (“TR”), and the parameter indicating the SAR (“SAR”). A relationship existed. In addition, the influence relationship according to the increase / decrease in the number of slices is not symmetrical, and if the number of slices is decreased, only the repetition time is affected, but if the number of slices is increased, both the repetition time and the SAR are affected. There was an asymmetric influence relationship.

  Therefore, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment accepts and accepts either a simulation instruction for changing the parameter value in the upper limit direction or a simulation instruction for changing the parameter value in the lower limit direction. The simulation value corresponding to the direction was set as a parameter. For this reason, according to the first embodiment, even when the influence relationship between parameters is asymmetric, the operator can be accurately notified of the parameters that can be affected by the change.

  Note that the MRI apparatus 100 may receive a simulation instruction that does not specify the direction of parameter value change. In this case, for example, the MRI apparatus 100 may extract a parameter common to the change in the upper limit direction and the lower limit direction and notify the operator, or either change in the upper limit direction or the lower limit direction. The operator may be notified of all affected parameters.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
By the way, the influence relationship of the parameters described in the first embodiment is merely an example, and can be similarly applied to other parameters having the influence relationship.

(Modification 1)
For example, an influence relationship exists between a parameter indicating whether or not a fat suppression pulse is applied (“Fatsat Pulse”) and a parameter indicating the type of collection method (“Segment Type”). For example, when the Swirl method is selected as the collection method, there is an influence relationship that a fat suppression pulse cannot be applied. Therefore, when “Swirl” is selected as the parameter “Segment Type”, the parameter value calculation unit 26b uses a calculation formula that outputs “OFF” as the parameter value of the parameter “Fatsat Pulse” as an existing algorithm in advance. I remember it.

  In this case, for example, it is assumed that the parameter “Fatsat Pulse” is “ON” and the parameter value setting unit 26 a receives a simulation instruction to select “Swirl” as the parameter “Segment Type”. Then, the parameter value calculation unit 26b calculates that the parameter value of the parameter “Fatsat Pulse” is “OFF” by calculation using an existing algorithm. As a result, the edit screen display control unit 26c compares the parameter value “ON” currently set in the parameter “Fatsat Pulse” with the parameter value “OFF” which is the calculation result, so that a change has occurred. The parameter “Fatsat Pulse” is specified as the affected interlocking parameter. Then, the editing screen display control unit 26c sets the parameter value in a different color depending on whether or not the parameter “Fatsat Pulse” belongs to the editing screen with the same tab as the parameter “Fatsat Pulse”. Or display tabs in different colors.

(Modification 2)
In addition, for example, there is an influence relationship between a parameter indicating the temporal change rate (dB / dt) of the gradient magnetic field strength and the SAR. For example, there is an asymmetric influence relationship in which the SAR is not affected when the time change rate is moderate, but the SAR is affected when the time change rate is steep. For this reason, the parameter value calculation unit 26b stores in advance a calculation formula indicating such an influence relationship between the time change rate and the SAR as an existing algorithm.

  In this case, for example, it is assumed that the parameter value setting unit 26a receives a simulation instruction with the downward triangular button arranged beside the time change rate parameter. Then, the parameter value calculation unit 26b substitutes the minimum value for the parameter of the time change rate and performs calculation using an existing algorithm. In this case, the parameter value of the SAR calculated is the SAR already set. The parameter value is not different from the parameter value. For this reason, the edit screen display control unit 26c displays the edit screen currently displayed without any particular change.

  On the other hand, for example, it is assumed that the parameter value setting unit 26a receives a simulation instruction with an upward triangular button arranged beside the time change rate parameter. Then, the parameter value calculation unit 26b substitutes the maximum value for the parameter of the time change rate and performs calculation using the existing algorithm. In this case, the parameter value of the SAR calculated is the SAR already set. The parameter value is higher than the parameter value. For this reason, the edit screen display control unit 26c displays the parameter value in a different color depending on whether or not the SAR is a parameter belonging to the edit screen with the same tab as the time change rate parameter. Or the tabs are displayed in different colors.

(Second Embodiment)
Subsequently, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the example in which the operator is notified of other parameters that can be affected by the change before the parameter value of the parameter included in the imaging condition is changed has been described. Here, as described above, the influence relationship between parameters is complicated. For this reason, for example, a different influence relationship may be generated by forcibly “fixing” a parameter value of a parameter that can be affected by the change. The MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment forcibly “fixes” the parameter value of a certain parameter that can be affected by the change, and then sets other parameters that are newly affected by the change. An example of notifying the operator will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment further includes a parameter value fixed setting unit 26 d in the control unit 26.

  The parameter value fixing setting unit 26d receives an instruction to fix a value for the parameter displayed on the editing screen, and sets a fixed value to the parameter for which the instruction has been received. Also, the parameter value fixing setting unit 26d sends the parameter for which the instruction for fixing the value is received and the fixed value set to this parameter to the parameter value calculating unit 26b.

  When the parameter value calculation unit 26b receives a simulation instruction from the parameter value setting unit 26a and receives a fixed value set for the parameter from the parameter value fixed setting unit 26d, the parameter value calculation unit 26b fixes this together with the simulation value. Using the value, the parameter value of another parameter included in the imaging condition is calculated.

  13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating an example of an editing screen according to the second embodiment. 13 and 14 are merely examples showing a part of the edit screen for convenience of explanation. The overall image of the edit screen, the design of the edit screen, the name of the parameter, the parameter arrangement, the parameter value, and the like are as follows. Any change can be made according to the mode of operation.

  For example, as described above, the parameter value calculation unit 26b stores in advance a calculation formula SAR = f (parameter “TR”, parameter “FA”, parameter “number of slices”) as a known algorithm. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, it is assumed that the operator right-clicks the downward triangular button arranged beside the parameter “TR”. Then, the maximum value included in the allowable setting range of the parameter “TR” is set in the parameter “TR”, and the parameter value calculation unit 26b substitutes the maximum value for the parameter “TR”, and also sets the parameter “FA” and the parameter “TR”. The “slice number” is calculated by substituting the currently set parameter value. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the editing screen display control unit 26c changes the character of the parameter value “2” of the parameter “SAR” to red (the background of the editing screen is black, and the other parameters are white). ).

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 13B, the operator right-clicks the parameter “SAR” to display a pull-down menu on the editing screen, and left-click the menu “fix parameter value”. Is selected. Then, the parameter value fixed setting unit 26d receives an instruction to fix a value for the parameter “SAR”, refers to the parameter value storage unit 23b, and sets the currently set fixed value “ 2 ”is set.

  Then, the parameter value calculation unit 26b substitutes the maximum value for the parameter “TR”, substitutes the fixed value “2” for the parameter “SAR”, and substitutes the parameter value for the parameter “FA” and the parameter “slice number”. Do calculations without In this case, although depending on the existing algorithm, for example, the parameter values of the parameter “FA” and the parameter “number of slices” both change, and the edit screen display control unit 26c, as shown in FIG. The character of the parameter value “20” of the parameter “number of slices” and the character of the parameter value “30” of the parameter “FA” are displayed in red (the background of the editing screen is black and the other parameters are white).

  The following example will be described. For example, the parameter value calculation unit 26b stores in advance a calculation formula of imaging time = f (parameter “number of slices”, parameter “number of imaging times”) as a known algorithm. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, it is assumed that the operator right-clicks an upward triangular button arranged beside the parameter “number of slices”. Then, the maximum value included in the allowable setting range of the parameter “number of slices” is set as the parameter “number of slices”, and the parameter value calculation unit 26b substitutes this maximum value for the parameter “number of slices” and The number of times is calculated by substituting the currently set parameter value. Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the editing screen display control unit 26c changes the character of the parameter value “270.0” of the parameter “imaging time” to red (the background of the editing screen is black, other The parameter is displayed in white).

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B, the operator right-clicks the parameter “imaging time” to display a pull-down menu on the editing screen, and the menu “fix parameter value” is displayed on the left. Suppose you select by clicking. For example, in breath-holding imaging, when the patient is an elderly person, there is a limit to the time for breath-holding, and thus the parameter “imaging time” may have to be fixed in this way. Then, the parameter value fixing setting unit 26d receives an instruction to fix a value for the parameter “imaging time”, refers to the parameter value storage unit 23b, and is currently set to the parameter “imaging time” for which the instruction has been received. The value “270.0” is set.

  Then, the parameter value calculation unit 26b substitutes the maximum value for the parameter “number of slices”, substitutes the fixed value “270.0” for the parameter “imaging time”, and substitutes the parameter value for the parameter “number of times of imaging”. Do the calculation without. In this case, although depending on the existing algorithm, for example, the parameter value of the parameter “number of times of imaging” changes in the increasing direction, and the edit screen display control unit 26c, as shown in FIG. The character of “number of times” parameter value “1” is displayed in red (the background of the editing screen is black, and other parameters are white).

(Effect of 2nd Embodiment)
As described above, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment further includes the parameter value fixed setting unit 26d. The parameter value fixed setting unit 26d receives an instruction to fix a value for any one of a plurality of parameters whose values can be changed in conjunction with a certain parameter, and sets a fixed value for the parameter for which the instruction has been received. Further, the parameter value calculation unit 26b calculates the values of other parameters included in the imaging conditions using the simulation value and the fixed value.

  For this reason, according to the second embodiment, an appropriate simulation can be performed and the influence of the change can be newly exerted in response to an individual request to fix the parameter value of a certain parameter. The operator can be notified of the other parameters.

(Other embodiments)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the example in which the character color of the parameter value is displayed in a different color has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the parameter value may be highlighted by blinking. The border of the parameter item itself may be displayed in a different color or highlighted. Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the example in which the tab characters are displayed in different colors has been described, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the background color of the tab itself may be displayed in a different color. That is, the display method for distinguishing parameters and tabs is not limited to the above-described example as long as the display method can be distinguished by the operator, and can be arbitrarily changed.

  In the first embodiment, the parameter value calculation unit 26b has been described as performing a calculation process using an existing algorithm, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a table in which how other parameter values change when a parameter value of a certain parameter is changed is stored in advance, and the parameter value calculation unit 26b refers to this table to The parameter value of the parameter may be derived.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

20 Computer System 26 Control Unit 26a Parameter Value Setting Unit 26b Parameter Value Calculation Unit 26c Edit Screen Control Unit

Claims (5)

A setting unit that receives an instruction to simulate a change in a value for a predetermined parameter included in the imaging condition, and sets a simulation value in the parameter that has received the instruction;
Using a simulation value set for the predetermined parameter, a calculation unit that calculates a value of another parameter included in the imaging condition;
Based on the calculation result, a parameter whose value can be changed in conjunction with the predetermined parameter is identified, and the identified parameter is displayed separately from other parameters on the editing screen for editing the imaging condition. And a display control unit that controls the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.   The setting unit accepts either an instruction for simulating a change in the upper limit direction of the value or an instruction for simulating a change in the lower limit direction, and sets a simulation value corresponding to the received direction in the parameter. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1. A fixed value setting unit that receives an instruction to fix a value for any of the plurality of parameters whose values can be changed in conjunction with the predetermined parameter, and further sets a fixed value to the parameter that has received the instruction Prepared,
The calculation unit uses the simulation value set for the predetermined parameter and the fixed value set for the parameter whose value can be changed in conjunction with the predetermined parameter, and includes the other values included in the imaging condition. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a parameter value is calculated. The editing screen is a group of editing screens that are displayed by switching to an editing screen with the selected tab when a tab attached to each editing screen is selected,
When the specified parameter is a parameter belonging to an edit screen with the same tab as the edit screen to which the predetermined parameter belongs, the display control unit displays the specified parameter in a color different from the other parameters. And the specified parameter is not a parameter belonging to the edit screen with the same tab as the edit screen to which the predetermined parameter belongs, the tab attached to the edit screen to which the specified parameter belongs, The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is displayed in a color different from a tab attached to another editing screen.   The setting unit receives an instruction for simulating the change of the value by an operation different from the operation of the change instruction on the same button as the button for receiving the change instruction for instructing the change of the value for the predetermined parameter. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus receives the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

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