JP2013202330A - Scanning condition setting device, and photographing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow an operator to find and choose balance corresponding to a scanning condition really wanted to be set up in the scanning condition setting device for setting up the scanning condition when an object is scanned, when the operator chooses one balance from a plurality of the balances between the scanning time and an image quality level and sets up the scanning condition.SOLUTION: Equipped with a choosing means in which, in a display device, a plurality of pairs of scanning time and an image quality level are made to be quantitatively displayed, and one pair from a plurality of these pairs responding to operation of an operator is chosen, the scanning condition setting device sets up the scanning condition, associated with the pair chosen by the choosing means, as the scanning condition when an object is scanned.

Description

  The present invention relates to a scan condition setting device and a photographing device for setting a scan condition, and a program for the same.

  When scanning an object with an imaging device to obtain an image, generally understand how much the image quality changes, such as image contrast (contrast), SN ratio, and spatial resolution, when items of scanning conditions are adjusted It is not easy. For this reason, it is difficult to adjust the items of the scan conditions so as to obtain a suitable image quality. In general, scan time and image quality are in a trade-off relationship, but the balance between scan time and image quality is adjusted according to the shooting conditions and image usage. There is a need to.

  Therefore, a plurality of scan conditions with different balances between scan time and image quality are prepared in advance, the operator selects one balance from the plurality of balances, and scan conditions corresponding to the selected balance are A method of setting as a scan condition used in actual scanning has been proposed (see Patent Document 1, Abstract).

JP 2011-98128 A

  By the way, among the scanning conditions, items that define the size of the imaging region, the scanning method, and the like are preferably items in which the operator can arbitrarily change the setting contents. However, if these items are changed, the scan time and image quality will change even if other major items in the scan conditions are the same. Also, a considerable amount of calculation is required to estimate the scan time and image quality from the scan conditions.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the balance options between the scan time and the image quality are displayed on a scale or the like. However, the image quality is not displayed at a specific level, and the scan time is not selected when the balance is selected. The calculation is made based on the setting of each item of the scanning condition at that time, and is displayed.

  However, in this case, the specific image quality level remains unknown throughout, and the specific scan time becomes apparent only when the balance is selected. For this reason, the operator does not know which of the plurality of balances really corresponds to the scanning condition he / she wants to set, or which suits his / her feeling.

  For this reason, when an operator selects one balance from a plurality of balances of scan time and image quality level and sets the scan condition, the balance corresponding to the scan condition that the operator really wants to set is selected. There is a demand for a scanning condition setting device and an imaging device that can find and select an image.

The invention of the first aspect
A scan condition setting device for setting scan conditions when scanning an object,
The display device includes a selection means for quantitatively displaying a plurality of combinations of scan time and image quality level, and selecting one combination from the plurality of combinations according to an operation by an operator.
Provided is a scan condition setting device for setting a scan condition associated with a combination selected by the selection means as a scan condition when scanning the object.

The invention of the second aspect is
A plurality of scan conditions are determined based on settings of some items constituting the scan condition, and a combination of a scan time and an image quality level estimated when scanning is performed according to each of the determined plurality of scan conditions. A scan condition setting device according to the first aspect including a determining unit that determines a combination is provided.

The invention of the third aspect is
Some items constituting the scan condition include FOV (Field Of View), slice thickness (slice).
The scan condition setting device according to the second aspect, which is at least one of thickness), the number of slices, and a scan method.

The invention of the fourth aspect is
In the second aspect or the third aspect, the determination unit determines the plurality of scan conditions based on a target level set for an SN ratio (Signal Noise ratio) of data (data) obtained by scanning. A scan condition setting device is provided.

The invention of the fifth aspect is
The scanning condition according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, wherein the determining means determines the plurality of scanning conditions based on a target level set for the sharpness of an image obtained by scanning. A setting device is provided.

The invention of the sixth aspect is
The selection means displays a bar (bar) that defines a position corresponding to each of the plurality of combinations, and a slider (slider) that can be moved to each position defined in the bar. Accordingly, there is provided a scan condition setting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects in which the one combination is selected in response.

The invention of the seventh aspect
The selection means uses a two-dimensional coordinate that defines a position corresponding to each of the plurality of combinations using an axis that represents a scan time and an axis that represents an image quality level, and is arranged at each position defined by the two-dimensional coordinate. There is provided a scan condition setting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the displayed figure is displayed and the one combination is selected according to the position of the designated figure.

The invention of the eighth aspect
The scan condition setting device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the image quality level is a resolution.

The invention of the ninth aspect is
An imaging apparatus comprising the scan condition setting device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is provided.

The invention of the tenth aspect is
An imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect for performing magnetic resonance tomography is provided.

The invention of the eleventh aspect is
A program for causing a computer to function as the scan condition setting device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is provided.

  According to the invention of the above aspect, since a plurality of combinations of the scan time and the image quality level are quantitatively displayed, the operator can specify a specific scan time for each balance of the scan time and the image quality level as options. In addition, it is possible to grasp the image quality level at a time, and it is possible to instantly find and select a balance that matches the operator's feeling.

1 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the flow (flow) when making a scanning plan. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen displayed on the display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the main items and the meaning of the scanning conditions shown on a display window (window). It is explanatory drawing of the item which can change a setting content automatically, confirming the balance of scanning time and image quality. It is a figure which shows an example of the display window for enabling it to change automatically the scanning conditions regarding the group (item) G of an item, confirming quantitatively the balance of scanning time and image quality. It is an enlarged view of a display window. It is a figure explaining how several combinations of scanning time and resolution are determined. It is a figure explaining the relationship between the position of a slider and scanning conditions. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen which displays the operation panel (panel) in 2nd Embodiment.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging System (MRI (Magnetic Resonance)
The imaging device 1) includes a magnetic field generator 2, a table 3, a receiving coil 4, and the like.

  The magnetic field generator 2 includes a bore 21 in which the subject 13 is accommodated, a superconducting coil 22, a gradient coil 23, and a transmission coil 24. The superconducting coil 22 applies a static magnetic field B0, the gradient coil 23 applies a gradient pulse (pulse), and the transmission coil 24 transmits an RF (radio frequency) pulse. The subject 13 is an example of a scan target in the invention.

  The table 3 has a cradle 31 for transporting the subject 13. The subject 13 is transported to the bore 21 by a cradle 31.

  The receiving coil 4 is attached to the head 13a of the subject 13, for example, and receives a magnetic resonance signal from the head 13a.

  The MRI apparatus 1 further includes a sequencer 5, a transmitter 6, a gradient magnetic field power source 7, a receiver 8, a database 9, a central processing unit 10, an input device 11, and a display device 12. .

  Under the control of the central processing unit 10, the sequencer 5 sends RF pulse information (center frequency, bandwidth, etc.) to the transmitter 6, and gradient magnetic field information (gradient magnetic field strength, etc.) to the gradient magnetic field power supply 7. send.

  The transmitter 6 drives the transmission coil 24 based on the information sent from the sequencer 5.

  The gradient magnetic field power source 7 drives the gradient coil 23 based on the information sent from the sequencer 5.

  The receiver 8 processes the magnetic resonance signal received by the receiving coil 4 and transmits it to the central processing unit 10.

  The database 9 stores reconstructed image data, scan conditions, programs, and the like.

  The central processing unit 10 summarizes the operations of each unit of the MRI apparatus 1 so as to realize various operations of the MRI apparatus 1 such as reconstructing an image based on a signal received from the receiver 8. Further, the central processing unit 10 determines a plurality of scanning conditions that are considered suitable based on information input by the operator 14 via the input device 11 and stores them in the database 9. Further, the central processing unit 10 quantitatively obtains a combination of scan time and image quality level corresponding to a plurality of scan conditions stored in the database 9 and controls the display device 12 so that they are displayed. The central processing unit 10 selects a scan condition corresponding to the combination of the scan time and the image quality level designated by the operator, and sets it as the scan condition used for the actual scan. The central processing unit 10 is configured by, for example, a computer. The central processing unit 10 is an example of a determination unit, a selection unit, and a setting unit in the invention, and functions as a determination unit, a selection unit, and a setting unit by executing a predetermined program.

  The input device 11 inputs various commands to the central processing unit 10 according to the operation of the operator 14. The display device 12 displays various information.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a flow when the operator 14 makes a scan plan.

  In step S <b> 1, the operator 14 operates the input device 11 to display a screen for setting scan conditions on the display device 12.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display device 12.

  In the example of FIG. 3, seven tasks 12a to 12g performed when the subject 13 is imaged are shown in the upper left of the display screen. A task defines scanning conditions and the like, and is prepared for each scanning method to be set and each imaging region. The scan method is defined by the type of data collection method and the type of acquired image. As a data collection method, for example, a spin echo method, a fast spin echo (FSE) method, a gradient echo method, an echo planner method, a flair (FLAIR; FLuid Attenuated) Inversion Recovery) method can be considered. Further, as the types of acquired images, for example, a T1 weighted image, a T2 weighted image, a proton density weighted image, and the like can be considered. In the example of FIG. 3, for example, the task 12d defines a scanning condition for obtaining a T2-weighted image by the flare method and is adjusted for the head. The operator 14 displays these tasks on the display screen, adds / deletes tasks as necessary, and then proceeds to step S2.

  In step S2, the operator 14 confirms the scanning conditions regarding the tasks 12a to 12g. For example, when the operator 14 wants to confirm the scan condition related to the task 12d, the operator 14 operates the input device 11 to select the task 12d. When the task 12d is selected, a scan condition related to the task 12d and the like are displayed in the display window 121 at the lower part of the display screen. The display window 121 also displays a scan time 121a. In the example of FIG. 3, the scan time ST is “2 minutes 58 seconds”. The scan condition has a plurality of items. Hereinafter, items of scan conditions will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main items of the scanning conditions displayed on the display window 121 and their meanings.

  The operator 14 can confirm the scan condition by referring to the display window 121. After confirming the scanning conditions, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the operator 14 determines whether or not to manually change the scan condition.

  If the operator 14 wishes to manually change the scan condition setting displayed in the display window 121, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the operator 14 changes the scan condition setting. The operator 14 cannot change the setting contents of the items “# of TE (s) per Scan” and “Echo Train Length” among the scan condition items, but the operator 14 14 itself can change the setting contents. Therefore, when it is desired to shorten the scan time, the operator 14 can shorten the scan time by, for example, reducing the value of the item “Phase” or reducing the value of the item “Freq.FOV”. Further, when it is desired to increase the resolution, for example, the resolution can be increased by increasing the value of the item “Phase”.

  On the other hand, in step S3, when the operator 14 wants to automatically change the main items of the scan conditions while checking the balance between the scan time and the image quality, the process proceeds to step S5.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of items that can be changed automatically by the operator 14 while checking the balance between the scan time and the image quality.

  In the present embodiment, for a predetermined group G of items displayed in the display window 121, the operator 14 automatically sets the setting contents while checking the balance between the scan time and the image quality. Can be changed. In addition to the items “Coil” and “Scan Plane”, for items that are preferable for the operator 14 to arbitrarily change the setting contents such as “Freq.FOV”, “Slice Thickness”, “# Slices”, etc. Not included in G.

  In step S5, the operator 14 displays a display window for automatically changing the scanning condition related to the group G of items while checking the balance between the scanning time and the image quality. Then, the operator 14 sets a predetermined item on the display window.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display window 123 for automatically changing the scan condition related to the group G of items while quantitatively confirming the balance between the scan time and the image quality. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the display window. In this example, the image quality is the spatial resolution, that is, the resolution of an image obtained by scanning.

  The display screen is provided with a window switching button 122 for switching the display window. By operating this button 122, the operator 14 can automatically change the scanning condition for the group G of items (see FIG. 5) while quantitatively checking the balance between the scanning time and the image quality. Display window 123 can be displayed.

  In the display window 123, fields "Freq.FOV", "Slice Thickness", and "# Slices" fields R1 to R3 that allow the operator 14 to arbitrarily change the setting contents are displayed. The operator 14 sets these items by directly entering values in the columns R1 to R3. Note that some initial values are initially set for these items. In the example of FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, “24” is set for the item “Freq.FOV”, “4” is set for the item “Slice Thickness”, and “12” is set for the item “# Slices”. ing.

  In the display window 123, a column R4 of the index “SNR” is displayed. The index “SNR” is the level of the S / N ratio of data obtained by scanning (hereinafter referred to as scan data), and the target level can be set in the column R4 of the index “SNR”. The target level candidates for the index “SNR” are prepared in three stages of “High”, “Mid”, and “Low”, and the operator 14 selects one candidate from the plurality of candidates. . “High”, “Mid”, and “Low” that are candidates for the target level of the index “SNR” each define a range to which the S / N ratio of the scan data estimated from the scan condition belongs. Note that some initial value is initially set in the column “SNR” of the index “SNR”. In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, “High”, that is, the highest target level among the three levels, is set as an initial value in the column “R4” of the index “SNR”.

  The display window 123 displays a slider bar 124 for selecting a combination of scan time and resolution. The slider bar 124 includes a slider 124a and a bar 124b that defines a movable range of the slider 124a. The bar 124b is provided with scales M1 to M5 for representing the balance between the scanning time and the resolution in five stages. The scales M1 to M5 mean that the resolution is improved but the scanning time is increased as the scale moves from the leftmost scale M1 to the rightmost scale M5. When the operator 14 adjusts the position of the slider 124a, the scanning condition regarding the group G of items is automatically adjusted.

  On the scales M1 to M5, combinations K1 to K5 of scan times and resolutions corresponding to these are quantitatively displayed. In the example of FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, the scan time and resolution combination K1 corresponding to the scale M1 is “1 minute 46 seconds” and “1.1 mm”, and the scan time and resolution corresponding to the scale M5 are The combination K5 is “4 minutes and 5 seconds” and “0.7 mm”.

  Here, how the plurality of combinations K1 to K5 of the scan time and the resolution are determined will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining how a plurality of combinations K1 to K5 of scan time and resolution are determined.

  In step S <b> 51, the operator 14 sets some items and indices among items constituting the scan condition.

  In step S52, based on the setting of some items and the setting of the index at the present time, a plurality of suitable scanning conditions that meet such conditions are determined. In this example, based on the scanning method set in the selected task (in this example, the T2-weighted image of the first spin echo method) and the setting contents of each item in the display window 123, a plurality of suitable items are selected. Determine the scanning conditions.

  For example, the setting values and setting value ranges of some items and the settings of the items “Freq.FOV”, “Slice thickness”, and “# slices” that are predetermined for each type of scanning method are set as “Restrictions”. As described above, the nonlinear optimization problem is solved, and a large number of combinations of set values of the items of the group G are obtained as “possible solutions”. A known algorithm for solving the nonlinear optimization problem may be used. A plurality of scan conditions determined from the combination of the set value of the item of the group G that is the obtained “possible solution” and the settings of other items including the item “Freq.FOV” are specified. For each of the specified plurality of scan conditions, the scan time, resolution, and S / N ratio of the scan data are estimated by calculation. A scan condition in which the estimated S / N ratio falls within a numerical range corresponding to the target level set in the index “SNR” is extracted from these many scan conditions. Among the extracted scan conditions, a plurality of scan conditions (in this example, five) in which the balance between the estimated scan time and the resolution is changed stepwise at an appropriate interval are represented by a plurality of suitable scan conditions SA1 to SA1. Determine as SA5.

  In step S53, combinations of set values of group G items in the determined scan conditions SA1 to SA5 are stored in the database 9 as scan conditions SC1 to SC5 related to group G items.

  In step S54, for each of the determined plurality of preferable scan conditions SA1 to SA5, a combination of the scan time and the resolution estimated when scanning is performed according to the scan condition is a combination of the scan time and the resolution. Determine as K1 to K5. In the above example, in the process of determining a plurality of suitable scan conditions SA1 to SA5, the scan time and resolution are already estimated for each scan condition. Therefore, in this case, they may be determined as a plurality of combinations K1 to K5 of the scan time and the resolution as they are.

  In step S55, the determined combinations of scan times and resolutions K1 to K5 are displayed so as to be attached to the scales M1 to M5, respectively.

  It should be noted that the processing from step S52 to S55 is performed again each time the setting content of any item or index in the display window 123 is changed. That is, when the setting contents of these items or indices are changed, a plurality of suitable scanning conditions SA1 to SA5 and a plurality of scanning conditions SC1 to SC5 relating to the group G items are determined again, and a plurality of scanning times and resolutions are determined. The combinations K1 to K5 are also determined again. Then, the display of the combinations K1 to K5 of the scan times and resolutions attached to the scales M1 to M5 is also updated.

  In this way, the display window 123 is displayed, and when the setting of each item in the display window 123 and the setting of the target level of the index are completed, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the operator 14 moves the slider 124a in consideration of the relationship between the scan time and the image quality desired by the operator 14 and the quantitative sense thereof.

  Here, how the scan condition is adjusted according to the position of the slider 124a will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the position of the slider 124a and the scanning conditions.

  FIG. 9 shows a group G (see FIG. 5) of items in the scan condition. The database 9 stores five scan conditions SC1 to SC5 determined as described above as scan conditions for the group G of items. When the operator 14 moves the slider 124a to the leftmost scale M1, the scanning condition SC1 is selected. The scan condition SC1 sets the contents of the item group G so that the image quality is the worst of the scan conditions SC1 to SC5, but the scan time is the shortest. As the operator 14 moves the slider 124a from the leftmost scale M1 to the scales M2, M3, M4, and M5, the scan conditions SC2, SC3, SC4, and SC5 are sequentially selected. As the position of the slider 124a approaches the rightmost scale M5, the scan conditions SC1 to SC5 are set so that the image quality has priority over the scan time. When the slider 124a is moved to the right end scale M5, the scan condition SC5 is selected. The scan condition SC5 has the longest scan time among the scan conditions SC1 to SC5, but the contents of the group G of items are set so that the image quality is the best.

  For example, when it is desired to shorten the scan time as much as possible by taking a little hurry, but to ensure a resolution of about 1.0 mm, the operator 14 moves the slider 124a from the left end to the second scale M2. As a result, the scan condition SC2 that allows scanning in the shortest scan time is automatically selected from among the scan conditions that can ensure a resolution of at least 1.0 mm.

  For example, when the resolution is desired to be as high as possible, but the scanning time can only be set to about 3 minutes, the operator 14 moves the slider 124a to the center scale M3. As a result, the scan condition SC3 that allows scanning with the highest resolution among the scan conditions with a scan time of approximately 3 minutes or less is automatically selected.

  For example, when it is desired to scan with a fine resolution of 0.7 mm or less regardless of the scanning time, the operator 14 moves the slider 124a to the right end scale M5. As a result, although the longest scan time is required, the scan condition SC5 that allows a high-resolution scan of 0.7 mm is automatically selected.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, since a plurality of combinations of scan time and image quality level are quantitatively displayed, the operator can specify each balance of scan time and image quality level as options. It is possible to grasp in advance the typical scan time and image quality level, and to find and select a balance that matches the operator's feeling, that is, a balance that corresponds to the scanning condition that the operator really wants to set.

  In general, if some of the items that make up the scan conditions, such as items that define the size of the imaging area or items that specify the scan method, are changed, the other items are substantially the same. However, the preferred scan conditions, scan time and image quality level will vary. In the present embodiment, a plurality of scan conditions are determined based on some settings of items constituting the scan conditions, and a plurality of combinations of scan time and image quality level are determined from the plurality of scan conditions. Therefore, even when the operator changes some items in the scanning conditions, the scanning conditions as options are updated each time, and the exact scanning conditions when actually scanning with those scanning conditions are also updated. The combination of scan time and image quality level can be updated and displayed. As a result, the operator can always have a suitable scan condition as an option, and can always refer to an accurate combination of scan time and image quality level.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of combinations are determined based on the target level of the S / N ratio of the scan data. Therefore, the operator can set a scan condition for obtaining scan data of a desired S / N ratio level as a scan condition used for an actual scan without performing complicated adjustment of each item constituting the scan condition. . In addition, instead of or in addition to the target level of the S / N ratio of the scan data, the target level of the “other index” can be set, and the target set for the “other index” as in the case of the S / N ratio. The plurality of combinations may be determined based on the level. As the “other index”, for example, the sharpness of the image can be considered.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the combination of the scan time and the image quality can be selected using the slider bar 124. In the second embodiment, a plurality of buttons are arranged on the two-dimensional coordinates. It can be selected using an operation panel. Below, the operation panel 125 in 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. Note that the hardware configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen that displays the operation panel 125 according to the second embodiment.

  Although not shown, the display window 123 in which the operation panel 125 is displayed displays the fields “Freq.FOV”, “Slice Thickness”, and “# Slices” columns R1 to R3, but the index “ The “SNR” column is not displayed.

  In the display window 123, an operation panel 125 for selecting a combination of scan time and resolution is displayed. The operation panel 125 includes a two-dimensional coordinate 125a and a button 125b arranged at a coordinate position in the two-dimensional coordinate 125a. The horizontal axis of the two-dimensional coordinate 125a represents the scan time, and the vertical axis represents the resolution. In the two-dimensional coordinate 125a, for each of the three target levels of the index “SNR”, that is, “High”, “Mid”, and “Low”, there are a total of 15 coordinate positions that represent the balance between scan time and resolution in five stages. Button 125b is displayed. For example, the button B3 corresponding to the combination K3 of the scan time “3 minutes 05 seconds” and the resolution “0.9 mm” has the scan time coordinates “3 minutes 05 seconds” and the resolution coordinates “0.9 mm. Is arranged at a coordinate position.

  The space or button 125b in the two-dimensional coordinates 125a is estimated when scanning is performed according to the scanning conditions set when the combination of the scan time and the resolution corresponding to each coordinate position of the space or button 125b is selected. Color coding is performed according to the level of the SN ratio of the data. In the example of FIG. 10, if the estimated S / N level is within the range defined by “High”, it is “green”, if it is within the range defined by “Mid”, it is within the range defined by “Yellow” and “Low”. If it belongs to the range other than these, it is color-coded as “black”.

  The operator 14 selects a button arranged at a coordinate position of a combination of a desired scanning time and resolution from the displayed buttons B1 to B15 and presses it in a pseudo manner, thereby corresponding to the combination. The scan conditions for the item group G are automatically set. At this time, if the operator 14 selects a combination of scan time and resolution from among the color-coded groups in which the index “SNR” matches the desired target level, the operator 14 acquires the scan data at the desired SN ratio level. Can be set.

  The embodiment of the invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  In the first and second embodiments, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is described. However, the invention can be applied to other imaging apparatuses such as a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 MRI apparatus 2 Magnetic field generator 3 Table 4 Reception coil 5 Sequencer 6 Transmitter 7 Gradient magnetic field power supply 8 Receiver 9 Database 10 Central processing unit 11 Input apparatus 12 Display apparatus 13 Subject 14 Operator 22 Superconducting coil 23 Gradient coil 24 Transmitter coil 31 Cradle

Claims (11)

A scan condition setting device for setting scan conditions when scanning an object,
The display device includes a selection means for quantitatively displaying a plurality of combinations of scan time and image quality level, and selecting one combination from the plurality of combinations according to an operation by an operator.
A scan condition setting device that sets a scan condition associated with a combination selected by the selection unit as a scan condition when scanning the target.   A plurality of scan conditions are determined based on settings of some items constituting the scan condition, and a combination of a scan time and an image quality level estimated when scanning is performed according to each of the determined plurality of scan conditions. The scan condition setting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination unit that determines the combination.   The scan condition setting device according to claim 2, wherein some of the items constituting the scan condition are at least one of FOV (size of imaging field of view), slice thickness, number of slices, and scan method.   The scan condition setting device according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines the plurality of scan conditions based on a target level set for an S / N ratio of data obtained by scanning.   The scan condition setting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the determination unit determines the plurality of scan conditions based on a target level set for a sharpness of an image obtained by scanning. .   The selection means displays a bar defining a position corresponding to each of the plurality of combinations, and a slider movable to each position defined in the bar, and the one combination is displayed according to the position of the slider. The scan condition setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the scan condition setting device is selected.   The selection means uses a two-dimensional coordinate that defines a position corresponding to each of the plurality of combinations using an axis indicating a scan time and an axis indicating an image quality level, and is arranged at each position defined by the two-dimensional coordinate. The scan condition setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a displayed figure is displayed and the one combination is selected according to a position of the designated figure.   The scan condition setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the image quality level is a resolution.   An imaging device comprising the scan condition setting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 9, which performs magnetic resonance tomography.   The program for functioning a computer as a scanning condition setting apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-8.

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