JP2019092653A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of transmitting information on a high frequency coil to a user easily.SOLUTION: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a trestle 8, a plurality of ports 9b, a narrowing part, and a display control part. The trestle collects a magnetic resonance signal from a subject S. The plurality of ports can be designated as connection destinations of a high frequency coil that receives the magnetic resonance signal. The narrowing part narrows the port for the connection destination of the high frequency coil used for a second examination from the plurality of ports according to an imaging condition between a first examination and the second examination performed after the first examination. The display control part causes a display part to display an operation procedure determined based on the port narrowed by the narrowing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

  The nuclear spins of the subject placed in the static magnetic field are magnetically excited with an RF (Radio Frequency) signal of Larmor frequency, and the image is re-created from the MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal generated along with this excitation. There is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device to configure. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises a radio frequency (Radio Frequency) coil. The high frequency coil is connected to, for example, a port provided on a bed. And a high frequency coil is replaced, for example for every inspection.

JP 2012-245170 A JP, 2015-43920, A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus capable of easily transmitting information on a high frequency coil to a user.

  The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes a gantry, a plurality of ports, a narrowing unit, and a display control unit. The gantry collects magnetic resonance signals from the subject. A plurality of ports can be designated as connection destinations of high frequency coils that receive the magnetic resonance signals. The narrowing-down unit is used in the second examination from among the plurality of ports according to the imaging condition between the first examination and the second examination performed subsequent to the first examination. The port to which the high frequency coil is connected is narrowed down. The display control unit causes the display unit to display an operation procedure that is determined based on the port narrowed down by the narrowing-down unit.

FIG. 1 is a view showing an example of the arrangement of an MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a view showing an example of the configuration of the high frequency coil according to the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a view showing an example of the configuration of a high frequency coil used when imaging is performed by the parallel imaging method. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a plurality of ports according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of examination information according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of operation procedure display processing executed by the MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by the processing circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an example of a method of determining whether the first coil model and the second coil model according to the embodiment interfere with each other. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an example of a case where it is determined in step S106 according to the embodiment that there is a third port. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of display on the display which has been subjected to the display control of step S110 according to the embodiment. Drawing 9B is a figure showing an example of a display of a display which received display control of Step S110 concerning an embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is not limited to the following embodiment. Moreover, each embodiment and each modification can be combined suitably.

First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration example of an MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power supply 3, a transmission coil 4, a transmission circuit 5, a reception coil 6, a reception circuit 7, A gantry 8, a bed 9, an input interface 10, displays 11a and 11b, a memory circuit 12, and processing circuits 13 to 16 are provided.

  The static magnetic field magnet 1 generates a static magnetic field in an imaging space in which the subject S is disposed. Specifically, the static magnetic field magnet 1 is formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape (including one in which the cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder is an elliptical shape), and generates a static magnetic field in the space in the cylinder. . For example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 has a substantially cylindrical cooling container, and a magnet such as a superconducting magnet immersed in a coolant (for example, liquid helium etc.) filled in the cooling container. ing. Here, for example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 may generate a static magnetic field using a permanent magnet.

  The gradient magnetic field coil 2 is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 1 and superimposes a gradient magnetic field on the static magnetic field formed by the static magnetic field magnet 1. In addition, the gradient magnetic field coil 2 generates a gradient magnetic field along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis orthogonal to each other in the space in the cylinder in the imaging space in which the subject S is disposed. Here, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis constitute an apparatus coordinate system unique to the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the Z axis coincides with the axis of the cylinder of the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and is set along the magnetic flux of the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1. Further, the X axis is set along the horizontal direction orthogonal to the Z axis, and the Y axis is set along the vertical direction orthogonal to the Z axis.

  The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 generates a gradient magnetic field along the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis in the space inside the gradient coil 2 by supplying current to the gradient coil 2.

  In this manner, the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 generates gradient magnetic fields along the readout direction, phase encoding direction, and slice direction by generating gradient magnetic fields along the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, respectively. Can. The axes along the lead-out direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction constitute a logical coordinate system for defining a slice area or volume area to be imaged. Hereinafter, the gradient magnetic field along the readout direction is referred to as a readout gradient magnetic field, the gradient magnetic field along the phase encoding direction is referred to as a phase encode gradient magnetic field, and the gradient magnetic field along the slice direction is referred to as a slice gradient magnetic field. .

  These gradient magnetic fields are superimposed on the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1 and are used to give spatial position information to MR (Magnetic Resonance) signals. The readout gradient magnetic field gives positional information along the readout direction to the MR signal by changing the frequency of the MR signal according to the position in the readout direction. In addition, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field gives positional information in the phase encoding direction to the MR signal by changing the phase of the MR signal along the phase encoding direction. The slice gradient magnetic field is used to determine the direction, thickness, and number of slice areas when the imaging area is a slice area, and according to the position in the slice direction when the imaging area is a volume area. By changing the phase of the MR signal, position information along the slice direction is given to the MR signal.

  The transmission coil 4 is a high frequency coil (RF coil) that applies an RF (Radio Frequency) magnetic field to an imaging space in which the subject S is disposed. The transmission coil 4 applies an RF magnetic field based on the RF pulse signal output from the transmission circuit 5. The transmission coil 4 may have the function of receiving an MR signal as well as the function of transmission.

  The transmitter circuit 5 outputs an RF pulse signal corresponding to the Larmor frequency to the transmitter coil 4.

  The receiving coil 6 is a high frequency coil that receives an MR signal emitted from the subject S. For example, the receiving coil 6 is mounted on the subject S and receives an MR signal emitted from the subject S under the influence of the RF magnetic field applied by the transmitting coil 4. Then, the receiving coil 6 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 7. For example, the receiving coil 6 is configured as a dedicated coil which is different for each region to be imaged. Here, the dedicated coil means, for example, a head reception coil, a neck reception coil, a shoulder reception coil, a chest reception coil, an abdomen reception coil, a leg reception coil, a spine , And the like. The receiving coil 6 is not limited to the function of receiving an MR signal, and may have the function of transmitting. Further, the high frequency coil provided separately from the above-described high frequency coil as the transmission coil 4 for receiving the MR signal in the vicinity of the subject S is also called a local coil.

  The receiving coil 6 is connectable to a port (connection port) 9b provided on a top plate 9a described later.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the receiving circuit 7 generates MR signal data based on the MR signal output from the receiving coil 6, and outputs the generated MR signal data to the processing circuit 14.

  The gantry 8 collects MR signals from the subject S. The gantry 8 accommodates the static magnetic field magnet 1, the gradient magnetic field coil 2, and the transmission coil 4. Specifically, the gantry 8 has a hollow bore B formed in a cylindrical shape, and in a state where the static magnetic field magnet 1, the gradient magnetic field coil 2 and the transmission coil 4 are disposed so as to surround the bore B, It accommodates each one. Here, a space inside the bore B of the gantry 8 is an imaging space in which the subject S is disposed when imaging of the subject S is performed.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the MRI apparatus 100 is configured in a so-called tunnel shape having the static magnetic field magnet 1 and the gradient magnetic field coil 2 formed in a substantially cylindrical shape will be described. The form is not limited to this. For example, the MRI apparatus 100 may be configured in a so-called open shape in which a pair of static magnetic field magnets and a pair of gradient magnetic field coils are disposed to face each other across the imaging space in which the subject S is disposed. .

  The bed 9 includes a top 9 a on which the subject S is placed, and inserts the top 9 a inside the bore B of the gantry 8 when imaging of the subject S is performed. For example, the bed 9 is installed so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1. The bed 9 may be fixed to the examination room in which the MRI apparatus 100 is installed, or may be configured as a movable bed that can be returned to the inside of the examination room while the subject is placed.

  Moreover, the top 9a has a plurality of ports 9b. The port 9 b can be designated as a connection destination of the receiving coil 6 that receives the MR signal. The port 9 b is connected to the receiving circuit 7. That is, the connection form of the receiving coil 6 and the receiving circuit 7 is wired connection (wired connection) through the port 9 b. When receiving the MR signal, the receiving coil 6 connected to the port 9 b outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 7 through the port 9 b. Also, the port 9 b reads an ID (Identification) for uniquely identifying the connected receiving coil 6 from the receiving coil 6, and outputs the read ID to the receiving circuit 7.

  The input interface 10 receives input operations of various instructions and various information from the operator. Specifically, the input interface 10 is connected to the processing circuit 16, converts an input operation received from the operator into an electrical signal, and outputs the signal to the processing circuit 16. For example, the input interface 10 includes a trackball for setting imaging conditions and a region of interest (ROI), a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing an input operation by touching an operation surface, and a display It is realized by a touch screen in which a screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input interface using an optical sensor, an audio input interface, and the like. In the present specification, the input interface 10 is not limited to one having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, a processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to the processing circuit 16 is also included in the example of the input interface 10.

  The display 11a and the display 11b display various information and various images. Specifically, the display 11a and the display 11b are connected to the processing circuit 16, and convert various information and data of various images sent from the processing circuit 16 into electrical signals for display and output. For example, the display 11a and the display 11b are realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the display 11 b is provided on the frame of the gantry 8. The display 11 b is an example of a display unit.

  The storage circuit 12 stores various data. Specifically, the storage circuit 12 stores MR signal data and image data. The storage circuit 12 also stores examination information 12a, an object model database 12b, a coil model database 12c, and an exclusion list 12d.

  The examination information 12a is information on the subject S to be examined. The examination information 12a includes, for example, examination date and time, patient (subject) number, imaging site, insertion direction, body position, height, weight, type of receiving coil (high frequency coil) used, and information on parallel imaging described later And so on. The examination information 12a is an example of the imaging condition. The examination information 12a will be described later.

  A plurality of three-dimensional object models indicating the object S are registered in the object model database 12b. For example, a subject model is registered in the subject model database 12b for each of the body position, height, and weight of the subject S.

  A plurality of three-dimensional coil models indicating the receiving coil 6 are registered in the coil model database 12c. For example, coil models are registered in the coil model database 12 c for each type of the receiving coil 6.

  In the exclusion list 12d, the ID of the receiving coil 6 for which removal is prompted is registered.

  The memory circuit 12 also stores various models such as a top board model which is a model of the top 9 a having the port 9 b and a gantry model which is a model of the gantry 8.

  The storage circuit 12 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

  The processing circuit 13 has a bed control function 13a. The bed control function 13 a is connected to the bed 9 and outputs an electric signal for control to the bed 9 to control the operation of the bed 9. For example, the bed control function 13a receives, from the operator, an instruction to move the table 9a in the longitudinal direction, the vertical direction, or the lateral direction through the input interface 10, and moves the table 9a according to the received instruction. The drive mechanism of the top 9a of the bed 9 is operated.

  The processing circuit 14 has an execution function 14a. The execution function 14 a executes various pulse sequences by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 3, the transmission circuit 5, and the reception circuit 7 based on the sequence execution data output from the processing circuit 16. For example, the execution function 14 a drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 3, the transmission circuit 5, and the reception circuit 7 by transmitting input signals to the gradient magnetic field power supply 3, the transmission circuit 5, and the reception circuit 7.

  Here, the sequence execution data is information defining a pulse sequence indicating a procedure for acquiring MR signal data. Specifically, the sequence execution data includes the timing at which the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies a current to the gradient magnetic field coil 2, the magnitude of the supplied current, the size of the RF pulse signal supplied to the transmission coil 4 by the transmission circuit 5, It is information defining the supply timing, the detection timing at which the reception circuit 7 detects an MR signal, and the like.

  Then, the execution function 14a receives MR signal data from the receiving circuit 7 as a result of executing various pulse sequences, and stores the received MR signal data in the storage circuit 12. The set of MR signal data received by the executive function 14a is two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally arranged according to the positional information provided by the readout gradient magnetic field, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field, and the slice gradient magnetic field described above. Are stored in the storage circuit 12 as k-space data.

  The processing circuit 15 has an image generation function 15a. The image generation function 15 a generates an image based on the MR signal data stored in the storage circuit 12. Specifically, the image generation function 15a reads the MR signal data stored in the memory circuit 12 by the execution function 14a, and generates an image by performing reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read MR signal data. Further, the image generation function 15 a stores the generated image data in the storage circuit 12.

  The processing circuit 16 has a main control function 16a, a narrowing function 16b, and a display control function 16c.

  The main control function 16 a performs overall control of the MRI apparatus 100 by controlling each component of the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the main control function 16 a receives an input of imaging conditions from the operator via the input interface 10. Then, the main control function 16a generates sequence execution data based on the received imaging condition, and transmits the sequence execution data to the processing circuit 14 to execute various pulse sequences.

  The narrowing-down function 16b narrows the port of the connection destination of the receiving coil 6 used in the subsequent test out of the plurality of ports 9b at the timing between two subsequent tests. For example, when the second test is performed following the first test, it is used in the second test from among the plurality of ports 9b according to the test information 12a when the first test is finished. The port to which the receiving coil 6 is connected is narrowed. The narrowing-down function 16b narrows down according to the examination information 12a. The narrowing function 16b is an example of a narrowing unit.

  The display control function 16 c reads out the image data from the storage circuit 12 and outputs it to the display 11 in response to a request from the operator. In addition, the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display an operation procedure that is determined based on the narrowed port. The display control function 16 c is an example of a display control unit.

  Here, for example, the processing circuits 13 to 16 described above are each realized by a processor. In that case, for example, the processing functions of the processing circuits 13 to 16 are stored in the storage circuit 12 in the form of a computer-executable program. Each processing circuit reads out and executes each program from the storage circuit 12 to realize a function corresponding to each program. In other words, each processing circuit in a state where each program is read out has each function shown in each processing circuit of FIG.

  In addition, the word “processor” used in the description of each of the above-described embodiments may be, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). , Circuits such as programmable logic devices (for example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) Means Here, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor implements the function by reading and executing a program embedded in the circuit. In addition, each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to a case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to be configured as a single processor to realize its functions. Good.

  The program executed by the processor is provided by being incorporated in advance in a read only memory (ROM), a storage circuit, or the like. Note that this program is a file that can be installed or runnable in these devices, and is a CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, a FD (Flexible Disk), a CD-R (Recordable), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. May be recorded and provided in a computer readable storage medium of In addition, this program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided or distributed by being downloaded via the network. For example, this program is configured by a module including each of the functional units described above. As actual hardware, each module is loaded onto the main storage device and generated on the main storage device by the CPU reading and executing a program from a storage medium such as a ROM.

  Based on such a configuration, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment executes the processing described below so that information regarding the receiving coil 6 can be easily transmitted to the user.

  Drawing 2A is a figure showing an example of composition of receiving coil 6 concerning an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving coil 6 includes a housing 6 a in which a coil element is disposed, a cable 6 c, and a connector 6 d.

  The cable 6c is a cable extending from the outlet 6b of the cable 6c of the housing 6a. A connector 6d is provided at one end of the cable 6c.

  The connector 6d is connectable to the port 9b. The connector 6d is connected to the port 9b, whereby the MR signal received by the coil element is transmitted to the receiving circuit 7 through the cable 6c, the connector 6d and the port 9b.

  FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving coil 6 used when imaging is performed by the parallel imaging method. For example, as the receiving coil 6 used when imaging is performed by the parallel imaging method, for example, a coil called PAC (Phased Array Coil) is used. The PAC is, for example, a coil in which a plurality of coil elements 6e are arranged in an array as shown in FIG. 2B.

  The PI direction is an encoding direction on k space that thins out imaging information at the time of parallel imaging, and is determined by the arrangement of RF coils used and sequence conditions. For example, when k-space data is thinned out and collected in the phase encoding direction, the phase encoding direction is the PI direction.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of the arrangement of the plurality of ports 9b according to the embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the top 9a, four ports 9b are disposed on one end side (upper side in FIG. 3) of the top 9a, and on the other end side (lower side in FIG. 3) , 5 ports 9b are arranged. Thus, for example, the port 9 b is disposed such that the port 9 b and the subject S placed at the approximate center of the top 9 a do not overlap.

  FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of the data structure of the examination information 12a according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the examination information 12 a includes “examination date”, “patient number (ID)”, “imaging region”, “insertion direction”, “position”, “height (cm)”, “weight ( A plurality of records including each item of “kg”, “receiving coil” and “PI direction” are registered.

  The date on which the examination is performed is registered in the item "examination date". In the item "patient number", the ID of a subject (patient) S to be examined is registered. In the item "imaging region", a region to be imaged in the examination is registered. The direction in which the subject S is inserted into the gantry 8 is registered in the item of “insertion direction”. Examples of such directions include head first and foot first.

  The body position of the subject S is registered in the item of "body position". Examples of such a posture include prone, supine, and prone position. The height of the subject S is registered in the item of “height”. The weight of the subject S is registered in the item of "weight". In the item of "reception coil", the type of reception coil 6 used in the inspection is registered.

  Moreover, when imaging by a parallel imaging method is performed in inspection, the PI direction described above is registered in the item of “PI direction”. For example, the PI direction is registered in the item "PI direction" according to the imaging sequence estimated from the "imaging region" of the same record.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation procedure display process performed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the embodiment. For example, when an instruction (execution instruction) to execute the operation procedure display process is received by the input interface 10 between the first examination and the second examination described above, the operation procedure display process is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the narrowing-down function 16 b receives the arrangement of the subject model indicating the subject S to be subjected to the second examination and the reception currently connected to any one of the plurality of ports 9 b. It is determined whether the arrangement of the first coil model indicating the coil 6 (first high frequency coil) is consistent (step S101).

  An example of a specific process of step S101 will be described below. For example, the narrowing-down function 16 b refers to the examination information 12 a and specifies a record corresponding to the second examination. Hereinafter, the record specified in step S101 is referred to as a "specific record".

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16 b is an imaging site of the second examination subject S registered in the items “imaging site”, “insertion direction”, “body position”, “height” and “weight” of the specific record, Acquire the insertion direction, body position, height and weight. In addition, the narrowing-down function 16b acquires the type of the receiving coil 6 used in the second inspection registered in the item "receiving coil" of the specific record. In addition, when the PI direction is registered in the item of “PI direction” of the specific record, the narrowing function 16 b also acquires the PI direction.

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16b acquires a subject model corresponding to the body position, height, and weight of the subject S to be subjected to the second examination from the subject model database 12b. Then, the narrowing-down function 16b arranges the acquired object model in accordance with the insertion direction of the object S to be subjected to the second examination. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing performed by the processing circuit 16 according to the embodiment. For example, when the insertion direction of the second examination subject S is “foot first”, the narrowing function 16 b inserts the gantry model 40 from the foot side of the subject model 31 as shown in FIG. 6. The subject model 31 is placed on the top model 30 so as to be stored.

  Further, the narrowing-down function 16b arranges a first coil model indicating a first high frequency coil currently connected to any one of the plurality of ports 9b. Here, the narrowing-down function 16b can grasp which receiving coil 6 is currently connected to which port 9b from the ID of the receiving coil 6 transmitted from the port 9b. Further, the narrowing-down function 16b can grasp the position of the first high frequency coil currently connected from the imaging condition and the like used in the first inspection. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the narrowing function 16b arranges the first coil model 32 indicating the currently connected first high frequency coil at the position of the first high frequency coil being grasped.

  The narrowing function 16b arranges the first coil model 32 so that the PI direction substantially matches the direction of the plurality of coil elements 6e in which the SNR at the time of parallel imaging is high when the PI direction has been acquired. Do. In general, as shown in FIG. 2B, the direction in which the SNR in parallel imaging increases is the longitudinal direction 6f of the plurality of coil elements 6e.

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16 b determines whether the arrangement of the object model 31 and the arrangement of the first coil model 32 are consistent. For example, whether or not the narrowing-down function 16b is consistent by determining whether or not the first coil model 32 is disposed at a portion of the object model 31 that can be imaged by the first coil model 32. Determine if

  For example, the first coil model 32 is a head coil (head coil) used when imaging the head, and as shown in FIG. Will be described. In this case, since the first coil model 32 is not a coil model used when imaging a knee, the narrowing function 16 b determines that there is no consistency.

  Also, for example, the first coil model 32 is a knee coil used when imaging a knee, and as shown in FIG. 6, the first coil model 32 is disposed on the knee of the object model 31. Will be described. In this case, since the first coil model 32 is a coil model used when imaging a knee, the narrowing-down function 16b determines that there is consistency.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 5, when it is determined in step S101 that there is no consistency (step S101: No), the narrowing function 16b proceeds to step S103 described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 101 that there is consistency (step S101: Yes), the narrowing function 16b performs the following determination in step S102. For example, when the narrowing function 16 b arranges a second coil model indicating the receiving coil 6 (second high frequency coil) used in the second inspection in accordance with the object model 31, the first coil model 32 may be used. It is determined whether the second coil model and the second coil model interfere with each other (step S102).

  The specific process of step S102 will be described below. For example, the narrowing-down function 16b acquires, from the coil model database 12c, a coil model (second coil model) corresponding to the type of the receiving coil 6 used in the second examination acquired in step S101.

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16b arranges the second coil model in the imaging region of the subject S acquired in step S101. Then, the narrowing function 16b determines whether the first coil model 32 and the second coil model interfere with each other.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for describing an example of a method of determining whether or not the first coil model 32 and the second coil model according to the embodiment interfere with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the narrowing-down function 16b divides the three-dimensional area 50 including the object model 31 (see FIG. 6) into a plurality of three-dimensional areas (divided areas) 51. The horizontal length of the divided region 51 may be, for example, substantially the same as the horizontal length of one coil element 60e of a specific reception coil 6 (for example, a spinal coil (spine coil)). .

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16 b determines the presence of the first coil model 32 and the second coil model for each divided region 51.

  When the narrowing function 16 b determines that both the first coil model 32 and the second coil model exist in at least one divided region 51, the first coil model 32 and the second coil model Is determined to interfere.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that only one of the first coil model 32 and the second coil model is present in each of all the divided regions 51, or the narrowing function 16b determines that both do not exist. It is determined that the second coil model and the second coil model do not interfere with each other.

  Although the case of determining whether the three-dimensional first coil model 32 interferes with the three-dimensional second coil model has been described, the coil model used to determine the interference is three-dimensional. It is not limited to the model of. For example, the coil model may be two-dimensional.

  If it is determined that the first coil model 32 and the second coil model interfere with each other (step S102: Yes), the narrowing function 16b proceeds to step S103.

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16b registers the first high-frequency coil in the exclusion list 12d (step S103). By being registered in the exclusion list 12 d, the first high-frequency coil becomes an object to be removed from the port 9 b. Then, the narrowing function 16b proceeds to step S104.

  In addition, also when it is determined that the first coil model 32 and the second coil model do not interfere with each other (step S102: No), the narrowing function 16b proceeds to step S104. In this case, as indicated by reference numeral 200, the narrowing function 16b causes the first high frequency coil and the reception coil 6 (second high frequency coil) used in the second examination to coexist.

  Then, the narrowing function 16b is configured to select a second coil among the port 9b (first port) currently connected to the first high frequency coil and one or more ports 9b connectable to the second coil model. It is determined whether or not the port 9b (second port) located closest to the position of the outlet of the cable provided in the model is identical (step S104).

  An example of the specific process of step S104 will be described below. For example, the narrowing-down function 16b specifies a port connectable to the second coil model among the plurality of ports of the top model 30 (see FIG. 6). The term “connectable port” as used here means a port whose distance from the cable outlet of the second coil model is within a range shorter than the length of the cable, and, in design, connection with the second high frequency coil is permitted. It refers to at least one of the ports of the top board model 30 corresponding to the port being processed. The port that can be connected to the second coil model is located within a range where the distance from the position of the second coil model (for example, the position of the center of gravity of the casing of the second coil model) is shorter than the cable length. Port may be used.

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16b specifies, from one or more ports connectable to the second coil model, a port at a position closest to the position of the outlet of the cable included in the second coil model. Then, the narrowing-down function 16b specifies the port 9b of the second high-frequency coil corresponding to the port closest to the position of the outlet of the cable included in the second coil model as the second port.

  The narrowing-down function 16b specifies the port closest to the position of the second coil model among the one or more ports connectable to the second coil model, and the narrowing function 16b determines the position of the second coil model most The port 9b of the second high frequency coil corresponding to the port at the near position may be specified as the second port.

  When the port 9b itself moves (moves) within a predetermined movable area, the narrowing-down function 16b further specifies the port 9b connectable to the second high-frequency coil in consideration of the movable area of the port 9b itself. You may

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16 b determines whether the first port and the second port are the same.

  If it is determined that the first port and the second port are not the same (step S104: No), the display control function 16c performs the following display control. For example, the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the second port (step S105). For example, in the case where the name of the second high frequency coil is "0000 coil" and the name of the second port is "port xx", the display control function 16c outputs "00 coil port" Display the message "Please connect to xx". Then, the display control function 16 c ends the operation procedure display process.

  When the ID of the receiving coil 6 is registered in the exclusion list 12d, in step S105, the display control function 16c starts the reception coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the exclusion list 12d from the first port. The message to be removed is also displayed on the display 11b. For example, the case where the name of the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the exclusion list 12 d is “「 Δ coil ”will be described. In this case, the display control function 16 c displays a message “Please remove the coil △”.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the first port and the second port are the same (step S104: Yes), the narrowing function 16b proceeds to step S106. Even when it is determined that the first port and the second port are the same, the ID of the first high-frequency coil connected to the first port is registered in the exclusion list 12d. In this case, the narrowing function 16b proceeds to step S105 instead of step S106.

  Then, the narrowing-down function 16b determines whether there is a port 9b (third port) connectable to the second coil model without removing the first high-frequency coil from the first port (step S106). ).

  An example of the process of step S106 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for describing an example of a case where it is determined in step S106 according to the embodiment that there is a third port.

  The black square symbol (black square) shown in FIG. 8 indicates that the reception coil 6 corresponding to the black square and the port 9 b corresponding to the black square are connected. For example, the black square on the left side of FIG. 8 indicates that the head coil and the port 9 b indicated by the ID “A1” are connected at the start of the operation procedure display process. That is, the black square on the left side of FIG. 8 indicates that the relation between the head coil and the port 9 b indicated by the ID “A1” corresponds to the relation between the first high frequency coil and the first port.

  Also, the black circle symbol (black circle) shown in FIG. 8 is the position (or second circle) where the port 9 b corresponding to the black circle is closest to the position of the outlet of the cable provided in the second coil model corresponding to the black circle. Port 9b) in the position closest to the position of the coil model. That is, the relationship between the port 9 b corresponding to the black circle and the second coil model corresponding to the black circle is the relationship between the second port and the second coil model. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 8, the port 9 b indicated by the ID “A1” is closest to the position of the outlet of the cable provided in the second coil model of the knee coil (or the second coil model Port 9b) in the position closest to the position of.

  Further, in FIG. 8, the relationship between the port 9 b corresponding to the open square symbol (open square) and the second coil model of the knee coil corresponding to the open square is the third port; The relationship with the second coil model is shown. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 8, the port 9 b indicated by the ID “A2” is connected to the second coil model of the knee coil without removing the head coil from the port 9 b indicated by the ID “A1”. Indicates that this is a possible port.

  In the state shown in FIG. 8, the narrowing function 16 b determines in step S 106 that there is a port 9 b indicated by the ID “A2” as the third port.

  If it is determined that the third port is present (step S106: Yes), the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the third port (step S106). S107). For example, when the name of the second high-frequency coil is “Δ〇 coil” and the name of the third port is “port x”, the display control function 16 c connects “Δ〇 coil to port x "Please display the message." Then, the display control function 16 c ends the operation procedure display process.

  Through the process of step S107, in the case shown in FIG. 8, the knee coil is connected by the user to the port 9b indicated by the ID "A2" as indicated by the black square on the right side.

  When the ID of the receiving coil 6 is registered in the exclusion list 12d, in step S107, the display control function 16c receives the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the exclusion list 12d as in step S105. Is also displayed on the display 11b.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no third port (step S106: No), the narrowing function 16b determines whether there is a port connectable to the first high-frequency coil other than the first port. (Step S108).

  Here, the connectable port means the port 9b where the distance from the outlet 6b of the cable 6c of the first high frequency coil is shorter than the length of the cable 6c, and the first high frequency coil in design. And at least one of the ports 9b for which connection is permitted. The port connectable to the first high frequency coil is within a range in which the distance from the position of the first high frequency coil (for example, the position of the center of gravity of the housing 6a of the first high frequency coil) is shorter than the length of the cable 6c. It may be a port 9b located at

  If it is determined that there is a port connectable to the first high-frequency coil other than the first port (step S108: Yes), the display control function 16c performs the following display control. For example, the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the first port while connecting the first high frequency coil to a connectable port other than the first port. (Step S109). Then, the display control function 16 c ends the operation procedure display process.

  For example, the name of the first high frequency coil is “××× coil”, the name of the second high frequency coil is “××× coil”, and the names of connectable ports other than the first port are “ The case where the name of the first port is “port ○” will be described. In this case, in step S109, the display control function 16c displays a message “Please connect the ××× coil to the port Δ × and connect the ××× coil to the port •”.

  When the ID of the receiving coil 6 is registered in the exclusion list 12d, in step S109, the display control function 16c performs the following display control instead of the above-described display control. For example, the display control function 16c removes the reception coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the exclusion list 12d from the first port, and sends a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the first port to the display 11b. Display.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no port connectable to the first high frequency coil other than the first port (step S108: No), the display control function 16c performs the following display control. For example, the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the first port while removing the first high frequency coil from the first port (step S110). Then, the display control function 16 c ends the operation procedure display process.

  FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams showing an example of display on the display 11b that has received the display control of step S110 according to the embodiment. Here, the name of the first high-frequency coil is "XX coil", the name of the second high-frequency coil is "OO coil", and the name of the first port is "port」 " Shall be

  For example, the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display the screen shown in FIG. 9A. The screen includes a button 61 labeled "Ignore" and a button 62 labeled "Next". In addition, the screen includes a message "The next coil is a ○○○ coil. Please remove the ××× coil."

  When the button 61 is pressed by the user who does not intend to remove the xx coil, the display control function 16 c closes the screen shown in FIG. 9A.

  On the other hand, when the user removes the xx coil and presses the button 62, the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display the screen shown in FIG. 9B. The screen includes a button 63 labeled "Ignore" and a button 64 labeled "OK". The screen also includes a message "Please connect to connection port △." The screen further indicates the first port by the expression “optimum port” and the third port by the expression “other connectable port”.

  When the user who does not intend to connect the コ イ ル coil to the port 押 下 presses the button 63, the display control function 16c closes the screen shown in FIG. 9B. The display control function 16 c also closes the screen shown in FIG. 9B when the button 64 is pressed by the user who connected the コ イ ル coil to the port △.

  The MRI apparatus 100 according to the embodiment has been described above. The MRI apparatus 100 displays the connection destination of the second high frequency coil used in the second examination. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100, information on the high frequency coil can be easily transmitted to the user.

  Furthermore, the MRI apparatus 100 displays the connection destination before connecting the second high frequency coil to the port 9 b. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100, unnecessary replacement of the high frequency coil by the user is suppressed as compared with the case where information indicating that the connection destination of the high frequency coil is not suitable is displayed after connecting the high frequency coil to the port. can do.

First Modified Example of Embodiment
In the embodiment described above, the case where the operation procedure display process is executed when the execution instruction is received by the input interface 10 between the first examination and the second examination has been described. However, the operation procedure display process may be executed at another timing. For example, when replacing the receiving coil 6 between the first inspection and the second inspection, the top 9 a is pulled out from the gantry 8 by a predetermined amount or more. Therefore, the processing circuit 16 may execute the operation procedure display process when detecting that the top 9 a has been pulled out of the gantry 8 by a predetermined amount or more.

  A modification in which the operation procedure display process is executed when the top plate 9a is pulled out from the gantry 8 will be described as a first modification of the embodiment. In the first modification, the processing circuit 16 executes an operation procedure display process when the top 9 a is pulled out of the gantry 8.

  Therefore, in the first modification, when the top plate 9a is pulled out from the gantry 8, the narrowing function 16b selects the port 9b of the connection destination of the receiving coil 6 from among the plurality of ports 9b according to the imaging condition. Narrow down

  In step S101 of the first modification, the narrowing-down function 16b is an inspection (second inspection) performed after the top 9a is pulled back when the top 9a is pulled out from the gantry 8. It is determined whether the arrangement of the object model indicating the object S to be an object and the arrangement of the first coil model are consistent.

  In step S102 of the first modification, the narrowing-down function 16b sets the first coil when the second coil model to be used after the top 9a is pulled back is arranged in accordance with the object model. It is determined whether the model and the second coil model interfere with each other.

  The MRI apparatus 100 according to the first modification of the embodiment has been described above. According to the MRI apparatus 100 of the first modification, as in the first embodiment, information on the high frequency coil can be easily transmitted to the user.

Second Modified Example of Embodiment
In the embodiment described above, for example, the case where the subject model is registered in the subject model database 12b for each of the body position, height, and weight of the subject S has been described. However, the subject model may be registered in the subject model database 12 b for each of the height or weight or the height and weight of the subject S. Thus, such a modification will be described as a second modification of the embodiment.

  In the second modification, the examination information 12a includes at least one of height and weight so that the subject model of the subject S to be subjected to the second examination can be acquired. For example, when a subject model is registered in the subject model database 12b for each height of the subject S, the examination information 12a may include only the height among the height and the weight. .

  Further, in the case where the subject model is registered in the subject model database 12b for each weight of the subject S, the examination information 12a may include only the weight among the height and the weight. .

  When the subject model is registered for each height and weight of the subject S in the subject model database 12b, the height and weight may be included in the examination information 12a.

  In the second modification, the narrowing-down function 16b narrows down according to the examination information 12a including at least one of the height and the weight of the subject S.

  The MRI apparatus 100 according to the second modification of the embodiment has been described above. According to the MRI apparatus 100 of the second modification, as in the first embodiment, the information on the high frequency coil can be easily transmitted to the user.

Third Modified Example of Embodiment
Moreover, in the embodiment described above, although the case where the connection form of the receiving coil 6 and the receiving circuit 7 is wired connection has been described, it may be wireless connection. Therefore, a modification in which the connection form of the reception coil 6 and the reception circuit 7 is wireless connection will be described as a third modification of the embodiment.

  In the third modification, for example, the receiving coil 6 has a wireless transmitter, and the receiving circuit 7 has a wireless receiver. The wireless transmitter of the receiving coil 6 includes, for example, circuits similar to the selection circuit of the receiving circuit 7 described above, the pre-stage amplification circuit, the phase detection circuit, and the analog-to-digital converter. Then, the receiving coil 6 digitizes the MR signal in the same manner as the above-described receiving circuit 7 to generate MR signal data. Then, the wireless transmitter transmits the generated MR signal data to the receiving circuit 7 by wireless communication. The wireless transmitter also transmits the ID of the receiving coil 6 to the receiving circuit 7 by wireless communication. Note that, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be mentioned as a standard of wireless communication between the wireless transmitter of the receiving coil 6 and the wireless receiver of the receiving circuit 7, but it is not limited thereto. Other wireless communication standards may be adopted as the wireless communication standards between the wireless transmitter of the receiving coil 6 and the wireless receiver of the receiving circuit 7.

  When the wireless receiver of the receiving circuit 7 receives the MR signal data and ID from the wireless transmitter of the receiving coil 6, the receiving circuit 7 outputs the received MR signal data and ID to the processing circuit 14.

  In step S104 according to the third modification, the narrowing-down function 16b changes the port 9b corresponding to the port of the top plate model 30 located within the range in which the second coil model can communicate wirelessly with the second coil model. As a connectable port 9b.

Fourth Modification of Embodiment
In the embodiment described above, the case where the top 9a has the plurality of ports 9b has been described, but portions other than the top 9a of the bed 9 may have the plurality of ports 9b. For example, the port 9 b may be provided on a support that supports the top 9 a, and the port 9 b may be provided on the gantry 8.

  According to at least one embodiment or at least one modification described above, the user can easily replace the high frequency coil.

  While certain embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof as well as included in the scope and the gist of the invention.

8 gantry 9 b port 11 b display 16 b narrowing function 16 c display control function 100 MRI apparatus

Claims (16)

A gantry for collecting magnetic resonance signals from a subject;
A plurality of ports that can be specified as connection destinations of a high frequency coil that receives the magnetic resonance signal;
The high frequency coil used in the second inspection out of the plurality of ports according to an imaging condition between the first inspection and a second inspection to be performed subsequent to the first inspection. The narrowing part that narrows down the connection destination port of the
A display control unit that causes a display unit to display an operation procedure that is determined based on the port narrowed by the narrowing unit;
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: A gantry for collecting magnetic resonance signals from a subject;
A top plate on which the subject is placed;
A plurality of ports that can be specified as connection destinations of a high frequency coil that receives the magnetic resonance signal;
A narrowing unit that narrows down the connection destination port of the high-frequency coil from the plurality of ports according to imaging conditions when the top plate is pulled out from the gantry;
A display control unit that causes a display unit to display an operation procedure that is determined based on the port narrowed by the narrowing unit;
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising:   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the narrowing-down unit narrows down according to the imaging condition including an imaging region and a body position of the subject.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the narrowing-down unit narrows down according to the imaging condition including at least one of height and weight of the subject. The high frequency coil is a PAC (Phased Array Coil) including a plurality of coil elements,
The magnetic resonance imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the narrowing-down unit narrows down according to the imaging condition including the parallel imaging direction of the PAC when imaging is performed by the parallel imaging method. apparatus. The narrowing-down unit may include an arrangement of a subject model indicating a subject to be subjected to the second examination, and a first high-frequency coil currently connected to any one of the plurality of ports. Determine whether the arrangement of coil model 1 is consistent or not,
The display control unit causes the display unit to display a message for removing the first high-frequency coil when it is determined by the narrowing-down unit that there is no consistency.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The narrowing-down portion includes an arrangement of a plurality of object models indicating an object to be an object of an inspection to be performed after the top plate is pulled back when the top plate is pulled out from the gantry. Determine whether the arrangement of the first coil model showing the first high frequency coil currently connected to any one of the ports is consistent or not;
The display control unit causes the display unit to display a message for removing the first high-frequency coil when it is determined by the narrowing-down unit that there is no consistency.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The first coil model and the second coil when the narrowing-down unit arranges a second coil model indicating a second high-frequency coil used in the second inspection in accordance with the object model. Determine if there is interference with the model,
The display control unit displays a message for removing the first high-frequency coil on the display unit when the narrowing unit determines that the first coil model and the second coil model interfere with each other. Let
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6. When the second coil model indicating the second high-frequency coil used after the top plate is pulled back is arranged according to the subject model, the narrowing-down unit may be configured to set the first coil model and the first coil model. Determine whether or not the two coil models interfere with each other,
The display control unit displays a message for removing the first high-frequency coil on the display unit when the narrowing unit determines that the first coil model and the second coil model interfere with each other. Let
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7. The narrowing-down unit divides a region including the object model into a plurality of divided regions, determines the presence of the first coil model and the second coil model for each divided region, and at least one divided region And determining that both the first coil model and the second coil model interfere with each other when it is determined that both the first coil model and the second coil model are present.
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 8 or 9. Among the first port currently connected to the first high-frequency coil and the port connectable to the second coil model, the narrowing-down portion may be the position of the second coil model or the second It is determined whether or not the second port located closest to the position of the cable outlet provided in the coil model is identical.
The display control unit is a message for causing the second high frequency coil to be connected to the second port when the narrowing unit determines that the first port and the second port are not the same. Are displayed on the display unit,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10. The second coil model without removing the first high-frequency coil from the first port when the narrowing-down unit determines that the first port and the second port are the same. Determine whether there is a third port connectable to
The display control unit causes the display unit to display a message for connecting the second high-frequency coil to the third port when it is determined by the narrowing-down unit that there is the third port.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 11. When it is determined that the third port is not present, the narrowing-down unit determines whether or not there is a port connectable to the first high frequency coil other than the first port,
The display control unit determines that the first high-frequency coil is other than the first port when it is determined by the narrowing-down unit that there is a port connectable to the first high-frequency coil other than the first port. And a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the first port is displayed on the display unit.
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 12. The display control unit is configured to determine the first high frequency coil from the first port when it is determined by the narrowing-down unit that there is no port connectable to the first high frequency coil other than the first port. While disengaging, a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the first port is displayed on the display unit.
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 12 or 13.   The narrowing-down portion can communicate wirelessly with a port located within a range in which the position of the second coil model or the distance from the outlet of the cable is shorter than the length of the cable, or the second coil model The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein a port located in a range is specified as a port connectable to the second coil model.   The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the narrowing-down unit further identifies a port connectable to the second high-frequency coil, taking into consideration the movable region of the port itself.

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