JP5236213B2 - Magnetic resonance imaging system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as an MRI apparatus) that performs multi-station imaging that images a wide range or whole body of a subject while placing the subject on a table and moving the table stepwise within the gantry. In particular, the present invention relates to a technique for suitably setting imaging conditions at each station.

  The MRI apparatus utilizes a nuclear magnetic resonance (hereinafter referred to as NMR) phenomenon that occurs in the atomic nucleus of an atom constituting the subject when the subject placed in a uniform static magnetic field is irradiated with electromagnetic waves. The magnetic resonance image (hereinafter referred to as MR image) representing the physical properties of the subject is obtained by detecting the NMR signal from the image and reconstructing the image using the NMR signal.

In an MRI apparatus, a technique is known in which a subject is placed on a table and a wide range or whole body of the subject is imaged while the table is moved in the gantry of the MRI apparatus. As one of such techniques, there is a multi-station imaging method in which the wide range or the whole body region is divided into a plurality of blocks and the table is moved step by step for each block. In particular, Patent Document 1 ({0022} to {0033}) discloses that in a MRI apparatus that performs multi-station imaging, a uniform static magnetic field region R is included in each of sensitivity regions α1 to α5 by five partial coils. A technique is disclosed in which a plate is moved stepwise to image five parts of a subject.

JP 2001-198100 A.

However, the present inventor has found the following problems as a result of examining the prior art.
That is, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a method for setting imaging conditions for each station (block). For example, in the case of Patent Document 1, the imaging conditions must be set in each station (block) corresponding to each of the five coils. In such a case, it is necessary to display the input screens corresponding to each station (block) one by one and input and set the imaging conditions, which is an unsolved problem that is complicated for the operator.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an MRI apparatus capable of suitably setting and inputting imaging conditions at each station in an MRI apparatus capable of multi-station imaging.

In order to solve the above problems, the MRI apparatus of the present invention is arranged in the imaging space, a static magnetic field generating means for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space, a gradient magnetic field generating means for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space, and the imaging space. A high-frequency magnetic field generating means for generating a high-frequency magnetic field to cause nuclear magnetic resonance in the subject, a signal receiving means for detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the subject, and a nuclear magnetic resonance detected by the signal receiving means Signal processing means for reconstructing an image using a signal, display means for displaying the image, a table for placing the subject and placing the subject in an imaging space, and a table for placing the subject The table moving means for moving the image and the table moving means move each imaging part of the subject stepwise into the imaging space, and the signal processing means And acquiring an image of the image field, in the MRI apparatus having a synthesizing means for obtaining a composite image of the subject to perform a combination process of the image of each imaging field,
There is provided an MRI apparatus comprising an input means for inputting imaging conditions in a plurality of imaging visual fields in the steps on one screen.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an MRI apparatus capable of suitably setting and inputting imaging conditions at each station in an MRI apparatus capable of multi-station imaging.

  Hereinafter, the MRI apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of an example of the MRI apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This MRI apparatus includes a magnet 102 that generates a static magnetic field in a space in which the subject 101 is disposed, a gradient magnetic field coil 103 that generates a gradient magnetic field in the space, an RF coil 104 that generates a high-frequency magnetic field in the space, An RF coil 105 for detecting an NMR signal generated by the subject 101 is provided. The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is composed of X, Y, and Z gradient magnetic field coils, and generates a gradient magnetic field in each direction in accordance with a current from the gradient magnetic field power supply 109. The RF coil 104 irradiates the subject 101 with a high-frequency magnetic field in accordance with a signal from the RF transmission unit 110. An NMR signal from the subject 101 is received using the RF coil 105. The signal of the RF coil 105 is detected by the signal detection unit 106, processed by the signal processing unit 107, and converted into an image by calculation. The image is displayed on the display unit 108. The gradient magnetic field power source 109, the RF transmission unit 110, and the signal detection unit 106 are controlled by the control unit 111, and the control time chart is generally called a pulse sequence. The table 112 is for the subject to lie down. The movement of the table 112 is controlled by the table driving unit 113.

  There are two types of MRI apparatuses for imaging the whole body of a subject by moving the table: a method of moving the table stepwise and a method of moving it continuously. For example, when the imaging surface is parallel to the table moving direction, the step moving method first stops the movement of the subject and picks up an image to obtain a first image having a length T in the moving direction. Next, after moving by the distance T, the image is stopped and imaged again to obtain a second image having a length T in the moving direction. This is repeated n times, and the obtained n images from the first to the nth are stitched together to obtain an image of length nT.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of multi-station imaging using the present invention. The multi-station imaging in this example has five stations, and is composed of scanogram imaging for acquiring a scanogram image for positioning and main imaging for imaging in an imaging field set on the scanogram image. Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart shown in FIG. 2 will be described in order.

  Step 1: An operator registers information about a patient to be imaged by input means (not shown in FIG. 1, the same applies hereinafter).

  Step 2: When the operator inputs a signal for reading the multi-station imaging protocol using the input means, the protocol for multi-station imaging (actually, software designed so that multi-station imaging can be performed by the following procedure) Is read into the control unit 111 from the storage device provided in the MRI apparatus.

  Step 3: The display unit 108 displays a setting screen for setting parameters for scanogram imaging according to the number of stations (according to the number of each table arrangement) under the control of the control unit.

  Step 4: The operator sets or changes parameters for performing scanogram imaging according to the number of stations on the setting screen.

  Step 5: Scanogram imaging is performed under the control of the control unit 111 according to the parameters set or changed in Step 4.

  Step 6: The scanogram imaging result captured in step 5 is read from the storage device, and the display unit 108 displays a scanogram image for positioning the imaging in the main imaging.

  Step 7: The operator positions each station that captures the main image from the scanogram image displayed in Step 6.

  Step 8: The display unit 108 displays a screen for setting parameters for main imaging according to the number of stations (according to the number of each table arrangement).

  Step 9: From the setting screen displayed in Step 8, the operator sets or changes parameters according to the number of stations.

  Step 10: The main imaging in which the parameter set or changed in Step 9 is reflected is performed under the control of the control unit 111.

  The above is the outline of the flowchart showing an example of the flow of multi-station imaging.

  However, the order of positioning in step 7 and the order of parameter setting and changing in step 9 may be first, or positioning and parameter setting or changing may be repeated.

  Next, depending on the number of multiple stations activated in step 8 (or step 3) in this embodiment, the imaging conditions at all station positions (all steps) or multiple station positions (multiple steps) are set as follows. A display screen for setting imaging conditions and the like from one screen will be described with reference to FIG.

  With the setting screen illustrated in FIG. 3, necessary imaging conditions (imaging parameters) are set by the operator from a single screen over a plurality of stations (multi-stations). Further, the overlap amount of adjacent stations is set on this setting screen by the operator. Further, an illustration display unit is provided on the screen of the display unit 108 so that the station imaging range, the imaging position, and the positional relationship between the used coils can be visually grasped.

  Details of the setting screen will be described below.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes an illustration display unit that can visually grasp the positional relationship between the imaging position (imaging field of view (FOV) position) of each station and the coil used. Display (301) representing the FOV of station 1, display (302) representing the FOV of station 2, display (303) representing the FOV of station 3, display (304, 305) representing the FOV of stations 4 and 5, etc. The position and size of the FOV are displayed for any number of stations. The overlapping area (306, 307, 308, 309) of each FOV is an area where the FOV area between adjacent stations overlaps and its position.

  At the same time, the position (310, 311, 312, 313, 314) of the coil used for imaging of each station is displayed.

  The coil uses a plurality of RF coils so that a high-frequency magnetic field can be generated in the imaging range at each station.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for inputting the positional relationship between each RF coil and each station. For example, coil 1 is a neurovascular coil whose imaging range is from the head to the neck, coil 2 is a torso coil whose imaging range is the abdominal region, and coils 3 to 5 are PV coils (Peripheral Vascular Coil whose imaging range is the lower limb region) ).

  In the present embodiment, description will be made on the assumption that imaging of the station 1 is performed by the coil 1.

  The operator sets the center position of the coil 1 with a projector. With this setting, a relationship is defined such that the FOV center (table position 0) of the station 1 and the center position of the coil 1 coincide. In order to define the relationship between the table position and all the coil positions, it is necessary to define the positional relationship of the other coils with respect to the coil 1. Since the coil width is known for each coil, when the coils are arranged side by side without any gap, the coil positions are defined by the arrangement order.

  If there is a gap between the coils due to the body shape of the subject, after defining the FOV center of station 1 and the center position of coil 1, operate each coil by aligning the center position with the irradiation position of the projector The coil position of each coil is defined by the person inputting.

  Alternatively, a scale that can measure the coil spacing is installed on the table so that the center position of each coil can be confirmed on the scale, and the position of each coil center position is on the scale. It is also possible to define the position of each coil by the operator measuring this by visual measurement and inputting the value with an input means.

  The relationship between the coil and the table position defined by the above method is stored in a memory in the control unit 111 that controls imaging. Further, in the illustration display section (300) shown in FIG. 3, the positional relationship between the coil positions (310 to 314) and the FOV position is drawn in association with each other.

  Next, reference numeral 400 in FIG. 3 denotes a parameter input and overlap amount display portion for each station.

  For the overlap amount, a value calculated from the size of each FOV and the positional relationship between each FOV and the table is displayed.

  In this embodiment, parameters that may have different input values for each station and parameters that are common to all stations are defined in advance, and parameters that are common to all stations are defined as common parameters. Is displayed at 401.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the common parameters are the orientation of the imaging plane (Plane), the number of imaging slices (Slice #), the thickness of imaging slices (Thickness), and the interval between each imaging slice (Interval). A method for selecting the common parameter will be described later.

Reference numeral 403 denotes a button used when adding or deleting the number of stations. If the target imaging range is larger or smaller than the initial FOV area,
Since the operator can recognize the excess or deficiency of the entire FOV area on the 300 illustration display areas, the operator presses the Add button to increase the number of stations by checking the illustration, and the Delete button to decrease it. The result of station increase / decrease is reflected in the illustration display unit 300 and the parameter display unit 400, and is displayed with the number of stations increased or decreased.

  Station increase / decrease processing can be realized by selecting from a menu in addition to buttons.

  Next, the adjustment of the size and position of the FOV at each station performed using the column 400 in FIG. 3 will be described. However, in the column 400 in Fig. 3, the station number (Station Number), FOV size (FOV Size), the position of each FOV on the table (FOV Position), and the adjacent FOV are listed in order from the left. In addition, the overlapping amount of the overlapping regions (Overlap distance) and the number of the RF coil (RF coil number) for imaging each station are shown.

  For example, in the setting on the setting screen of FIG. 3, if the operator determines that the desired range cannot be captured, change the FOV size, or change the position of each FOV on the table The operator decides whether to change the number of stations or the number of stations according to the state at that time. Each case will be described below.

(1) Changing the FOV size
The operator inputs the size to be changed in the FOV Size display area. Since the FOV size after input is immediately reflected in the illustration display area, the operator can check the size change result. Since the overlap amount changes with the change in the size of FOV, the value of the overlap display portion also changes.

  The size of the FOV can be changed by the operator dragging the FOV frame in the illustration display area with the mouse. In that case, the FOV value and overlap amount of the parameter display section change with the change of the FOV size.

  Also, if you want to change the FOV of all stations to the same value at once, for example, provide a check box (404) and change the FOV size of a station by changing the FOV size of a station. It can be realized with a mechanism that changes

(2) When adjusting the table position for image capture The initial setting is that the center position of the coil and the center position of the FOV are the same, but the center position of the FOV is shifted from the center of the coil, and the desired imaging range It is also conceivable that images can be captured. In that case, the table position to be changed by the operator is input to the display portion of FOV Position. Since the table position after input is immediately reflected in the FOV position in the illustration display section, the operator can check the changed table position. As the table position changes, the overlap amount also changes, so the value of the overlap display portion also changes.

  The table position can be changed by moving the FOV in the illustration display section by dragging the mouse with the mouse. In this case, the table position value (TablePosition) and the overlap distance (Overlap Distance) in the parameter display section change as the table position changes.

(3) When changing the number of stations The operator responds by adding or deleting the number of stations to increase or decrease the number of imaging stations. As the number of stations increases / decreases, the number of FOVs in the illustration display section (300) and the parameter display corresponding to the station in the parameter display section (400) increase / decrease.

  After confirming the number of stations, FOV, and table position by the above method, if it is necessary to change the common parameters, change them by inputting to 401 in Fig. 3.After setting all parameters, click the OK button ( Press (405).

  The change is reflected, the protocol is started, and multi-station imaging is started.

  However, in the above description, the overlap amount has been described as a value that changes when the FOV or table position is changed. However, the overlap amount is determined first and the FOV and table are set so that the overlap amount is not changed. The position may be changed.

  By changing the FOV and table position, the position of the RF coil set for each station may be separated from the imaging position. In that case, every time the position of the FOV is changed, the RF coil closest to the FOV position is selected from the position of the coil and the position of the FOV center, and the process of automatically changing the coil is performed. Alternatively, a message notifying that the position of the selected coil with respect to the FOV position is not appropriate is displayed on the display unit 108.

  The situation where the position of the selected coil is not appropriate with respect to the FOV position may also occur immediately after reading the protocol. For example, the state is as shown in FIG. The protocol is set to capture station 5 with Coil5, but looking at the illustration display shows that it is better to receive the signal with Coil4. Therefore, adjustment is performed using the adjustment display unit.

  By providing an <Adjust> button in the illustration display unit 300 and clicking the button with the mouse, an adjustment display unit 601 is separately displayed as shown in FIG. 6 (a) or FIG. 6 (b). The adjustment display unit 501 has an adjustment menu, and the operator can select whether to adjust the used coil with priority on the FOV position or to adjust the FOV position with priority on the used coil. After selecting each menu, the operator adjusts the position and size of the FOV and adjusts the coil to be used, and the adjusted state is displayed. When reflecting those states, if the operator clicks the <reflection> button with the mouse, it is reflected in the illustration display unit 300 and the adjustment display unit 601 is closed. When the <Cancel> button is clicked with the mouse, the adjustment display unit 601 is closed and the original illustration display unit is restored. With this mechanism, it is possible to adjust the FOV and coil position immediately after reading the protocol.

  Next, a method for adjusting the FOV position and overlap amount from the sensitivity distribution information of each coil will be described.

  When synthesizing multi-station images, the image quality and the amount of overlap of the overlapping portions that serve as joints between the stations affect the image quality of the combined image.

  For example, in the case of data obtained when the overlap portion is a portion with a low coil sensitivity, shading is strong and cannot be combined, or a combined image with black lines at the joints. In order to avoid this, use the sensitivity distribution information of the coils used to set the imageable range in advance, set a limit value so that the FOV position falls within that range, and control when the FOV moves outside the range. The unit 111 issues a warning to the operator. Furthermore, a lower limit value is also set for the overlap amount with the adjacent station that changes due to the FOV movement, and the control unit 111 issues a warning to the operator when the lower limit value is reached.

  This will be described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 701 represents the sensitivity distribution of the coil. The sensitivity distribution of each single coil used is shown. The imaging range of each coil is set like 702 and 703. Here, what can be combined is defined as an image picked up in a range having a sensitivity of 0.4 or more, and a pickable range of each coil is set.

  As a method for defining the imaging range, an imaging range recommended for the imaging sequence type may be set and held for each coil. Alternatively, a method may be used in which pre-scanning is performed and sensitivity data is measured and set. When sensitivity correction is performed on image data after imaging, an imageable range may be defined as a range in which the image quality is improved as a result of the correction.

  As the FOV value is changed, it may be changed whether the FOV position is within the imaging range of the used coil or whether the overlap is larger than the minimum overlap amount. If it is located outside the imaging range or the overlap amount is too small, a warning is displayed to the operator. Whether to perform imaging at the position as it is or to correct it appropriately is determined by the operator.

  Another example for informing the operator that the FOV position is outside the coil sensitivity will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the FOV portion outside the image pickup possible range is displayed with a color under the control of the control unit 111 on the illustration display unit or the positioning screen. Thereby, it can be visually judged how far the set position is out of range.

  According to the above embodiment, by using a screen as shown in FIG. 3 as an input screen, it becomes possible for the operator to preferably input the imaging conditions at each station.

  Next, an example of a method for defining common parameters to be displayed in 401 in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a general imaging screen. In this embodiment, as one of the methods for defining the common parameter, the parameter that is desired to be common to all stations in the imaging parameter input portion of an arbitrary station when the imaging screen (FIG. 9) is displayed after the protocol is read A function (904) for checking is provided. In this way, it is possible to define the common parameter by displaying the parameter checked at the time of starting the screen of FIG. 3 as the common parameter.

  In another method, a property setting function for the multi-station imaging protocol is provided, and parameter types to be displayed on the screen (FIG. 3) of the present invention are defined as protocol properties.

  An example of a property setting function is shown. The control unit 111 activates the property screen when the operator right-clicks the protocol name portion (905) in FIG. In addition to starting the property screen, a menu is displayed so that properties can be selected from the menu.

  Figure 10 shows an example of the property screen. On the property screen, the operator can confirm the protocol configuration, and information such as an imaging sequence name and an imaging time is presented (1001).

  Reference numeral 1002 is an example of a property screen that defines the configuration of parameters displayed on the parameter setting screen (FIG. 3) of the present invention. For each parameter, it is possible to define a parameter (◯) that is common to multiple stations and a parameter (×) that prioritizes setting for each station. Further, whether to display on the parameter setting screen of the present invention is set by display / non-display. These settings only need to be made once when setting up the initial multi-station protocol. When creating a new protocol, an operator can make a fine adjustment based on the copied protocol.

If there is a parameter that is hidden in multi-station (○) and the parameter value differs between stations, for example, the parameter value of another station is matched with the parameter value of Station1. Is set. In that case, a message is output to the operator when the screen of FIG. 3 is activated, and if it is OK, the control unit 111 replaces the parameter for the other station with the same value as the station 1. If the setting priority (×) for each station is not displayed, the set parameters are used as they are. When changing parameters, the parameter check function operates each time the parameter is changed, and if there is a problem, it is shown to the operator.
Based on the information as described above, a screen (FIG. 3) is set up in which parameters can be set for each station. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to distinguish and set a parameter common to each station and a parameter not common to each station.

  Next, a positioning image using a scanogram image in the present invention will be described.

FIG. 11 is an example of a screen on which positioning of the entire multistation that realizes step 6 of FIG. 2 can be performed. Multi-station data obtained by scanogram imaging is arranged and displayed in a layout that allows whole-body display. On this screen, it is also possible for the operator to position the slice position independently for each station, as in general positioning.
In the present invention, attention is paid to the case of synthesizing each station image after multi-station imaging, and a positioning method for maintaining the continuity of the overlap portion at that time is proposed.

  FIG. 11 (1101) shows a screen layout when a multi-station scanogram imaging result image is used as a positioning image.

  The slice lines on the positioning screen are usually set independently. However, when the operator wants to maintain the continuity of the slice lines of each station, the menu selection or the switching button click by the mouse, etc. Switch to a mode in which the slice lines of all stations can be positioned as one slice line. At this time, the slice line is displayed by changing the color so that an overlap portion with the next slice can be seen as shown by 1102, or by making it a broken line. In this mode, when the slice line of all stations is a single slice line, the operator rotates the slice line around the center position, and the operator can perform parallel movement in conjunction with mouse drag. Like that.

  As a scanogram image used as a positioning image, the overlapping portions of the station images may be superimposed and combined to form a single whole body image.

  After positioning, the operator adjusts the parameters on the parameter setting screen shown in FIG. 3 described above. After acquiring the scanogram, it is possible to display the scanogram image on the illustration display section so that the imaging position can be grasped more intuitively.

  In the present embodiment, since the scanogram image is also used in the parameters of the present invention, it is possible to set the position of the FOV in consideration of the actual placement position of the subject.

Typical MRI machine configuration. The flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the multi-station imaging using this invention. A screen on which necessary imaging conditions (imaging parameters) are set from one screen across multiple stations (multi-station). The figure for inputting the positional relationship between each RF coil and each station. The figure which shows the condition where the position of the selected coil is not appropriate with respect to the FOV position. The figure which adjusts the use coil or FOV position using the display part for adjustment. The figure showing the sensitivity distribution of a coil. The figure which shows the FOV part which has become out of the imaging possible range. The figure which shows an example of a general imaging screen. The figure which shows the example of a property screen. The figure which shows the screen which can position the whole multi station.

Explanation of symbols

  300 Illustration display section, 301 to 305 Display indicating FOV of stations 1 to 5, 306 to 309 Display of the position where the FOV area of each station overlaps, 310 to 314 Display of coil position, 400 FOV of each station A column for adjusting the size and position, a button used to add or delete the number of 403 stations, a button to check if you want to change the FOV of all 404 stations to the same value, and a 405 OK button.

Claims (9)

A static magnetic field generating means for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space;
A gradient magnetic field generating means for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space;
A high-frequency magnetic field generating means for generating a high-frequency magnetic field to cause nuclear magnetic resonance in a subject arranged in the imaging space;
Signal receiving means for detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the subject;
Signal processing means for reconstructing an image using a nuclear magnetic resonance signal detected by the signal receiving means;
Display means for displaying the image;
A table for placing the subject and arranging the subject in an imaging space;
Table moving means for moving the table on which the subject is placed;
The table moving means steps each imaging part of the subject into the imaging space, and the signal processing means obtains an image of the imaging field of view of each step, and combines the images for each imaging field of view. a synthesizing means for obtaining a composite image of the subject performs,
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising input means for inputting imaging conditions in an imaging field of view in a plurality of steps on a single screen ,
The imaging condition is composed of a plurality of parameters,
The plurality of parameters include a common parameter that is commonly set for the plurality of imaging fields, and an imaging field-dependent parameter that is set for each of the plurality of imaging fields.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein the common parameter and the imaging field-dependent parameter are respectively displayed at different positions on the screen of the display unit . A static magnetic field generating means for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space;
A gradient magnetic field generating means for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space;
A high-frequency magnetic field generating means for generating a high-frequency magnetic field to cause nuclear magnetic resonance in a subject arranged in the imaging space;
Signal receiving means for detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the subject;
Signal processing means for reconstructing an image using a nuclear magnetic resonance signal detected by the signal receiving means;
Display means for displaying the image;
A table for placing the subject and arranging the subject in an imaging space;
Table moving means for moving the table on which the subject is placed;
The table moving means steps each imaging part of the subject into the imaging space, and the signal processing means obtains an image of the imaging field of view of each step, and combines the images for each imaging field of view. Combining means for obtaining a composite image of the subject,
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising input means for inputting imaging conditions in an imaging field of view in a plurality of steps on a single screen,
The imaging condition is composed of a plurality of parameters,
The plurality of parameters include a common parameter that is commonly set for the plurality of imaging fields, and an imaging field-dependent parameter that is set for each of the plurality of imaging fields.
Before SL imaging field-dependent parameters, the position of the plurality of imaging field, among the size or the plurality of imaging field of view, including the width of the region that overlaps between adjacent imaging field, they are said display means on the The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is displayed in a tabular format . The imaging field-dependent parameter displayed in the tabular format is such that the plurality of imaging fields are sequentially arranged in one of the vertical and horizontal directions, and the imaging field-dependent parameters are sequentially arranged in the other of the vertical and horizontal directions. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is displayed . The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit that selects the common parameter from the plurality of parameters . A static magnetic field generating means for generating a static magnetic field in the imaging space;
A gradient magnetic field generating means for generating a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space;
A high-frequency magnetic field generating means for generating a high-frequency magnetic field to cause nuclear magnetic resonance in a subject arranged in the imaging space;
Signal receiving means for detecting a nuclear magnetic resonance signal from the subject;
Signal processing means for reconstructing an image using a nuclear magnetic resonance signal detected by the signal receiving means;
Display means for displaying the image;
A table for placing the subject and arranging the subject in an imaging space;
Table moving means for moving the table on which the subject is placed;
The table moving means steps each imaging part of the subject into the imaging space, and the signal processing means obtains an image of the imaging field of view of each step, and combines the images for each imaging field of view. Combining means for obtaining a composite image of the subject,
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising input means for inputting imaging conditions in an imaging field of view in a plurality of steps on a single screen,
At least one of the high-frequency magnetic field generating means and the signal receiving means is composed of a plurality of high-frequency coils,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display means displays a positional relationship between the plurality of high-frequency coils and the plurality of imaging fields . 6. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising means for inputting or detecting positions of the plurality of high-frequency coils and displaying them . The position and size of the plurality of imaging fields can be set by changing the positional relationship between the plurality of high-frequency coils displayed on the display means and the plurality of imaging fields. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 5 or 6 . 6. A sensitivity distribution display means for displaying a sensitivity distribution of the plurality of high-frequency coils is provided, and positions and sizes of the plurality of imaging fields are set according to the sensitivity distribution. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 . Means for displaying an area within the imageable range and / or an area outside the imageable range by the plurality of high-frequency coils, and the plurality of images according to the area within the imageable range and / or the area outside the imageable range 9. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a position and a size of a visual field are set .

Images