JP5806044B2 - Diagnostic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image diagnostic apparatus having an operation guide function.

  An operator who operates the image diagnostic apparatus selects an imaging method adapted to an instruction from a doctor or the like from a database of dozens to several hundreds of imaging methods of the image diagnostic apparatus. The operator not only selects an imaging method that satisfies the instruction, but also creates the best image by changing a plurality of operations and imaging conditions depending on the condition of the subject.

  Patent Document 1 proposes a function of preparing a plurality of operation guide methods in an image diagnostic apparatus in order to create the best image, and guiding according to the procedure. The method disclosed in Patent Document 1 displays a manipulation guide so that beginners and temporary operators (hereinafter referred to as unskilled users) can handle the diagnostic imaging apparatus.

JP 2006-158963 A

  However, the operation guide prepared in the diagnostic imaging apparatus is prepared in advance. For this reason, there is a problem that it is difficult to display an operation guide adapted to imaging methods that change from day to day, the state of the subject, and the state of the diagnostic imaging apparatus.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention learns the operation of an operator who has a learning function in an operation guide and is familiar with the image diagnostic apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a master), and displays an optimal operation guide. A diagnostic device is provided.

A first aspect is an image diagnostic apparatus that images a subject. In the diagnostic imaging apparatus, the diagnostic imaging apparatus performs each operation from A (1) operation to A (n) operation in a series of first sequences from the start of imaging of the subject to the end of imaging. ) An operation recording unit for storing A (i) operations in the same way for a second sequence that is stored as an operation and different from the first sequence, and A (i) operations are grouped into blocks for each of m operations. A blocking unit; a probability calculating unit that calculates the probability of an A (i + 1) operation following the A (i) operation based on the blocked m operations; and a display unit that displays the A (i) operation; And a display control unit that displays the A (i + 1) operation with the highest probability calculated after the operation of A (i) operation is performed on the display unit.
However, i and n are natural numbers and m is a natural number and satisfies n>m> 1.

  The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a second aspect is the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the operation recording unit stores the A (i) operation of the first sequence according to the first objective, and the first objective The A (i) operation of the second sequence is stored in accordance with two different purposes, and the display control unit causes the display unit to display the first purpose and the second purpose to be achieved by operating the diagnostic imaging apparatus. After either of the displayed first objective and second objective is selected, the probability calculation unit performs an A (i + 1) operation following the A (i) operation under the selected first objective or second objective. Calculate the probability.

  An image diagnostic apparatus according to a third aspect includes a learning mode in which the operation currently performed in the operation recording unit is stored as an A (i) operation in the image diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect. When the learning mode is selected, the operation recording unit stores the operation A (i).

  The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect is the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the display control unit displays a plurality of A (i + 1) operations in order of probability on the display unit. Let

  In the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, in the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a plurality of A (i + 1) operations with different highlighting in the order of probability.

  In a diagnostic imaging apparatus according to a sixth aspect, in the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the display control unit causes the display unit to display a plurality of A (i + 1) operations in the order of probability in a dialog box.

  The image diagnostic apparatus according to the seventh aspect is the image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect. When a warning or a trouble occurs in the image diagnostic apparatus, the display control unit The A (i + 1) operation with the highest probability is displayed on the display unit, and the A (i + 1) operation with the next highest probability is displayed.

  The image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention allows an unskilled person to perform the same operation as a proficient person by appropriately displaying an optimum operation guide by means of an operation guide equipped with a learning function.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. FIG. It is a flowchart of the operation recording part of 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which showed operation A (i) of sequence SQ. 10 is a flowchart of a probability calculation unit 176. (A) illustrates ten operations A (1) to A (10) in the tenth sequence SQ10. (B) illustrates an example in which the tenth sequence SQ10 is divided into three blocks B. It is the figure which showed the operation content of operation A (1) -A (3) of 1st block B1, and following operation A (4). 3 is a diagram showing an example of a system environment setting screen of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. FIG. It is the figure which showed an example of the operation screen. FIG. 9 is a description of scan conditions that are a part of the operation content shown in FIG. 8. (A) is the figure which highlighted and displayed the operation content of following operation A (i + 1). (B) is the figure which arranged the operation content (numerical value) in order of the probability. (C) is a diagram in which the operation content of the next operation A (i + 1) is displayed in the dialog box DB. It is a flowchart of the operation recording part of 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed dialog box DB of the selection item of target PP. (A) is a diagram showing ten operations A (i) and three target PPs in the eleventh sequence SC11. (B) illustrates a case where the eleventh sequence SC11 is divided into three pieces. It is the figure which showed the state where objective PP (1) and objective PP (11) are recorded in 1st block B1. It is the figure which showed the indication of purpose PP and next operation A (i + 1). It is a flowchart at the time of warning or trouble.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, an operation guide function for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus will be described. However, the operation guide function can also be applied to an image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus, a nuclear medicine apparatus, or an ultrasonic image diagnostic apparatus.

<< First Embodiment >>
<Configuration of magnetic resonance imaging apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 of the first embodiment. With reference to FIG. 1, the configuration and basic operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 of the first embodiment will be described.

  The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 includes a magnet system 100, a gradient coil drive unit 130, an RF coil drive unit 140, a data collection unit 150, a pulse sequence control unit 160, a data processing unit 170, a display unit 180, and an operation unit 190.

  The magnet system 100 includes a main magnetic field coil unit 102, a gradient coil unit 106, and an RF coil unit 108. Each of these coil portions has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is arranged coaxially with each other in a substantially columnar bore. The subject SB is placed on the bed 110 in the bore, and the bed 110 is movable in the bore in the magnet system 100 according to the imaging region.

  The main magnetic field coil unit 102 forms a static magnetic field in the internal space of the magnet system 100. The direction of the static magnetic field is generally parallel to the direction of the body axis of the subject SB and forms a horizontal magnetic field. The main magnetic field coil unit 102 is normally configured using a superconducting coil, but may be configured using a permanent magnet or the like without being limited to the superconducting coil.

  The gradient coil unit 106 has three types of gradients for imparting gradients to the static magnetic field strength formed by the main magnetic field coil unit 102 in the three axes orthogonal to each other, that is, in the direction of the slice axis, the phase axis, and the frequency axis. Generate a magnetic field. In order to make it possible to generate such a gradient magnetic field, the gradient coil unit 106 has three gradient coils (not shown). A gradient coil drive unit 130 is connected to the gradient coil unit 106, and the gradient coil drive unit 130 gives a drive signal to the gradient coil unit 106 to generate a gradient magnetic field. The gradient coil drive unit 130 has three drive circuits (not shown) corresponding to the three gradient coils in the gradient coil unit 106.

  The RF coil unit 108 forms a high-frequency magnetic field for exciting spins in the body of the subject SB in the static magnetic field space. Formation of a high-frequency magnetic field is called transmission of an RF excitation signal, and the RF excitation signal is called an RF pulse. An RF coil drive unit 140 is connected to the RF coil unit 108. The RF coil drive unit 140 provides a drive signal to the RF coil unit 108, and the RF coil unit 108 transmits an RF pulse based on the drive signal. An electromagnetic wave generated by the excited spin, that is, a nuclear magnetic resonance signal is received by the RF coil unit 108. A data collection unit 150 is connected to the RF coil unit 108. The data collection unit 150 collects echo signals (or MR reception signals) received by the RF coil unit 108 as digital data.

  A pulse sequence control unit 160 is connected to the gradient coil drive unit 130, the RF coil drive unit 140, and the data collection unit 150.

  The sequence control unit 160 drives the gradient coil driving unit 130 and the RF coil driving unit 140 according to the imaging conditions input by the operator, that is, the imaging protocol.

  The display unit 180 is configured by a graphic display or the like. The display unit 180 is connected to the data processing unit 170. The display unit 180 can display an operation screen, an image reconstructed image, and the like.

  The operation unit 190 includes a keyboard having a pointing device. The operation unit 190 is connected to the data processing unit 170. The operation unit 190 is operated by the operator via the display unit 180. The operation unit 190 may arrange a touch panel on the display unit 180 instead of a keyboard or the like.

  The data processing unit 170 includes a calculation unit 171, a data storage unit 172, and an operation recording unit 175, and executes various data processes and programs. The calculation unit 171 includes a probability calculation unit 176, a display control unit 177, and blocking means 178. The data storage unit 172 stores various shooting protocols, various programs, and various data, and is appropriately read and written via the calculation unit 171. The operation recording unit 175, the probability calculation unit 176, the display control unit 177, and the blocking unit 178 will be described later.

  Many nuclear magnetic resonance signals collected by the data collection unit 150 are input to the data processing unit 170. The data processing unit 170 stores the shooting data collected by the data collection unit 150 in the data storage unit 172.

<Operation recording section>
The operation recording unit 175 of the calculation unit 171 includes all the operations from the time when the operator (skilled person) places the subject SB on the bed 110 and starts imaging to the time when the subject SB is lowered from the bed 110. Operations can be recorded. The operation recording unit 175 can also store a part of operations from the time when the subject SB is placed on the bed 110 to start imaging and the time when the subject SB is lowered from the bed 110. is there.

  When the first operation is operation A (1), the operation recording unit 175 records operation A (1) to operation end operation A (n) for each subject SB. In the present embodiment, the operation storage unit 175 is described separately from the data storage unit 172, but they may be a single storage unit.

  If the operation from the start of a series of imaging of the first subject SB1 to the end of imaging is defined as a first sequence SQ1 (see FIG. 3), the operation recording unit 175 includes a first sequence SQ1 including a plurality of operations A (i). Remember. Further, if the operation from the start of a series of imaging of the second subject SB2 to the end of imaging is the second sequence SQ2 (see FIG. 3), the operation recording unit 175 includes a second operation consisting of a plurality of operations A (i). The sequence SQ2 can be stored. Note that i is a natural number.

  In this way, the operation recording unit 175 can increase the sequence SQ for each subject SB, and a plurality of sequences SQ are stored in a database.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the operation recording unit 175.
In step S01, the learner presses the learning mode switch LM (see FIG. 7 or FIG. 8). When the switch LM in the learning mode is pressed, the operation recording unit 175 records subsequent learner operations. When the learning mode is set, the lighting of the learning mode button or the background color of the display unit is changed so that the learner can easily recognize the learning mode.

In step S02, the operation recording unit 175 sets a counter i to 1.
In step S03, the operation recording unit 175 collects the operation content op and counter of the master. That is, the operation recording unit 175 records, for example, that the operation A (1) is “A (1) = protocol call button on”.

  In step S04, the arithmetic unit 171 determines whether the learning mode switch LM (see FIG. 7 or FIG. 8) is pressed again. When the switch LM is pressed again, the learning mode ends. If the switch LM is not pressed again, the process moves to step S05. When the switch LM is pressed again, the process moves to step S06. Even if the learning mode switch LM is not pressed again, the learning mode is also terminated when the registration of the subject SB is cancelled.

  In step S05, the operation recording unit 175 increases the number of i by adding 1 to the counter i. In step S03, the operation recording unit 175 continuously collects operation details and counters.

  In step S06, the operation recording unit 175 stores the order and contents of the recorded operations. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation A (i) of the sequence SQ. As shown in the figure, in the first sequence SQ1, operations A (1), A (2), A (3)... A (i),. Operation contents of op11, op16... op20 are recorded. In the second sequence SQ2, A (1), A (2), A (3)... A (i),... A (n) are respectively operated by op2, op7, op12, op17. The operation contents of op1 are recorded. Similarly, the operation recording unit 175 adds a sequence SQ each time the switch LM in the learning mode is pressed, and records the operation A (i). For example, the operation content op6 increases the imaging field of view FOV, the operation content op11 decreases the repetition time TR, for example, and the operation content op16 increases the echo time, for example.

  In FIG. 3, the recording of the operation content from the first sequence SQ1 to the sixth sequence SQ6 is shown. Note that the operations A (1), A (2), A (3), and A (4) of the first sequence SQ1 to the fifth sequence SQ5 are different in all operation contents op1 to op20. However, as shown in the sixth sequence SQ6, even if the subject SB is different, there is an operation content op similar to the first sequence SQ1. As the stored sequence SQ increases, similar operation contents op are mixed.

  The operation A (i) stored in the operation recording unit 175 is accumulated as a database and can be analyzed by the calculation unit 171.

<Probability calculator and blocking means>
The probability calculation unit 176 of the calculation unit 171 analyzes the database of the operation A (i) and calculates the probability of the operation content op of the operation A (i + 1) to be performed next by the operator.

The probability calculation unit 176 and the blocking unit 178 are executed when the learning mode of the operation recording unit 175 ends or at a predetermined timing. The blocking unit 178 divides the sequence SQ into blocks B including one or more operations A (i). Then, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the probability of the operation content op of the operation A (i + 1).
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the probability calculation unit 176.

  In step S <b> 11, the probability calculation unit 176 reads the operation A (i) for each sequence SQ stored in the operation recording unit 175. For example, FIG. 5A illustrates ten operations A (1) to A (10) in the tenth sequence SQ10. The probability calculation unit 176 reads the stored tenth sequence SQ10.

  In step S12, the blocking unit 178 divides the sequence SQ into m blocks B. Note that m is a natural number. For example, FIG. 5B illustrates a case where the tenth sequence SQ10 is divided into three pieces. As shown in the drawing, the blocking unit 178 divides the tenth sequence SQ10 into three blocks B by setting m = 3. Block B is divided into three blocks B by shifting operations A (i) such as operations A (1) to A (3), operations A (2) to A (4). The tenth sequence SQ10 including ten operations A (i) is divided into eight blocks B.

  Returning to FIG. 4, in step S13, the probability calculation unit 176 records the operation content op of the divided block B and the next operation A (i). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation contents op of the operations A (1) to A (3) and the next operation A (4) of the first block B1. As shown in FIG. 6, the probability calculation unit 176 records the operation contents of the operations A (1) to A (3) of the first block B1, and at the same time, the operation contents of the next operation A (4). Also record.

  Returning to FIG. 4, in step S <b> 14, the probability calculation unit 176 determines whether all target sequences SQ have been read. For example, the probability calculation unit 176 reads the first sequences SQ1 to SC6 shown in FIG. If all the sequences SQ have not been read, the process returns to step S11, and if all the sequences SQ have been read, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the probability of the operation content op to be performed next to the m consecutive operation details op. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the operation contents op1, op2, and op3 are recorded in the operation A (1), the operation contents op6, op7, and op8 are recorded in the operation A (2), and the operation A (3 ) Records operation contents op11, op12, and op13, and operation A (4) records operation contents op16, op17, and op18. For easy explanation, the operations A (1) to A (4) are all different operation contents op.

  The operation content of the first sequence SQ1 is indicated by a solid arrow. The operation contents op of the first sequence SQ1 are executed in order of operation contents op1, op6, op11, and op16. In the sixth sequence SQ shown in FIG. 3, the operation contents op are sequentially executed as operation contents op1, op6, op11, and op17, as indicated by broken arrows. The probability calculation unit 176 calculates the operation A (i) executed after the operation pattern of the operation contents op1, op6, and op11 as the operation contents op16 or op17, and calculates the probability as 50%. Further, the third sequence SQ shown in FIG. 3 has only operation patterns of operation contents op3, op8, and op13. For this reason, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the operation content op18 to be executed thereafter, and calculates the probability as 100%. As described above, the probability calculation unit 176 analyzes the operation content op for each block B, and calculates the operation content op to be executed next and the probability of the operation content op.

As described above, the blocking unit 178 divides the plurality of sequences SQ for each block B, and the probability calculation unit 176 performs the operation to be executed next after the operation content including the plurality of operations A (i). The operation content of A (i + 1) is calculated. Note that m for dividing the sequence SQ into blocks B can be arbitrarily set. M is a natural number and satisfies the condition of n>m> 1.
<Display control unit>

  In operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10, it is generally a master who pushes the switch LM in the learning mode. Operation contents operated by a plurality of learners or operation contents operated by one learner on a plurality of subjects SB are stored in the operation storage unit 175. Next, an unskilled person operates the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 while receiving an operation guide based on the operation content of the master.

  The display control unit 177 of the calculation unit 171 displays the operation content op to be executed next on the display unit 180 based on the probability calculated by the probability calculation unit 176. The unskilled person can propose the operation method of the learner by the operation guide of the display control unit 177, so that the optimum operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 can be performed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system environment setting (system preference) screen of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The system environment setting screen is a screen for performing initial setting of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The system environment setting shown in FIG. 7 includes an item for turning on / off the switch LM in the learning mode or an item for turning on / off the switch OG in the operation guide. The learner turns on the learning mode switch LM on the system environment setting screen when the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 stores the operation content in the operation storage unit 175. When the operation content is stored in the operation storage unit 175, the learner turns off the learning mode switch LM.

  Next, the learner turns on the switch OG of the operation guide. If the switch OG of the operation guide is turned on, the unskilled person who uses the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 next looks at the operation screen without looking at the system environment setting screen. The unskilled person operates the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 while receiving the operation guide. As described above, when the learner sets the learning mode or the operation guide using the system environment setting screen, the learning mode switch LM and the operation guide switch OG shown in FIG. 8 are not necessary.

  On the other hand, it is possible not to set the learning mode or the operation guide in the system environment setting. In this case, the learning mode switch LM and the operation guide switch OG are not required in FIG. 7, and the learning mode switch LM and the operation guide switch OG are displayed on the operation screen shown in FIG. Next, a case where the learning mode and the operation guide are set on the operation screen shown in FIG. 8 instead of the system environment setting screen will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen, and FIG. 9 is an explanation of scan conditions that are part of the operation content illustrated in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, since the operation screen has a plurality of operation contents, an unskilled person may have difficulty in determining what to do with the next operation.

  The display control unit 177 displays the operation guide when the operator (untrained person) turns on the switch OG (see FIG. 8) of the operation guide. The following is a specific operation guide for the display control unit 177.

  The display control unit 177 is activated when the non-operator turns on the switch OG of the operation guide. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of region G in FIG.

  Until now, the unskilled person has performed operations A (i-2), A (i-1), and A (i). Then, the unskilled person performs the following operation A (i + 1).

  FIG. 10A is a diagram in which the operation content of the next operation A (i + 1) is highlighted. The display control unit 177 displays the operation contents in different colors in the descending order of probability calculated by the probability calculation unit 176. For example, the operation with the highest probability is displayed in red RD, the operation with the second highest probability is displayed in yellow YE, and the operation with the third highest probability is displayed in blue BL. In FIG. 10A, the display control unit 177 displays the background of the operation content “Phase” in red RD, for example, displays the background of the operation content “Frequency” in yellow YE, and displays the background of the operation content “NEX”. Displayed in blue BL.

  The unskilled person may set a certain value from the pull-down menu for the operation content “Phase” or set a certain value from the pull-down menu for the operation content “NEX” as the next operation A (i + 1). Good. The conventional magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is only an operation guide prepared in advance. However, in the first embodiment, the unskilled person can select one operation from a plurality of next operations A (i + 1) based on the probability.

  For example, it is assumed that the unskilled user has selected the operation of “Phase” with the highest probability as the next operation A (i + 1). In FIG. 10B, the item input value of the pull-down menu of the operation content “Phase” is “224” first, “192” second, “256” third, “512” fourth, “5” fifth Are rearranged and displayed as “160”. The numerical values on the left side of the item input values are in order of high probability. The display control unit 177 rearranges the item input values in descending order of the probability calculated by the probability calculation unit 176 and displays them on the pull-down menu. The unskilled person can select one operation from the plurality of operations A (i + 2) based on the probability as the next operation A (i + 2).

  FIG. 10C is a diagram in which the next operation A (i + 1) is displayed in the dialog box DB, unlike FIG. 10A or 10B. In FIG. 10C, the display control unit 177 has an operation content “Phase” operation with a probability of 70%, an operation content “Frequency” operation with a probability of 20%, and an operation content “NEX” with an operation rate of 10%. It is shown to be a probability. The display control unit 177 displays the dialog box DB in the area H of FIG. 8 or the like, or displays it as a freely movable window. In addition, you may make it display the operation content with high probability combining a color (FIG. 10 (a)) and a probability display (FIG.10 (c)).

  The probability calculation unit 176 calculates the next operation A (i + 1) based on the operations A (i−2), A (i−1), and A (i) performed by the unskilled user. The display control unit 177 displays the next operation A (i + 1) and the probability thereof in the dialog box DB1 based on the calculated result. The unskilled user selects the next operation A (i + 1) with reference to the content displayed in the dialog box DB1. When the unskilled user selects operation A (i + 1), the display control unit 177 opens the dialog box DB2 of the next operation A (i + 2). In FIG. 10C, a dialog box DB2 is displayed below the next dialog box DB1.

  It is assumed that the unlearned user selects the operation content “Frequency” having the lowest probability based on the operation guide shown in the dialog box DB1. Then, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the next operation A (i + 2) based on the operations A (i−1), A (i), and A (i + 1) performed by the untrained person. In the dialog box DB2 of FIG. 10C, since the operation content “Frequency” is set as the operation A (i + 1), the operation content “NEX” has an 80% probability of operation, and the operation content “Scan” has an operation of 20%. It is shown that Thus, the dialog box DB is updated every time one operation A (i) is completed.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, the operation recording unit 175 records the operation of the master, and the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the probability of the next operation. Then, the display control unit 177 displays the next operation A (i + 1) and its probability so that it can be easily understood by an unlearned person. The unskilled user can perform an operation equivalent to that of the master, and can select one operation from a plurality of operations based on the probability of the next operation.

<< Second Embodiment >>
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment displays an operation guide according to the purpose. The probability calculation unit 176 in the first embodiment only displays the probability of the operation procedure, and does not display the operation purpose. For this reason, only the probability of the next operation for the unskilled person may be troubled when selecting the next operation. For this reason, in the second embodiment, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus will be described in which the operation purpose of the learner is also stored along with the operation procedure, and the operation of the untrained person is guided. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 of the second embodiment has basically the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the same configuration is omitted, and the same reference numerals are used.

<Operation recording section>
The operation recording unit 175 of the second embodiment stores a sequence SQ from operations A (1) to A (n) along with the objective PP. The purpose PP is a concept including a photographing purpose such as how to photograph the subject SB and a photographing part of the subject.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation recording unit 175.
In step S21, the operator (learner) presses the learning mode switch LM (see FIG. 8). When the learning mode switch LM is pressed, the operation recording unit 175 records the subsequent operation A of the learner.
In step S22, the operation recording unit 175 sets the counters i and k to 1.

  In step S23, the calculation unit 171 determines whether to input the target PP. If the purpose PP is not input, the process proceeds to step S26. If the purpose is input, the process proceeds to step S24. The calculation unit 171 determines that the target PP is input when the learner presses the switch PB (see FIG. 8) of the target input button, and determines that the target PP is not input unless the switch PB is pressed.

  In step S24, the learner inputs the operation purpose PP. There are two methods for inputting the objective PP: a method for selecting the objective content prepared in advance, or a method for the learner to arbitrarily input the objective content. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a dialog box DB3 of selection items of the target PP. The dialog box DB3 is displayed in the area H of FIG. The dialog box DB3 displays selection items such as “reduction of scan time”, “improvement of image quality”, and “other purposes” as the purpose PP. The learner chooses one of them. When “other purpose” is selected, the display of other selection items or an arbitrary input screen is opened. The learner can freely input the target PP using an arbitrary input screen, and the input value is stored and added to the selection item. The first selected purpose is defined as purpose PP (1). For example, the operation recording unit 175 records that the purpose PP (1) is “shortening the breath holding time”.

  When the operation purpose PP (1) is selected in step S24, in step S25, the operation recording unit 175 increases the number k by adding 1 to the counter k.

  In step S26, the operation recording unit 175 stores the operation content op of the master as operation A (1).

  In step S27, the calculation unit 171 determines whether or not the learning mode is ended. The operation recording unit 175 moves to step S28 until the learning mode is ended, and moves to step S29 when the learning mode is ended.

  In step S28, the operation recording unit 175 increases the number of i by adding 1 to the counter i. Then, the process proceeds to step S23. Then, step S23 to step 28 are repeated. For example, after the learner operates the bed 110 to a position where the head of the subject SB can be photographed, when the learner next performs an operation for setting the photographing protocol, the target PP is again performed in step S24. Set (2). For example, the operation recording unit 175 records the purpose PP (2) as “improvement of image quality”.

  In step S29, the operation recording unit 175 stores the operation order, the operation content op, and the operation purpose PP. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing ten operations A (i) and three target PPs in the eleventh sequence SQ11. The operation A (i) and the target PP stored in the data storage unit 172 are accumulated as a database and can be analyzed by the calculation unit 171.

<Probability calculator and blocking means>
The probability calculation unit 176 of the calculation unit 171 calculates the probability of the operation content to be pressed next by the operator by analyzing the database storing the operation A (i) and the target PP.

  The probability calculation unit 176 and the blocking unit are executed when the learning mode of the operation recording unit 175 ends or at a predetermined timing. The blocking unit 178 divides the sequence SQ into blocks B. Further, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the probability of the operation content op of the next operation A (i + 1) according to the target PP. The probability calculation unit 176 is processed in the same manner as the flowchart of the probability calculation unit 176 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, differences between the flowchart processing of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

  In step S11 of FIG. 4, the probability calculation unit 176 reads the operation A (i) and the target PP for each sequence SQ. For example, the probability calculation unit 176 reads ten operations A (i) and three target PPs shown in FIG.

  In step S12 of FIG. 4, the blocking unit 178 divides the sequence SQ into m blocks B. For example, FIG. 13B illustrates a case where the eleventh sequence SQ11 is divided into three. The blocking unit 178 divides the sequence SQ into three blocks B by setting m = 3, for example.

  When the target PP is input in the block B, the probability calculation unit 176 stores the target PP in the block B. If the target PP is not input in the block B, the target PP stored in the previous block B is adopted and stored.

  For example, the first block B1 includes the target PP (1) existing in the first block B1. Since the target PP does not exist in the second block B2, the second block B2 includes the target PP (1) of the previous first block B1. The third block B3 and the fourth block B4 include the target PP (2) existing in the third block B3 and the fourth block B4. The fifth block B5 includes the target PP (2) of the previous fourth block B4 because there is no target PP. Similarly, the sixth block B6 and the seventh block B7 include the objective PP (2). The eighth block B8 includes the target PP (3) existing in the eighth block B8.

  In step S13 and step S14 in FIG. 4, as in the first embodiment, the probability calculation unit 176 records the operation content op of the divided block B and the next operation A (i), and sets all the targets. It is determined whether the sequence SQ is read.

  In step S15 of FIG. 4, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the probability of the operation content op of the operation A (i + 1) next to the m consecutive operation content accompanied by the target PP. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, in the eleventh sequence SQ11, the operation contents op1, op6, op11, and op16 are executed as indicated by a solid line, and the twelfth sequence SQ12 is indicated by a dashed arrow, Operation contents op1, op6, op11, and op17 are executed in order. In the first block B1, the eleventh sequence SQ11 and the twelfth sequence SQ12 have the same operation content op. However, the eleventh sequence SQ11 has the target PP (1) between the operation A (1) and the operation A (2). On the other hand, the twelfth sequence SQ12 has a target PP (11) different from the target PP (1) between the operation A (2) and the operation A (3).

  As in the first embodiment, in the sequence having no target PP, the probability that the operation content op16 is performed in the next operation A (4) is 50%, and the probability that the operation content op17 is performed is 50%. On the other hand, in the sequence having the purpose as in the second embodiment, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the probability of the next operation A (4) corresponding to the purpose PP. If the purpose is the purpose PP (1), the next operation A (4) has a probability that the operation content op16 is 100%. If the purpose is the purpose PP (11), the probability of the operation content op17 of the next operation A (4) is 100%. As described above, even if the operation content op is the same in the block B, the next operation A (i + 1) is limited by inputting the target PP. The unskilled person can perform the operation accurately according to the purpose.

<Display control unit>
Next, the unskilled person operates the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 while receiving the operation guide.
The display control unit 177 of the calculation unit 171 displays the target PP analyzed by the probability calculation unit 176, and further displays the next operation A (i + 1). FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the display of the target PP and the next operation A (i + 1). When an unlearned user operates from operation A (1) to operation A (3) (operation contents op1, op6, op11), the probability calculation unit 176 searches for the same operation recorded in the database. In the first block B1, since the input of the target PP (1) and the target PP (11) is recorded, the display control unit 177 displays the target PP (1) and the target PP (11). When the unskilled user selects the objective PP (1), the display control unit 177 displays the operation content op16 from the probability of the probability calculation unit 176. When the unskilled user selects the target PP (11), the display control unit 177 displays the operation content op17. Thereby, the unskilled person can perform the operation A (i + 1) that meets the purpose by selecting a desired operation purpose. If there is a plurality of operation contents even if one target PP is selected, the display control unit 177 displays the next operation A (i + 1) in the order of probability as shown in FIG.

  The display control unit 177 displays the dialog box DB of the operation guide when the unskilled user turns on the switch OG of the operation guide. The display control unit 177 uses the dialog box DB shown in FIG. The unskilled person selects one purpose from the displayed selection items such as “reduction of scan time”, “improvement of image quality”, “imaging region”, “other purpose”, and the like.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 of the second embodiment, the operation recording unit 175 records the operation purpose and operation of the master, and the probability calculation unit 176 performs the operation purpose PP and the next operation A (i + 1) from the block B. Calculate the probability of. Therefore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 enables an unskilled person to perform an optimal operation according to the operation purpose.

<< Third Embodiment >>
The operation recording unit 175 of the third embodiment can also correspond to an unskilled person for a warning or trouble. Under normal operating conditions, the unlearned person often cannot respond to sudden warnings or troubles. The operation recording unit 175 records a plurality of operations A taken by the learner for a warning or trouble. When the unskilled person encounters a similar warning or trouble, the display control unit 177 displays the next operation A (i + 1) corresponding to the warning or trouble.

  There are various types of warnings ranging from minor warnings to severe warnings. For this reason, the unskilled person is at a loss as to whether to continue the operation for the displayed warning or to change the parameter. An example of a mild warning is a SAR (specific absorption rate) warning. SAR indicates the generation state of Joule heat when the RF pulse in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is used for the subject SB. The SAR has a set value for each magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. If the SAR becomes a set value or more during the operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10, the calculation unit 171 displays a warning.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart at the time of warning or trouble.
In step S31, the operator (learner) presses the error recording mode switch ER (see FIG. 8). When the error recording mode switch ER is pressed, the operation recording unit 175 changes the lighting of the error recording mode button or the background color of the display unit so that the learner can easily recognize it.

In step S32, the operation recording unit 175 records the generated warning or trouble. The operation recording unit 175 records the event (warning or trouble) immediately before the switch ER in the error recording mode was pressed.
In step S33, the operation recording unit 175 sets the counter i to 1.

  In step S34, the operation recording unit 175 collects the operation contents op and the counter operated by the learner as the operation A (i). An arbitrary comment of the master may be added to the operation A (i). For example, the learner inputs a comment such as a troubleshooting method, and the operation recording unit 175 can store the comment. Unskilled learners can share information on warnings or troubles, and can use comments as a means of solving warnings or troubles.

  In step S35, the arithmetic unit 171 determines whether to end the error recording mode. The operation recording unit 175 moves to step S36 until the error recording mode is ended, and records the operation A (i). When the learner presses the lit switch ER again, the error recording mode ends and the process moves to step S37.

  In step S36, the operation recording unit 175 increases the number of i by adding 1 to the counter i.

In step S37, the operation recording unit 175 stores all the operations A (i).
The probability calculation unit 176 calculates the probability of the next operation A (i + 1) as in the first embodiment.

  When a warning or trouble is displayed during operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 by an unskilled person, the unskilled person presses the switch OG (see FIG. 8) of the operation guide. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the display control unit 177 colors the next operation A (i + 1) in order of probability or displays the dialog box DB.

  In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 of the third embodiment, when a warning or trouble occurs, the operation recording unit 175 records the operation and comment of the learner along with the warning or trouble. Then, the probability calculation unit 176 calculates the operation and probability after the warning or trouble. Further, the display control unit 177 can present a warning or trouble avoidance method to an unlearned person and perform an optimum operation.

  As described above, this case has described the first to third embodiments. In any of these embodiments, the operation method of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is learned for each hospital, for each operator, or for each subject, instead of the uniform operation guide stored in advance. Therefore, an unskilled person can operate the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 more flexibly.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 ... Magnet system, 110 ... Bed 102 ... Main magnetic field coil part, 106 ... Gradient coil part, 108 ... Coil part 130 ... Gradient coil drive part 140 ... Coil drive part, 150 ... Data collection part 160 ... Pulse sequence control unit 170 ... Data processing unit 171 ... Operation unit 172 ... Data storage unit 175 ... Operation recording unit 176 ... Probability calculation unit 177 ... Display control unit 180 ... Display unit 190 ... Operation unit B ... Block BL ... Blue, RD ... Red, YE ... Yellow DB (DB1, DB2, DB3) ... Dialog box ER ... Error recording mode switch G, H ... Area i, k ... Counter LM ... Learning mode switch OG ... Operation guide switch PB ... Purpose Button switch SB ... Subject SC ... Sike Scan

Claims (12)

  A first sequence representing at least a part of a plurality of operations executed by the operator from the start of imaging of the subject to the end of imaging, and a plurality of operations executed by the operator from the start of imaging of the subject to the end of imaging An operation recording unit that records a second sequence representing at least a part of the operations;
  Blocking means for obtaining a plurality of blocks including m operations from each of the first sequence and the second sequence recorded in the operation recording unit;
  Based on the first information indicating the operation content of each of the m operations of the block and the second information indicating the operation content of the operation executed next to the m operations, the m operations. In the next operation, a calculation unit that calculates what operation content is executed with what percentage, and
  When the operator performs another m operations after the operations of the first sequence and the second sequence are performed, the next of the other m operations is performed based on the probability calculated by the calculation unit. Informing means for informing the first operation content that has the highest probability of being executed in the operation;
A diagnostic imaging apparatus.   The operation recording unit
  Recording the first purpose of the operation included in the first sequence and the second purpose of the operation included in the second sequence;
  The calculator is
  The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the probability is calculated based on the first object and the second object.   The notification means notifies a plurality of purposes including the first purpose and a second purpose, and notifies the first operation content based on a purpose selected by an operator among the plurality of purposes. The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to 1.   The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notifying unit notifies a plurality of operation contents including the first operation contents.   The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit notifies the probability of each of the plurality of operation contents.   The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit includes a display unit that displays the probability.   The notification means has a display unit for displaying the probability,
  The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display unit displays a difference in probability of the plurality of operation contents using a plurality of colors.   The notification means has a display unit for displaying the probability,
  The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display unit displays a probability of each of the plurality of operation contents in a dialog box.   The display unit
  The image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second operation content having the highest probability of being executed when a warning or trouble occurs in the image diagnostic apparatus is displayed.   The display unit
  The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a third operation content having a next highest probability of being executed when a warning or a trouble occurs in the image diagnostic apparatus is next to the second operation content.   It has a learning mode to record operator operations,
  The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the operation recording unit records the first sequence and the second sequence when the learning mode is selected.   The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic imaging apparatus is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, an X-ray CT apparatus, a nuclear medicine apparatus, or an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus.