JP6910852B2 - Magnetic resonance imaging device - Google Patents

Description

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

The nuclear spin of a subject placed in a static magnetic field is magnetically excited by an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse of Larmor frequency, and the image is re-imaged from the MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal generated by this excitation. There is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device that constitutes.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-23610 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-29644 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-49669 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-88870 JP-A-2015-43920

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that allows a user to easily set a protocol.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the embodiment includes an acquisition unit, a setting unit, and a display unit. The acquisition unit acquires information on the RF (radio frequency) coil. The setting unit sets the protocol applied to the imaging before executing the imaging using the RF coil. When there are a plurality of protocols that can be selected as the protocol applied to the imaging, the display unit is narrowed down from the plurality of protocols as a protocol applicable to the imaging based on the information of the RF coil. Display the protocol.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of coil classification information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for allowing the user to select a protocol and imaging conditions. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of narrowing-down display processing executed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image showing narrowed-down protocol candidates and imaging condition candidates. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the MRI apparatus according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the MRI apparatus according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of coil classification information according to a first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram for explaining an example of a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8B is a diagram for explaining an example of a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 8C is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of coil classification information according to a second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a process executed by the MRI apparatus according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10A is a diagram for explaining a fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining a fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the MRI apparatus according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the MRI apparatus according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the MRI apparatus according to the sixth modification.

Hereinafter, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter, “MRI apparatus” as appropriate) according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is not limited to the following embodiment. In addition, each embodiment and each modification can be combined as appropriate.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 1, a gradient magnetic field coil 2, a gradient magnetic field power supply 3, a transmission coil (RF (Radio Frequency) transmission coil) 4, a transmission circuit 5, and reception. It includes a coil (RF receiving coil) 6, a receiving circuit 7, a sleeper 8, an input circuit 9, a display 10, a storage circuit 11, and processing circuits 12 to 15. The MRI apparatus 100 does not include the subject S (for example, the human body) shown in FIG. Further, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is only an example.

The static magnetic field magnet 1 is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a magnet having an elliptical cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder), and generates a uniform static magnetic field in the imaging space formed on the inner peripheral side. Let me. For example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 is realized by a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet, or the like.

The gradient magnetic field coil 2 is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including a coil having an elliptical cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder), and is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the static magnetic field magnet 1. The gradient magnetic field coil 2 has three coils that generate gradient magnetic fields along the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis that are orthogonal to each other. Here, the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis form a device coordinate system unique to the MRI device 100. For example, the x-axis direction is set to the vertical direction, and the y-axis direction is set to the horizontal direction. Further, the direction of the z-axis is set to be the same as the direction of the magnetic flux of the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1.

The gradient magnetic field power supply 3 individually supplies a current to each of the three coils of the gradient magnetic field coil 2 to generate a gradient magnetic field corresponding to the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis in the imaging space. Each axis corresponds to, for example, a readout direction, a phase encode direction, and a slice direction. Here, the axes corresponding to the lead-out direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction form a logical coordinate system for defining a slice region or a volume region to be imaged. In the following, the gradient magnetic field along the lead-out direction is referred to as a lead-out gradient magnetic field, the gradient magnetic field along the phase-encoded direction is referred to as a phase-encoded gradient magnetic field, and the gradient magnetic field along the slice direction is referred to as a slice gradient magnetic field. ..

Each gradient magnetic field is superimposed on the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1 and is used to impart spatial position information to the magnetic resonance (MR) signal. Specifically, the lead-out gradient magnetic field imparts position information along the lead-out direction to the MR signal by changing the frequency of the MR signal according to the position in the lead-out direction. Further, the phase-encoded gradient magnetic field imparts position information in the phase-encoded direction to the MR signal by changing the phase of the MR signal along the phase-encoded direction. The slice gradient magnetic field is used to determine the direction, thickness, and number of slice regions when the imaging region is a slice region, and depends on the position in the slice direction when the imaging region is a volume region. By changing the phase of the MR signal, the MR signal is given position information along the slice direction.

The transmission coil 4 is formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape (including one having an elliptical cross section orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder), and is arranged inside the gradient magnetic field coil 2. The transmission coil 4 applies an RF pulse output from the transmission circuit 5 to the imaging space.

The transmission circuit 5 outputs an RF pulse corresponding to the Larmor frequency to the transmission coil 4. For example, the transmission circuit 5 includes an oscillation circuit, a phase selection circuit, a frequency conversion circuit, an amplitude modulation circuit, and an RF amplifier circuit. The oscillator circuit generates an RF pulse with a resonance frequency specific to the target nucleus placed in a static magnetic field. The phase selection circuit selects the phase of the RF pulse output from the oscillation circuit. The frequency conversion circuit converts the frequency of the RF pulse output from the phase selection circuit. The amplitude modulation circuit modulates the amplitude of the RF pulse output from the frequency conversion circuit according to, for example, a sinc function. The RF amplifier circuit amplifies the RF pulse output from the amplitude modulation circuit and outputs it to the transmission coil 4.

The receiving coil 6 is installed in the vicinity of the subject S and receives the MR signal emitted from the subject S due to the influence of the RF pulse. The receiving coil 6 can be connected to a connector (connector port, port) 6a embedded in the top plate 8a described later. The connector 6a is connected to the receiving circuit 7. That is, the connection form of the receiving coil 6 and the receiving circuit 7 is a wired connection (wired connection) via the connector 6a. When the receiving coil 6 connected to the connector 6a receives the MR signal, the receiving coil 6 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 7 via the connector 6a. Further, the connector 6a reads an ID (Identification) for uniquely identifying the connected receiving coil 6 from the connecting portion of the receiving coil 6, and outputs the read ID to the receiving circuit 7. The receiving coil 6 is an example of an RF coil.

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 13. For example, the receiving circuit 7 includes a selection circuit, a pre-stage amplifier circuit, a phase detection circuit, and an analog-to-digital conversion circuit. The selection circuit selectively inputs the MR signal output from the receiving coil 6. The pre-stage amplifier circuit amplifies the MR signal output from the selection circuit. The phase detection circuit detects the phase of the MR signal output from the pre-stage amplifier circuit. The analog-to-digital conversion circuit generates MR signal data by converting the analog signal output from the phase detection circuit into a digital signal, and outputs the generated MR signal data to the processing circuit 13. Further, when the receiving circuit 7 receives the ID from the receiving coil 6, the receiving circuit 7 outputs the received ID to the processing circuit 13.

Here, an example in which the transmitting coil 4 applies an RF pulse and the receiving coil 6 receives an MR signal will be described, but the forms of the transmitting coil and the receiving coil are not limited to this. For example, the transmission coil 4 may further have a reception function for receiving an MR signal. That is, the transmission coil 4 may be a coil for both transmission and reception. Further, the receiving coil 6 may further have a transmitting function of applying an RF pulse. That is, the receiving coil 6 may be a coil for both transmission and reception. When the transmitting coil 4 has a receiving function, the receiving circuit 7 also generates MR signal data from the MR signal received by the transmitting coil 4. When the receiving coil 6 has a transmitting function, the transmitting circuit 5 also outputs an RF pulse to the receiving coil 6.

Further, although the case where the connection form of the reception coil 6 and the reception circuit 7 is a wired connection has been described, a wireless connection may be used. Here, an example in the case where the connection form of the reception coil 6 and the reception circuit 7 is a wireless connection will be described.

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 has, for example, a circuit similar to the selection circuit, the pre-stage amplifier circuit, the phase detection circuit, and the analog-digital conversion circuit of the reception circuit 7 described above, and is in the same manner as the reception circuit 7 described above. The MR signal is digitized 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 to the receiving circuit 7 by wireless communication. As a standard for wireless communication between the wireless transmitter of the receiving coil 6 and the wireless receiver of the receiving circuit 7, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) can be mentioned, but 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 radio receiver of the receiving circuit 7 receives the MR signal data and ID from the radio transmitter of the receiving coil 6, the receiving circuit 7 outputs the received MR signal data and ID to the processing circuit 13.

Here, among the plurality of elements constituting the MRI apparatus 100, a portion composed of a plurality of elements other than the receiving coil 6 is referred to as a “device main body”. The receiving coil 6 can be connected to the main body of the apparatus in both the case where the connection form of the receiving coil 6 and the receiving circuit 7 is a wired connection and the case where the receiving circuit 7 is a wireless connection.

The sleeper 8 includes a top plate 8a on which the subject S is placed, and when the subject S is imaged, the top plate 8a enters the imaging space formed inside the static magnetic field magnet 1 and the gradient magnetic field coil 2. To insert. For example, the sleeper 8 is installed so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1.

The input circuit 9 receives various instructions and various information input operations from the operator. For example, the input circuit 9 is realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like. The input circuit 9 is connected to the processing circuit 15, converts the input operation received from the operator into an electric signal, and outputs the input operation to the processing circuit 15.

The display 10 displays various information and various images. For example, the display 10 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like. The display 10 is connected to the processing circuit 15 and converts various information and various image data sent from the processing circuit 15 into electrical signals for display and outputs the data. Further, the display 10 according to the present embodiment presents the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate to the user by displaying the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate. The display 10 is arranged in the operation room, for example. The display 10 is an example of a display unit.

The storage circuit 11 stores various data. For example, the storage circuit 11 stores MR signal data and image data for each subject S. For example, the storage circuit 11 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. Further, the storage circuit 11 according to the present embodiment stores the coil classification information 11a.

The processing circuit 12 has a sleeper control function 12a. The processing circuit 12 is connected to the sleeper 8. For example, the processing circuit 12 is realized by a processor. The sleeper control function 12a controls the operation of the sleeper 8 by outputting an electric signal for control to the sleeper 8. For example, the bed control function 12a receives an instruction from the operator to move the top plate 8a in the longitudinal direction, the vertical direction, or the horizontal direction via the input circuit 9, and moves the top plate 8a according to the received instruction. The drive mechanism of the top plate 8a included in the bed 8 is operated.

The processing circuit 13 has an execution function 13a. For example, the processing circuit 13 is realized by a processor. The execution function 13a executes various protocols. Specifically, the execution function 13a executes various protocols 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 15.

Here, the sequence execution data is information that defines a protocol indicating a procedure for collecting MR signal data. Specifically, the sequence execution data includes the timing at which the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 supplies the current to the gradient magnetic field coil 2, the strength of the supplied current, the strength of the RF pulse current supplied by the transmission circuit 5 to the transmission coil 4, and the strength of the RF pulse current. This is information that defines the supply timing, the detection timing at which the receiving circuit 7 detects the MR signal, and the like.

Further, the execution function 13a receives MR signal data from the reception circuit 7 as a result of executing various pulse sequences, and stores the received MR signal data in the storage circuit 11. The set of MR signal data received by the execution function 13a is arranged in two or three dimensions according to the position information given by the lead-out gradient magnetic field, the phase-encoded gradient magnetic field, and the slice gradient magnetic field described above. As a result, it is stored in the storage circuit 11 as data constituting the k space.

Further, when the processing circuit 13 receives the ID output from the receiving circuit 7, the processing circuit 13 stores the received ID in the storage circuit 11. At this time, the processing circuit 13 stores the ID in the storage circuit 11 for each inspection. The inspection is a unit for executing a protocol group. The protocol included in the protocol group is a unit for executing shooting.

The processing circuit 14 has an image generation function 14a. For example, the processing circuit 14 is realized by a processor. The image generation function 14a generates an image based on the MR signal data stored in the storage circuit 11. Specifically, the image generation function 14a reads the MR signal data stored in the storage circuit 11 by the execution function 13a, and performs post-processing, that is, reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read MR signal data to obtain an image. Generate. Further, the image generation function 14a stores the image data of the generated image in the storage circuit 11.

The processing circuit 15 has a control function 15a, an acquisition function 15b, and a presentation control function 15c. For example, the processing circuit 15 is realized by a processor.

The control function 15a controls the entire MRI apparatus 100 by controlling each component of the MRI apparatus 100. For example, the control function 15a receives inputs of various parameters related to the pulse sequence from the operator via the input circuit 9, and generates sequence execution data based on the received parameters. Then, the control function 15a executes various pulse sequences by transmitting the generated sequence execution data to the processing circuit 13. Further, for example, the control function 15a reads the image data of the image requested by the operator from the storage circuit 11 and outputs the read image data to the display 10.

The acquisition function 15b acquires the coil classification information 11a. The presentation control function 15c controls the display 10 so that candidates for imaging conditions are presented based on the coil classification information 11a. The acquisition function 15b is an example of an acquisition unit. The acquisition function 15b and the presentation control function 15c will be described later.

The word "processor" used in the above description means, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an integrated circuit for a specific application (ASIC), or a programmable logic device (for example, a programmable logic device). It means a circuit such as a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 11, the program may be directly incorporated in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit.

The overall configuration of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has been described above.

Here, the MRI apparatus displays a screen for allowing the user to select a protocol and imaging conditions such as TR (Repetition Time) when executing the protocol before performing imaging in the examination of the subject. , A screen for selecting the direction (orientation) and the position of the subject S is displayed on the display, and the user is allowed to select the protocol and the imaging condition, or the direction and the position of the subject S are selected. Then, the MRI apparatus sets the selected protocol and the imaging condition as the imaging condition of the protocol and the protocol executed at the time of imaging, and sets the direction and body position of the selected subject S as the subject S in the imaging. Set as the direction and position of. That is, the MRI apparatus causes the user to set the protocol, the imaging conditions, the direction and the body position of the subject S, and the like before performing the imaging.

Here, the MRI apparatus identifies the receiving coil connected to the connector when displaying a screen for allowing the user to select a protocol and imaging conditions. Then, it is conceivable that the MRI apparatus displays the protocol and the imaging condition of the protocol for performing the imaging using the specified receiving coil on the display as the candidate of the protocol used for the imaging and the candidate of the imaging condition. However, when a plurality of types of receiving coils are connected to the connector, the MRI apparatus has different protocols for performing imaging for each type of receiving coil, so that a large number of protocol candidates and a large number of imaging conditions can be obtained. Candidates will be displayed on the display. Further, for example, although there is only one type of receiving coil connected to the connector, even when there are many types of imaging sites that can be imaged using this receiving coil, the protocol is different for each imaging site, so that a large number of images can be captured. Protocol candidates and a large number of imaging condition candidates will be displayed on the display. When such a large number of protocol candidates and a large number of imaging condition candidates are displayed on the display, the user selects a protocol to be used for imaging from a large number of protocol candidates and a large number of imaging conditions. Since the imaging conditions for executing the protocol are selected from the candidates, the protocol used for imaging and the imaging conditions cannot be easily selected. Therefore, in this case, the user cannot easily set the protocol and the imaging condition.

Therefore, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the user can easily set the protocol and the imaging condition as described below.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the coil classification information 11a. The coil classification information 11a is information in which the types of the receiving coil 6 are classified based on the imageable portion of the receiving coil 6. That is, the coil classification information 11a is information in which the receiving coil 6 is classified according to the imaging application. As described above, the coil classification information 11a is the information of the receiving coil 6. The imageable portion refers to a portion of the body of the subject S that can be imaged. As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the coil classification information 11a contains a record including each item of "coil ID (Identification)", "coil group", "part 1", "part 2", and "part 3". Multiple are registered.

In the item of "coil ID", an ID for uniquely identifying the receiving coil 6 is registered. The ID "AA" registered in the "coil ID" item of the first record of the coil classification information 11a is, for example, a knee-dedicated receiving coil (knee-dedicated coil) mainly used when imaging the knee. show. Further, the ID "BA" registered in the "coil ID" item of the second record and the ID "BB" registered in the "coil ID" item of the third record are, for example, captured. A general-purpose receiving coil (general-purpose coil) used in general is shown. The general-purpose coil is used for imaging a relatively large number of parts. Further, the ID "CC" registered in the item of "coil ID" of the fourth record is a sleeper-installed receiving coil (sleeper) used in an operation mode in which the ID "CC" is always installed on the top plate 8a of the sleeper 8. Stationary coil) is shown. For example, as an example of the sleeper-mounted coil, there is a spine coil embedded in the top plate 8a and used for imaging spines such as the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine.

In the item of "coil group", the part used when the receiving coil 6 mainly images a specific part according to the type of the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the item of "coil ID". Information for identifying whether it is a dedicated receiving coil (part-only coil), a general-purpose coil, or a sleeper-mounted coil is registered.

The receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the "coil ID" item is a part such as a receiving coil dedicated to the knee or a receiving coil dedicated to the head (coil dedicated to the head) mainly used when imaging the head. In the case of a dedicated coil, "A" indicating that the coil is dedicated to a part is registered in the item of "coil group". For example, "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" of the first record.

When the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the "coil ID" item is a general-purpose coil, the "coil group" item contains "B" indicating that the coil is a general-purpose coil. be registered. For example, "B" is registered in the "coil group" item of the second record and the third record.

When the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the "coil ID" item is a sleeper-mounted coil, the "coil group" item indicates "C" indicating that the receiver coil 6 is a sleeper-mounted coil. Is registered. For example, "C" is registered in the item of "coil group" of the fourth record.

Here, the following can be considered for the site-dedicated coil, the general-purpose coil, and the sleeper-mounted coil. For example, when the part-dedicated coil is connected to the connector 6a, it is considered that there is a relatively high possibility of imaging a specific part corresponding to the part-dedicated coil.

When the general-purpose coil is connected to the connector 6a when the site-dedicated coil is not connected to the connector 6a, the general-purpose coil is used to image a part such as a hand, leg, knee, abdomen, or pelvis. It is considered that there is a relatively high possibility of doing so.

Further, when only the bed-mounted coil is connected to the connector 6a among the site-dedicated coil, the general-purpose coil, and the bed-mounted coil, only the bed-mounted coil is connected to the connector 6a, so that the bed-mounted coil is connected to the connector 6a. It is considered that there is a relatively high possibility of imaging using.

From the above, in the item of "coil group", the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the item of "coil ID" is classified into three groups ("" It can be said that information indicating which group the "A", "B", and "C") belongs to is registered. As will be described later, among "A", "B" and "C", "A" has the highest priority (priority), "B" has the highest priority next to "A", and "C". Is treated as the lowest priority. That is, the coil classification information 11a includes information on the priority determined based on the portion that can be imaged by using the receiving coil 6.

In the item of "part 1", the receiving coil 6 is mainly used among a plurality of parts that can be imaged in the imaging using the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the item of "coil ID". The part to be imaged is registered. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, in the item of "part 1" of the first record, the part "knee" mainly imaged by using the knee coil is registered.

In addition, in the item of "part 1" of the second record, the parts "hand", "foot", "knee", and "abdomen" that are mainly imaged using the general-purpose coil indicated by the ID "BA" are used. And "pelvis" is registered.

Further, in the item of "site 1" of the third record, the sites "knee", "abdomen" and "pelvis" which are mainly imaged by using the general-purpose coil indicated by the ID "BB" are registered. There is.

In addition, in the item of "site 1" of the fourth record, the sites "cervical vertebrae", "thoracic vertebrae" and "lumbar vertebrae" which are mainly imaged using the sleeper-mounted coil indicated by the ID "CC" are registered. ing.

In the item of "part 2", when "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" of the same record, the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the item of "coil ID" is used. Among the parts that can be imaged in the imaging, the parts other than the parts registered in the item of "Site 1", and the parts that have been imaged in a relatively large number are registered. For example, in the item of "part 2" of the first record, among the parts that can be imaged in the imaging using the coil dedicated to the knee, the parts other than the "knee" that are relatively often imaged. "Hands" and "feet" are registered.

Further, in the item of "part 2", when "B" or "C" is registered in the item of "coil group" of the same record, the ID registered in the item of "coil ID" is registered. Among the parts that can be imaged in the imaging using the receiving coil 6 shown, the parts other than the parts registered in the item of "Part 1" are registered. For example, in the item of "part 2" of the second record, among the parts that can be imaged in the imaging using the general-purpose coil indicated by the ID "BA", the parts "hand" and "foot" that are mainly imaged are included. , "Knee", "Abdomen" and "Pelvis" are registered. In the example of FIG. 2, the part registered in the item of "part 2" of the second record is described as "other". The same applies hereinafter.

From the above, when comparing the part registered in the item of "Part 1" and the part registered in the item of "Part 2", the part registered in the item of "Part 1" is imaged. It can be said that there is a high possibility.

In the item of "part 3", when "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" of the same record, the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the item of "coil ID" is used. Among the parts that can be imaged in the imaging, the parts other than the parts registered in the two items of "site 1" and "site 2" are registered.

The MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a screen for allowing the user to select a protocol and imaging conditions (a screen for accepting settings of the protocol and imaging conditions from the user) and a subject before performing imaging in the examination of the subject S. A screen for selecting the direction and position of the sample S (a screen for accepting the direction and position of the subject S from the user) is displayed on the display 10, and the user can select the protocol and the imaging condition, or the subject S can be selected. Lets you choose the direction and position. Then, the MRI apparatus 100 sets the selected protocol as the protocol to be executed at the time of imaging, sets the selected imaging condition as the imaging condition at the time of executing the protocol, or sets the selected subject. The direction and body position of S are set as the direction and body position of the subject S in imaging. Then, the MRI apparatus 100 sets the direction and body position of the subject S, and then performs imaging by executing the set protocol under the set imaging conditions.

Here, an example of a process executed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment for allowing the user to select a protocol and imaging conditions will be described.

First, the presentation control function 15c causes the display 10 to display a screen for allowing the user to select a protocol and an imaging condition. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for allowing the user to select a protocol and imaging conditions. For example, the presentation control function 15c causes the screen 40 shown in the example of FIG. 3 to be displayed on the display 10. The screen 40 includes areas 41 to 44 and a button 45.

In the region 41, a human model drawing that accepts selection for each imaging site (hereinafter, simply referred to as a site) is displayed. In the region 42, a list of generic names of a group (protocol group) of the imaging protocols preset for the portion selected in the region 41 is displayed. In the area 43, a list of the names of the protocols included in the protocol group preset for the generic name selected in the area 42 is displayed. In addition to the name of the protocol, various imaging conditions such as TE and TR when executing the protocol are also displayed in the area 43. In the area 44, the name of the protocol set for the inspection is displayed. On the display screen 40, the user sets the imaging conditions of the desired protocol and protocol to be executed in the inspection, for example, by selecting the site, the protocol group, the protocol, and the imaging condition in this order according to the hierarchical structure.

For example, when the user operates the input circuit 9 to select a rectangle corresponding to the "heart" on the area 41, the presentation control function 15c lists the generic name of the protocol group for imaging the "heart" in the area 42. To display. Subsequently, when the user operates the input circuit 9 to select "right ventricular system examination", which is a general term for a group of protocols for examining the right ventricle of the heart on the region 42, the presentation control function 15c displays. A list of protocol names and imaging conditions included in the protocol group indicated by "right ventricular examination" is displayed in the area 43. In the example of FIG. 3, the presentation control function 15c displays various imaging conditions of each protocol in the area 43 together with the protocol names “DDDA”, “DDDB”, and “DDDC”.

Then, the user operates the input circuit 9 to select one protocol name and protocol imaging condition to be set for the inspection from the list of protocol names and imaging conditions displayed in the area 43. Select the above and press the button 45. Here, a case where the button 45 is pressed after all the protocol names and imaging conditions displayed in the area 43 are selected will be described. When the button 45 is pressed, the presentation control function 15c displays the names of all the selected protocols in the area 44, and executes all the protocols indicated by the selected names in the examination of the subject S as a protocol. Along with setting, the selected imaging condition is set as the imaging condition of the protocol. That is, the presentation control function 15c sets the protocol and the imaging condition applied to the imaging before executing the imaging using the receiving coil 6. The presentation control function 15c for setting the protocol and imaging conditions is an example of the setting unit. By the method as described above, the MRI apparatus 100 accepts the setting of the protocol and the imaging condition for the examination. When the user presses the button 45 while any of the generic names of the protocol groups displayed in the area 42 is selected, the presentation control function 15c displays all the protocols displayed in the area 43. The name may be displayed in the area 44, and all the protocols indicated by the selected name and the selected imaging conditions may be set as the protocol to be executed in the examination of the subject S and the imaging conditions of the protocol.

Here, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment selects from a plurality of protocols and imaging conditions of the protocols that can be selected when the screen for allowing the user to select the protocol and the imaging condition is displayed on the display 10. The narrowed-down display process for narrowing down and displaying the protocol and the imaging condition of the protocol that are likely to be selected by the user is executed. As a result, the user can set the protocol and the imaging condition by selecting the protocol to be executed in the inspection and the imaging condition of the protocol from the narrowed down protocols and the imaging conditions. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can easily set the protocol and the imaging condition.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of narrowing-down display processing executed by the MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment.

As shown in the example of FIG. 4, the acquisition function 15b of the MRI apparatus 100 acquires the coil classification information 11a from the storage circuit 11 (step S101).

Then, the acquisition function 15b of the MRI apparatus 100 acquires the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in the current inspection by acquiring all the IDs in the current inspection stored in the storage circuit 11. (Step S102). Step S101 and step S102 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 15 calling a predetermined program corresponding to the acquisition function 15b from the storage circuit 11 and executing the program.

Then, the presentation control function 15c compares the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in the previous inspection with the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in the current inspection, and is new in this inspection. It is determined whether or not there is a receiving coil 6 added to (step S103). As described above, the processing circuit 13 stores the ID of the receiving coil 6 in the storage circuit 11 for each inspection. Therefore, in step S103, the presentation control function 15c acquires the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in the previous inspection from the storage circuit 11, and of all the receiving coils 6 used in the acquired previous inspection. The ID can be compared with the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in this inspection. In step S103, for example, in the presentation control function 15c, when the ID of the receiving coil 6 used in the current inspection includes an ID other than the ID of the receiving coil 6 used in the previous inspection. Has the ID of the receiving coil 6 newly added in this inspection, so it is determined that there is the receiving coil 6 newly added in this inspection. On the other hand, when the presentation control function 15c includes the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in the current inspection in the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in the previous inspection, the present control function 15c is used. In the inspection, it is determined that there is no newly added receiving coil 6.

Here, since the receiving coil 6 newly added in this inspection is a receiving coil intentionally added for this inspection, it is highly likely that it will be used when performing imaging in this inspection. Conceivable.

When the presentation control function 15c determines that there is a newly added receiving coil 6 in this inspection, the number of newly added receiving coils 6 may be one or a plurality. ..

When there is a newly added receiving coil 6 (step S103: Yes), the presentation control function 15c performs the process described below in step S104. First, the process of step S104 when the number of newly added receiving coils 6 is one will be described. In this case, the presentation control function 15c identifies the record in which the ID of the receiving coil 6 newly added in this inspection is registered in the item of "coil ID" from all the records of the coil classification information 11a. do. Then, the presentation control function 15c determines whether the information registered in the item of the "coil group" of the specified record is "A", "B", or "C". If it is "A", the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S105. If it is "B", the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S106. If it is "C", the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S107.

That is, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S105 when the newly added receiving coil 6 is a site-dedicated coil, proceeds to step S106 when it is a general-purpose coil, and is a bed-mounted coil. In the case, the process proceeds to step S107.

Next, the process of step S104 when the number of newly added receiving coils 6 is plural will be described. In this case, the presentation control function 15c performs the following processing for each of the plurality of receiving coils 6 newly added in this inspection. That is, the presentation control function 15c identifies a record in which the ID of the receiving coil 6 is registered in the item of "coil ID" from all the records of the coil classification information 11a. Then, the presentation control function 15c determines whether the information registered in the item of the "coil group" is "A", "B", or "C" for each of the specified plurality of records. That is, the presentation control function 15c determines whether the information registered in the item of the "coil group" is "A", "B", or "C" for a plurality of records.

Here, in the presentation control function 15c, among "A", "B" and "C", "A" has the highest priority (priority), and "B" has the second highest priority after "A". High, "C" is treated as the lowest priority. Then, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S105 when the highest priority is "A" in the determination result determined for the plurality of records. That is, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S105 when there is "A" in the information registered in the item of the "coil group" determined for the plurality of records. In other words, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S105 when "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" in at least one record among the specified plurality of records.

Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S106 when the highest priority is "B" in the determination result determined for the plurality of records. That is, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S106 when there is no "A" and there is a "B" in the information registered in the item of the "coil group" determined for the plurality of records. In other words, in the presentation control function 15c, there is no record in which "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" among the specified plurality of records, and at least one record is set in the item of "coil group". If "B" is registered, the process proceeds to step S106.

Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S107 when the highest priority is “C” in the determination result determined for the plurality of records. That is, when the presentation control function 15c does not have "A" and "B" but only "C" in the information registered in the item of "coil group" determined for a plurality of records, the step Proceed to S107. In other words, the presentation control function 15c has no record in which "A" and "B" are registered in the item of "coil group" among the specified plurality of records, and "coil group" in at least one record. If "C" is registered in the item "", the process proceeds to step S107.

That is, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S105 when there is a site-dedicated coil among the newly added plurality of receiving coils 6. Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S106 when there is no site-dedicated coil and there is a general-purpose coil among the newly added plurality of receiving coils 6. Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S107 when the newly added plurality of receiving coils 6 are all sleeper-installed coils.

In step S105, the presentation control function 15c selects, for example, a part registered in the item of "part 1" of the record in which "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" in the area 41, and the selected part. A list of generic names of protocol groups preset with respect to the above is displayed in the area 42 as a list of generic names of protocol group candidates. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42, and lists the protocol names included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic names. Is displayed in the area 43, and the imaging conditions of the candidates of each protocol are displayed in the area 43 as candidates for the imaging conditions.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an image showing narrowed-down protocol candidates and imaging condition candidates. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, in step S105, the presentation control function 15c is the "A" of the first record registered in the item of "coil group" shown in the previous example of FIG. Select the site "knee" registered in "site 1", and list the protocol groups "AAA" and "BBB" that are preset for the selected site "knee". It is displayed in the area 42 as a list. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names "AAA" and "BBB" of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42. Then, the presentation control function 15c displays the protocol names "AAAA", "AAAB", and "AAAC" included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic name "AAA" in the area 43 as the names of the protocol candidates. .. Further, in the presentation control function 15c, the protocol names "BBBA", "BBBB", "BBBC", "BBBD", and "BBBE" included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic name "BBBB" are also protocol candidates. Is displayed in the area 43 as the name of. In addition, the presentation control function 15c also displays the imaging conditions of each protocol in the region 43 as candidates for imaging conditions.

Further, in step S105, for example, in the area 41, the presentation control function 15c emphasizes and displays the part registered in the item of "part 2" of the record in which "A" is registered in the item of "coil group". Let me. For example, the presentation control function 15c blinks this portion.

For example, in step S105, the presentation control function 15c has the part "hand" registered in "part 2" of the first record in which "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" shown in the example of FIG. And select "Foot". Then, as shown in the example of FIG. 5, the presentation control function 15c blinks and displays the rectangle corresponding to the selected portion “hand” on the area 41. Further, the presentation control function 15c blinks and displays a rectangle corresponding to the selected portion "foot" on the area 41. When the presentation control function 15c completes the execution of the process of step S105, the narrow-down display process ends.

According to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, there is a great possibility that the process of step S105 described above will be used for imaging in this inspection, as newly added in this inspection. With respect to the coil dedicated to a high part, it is possible to present to the user a candidate of a protocol group for imaging a specific part having a relatively high possibility of being imaged and a candidate of an imaging condition of each protocol. Further, according to the MRI apparatus 100, due to the process of step S105 described above, there is a possibility that the coil dedicated to the site, which is very likely to be used when performing imaging in this inspection, is imaged on the region 41. A relatively high part can be presented to the user. From the above, according to the MRI apparatus 100, in step S105, in order to narrow down the protocol and the imaging condition and present the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate to the user, the protocol and the imaging condition can be easily set for the user. Can be made.

In step S106, the presentation control function 15c selects, for example, a part registered in the item of "part 1" of the record in which "B" is registered in the item of "coil group" in the area 41, and the selected part. A list of generic names of protocol groups preset with respect to the above is displayed in the area 42 as a list of generic names of protocol group candidates. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42, and displays a list of protocol names included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic names for the protocol candidate names. The image is displayed in the area 43 as a list, and the imaging conditions of the candidates of each protocol are displayed in the area 43 as the candidates of the imaging conditions. When the presentation control function 15c completes the execution of the process in step S106, the narrow-down display process ends.

According to the MRI apparatus 100, an image pickup is performed on a general-purpose coil that is very likely to be used for imaging in this inspection, such as a new addition in this inspection by the process of step S106 described above. It is possible to present to the user a candidate of a protocol group for imaging a part having a relatively high possibility of being imaged and a candidate of an imaging condition of each protocol. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100, in step S106, since the protocol and the imaging condition are narrowed down and the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate are presented to the user, the user can easily set the protocol and the imaging condition. can.

In step S107, the presentation control function 15c selects, for example, a part registered in the item of "part 1" of the record in which "C" is registered in the item of "coil group" in the area 41, and the selected part. A list of generic names of protocol groups preset with respect to the above is displayed in the area 42 as a list of generic names of protocol group candidates. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42, and displays a list of protocol names included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic names for the protocol candidate names. The image is displayed in the area 43 as a list, and the imaging conditions of the candidates of each protocol are displayed in the area 43 as the candidates of the imaging conditions. When the presentation control function 15c completes the execution of the process of step S107, the narrow-down display process ends.

According to the MRI apparatus 100, a sleeper-mounted coil that is very likely to be used for imaging in this inspection, such as the one newly added in this inspection by the process of step S107 described above, is used. It is possible to present to the user a candidate of a protocol group for imaging a portion having a relatively high possibility of being imaged and a candidate of an imaging condition of each protocol. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100, in step S107, in order to narrow down the protocol and the imaging condition and present the protocol group candidate and the imaging condition candidate to the user, the user can easily set the protocol and the imaging condition. Can be done.

In steps S101 to S107 described above, the acquisition function 15b is a case where a plurality of inspections, which are units for executing the protocol group, are performed, and the current inspection (second inspection) is performed after the previous inspection (first inspection). At the time of this inspection, the information of the RF coil newly added in this inspection is acquired. Further, in the narrowed-down display process described above, the display 10 displays at least one protocol narrowed down based on the information of the RF coil newly added in this inspection.

If there is no newly added receiving coil 6 (step S103: No), the presentation control function 15c performs the process described below in step S108.

In step S108, the IDs of all the receiving coils 6 used in the current inspection acquired in step S102 are used, but the number of receiving coils 6 used in the current inspection is one. There may be more than one.

First, the process of step S108 when the number of all the receiving coils 6 used in this inspection is one will be described. In this case, the presentation control function 15c identifies the record in which the ID of the receiving coil 6 used in this inspection is registered in the item of "coil ID" from all the records of the coil classification information 11a. .. Then, the presentation control function 15c determines whether the information registered in the item of the "coil group" of the specified record is "A", "B", or "C". If it is "A", the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S109. If it is "B", the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S110. If it is "C", the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S111.

That is, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S109 when the receiving coil 6 used in this inspection is a site-dedicated coil, proceeds to step S110 when it is a general-purpose coil, and is a bed-installed type. If it is a coil, the process proceeds to step S111.

Next, the process of step S108 when the number of all the receiving coils 6 used in this inspection is a plurality will be described. In this case, the presentation control function 15c performs the following processing for each of the plurality of receiving coils 6 used in this inspection. That is, the presentation control function 15c identifies a record in which the ID of the receiving coil 6 is registered in the item of "coil ID" from all the records of the coil classification information 11a. Then, the presentation control function 15c determines whether the information registered in the item of the "coil group" is "A", "B", or "C" for each of the specified plurality of records.

Here, in the presentation control function 15c, among "A", "B" and "C", "A" has the highest priority, "B" has the highest priority next to "A", and "C". Is treated as the lowest priority. Then, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S109 when the highest priority is "A" in the determination result determined for the plurality of records.

Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S110 when the highest priority is "B" in the determination result determined for the plurality of records.

Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S111 when the highest priority is "C" in the determination result determined for the plurality of records.

That is, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S109 when there is a site-dedicated coil among the plurality of receiving coils 6 used at the time of imaging in this inspection. Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S110 when there is no site-dedicated coil and there is a general-purpose coil among the plurality of receiving coils 6 used at the time of imaging in this inspection. Further, the presentation control function 15c proceeds to step S111 when the plurality of receiving coils 6 used at the time of imaging in this inspection are all sleeper-mounted coils.

In step S109, the presentation control function 15c performs the same processing as the processing in step S105. For example, in step S109, the presentation control function 15c selects a part registered in the item of "part 1" of the record in which "A" is registered in the item of "coil group" in the area 41, and the selected part. A list of generic names of protocol groups preset with respect to the above is displayed in the area 42 as a list of generic names of protocol group candidates. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42, and displays a list of protocol names included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic names for the protocol candidate names. The image is displayed in the area 43 as a list, and the imaging conditions of each protocol are displayed in the area 43 as candidates for the imaging conditions. Further, in step S109, the presentation control function 15c emphasizes and displays the portion registered in the item of "part 2" of the record in which "A" is registered in the item of "coil group", for example, in the region 41. Let me. When the presentation control function 15c completes the execution of the process of step S109, the narrow-down display process ends.

According to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, there is a possibility that the coil dedicated to a site, which is relatively likely to be used when performing imaging in this inspection, is imaged by the process of step S109 described above. It is possible to present to the user a candidate of a protocol group for imaging a relatively high specific part and a candidate of an imaging condition of each protocol. Further, according to the MRI apparatus 100, due to the process of step S109 described above, there is a possibility that the coil dedicated to the site, which is relatively likely to be used when performing imaging in this inspection, is imaged on the region 41. A relatively high part can be presented to the user. From the above, according to the MRI apparatus 100, in step S109, in order to narrow down the protocol and the imaging condition and present the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate to the user, the protocol and the imaging condition can be easily set for the user. Can be made.

In step S110, the presentation control function 15c performs the same processing as the processing in step S106. For example, in step S110, the presentation control function 15c selects a part registered in the item of "part 1" of the record in which "B" is registered in the item of "coil group" in the area 41, and the selected part. A list of generic names of protocol groups preset with respect to the above is displayed in the area 42 as a list of generic names of protocol group candidates. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42, and displays a list of protocol names included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic names for the protocol candidate names. A list is displayed in the area 43, and candidates for imaging conditions of each protocol are displayed in the area 43. When the presentation control function 15c completes the execution of the process in step S110, the narrow-down display process ends.

According to the MRI apparatus 100, by the process of step S110 described above, a portion of a general-purpose coil that is relatively likely to be used for imaging in this inspection is imaged at a portion that is relatively likely to be imaged. Candidates for the protocol group for the purpose and candidates for the imaging conditions of each protocol can be presented to the user. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100, in step S110, the protocol and the imaging condition are narrowed down and the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate are presented to the user, so that the user can easily set the protocol and the imaging condition. can.

In step S111, the presentation control function 15c performs the same processing as that of step S107. For example, in step S111, the presentation control function 15c selects a part registered in the item of "part 1" of the record in which "C" is registered in the item of "coil group" in the area 41, and the selected part. A list of generic names of protocol groups preset with respect to the above is displayed in the area 42 as a list of generic names of protocol group candidates. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42, and displays a list of protocol names included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic names for the protocol candidate names. A list is displayed in the area 43, and candidates for imaging conditions of each protocol are displayed in the area 43. When the presentation control function 15c completes the execution of the process of step S111, the narrow-down display process ends. Steps S103 to S111 are realized, for example, by the processing circuit 15 calling a predetermined program corresponding to the presentation control function 15c from the storage circuit 11 and executing the program.

According to the MRI apparatus 100, the process of step S111 described above captures a portion of the sleeper-mounted coil that is relatively likely to be used for imaging in this inspection, and a portion that is relatively likely to be imaged. Candidates for protocol groups and candidates for imaging conditions for each protocol can be presented to the user. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100, in step S111, since the protocol and the imaging condition are narrowed down and the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate are presented to the user, the user can easily set the protocol and the imaging condition. can.

Further, when there are a plurality of protocols that can be selected as the protocols to be applied to the imaging by each of the processes of steps S105 to 107 and 109 to 111 described above, the display 10 images from the plurality of protocols based on the coil classification information 11a. Display at least one protocol narrowed down as applicable to the protocol. For example, the display 10 displays at least one protocol narrowed down based on the priority information included in the coil classification information 11a when a plurality of receiving coils 6 are connected to the device main body described above.

The MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has been described above. According to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the user can easily set the protocol.

(First modification of the first embodiment)
As described above, the presentation control function 15c of the MRI apparatus 100 receives a screen for selecting the position of the subject S (accepting the setting of the position of the subject S from the user) before performing the imaging in the examination of the subject S. The screen) is displayed on the display 10, and the user is allowed to select the position of the subject S. Then, the presentation control function 15c sets the body position of the selected subject S as the position of the subject S in the imaging. Then, the MRI apparatus 100 performs imaging on the premise that the body position of the subject S is the set body position.

Here, the presentation control function 15c of the MRI apparatus 100 displays the position of the subject S from among a plurality of possible positions of the subject S when displaying the screen for selecting the position of the subject S on the display 10. Candidates may be displayed on the display 10. Therefore, such an embodiment will be described as a first modification of the first embodiment.

6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first modification. In the example of FIG. 6A, a receiving coil (chest coil) 6 dedicated to the chest is shown. As shown in the example of FIG. 6A, when the chest coil 6 is connected to the connector 6a (not shown in FIG. 6A), the body position of the subject S is prone.

Further, in the example of FIG. 6B, a receiving coil (head coil) 6 dedicated to the head is shown. As shown in the example of FIG. 6B, when the head coil 6 is connected to the connector 6a (not shown in FIG. 6B), the body position of the subject S is supine.

As described above, the position of the subject S may be uniquely determined depending on the type of the receiving coil 6. Therefore, the coil classification information 11a according to the first modification is newly provided with an item of "position" in which the position of the subject S is registered. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the coil classification information 11a according to the first modification. Compared with the coil classification information 11a shown in the example of FIG. 2, a new item of "position" is added to the coil classification information 11a shown in the example of FIG. 7. Here, the ID “DA” shown in the example of FIG. 7 indicates a receiving coil 6 dedicated to the chest. Further, the ID “DB” shown in the example of FIG. 7 indicates a receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head.

In the "position" item, the position of the subject S when imaging is performed using the coil indicated by the ID registered in the "coil ID" item of the same record is registered. For example, in the item of "position" of the first record of the coil classification information 11a in FIG. 7, the position "prone position" of the subject S when imaging is performed using the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the chest indicated by the ID "DA". Is registered. Further, in the item of "position" of the second record of the coil classification information 11a of FIG. 7, the position of the subject S when imaging is performed using the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head indicated by the ID "DB". "Supine" is registered.

Then, the presentation control function 15c according to the first modification performs the following processing when displaying the screen for selecting the body position of the subject S on the display 10. That is, the presentation control function 15c first acquires all the IDs in the current inspection stored in the storage circuit 11. Then, the presentation control function 15c performs the following processing for each of the acquired IDs. That is, the presentation control function 15c identifies the record whose ID is registered in the item of "coil ID" from all the records of the coil classification information 11a. Then, the presentation control function 15c further specifies a record in which the position of the subject S is registered in the item of "position" from the specified plurality of records. Then, the presentation control function 15c acquires the position registered in the item of "position" of the further specified record. For example, the presentation control function 15c acquires the body position "prone". Then, the presentation control function 15c displays the acquired body position as a candidate for the body position on the screen for selecting the body position of the subject S. For example, the presentation control function 15c displays the acquired position "prone" as a candidate for the position on the screen for selecting the position of the subject S. The candidate for this position is selected or modified by the user.

As described above, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first modification presents to the user a position candidate narrowed down from a plurality of possible body positions of the subject S. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the first modification, the user can easily set the position of the subject S. The body position of the subject S is an example of imaging conditions.

(Second variant of the first embodiment)
Even with the same type of receiving coil 6, the direction of the subject S may change depending on the position to which the receiving coil 6 is connected. Therefore, when the MRI apparatus 100 specifies the direction of the subject S that changes depending on the position to which the receiving coil 6 is connected and displays a screen for selecting the direction of the subject S on the display 10, the specified subject is displayed. The direction of the sample S may be presented to the user as a candidate for the direction of the subject S. Such an embodiment will be described as a second modification of the first embodiment.

8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining an example of a second modification of the first embodiment. In the examples of FIGS. 8A and 8B, a top plate 8a provided with a port group 21a and a port group 21b to which a receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head can be connected is shown. The port group 21a is provided on the side where the bore 20 is located from the center in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 8a. Further, the port group 21b is provided on the side opposite to the side where the bore 20 is located from the center in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 8a. When the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is connected to the port group 21a, the receiving coil 6 is connected to the receiving circuit 7 via the port group 21a. Further, when the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is connected to the port group 21b, the receiving coil 6 is connected to the receiving circuit 7 via the port group 21b.

As shown in the example of FIG. 8A, when the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is connected to the port group 21a, the direction of the subject S is in a state where it can be conveyed from the head into the bore 20, that is, the head. Be first. On the other hand, as shown in the example of FIG. 8B, when the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is connected to the port group 21b, the direction of the subject S is in a state where it can be conveyed from the foot into the bore 20, that is, It will be foot first. In this way, the direction of the subject S changes depending on the position where the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is connected to the port group.

FIG. 8C is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the coil classification information 11a according to the second modification. The coil classification information 11a shown in the example of FIG. 8C is provided with an item of "direction". Here, the ID “DB” shown in the example of FIG. 8C indicates a receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head.

The "direction" item includes an ID indicating a port group to which the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the "coil ID" item of the same record is connected, and the receiving coil 6 is connected to the port group indicated by this ID. It is registered in association with the direction of the subject S in the case of the above. For example, in the "direction" item of the first record of the coil classification information 11a of FIG. 8C, the ID "P" indicating the port group 21a to which the head-dedicated receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID "DB" is connected is , The direction "head first" of the subject S when the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is connected to the port group 21a indicated by the ID "P" is registered in association with the port group 21a. Further, in the item of "direction" of the first record, ID "Q" indicating port group 21b to which the reception coil 6 dedicated to the head indicated by ID "DB" is connected and ID "Q" are further added. The direction "foot first" of the subject S when the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is connected to the port group 21b shown is registered in association with the direction "foot first".

Then, the presentation control function 15c according to the second modification performs the following processing when displaying the screen for selecting the direction of the subject S on the display 10. That is, the presentation control function 15c first acquires all the IDs in the current inspection stored in the storage circuit 11. Then, the presentation control function 15c performs the following processing for each of the acquired IDs. That is, the presentation control function 15c identifies the record whose ID is registered in the item of "coil ID" from all the records of the coil classification information 11a. Then, the presentation control function 15c further specifies the registered record in which the ID indicating the port group and the direction of the subject S are associated with the item of "direction" from the specified plurality of records. Then, the presentation control function 15c refers to the correspondence between the ID of the port group registered in the "direction" item of the specified record and the direction of the subject S, and currently, the receiving coil 6 dedicated to the head is used. The direction of the corresponding subject S is acquired from the ID of the connected port group. For example, the presentation control function 15c acquires "head first" from the ID "P" of the port group. Then, the presentation control function 15c displays the acquired direction as a direction candidate on the screen for selecting the direction of the subject S. For example, the presentation control function 15c displays the acquired direction "head first" as a direction candidate on the screen for selecting the direction of the subject S. Candidates in this direction are selected or modified by the user.

As described above, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second modification presents to the user a candidate for a direction narrowed down from a plurality of possible directions of the subject S. Therefore, according to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the second modification, the user can easily set the direction of the subject S. The direction of the subject S is an example of imaging conditions.

(Third variant of the first embodiment)
The presentation control function 15c of the MRI apparatus 100 may periodically calculate the usage history of the protocol including the execution frequency of the protocol executed in the past inspection, and when displaying the protocol candidates in the area 43, the protocol candidates may be displayed. , The order of the highest execution frequency may be determined as the order of the protocol candidates to be displayed in the area 43, the protocol candidates may be displayed from the upper side of the area 43 in the determined order, and the imaging condition candidates may be displayed. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a process executed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the third modification. For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 9, the presentation control function 15c calculates the execution frequency “20%” of the protocol indicated by the ID “CCCA”, the execution frequency “11%” of the protocol indicated by the ID “CCCB”, and the like. , The protocol usage history 30 including the calculated protocol execution frequency is calculated. Then, when displaying the protocol candidates in the area 43, the presentation control function 15c refers to the protocol usage history 30 and determines the order of the highest execution frequency as the order of the protocol candidates to be displayed in the area 43. That is, the presentation control function 15c determines the presentation order (display order) of the protocol candidates and the imaging condition candidates based on the protocol usage history 30. Then, the presentation control function 15c displays the protocol candidates from the upper side of the region 43 in the determined order, and displays the candidates for the imaging conditions of the candidates of each protocol. That is, the presentation control function 15c controls so that the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate are presented according to the determined presentation order. As described above, the presentation control function 15c causes the plurality of protocols narrowed down based on the coil classification information 11a to be displayed in the area 43 based on the display order based on the usage history 30 of the plurality of protocols. As a result, the display 10 displays the plurality of protocols narrowed down based on the coil classification information 11a according to the display order based on the usage history 30 of the plurality of protocols.

Further, the presentation control function 15c may periodically calculate the execution frequency of the protocol group executed in the past inspection, and when displaying the protocol group candidates in the area 42, the order of the highest execution frequency is the area. The protocol group candidates to be displayed on the 42 may be determined in the order of the protocol group candidates, and the protocol group candidates may be displayed from the upper side of the region 42 in the determined order.

Further, the presentation control function 15c may periodically calculate the imaging frequency of the portion imaged in the past inspection, and when displaying the protocol candidate, the portion having the highest imaging frequency among the protocol candidates. Only the candidates of the protocol executed when the image is taken may be displayed in the area 43, and the imaging conditions for this protocol may be displayed in the area 43. As a result, the display 10 displays the protocol executed when imaging the imaging region having the highest imaging frequency among the plurality of protocols that can be selected as the protocol applied to the imaging. The presentation control function 15c may include the calculated imaging frequency in the usage history of the above-mentioned protocol.

Further, when the presentation control function 15c displays the protocol candidates, among the protocol candidates, only the protocol candidates executed when the last inspected part is imaged are displayed in the area 43, and this protocol is displayed. The imaging conditions for the above may be displayed in the region 43. As a result, the display 10 displays the protocol executed when the last examined imaging site is imaged, out of a plurality of protocols that can be selected as the protocol applied to the imaging. The presentation control function 15c may include the information about the last inspected part in the above-mentioned protocol usage history, and when displaying the protocol candidates, the last inspected in the protocol usage history. Information about the site may be referenced.

(Fourth variant of the first embodiment)
The MRI apparatus 100 can obtain information on the receiving coil 6 connected to the connector 6a without using the coil ID. Therefore, such an embodiment will be described as a fourth modification of the first embodiment.

10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a fourth modification. As shown in the examples of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the subject S whose head is directed toward the bore 20 is placed on the top plate 8a. In the example of FIG. 10A, a case where the receiving coil 6 is connected to a connector (not shown) is shown. In such a case, as shown in the example of FIG. 10A, the camera 22 is provided in the fourth modification.

The camera 22 is provided so that the entire receiving coil 6 and the subject S can be photographed in a position and posture. The camera 22 outputs an image in which the receiving coil 6 and the subject S are drawn to the presentation control function 15c according to the fourth modification.

When the presentation control function 15c according to the fourth modification receives an image, the presentation control function 15c recognizes the subject S and the receiving coil 6 from the received image by image recognition. At this time, the presentation control function 15c also recognizes the type of the receiving coil 6. Then, the presentation control function 15c determines the location on the subject S in which the receiving coil 6 is mounted. Then, the presentation control function 15c estimates which part the place on the subject S is. Then, the presentation control function 15c displays a list of generic names of protocol groups preset for the estimated portion in the area 42 of the screen 40 as a list of generic names of protocol group candidates. Then, the presentation control function 15c selects all the generic names of the protocol group candidates displayed in the area 42, and displays a list of protocol names included in the protocol group candidates indicated by the selected generic names for the protocol candidate names. The image is displayed in the area 43 as a list, and the imaging conditions of each protocol are displayed in the area 43 as candidates for the imaging conditions. Further, the presentation control function 15c automatically sets the imaging region so that the recognized receiving coil 6 and the estimated portion are included. In this way, the MRI apparatus 100 according to the fourth modification presents the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate to the user.

(Fifth modification of the first embodiment)
Next, a fifth modification of the first embodiment will be described. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an example of processing executed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the fifth modification. In the examples of FIGS. 11A and 11B, a case where eight spinal coils SPN1 to SPN8 are attached to the top plate 8a is shown. The eight spinal coils SPN1 to SPN8 satisfy the following relationship. For example, the distance from the center of a spinal coil to the center of the spinal coil adjacent to this spinal coil is 100 mm. The width of the spinal coil is 100 mm.

As shown in the example of FIG. 11A, a case where the MRI apparatus 100 selects three spinal coils SPN3, SPN4 and SPN5 when the bed position is 1000 mm in the previous examination will be described. In this case, in this examination, when the MRI apparatus 100 is moved by 200 mm from the bed position in the previous examination and the bed position becomes 1200 mm, the position of the spinal coil to be selected is also moved by 200 mm. Three spinal coils SPN5, SPN6 and SPN7 are selected.

(Sixth modification of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment and the first modification to the fifth modification described above, the case where the presentation control function 15c displays the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate in the region 43 has been described. However, the presentation control function 15c does not have to display the protocol candidate and the imaging condition candidate in the region 43. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the MRI apparatus 100 according to the sixth modification.

As shown in the example of FIG. 12, the presentation control function 15c of the MRI apparatus 100 according to the sixth modification displays the protocol group candidates in the region 42 and prevents the protocol candidates and the imaging condition candidates from being displayed. You may. As a result, the MRI apparatus 100 presents to the user a protocol group candidate narrowed down from a plurality of selectable protocol group candidates. Therefore, the user can easily select the protocol group. As a result, according to the MRI apparatus 100 according to the sixth modification, the user can easily set the protocol and the imaging condition.

(7th modification of the 1st embodiment)
Next, a seventh modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment and the first modification to the sixth modification described above, the display 10 arranged in the operation room displays the narrowed-down protocol, so that the user in the operation room can display the narrowed-down protocol. The case of presenting to is explained. However, in the seventh modification, the display may be arranged in the examination room adjacent to the operation room, and the display arranged in the examination room may display the narrowed-down protocol as in the display 10. As a result, the narrowed-down protocol can be presented to the user in the examination room.

According to at least one embodiment or at least one modification described above, the user can easily set the protocol.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, as well as in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

10 Display 15b Acquisition function 15c Presentation control function 100 MRI device

Claims (6)

An acquisition unit that acquires RF (radio frequency) coil information,
Before performing imaging using the RF coil, a setting unit for setting a protocol applied to the imaging, and a setting unit.
When there are a plurality of protocols that can be selected as the protocol applicable to the imaging, at least one protocol narrowed down from the plurality of protocols as a protocol applicable to the imaging is displayed based on the information of the RF coil. Display and
Equipped with a,
The display unit displays at least one protocol narrowed down from the plurality of protocols based on coil classification information in which the RF coil is classified according to the imaging application.
The coil classification information includes priority information determined based on a portion that can be imaged using the RF coil.
The display unit displays at least one protocol narrowed down based on the priority information included in the coil classification information when a plurality of the RF coils are connected to the main body of the apparatus. Imaging equipment. The acquisition unit acquires information on the RF coil from the RF coil connected to the main body of the apparatus.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1. When a plurality of inspections, which are units for executing a protocol group, are performed by the acquisition unit, and a second inspection is performed after the first inspection, the second inspection is performed in the second inspection. Get information on the newly added RF coil and
The display unit displays the at least one protocol narrowed down based on the information of the RF coil newly added in the second inspection.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The display unit displays a plurality of protocols narrowed down based on the information of the RF coil according to a display order based on the usage history of the plurality of protocols.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The display unit displays the protocol executed when the last examined imaging site is imaged among the plurality of protocols.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An acquisition unit that acquires RF (radio frequency) coil information,
Before performing imaging using the RF coil, a setting unit for setting a protocol applied to the imaging, and a setting unit.
When there are a plurality of protocols that can be selected as the protocol applicable to the imaging, at least one protocol narrowed down from the plurality of protocols as a protocol applicable to the imaging is displayed based on the information of the RF coil. Display and
With
The display unit displays a protocol executed when imaging an imaging site having the highest imaging frequency among the plurality of protocols.
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

Images