JP7066381B2 - 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) signal of the 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. The magnetic resonance imaging device includes a Radio Frequency coil. The high frequency coil is connected, for example, to a port provided on the sleeper. Then, the high frequency coil is replaced for each inspection, for example.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-245170 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-43920

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

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the embodiment includes a gantry, a plurality of ports, a narrowing section, and a display control section. The gantry collects magnetic resonance signals from the subject. The plurality of ports can be designated as connection destinations of the high frequency coil that receives the magnetic resonance signal. The narrowing section is used in the second inspection from among the plurality of ports depending on the imaging conditions between the first inspection and the second inspection performed after the first inspection. The port to which the high frequency coil is connected is narrowed down. The display control unit causes the display unit to display an operation procedure determined based on the port narrowed down by the narrowing unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an MRI apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the high frequency coil according to the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a high frequency coil used when imaging is performed by the parallel imaging method. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of a plurality of ports according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of inspection information according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the operation procedure display process executed by the MRI apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the processing circuit according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for determining whether or not the first coil model and the second coil model according to the embodiment interfere with each other. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example in the case where it is determined that there is a third port in step S106 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display under the display control of step S110 according to the embodiment. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of the display of the display under the display control of step S110 according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment is not limited to the following embodiments. Moreover, each embodiment and each modification can be combined appropriately.

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

The static magnetic field magnet 1 generates a static magnetic field in the imaging space in which the subject S is arranged. Specifically, 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 static magnetic field in the space inside the cylinder. .. For example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 has a cooling container formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and a magnet such as a superconducting magnet immersed in a cooling material (for example, liquid helium or the like) filled in the cooling container. ing. Here, for example, the static magnetic field magnet 1 may be one that generates a static magnetic field by using a permanent magnet.

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

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

In this way, the gradient magnetic field power supply 3 generates a gradient magnetic field along each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis to generate a gradient magnetic field along each of the lead-out direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction. Can be done. The axes along the lead-out direction, the phase encoding direction, and the slice direction each constitute a logical coordinate system for defining the slice region or 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. ..

These gradient magnetic fields are superimposed on the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 1 and used to impart spatial position information to the MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal. The lead-out gradient magnetic field changes the frequency of the MR signal according to the position in the lead-out direction, thereby imparting position information along the lead-out direction to the MR signal. Further, the phase-encoded gradient magnetic field changes the phase of the MR signal along the phase-encoded direction to impart position information in the phase-encoded direction to the MR signal. The slice gradient magnetic field is used to determine the direction, thickness, and number of slice regions when the imaging region is the slice region, and depends on the position in the slice direction when the imaging region is the volume region. By changing the phase of the MR signal, position information along the slice direction is given to the MR signal.

The transmission coil 4 is a high frequency coil (RF coil) that applies an RF (Radio Frequency) magnetic field to the imaging space in which the subject S is arranged. The transmission coil 4 applies an RF magnetic field based on the RF pulse signal output from the transmission circuit 5. The transmission coil 4 is not limited to the transmission function, but may also have the MR signal reception function.

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

The receiving coil 6 is a high frequency coil that receives the MR signal emitted from the subject S. For example, the receiving coil 6 is attached to the subject S and receives an MR signal emitted from the subject S due to the influence of the RF magnetic field applied by the transmitting coil 4. Then, the receiving coil 6 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 7. For example, the receiving coil 6 is configured as a dedicated coil that differs for each part to be imaged. Here, the dedicated coil is, for example, a receiving coil for the head, a receiving coil for the neck, a receiving coil for the shoulder, a receiving coil for the chest, a receiving coil for the abdomen, a receiving coil for the lower limbs, and a receiving coil for the spine. The receiving coil, etc. The receiving coil 6 is not limited to the function of receiving the MR signal, but may also have the function of transmitting. Further, the high frequency coil that receives the MR signal in the vicinity of the subject S, which is provided separately from the high frequency coil as the transmission coil 4 described above, is also called a local coil.

The receiving coil 6 can be connected to a port (connection port) 9b provided on the top plate 9a, which will be described later.

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

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

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

The sleeper 9 includes a top plate 9a on which the subject S is placed, and when the subject S is imaged, the top plate 9a is inserted inside the bore B in the gantry 8. For example, the sleeper 9 is installed so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 1. The sleeper 9 may be fixed to the examination room where the MRI apparatus 100 is installed, or may be configured as a mobile sleeper so that the subject can be moved back and forth between the examination room and the inside of the examination room.

Further, the top plate 9a has a plurality of ports 9b. The port 9b can be designated as a connection destination of the receiving coil 6 for receiving the MR signal. The port 9b 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 port 9b. When the receiving coil 6 connected to the port 9b receives the MR signal, it outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 7 via the port 9b. Further, the port 9b reads an ID (Identification) for uniquely identifying the connected receiving coil 6 from the receiving coil 6, and outputs the read ID to the receiving circuit 7.

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

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

In this embodiment, the display 11b is attached to the frame of the gantry 8. The display 11b is an example of a display unit.

The storage circuit 12 stores various data. Specifically, the storage circuit 12 stores MR signal data and image data. Further, the storage circuit 12 stores the test information 12a, the subject model database 12b, the coil model database 12c, and the exclusion list 12d.

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

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

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

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

The storage circuit 12 also stores various models such as a top plate model which is a model of the top plate 9a provided with the port 9b and a gantry model which is a model of the gantry 8.

The storage circuit 12 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

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

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

Here, the sequence execution data is information defining a pulse sequence 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 magnitude of the supplied current, the magnitude of the RF pulse signal supplied by the transmission circuit 5 to the transmission coil 4, and the magnitude of the RF pulse signal. This is information that defines the supply timing, the detection timing at which the receiving circuit 7 detects the MR signal, and the like.

Then, the execution function 14a 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 12. The set of MR signal data received by the execution function 14a is arranged two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally 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 12 as k-space data.

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

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

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

The narrowing-down function 16b narrows down the port to which the receiving coil 6 is connected, which is used in the subsequent inspection, from among the plurality of ports 9b at the timing between the two consecutive inspections. For example, when the second inspection is performed after the first inspection, it is used in the second inspection from among the plurality of ports 9b according to the inspection information 12a at the stage where the first inspection is completed. The port to which the receiving coil 6 is connected is narrowed down. The narrowing-down function 16b narrows down according to the inspection information 12a. The narrowing down function 16b is an example of a narrowing down portion.

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

Here, for example, the above-mentioned processing circuits 13 to 16 are each realized by a processor. In that case, for example, each processing function of the processing circuits 13 to 16 is stored in the storage circuit 12 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. Each processing circuit realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading each program from the storage circuit 12 and executing the program. In other words, each processing circuit in the state where each program is read has each function shown in each processing circuit of FIG.

Further, the word "processor" used in the description of each of the above-described embodiments is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC). , A circuit such as a programmable logic device (for example, Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), or Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). Means. Here, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit, the program may be configured to be directly embedded in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Further, each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to be configured as one processor to realize its function. good.

The program executed by the processor is provided by being incorporated in a ROM (Read Only Memory), a storage circuit, or the like in advance. This program is a file in a format that can be installed or executed on these devices, such as CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be recorded and provided on a computer-readable storage medium. Further, this program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided or distributed by being downloaded via the network. For example, this program is composed of modules including each of the above-mentioned functional parts. As actual hardware, the CPU reads a program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes the program, so that each module is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

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

FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving coil 6 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the receiving coil 6 includes a housing 6a in which a coil element is arranged, a cable 6c, and a connector 6d.

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

The connector 6d can be connected to the port 9b. By connecting the connector 6d to the port 9b, the MR signal received by the coil element is transmitted to the receiving circuit 7 via the cable 6c, the connector 6d and the port 9b.

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

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

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of a plurality of ports 9b according to the embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the top plate 9a has four ports 9b arranged on one end side (upper side in FIG. 3) of the top plate 9a and on the other end side (lower side in FIG. 3). Five ports 9b are arranged. In this way, for example, the port 9b is arranged so that the port 9b and the subject S placed in the substantially central portion of the top plate 9a do not overlap with each other.

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

The date and time when the inspection is carried out is registered in the item of "inspection date and time". In the item of "patient number", the ID of the subject (patient) S to be examined is registered. In the item of "imaging site", the site to be imaged in the inspection is registered. In the item of "insertion direction", the direction in which the subject S is inserted into the gantry 8 is registered. Examples of such a direction include head first and foot first.

The body position of the subject S is registered in the "position" item. Examples of such postures include prone, supine, and lateral decubitus positions. The height of the subject S is registered in the item of "height". In the item of "body weight", the body weight of the subject S is registered. In the item of "receive coil", the type of the receive coil 6 used in the inspection is registered.

Further, when imaging by the parallel imaging method is performed in the inspection, the above-mentioned PI direction is registered in the item of "PI direction". For example, the PI direction is registered in the item of "PI direction" according to the imaging sequence estimated from the "imaging site" of the same record.

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

As shown in FIG. 5, the narrowing-down function 16b arranges a subject model indicating the subject S to be inspected in the second test, and receives a signal actually connected to any one of the plurality of ports 9b. It is determined whether or not the arrangement of the first coil model indicating the coil 6 (first high frequency coil) is consistent (step S101).

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

Then, the narrowing-down function 16b is an imaging site of the subject S to be inspected second registered in the items of "imaging site", "insertion direction", "position", "height" and "weight" of the specific record. Obtain the insertion direction, position, height and weight. Further, the narrowing-down function 16b acquires the type of the receiving coil 6 used in the second inspection registered in the item of the "receiving coil" of the specific record. Further, when the PI direction is registered in the item of "PI direction" of the specific record, the narrowing-down function 16b also acquires the PI direction.

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

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

The narrowing-down function 16b arranges the first coil model 32 so that the directions of the plurality of coil elements 6e, which increase the SNR during parallel imaging, and the PI direction substantially coincide with each other when the PI direction has already been acquired. do. Generally, the direction in which the SNR increases during parallel imaging is the longitudinal direction 6f of the plurality of coil elements 6e, as shown in FIG. 2B.

Then, the narrowing-down function 16b determines whether or not the arrangement of the subject model 31 and the arrangement of the first coil model 32 are consistent. For example, the narrowing-down function 16b is consistent by determining whether or not the first coil model 32 is arranged at the portion of the subject model 31 that can be imaged by the first coil model 32. Is determined.

For example, the first coil model 32 is a head coil (head coil) used when imaging the head, and as shown in FIG. 6, the first coil model 32 is attached to the knee of the subject model 31. Will be described when is arranged. In this case, since the first coil model 32 is not the coil model used when imaging the knee, the narrowing-down function 16b determines that there is no consistency.

Further, for example, the first coil model 32 is a knee coil used when imaging a knee, and as shown in FIG. 6, the first coil model 32 is arranged on the knee of the subject model 31. The case where there is is explained. In this case, since the first coil model 32 is a coil model used when imaging the knee, the narrowing-down function 16b determines that there is consistency.

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

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 101 that there is consistency (step S101: Yes), the narrowing-down function 16b makes the following determination in step S102. For example, the narrowing down function 16b is a first coil model 32 when a second coil model showing a receiving coil 6 (second high frequency coil) used in the second inspection is arranged according to the subject model 31. It is determined whether or not the second coil model interferes with the second coil model (step S102).

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

Then, the narrowing-down function 16b arranges the second coil model at the image pickup portion of the subject S acquired in step S101. Then, the narrowing-down function 16b determines whether or not the first coil model 32 and the second coil model interfere with each other.

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

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

Then, when it is determined that both the first coil model 32 and the second coil model exist in at least one divided region 51, the narrowing-down function 16b together with the first coil model 32 and the second coil model. Is determined to interfere.

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

Although the case of determining whether or not the three-dimensional first coil model 32 and the three-dimensional second coil model interfere with each other has been described, the coil model used for determining the interference is three-dimensional. Not limited to the model of. For example, the coil model may be two-dimensional.

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

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

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

Then, the narrowing-down function 16b is the second coil of the port 9b (first port) actually connected to the first high-frequency coil and one or more ports 9b that can be connected to the second coil model. It is determined whether or not the port 9b (second port) at the position closest to the position of the cable outlet provided in the model is the same (step S104).

An example of the specific processing of step S104 will be described below. For example, the narrowing-down function 16b identifies a port that can be connected to the second coil model among the plurality of ports of the top plate model 30 (see FIG. 6). The connectable port here means a port located within the range where the distance from the cable outlet of the second coil model is shorter than the length of the cable, and by design, connection with the second high frequency coil is permitted. Refers to at least one of the ports of the top plate model 30 corresponding to the port. The port that can be connected to the second coil model is located within a range where the distance from the position of the second coil model (for example, the position of the center of gravity of the housing of the second coil model) is shorter than the length of the cable. It may be a port to be used.

Then, the narrowing-down function 16b identifies the port at the position closest to the position of the cable outlet included in the second coil model among the one or more ports that can be connected to the second coil model. Then, the narrowing-down function 16b specifies the port 9b of the second high-frequency coil corresponding to the port at the position closest to the position of the outlet of the cable provided in the second coil model as the second port.

The narrowing-down function 16b identifies the port closest to the position of the second coil model among one or more ports that can be connected to the second coil model, and is closest to the position of the second coil model. The port 9b of the second high frequency coil corresponding to the port at the close position may be specified as the second port.

When the port 9b itself is movable (moving) within a predetermined movable region, the narrowing-down function 16b further considers the movable region of the port 9b itself to specify the port 9b that can be connected to the second high-frequency coil. You may.

Then, the narrowing-down function 16b determines whether or not the first port and the second port are the same.

When it is determined that the first port and the second port are not the same (step S104: No), the display control function 16c performs the next display control. For example, the display control function 16c causes the display 11b to display a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the second port (step S105). For example, when the name of the second high-frequency coil is "OOOO coil" and the name of the second port is "port XX", the display control function 16c uses "OOOO coil as a port". Please connect to XX. "Is displayed. Then, the display control function 16c ends the operation procedure display process.

When the ID of the receiving coil 6 is registered in the exclusion list 12d, in step S105, the display control function 16c transfers the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the exclusion list 12d from the first port. The message to be removed is also displayed on the display 11b. For example, a case where the name of the receiving coil 6 indicated by the ID registered in the exclusion list 12d is “◯ △ coil” will be described. In this case, the display control function 16c displays the message "Please remove the 〇 △ coil."

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

Then, the narrowing-down function 16b determines whether or not there is a port 9b (third port) that can be connected to the second coil model without removing the first high-frequency coil from the first port (step S106). ).

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

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

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

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

In such a state shown in FIG. 8, the narrowing-down function 16b determines in step S106 that there is a port 9b indicated by the ID “A2” as the third port.

When it is determined that there is a third port (step S106: Yes), the display control function 16c displays a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the third port on the display 11b (step). S107). For example, in the display control function 16c, when the name of the second high frequency coil is "△ ○ coil" and the name of the third port is “port ×”, “△ ○ coil is connected to the port ×”. Please display the message. Then, the display control function 16c ends the operation procedure display process.

By such processing in step S107, in the case shown in FIG. 8, the knee coil is connected by the user to the port 9b indicated by the ID “A2” as shown by the black square on the right side.

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

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no third port (step S106: No), the narrowing-down function 16b determines whether or not there is a port that can be connected to the first high-frequency coil other than the first port. (Step S108).

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

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

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

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

On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no port that can be connected to the first high frequency coil other than the first port (step S108: No), the display control function 16c performs the next display control. For example, the display control function 16c removes the first high-frequency coil from the first port and displays a message for connecting the second high-frequency coil to the first port on the display 11b (step S110). Then, the display control function 16c ends the operation procedure display process.

9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example of the display of the display 11b under the display control of step S110 according to the embodiment. Here, the name of the first high frequency coil is "XXX coil", the name of the second high frequency coil is "○○○ coil", and the name of the first port is "port △". Suppose that

For example, the display control function 16c causes the screen shown in FIG. 9A to be displayed on the display 11b. Such a screen includes a button 61 labeled "ignore" and a button 62 labeled "next". In addition, such a screen contains the message "The next coil is the XX coil. Please remove the XXX coil."

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

On the other hand, when the button 62 is pressed by the user who has removed the XXX coil, the display control function 16c causes the screen shown in FIG. 9B to be displayed on the display 11b. Such a screen includes a button 63 labeled "ignore" and a button 64 labeled "OK". In addition, such a screen includes the message "Please connect to the connection port △." In this screen, the first port is further expressed by the expression "optimal port", and the third port is expressed by the expression "other connectable ports".

When the button 63 is pressed by a user who does not intend to connect the XX coil to the port Δ, the display control function 16c closes the screen shown in FIG. 9B. Further, the display control function 16c closes the screen shown in FIG. 9B even when the button 64 is pressed by the user who connects the XX coil to the port Δ.

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

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

(First modification of the embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the operation procedure display process is executed when the execution instruction is received by the input interface 10 between the first inspection and the second inspection has been described. However, the operation procedure display process may be executed at other timings. For example, when the receiving coil 6 is replaced between the first inspection and the second inspection, the top plate 9a is pulled out from the gantry 8 by a predetermined amount or more. Therefore, when the processing circuit 16 detects that the top plate 9a is pulled out from the gantry 8 by a predetermined amount or more, the processing circuit 16 may execute the operation procedure display processing.

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

Therefore, in the first modification, when the top plate 9a is pulled out from the gantry 8, the narrowing-down function 16b has the port 9b to which the receiving coil 6 is connected from among the plurality of ports 9b according to the imaging conditions. Narrow down.

Further, in step S101 of the first modification, the narrowing-down function 16b is an inspection (second inspection) performed after the top plate 9a is pulled back when the top plate 9a is pulled out from the gantry 8. It is determined whether or not the arrangement of the subject model indicating the target subject S and the arrangement of the first coil model are consistent.

Further, in step S102 of the first modification, the narrowing-down function 16b is a first coil when a second coil model to be used after the top plate 9a is pulled back is arranged according to the subject model. It is determined whether or not the model and the second coil model interfere with each other.

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

(Second variant of the embodiment)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, a case where the subject model is registered in the subject model database 12b for each position, height, and weight of the subject S has been described. However, the subject model may be registered in the subject model database 12b for each height or weight of the subject S, or for each height and weight. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a second modification of the embodiment.

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

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

Further, when the subject model is registered in the subject model database 12b for each height and weight of the subject S, the test information 12a may include the height and the weight.

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

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

(Third variant of the embodiment)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the connection form of the reception coil 6 and the reception circuit 7 is a wired connection has been described, but a wireless connection may be used. Therefore, a modified example in which the connection form of the receiving coil 6 and the receiving circuit 7 is a wireless connection will be described as a third modified example of the embodiment.

In the third modification, for example, the receiving coil 6 has a wireless transmitter, and the receiving circuit 7 has a wireless receiver. The wireless transmitter of the receiving coil 6 has, for example, a circuit similar to the above-mentioned selection circuit of the receiving circuit 7, the pre-stage amplifier circuit, the phase detection circuit, and the analog-to-digital conversion circuit. Then, the receiving coil 6 digitizes the MR signal by the same method as the receiving circuit 7 described above to generate MR signal data. Then, the wireless transmitter transmits the generated MR signal data to the receiving circuit 7 by wireless communication. The wireless transmitter also transmits the ID of the receiving coil 6 to the receiving circuit 7 by wireless communication. 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 the present invention is not limited thereto. As a standard for wireless communication between the wireless transmitter of the receiving coil 6 and the wireless receiver of the receiving circuit 7, another wireless communication standard may be adopted.

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 14.

In step S104 according to the third modification, the narrowing-down function 16b sets the port 9b corresponding to the port of the top plate model 30 located within the range that can be wirelessly communicated with the second coil model to the second coil model. It is specified as a port 9b that can be connected to.

(Fourth modification of the embodiment)
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the top plate 9a has a plurality of ports 9b has been described, but the portion of the sleeper 9 other than the top plate 9a may have a plurality of ports 9b. For example, the port 9b may be provided on the support supporting the top plate 9a, or the port 9b may be provided on the gantry 8.

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

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 embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

8 Stand 9b Port 11b Display 16b Filtering function 16c Display control function 100 MRI device

Claims (14)

A pedestal that collects magnetic resonance signals from the subject,
A plurality of ports that can be specified as connection destinations of the high frequency coil that receives the magnetic resonance signal, and
The high frequency coil used in the second inspection from among the plurality of ports depending on the imaging conditions between the first inspection and the second inspection performed after the first inspection. The narrowing down section that narrows down the port to connect to, and
A display control unit that displays on the display unit an operation procedure determined based on the ports narrowed down by the narrowing unit.
Equipped with
The narrowing section includes a first port currently connected to a first high-frequency coil currently connected to any one of the plurality of ports, and a subject to be inspected in the second test. Of the ports connectable to the second coil model showing the second high frequency coil used in the second inspection according to the subject model shown, the position of the second coil model or the second coil model. Determines if the second port closest to the location of the cable exit provided by the is the same as the second port.
The display control unit is a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the second port when the narrowing unit determines that the first port and the second port are not the same. Is displayed on the display unit,
Magnetic resonance imaging device. A pedestal that collects magnetic resonance signals from the subject,
The top plate on which the subject is placed and
A plurality of ports that can be specified as connection destinations of the high frequency coil that receives the magnetic resonance signal, and
When the top plate is pulled out from the gantry, a narrowing-down portion that narrows down the port to which the high-frequency coil is connected from the plurality of ports according to the imaging conditions.
A display control unit that displays on the display unit an operation procedure determined based on the ports narrowed down by the narrowing unit.
Equipped with
The narrowing section is performed after the first port currently connected to the first high frequency coil currently connected to any one of the plurality of ports and the top plate are pulled back. Of the ports that can be connected to the second coil model that indicates the second high-frequency coil used in the inspection according to the subject model that indicates the subject to be inspected, the position of the second coil model or It is determined whether or not the second port at the position closest to the position of the cable outlet provided in the second coil model is the same.
The display control unit is a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the second port when the narrowing unit determines that the first port and the second port are not the same. Is displayed on the display unit,
Magnetic resonance imaging device. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the narrowing section narrows down according to the imaging conditions including the imaging site and body position of the subject. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the narrowing section narrows down according to the imaging conditions including at least one of the height and weight of the subject. The high frequency coil is a PAC (Phased Array Coil) including a plurality of coil elements.
The magnetic resonance imaging according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the narrowing section narrows down according to the imaging conditions including the parallel imaging direction of the PAC when imaging is performed by the parallel imaging method. Device. The narrowing-down portion determines whether or not the arrangement of the subject model and the arrangement of the first coil model indicating the first high-frequency coil are consistent.
The display control unit causes the display unit to display a message for removing the first high-frequency coil when the narrowing-down unit determines that the consistency is inconsistent.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1. Does the narrowing-down portion have consistency between the arrangement of the subject model and the arrangement of the first coil model indicating the first high-frequency coil when the top plate is pulled out from the gantry? Judge whether or not,
The display control unit causes the display unit to display a message for removing the first high-frequency coil when the narrowing-down unit determines that the consistency is inconsistent.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The narrowing-down portion determines whether or not the first coil model and the second coil model interfere with each other when the second coil model is arranged.
The display control unit displays a message on the display unit for removing the first high-frequency coil when it is determined by the narrowing-down unit that the first coil model and the second coil model interfere with each other. Let, let
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 or 7 . The narrowing section divides the region including the subject model into a plurality of divided regions, determines the existence of the first coil model and the second coil model for each divided region, and determines at least one divided region. In, when it is determined that both the first coil model and the second coil model exist, it is determined that the first coil model and the second coil model interfere with each other.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 8 . When the narrowing section determines that the first port and the second port are the same, the second coil model does not remove the first high frequency coil from the first port. Determines if there is a third port that can be connected to
The display control unit causes the display unit to display a message for connecting the second high-frequency coil to the third port when the narrowing-down unit determines that the third port is present.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . When it is determined that there is no third port, the narrowing section determines whether or not there is a port that can be connected to the first high frequency coil other than the first port.
When the display control unit determines that there is a port that can be connected to the first high-frequency coil other than the first port by the narrowing-down unit, the display control unit uses the first high-frequency coil other than the first port. A message for connecting the second high-frequency coil to the first port is displayed on the display unit while connecting to the connectable port of the above.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 10 . When the display control unit determines that there is no port that can be connected to the first high-frequency coil other than the first port by the narrowing-down unit, the display control unit transfers the first high-frequency coil from the first port. At the same time as removing the coil, a message for connecting the second high frequency coil to the first port is displayed on the display unit.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 10 or 11 . The narrowing section can wirelessly communicate with a port located within a range where the position of the second coil model or the distance from the outlet of the cable is shorter than the length of the cable, or the second coil model. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein a port located within the range is specified as a port connectable to the second coil model. The magnetic resonance imaging device according to claim 13 , wherein the narrowing section further considers a movable region of the port itself to specify a port that can be connected to the second high-frequency coil.

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