JP7346017B2 - Magnetic resonance imaging device and static field magnet unit - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and a static field magnet unit.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided with an ERDU (Emergency Run Down Unit) button. The ERDU button is a button for urgently stopping the magnetic field. When the ERDU button is pressed, current flows through a heater circuit located within the windings of the static field magnet of the magnetic resonance imaging device. The heat generated by this current destroys the superconducting state and turns the coil into a normal conducting state, and the magnetic field is urgently shut off.

On the other hand, in situations other than when it is necessary to stop the magnetic field urgently, the magnetic field can also be cut off by demagnetization using a static magnetic field power supply. If you press the ERDU button to emergency stop the magnetic field, for example, the refrigerant liquid helium may evaporate, incurring a large amount of costs. Therefore, in cases where there is no particular emergency, it is best to stop the magnetic field using the ERDU button. , it is preferable to interrupt the magnetic field using a static magnetic field power supply.

However, even in situations where there is no particular emergency, such as when the user's knowledge is insufficient, the magnetic field may be shut off by pressing the ERDU button.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-188240 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-200974

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to reduce unnecessary emergency magnetic field interruptions.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the embodiment includes a static magnetic field magnet, a heater circuit, a button, and a warning section. The static field magnet has a superconducting coil. A heater circuit is disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil. The button supplies current to the heater circuit when it detects a push from the user. The warning unit issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary motion of the motion and the motion as a trigger.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an example of a user's sensor in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4D is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen notified by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment will be described in detail using the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 101, an ERDU (Emergency Run Down) button 1, an input device 3, a display 4, a sensor 12, a gradient magnetic field coil 103, and a gradient coil 103. It includes a magnetic field power source 104, a bed 105, a bed control circuit 106, a transmitting coil 107, a transmitting circuit 108, a receiving coil 109, a receiving circuit 110, a sequence control circuit 120, and an image processing device 130. Further, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 may include a camera 5 as necessary. Note that the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not include the subject P (for example, a human body). Moreover, the configuration shown in FIG. 1 is only an example. For example, each part within the sequence control circuit 120 and the image processing device 130 may be configured to be integrated or separated as appropriate.

The static magnetic field magnet 101 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical magnet that generates a static magnetic field in the internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 101 is, for example, a superconducting magnet and has a superconducting coil. The superconducting coil included in the static magnetic field magnet 101 is excited by receiving current from a static magnetic field power source (not shown). Note that the static magnetic field power supply may be provided separately from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

Further, the heater circuit 2 is disposed within the winding of the superconducting coil that the static magnetic field magnet 101 has or in close proximity to the winding of the superconducting coil that the static magnetic field magnet 101 has. When supplied with current, the heater circuit 2 generates heat and transfers the temperature of the winding of the superconducting coil of the static magnetic field magnet 101 to a temperature higher than the superconducting transition temperature. As a result, the superconducting coil of the static magnetic field magnet 101 transitions from a superconducting state to a normal conducting state, and the magnetic field of the static magnetic field magnet 101 is lost. The heater circuit 2 is connected to an ERDU button 1, which is a button for urgently stopping the magnetic field.

The ERDU button 1 is connected to the heater circuit 2, and supplies current to the heater circuit 2 when it detects a pressing operation by the user. The ERDU button 1 consists of a combination of a push-type switch and an electric circuit that turns on only while it is pressed, and a combination of a push-lock switch and an electric circuit that turns on and off each time it is pressed. It is configured as a touch button that does not have a mechanical operation mechanism and senses pressure, static electricity, etc. Further, the ERDU button 1 may be displayed on a touch panel. Possible shapes for the ERDU button 1 include a cone shape, a mushroom shape with a large bulging disk at the center at the end of a shaft protruding from the periphery, a flattened shape, a convex shape, and a concave shape. , round shape, square shape, etc. In some embodiments, when the ERDU button 1 detects a pressing operation from the user, the superconducting coil embedded in the static magnetic field magnet 101 changes from a superconducting state to a normal state in the heater circuit 2 without any additional operation from the user. It can supply the amount of current necessary to transition to a state and perform an emergency shutdown of the magnetic field in a so-called one action.

Note that the ERDU button 1 is connected to the image processing device 130, and information as to whether the ERDU button 1 has been pressed is notified to the processing circuit 150 included in the image processing device 130.

The display 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display placed near the ERDU button 1, for example, and is a screen for displaying a warning issued to the user from a warning section, which will be described later. Further, the input device 3 is a device that receives input from a user. The input device 3 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode changeover switch, or an input device such as a keyboard. Further, the display screen of the touch panel functions as the display 4, and the buttons displayed on the display screen of the touch panel function as the input device 3, so that the touch panel may have both the roles of the input device 3 and the display 4. Note that the input device 3 is an example of an input section. Note that the input device 3 and the display 4 are connected to the image processing device 130 and transmit various information to the image processing device 130 or receive various information from the image processing device 130. The display 4 and a display 135 described below are examples of display units. Note that the input device 3 and the display 4 are typically arranged, for example, in a shielded room of an examination room with a gantry.

The camera 5 is a camera that can check inside the bore, and can also be used, for example, to monitor the condition of a patient. In some embodiments, the camera 5 may be configured to be powered on when the door to the photography room is opened.

The sensor 12 is a sensor for detecting a preliminary operation of the operation in which the ERDU button 1 is pressed by the user. The configuration of the sensor 12 will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, which includes an ERDU button 1, a heater circuit 2, an input device 3, a display 4, a camera 5, a load sensor 6, a speaker 7, a sensor 12, and an image processing FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement relationship of devices 130 and the like. In FIG. 2, a case is described in which the display screen 201 of the touch panel 200 functions as the display 4, and the buttons 202 displayed on the display screen of the touch panel 200 function as the input device 3. The load sensor 6 will be explained in the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ERDU button 1 includes a heater circuit 2 embedded in the winding of a superconducting coil of a static magnetic field magnet 101, a touch panel 200 functioning as an input device 3 and a display 4, a camera 5, and a load sensor 6. , the speaker 7, the sensor 12, and the image processing device 130, respectively.

Returning to FIG. 1, the gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a hollow, substantially cylindrical coil, and is arranged inside the static magnetic field magnet 101. The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes, and these three coils are individually supplied with current from the gradient magnetic field power supply 104. In response, a gradient magnetic field whose magnetic field strength changes along each of the X, Y, and Z axes is generated. The gradient magnetic fields of the X, Y, and Z axes generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 103 are, for example, a slicing gradient magnetic field Gs, a phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and a readout gradient magnetic field Gr. The gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 103.

The bed 105 includes a top plate 105a on which the subject P is placed, and under the control of the bed control circuit 106, the top plate 105a is placed in the cavity of the gradient magnetic field coil 103 ( (imaging port). Usually, the bed 105 is installed so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 101. The bed control circuit 106 drives the bed 105 and moves the top plate 105a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction under the control of the image processing device 130.

The transmitting coil 107 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, receives an RF (Radio Frequency) pulse from the transmitting circuit 108, and generates a high-frequency magnetic field. The transmitting circuit 108 supplies the transmitting coil 107 with an RF pulse corresponding to a Larmor frequency determined by the type of target atom and the magnetic field strength.

The receiving coil 109 is arranged inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and receives the magnetic resonance signal emitted from the subject P under the influence of the high frequency magnetic field. Upon receiving the magnetic resonance signal, the receiving coil 109 outputs the received magnetic resonance signal to the receiving circuit 110.

Note that the above-described transmitting coil 107 and receiving coil 109 are only examples. The coil may be constructed by combining one or more of a coil having only a transmitting function, a coil having only a receiving function, or a coil having a transmitting and receiving function.

The receiving circuit 110 detects the magnetic resonance signal output from the receiving coil 109 and generates magnetic resonance data based on the detected magnetic resonance signal. Specifically, the receiving circuit 110 generates magnetic resonance data by digitally converting the magnetic resonance signal output from the receiving coil 109. Further, the receiving circuit 110 transmits the generated magnetic resonance data to the sequence control circuit 120. Note that the receiving circuit 110 may be provided on the side of the gantry device that includes the static magnetic field magnet 101, the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and the like.

The sequence control circuit 120 images the subject P by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmission circuit 108, and the reception circuit 110 based on sequence information transmitted from the image processing device 130. Here, the sequence information is information that defines a procedure for performing imaging. The sequence information includes the strength of the current that the gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies to the gradient magnetic field coil 103, the timing of supplying the current, the strength of the RF pulse that the transmitting circuit 108 supplies to the transmitting coil 107, the timing of applying the RF pulse, and the reception information. The timing at which the circuit 110 detects a magnetic resonance signal, etc. are defined. For example, the sequence control circuit 120 is an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The sequence control circuit 120 is an example of a sequence control section.

Note that when the sequence control circuit 120 receives magnetic resonance data from the reception circuit 110 as a result of driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmission circuit 108, and the reception circuit 110 to image the subject P, the sequence control circuit 120 converts the received magnetic resonance data into an image. The data is transferred to the processing device 130.

The image processing device 130 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging device 100, image generation, and the like. The image processing device 130 includes a memory 132, an input device 134, a display 135, and a processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 150 includes an interface function 150a, a control function 150b, a generation function 150c, and a warning function 150d, which will be described later.

In the embodiment, each processing function performed by the interface function 150a, control function 150b, generation function 150c, and warning function 150d is stored in the memory 132 in the form of a computer-executable program. The processing circuit 150 is a processor that reads programs from the memory 132 and executes them to implement functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 150 in a state where each program is read has each function shown in the processing circuit 150 of FIG. Note that in FIG. 1, the processing functions performed by the interface function 150a, control function 150b, generation function 150c, and warning function 150d are realized by a single processing circuit 150, but multiple independent The processing circuit 150 may be configured by combining processors, and functions may be realized by each processor executing a program.

In other words, each of the above-mentioned functions may be configured as a program and one processing circuit executes each program, or a specific function may be implemented in a dedicated independent program execution circuit. It's okay.

The term "processor" used in the above description refers to, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit. cuit: ASIC), programmable logic devices (e.g. simple Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array Array: means a circuit such as FPGA). The processor implements functions by reading and executing programs stored in the memory 132.

Note that the warning function 150d is an example of a warning section or a determination section.

Note that instead of storing the program in the memory 132, the program may be directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program built into the circuit. Note that the bed control circuit 106, the transmitting circuit 108, the receiving circuit 110, and the like are similarly configured by electronic circuits such as the above-mentioned processor.

Processing circuit 150 transmits sequence information to sequence control circuit 120 and receives magnetic resonance data from sequence control circuit 120 through interface function 150a. Further, upon receiving the magnetic resonance data, the processing circuit 150 having the interface function 150a stores the received magnetic resonance data in the memory 132. The magnetic resonance data stored in memory 132 is placed in k-space by control function 150b. As a result, memory 132 stores k-space data.

The memory 132 stores magnetic resonance data received by a processing circuit 150 having an interface function 150a, k-space data placed in k-space by a processing circuit 150 having a control function 150b, and generated by a processing circuit 150 having a generation function 150c. Stores the image data etc. For example, the memory 132 is a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory device such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. Note that the memory 132 is an example of a storage section.

The input device 134 accepts various instructions and information input from an operator. Like the input device 3, the input device 134 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode changeover switch, or an input device such as a keyboard. The display 135 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting input of imaging conditions and images generated by the processing circuit 150 having a generation function 150c under the control of a processing circuit 150 having a control function 150b. . The display 135 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

The processing circuit 150 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 using a control function 150b, and controls imaging, image generation, image display, and the like. For example, the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150b receives input of imaging conditions (imaging parameters, etc.) on the GUI, and generates sequence information according to the received imaging conditions. Further, the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150b transmits the generated sequence information to the sequence control circuit 120.

The processing circuit 150 generates an image by reading the k-space data from the memory 132 and performing reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read-out k-space data using the generation function 150c.

Next, the background of the embodiment will be briefly explained.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided with an ERDU (Emergency Run Down Unit) button. The ERDU button is a button for urgently stopping the magnetic field. When the ERDU button is pressed, current flows through a heater circuit that increases the temperature of the windings of the static field magnet of the magnetic resonance imaging device. The heat generated by this current destroys the superconducting state and turns the coil into a normal conducting state, and the magnetic field is urgently shut off.

On the other hand, in situations other than when it is necessary to stop the magnetic field urgently, the magnetic field can also be cut off by demagnetization using a static magnetic field power supply. If you press the ERDU button to emergency stop the magnetic field, for example, the refrigerant liquid helium may evaporate, incurring a large amount of costs. Therefore, in cases where there is no particular emergency, it is best to stop the magnetic field using the ERDU button. , it is preferable to interrupt the magnetic field using a static magnetic field power supply. However, due to lack of user knowledge or panic, the magnetic field may be shut off by pressing the ERDU button even in situations where there is no particular emergency.

Therefore, first, it is desirable to have a mechanism to prevent the ERDU button from being pressed unnecessarily.

Second, when the ERDU button is pressed, it is desirable to record that the ERDU button was intentionally pressed by the user. This is useful, for example, in clarifying who is responsible for paying for the refilling of liquid helium lost due to emergency degaussing.

Thirdly, by pressing the ERDU button, the magnetic field is suddenly cut off, and as a result, magnetic objects and the like may fall when the magnetic field disappears. Therefore, it is desirable to alert the user to these points.

In view of this background, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment includes a static magnetic field magnet 101, a heater circuit 2, an ERDU button 1, and a warning section. The static magnetic field magnet 101 has a superconducting coil. The heater circuit 2 is arranged within or close to the windings of the superconducting coil. The ERDU button 1 is a button that supplies current to the heater circuit 2 when a push operation by the user is detected. The warning unit issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary motion of the motion and the motion as a trigger.

As a result, firstly, the ERDU button 1 is less likely to be pressed unnecessarily, and the consumption of liquid helium can be suppressed. Second, since it is possible to confirm whether the user intended to press the ERDU button 1, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of troubles related to liability for costs related to liquid helium. Thirdly, the possibility of injury to the user can be reduced.

Such processing will be explained using FIG. 3, with appropriate reference to FIGS. 4A to 6. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing performed by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment.

In step S100, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 uses the sensor 12 that detects the user's motion to detect a preliminary motion of the motion in which the ERDU button 1 is pressed by the user. Here, the preparatory action for the action of pressing the ERDU button 1 is, for example, the action of approaching the ERDU button 1, the action of trying to touch the ERDU button 1, the action of the ERDU button 1 as a preliminary step to the action of pressing the ERDU button 1. Examples include actions such as touching. 4A to 4D show specific examples of these preliminary operations and examples of the configuration of the sensor 12 that detects these preliminary operations. 4A to 4D are diagrams illustrating an example of the sensor 12 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4A shows the case where the sensor 12 is attached to the lid 10 of the container covering the ERDU button 1. In such a case, the sensor 12 detects the action of opening the lid of the container covering the ERDU button 1 as a preliminary action for the action of pressing the ERDU button 1 by the user. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 uses a sensor 12 attached to the lid 10 of the container that covers the ERDU button 1 to detect a preliminary movement of the ERDU button 1 being pressed by the user. Note that a speaker 7 is arranged near the lid 10 to issue a warning to the user. When a preliminary motion is detected, the speaker 7 issues a warning to the user by a buzzer sound or audio guide.

FIG. 4B shows a case where the sensor 12 is a sensor attached to the balloon 11 and capable of sensing piezoelectric effect, expansion/contraction, pressure, etc. In such a case, the sensor 12 detects the action of the user touching the balloon 11 as a preliminary action of the action of pressing the ERDU button 1 by the user. In FIG. 4B, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 uses a sensor 12 attached to the deformable material covering the ERDU button 1 to detect a preliminary movement of the ERDU button 1 being pressed by the user.

FIG. 4C shows a case where the sensor 12 is a sensor that detects the action of touching the ERDU button 1 with a hand. In such a case, the sensor 12 is, for example, a capacitively coupled sensor or an electrostatic sensor. The sensor 12 detects the action of the user touching the ERDU button 1 as a preliminary action of the action of pressing the ERDU button 1 by the user. In other words, the sensor 12 detects the action of the user "touching" the ERDU button 1 as a preparatory action for the action of pressing the ERDU button 1 by the user, as a step before the ERDU button 1 is "pressed". That is, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 uses a capacitively coupled sensor or an electrostatic sensor to detect a preparatory operation for pressing the ERDU button 1 by the user.

FIG. 4D shows a case where the sensor 12 is a sensor that detects a motion approaching the user, for example, a sensor that uses light or sound waves. In such a case, the sensor 12 detects an action in which the user approaches within a certain distance from the ERDU button 1 as a preliminary action for an action in which the ERDU button 1 is pressed by the user. That is, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 uses light and sound waves to detect a preliminary operation of the operation in which the ERDU button 1 is pressed by the user.

In the example described above, the sensor 12 may or may not be included as a component of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. In the embodiments below, the sensor 12 will be described as being included in the components of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

Returning to FIG. 3, if the sensor 12 does not detect a preliminary operation for pressing the ERDU button 1 (No in step S100), the sensor 12 waits until it detects a preliminary operation for pressing the ERDU button 1.

Note that if the ERDU button 1 is pressed without detecting a preliminary operation for the user's operation of pressing the ERDU button 1, the fact that the preliminary operation is not detected does not mean that the preliminary operation is not detected after the ERDU button 1 is pressed. In principle, the magnetic field cutoff process of the static magnetic field magnet 101 is not affected, and the magnetic field of the static magnetic field magnet 101 is urgently cut off.

If the sensor 12 detects a preliminary operation of the operation in which the ERDU button 1 is pressed (step S100 Yes), this signal is transmitted to the processing circuit 150 of the image processing device 130. Subsequently, the processing circuit 150 having the warning function 150d issues a warning to the user through the speaker 7, using the preliminary operation of the user's pressing of the ERDU button 1 detected in step S100 as a trigger. (Step S110). Specifically, the processing circuit 150 having the warning function 150d transmits a signal for causing the speaker 7 to generate a buzzer sound. The speaker 7, which has received the signal for generating the buzzer sound, calls the user's attention by generating the buzzer sound. Note that in step S110 and step S120, when the processing circuit 150 issues a warning to the user using the warning function 150d, the processing circuit 150 sends a message to another computer that the sensor 12 is activated when the ERDU button 1 is pressed. A message is sent to the effect that a preliminary operation has been detected. Here, the other computer is, for example, a host computer that is a computer installed in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, or a computer other than the host computer that can communicate with the sequence control circuit 120 that executes a pulse sequence. This is a service computer.

Subsequently, the processing circuit 150 having the warning function 150d causes the speaker 7 to start audio guidance or the display 4 to start guidance. Additionally, the input device 3 receives input from the user. (Step S120).

Here, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to transmit a signal to the speaker 7 for playing precautions as an audio guide when the user presses the ERDU button 1. For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to transmit, to the speaker 7, a signal related to an audio that alerts the user to the falling object due to the disappearance of the magnetic field. The speaker 7, which has received the signal, issues a warning to the user with a voice that alerts the user to the fall of the object due to the disappearance of the magnetic field. For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to send a message to the speaker 7 saying, ``If you press the ERDU button, a magnetic object may suddenly fall when the magnetic field disappears.Take measures to prevent the magnetic object from falling.'' Please take it.'' will be played as a voice guide.

Further, as another example of the audio guide, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to send an explanation to the effect that it is possible to stop the magnetic field without pressing the ERDU button 1 in cases other than emergencies. 7, have it played as an audio guide. For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to send a message to the speaker 7 saying, ``If you press the ERDU button, the helium will disappear.In cases other than emergencies, the magnetic field can be stopped by demagnetizing it with the static magnetic field power supply.'' "You can do it." will be played as a voice guide.

Note that the audio guide that the processing circuit 150 causes the speaker 7 to play using the warning function 150d may be compatible with multiple languages. At this time, the language used in the audio guide is, for example, based on a priority order set in advance according to the area where the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 is installed. For example, if the installation area is the United States, the language "English" is preset as a high-priority language for the country name "United States of America," so the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to send the speaker 7 An English audio guide will be played.

Further, the processing circuit 150 may accept a change in the language of the audio guide played by the user through the input device 134, and change the language of the audio guide played on the speaker 7 in step S120 based on the received result. .

Further, the processing circuit 150 automatically detects the language spoken by the user from the content of the user's conversation obtained from a microphone (not shown), and changes the language of the audio guide played by the speaker 7 based on the detected result. Good too.

Further, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display a warning to the user on the display 4 instead of or in conjunction with the audio guide. For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display on the display 4 a warning that there is a risk that the magnetic material may fall when the magnetic field disappears.

An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. The processing circuit 150 causes the display 4 to display a warning to the user by displaying the message 20b on the front screen of the touch panel 200 functioning as the display 4 using the warning function 150d. For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display a message on the display screen of the touch panel 200 functioning as the display 4 saying, "When the magnetic field disappears, magnetic materials may suddenly fall. Please be careful." A warning is displayed to the user by displaying the message 20b. In this way, safety can be improved by displaying a message that alerts the user.

In addition, as another example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display on the display 4 an explanation that the magnetic field can be stopped without pressing the ERDU button 1 in cases other than emergencies. let

An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. The processing circuit 150 causes the display 4 to display a warning to the user by displaying the message 20a on the display screen of the touch panel 200 functioning as the display 4 using the warning function 150d. For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display a message on the display screen of the touch panel 200 functioning as the display 4 saying, ``If you press the ERDU button, the helium will disappear.In cases other than emergencies, demagnetize with the static magnetic field power source.'' By this, the magnetic field can be stopped.Do you really want to press the ERDU button?'' A message 20a is displayed to warn the user.

In this way, in non-emergency cases, by warning the user that there is a way to shut off the magnetic field without the user having to press the ERDU button 1, for example, a user who does not have knowledge about the device may not necessarily press the ERDU button. You can realize that there are situations where you don't need to press 1. Additionally, a panicked user is given an opportunity to calmly decide what action to take. Therefore, according to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the embodiment, the number of times the user presses the ERDU button 1 in unnecessary situations can be reduced.

Further, depending on the embodiment, the processing circuit 150 may cause the user to display information obtained from the camera 5 that can confirm the inside of the bore on the display 4 using the warning function 150d as a determination unit. For example, the warning function 150d as a determination unit determines whether there is a person in the bore by analyzing the information obtained from the camera 5. Based on the determination result, information as to whether it is appropriate for the user to press the ERDU button 1 is displayed.

The input device 3 also receives input from the user in addition to audio and on-screen guidance (step S130). For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display a message on the display screen of the touch panel 200 functioning as the display 4 saying, ``If you press the ERDU button, helium will disappear.If the situation is not a life-threatening emergency, the static magnetic field power source By degaussing, the magnetic field can be stopped. When the message “Are you sure you want to press the ERDU button?” is displayed, the input device 3 presses the button 21 displayed on the display screen of the touch panel 200. , 22 and 23, input from the user is accepted. Thereby, it is possible to confirm the user's intention, and when the ERDU button 1 is pressed later, it is possible to prevent troubles regarding whether or not there was an intention to press the ERDU button 1.

Specifically, for example, when the user presses the button 21 and later presses the ERDU button 1, the user recognizes that there is an option to demagnetize using the static magnetic field power supply without pressing the ERDU button 1. Even so, it can be confirmed that he still wanted to press the ERDU button 1 to shut off the magnetic field. On the other hand, for example, if the user presses the button 22, it can be confirmed that the user did not intend to press the ERDU button 1. Note that when the user presses the button 23, a call with the service center is started.

In this way, when the processing circuit 150 causes the display 4 to display a warning to the user, the input device 3 accepts input from the user. Subsequently, the input device 3 transmits the input content received from the user to the image processing device 130. The memory 132, which is included in the image processing device 130 and serves as a storage unit, records the contents of the input received from the user through the input device 3 (step S130).

In this way, the memory 132 memorizes and saves the contents of the input received by the user, so that if the ERDU button 1 is pressed, it is possible to determine whether or not it was the user's intention to press the ERDU button 1. It can be confirmed objectively.

Note that in step S120, the input device 3 accepts input from the user regardless of whether or not the ERDU button 1 is pressed. Furthermore, in step S140, the memory 132 records the input received from the user in step S130, regardless of whether the ERDU button 1 is pressed. In this way, the input device 3 accepts input from the user even after the ERDU button 1 is pressed, that is, even after the fact. This makes it possible to ascertain whether the user had the intention to press the ERBU button 1 or not.

Subsequently, if the ERDU button 1 is not pressed (No in step 140), the processing circuit 150 does not perform any particular processing and ends the processing. On the other hand, if the ERDU button 1 is pressed (step S150 Yes), the magnetic field is urgently cut off. Further, the display 4 displays a warning to the user as shown in FIG. 5, for example. In addition, the processing circuit 150 connects to another computer through the network to which the image processing device 130 is connected, and notifies the other computer that the ERDU button 1 has been pressed. Here, the other computer is, for example, a computer at a service center, and upon receiving information indicating that the ERDU button 1 has been pressed, the service center dispatches a service person to the site.

An example of such a screen is shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen notified by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. When the ERDU button 1 is pressed in step S150, the processing circuit 150 connects to another computer through the network to which the image processing device 130 is connected, and displays the ERDU button 1 on the screen 9a of the other computer. A message 20g indicating that the button has been pressed is displayed together with an image 28 obtained from the camera 5.

As described above, according to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, the ERDU button 1 is less likely to be pressed unnecessarily, and the consumption of liquid helium can be suppressed. In addition, since it is possible to confirm whether the user intended to press the ERDU button 1, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of troubles related to responsibility for paying costs related to liquid helium. In addition, the safety of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 can be increased by issuing a warning to the user.

Note that the embodiment is not limited to the example described above.

In the embodiment, in step S110 and step S120, if the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 detects, through the sensor 12, a preliminary movement of the ERDU button 1 being pressed by the user, in step S110, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 generates a warning sound to the user; Although the case where the audio guide is started in step S120 has been described, the actual form is not limited to this. That is, when the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 detects an operation in which the ERDU button 1 is pressed by the user, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 may issue the above-mentioned warning to the user using the operation in which the ERDU button 1 is pressed by the user as a trigger.

In the embodiment, a case has been described in which an alarm sounds first as in step S110, and then audio guidance is started as shown in step S120, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 150 may simultaneously execute steps S110 and S120, and issue a warning to the user by simultaneously playing a buzzer sound and audio guide using the warning function 150d. Moreover, the processing circuit 150 may perform the process of step S110 after performing the process of step S120 using the warning function 150d.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the processing circuit 150 issues a warning to the user based on information from the sensor 12. In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the processing circuit 150 changes the content of the warning to the user in step S110 and step S120 in FIG. 2 based on information obtained from the load sensor 6 and camera 5.

Specifically, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment, the processing flow is generally the same as that already shown in the flowchart of FIG. Based on the obtained information, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to change the content of the warning issued to the user in step S110 and step S120. As shown in FIG. 2, the load sensor 6 is a sensor that is placed on at least one of the bed and the exterior and measures the load. For example, if a large magnetic body such as a drip stand, an oxygen cylinder, a stretcher, or a wheelchair is accidentally attracted, the load indicated by the load sensor 6 will be an abnormal load. On the other hand, if a small magnetic object such as a ballpoint pen, hairpin, clip, or scissor is accidentally attracted, the two cases are the same in terms of an adsorption accident, but they are different in terms of the severity of the accident. Therefore, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to change the content of the warning to the user based on the information obtained from the load sensor 6.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. For example, when the load sensor 6 detects a load change corresponding to a load change when a large magnetic body such as a drip stand, an oxygen cylinder, a stretcher, or a wheelchair is accidentally attracted, the load sensor 6 detects a load change that corresponds to a load change when a large magnetic body such as an IV stand, an oxygen cylinder, a stretcher, or a wheelchair is accidentally attracted. If the threshold value is exceeded, it is determined that an abnormal load has been detected. In such a case, the load sensor 6 transmits information to the processing circuit 150 that an abnormal load has been detected. When the processing circuit 150 receives the information that an abnormal load has been detected from the load sensor 6, the warning function 150d causes the display 4 to display information that an abnormal load has been detected from the load sensor 6. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the processing circuit 150 causes the display 4 to display information such as "An abnormal load has been detected on the bed device" using the warning function 150d.

On the other hand, if the load sensor 6 detects a change in load that corresponds to a change in load when a small magnetic object such as a ballpoint pen, hairpin, clip, or scissors is accidentally attracted, it is determined that the change in load is minor. . In such a case, the load sensor 6 transmits information to the processing circuit 150 that the load change is within the normal range. In this case, the processing circuit 150 having the warning function 150d determines that the load change is within the normal range, and does not issue a special warning to the user.

Further, the processing circuit 150 may use the information obtained from the load sensor 6 by the warning function 150d to confirm the presence or absence of a person. For example, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display a message on the display 4 indicating that a person remains in the bore only when it is determined that there is a person in the bore based on the information obtained from the load sensor 6. When it is determined that there is no one in the bore, no special warning is given to the user.

Next, a case will be described in which the processing circuit 150 changes the content of the warning to the user based on information obtained from the camera 5. Specifically, the processing circuit 150 that has acquired the information obtained from the camera 5 uses the warning function 150d to detect the presence of people in the bore or in the photographing room based on the image obtained from the information obtained from the camera 5. The presence or absence of the device is automatically detected, and the content of the warning issued to the user is changed based on the detection result. A concrete example of such an example is shown in FIG.

As described above, when the load of the load sensor 6 exceeds a certain threshold value, it is determined that an abnormal load has been detected, and information to the effect that an abnormal load has been detected is transmitted to the processing circuit 150. Using the warning function 150d, the processing circuit 150 causes the display 4 to display a message 20d to the effect that an abnormal load has been detected on the bed device.

On the other hand, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display the image 25 obtained from the information obtained from the camera 5 on the display 4. Further, the processing circuit 150 automatically detects the presence or absence of a person in the bore or in the photographing room from the image 25 obtained from the information obtained from the camera 5 using the warning function 150d. When the processing circuit 150 detects that there is a person in the bore using the warning function 150d, it displays a message 20e indicating that there is a person remaining in the bore.

Further, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to receive information obtained from the load sensor 6 indicating that an abnormal load has been detected and information obtained from the camera 5 indicating that there is a person in the bore. Based on this information, it is determined that it is necessary to press the ERDU button immediately to shut off the magnetic field. Therefore, the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to display a message 20f on the display 4 urging the user to press the ERDU button to shut off the magnetic field. Based on this information, the user can decide whether to press the ERDU button or not. Note that the processing circuit 150 uses the warning function 150d to connect to another computer through the network to which the image processing device 130 is connected, and displays the following information on the screen of the other computer, as in the case of FIG. The above message may also be displayed.

In this way, in the second embodiment, the processing circuit 150 having the warning function 150d sends different messages to the user based on the information obtained from the load sensor 6 and the information obtained from the camera 5. let This allows the user to efficiently determine whether or not to press the ERDU button.

(Other embodiments)
In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the case where whether or not a preliminary operation is detected or the input from the user does not affect the magnetic field interruption process after the ERDU button 1 is pressed has been described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 150 changes the content of the magnetic field cutoff process after the ERDU button 1 is pressed, depending on whether or not a preliminary operation of the user's operation of pressing the ERDU button 1 is detected in step S100. Good too.

As an example, if the processing circuit 150 does not detect a preliminary operation from the user in step S100, it assumes that there is a high possibility that it is a malfunction, and does not interrupt the magnetic field even if the ERDU button 1 is subsequently pressed. Furthermore, the processing circuit 150 may change the content of the magnetic field cutoff process after the ERDU button 1 is pressed, based on input received from the user. For example, when the processing circuit 150 receives an input from the user through the input device 3 to "press the ERDU button 1", the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not wait for the ERDU button 1 to be pressed and immediately shuts off the magnetic field. I do. Conversely, if the processing circuit 150 receives an input from the user via the input device 3 to the effect that "ERDU button 1 should not be pressed," the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 will not press the ERDU button 1 even if the ERDU button 1 is pressed thereafter. Since there is a high possibility that this is a malfunction, the magnetic field will not be interrupted.

Furthermore, the processing circuit 150 performs magnetic field cutoff processing after the ERDU button 1 is pressed, based on information obtained from various sensors such as information obtained from the camera 5 and information obtained from the load sensor 6. You may change the contents. At this time, the processing circuit 150 receives input from an input device other than the input device 3, such as the input device 134 of the image processing device 130 or the input device of a terminal at a service center or support center connected to the input device 3. Based on the information, the contents of the magnetic field cutoff process after the ERDU button 1 is pressed may be changed. For example, if an emergency magnetic field interruption is to be performed at the discretion of a user operating another computer, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 will prevent the ERDU button 1 from being pressed based on information input from the user's input device. Immediately shut off the magnetic field without waiting.

The processing circuit 150 also determines whether or not a preparatory action for pressing the ERDU button 1 from the user is detected, an input received from the user, and two or more pieces of information input from an input device other than the input device 3. may be used to change the contents of the magnetic field cutoff process after the ERDU button 1 is pressed.

In the second embodiment, a case has been described in which the camera 5 is a camera that can check inside the bore, but the camera 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. For example, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 may be placed at the four corners of the room in which the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 is set, so that the user can judge the situation from more angles.

Further, in the embodiment, a case has been described in which the camera 5 is included in advance as a configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, but the embodiment is not limited to this. A camera prepared separately from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 may be configured as the camera 5.

According to at least one embodiment described above, unnecessary emergency magnetic field interruptions can be reduced.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

101 Static magnetic field magnet 1 ERDU button
2 Heater circuit 150 Processing circuit 150d Warning function

Claims (15)

a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a push action by a user is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger ;
The warning unit is configured to issue a warning to the user using a preliminary action of the action as a trigger. a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a push action by a user is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger;
Equipped with
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein the warning is a sound that alerts the user to a fall of an object due to disappearance of a magnetic field. a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a push action by a user is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger;
Equipped with
The warning unit detects the presence of a person in the bore or in the imaging room, and changes the content of the warning based on the detection result. a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a push action by a user is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger;
Equipped with
In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the warning unit changes the content of the warning based on information obtained from a sensor that detects a load placed on at least one of the bed and the exterior. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a storage unit that records contents of input received from the user. When the button detects the operation, the button supplies the heater circuit with an amount of current necessary for the superconducting coil to transition from a superconducting state to a normal conducting state without any additional action from the user. , a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . Claims 1 to 4 , wherein the preliminary motion is detected using at least one of a deformable material covering the button, a lid of a container covering the button, light, a sound wave, a capacitively coupled sensor, and an electrostatic sensor. The magnetic resonance imaging device according to any one of . The magnetic field according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a camera that monitors a patient, and further comprising a determination unit that performs image analysis of information obtained from the camera to determine the presence or absence of a person in the bore. Resonance imaging device. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a camera for monitoring a patient, and wherein the camera is configured to be turned on when a door of the imaging room is opened. When the warning unit issues the warning to the user, the warning unit includes a host computer, which is a computer installed in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and a sequence control unit, which is a computer other than the host computer, and executes a pulse sequence. 5. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the message is sent to at least one of the service computers that can communicate with the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising an input unit that receives input from the user. a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a user touch action is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger ;
The warning unit is a static magnetic field magnet unit that issues a warning to the user using a preliminary operation of the operation as a trigger . a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a user touch action is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger;
Equipped with
A static magnetic field magnet unit, wherein the warning is a sound that alerts the user to the fall of an object due to disappearance of the magnetic field. a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a user touch action is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger;
Equipped with
The warning unit is a static magnetic field magnet unit that detects the presence of a person in the bore or in the imaging room, and changes the content of the warning based on the detection result. a static field magnet having a superconducting coil;
a heater circuit disposed within or adjacent to the windings of the superconducting coil;
a button that supplies current to the heater circuit when a user touch action is detected;
a warning unit that issues a warning to the user using at least one of a preliminary action of the action and the action as a trigger;
Equipped with
The warning unit is a static magnetic field magnet unit that changes the content of the warning based on information obtained from a sensor that detects a load placed on at least one of the bed and the exterior.

Images