TW201701829A - Automatic configuration of a low field magnetic resonance imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

Low-field MRI presents an attractive imaging solution, providing a relatively low cost, high availability alternative to high-field MRI. Characteristics of low-field MRI facilitate the implementation of substantially smaller and/or more flexible installations that can be deployed in wide variety of circumstances and facilities, and further allow for the development of portable or cartable low-field MRI systems. According to some embodiments, automated techniques are provided to modify or adjust one or more aspects of an MRI system based on environmental and/or operating conditions of the system and/or automated techniques are provided that facilitate ease of use of the low-field MRI system, thus enabling use by users/operators having a wider range of training and/or expertise.

Description

Automatic configuration of low field MRI system

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an important imaging modality for many applications and is widely used in clinical and research settings to produce images of the interior of the human body. In general, MRI is based on a detected magnetic resonance (MR) signal, which is an electromagnetic wave emitted by an atom in response to a change in state from an applied electromagnetic field. For example, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques involve detecting nuclear emissions from excited atoms when realigning or relaxing nuclear spins of atoms in one of the objects (eg, atoms in human tissue). MR signal. The detected MR signals can be processed to produce images that, in the context of medical applications, allow for the investigation of internal structures and/or biological procedures within the body for diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or research purposes.

Attributable to safety issues that produce non-invasive images with relatively high resolution and contrast without other modalities (eg, no need to expose objects to ionizing radiation (eg, x-rays) or to introduce radioactive materials into the body) The ability of MRI to provide an attractive imaging modality for bioimaging. In addition, MRI is particularly well suited for providing soft tissue contrast, which can be visualized using soft tissue contrast to target other imaging modalities that are not satisfactorily imaged. Furthermore, MR technology is capable of obtaining information about structural and/or biological procedures that other modalities cannot extract. However, MIR has several drawbacks that may address the relatively high cost of equipment, limited availability, and/or difficulty in accessing the length of clinical MRI scanners and/or image capture programs for a given imaging application.

The trend in clinical MRI is to increase the field strength of the MRI scanner to improve one or more of scan time, image resolution, and image contrast, which in turn continue to increase costs. Most installed MRI scanners operate at 1.5 or 3 Tesla (T), which refers to the field strength of the main magnetic field B ₀ . A rough cost estimate for one of the clinical MRI scanners is approximately one million dollars per tesla, which is not included in the actual operational, service and maintenance costs involved in operating such MRI scanners.

Further, conventional high-field MRI systems typically require a large superconducting magnet and associated electronics to generate where the pair of object (e.g., patient), one forming a strong uniform static magnetic field (B _0). The size of such systems is quite large, with a typical MRI device containing multiple chambers for magnets, electronics, thermal management systems, and console areas. The size and cost of an MRI system typically limits its use to facilities that have sufficient space and resources to purchase and maintain it (such as hospitals and academic research centers). The high cost and substantial space of high field MRI systems requires limited availability of MRI scanners. Thus, there are often clinical contexts in which one MRI scan would be advantageous but attributable to one or more of the limitations discussed above, which is not practical or feasible, as discussed in further detail below.

Low field MRI presents an attractive imaging resolution that provides a relatively low cost, high availability alternative to high field MRI. The inventors have recognized that the characteristics of low field MRI facilitate the implementation of substantially smaller and/or more flexible devices that can be deployed in a wide variety of situations and facilities, and further allow for the development of portable or portable low field MRI systems. Because such systems can operate at different times in different environments and/or because such systems can operate in a generally uncontrolled environment (eg, low field MRI systems can be used in special shielded rooms where high field MRI systems typically operate) External operation), thus providing "in-field" and/or dynamic calibration of one or more components of the MRI system to facilitate adjustment or optimization of the system for the environment in which the system is located. In accordance with some embodiments, an automation technique is provided to modify or adjust one or more aspects of the system based on the environment and/or operating conditions of an MRI system, as discussed in further detail below. According to some embodiments, providing facilitates easy use of the low field MRI system due to This can be automated by a user/operator with a wide range of training and/or expertise (including no professional training or expertise at all).

Some embodiments include a method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging systems, magnetic resonance imaging system which comprises a magnet B ₀ and was configured to transfer heat away from the magnet B ₀ of the at least one thermal management component during operation, the method comprising providing operating power to the magnet B _0; B ₀ to monitor one of the magnet temperature to determine the current temperature of one magnet B _0; and occurs in response to one of the at least one event to the at least one component less than the operating thermal management ability to operate.

Some embodiments include a magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B _0, which was configured to provide at least a portion of a field B _0; at least one thermal management component, which is configured to transfer heat away during operation by the magnet B _0; and at least one processor that is programmable to monitor the temperature of one of the magnet B ₀ to determine the current temperature of one magnet B ₀ and a response to at least one event occurred and the ability to operate at less than the operating At least one thermal management component.

Some embodiments include one of the methods of the B ₀ field for dynamically adjusting is produced by a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising: detecting contribute to generating one of the B ₀ field by a first magnetic field B ₀ magnetic; and selective operation at least one shim coil based on the detection by the first magnetic field generating a second magnetic field B is generated in the adjustment of the field ₀ of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

Some embodiments include a magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B _0, which was configured to facilitate providing a first one of the B ₀ field a magnetic field; a plurality of shim coils; at least one sensor, configured Detecting the first magnetic field when operating the B ₀ magnet; and at least one controller configured to selectively operate at least one of the plurality of shim coils to detect based on the at least one sensor of the first magnetic field generating a second magnetic field B is generated in the adjustment of the field ₀ of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

Some embodiments include a method comprising the proximity configured by providing a method for a target field B ₀ magnetic resonance imaging system of one of the B ₀ magnetic one thing at least partially demagnetized, the method comprising: operating the first polarity using a B ₀ a magnet; and periodically operating the B ₀ magnet using a second polarity opposite the first polarity.

Some embodiments include a configured by the magnetic resonance imaging system such that the proximity of the subject matter of degaussing, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: a magnet B _0, which is provided at least partially by a configuration the B ₀ field; and a controller And configured to operate the B ₀ magnet using a first polarity and periodically operate the B ₀ magnet using a second polarity opposite the first polarity.

Some embodiments include a method of dynamically configuring a magnetic resonance imaging system for use in an arbitrary environment, the method comprising: identifying at least one obstacle to performing magnetic resonance imaging; and automatically based at least in part on the identified at least one obstacle Perform at least one remedial action.

Some embodiments include a method of configuring a magnetic resonance imaging system operatively coupled to one of a plurality of types of radio frequency coils, the method comprising: detecting whether a radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system a component responsive to determining that the radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system to determine information about the radio frequency coil; and automatically performing at least one action to configure the magnetic resonance imaging based at least in part on the information about the radio frequency coil The system operates with this RF coil.

Some embodiments include a magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B _0, which was configured to provide at least a portion of the B ₀ field a; a component, which may be operatively coupled to different types of radio frequency coils; and at least a controller configured to: detect whether a radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the component of the magnetic resonance imaging system; and determine the radio frequency coil in response to determining that the radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system And automatically performing at least one action based at least in part on the information about the radio frequency coil to configure the magnetic resonance imaging system to operate using the radio frequency coil.

Some embodiments include a method of operating a low field magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system including at least one communication interface that allows the magnetic resonance imaging system to communicate with one or more external computing devices, the method comprising: At least one processor of the low field magnetic resonance imaging system is initially coupled to one of the at least one external computing device; and the at least one external computing device is used to exchange information with the at least one processor.

Some embodiments comprise a low field magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: at least one magnetic component configured to operate at a low field; at least one communication interface that allows the low field magnetic resonance imaging system to be associated with one or more And an at least one processor configured to initially connect to one of the at least one external computing device and to exchange information with the at least one external computing device using the at least one processor.

Some embodiments include a method of assisting in automatic setting of a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising: detecting a type of a radio frequency coil coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system and/or a location of a patient support; and at least a portion At least one setting procedure is automatically performed based on the type of detected RF coil and/or the location of the patient support.

100‧‧‧Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system

102‧‧‧Users

104‧‧‧Workstation/Operating Device

106‧‧‧ Controller

108‧‧‧pulse sequence repository

110‧‧‧Power Management System

112‧‧‧Power supply

114‧‧‧Amplifier

116‧‧‧Transmission/reception switch

118‧‧‧ Thermal Management Components

120‧‧‧ Magnetic components

122‧‧‧ magnet

124‧‧‧shimmed coil

126‧‧‧RF transmission/reception coil

128‧‧‧ gradient coil

200‧‧‧Portable or portable low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system

205a‧‧‧B ₀ coil

205b‧‧‧B ₀ coil

210A‧‧‧Laminated board

210b‧‧‧Laminated board

210B‧‧‧Laminated board

230‧‧‧ Thermal Management Components

265‧‧‧Slidable surface

280‧‧‧ Convertible low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system

281‧‧‧ arrow

284‧‧‧slidable bed

286A‧‧‧shell

286B‧‧‧ Shell

Section 290A‧‧‧

Section 290B‧‧‧

310‧‧‧ action

312‧‧‧ action

314‧‧‧ action

316‧‧‧ action

318‧‧‧ action

320‧‧‧ action

322‧‧‧ action

410‧‧‧ action

412‧‧‧ action

414‧‧‧ action

416‧‧‧ action

418‧‧‧ action

420‧‧‧ action

422‧‧‧ action

500‧‧‧Network environment

510‧‧‧First Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System

520‧‧‧ second low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system

530‧‧‧ Third Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System

540‧‧‧Network

550‧‧‧Database

560‧‧•Image Archiving and Communication System (PACS)

565‧‧‧Mobile computing device

585‧‧‧Server

Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the following figures. It should be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale.

1 is a schematic illustration of one of the low field MRI systems that can be automatically configured in accordance with the techniques described herein; FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams of one of the portable low field MRI systems in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 2C And Figure 2D is an illustration of one of the low field MRI systems that can be transported according to one of the embodiments; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of one of the procedures for automatically configuring a low field MRI system in accordance with some embodiments; A flow chart of one of the procedures for powering up a low field MRI system of some embodiments; and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of one of the network environments in which some of the techniques described herein may be performed.

The MRI scanner market is dominated by high field systems and is especially used for medical or clinical MRI applications. As discussed above, the general trend in medical imaging is to produce an MRI scanner with increasing field strength, with the vast majority of clinical MRI scanners operating at 1.5 T or 3 T, with 7 T and 9 used in the study setup. The higher field strength of T. As used herein, "high-field" generally refers to the use of MRI systems currently in a clinical setting and more specific words, one of the means used at or above 1.5 T main magnetic field (i.e., the B ₀ field a) Operation The MRI system, but the clinical system operating between 0.5 T and 1.5 T is usually characterized as a "high field." In contrast, "low field" generally refers to the use of less than or equal to about 0.2 T B ₀ one-field operation of the MRI system, but the field strength increases in the high-field therapy, having between about 0.3 T and 0.2 T at one of the characteristics of the B ₀ field into a low field systems sometimes. The appeal of high field MRI systems includes improved resolution and/or reduced scan time compared to lower field systems, stimulating the drive for ever-increasing field strength for clinical and medical MRI applications.

The inventors have developed techniques for producing improved quality, portable and/or lower cost low field MRI systems that can improve MRI technology in a variety of environments including but not exceeding hospitals and research facilities. Large-scale deployment capability in the device). For example, in addition to hospitals and research facilities, low-field MRI systems can also be deployed in offices, clinics, and multiple departments within a hospital (eg, emergency room, operating room, radiology, etc.) as permanent or semi-permanent The device or deployment is a mobile/portable/portable system that can be transported to a desired location.

The inventors have recognized that the widespread deployment of such low field MRI systems presents the challenge of ensuring that MRI systems are properly implemented in any environment of the operating system. Manually configuring the parameters of the low field MRI system for a particular environment and/or application is technically cumbersome and typically does not require the typical user of the low field MRI system. In addition, the nature of the environment that may be important to the operation of the system may not be determined by a human operator or otherwise obtained.

Accordingly, some embodiments are directed to techniques for automatically configuring the low field MRI system based at least in part on the environmental and/or operating conditions of a low field MRI system. Techniques for automatic configuration may be performed when the system is powered up in response to one or more changes in the detection environment and/or operating conditions, as discussed in more detail below. Some patterns An automatic setting procedure for a low field MRI system wherein the component(s) of the system are automatically configured based, at least in part, on the environmental and/or operating conditions of the operating low field MRI system. Some aspects relate to dynamically configuring an MRI system in view of changing environmental and/or operating conditions. Some aspects relate to automated techniques for adjusting the operation of a system based on one of the operating modes of the system (eg, low power mode, warm up, idle, etc.).

Additionally, as discussed above, increasing the field strength of the MRI system results in increasingly expensive and complex MRI scanners, thus limiting availability and preventing them from being used as a general and/or commonly available imaging solution. The relatively high cost, complexity, and size of high field MRIs are primarily limited to dedicated facilities. Moreover, conventional high field MRI systems are typically operated by technicians who already have extensive training in the system to be able to produce the desired image. The need for highly trained technicians to operate the high field MRI system to further facilitate the limited availability of high field MRI and high field MRI cannot be used as a widely available and/or versatile imaging solution.

The inventors have recognized that ease of use may allow a low field MRI system to be widely available, deployed, and/or used in one of a variety of circumstances and environments. To this end, the inventors have developed automatic, semi-automatic and/or auxiliary setting techniques that facilitate the simple and intuitive use of low field MRI systems. Thus, the amount of training required to operate such a low field MRI system can be substantially reduced, thereby increasing the context in which a low field MRI system can be employed to perform the desired imaging application.

The following are a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods and apparatus for low field magnetic resonance applications (including low field MRI) and embodiments of such methods and apparatus. It will be appreciated that the various aspects described herein can be implemented in any number of ways. Examples of specific embodiments are provided herein for illustrative purposes only. Additionally, the various aspects described in the examples below may be used alone or in any combination and are not limited to the combinations explicitly described herein. While some of the techniques described herein are at least partially designed to address the challenges associated with low field and/or portable MRI, such techniques are not limited in this respect and can be applied to high field MRI systems, This is not limited to use with any particular type of MRI system.

1 is a block diagram of an exemplary component of a low field MRI system 100. In the illustrative example of FIG. 1, low field MRI system 100 includes workstation 104, controller 106, pulse sequence repository 108, power management system 110, and magnetic component 120. It will be appreciated that system 100 is illustrative and that in addition to or in lieu of the components illustrated in FIG. 1, a low field MRI system can have one or more other components of any suitable type.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the magnetic assembly 120 includes a magnet 122 , a shim coil 124 , an RF transmit/receive coil 126 , and a gradient coil 128 . Magnet 122 may be used to generate a main magnetic field B _0. Magnet 122 can be any suitable type of magnet that can produce one of the main fields of low field strength (i.e., one of the fields having a strength of 0.2 Tesla or less). Shim coil 124 may be used to facilitate (s) the magnetic field B to produce improved homogeneity of the magnet 122 field of _0. Gradient coils 128 may be configured to provide a gradient field and, for example, may be configured to create a gradient in the magnetic field along three substantially orthogonal directions (X, Y, Z).

RF transmit / receive coil 126 for generating RF pulses comprise an oscillating magnetic field B to initiate _a one or more transmission coils. The transmission coil(s) can be configured to generate any suitable type of RF pulse for performing low field MR imaging. In some embodiments, a suitable type of RF pulse for performing low field MR imaging can be selected based at least in part on environmental conditions, as discussed in more detail below.

Each of the magnetic components 120 can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, a U.S. application filed on September 4, 2015, entitled "Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods and Apparatus", with a co-file of the assignee file number O0354.70000US01, may be used. The described technology makes one or more of the magnetic components 120, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The power management system 110 includes electronics to provide operational power to one or more components of the low field MRI system 100. For example, as discussed in more detail below, power management system 110 can include one or more power supplies, gradient power amplifiers, transmission coil amplifiers, and/or provide components suitable for operating power to power low field MRI system 100 and Fuck Any other suitable power electronics required for these components.

As depicted in FIG. 1, power management system 110 includes a power supply 112, an amplifier(s) 114, a transmit/receive switch 116, and a thermal management component 118. Power supply 112 includes electronics to provide operating power to magnetic assembly 120 of low field MRI system 100. For example, the power supply 112 may include operating power to be provided to one or more of B ₀ coils (e.g., magnet 122 B ₀₎ to an electronic device for generating a main magnetic field of low field MRI systems. In some embodiments, power supply 112 is a single pole continuous wave (CW) power supply, however, any suitable power supply can be used. The transmit/receive switch 116 can be used to select whether to operate the RF transmit coil or the RF receive coil.

The amplifier(s) 114 can include one or more RF receive (Rx) preamplifiers that amplify MR signals detected by one or more RF receive coils (eg, coil 126); one or more RF transmissions (Tx) amplifiers, etc. configured to provide power to one or more RF transmit coils (eg, coil 126); one or more gradient power amplifiers, etc. configured to provide power to one or more Gradient coils (eg, gradient coils 128); shim amplifiers, etc., are configured to provide power to one or more shim coils (eg, shim coils 124).

Thermal management component 118 provides cooling for components of low field MRI system 100 and can be configured to provide cooling by facilitating delivery of thermal energy generated by one or more components of low field MRI system 100 away from such components. Thermal management component 118 can include, but is not limited to, components for performing water-based or air-based cooling, and such components can be combined with heat generating MRI components (including but not limited to B ₀ coils, gradient coils, shimming) The coils and/or transmission/reception coils are integrated or configured to be in close proximity to the MRI components. Thermal management component 118 can include any component suitable for heat transfer media (including but not limited to air and water) to transfer heat away from low field MRI system 100. The thermal management component can be, for example, any of the thermal management components described in the U.S. Application Serial No. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. Or the technology, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As depicted in FIG. 1, low field MRI system 100 includes a controller 106 (also referred to herein as a "master station") having controllers for transmitting commands to power management system 110 and from power management system 110. Control electronics that receive information. The controller 106 can be configured to implement instructions for determining transmission to the power management system 110 to operate one or more of the one or more magnetic components 120 in a desired sequence. Controller 106 can be implemented as any suitable combination of hardware, software, or hardware and software, as the aspects of the disclosure provided herein are not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments, controller 106 can be configured to implement a pulse sequence by obtaining information about the pulse sequence from pulse sequence repository 108 that stores information for each of the one or more pulse sequences. The information stored by pulse sequence repository 108 for a particular pulse sequence may allow controller 106 to implement any suitable information for a particular pulse sequence. For example, the information stored in the pulse sequence repository 108 for a pulse sequence can include: one or more parameters for operating the magnetic component 120 in accordance with the pulse sequence (eg, parameters for operating the RF transmit/receive coil 126) The parameters for operating the gradient coil 128, etc.; for operating one or more parameters of the power management system 110 in accordance with the pulse sequence; including causing the controller 106 to control the system 100 to operate in accordance with the pulse sequence when executed by the controller 106 One or more programs of instructions; and/or any other suitable information. The information stored in the pulse sequence repository 108 can be stored in one or more non-transitory storage media.

As depicted in FIG. 1, controller 106 also interacts with computing device 104 that is programmed to process received MR data. For example, computing device 104 can process the received MR data to generate one or more MR images using any suitable image reconstruction program(s). Controller 106 can provide information about one or more pulse sequences to computing device 104 to facilitate processing of the MR data by the computing device. For example, controller 106 can provide information regarding one or more pulse sequences to computing device 104 and the computing device can perform an image reconstruction process based at least in part on the provided information.

The computing device 104 can be configured to process any electronic device that retrieves MR data and produces one or more images of one of the imaged objects. In some embodiments, computing device 104 can be a fixed electronic device, such as a desktop computer, a server, a rack mounted computer, or can be configured to process MR data and produce one of the imaged objects or Any other of the multiple images is suitable for securing the electronic device. Alternatively, computing device 104 can be a portable device, such as a smart phone, a number of digit assistants, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or can be configured to process MR data and produce an imaged object Or any other portable device of multiple images. In some embodiments, computing device 104 may comprise a plurality of computing devices of any suitable type, as the aspects of the disclosure provided herein are not limited in this respect. A user 102 can interact with the computing device 104 to control aspects of the low field MRI system 100 (e.g., the stylizing system 100 operates to operate according to a particular pulse sequence, adjust one or more parameters of the system 100, etc.) and/or view Images obtained by the low field MRI system 100.

2A and 2B illustrate a portable or loadable low field MRI system 200 in accordance with some embodiments. System 200 can include one or more of the components described above in connection with FIG. For example, system 200 can include magnetic and electrical components and other components (eg, thermal management, consoles, etc.) that are potentially disposed together on a single generally transportable and switchable structure. System 200 can be designed to have at least two configurations: one that is adapted for shipping and one configuration and one that is adapted for operation. 2A shows system 200 when fixed for shipping and/or storage and FIG. 2B shows system 200 when converted for operation. System 200 includes a portion 290A that is slidable into portion 290B and withdrawn from that portion 290B when the system is changed from its shipping configuration to its operational configuration (as indicated by the arrows shown in Figure 2B). Portion 290A can house power electronics 110, host station 106 (which can include an interface device, such as the touch panel display depicted in Figures 2A and 2B), and thermal management 118. Portion 290A may also include other components for operating system 200 as desired.

Portion 290B includes magnetic component 120 of low field MRI system 200, including one or more magnetic groups The pieces (for example, the magnet 122, the shim coil 124, the RF transmission/reception coil 126, the gradient coil 128) are integrated on the laminate boards 210A and 210B thereon in any combination. When transitioned to a configuration adapted to the operating system to perform MRI (as shown in Figure 2B), the support surfaces of portions 290A and 290B provide a surface on which one of the objects to be imaged can lie. A slidable surface 265 can be provided to facilitate sliding the object into position such that one of the objects is within the field of view of the laminate providing the corresponding low field MRI magnet. System 200 provides a portable, compact configuration that facilitates access to one of the low field MRI systems in which MRI imaging is accessed in situations where conventional MRI imaging is not available (eg, in an emergency room).

2C and 2D illustrate another generally transportable low field MRI system in accordance with some embodiments. 2C illustrates an example of a convertible low field MRI system 280 utilizing a biplane hybrid magnet in accordance with some embodiments. In Figure 2C, the convertible system is in a folded configuration of one of the convenient transport systems or storage systems when it is not in use. The convertible system 280 includes a slidable bed 284 that is configured to support a human patient and that allows the patient to slide into the imaging region between the housings 286A and 286B in the direction of arrow 281 and slide out of the imaging region. The housings 286A and 286B house magnetic components that cause the convertible system 280 to generate a magnetic field for performing MRI. According to some embodiments, the magnetic component may be produced, fabricated, and configured using only a laminate technique, using only conventional techniques, or using a combination of both (eg, using hybrid techniques).

2D illustrates a convertible system 280 that is extended and wherein a patient is positioned on the slidable bed 284 prior to insertion between the housings 286A and 286B for imaging. According to some embodiments, each of the outer casings 286A and 286B is accommodating coupled to a thermal management assembly to draw heat away from one of the hybrid magnets of the magnetic assembly. Specifically, each of the outer casings 286A and 286B on the opposite side of the image forming area includes B ₀ coils 205a and 205b therein, a laminate 210 (where 210b is disposed face up in the outer casing 286B) and is provided in B thermal management assembly 230 ₀ between the coils. The magnetic components housed in 286A and 286B may be substantially identical to form a symmetrical biplanar hybrid magnet or the magnetic components housed in 286A and 286B may be different to form an asymmetric biplanar hybrid magnet because of the aspect It is not limited to use with any particular design or construction of a hybrid magnet.

In accordance with the techniques described herein, one or more components of a low field MRI system (eg, systems 100, 200, and/or 280) are automatically configured to ensure that the system will perform properly or properly during operation. As discussed above, such an MRI system can operate in a variety of environments where one or more parameters of the system need to be adjusted to ensure satisfactory operation in a given environment. As also discussed above, the manual configuration of components of a low field MRI system is cumbersome and requires many users of the MRI system that may not have the expertise. In many instances, a human operator (or even an expert) may be unsure of the environment and/or operating conditions that a system needs to adjust or adapt to (eg, radio frequency noise or other electromagnetic interference (EMI), unintentional short circuits, or Open circuits, misaligned components, etc.) make proper adjustments to the system infeasible. Accordingly, some embodiments are configured to automatically execute a set in response to the occurrence of a particular event (eg, powering up a low field MRI system, waking up from a sleep mode or a low power mode, detecting a changed environmental condition, etc.) Configure and / or set the operation.

3 illustrates an automatic configuration procedure that can be performed in response to the occurrence of an event in accordance with some embodiments. It should be understood that although FIG. 3 illustrates several configuration or setting operations that may be performed, any one or combination of the operations may be performed, as this aspect is not limited in this respect. Additionally, while the exemplary configuration operations shown in FIG. 3 are shown as being performed in tandem, it should be understood that one or more configuration operations may be performed partially or completely in parallel, and which specific configuration operations are performed and/or when There are no restrictions on performing specific configuration operations.

In act 310, the low field MRI system is energized. FIG. 4 illustrates one of the energization procedures that may be performed in act 310 in accordance with some embodiments. It should be understood that although FIG. 4 illustrates a number of power-on operations that may be performed, any one or combination of operations may be performed, as this aspect is not limited in this respect. Additionally, while the exemplary configuration operations shown in FIG. 4 are shown as being performed in tandem, it should be appreciated that one or more configuration operations may be performed partially or completely in parallel, and which particular configuration operations are performed and/or There is no limit when to perform a specific configuration operation.

In act 410, the low field MRI system is coupled to a power source. For example, The low field MRI system is connected to a standard wall outlet, to an external power supply such as one of the generators, or to any other suitable type for providing operational power to the components of the low field MRI system. In act 412, it is verified that the emergency power cutoff is operational. Patient safety is one of the main considerations when designing medical devices. Accordingly, some low field MRI systems used in accordance with the techniques described herein include an emergency power cut that can be manually or automatically triggered in situations where patient safety can be a problem (eg, magnet overheating). Therefore, to ensure safe operation, the system can check to confirm that any and all power cuts (or other safety mechanisms) are enabled and/or operational.

In act 414, the console 104 is powered up, for example, by a user pressing a power switch, button, or other mechanism on the console. In response to being powered on, the console can perform a number of launch procedures prior to launching one of the one or more operations of the low field MRI system to control the application. After or during any start-up procedure, one of the one or more operations configured to control the low field MRI system is initiated on the console to control the application (act 416). The control application can be automatically launched when the console is powered up or in response to interaction with a user of the console or one of the external electronics configured to interact with the console. In response to the launch control application, the application can instruct the console to perform one or more operations including, but not limited to, instructing the power supply 112 to turn on system DC power.

Other components of the low field MRI system can be enabled and/or configured after or during the start of the control application. For example, in act 418, the control application 112 may indicate that power supply to the magnet 122 by warming the resulting wherein the B ₀ field suitable for imaging (e.g.) the temperature of one power turned on to perform a low-field magnet to MRI. In some embodiments, the warming of the magnet program may take a lot of time (e.g., 30 minutes) to provide one suitable for image stabilization the B ₀ field. In order to reduce the amount of time required to warm the magnet 122, some embodiments perform one or more "preheat" operations. For example, one or more of the magnetic components 120 or the plurality of thermal management components 118 that transfer heat away from the low field MRI system during operation of the low field MRI system can be adjusted to allow the magnets to warm up faster than the thermal management components. The situation. In some embodiments, the thermal management assembly 118 includes an air or water cooling system (eg, a fan and/or a pump) to provide cooling of the magnetic components of the low field MRI system. During warm-up of the magnet, the fan and/or pump can be turned off or turned down (eg, by reducing cooling capacity or strength) to speed up the magnet warm-up procedure. Operating one or more thermal management components with less than operational capability herein means intentionally adjusting one or more thermal management components (including by not operating one or more thermal management components at all) such that the ability to remove heat is normal. The operation is reduced.

In embodiments in which the operation of the thermal management assembly 118 is modified, the temperature of the magnet should be closely monitored to ensure that the magnet is not too hot and/or to determine when to turn on the thermal management component or increase the capability/strength of the thermal management component. The temperature of the magnet can be determined by any suitable means including, but not limited to, using a temperature sensor; determining the temperature of the magnet, etc., based at least in part on one of the magnets by measuring the voltage. According to some embodiments engaged embodiment, there is provided a temperature sensing (e.g., via a sensor and / or a voltage measurement) so that the thermal management control automation to speed up the warm-up and near thermal equilibrium or stability for the B ₀ field magnet and / Or increase the cooling intensity.

Some embodiments include a low power mode that is used to keep the magnet warm when the system is idle (eg, not used for imaging). For example, in a low power mode, less current can be supplied to the magnet while still allowing the magnet 122 to remain at a temperature acceptable for imaging. The low power mode can be implemented in any suitable manner that enables the magnet to remain at a desired temperature. For example, one or more techniques for reducing the warm-up time of the magnets described above (eg, turning off or lowering one or more thermal management components) may also be used to place the low field MRI system at a low level. In power mode. Thus, although not in use, the magnets can be kept warm with less power so that when needed, the magnets are ready without a warm-up period. In some embodiments, the operation in the low power mode is automatically initiated when the low field MRI system 100 is not in operation for a certain amount of time and/or can be manually initiated via a switch, button, or other interface mechanism provided by the system. Low power mode.

Alternatively, the low power mode can be used in response to determining that the ambient temperature of one of the environments in which the low field MRI system 100 is operating is above a certain temperature. For example, if the low field MRI system When deployed in a high temperature environment (eg, a desert), the magnet cannot be operated in a normal operating mode due to the possibility of overheating of the magnet. However, in such scenarios, the MRI system 100 can still operate in a low power mode by using a current that is less than the current to be used in an environment having a lower temperature. Thus, this low power mode enables the use of low field MRI systems in challenging environments that would normally not be suitable for MRI system operation.

In some embodiments, the time required to perform the warm-up of the magnet prior to imaging can be reduced by determining and compensating for fluctuations in the low field MRI parameters during the warm-up procedure to achieve imaging prior to the fluctuations being stabilized. For example, the magnet Ramo B ₀ (Larmor) frequency as the magnet warm generally fluctuate and becomes stable. Some embodiments characterize how the ramo frequency tracks the voltage (or temperature) of the magnet and compensates for changes in frequency to allow imaging before the magnet reaches its normal operating temperature. The uniformity of the B ₀ field is another parameter known to fluctuate during warm-up of the magnet. Thus, some embodiments characterize how Bo ₀ field uniformity tracks the voltage (or temperature) of the magnet and (eg, using one or more shim coils) compensate for changes in field uniformity to achieve field uniformity to normal operating levels Imaging before quasi. It is also possible to track and compensate for fluctuations in other low field MRI parameters that fluctuate during warm-up of magnet 122 by measuring one of the magnet's voltage (or temperature) or some other parameter of the low field MRI system. These parameters are provided to provide imaging using a low field MRI system before the magnets reach thermal equilibrium and/or field stability.

Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 4, in act 420, the gradient coils are enabled. The inventors have recognized that in some embodiments, the process of enabling the gradient coils may be delayed until the imaging is ready to be performed shortly to reduce the power consumption of the low field MRI system. After the low field MRI system is operational, act 422 can be performed to monitor one or more properties of the magnet to ensure that the magnet remains in one of the states suitable for operation. One or more remedial actions may be performed if one or more of the properties of the magnet have been detected to have drifted or otherwise altered to affect the ability to capture a satisfactory image.

Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 312, one or more general system checks are performed to ensure proper operation of the low field MRI system 100. For example, a general system check can It includes checking whether the magnet 122 is shorted or open. Shorting of the magnet 122 can occur for any of a number of reasons. For example, during normal operational use and/or due to operation in different environments, thermal contraction and expansion (thermal cycling) of various components of the low field MRI system may result in magnet 122 or a portion thereof or various other circuits, coils, etc. of the MRI system. Any one of them is shorted. For example, thermal cycling can cause contact with otherwise isolated conductive materials to short circuit the circuitry of the system (eg, windings in a coil). For example, in some cases, one of the cold plates, one of the components of the thermal management system 118, includes a conductive (eg, aluminum) surface that can contact the conductive material that cools one or more of the coils to cause a short circuit of the coil. . Some embodiments test the system (eg, magnet 122) to determine if there is a short circuit, and if there is a short circuit, the system can be rendered inoperable and one of the maintenance alerts is provided to the user. The current-voltage (IV) curve derived from powering one or more components can be monitored to assess whether the IV curve responds as expected or to detect a short circuit by using any other suitable technique.

According to some embodiments, the system detects an open circuit. For example, any number of factors can cause a magnet 122 (or any other system circuit) to open, thereby not allowing current to flow. The open circuit can be caused by thermal cycling and/or through the system (eg, by separating the electrical connections or by loosening the components (eg, the displacement bolts or screws used to connect the components of the low field MRI system 100). For example, thermal cycling of the magnets can cause loose bolts/screws in the magnet assembly, which can cause the magnet to have an open circuit. Some embodiments test the magnet 122 to determine if it is open (eg, by observing whether a voltage is applied to draw a current), and if so, provide a warning that the magnet is inoperable and requires maintenance to be provided to the user.

Other general system checks that may be performed in accordance with some embodiments include determining the stability of the power supply 112. The inventors have recognized that in some embodiments, the power supply 112 can operate near a stability margin, and small deviations outside of this range can cause the power supply to become unstable and oscillate. The power supply 112 can also oscillate for other reasons including, but not limited to, one of the circuit faults within the power supply. The stability of the power supply can be determined in any suitable manner, including (but not limited to) measuring the current drawn from the power supply to determine The current drawn by the company was as expected.

The inventors have recognized that the quality of the power source used to power the low field MRI system 100 may vary depending on the environment in which the low field MRI system is deployed. For example, one of the low field MRI systems operating in the field can be powered by, for example, a generator that can present a power challenge that does not exist when using a standard power outlet in a hospital to power a low field MRI system. . As another example, power supply quality can vary with the operation of other devices on the same local power grid. As yet another example, a low field MRI system deployed in a mobile background content, such as in an ambulance, may need to be powered via a battery and converter. To address these issues, some embodiments perform a general system check to evaluate the characteristics of the power supply in any suitable manner to determine if the power supply has sufficient quality for the operating system.

As another example, a low field MRI system can be deployed in a non-standard environment where quality and/or standards of power supply hooks may not be known. To address this, some embodiments include checking the wiring of the power outlet before trusting the power supply to power the system to determine if the outlet is properly routed to avoid power damage to the components of the system. Checking the power outlet wiring can include, but is not limited to, measuring the voltage from the power outlet; measuring the noise level in the current supplied by the power outlet and/or determining if the power outlet is properly routed (eg, FireWire, Medium) The line and ground are all appropriate values). The inventors have appreciated that power generated by some power sources (e.g., a generator or power converter) can have noise. If it is determined that the power outlet is not properly routed or has an unacceptable level of noise, the user of the system can be notified and an alternate power source can be located prior to energizing the low field MRI system.

The inventors have recognized that external sources of electromagnetic noise can affect the ability of a low field MRI system to operate properly in the various environments in which the system can be deployed. Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 314, the external noise source is evaluated to determine whether the detected noise source(s) can be appropriately disposed by modifying one or more operational parameters of the low field MRI system; The noise compensation technique can be used to compensate for the noise source; or if the low field MRI system will not operate properly in the presence of one or more detected noise sources, in which case the low field MRI system will alert one The operator system should move to another location that is less affected by noise.

According to some embodiments, environmental conditions including, but not limited to, external temperature drift and/or system temperature drift may be detected and/or monitored, and may be modified for performing one or more pulse sequences for imaging by the low field MRI system. The carrier frequency (Lamo frequency) to compensate for changes in environmental conditions. The aspect of the low field MRI system other than the pulse sequence parameters may be additionally or alternatively adjusted or modified to compensate for changes in environmental conditions. For example, the gradient current or shim current can also be determined based at least in part on the detected environmental conditions.

Some low field MRI systems for use in accordance with some embodiments may include a noise cancellation system configured to detect and at least partially compensate for an external noise source. For example, noise cancellation can be performed by providing an auxiliary receive channel to detect ambient radio frequency interference (RFI). For example, one or more receiver coils may be positioned close to the field B ₀ field but outside the field of view of the B ₀ field, but not to detect RFI sampling MR signals emitted by one of the imaged object. The RFI can be freely positioned to detect a signal received by one or more of the transmit MR signals minus the RFI sampled by the one or more auxiliary receive coils. This configuration has the ability to dynamically process and suppress RFI to facilitate providing one of the RFIs that may be subject to different and/or varying levels depending on the environment in which the low field MRI system is operating, typically capable of transporting and/or carrying low field MRI systems. . A suitable application for noise cancellation that can be used with a low field MRI system is described in the U.S. Application Serial No. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. Some examples of techniques are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Some embodiments may detect and compensate for a noise source using a multi-channel receive coil array configured to detect the spatial position of the received signal as being within the array or external to the array. Signals determined to be external to the array may be considered as noise and may be determined to be subtracted from signals within the array. The noise cancellation technique according to some embodiments includes employing a multi-channel receive coil array and performing one or more of the noise cancellation.

As another example, the noise cancellation system can detect the presence of a device near one of the electromagnetic noises that would affect the operation of the low field MRI system, which will enable an operator of the low field MRI system to determine if it is operational. Unplug or remove the device with noise and/or whether any of the various noise cancellation techniques can be used to compensate for noise introduced by the detected noise device. External noise can be generated by a number of different types of sources that interfere with a low field MRI system to produce an image of an acceptable quality. For example, a low field MRI system can detect noise in a particular frequency band and configure a low field MRI system to operate in a different frequency range to avoid interference. As another example, a low field MRI system can detect enough noise to make the system unavoidable and/or adequately suppress noise. For example, if the low field MRI system is deployed near an AM broadcast station, it can be determined that the noise cancellation system may not be able to eliminate broadcast noise, and the user system of the low field MRI system may be notified to move away from the AM broadcast station. Another location to ensure proper operation of the low field MRI system.

The inventors have recognized that external signals that can contribute to the performance reduction of a low field MRI system can include signals that are not normally considered to be conventional sources of noise. For example, other low field MRI systems operating near a given low field MRI system configured may also generate signals that can interfere with and adversely affect the performance of the low field MRI system. According to some embodiments, the low field MRI system is configured to detect other systems that are close enough to interfere with operation and can communicate with any such system to avoid mutual interference with each other. For example, multiple low field MRI systems can be configured to communicate with one another using a network protocol (eg, Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and other low field MRI systems operating near the configured low field MRI system. It is identified by attempting to automatically connect to other low field MRI systems that are within the scope of the network protocol.

The high field MRI system is deployed in a dedicated shielded room to prevent electromagnetic interference from affecting the operation of the MRI system. Therefore, high field MRI systems are also isolated from external communications. In addition, due to the high field strength, electronic devices typically cannot operate in the same chamber as the B ₀ magnet of the MRI system. On the other hand, low field MRI systems are typically configurable to be portable and operate in locations other than dedicated shielded rooms. Thus, low field MRI systems can be communicatively coupled to other devices (including other low field MRI systems) in ways that are not possible with high field MRI systems, thereby facilitating several benefits, some of which are discussed in further detail below.

FIG. 5 illustrates one of the network environments 500 in which one or more low field MRI systems are operational. For example, multiple low field MRI systems can be deployed in different rooms of a clinic or hospital or can be deployed in different facilities located remotely. The system can be configured to communicate via the network to identify the presence of other systems and automatically configure operating conditions with one or more low field MRI systems with detection capabilities to reduce interference between the systems. As shown, the network environment 500 includes a first low field MRI system 510, a second low field MRI system 520, and a third low field MRI system 530. Each low field MRI system is configured to discover other low field MRI systems via the network or using any other suitable mechanism (eg, via inter-device communication, detection of another low field MRI system as a source of noise, etc.) The ability to detect.

In some embodiments, a low field MRI system can be configured to automatically detect the presence of another operational low field MRI system by communicating directly with other operating low field MRI systems. For example, a low field MRI system can be configured to communicate with each other using a short range wireless protocol (eg, Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee), and at startup, a low field MRI system can attempt to discover any other low field MRI system Whether to use short-range wireless protocol operations nearby.

In some embodiments, a low field MRI system can be configured to use an indirect technique (eg, by not directly communicating with another low field MRI system) (such as by being configured to track connections to the network) One of the locations of the system, the central computer, the server (e.g., server 585) or the intermediate device communicates, automatically detects the presence of another operating low field MRI system. Any suitable indirect technique can be used. For example, in some embodiments, a low field MRI system can send one or more messages to the repository 550 via the network 540 for activation in the database during startup and/or sometimes thereafter. Register yourself. Registering a low field MRI system in database 550 can include providing any suitable information for storage in a database, including but not limited to one of the low field MRI systems identifiers, one of the system operations (eg, Ramo) The frequency, one of the locations of the system, and whether the system is active or indicated by one of the standby modes.

The information stored in the database 550 is updated in the following cases: when a low field MRI system is first started; when a low field MRI system changes its operational state (eg, from an active mode to a standby mode) When the system changes one or more parameters (eg, operating frequency), etc. At startup and/or sometimes thereafter, a low field MRI system can send a query to a computer associated with the repository (eg, server 585) to determine if the additional low field MRI system is operating nearby and obtains information about Information on any detected low field MRI system. The query may include any suitable information capable of searching the database 550, including but not limited to one of the low field MRI system identifiers that issued the query and one of the low field MRI systems. The low field MRI system can then negotiate with other proximity systems directly or via a computer to establish operational parameters such that the system does not interfere.

In other embodiments, the detection of the presence of other nearby low field MRI systems can be accomplished by measurement of MR data. For example, the signal detected in response to the RF pulse can be analyzed to identify the presence of noise in the signal characterizing the presence of a nearby low field MRI system. These embodiments do not require network (direct or indirect) communication between multiple low field MRI systems. However, data capture and data analysis are required for the detection process, which delays the identification of nearby systems.

The inventors have recognized that in embodiments where multiple low field MRI systems are in close proximity to operation, the system can be configured to reduce interference between systems or reduce any other noise source (eg, an AM radio station) to one. The impact of the performance of low field MRI systems. For example, a first adjustable low-field B of the MRI system so that the system of field ₀ Raman frequency shift away from the vicinity of one of the operation of the second low field MRI systems wherein the Raman frequency or away from the noise has been detected in Any other frequency range. The appropriate operating frequency and/or field strength to be used (or any other suitable configuration) may be established by direct negotiation between multiple low field MRI systems or by communication with a central server that is responsible for resolving the conflict between the systems. parameter). For example, one of the computers associated with repository 550 can be responsible for assigning operational configuration parameters to a closely positioned low field MRI system.

The inventors have recognized that multiple low-field MRI systems can also benefit from using one or more networks to connect to one another by sharing information including, but not limited to, the following: pulse sequences, waveform tables, pulse timing rows Cheng or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, one of the potential conflicts between the plurality of low field MRI systems can be managed by a time slicing operation of the system to reduce the effects of interference between the systems. For example, a time sharing configuration can be established between at least two low field MRI systems to alternate or otherwise coordinate the pulse sequences such that appropriate interleaved transmissions and/or reception cycles are employed to reduce interference between the systems.

As shown, the network environment can also include one or more image archiving and communication systems (PACS) 560 and a low field MRI system can be configured to automatically detect and connect to the PACS 560 to: implement a low field MRI system The storage of the acquired images; obtaining one or more images (or information from them) stored by the PACS 560; or otherwise utilizing the information stored therein. The network environment can also include a server 585 that can coordinate activities between the low field MRI system connected to the network and/or activities between the low field MRI systems. Server 585 can also be used to provide data (eg, magnetic resonance fingerprinting data) to a low field MRI system to facilitate MRI using MR fingerprints. Server 585 can also operate as an information source in other aspects.

Referring back to the procedure illustrated in Figure 3, in act 316, the mechanical configuration of the low field MRI system is examined. For example, one or more of the mechanical components of the low field MRI system can include a microswitch, a sensor, or any other suitable device for determining whether one or more mechanical components are in place. Examples of mechanical components that may be employed to ensure that they are properly joined to a low field MRI system include, but are not limited to, one or more RF coils (eg, head coils) on which the patient is placed during imaging. A bed or table and a circuit breaker for a low field MRI system when implemented as a portable system.

According to some embodiments, the illustrative system illustrated in FIG. 2 may include transmissions that allow different types of transmission/reception coils to be snapped into position to, for example, be configured to image different portions of an anatomy / Receive one of the components of the coil. In this way, one A head coil, a chest coil, an arm coil, a leg coil, or any other coil configured for a particular portion of the anatomy can be snapped into the system to perform a corresponding imaging operation. The interface to which the interchangeable coils are attached (e.g., snapped into place) may include a mechanism for detecting when a coil has been properly attached, and this information may be communicated to one of the operators of the system. Alternatively or additionally, the transmit/receive coil may be configured with one of any suitable type of sensor capable of detecting when the coil has been properly positioned and coupled to the system (eg, the snap into position). According to some embodiments, various transmit/receive coils may include a storage device and/or a microcontroller that stores information about the coil, including, for example, coil type, operational requirements, field of view, number of channels, and/or available Any or any combination of any other information of the system is discussed in further detail below. The transmit/receive coil can be configured to automatically provide information (eg, broadcast information) to the system when properly attached to the system and/or the transmit/receive coil can be configured to provide any response in response to a query from one of the systems Requested information. Any other components can be inspected to ensure that all relevant mechanical connections are made correctly, as this aspect is not limited in this respect.

According to some embodiments, the system can automatically select a scan protocol based on the type of transmit/receive coils connected to the system. For example, if a head coil is detected, the system can automatically select a suitable head imaging protocol. The system can provide a list of available head imaging protocols that are then presented to the user for selection. Alternatively, if the system has further information (eg, information obtained from an RFID tag associated with the patient, as discussed in further detail below) or information from a patient scheduling system, the system may select a particular head. The protocol is imaged and the system is set up to perform a corresponding imaging procedure (eg, to check one of the stroke imaging procedures). Similarly, when multiple protocols are presented and a user selects an option, the system can set up the system to perform the corresponding imaging procedure. As an example, the system may obtain (eg, load or generate) (several) appropriate pulse sequences, select an appropriate contrast type, select an appropriate field of view, prepare to retrieve one or more reconnaissance images, and the like. It should be appreciated that regardless of the type of transmission/reception coil being detected, the system can present available protocols and/or preparations and settings. A scan protocol that performs a selected or automatic identification.

According to some embodiments, the system can automatically select a scan agreement based on the location of one or more components of the system. For example, the system can detect the location of a patient support (eg, a bed, table, or chair) and automatically select an imaging protocol list and/or setting system that is suitable for imaging protocols or presenting one of the current locations suitable for the patient support. To perform an appropriate imaging procedure. It will be appreciated that automatic selection of (several) appropriate imaging protocols and/or execution of other automatic setting activities may be performed based on the location and/or configuration of other components of the detection system, as this aspect is not limited in this respect.

In act 318, automatic tuning of the RF coils can be performed. Some embodiments may include functionality for automatically detecting the type of connected RF coils, and the automatic tuning of the RF coils may be performed based at least in part on the particular type of information of the detected connected RF coils. Other embodiments may not include automatic tuning of the RF coil for automatically detecting the functionality of one of the types of connected RF coils and may be based at least in part on manual keying information regarding the type of coil currently connected.

Automatic detection of one of the types of connected RF coils can be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the type of connected RF coils can be based, at least in part, on the wiring in one of the coil connectors. As another example, a stylized storage device (eg, an EPROM) that is programmed with coil configuration information may be included as part of the coil, and may be grouped when the coil is connected or at some other time thereafter. Information is downloaded to the low field MRI system. The configuration information may include information identifying the RF coil and any other suitable information to facilitate configuration and/or calibration of the RF coil. For example, as discussed above, information about the field of view (FOV) of the coil, the frequency range of the coil, the power scaling of the coil, the calibration data for the coil, or any other suitable information can be stored on the storage device and passed to The low field MRI system can be used to automatically tune the RF coil. As yet another example, connecting the RF coils can include identifying the RF coil as one of a particular type of RFID tag, and the low field MRI system can identify the type of coil based at least in part on the RFID tag. RFID tags can be stored and provided with respect to the corresponding coil Other information, such as any of the information described above. It will be appreciated that any type of device that can store information that can be actively or passively accessed can be utilized, as this aspect is not limited in this respect.

Various aspects of the automatic RF coil configuration can be performed based, at least in part, on the data collected during the configuration process. For example, some embodiments may be configured to automatically detect the field of view and/or the location of a patient prior to imaging by performing a test locator pulse sequence and analyzing the MR response. In some embodiments, to speed up the configuration process, this locator pulse sequence can be performed before the magnet is fully warmed up, as discussed above. The components of the patient and/or low field MRI system can then be appropriately adjusted while the magnet is warming up. However, such pulse sequences can be applied after the magnet is warmed up, as this technique is used at any particular point in time without limitation.

According to some embodiments, the field of view and/or the center position is determined by capturing a low resolution image to find the spatial extent of the object. Alternatively, the spatial extent can be obtained by capturing the signal projection through the object. The warning message can be provided based on the location of the detected object at the location within the field of view or if the object is outside the field of view to a range that is not adjustable or compensated. One or more fast reconnaissance images can be obtained using the field of view and/or the center position. This scout image can be utilized in several ways to facilitate the imaging process. For example, the user may select a scan amount by dragging a frame over a desired portion of one of the scanned images or otherwise annotating the scout image to indicate that one of the desired regions of the image capture is performed. Alternatively, the user can zoom in or out (eg, using a zoom tool, using a gesture on a touch screen, etc.) to select a scan amount to perform a higher or full resolution scan. According to some embodiments, a reconnaissance image may be displayed in which the position of one or more receiving coils is superimposed on the image. This information can be utilized to determine if a patient is positioned within the field of view to image the target portion of the anatomy satisfactorily.

According to some embodiments, other techniques (eg, using one or more optical cameras) may be used to determine the spatial extent. Information obtained from one or more optical cameras can be used to evaluate one The location of the patient and whether the patient is positioned in one of the ways suitable for imaging.

Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 320, automatic shimming is performed. As discussed herein, some of the low field MRI system with the techniques described herein used may be included for the B ₀ field can be adjusted in order to solve one of the field inhomogeneities or more shim coils. In some embodiments of the embodiments comprising shim coils may be selectively started by a manner similar to the shim coil calibration B is performed to the modified B ₀ field homogeneity of the field _0. In accordance with some embodiments, one or more sensors are used to determine system characteristics (eg, uniformity of a magnetic field, stability of the system) and/or characteristics of environmental noise, and information from the sensors can be used to by adjusting the operating parameters of the magnetic element (including (but not limited to) adjusting magnet B _0, the operation to be selected one or more shim coils, and / or select one or more operating parameters of the shim coils) tuned magnetic field.

In some embodiments, automatic shimming is performed only after the magnet has been fully warmed up. In other embodiments, automatic shimming is performed during the warm-up procedure as needed to capture images before the magnets have fully warmed up. Using a predefined sequence or in response to the measured amount B ₀ field of automatic shimming system because this aspect of the present invention is not limited in this respect comp. Additionally, automatic shimming can be performed at startup and/or at any other suitable time interval when the low field MRI system is put into service. Dynamically adjusting the B ₀ field by periodically or continuously using automatic shimming during operation can facilitate thermal degradation in environments with altered properties, noise levels, and/or in which the magnet temperature is during operation or because the magnet does not reach thermal equilibrium. In the case of volatility, higher quality images are captured.

In accordance with some embodiments, a low field MRI system can include a field sensor configured to obtain local magnetic field measurements in conjunction with a magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system and/or a magnetic field in an environment. These magnetic field measurements can be used to dynamically adjust various properties, characteristics, and/or parameters of the low field MRI system to improve system performance. For example, a network of spatially distributed field sensors can be placed at known locations in space to effect immediate characterization of the magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system. The network of sensors can measure the local magnetic field of the low field MRI system to provide information that facilitates any number of adjustments or modifications to the system, as further detailed below. Describe some examples of them. Any type of sensor that can measure the magnetic field of interest can be utilized. Such sensors may be integrated into one or more laminates or may be provided separately, as the concepts associated with the use of magnetic field measurements are not limited to providing the type, number, or method of sensors.

According to some embodiments, the amount provided by a measuring sensor network provides information to promote the establishment of field ₀ having desired strength and uniformity of one shim B adapted to provide. As discussed above, any desired number of shim coils of any geometry and configuration can be integrated into a laminate alone or in combination with other magnetic components to enable selective operation and/or operation of shims at desired power levels. Different combinations of coils. Accordingly, when a low field MRI system operating in a particular environment, the amount of use of the web from the field sensors to measure the properties of the (e.g.), and / or magnetic field B ₀ a gradient coils to determine the shim coils should be selected for operation of any combination and / or in any operating power level selected to affect the shim coil such that the low magnetic field MRI system to the desired strength and uniformity of a the B ₀ field. This ability to promote generally portable, transportable, and / or may carry deployment systems, because this system can use the system for a given position of one of the B ₀ field calibration.

According to some embodiments, measurements from the field sensor network may be utilized to perform dynamic shimming during operation of the system. For example, the sensor network can measure the magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system during operation to provide information that can be used to dynamically adjust (eg, instantly, near instantaneously, or otherwise in conjunction with an operating system) Different combinations of one or more shim coils and/or operating shim coils (eg, by operating one or more additional shim coils or stopping operation of one or more shim coils) to be produced by a low field MRI system having a magnetic field with or closer to the desired or expected characteristics (e.g., at or closer to the desired field strength and uniformity of the resulting the B ₀ field). Amount from a network of sensors can measure magnetic field for informing an operator quality (e.g., B ₀ field, the gradient fields, etc.) fails to meet a desired criterion or measure. For example, an operator may be alerted if the generated _Bo field fails to meet specific requirements regarding field strength and/or uniformity.

According to some embodiments, measurements from a sensor network may be used to guide and/or Correction and/or processing of MR data obtained from an operational low field MRI scanner. In particular, the actual space-time magnetic field pattern obtained by the sensor network can be used as knowledge of when to retrieve an image from the MR data. Thus, suitable image reconstruction is reconstructed even in the presence of field inhomogeneities that would otherwise be unsatisfactory for capturing data and/or producing images. Thus, techniques for using field sensor data to assist in image reconstruction facilitate improved image quality in some situations and achieve low field MRI performance in environments and/or conditions where field strength and/or uniformity degradation.

According to some embodiments, a field sensor network may be used to measure and quantify system performance (eg, eddy currents, system delays, timing, etc.) and/or to facilitate gradient waveform design based on measured local magnetic fields, and the like. It will be appreciated that the measurements obtained from a field of sensor networks may be utilized in any other manner to facilitate the implementation of low field MRI, as this aspect is not limited in this respect. In a typical portable, transportable or haulable system, the environment in which the MRI system is deployed is typically unknown, unshielded, and often uncontrolled. Thus, the ability to characterize a magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system in a particular environment (magnetic and otherwise) facilitates the ability to deploy such systems over a wide range of environments and situations, allowing for a given environment Optimize the system.

According to some embodiments, one or more measurements by the low field MRI system may be used in addition to or instead of a field of sensor networks. Replacing the measurement by a field of sensor networks with MR-based measurements by low field MRI systems simplifies the design of low field MRI systems and enables the generation of low field MRI systems with a reduced cost.

In some embodiments, a low field MRI system can send diagnostic information to a centralized location (eg, a computer connected to one or more networks associated with repository 550) prior to determining that the system is ready to image a patient ). In this manner, the low field MRI system can be connected to the cloud to exchange information at any time prior to imaging or during setup, configuration, and/or operation. The transmitted diagnostic information can be analyzed at a centralized location and if the low field MRI system is determined to be appropriate In effect, a message can be sent back to the system to inform the user that the system is ready for imaging. However, if a problem is detected in response to analyzing the transmitted information, information indicating that the system can have an operational problem can be sent back to the system. The information returned to the low field MRI system can be in any form, including (but not limited to) a simple prepared/not prepared indication and a detailed analysis of the detected problem (if found). In some embodiments, the information transmitted back to the low field MRI system merely indicates that the low field MRI system requires maintenance.

According to some embodiments, the provided diagnostic information may include a current version of one of the software installed on the low field MRI system. From this information, it can be determined that the MRI system is operating with the latest version of the software. If it is determined that the current version of the software installed on the low field MRI system is not up to date, the information sent back to the MRI system may include an indication that one of the software should be updated. In some embodiments, the ability to operate a low field MRI system can be limited based on the importance of software updates. According to some embodiments, the latest version of one of the software can be downloaded from a computer connected to the cloud to dynamically update the system when the system is not operating with the latest version of the software and/or otherwise using old and/or obsolete software.

Some embodiments may be configured to provide a dynamic configuration of the MRI system by enabling the console to adjust the manner in which the MRI sequence is used to produce an image having a desired quality and resolution. Conventional MRI consoles typically operate by having a user select a pre-programmed MRI pulse sequence, and then use the pre-programmed MRI pulse sequence to retrieve MR data processed to reconstruct one or more images. Next, a physician can interpret the resulting image or images. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that operating an MRI system using a pre-programmed MRI pulse sequence does not necessarily produce an image of a desired quality. Thus, in some embodiments, a user can specify the type of image to be captured, and the console can be assigned the task of determining an initial imaging parameter that is updated as the scan progresses as needed to be received based on the analysis. The MR data provides the image of the desired type. Dynamically adjusting imaging parameters based on computational feedback facilitates the development of a "button" MRI system in which a user can select a desired image or application and the MRI system can determine the image parameters used to capture one of the desired images, based on the duration of the capture obtain The MR data dynamically optimizes the composition like parameters.

Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 322, external electronics (eg, external electronics 565 depicted in FIG. 5) can be detected. The inventors have recognized that the use of low field MRI systems allows patients, medical practitioners, and others to have and use electronic devices that are in close proximity to the MRI system without the safety issues that arise when such devices are positioned in close proximity to high field MRI systems. One such category of external electronics is wearable electronics (eg, smart meters, sensors, monitors, etc.) that can be safely used in low field environments. Wearable electronics store and/or detect patient data that facilitates the use of low-field MRI systems to capture images. Accordingly, some embodiments automatically detect the presence of such electronic devices and download patient data (eg, heart rate, respiration rate, height, weight, age, patient identifier, etc.) to a low field MRI system for retrieval Imaging data. For example, patient data can be used to gate or modify one or more data retrieval parameters (eg, pulse sequences) to customize a data retrieval procedure based on patient-specific data for a particular individual.

Patient data can also be used to select an appropriate pulse sequence or other operational parameter for a low field MRI system from a set of possible pulse sequences or operational parameters. Alternatively, patient data can be used for any other purpose to improve imaging by a low field MRI system. For example, heart rate data and/or respiratory rate data received from a wearable electronic device can be used to mitigate and/or correct motion artifacts caused by patient motion. Additionally, physiological data such as heart rate or respiration rate can be used to provide synchronized information for an imaging procedure. The wearable electronic device can be detected using any suitable wireless discovery technology (an example of known wireless discovery techniques) in any suitable manner.

A wearable device can include an RFID tag containing information such as demographic information, health information about the patient (eg, whether the patient has a heart rhythm regulator, implant, etc.), an imaging protocol for the patient Patient information such as information. This information can be used by the system to automatically prepare and/or set up the system to perform imaging according to appropriate agreements. For example, the system can perform one or more checks to ensure that the system is properly configured (eg, A correct transmission/reception coil is connected to the system, at a suitable position in the bed, for the desired imaging procedure; an appropriate pulse sequence can be selected; one or more parameters of the system are properly configured; and one or more reconnaissances are prepared Image and/or automatically execute any other suitable program to prepare for capturing (several) images according to the desired agreement. The information obtained from the RFID tag may contain any other information (including (but not limited to) contrast agent type, amount, etc.), the destination of the captured image (eg, PACS, cloud, teleradiologist, centralized server, etc.) And/or any other information that facilitates the imaging process.

It should be appreciated that any of the above information may be obtained by the system using other techniques such as scanning a code or hospital tag or obtaining information available on the patient's mobile device (such as a smart phone or wearable device). Because any information about the patient and/or the desired imaging procedure is automatically obtained without limitation, it is used for any particular technology. For example, a patient's mobile device (eg, a smart phone, wearable device, etc.) may contain health information, diagnostic information, or may be accessed and utilized to obtain a notification that automatically sets an imaging protocol and/or imaging Additional information on the information of the program.

The inventors have also recognized that some external electronics (e.g., a mobile computing device 565) can be used to control various aspects of operation of the low field MRI system. For example, some embodiments allow an external electronic device (such as a smart phone or a tablet) to control the operation of the low field MRI system without requiring a healthcare professional to control the low field MRI system from a dedicated console. The control device can be programmed (e.g., using a control application) to enable the user of one of the electronic devices to control at least some of the operation of the system when the control command is within range of a low field MRI system. Accordingly, some low field MRI systems used in accordance with some of the techniques described herein can be configured to automatically detect the presence of external electronics that can be used to remotely control at least some of the operations of the low field MRI system. Additionally, one or more applications installed on the external electronic device can also include instructions for a healthcare professional using the device to access and view one or more images stored on the PACS 560.

As discussed above, an imaging program can use any number of local or remote devices. Controlled, including a user's mobile device, a local computer at a remote radiologist, local and/or integrated computer at one of the systems. The inventors have appreciated that user interface functionality can be implemented to facilitate inspection procedures regardless of which device is utilized. For example, during an inspection procedure, the region of interest may be selected via one or more reconnaissance images or via one or more higher resolution images and additional scans may be automatically performed to retrieve further regions corresponding to the selected region of interest image. In accordance with some embodiments, to assist a local user and/or a remote radiologist, a previously acquired image of the subject and/or a reference image that may display an expected or healthy anatomy/tissue may be displayed. Previously obtained images can be used as a comparison to identify abnormal areas, monitor changes in the patient (eg, to determine the efficacy of a treatment), or otherwise provide diagnostic assistance. The reference image can be used to assist in identifying abnormal body structures, abnormal tissue, and/or identifying any other conditions that deviate as expected from the characterization of the reference image.

The inventors have further appreciated that automated analysis of acquired images can be performed to detect various events, occurrences or conditions. For example, detecting poor image quality in one or more regions and obtaining an appropriate pulse sequence to capture further image data to fill gaps, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and/or otherwise obtain higher quality image data and / or improve the image quality in selected areas. As another example, the captured image can be analyzed to detect when the target anatomy is not adequately captured in the captured image and warn the user that further imaging may be required.

The configuration operations of Figure 3 discussed above are described primarily in the context of configuring a low field MRI system during initial system startup. However, it should be appreciated that one or more configuration operations may be performed automatically or alternatively during operation of the low field MRI system. As an example, the temperature of the magnet can be monitored during system operation using a temperature sensor or by measuring the voltage of the magnet, as described above. The magnet voltage/temperature can also be monitored during operation to assess whether components of the thermal management system (eg, pumps, fans, etc.) are functioning properly. In addition, one or more components of the thermal management system can be directly monitored during operation of the low field MRI system to ensure proper cooling of components of the low field MRI system as needed.

In order to reduce the power consumption of the low field MRI system during operation, a control application is implemented on the main console of the system to monitor user activity. When the user activity is not detected for a certain amount of time (for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour), the low field MRI system can automatically enter a low power mode to reduce power consumption and/or operational burden on the component (which can be shortened) The effective life of the equipment). According to some embodiments, a low field MRI system may have multiple low power modes representing different states of user inactivity and a low field MRI system may transition between different low power modes rather than when no user activity is detected Complete shutdown. For example, a low field MRI system can be configured to have three low power modes, each of which corresponds to maintaining a magnet in a different state of one of desired power and temperature. When detecting that the user is inactive for a short period of time (eg, 30 minutes), the magnet can automatically enter a "shallow" low power mode in which the current supplied to the magnet is slightly reduced to reduce power consumption. If the user is detected to be inactive for a longer period of time (eg, 1 hour), the magnet can automatically transition to a "medium" low power mode in which the current supplied to the magnet is further reduced to consume less power. If the user is detected to be inactive for a longer period of time (eg, 4 hours), the magnet can be automatically converted to a "deep" low power mode in which the current supplied to the magnet is further reduced to consume less power.

When the magnets are cooled in different low power modes, the components of the thermal management system (eg, fans, pumps) can be adjusted accordingly. While three different low power modes are described above, it should be appreciated that any suitable number of low power modes (including zero or one low power mode) may alternatively be used. Additionally, the time period given above is merely illustrative and any time period may serve as a basis for triggering a transition to one of the low power modes. Furthermore, other aspects of the system can be monitored and/or other events can be used to trigger a transition to a low power mode because the automatic transition to a low power mode is not limited to any particular type of trigger.

According to some embodiments, a user can interact with a control application to place the magnet in a low power mode rather than relying on an automated program (eg, the user is inactive) Detection). Responsive to detecting user activity (such as via an application on one of the consoles (eg, one of the user interface controls on one of the consoles), via external electronics communicating with the low field MRI system The device or the control command is received in any other suitable manner to initiate normal operation from a low power mode to the low field MRI system.

The inventors have cognition, if the polarity of the field B ₀ is kept constant, the environment in the vicinity of the object low field MRI system over time may become magnetized and the magnetization of the object in the environment can cause field B ₀ of the distortion (e.g. , an offset), resulting in poor image quality. Degaussing an environmental object can include performing a degaussing procedure in which magnetization in the object is reduced. Some embodiments are concerned with reducing the source of magnetization rather than treating it. For example, some low field MRI system may occasionally (e.g., once a day) configured to switch over the polarity of the field B ₀ in order to prevent the magnetization of the surrounding environment of the object. Wherein periodically switching the polarity of the field B ₀ of the embodiment, the automatic shimming procedure described above may be considerations B ₀ field polarity of the current to perform correctly shimming.

According to some embodiments, the use of ferromagnetic components to increase the magnetic field strength B ₀ of an additional power without requiring the use of a reduced amount of power generated or the same as the B ₀ field a. These ferromagnetic component due to the operation may be a low field MRI system to become magnetized and the magnetization can be accomplished relatively quickly, whereby the non-desired (i.e., different than expected) in such manner as to disturb the B ₀ field. Thus, using the techniques described above degaussing (e.g., switching the polarity of the magnet B ₀₎ in order to prevent the magnetization of the ferromagnetic components and therefore adversely affect the operation of B ₀ field low field MRI systems. As discussed above, low field MRI facilitates the design of MRI systems that are generally not feasible in the context of high field MRI (eg, relatively low cost, reduced footprint, and/or generally portable or transportable MRI systems) and Development.

Having thus described a number of aspects and embodiments of the techniques disclosed in the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that various changes, modifications and improvements are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the technology described herein. For example, a variety of other components and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more advantages described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and such changes and/or modifications. It is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will Cognition or ability to determine many equivalents of the specific embodiments described herein using only routine experimentation. Therefore, the present invention is to be construed as being limited by the embodiments of the inventions In addition, any combination of two or more of the features, systems, articles, materials, kits and/or methods described herein (if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and/or methods are not inconsistent with each other) ) is included within the scope of the invention.

The above embodiments can be implemented in any of a number of ways. One or more aspects and embodiments of the present invention relating to the performance of a program or method may utilize program instructions, which may be executed by a device (eg, a computer, a processor, or other device) to perform a program or method or Control the effectiveness of a program or method. In this regard, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more computer-readable storage media (or a plurality of computer-readable storage media) encoded by one or more programs (eg, a computer memory, one or more floppy disks, optical disks) , optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memory, circuit configurations in field programmable gate arrays or other semiconductor devices or other tangible computer storage media), when implemented on one or more computers or other processors Or a plurality of programs, which, etc., perform a method of implementing one or more of the various embodiments described above. The computer readable medium(s) can be transported such that the program(s) stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement the various aspects described above. In some embodiments, the computer readable medium can be non-transitory.

The term "program" or "software" as used herein refers to any type of computer code or computer executable that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects as described above. Instruction Set. In addition, it should be understood that, according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that perform the methods of the present disclosure, when executed, do not have to reside on a single computer or processor, but can be distributed to a number of different computers in a modular fashion. The various aspects of the disclosure are implemented between processors or processors.

Computer-executable instructions can be in many forms, such as program modules, implemented by one or more computers or other devices. In general, program modules contain specific tasks or implementations. The formula, program, object, component, data structure, etc. of the abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of the program modules can generally be combined or distributed as desired.

Also, the data structure can be stored in a computer readable medium in any suitable form. For the sake of brevity, the data structure can be displayed as having a position related to the position in the data structure. Such relationships can also be achieved by assigning a memory to a field having a location in a computer readable medium that conveys the relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish the relationship between the information in a field of a data structure, including other institutions that use indicators, tags, or relationships between data elements.

When implemented in software, the software code can be implemented in any suitable processor or collection of processors (whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers).

Moreover, it should be appreciated that as a non-limiting example, a computer can be embodied in any of several forms, such as a rack mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. In addition, a computer can be embedded in a device that is generally not considered a computer but has suitable processing capabilities, including a PDA, a smart phone, or any other suitable portable or fixed electronic device.

Also, a computer can have one or more input and output devices. These devices are especially useful for presenting a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include a printer or display screen for the visual presentation of the output and a speaker or other sound producing device for the audio presentation of the output. Examples of input devices that can be used for a user interface include keyboards and indicator devices (such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets). As another example, a computer can receive input information via voice recognition or in other voice formats.

Such computers may be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including a regional network or a wide area network (such as a corporate network and an intelligent network (IN) or the Internet). Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate in accordance with any suitable protocol and may include a wireless network, a wired network, or a fiber optic network.

Again, as described, some aspects may be embodied in one or more methods. As part of the method The actions performed in a separate manner can be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments may be constructed in a different order than the one illustrated, and the embodiments may include some acts being performed simultaneously, although such acts are shown as sequential actions in the illustrative embodiments.

It is to be understood that all definitions defined and used herein are to be understood as a dictionary definition that governs the defined terms, the definitions in the documents incorporated by reference, and/or the ordinary meaning.

The indefinite article "a" or "an" or "an"

The phrase "and/or" as used herein in the specification and claims is to be understood to mean "any or both" of the elements so combined, that is, in some cases the combination exists and Components that exist separately in the case. Multiple elements listed using "and/or" should be constructed in the same manner, that is, "one or more" of the elements so combined. In addition to the elements that are explicitly identified by the "and/or" clause, other elements may be present as needed, and such elements may or may not be associated with those elements that are specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, references to "A and/or B" when used in conjunction with an open language such as "include" may, in one embodiment, refer only to A (including B as needed) In other embodiments, only B (including elements other than A as needed); in yet another embodiment, both A and B (including other components as needed) ;and many more.

As used herein in the specification and claims, the <RTI ID=0.0> </ RTI> </ RTI> <RTI ID=0.0> </ RTI> </ RTI> <RTIgt; An element, but does not necessarily include at least one of the elements that are specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also permits that elements behave as needed, except for those elements that are specifically identified in the list of elements referred to in the phrase "at least one", which are or are not related to the elements that are specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") In one embodiment, it may mean at least one A, including more than one A as needed, but not present B (and optionally include elements other than B); in another embodiment, means at least one B, optionally containing more than one B, but no A (and optionally including elements other than A) In yet another embodiment, it refers to at least one A (including more than one A as needed) and at least one B (including more than one B as needed) (and other components as needed);

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description The use of "including", "including" or "having", "including", "involving" and variations herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items.

In the scope of the patent application and the above description, such as "including", "including", "having", "having", "including", "involving", "holding", "consisting of" All transitional phrases of the same and similar should be understood as open, ie, meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" should be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases respectively.

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Claims (121)

A low-field magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: at least one B ₀ magnetic assembly, one of which is configured to generate a magnetic field having a strength of approximately 0.2 Tesla (T) or one of the B ₀ field less; the at least one communication interface Allowing the low field magnetic resonance imaging system to communicate with one or more external computing devices; and at least one processor configured to: initially connect to one of the at least one external computing device; and use the at least one processing The device exchanges information with the at least one external computing device. The requested item of the low-field magnetic resonance imaging system 1, wherein the at least one B ₀ magnetic assembly configured to generate equal to or less than about 0.2 T and greater than or equal to one of a strength of about 0.1 T magnetic field B _0. The requested item of the low-field magnetic resonance imaging system 1, wherein the at least one B ₀ magnetic assembly configured to generate equal to or less than about 0.1 T and greater than or equal to one of a strength of about 50 mT magnetic field B _0. The requested item of the low-field magnetic resonance imaging system 1, wherein the at least one B ₀ magnetic assembly configured to generate equal to or less than about 50 mT and greater than or equal to one field B ₀ magnetic field strength of about 20 mT. The requested item of the low-field magnetic resonance imaging system 1, wherein the at least one B ₀ magnetic assembly configured to generate equal to or less than about 20 mT and greater than or equal to one field B ₀ magnetic field strength of about 10 mT. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1, wherein the at least one external computing device comprises a mobile computing device, and wherein exchanging information comprises providing information to facilitate operation of the magnetic resonance imaging system from the mobile computing device to the magnetic Resonance imaging system. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the mobile computing device exchanges information when positioned in proximity to the magnetic resonance imaging system. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the mobile computing device exchanges information when positioned in the same chamber as the magnetic resonance imaging system. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system provides information about a type and/or capability of the magnetic resonance imaging system to the mobile computing device. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system provides a state of the magnetic resonance imaging system to the mobile computing device. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system provides one of the magnetic resonance imaging system ready operations to the mobile computing device. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system provides information about at least one obstacle to operate the magnetic resonance imaging system to the mobile computing device. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 12, wherein the information about the at least one disorder comprises at least one of: at least one noise source detected by the magnetic resonance imaging system; within the magnetic resonance imaging system Detecting an open circuit and/or a short circuit; detecting one or more missing components; and/or indicating that the warming and/or warming up procedures are not completed. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 6, further comprising: receiving an instruction from the mobile computing device to perform at least one image capture program. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 14, wherein the mobile computing device includes an interface that allows a user to operate the magnetic resonance imaging system, the method further comprising operating the magnetic resonance imaging via the interface on the mobile computing device The system captures at least one image. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the mobile computing device comprises a tablet computer. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein the mobile computing device comprises a smart phone. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 6, wherein the mobile computing device comprises a wearable device. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 18, wherein exchanging information comprises receiving at least one physiological parameter of a wearer from the wearable device. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 19, wherein the at least one physiological parameter comprises an indication of one of a heart rate, a heartbeat and/or a heartbeat cycle, a respiratory rate, and/or one of a respiratory cycle. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one external computing device comprises at least one processor of at least one other magnetic resonance imaging system. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 21, wherein exchanging information comprises exchanging at least one operational parameter with the at least one other magnetic resonance imaging system. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 22, wherein exchanging information comprises negotiating at least one operational parameter to avoid interfering with the at least one other magnetic resonance imaging system. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 21, wherein initiating the connection comprises initially connecting to the at least one other magnetic resonance imaging system via at least one network. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 21, wherein initiating the connection comprises: initially connecting to the at least one other magnetic resonance imaging system via inter-device communication. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1, wherein the at least one external computing device comprises a remote server accessible via at least one network, and wherein initiating a connection comprises connecting via the at least one network To the remote server. A low field magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 26, wherein the remote server stores information about a plurality of magnetic resonance imaging systems. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 27, wherein the remote server is configured to coordinate activity of the plurality of magnetic resonance imaging systems and/or activity between the plurality of magnetic resonance imaging systems. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 26, wherein exchanging information comprises: receiving information from the remote server for operating the magnetic resonance imaging system. The low field magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 1, wherein the low field magnetic resonance imaging system is configured to operate in an unshielded chamber. A method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system including at least one communication interface that allows it to communicate with at least one external computing device, the method comprising: initiating with at least one processor of the magnetic resonance imaging system Interconnecting one of the at least one external computing device; and exchanging information with the at least one external computing device using the at least one processor. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one external computing device comprises a mobile computing device, and wherein exchanging information comprises providing information to facilitate operation of the magnetic resonance imaging system from the mobile computing device to the magnetic resonance imaging system. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one external computing device comprises at least one processor of at least one other magnetic resonance imaging system. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one external computing device comprises a remote server accessible via at least one network, and wherein initiating a connection comprises connecting to the remote servo via the at least one network Device. A portable magnetic resonance imaging device, comprising: at least one first magnet assembly, which is configured to generate one of approximately 0.2 Tesla (T) or less, the B ₀ field strength of one magnetic field; at least one of a two magnetic component configured to operate in accordance with a target pulse sequence; a master console configured to provide the target pulse sequence to operate the at least one second magnetic component; at least one interface in which to carry In the magnetic resonance imaging device, the at least one interface allows an operator to operate the magnetic resonance imaging system at the magnetic resonance imaging device to capture at least one image. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 35, wherein the at least one interface comprises a touch panel display. A portable magnetic resonance imaging device according to claim 36, wherein the touch panel display exhibits an interface that allows the operator to operate the magnetic resonance imaging device. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 37, wherein the touch panel exhibits an interface that allows the operator to select an imaging application, an imaging protocol, and/or an image type, and wherein the console is based on the operator The selection automatically generates the target pulse sequence. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 36, wherein the at least one image is displayed on the touch panel display. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 35, further comprising at least one communication interface that allows the portable magnetic resonance imaging system to communicate with one or more external computing devices. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 40, wherein the at least one communication interface is configured to transmit the at least one image to the one or more external computing devices via the at least one network. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 40, wherein the at least one communication interface is configured to obtain information about a patient from a radio frequency identification tag, a code, a hospital tag, and/or a mobile device. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 35, wherein the portable magnetic resonance imaging system includes a wheel to permit movement of the portable magnetic resonance imaging system to a desired position. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 35, wherein the portable magnetic resonance imaging system is configured to operate in an unshielded chamber. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 35, wherein the at least one second magnetic component comprises at least one gradient coil. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 37, wherein the at least one second magnetic component comprises at least one transmit/receive coil. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 36, wherein the at least one interface allows the operator to capture at least one reconnaissance image. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 47, wherein the at least one interface is configured to present the at least one reconnaissance image for display and to receive one of the desired scans via the at least one reconnaissance image displayed Instructions. The portable magnetic resonance imaging device of claim 35, wherein the at least one interface is configured to receive information indicative of an area of interest from the operator during an image capture sequence, and wherein the console is grouped State to automatically provide an additional sequence corresponding to the region of interest. A method of dynamically configuring a magnetic resonance imaging system for use in an arbitrary environment, the method comprising: identifying at least one obstacle to performing magnetic resonance imaging; and automatically performing at least one remediation based at least in part on the identified at least one disorder action. The method of claim 50, wherein identifying the at least one obstacle comprises identifying at least one noise source in the environment of the magnetic resonance imaging system, and wherein performing the at least one remedial action comprises based at least in part on the at least one identified noise source Perform at least A remedial action. The method of claim 51, wherein identifying the at least one noise source comprises detecting another magnetic resonance imaging system in the environment, and wherein performing the at least one remedial action comprises negotiating at least one operational parameter to reduce or eliminate the magnetic Interference between resonant imaging systems. 52. The method of item request, wherein the at least one operating parameter negotiation comprising: selecting a different respective frequency Raman and / or the B ₀ field strength for each of these by using magnetic resonance imaging system of operation. The method of claim 51, wherein the performing the at least one remedial action comprises: providing an operator with an alert to one of the identified at least one noise source and/or automatically compensating the identified at least one noise source. The method of claim 51, wherein performing the at least one remedial action comprises providing a notification that the magnetic resonance imaging system is inoperable in the detected noise environment. The method of claim 51, wherein performing the at least one remedial action comprises providing information about the identified at least one source of noise to an operator. The method of claim 56, wherein providing information to an operator comprises providing information regarding a type and/or location of the identified at least one source of noise. The method of claim 50, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system is a low field magnetic resonance imaging system. The method of claim 58, wherein the at least one remedial action comprises: identifying a relatively low noise frequency range; and configuring the low field magnetic resonance imaging device to operate in the identified frequency range. The method of claim 59, wherein configuring the low field magnetic resonance imaging system comprises configuring a B ₀ magnet and/or at least one shim coil to generate a magnetic field to permit the low field magnetic resonance imaging system to be identified Operating in a frequency range; and configuring at least one transmit/receive coil to operate in the identified frequency range. The method of claim 58, wherein the method is performed when the low field magnetic resonance imaging system is activated. The method of claim 58, wherein the method is performed when transitioning from a low power mode to an operational mode. The method of claim 58, wherein identifying the at least one obstacle comprises detecting a short circuit in one of the at least one component of the low field magnetic resonance imaging system. The method of claim 58, wherein identifying the at least one obstacle comprises detecting one of the at least one component of the low field magnetic resonance imaging system being open. The method of claim 58, wherein identifying the at least one barrier comprises determining to provide operational power to one of the one or more components of the low field magnetic resonance imaging system for stability of the power supply. The method of claim 58, wherein identifying the at least one obstacle comprises determining at least one characteristic of the one of the power sources to which the low field magnetic resonance imaging system is connected. The method of claim 66, wherein determining at least one characteristic of a power source comprises determining a wiring configuration of the power source. The method of claim 66, wherein determining that the at least one characteristic of the power source comprises performing an operation selected from the group consisting of: measuring a voltage provided by the power source; measuring a current supplied by the power source A noise level; and determine if one of the power supplies is configured as expected. The method of claim 58, wherein identifying the at least one obstacle comprises determining whether a radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the low field magnetic resonance imaging system, and wherein the at least one remedial action comprises determining that the radio frequency coil is not operatively coupled to the low field A warning is provided when the magnetic resonance imaging system is used. One method of generating a dynamic adjustment of the magnetic field B ₀ of a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising: detecting contribute to generating one of the first magnetic field B ₀ B ₀ magnetic field generated by a magnet; and selectively operating at least one shim coil to the first magnetic field detected by the magnetic field generated based on a second adjustment of the B ₀ magnetic field generated by the magnetic resonance imaging system. The method of claim 70, further comprising determining a field strength of the second magnetic field based on the detected first magnetic field. The method of claim 70, wherein selectively operating the at least one shim coil comprises selectively operating each of the plurality of shim coils based on a respective field strength of the detected first magnetic field determination. The method of claim 70, wherein selectively operating the at least one shim coil comprises selectively operating the at least one first shim coil and selectively not operating the at least one second shim coil. The method of claim 70, wherein detecting the first magnetic field is performed when the B ₀ magnet is warmed up after the power of the magnetic resonance imaging system is turned on. The method of claim 70, wherein detecting the first magnetic field is performed prior to the B ₀ magnet achieving thermal equilibrium. The method of claim 70, wherein detecting the first magnetic field is performed after the magnetic resonance imaging system has been operated to capture at least one image. The method of claim 70, wherein detecting the first magnetic field is performed after the magnetic resonance imaging system has moved to a desired position. The method of claim 70, wherein selectively operating the at least one shim coil comprises adjusting the field strength produced by the at least one shim coil to generate the second magnetic field. The method of claim 78, wherein adjusting the field strength produced by the at least one shim coil is performed to compensate for thermal drift of the B ₀ magnet. 70. The method of item request, wherein the B _0, and the at least one magnet shim coil was configured to produce at least a portion equal to or less than about 0.2 T and greater than or equal to one of a strength of about 0.1 T magnetic field B _0. 70. The method of item request, wherein the B _0, and the at least one magnet shim coil was configured to produce at least a portion equal to or less than about 0.1 T and greater than or equal to about 50 mT one of a strength of the magnetic field B _0. The method of claim 70, wherein the B ₀ magnet and the at least one shim coil are configured to at least partially generate a magnetic field of Bo _{0 having a} field strength equal to or less than about 50 mT and greater than or equal to about 20 mT. The method of claim 70, wherein the B ₀ magnet and the at least one shim coil are configured to at least partially generate a magnetic field of Bo _{0 having a} field strength equal to or less than about 20 mT and greater than or equal to about 10 mT. A magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B _0, which was configured to facilitate providing one of a first magnetic field B ₀ magnetic field; a plurality of shim coils; at least one sensor, configured to operate when the Detecting the first magnetic field when the B ₀ magnet; and at least one controller configured to selectively operate at least one of the plurality of shim coils based on the first detected by the at least one sensor a magnetic field generating a second magnetic field to adjust generated by the magnetic resonance imaging system of the magnetic field B _0. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the at least one controller is configured to determine a field strength of the second magnetic field based on the first magnetic field detected by the at least one sensor. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the at least one controller is configured to selectively operate the plurality of shimmings based on respective field strengths of the first magnetic field determination detected by the at least one sensor Each of the coils. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the at least one controller is configured to selectively operate the at least one first shim coil and selectively not operate the at least one second shim coil. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the at least one sensor is operative to detect the first magnetic field, and the controller is configured to warm the B ₀ magnet after the power of the magnetic resonance imaging system is turned on The at least one of the plurality of shim coils is operated by machine time. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the at least one sensor is operative to detect the first magnetic field, and the controller is configured to operate the plurality of shim coils before the B ₀ magnet achieves thermal equilibrium At least one of them. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the at least one sensor is operative to detect the first magnetic field, and the controller is configured to, after the magnetic resonance imaging system has been operated to capture at least one image Operating the at least one of the plurality of shim coils. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the at least one sensor is operative to detect the first magnetic field, and the controller is configured to operate when the magnetic resonance imaging system has moved to a desired position At least one of a plurality of shim coils. A magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the controller is configured to selectively operate the plurality of shim coils by adjusting the field strength produced by the at least one of the plurality of shim coils At least one of to generate the second magnetic field. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 92, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the field strength produced by the at least one of the plurality of shim coils to compensate for thermal drift of the B ₀ magnet. The requested item 84 of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the magnet B ₀ and the plurality of shim coils is adapted to generate one of the magnetic resonance imaging one low magnetic field B ₀ was configured to at least partially at least. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the B ₀ magnet and the at least one shim coil are configured to at least partially generate one of field strengths B ₀ equal to or less than about 0.2 T and greater than or equal to about 0.1 T magnetic field. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the B ₀ magnet and the at least one shim coil are configured to at least partially generate one of field strengths B _{0 having} a magnitude equal to or less than about 0.1 T and greater than or equal to about 50 mT magnetic field. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the B ₀ magnet and the at least one shim coil are configured to at least partially generate one of field strengths B _{0 having} a magnitude equal to or less than about 50 mT and greater than or equal to about 20 mT magnetic field. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 84, wherein the B ₀ magnet and the at least one shim coil are configured to at least partially produce one of field strengths B _{0 having} a magnitude equal to or less than about 20 mT and greater than or equal to about 10 mT magnetic field. A method of configuring a magnetic resonance imaging system operatively coupled to one of different types of radio frequency coils, the method comprising: detecting whether a radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the component of the magnetic resonance imaging system; Determining that the radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system to determine information about the radio frequency coil; and automatically performing at least one action based at least in part on the information about the radio frequency coil to configure the magnetic resonance imaging system to Use this RF coil to operate. A magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B _0, which was configured to provide at least a portion of the magnetic field B _0; a component, which may be operatively coupled to different types of radio frequency coils; and at least one controller which Configuring to: detect whether a radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the component of the magnetic resonance imaging system; determining information about the radio frequency coil in response to determining that the radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system; and At least one action is automatically performed based in part on the information about the radio frequency coil to configure the magnetic resonance imaging system to operate using the radio frequency coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system as claimed in claim 100, wherein the at least one controller is configured to automatically configure at least one component of the magnetic resonance imaging system to operate using the radio frequency coil based at least in part on the information regarding the radio frequency coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system as claimed in claim 100, wherein the at least one controller is configured to automatically obtain information from the radio frequency coil. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 102, wherein the information from the radio frequency coil includes information regarding a coil type, an operational requirement, a field of view, and/or a number of available channels. A magnetic resonance imaging system as claimed in claim 101, wherein the at least one controller is configured to automatically tune the radio frequency coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 102, wherein the radio frequency coil comprises a storage device coupled to the information having the information about the radio frequency coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 105, wherein the storage device comprises a programmable memory device programmed using the configuration information of the radio frequency coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system as claimed in claim 105, wherein the storage device comprises an RFID tag that stores information about the radio frequency coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 105, wherein the storage device is coupled to a portion of a microcontroller of the radio frequency coil. A magnetic resonance imaging system as claimed in claim 100, wherein the at least one controller is configured to present at least one imaging procedure usable using the radio frequency coil for selection by at least one operator. The requested item 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the B ₀ magnet configured to generate equal to or less than about 0.2 T and greater than or equal to one field B ₀ magnetic field strength of about 0.1 T. The requested item 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the B ₀ magnet configured to generate equal to or less than about 0.1 T and greater than or equal to one field B ₀ magnetic field strength of about 50 mT. The requested item 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the B ₀ magnet configured to generate equal to or less than about 50 mT and greater than or equal to one field B ₀ magnetic field strength of about 20 mT. The requested item 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the B ₀ magnet configured to generate equal to or less than about 20 mT and greater than or equal to one field B ₀ magnetic field strength of about 10 mT. A method of assisting in automatic setting of a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising: detecting a type of a radio frequency coil coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system and/or a position of a patient support; and based at least in part on the detected The type of radio frequency coil and/or the location of the patient support automatically performs at least one setting procedure. The method of claim 114, wherein executing the at least one setting procedure comprises selecting an imaging protocol. The method of claim 115, wherein selecting an imaging protocol comprises loading a corresponding pulse sequence. The method of claim 116, wherein executing the at least one setting program comprises presenting at least one imaging protocol for selection. A method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a magnet B ₀ and was configured to transfer heat away during operation of the magnet B ₀ of the at least one thermal management component, the method comprising: providing the operating power to the magnet B _0; B ₀ magnet to monitor the temperature of one to determine the current temperature of one magnet B _0; and occurs in response to one of the at least one event to the at least one component less than the operating thermal management ability to operate. A magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B _0, which was configured to provide the at least a portion of the B ₀ field; at least one thermal management component, which is configured to pass through during operation of the heat away from the magnet B _0; And at least one processor programmed to: monitor a temperature of one of the B ₀ magnets to determine a current temperature of the one of the B ₀ magnets; and operate the at least one heat with less than an operational capability in response to occurrence of one of the at least one event Manage components. Comprising one kind of the proximity via the B ₀ field configured to provide a method of degaussing magnetic resonance imaging system of the subject of one of one of B ₀ magnetic material at least partially, the method comprising: using a first operation of the B ₀ magnetic polarity; and using The B ₀ magnet is periodically operated with a second polarity opposite the first polarity. One kind configured by the proximity to the subject matter of the degaussing magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: a magnet B _0, which is provided at least partially by a configuration the B ₀ field; and a controller, by which the group The state operates the B ₀ magnet using a first polarity and periodically operates the B ₀ magnet using a second polarity opposite the first polarity.