JP7840137B2 - Magnetic Resonance Imaging System - Google Patents

Description

The embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings relate to magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

Conventionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems are equipped with a pedestal that has a roughly cylindrical hollow structure. Medical professionals, such as technicians, may verbally communicate instructions, such as breath-holding, to the subject inserted into the hollow space.

Incidentally, if the subject has hearing impairment or other similar issues, it is difficult for medical professionals to communicate instructions verbally. In such cases, by placing a display device inside a hollow space, medical professionals can communicate instructions by displaying the instructions on the device.

However, when a display device is placed inside a hollow space, the device may malfunction or display distorted images due to the magnetic field of the WB (Whole Body) coil.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-017817

One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve is communicating instructions to a subject inside a hollow frame. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to this embodiment comprises a surface-emitting unit, a top plate, a stand, a control unit, and an estimation unit . The surface-emitting unit comprises a first surface-emitting plate that displays first information instructing the user to hold their breath by surface emission, and a second surface-emitting plate that displays second information instructing the user to ease their breath by surface emission and is laminated on the first surface-emitting plate. The top plate is on which a subject is placed. The stand is a stand having a hollow into which the top plate is inserted and a cylindrical whole-body coil, wherein a plurality of the surface-emitting units are attached to the wall surface of the stand in the hollow along the insertion direction in which the top plate is inserted into the hollow, so that the subject in the hollow can see the first information and the second information. The control unit is a control unit that controls the display of each of the plurality of surface-emitting units, and switches the incidence of light on the first surface-emitting plate and the second surface-emitting plate to switch the first information and the second information and display them on the surface-emitting units. The estimation unit estimates the position of the subject's head, which is inserted into the hollow space, in the insertion direction. The light sources corresponding to each of the plurality of surface-emitting units are positioned outside the whole-body coil, and the control unit illuminates the light source corresponding to the surface-emitting unit among the plurality of surface-emitting units that corresponds to the position of the subject's head in the insertion direction estimated by the estimation unit.

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the frame according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of a first surface-emitting plate according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of a second surface-emitting plate according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a frame according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the mounting frame according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the third embodiment. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to Modification 1 of the third embodiment.

The following description of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment will be given with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiment, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 101, a stand 102, a static magnetic field power supply (not shown), a gradient magnetic field coil 103, a gradient magnetic field power supply 104, a bed 105, a bed control circuit 106, a whole-body RF (Radio Frequency) coil 107, a transmitting circuit 108, a local RF coil 109, a receiving circuit 110, a sequence control circuit 120, and a computer system 130.

Note that the configuration shown in Figure 1 is merely an example. For example, the components within the sequence control circuit 120 and the computer system 130 may be integrated or separated as appropriate. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 may have other configurations. Note that the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not include a subject P (e.g., a human body).

The X, Y, and Z axes shown in Figure 1 constitute the device coordinate system specific to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. For example, the Z-axis direction coincides with the axial direction of the cylinder of the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and is set along the magnetic flux of the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 101. Furthermore, the Z-axis direction is the same as the longitudinal direction of the examination bed 105 and also the same as the head-to-tail direction of the subject P placed on the bed 105. The X-axis direction is set along the horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is set along the vertical direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

The static magnetic field magnet 101 is a magnet formed in a roughly cylindrical shape within the hollow 1021, generating a static magnetic field in its internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 101 is, for example, a superconducting magnet and is excited by the supply of current from the static magnetic field power supply. The static magnetic field power supply supplies current to the static magnetic field magnet 101. Alternatively, the static magnetic field magnet 101 may be a permanent magnet; in this case, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not need to have a static magnetic field power supply. Furthermore, the static magnetic field power supply may be provided separately from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

The frame 102 has a hollow 1021 formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. The frame 102 also houses a static magnetic field magnet 101, a gradient magnetic field coil 103, and a whole-body RF coil 107. The hollow 1021 is formed in a roughly cylindrical shape into which a subject P, such as a patient, is inserted. Specifically, the frame 102 houses the whole-body RF coil 107, the gradient magnetic field coil 103 on the outer circumference of the whole-body RF coil 107, and the static magnetic field magnet 101 on the outer circumference of the gradient magnetic field coil 103. Thus, the frame 102 has a hollow 1021 into which the subject P is inserted, and a cylindrical whole-body RF coil 107. The whole-body RF coil 107 is an example of a whole-body coil.

In this embodiment, the term "circle" includes "ellipse." Furthermore, in this embodiment, "cylindrical shape" or "cylindrical form" is not limited to a shape where the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder is a perfect circle; it may also include a shape where the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder is elliptical.

The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a coil formed in a substantially cylindrical shape around the hollow 1021 and is positioned inside the static magnetic field magnet 101. The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. These three coils receive current individually from the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, generating a gradient magnetic field where the magnetic field strength changes along the X, Y, and Z axes. The gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 103 under the control of the sequence control circuit 120.

The examination bed 105 is equipped with a top plate 1051 on which the subject P is placed. Under the control of the examination bed control circuit 106, the top plate 1051 is inserted into the hollow 1021, or imaging port, with the subject P (such as a patient) placed on it. The examination bed control circuit 106, under the control of the computer system 130, drives the examination bed 105 to move the top plate 1051 in the longitudinal and vertical directions.

The whole-body RF coil 107 is a WB (Whole Body) coil that surrounds the entire body of the subject P. The whole-body RF coil 107 is positioned on the inner circumference side of the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and applies an RF magnetic field to the subject P placed in the imaging space, and receives the magnetic resonance signal generated from the subject P due to the influence of the RF magnetic field. Specifically, the whole-body RF coil 107 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape around the hollow 1021 and applies an RF magnetic field to the subject P placed in the imaging space located on its inner circumference side based on the RF pulse signal supplied from the transmitting circuit 108. The whole-body RF coil 107 also receives the magnetic resonance signal (MR signal) generated from the subject P due to the influence of the RF magnetic field and outputs the received magnetic resonance signal to the receiving circuit 110. Furthermore, the whole-body RF coil 107 is not provided in the range corresponding to both ends of the hollow 1021. For example, the whole-body RF coil 107 is positioned within a 1/3 range from the center of the hollow 1021 in the insertion direction of the top plate 1051, which is inserted into the hollow 1021. That is, the whole-body RF coil 107 is not positioned within a 1/3 range from the edge of the hollow 1021.

The local RF coil 109 receives the magnetic resonance signal generated from the subject P. Specifically, a local RF coil 109 is provided for each part of the subject P and is placed near the surface of the area to be imaged when the subject P is being imaged. The local RF coil 109 receives the magnetic resonance signal generated from the subject P due to the influence of the RF magnetic field applied by the whole-body RF coil 107, and outputs the received magnetic resonance signal to the receiving circuit 110.

Furthermore, the local RF coil 109 may also function as a transmitting coil that applies an RF magnetic field to the subject P. In that case, the local RF coil 109 is connected to the transmitting circuit 108 and applies an RF magnetic field to the subject P based on the RF pulse signal supplied from the transmitting circuit 108.

The transmitting circuit 108 supplies RF pulses to the whole-body RF coil 107 under the control of the sequence control circuit 120.

The receiving circuit 110 converts the analog MR signal output from the whole-body RF coil 107 or the local RF coil 109 from analog to digital (AD) to generate MR data. The receiving circuit 110 then transmits the generated MR data to the sequence control circuit 120. Note that the AD conversion may be performed within the whole-body RF coil 107 or the local RF coil 109. Furthermore, the receiving circuit 110 can perform any signal processing other than AD conversion.

The sequence control circuit 120 performs imaging of the subject P by driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmitting circuit 108, and the receiving circuit 110 based on the sequence information transmitted from the computer system 130.

Here, sequence information defines the procedure for performing imaging. The sequence information includes the strength and timing of the current supplied by the gradient power supply 104 to the gradient coil 103, the strength and timing of the RF pulses supplied by the transmitting circuit 108 to the whole-body RF coil 107, and the timing of the RF pulse application by the receiving circuit 110 to detect the MR signal. The sequence information differs depending on the range of the area of the subject P's body to be imaged.

The sequence control circuit 120 may be implemented by a processor, or it may be implemented by a combination of software and hardware.

Furthermore, the sequence control circuit 120 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmitting circuit 108, and the receiving circuit 110 to image the subject P. Upon receiving MR data from the receiving circuit 110, the received MR data is transferred to the computer system 130.

The computer system 130 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 and generates MR images, etc. As shown in Figure 1, the computer system 130 includes a network interface 131, a memory circuit 132, a processing circuit 133, an input interface 134, and a display 135.

The NW interface 131 communicates with the sequence control circuit 120 and the bed control circuit 106. For example, the NW interface 131 transmits sequence information to the sequence control circuit 120. The NW interface 131 also receives MR data from the sequence control circuit 120.

The memory circuit 132 stores MR data received by the NW interface 131, k-space data arranged in k-space by the processing circuit 133 (described later), and image data generated by the processing circuit 133. The memory circuit 132 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk. The memory circuit 132 may be located outside the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

The input interface 134 receives various instructions and information inputs from the operator. The input interface 134 can be implemented using, for example, a trackball, switch buttons, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad for input operations via touch, a touchscreen integrating a display screen and touchpad, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and an audio input circuit. The input interface is connected to the processing circuit 133, which converts the input operations received from the operator into electrical signals and outputs them to the processing circuit 133. In this specification, the input interface is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse or keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device separate from the computer system 130 and outputs these electrical signals to a control circuit is also included as an example of an input interface.

The display 135, under the control of the processing circuit 133, displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving input on imaging conditions, as well as magnetic resonance images generated by the processing circuit 133. The display 135 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display 135 is an example of a display unit. Note that the display 135 may be provided outside the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

The processing circuit 133 controls the entire magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. More specifically, the processing circuit 133 includes, for example, an operation control function 1331 and a light source control function 1332.

Here, for example, the operation control function 1331 and the light source control function 1332, which are components of the processing circuit 133, are stored in the memory circuit 132 in the form of programs that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 133 is a processor. For example, the processing circuit 133 realizes the functions corresponding to each program by reading the program from the memory circuit 132 and executing it. In other words, the processing circuit 133 in the state where each program has been read will have the functions shown in the processing circuit 133 of Figure 1. In Figure 1, the processing functions performed by the operation control function 1331 and the light source control function 1332 are realized by a single processor, but the processing circuit 133 may be composed of multiple independent processors, and each processor may realize the functions by executing a program. Also, in Figure 1, the processing circuit 133 is described as having a single memory circuit 132 that stores the programs corresponding to each processing function, but it may also be configured so that multiple memory circuits are distributed and the processing circuit 133 reads the corresponding programs from individual memory circuits.

In the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or programmable logic device (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor functions by reading and executing programs stored in the memory circuit 132. Alternatively, instead of storing programs in the memory circuit 132, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate programs into its circuitry. In this case, the processor functions by reading and executing programs incorporated into the circuitry.

The functions of the processing circuit 133 will be described later.

Next, the light source device 210, the light guide unit 220, and the surface-emitting unit 230 mounted on the frame 102 will be described. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the frame 102 according to the first embodiment.

The frame 102 is positioned within the hollow 1021 and includes a surface-emitting unit 230 that displays information through surface illumination. More specifically, the surface-emitting unit 230 is positioned on the wall surface surrounding the hollow 1021 of the frame 102. The surface-emitting unit 230 is positioned within the hollow 1021 of the frame 102 and has a plurality of surface-emitting plates 231 that display different information from each other. The surface-emitting unit 230 includes a first surface-emitting plate 231a and a second surface-emitting plate 231b. The first surface-emitting plate 231a and the second surface-emitting plate 231b display information by emitting light on characters and figures. When the first surface-emitting plate 231a and the second surface-emitting plate 231b are not distinguished, they are referred to as surface-emitting plates 231. Note that the surface-emitting unit 230 shown in Figure 2 has two surface-emitting plates 231, the first surface-emitting plate 231a and the second surface-emitting plate 231b. However, the surface-emitting unit 230 may have one surface-emitting plate 231, or it may have three or more surface-emitting plates 231.

More specifically, the surface-emitting unit 230 has one or more surface-emitting plates 231. The surface-emitting unit 230 is positioned opposite the head of the subject P, which is inserted into the hollow 1021. The surface-emitting plates 231 include a light guide plate. For example, the light guide plate is formed from a material that transmits incident light, such as acrylic. Furthermore, the light guide plate has a reflective surface that reflects light, and a diffusion surface that diffuses light on a portion of the surface.

The light guide plate spreads light within it by repeatedly reflecting incident light in its reflective sections, which are treated with a reflective coating. Furthermore, the light guide plate emits light to the outside of the plate in its diffused sections, which are treated with a diffusion coating. As a result, the diffused sections of the light guide plate emit light. The surface-emitting plate 231 has diffused sections shaped like letters or figures. When light is incident on the surface-emitting plate 231, it emits light from the diffused sections to display information.

Figure 3 shows an example of the first surface-emitting plate 231a according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 shows an example of the second surface-emitting plate 231b according to the first embodiment. For example, the surface-emitting plate 231 displays information regarding the breath-holding of the subject P. The first surface-emitting plate 231a shown in Figure 3 displays the information "Please hold your breath." The second surface-emitting plate 231b shown in Figure 4 displays the information "Please relax."

Furthermore, the surface-emitting unit 230 is arranged within the hollow 1021 of the base 102, with multiple surface-emitting plates 231 stacked on top of each other. Specifically, the surface-emitting unit 230 consists of a first surface-emitting plate 231a and a second surface-emitting plate 231b stacked on top of each other. Here, the first surface-emitting plate 231a and the second surface-emitting plate 231b display information represented in the diffused portion when light is incident on them. Therefore, the surface-emitting unit 230 switches the information it displays by switching the direction of the incident light.

The light source device 210 is equipped with a light source such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) for each surface-emitting plate 231. More specifically, the light source device 210 includes a light source for the first surface-emitting plate 231a and a light source for the second surface-emitting plate 231b. The light source device 210 then emits light from the light source based on instructions from the processing circuit 133.

The light guide unit 220 has a light guide path for each surface-emitting plate 231. The light guide path transmits the light from the light source of the light source device 210 to each surface-emitting plate 231 of the surface-emitting unit 230. Specifically, the light guide unit 220 transmits the light from the light source for the first surface-emitting plate 231a to the first surface-emitting plate 231a. Furthermore, the light guide unit 220 transmits the light from the light source for the second surface-emitting plate 231b to the second surface-emitting plate 231b.

Here, as shown in Figure 2, the whole-body RF coil 107 is formed in an area approximately one-third of the way from the center of the frame 102. In other words, the whole-body RF coil 107 is not formed at either end of the frame 102. The light guide unit 220 transmits the light from the light source device 210, which is located outside the whole-body RF coil 107, to the surface-emitting unit 230, which is located inside the whole-body RF coil 107. As a result, the electrical circuit of the light source device 210 is not located inside the whole-body RF coil 107, but rather in a relatively weak magnetic field area outside the whole-body RF coil 107. Furthermore, the surface-emitting plate 231 is made of acrylic or the like and does not have an electrical circuit. Therefore, no electrical circuit is located inside the whole-body RF coil 107.

Next, we will explain the various functions of the processing circuit 133 shown in Figure 2.

The operation control function 1331 accepts commands to illuminate the light source corresponding to the surface-emitting plate 231. In other words, the operation control function 1331 accepts commands to display information on the first surface-emitting plate 231a and on the second surface-emitting plate 231b. Furthermore, the operation control function 1331 accepts commands to terminate the display of information on the first surface-emitting plate 231a and on the second surface-emitting plate 231b. For example, the operation control function 1331 accepts commands to illuminate the light source of the surface-emitting plate 231 corresponding to the command when it is desired that the subject P stop breathing or resume breathing.

The light source control function 1332 controls the emission of light from the light source device 210, which is located outside the whole-body RF coil 107. The light source control function 1332 is an example of a light source control unit. More specifically, when the operation control function 1331 receives an operation to display information on the first surface-emitting plate 231a, the light source control function 1332 causes the light source for the first surface-emitting plate 231a in the light source device 210 to emit light. Furthermore, when the operation control function 1331 receives an operation to end the display of information on the first surface-emitting plate 231a, the light source control function 1332 terminates the emission of light from the light source for the first surface-emitting plate 231a in the light source device 210.

Furthermore, the light source control function 1332 illuminates the light source for the second surface-emitting plate 231b in the light source device 210 when the operation control function 1331 receives an operation to display information on the second surface-emitting plate 231b. Also, the light source control function 1332 terminates the illumination of the light source for the second surface-emitting plate 231b in the light source device 210 when the operation control function 1331 receives an operation to terminate the display of information by the second surface-emitting plate 231b. Note that the light source control function 1332 may control the light source based on other factors, not just when the operation control function 1331 receives an operation.

As described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment has a surface-emitting plate 231 arranged on the surface surrounding the hollow 1021 of the frame 102. The surface-emitting plate 231 is connected via a light guide unit 220 to a light source device 210 located outside the whole-body RF coil 107 of the frame 102. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 displays information by controlling the emission of light from the light source device 210 to cause the surface-emitting plate 231 to emit light. As a result, no electrical circuits are located inside the whole-body RF coil 107 of the frame 102. Therefore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 can transmit instructions to the subject P inside the hollow 1021 of the frame 102 without malfunctioning due to the magnetic field of the whole-body RF coil 107.

(Variation 1)
Figure 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the stand 102a according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. Here, the position of the subject P's head differs depending on the amount of movement of the top plate 1051 inserted into the hollow 1021. Furthermore, if the surface-emitting unit 230 is positioned away from the front of the subject P's head, it is difficult for the subject P to see the surface-emitting unit 230.

The frame 102a includes a surface-emitting unit 230 that moves in accordance with the top plate 1051. The surface-emitting unit 230 is supported by a support portion 240, which has, for example, an arched shape. The support portion 240 supports the surface-emitting unit 230 and moves as the subject P is inserted into the hollow 1021 of the top plate 1051 on which it is placed. More specifically, the surface-emitting unit 230 is provided on the surface of the support portion 240 facing the top plate 1051. This allows the subject P, placed on the top plate 1051, to see the surface-emitting unit 230.

Furthermore, the support portion 240 has a first sliding surface 241a and a second sliding surface 241b on its bottom surface. The first sliding surface 241a and the second sliding surface 241b have smooth, flat surfaces. Here, the frame 102a has rails formed approximately parallel to the top plate 1051, which is inserted into the hollow 1021, on its side. The support portion 240 is then placed on the rails of the frame 102a. As a result, the support portion 240 slides along the rails of the frame 102a. The support portion 240 is not limited to the first sliding surface 241a and the second sliding surface 241b; it may also be moved by tires, by a drive device such as a motor, or by other mechanisms.

Furthermore, the top plate 1051 has a projection that hooks onto the support portion 240 when inserted into the hollow 1021. The projection is positioned so that the subject P and the surface-emitting unit 230 face each other when inserted into the hollow 1021. As a result, the support portion 240 moves in conjunction with the movement of the top plate 1051 as it is inserted into and removed from the hollow 1021. The surface-emitting unit 230 is then positioned so that it faces the subject P when inserted into the hollow 1021.

Furthermore, the base 102a includes a first light source device 210a and a second light source device 210b on the side of the top plate 1051. The base 102a also includes a first light guide unit 220a and a second light guide unit 220b. The first light guide unit 220a transmits the light from the light source of the first light source device 210a to the surface-emitting unit 230. The second light guide unit 220b transmits the light from the light source of the second light source device 210b to the surface-emitting unit 230.

The first light guide section 220a and the second light guide section 220b include a first light guide rod 221a and a second light guide rod 221b arranged along a rail that guides insertion into the hollow 1021 of the top plate 1051 on which the subject P is placed. The first light guide rod 221a and the second light guide rod 221b are examples of light guide members. More specifically, the first light guide section 220a comprises a first light guide rod 221a arranged along the side of the top plate 1051 and a first support light guide section 222a arranged on the support section 240. The second light guide section 220b comprises a second light guide rod 221b arranged along the side of the top plate 1051 and a second support light guide section 222b arranged on the support section 240. Here, the first light guide rod 221a and the second light guide rod 221b are also used for illuminating the hollow 1021. In other words, the surface-emitting unit 230 displays information by utilizing the components used for illuminating the hollow 1021.

As described above, the surface-emitting unit 230 of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100a according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment is positioned on a support portion 240 that moves in conjunction with the movement of the top plate 1051. This allows the surface-emitting unit 230 to be positioned according to the amount of movement of the top plate 1051. Therefore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100a can position the surface-emitting unit 230 in a position that is easily visible to the subject P.

(Second embodiment)
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the stand 102b according to the second embodiment. The position of the subject P's head, which is placed on the top plate 1051, varies depending on the area of the subject P being photographed and the subject P's posture. Furthermore, if the surface-emitting unit 230 is positioned away from the front of the subject P's head, it is difficult for the subject P to see the surface-emitting unit 230. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100b estimates the position of the subject P's head, which is inserted into the hollow 1021. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100b then improves the visibility for the subject P by displaying information on the surface-emitting unit 230 corresponding to the estimated position.

Within the hollow 1021 of the stand 102b, multiple surface-emitting units 230, including a first surface-emitting unit 230a, a second surface-emitting unit 230b, and a third surface-emitting unit 230c, are arranged in a row. More specifically, within the hollow 1021 of the stand 102b, the first surface-emitting unit 230a, the second surface-emitting unit 230b, and the third surface-emitting unit 230c are arranged in a row in the direction of insertion into the top plate 1051. The first surface-emitting unit 230a, the second surface-emitting unit 230b, and the third surface-emitting unit 230c are all surface-emitting units 230. The stand 102b displays information using the surface-emitting units 230 corresponding to the position of the subject P's head. Note that the stand 102b shown in Figure 6 has three surface-emitting units 230. However, the stand 102b may have two surface-emitting units 230, or four or more surface-emitting units 230. Furthermore, the subject P may be placed horizontally on the top plate 1051. Therefore, the first surface-emitting unit 230a, the second surface-emitting unit 230b, and the third surface-emitting unit 230c may be arranged not only in the insertion direction of the top plate 1051, but also in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, or in other directions.

Figure 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100b according to the second embodiment. The processing circuit 133b of the computer system 130 has a position estimation function 1333, an operation control function 1331, and a light source control function 1332a.

The position estimation function 1333 estimates the position of the subject P's head within the hollow 1021. The position estimation function 1333 is an example of an estimation unit. Here, the orientation of the subject P inserted into the hollow 1021 of the frame 102b includes head-first insertion (head first) and foot-first insertion (feet first). The position estimation function 1333 estimates the position of the subject P's head inserted into the hollow 1021 based on the subject P's orientation and the amount of movement of the top plate 1051 inserted into the hollow 1021 of the frame 102b.

The operation control function 1331 receives an operation to activate the light source corresponding to the surface-emitting plate 231. In other words, the operation control function 1331 receives an operation to select the surface-emitting plate 231 to be activated from among the multiple surface-emitting plates 231 of the surface-emitting unit 230.

The light source control function 1332a illuminates the light source of the surface-emitting unit 230 corresponding to the position estimated by the position estimation function 1333, from among the multiple surface-emitting units 230 arranged in the insertion direction of the top plate 1051. More specifically, the light source control function 1332a selects the surface-emitting unit 230 to be displayed from among the multiple surface-emitting units 230 arranged in the insertion direction of the top plate 1051, based on the estimation result of the position estimation function 1333. Then, the light source control function 1332a illuminates the light source of the surface-emitting unit 230 corresponding to the surface-emitting plate 231 selected by the operation control function 1331, from among the multiple surface-emitting plates 231 of the selected surface-emitting unit 230.

As described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100b according to the second embodiment estimates the position of the subject P's head on the top plate 1051 inserted into the hollow 1021, based on the amount of movement of the top plate 1051 inserted into the hollow 1021 and the posture of the subject P. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100b then displays information on the surface-emitting unit 230 corresponding to the estimated position of the subject P's head. This allows the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100b to improve the visibility of the surface-emitting unit 230 on the subject P.

(Third embodiment)
Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100c according to the third embodiment. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100c includes a speaker 300 that outputs sound corresponding to the surface light-emitting plate 231. The speaker 300 is an example of an audio output unit. The processing circuit 133c includes an operation control function 1331a, a light source control function 1332, and an audio output function 1334.

More specifically, the operation control function 1331 receives an operation to specify which of the first surface-emitting plate 231a and the second surface-emitting plate 231b of the surface-emitting unit 230 is to be illuminated.

The audio output function 1334 controls the speaker 300 to output audio corresponding to the surface-emitting plate 231 specified by the operation received by the operation control function 1331. For example, if the first surface-emitting plate 231a is specified, the audio output function 1334 outputs the message "Hold your breath." If the second surface-emitting plate 231b is specified, the audio output function 1334 outputs the message "Relax."

The light source control function 1332 controls the light source device 210 to illuminate the light source corresponding to the surface-emitting plate 231 specified by the operation control function 1331. In other words, the light source control function 1332 illuminates the light source of the surface-emitting plate 231 corresponding to the sound output by the speaker 300.

As described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100c according to the third embodiment includes a speaker 300 that outputs sound to the subject P. Furthermore, the light source control function 1332 causes the light source of the surface-emitting plate 231 to emit light corresponding to the sound output by the speaker 300. Therefore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100c can provide instructions to the subject P through both sound and display.

(Variation 1)
Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100d according to a modification 1 of the third embodiment. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100d displays information on a surface-emitting plate 231 identified by voice recognition.

More specifically, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100d includes a microphone 400 for receiving sound. The microphone 400 is an example of an audio input unit. Furthermore, the processing circuit 133d includes an audio input function 1335, an audio recognition function 1336, a light source control function 1332b, and an audio output function 1334b.

The voice input function 1335 controls the microphone 400 to receive the voice of a medical professional. More specifically, the voice input function 1335 converts the voice received by the microphone 400 into an electrical signal.

The speech recognition function 1336 recognizes the content of the voice received by the voice input function 1335. The speech recognition function 1336 is an example of a speech recognition unit. More specifically, the speech recognition function 1336 identifies the surface-emitting plate 231 associated with the recognized voice content based on the voice content information. The voice content information is information that associates one or more voice contents with the surface-emitting plates 231. For example, the voice content information might associate the voice content "Please hold your breath" with the first surface-emitting plate 231a. Also, the voice content information might associate the voice content "Please relax" with the second surface-emitting plate 231b.

The voice recognition function 1336 identifies the first surface light-emitting plate 231a as the display target when it recognizes the voice command "Hold your breath." Furthermore, the voice recognition function 1336 identifies the second surface light-emitting plate 231b as the display target when it recognizes the voice command "Relax."

The light source control function 1332b illuminates the light source corresponding to the surface-emitting plate 231 that corresponds to the recognition result by the voice recognition function 1336. For example, if the voice input is "Hold your breath," the light source control function 1332b illuminates the light source corresponding to the first surface-emitting plate 231a. Similarly, if the voice input is "Relax," the light source control function 1332b illuminates the light source corresponding to the second surface-emitting plate 231b.

The audio output function 1334b controls the speaker 300 to output the audio received by the audio input function 1335.

As described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100d according to the third embodiment modification 1 displays information on the surface-emitting plate 231 identified by voice recognition. This allows the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100d to display information corresponding to the voice on the surface-emitting unit 230.

According to at least one embodiment described above, instructions can be transmitted to the subject P inside the hollow 1021 of the stands 102, 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d.

While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the claims and its equivalents.

100, 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 102, 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d Stand 1021 Hollow 1051 Top plate 107 Whole-body RF (Radio Frequency) coil 133, 133b, 133c, 133d Processing circuit 210 Light source device 210a First light source device 210b Second light source device 220 Light guide unit 220a First light guide unit 220b Second light guide unit 221a First light guide rod 221b Second light guide rod 222a First support light guide unit 222b Second support light guide unit 230 Surface light emitting unit 230a First surface light emitting unit 230b Second surface light emitting unit 230c Third surface light emitting unit 231 Surface-emitting plate 231a First surface-emitting plate 231b Second surface-emitting plate 240 Support part 241a First sliding surface 241b Second sliding surface 300 Speaker 400 Microphone 1331, 1331a Operation control function 1332, 1332a, 1332b Light source control function 1333 Position estimation function 1334, 1334b Voice output function 1335 Voice input function 1336 Voice recognition function P Subject

Claims (7)

A surface-emitting unit comprising: a first surface-emitting plate that displays first information instructing to hold one's breath by surface emission; and a second surface-emitting plate that displays second information instructing to ease the breath-holding by surface emission and is laminated on the first surface-emitting plate;
The top plate on which the subject is placed,
A frame having a hollow into which the top plate is inserted, and a cylindrical whole body coil, wherein a plurality of surface-emitting units are attached to the wall surface of the frame within the hollow, along the insertion direction in which the top plate is inserted into the hollow, so that the subject inside the hollow can visually perceive the first information and the second information.
A control unit for controlling the display of each of the plurality of surface-emitting units, comprising: a control unit that switches the incidence of light on the first surface-emitting plate and the second surface-emitting plate, thereby switching between the first information and the second information and displaying them on the surface-emitting unit;
An estimation unit for estimating the position of the subject's head, which is inserted into the hollow space, in the insertion direction,
Equipped with,
Each of the aforementioned plurality of surface-emitting units has a light source located outside the whole body coil.
The control unit illuminates the light source corresponding to the surface-emitting unit among the plurality of surface-emitting units that corresponds to the position of the subject's head in the insertion direction estimated by the estimation unit.
Magnetic resonance imaging device. The system further includes a support portion that supports the surface-emitting unit and moves as the top plate on which the subject is placed is inserted into the hollow space,
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1. A first light guide that guides light from a first light source corresponding to the first surface-emitting plate to the first surface-emitting plate and a second light guide that guides light from a second light source corresponding to the second surface-emitting plate to the second surface-emitting plate include a light guide member arranged along a rail that guides the insertion of the top plate on which the subject is placed into the hollow space.
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2. Audio output section that outputs sound,
The system further comprises a light source control unit that causes the first light source or the second light source to emit light corresponding to the sound output by the sound output unit.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3. A voice input unit that accepts voice,
The system further comprises a speech recognition unit that recognizes the content of the speech received by the speech input unit,
The light source control unit causes the first light source or the second light source corresponding to the recognition result by the speech recognition unit to emit light.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 4. The estimation unit estimates the position of the subject's head inserted into the hollow of the frame based on the subject's posture and the amount of movement of the top plate inserted into the hollow of the frame.
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The estimation unit estimates the position of the subject's head inserted into the hollow of the stand based on the subject's posture, which includes head-first insertion into the hollow of the stand and foot-first insertion into the hollow of the stand, and the amount of movement of the top plate.
The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6.