JP2014212923A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which can be used widely by making a console movable so that a diagnosis result can be confirmed easily and quickly. A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: an imaging control unit that controls an imaging operation; a control unit that includes a control unit-side wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication; image display and user operation; An input / output unit that performs reception, and a console 30 that includes a console-side wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the control unit-side wireless communication unit. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

  As background art of this technical field, there is JP-A-2002-172101 (Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “MRI apparatus”) in which a magnet that generates a static magnetic field is installed in a shield room that shields electromagnetic waves.

JP 2002-172101 A

  A conventional MRI apparatus includes a gantry having a magnet, a control unit that controls an imaging operation, and a console that displays an image and accepts a user operation. The gantry is arranged in the shield room to prevent noise, and the control unit and the console are arranged outside the shield room.

  However, since the components of the gantry, the control unit, and the console are connected by cables, the console can hardly be moved.

  That is, it has been impossible to move the console to a position that is easy for a user such as a doctor or engineer to easily view and operate. For this reason, images are difficult to see or operate on the console, and the diagnosis results cannot be easily confirmed, and various operations take time. In addition, since the console cannot be moved to another room such as an examination room or a meeting room, the use of diagnosis results has been limited.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that can easily and quickly confirm a diagnosis result and can be widely used by making a console movable. And

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention described in claim 1 is directed to an imaging control unit that controls an imaging operation, a control unit that includes a control unit-side wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication, an image display, A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: an input / output unit that accepts a user operation; and a console having a console-side wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the control unit-side wireless communication unit. is there.

In the present invention, since the console is not connected to the control unit with a cable (wired connection), the console can be moved freely. Therefore, a user such as a doctor or an engineer can freely move the console to a different place such as a position where an image can be easily seen and operated, and another room such as an examination room or a meeting room. Thereby, while being able to confirm a diagnostic result easily, shortening of operation time is achieved. In addition, the diagnosis results can be easily explained to patients and related persons, and can be used widely.
That is, according to the present invention, by making the console movable, it is possible to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that can easily and quickly confirm a diagnosis result and can be widely used.
In addition, since the console can be moved freely in the room where the console is placed and placed at a desired location or out of the room, cleaning workability is improved and hospital hygiene management is thorough. Can do.
Further, when the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is not used, the console can be put away in another room such as an equipment room, and the space in the room can be used effectively.

  A second aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a gantry having a magnet installed in an imaging chamber.

According to the present invention, even when the console is arranged in the imaging room, there is no obstructing wiring cable at the foot, so that users such as doctors and technicians can concentrate on the work without getting caught in the cable. it can.
When performing MRI imaging, a user such as a doctor or engineer can check the diagnostic result during imaging by placing the console in the imaging room. Furthermore, when cleaning and disinfecting the imaging room, the console can be taken out of the imaging room, so that the workability of cleaning and disinfection is improved and the hygiene management of the imaging room can be thoroughly performed. When the MRI apparatus is not used, the space inside the imaging room can be effectively used by taking the console out of the imaging room.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the imaging room is an operating room also serving as an imaging room.

According to the present invention, in the intraoperative MRI diagnosis in which surgery or treatment is performed while performing imaging using an MRI apparatus (hereinafter also referred to as “MRI imaging”), even when the console is arranged in an operating room also serving as an imaging room. Since there is no obstructive wiring cable, the doctor can concentrate on the surgery without getting caught in the cable.
Further, by placing the console away from the surgical operation position or outside the operating room, it is possible to prevent further interference with the surgical operation.
Further, when performing MRI imaging, by placing the console in the operating room, a user such as a doctor or an engineer can check the diagnosis result during the operation.
Furthermore, when cleaning and disinfecting the operating room, the console can be taken out of the operating room, and since there are no cables for wiring, the necessary disinfectant can be used without any problems, and the workability of cleaning and disinfection is improved. This improves the hygiene management of the operating room.
In the case of an operation that does not require MRI imaging or when the MRI apparatus is not used, the space in the operating room can be used effectively by leaving the console out of the operating room.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the third aspect, characterized in that the gantry includes an extendable electromagnetic shielding structure capable of electromagnetic shielding together with a table for mounting a subject. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an intraoperative MRI diagnosis by installing an electromagnetic wave shield structure even in a narrow operating room. In other words, during MRI imaging, noise from the outside to the imaging space is removed with the electromagnetic shielding structure extended, and the console displays images and accepts user operations without being affected by the magnetic field from the gantry. And can be done. On the other hand, during the operation, the doctor can operate the subject on the table with the electromagnetic wave shield structure contracted.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the second input / output unit is configured to display an image and accept a user operation. And a second console having a second console side wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit or the console side wireless communication unit.

  According to the present invention, for example, a plurality of users (observers) can simultaneously observe an image in another place in an operating room, and an arbitrary image is read by each observer performing an operation. Can be displayed.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the display unit displays an image and the control unit side wireless communication unit or The image display device further includes a display device side wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the console side wireless communication unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily observe the same image simultaneously by a plurality of users (observers) by installing the display unit (monitor) having a large size at an easily viewable position. In this case, by attaching the display unit to the wall or suspending it from the ceiling, a large installation space is not required and the work is not disturbed.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit further includes an image reconstruction unit that performs image reconstruction. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, by causing the control unit to perform image reconstruction, high-speed image reconstruction processing is ensured, and the control unit on the console side reduces the load on the CPU. You don't have to use a computer.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit further includes an image storage unit for storing the reconstructed image.

  According to the present invention, the storage of the reconstructed image is executed by the control unit to ensure the storage of a large amount of images, and the console does not need to have a large-capacity storage device.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the console can be driven by a battery.

  According to the present invention, the power supply cable can be omitted, and the console can be moved more freely.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the console is a notebook PC or a tablet PC. To do.

  According to the present invention, since miniaturization and portability are promoted, it is possible to observe the image by moving the console to a more free position.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the wireless communication corresponds to a plurality of types of wireless communication systems. Features.

  According to the present invention, the console and the control unit can communicate with each other by another wireless communication method even when a communication line by one wireless communication method is interrupted for some reason. Reliability is improved without any influence.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein the wireless communication is performed by a wireless LAN (a wireless standard included in the IEEE 802 standard). The wireless communication method is any one of ultrasonic communication, infrared communication, and visible light communication.

  According to the present invention, communication between the console and the control unit can be realized using a specific wireless communication method.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which can confirm a diagnostic result easily and rapidly and can be utilized widely can be provided by making a console movable.

1 is a plan view schematically showing the overall configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the gantry shown by FIG. 1, and the electromagnetic wave shield structure which covers the space containing this. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the gantry shown by FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control unit shown by FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the console shown by FIG. It is a top view which shows typically the MRI apparatus in operation. It is a top view which shows typically the MRI apparatus in MRI imaging. It is a top view which shows typically the MRI apparatus in operation, confirming an image. It is a top view which shows typically the MRI apparatus in MRI imaging which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the 2nd console shown by FIG. It is a top view which shows typically the MRI apparatus in MRI imaging which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the image display apparatus shown by FIG. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control unit of the MRI apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the console of the MRI apparatus which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control unit of the MRI apparatus which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the console of the MRI apparatus which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows typically the MRI apparatus which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows typically the MRI apparatus which concerns on the 7th Embodiment of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.
Note that, in the drawings shown below, the same or corresponding members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. In addition, the size and shape of the member may be schematically represented by being modified or exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the overall configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus) 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the gantry 10 shown in FIG. 1 and an electromagnetic wave shielding structure covering a space including the gantry 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the MRI apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a gantry 10 having a magnet 11 (see FIG. 3) that generates a static magnetic field, a control unit 20 that controls an imaging operation, And a console 30 for displaying images and accepting user operations.

  The gantry 10 is installed in an operation room 51 that also serves as an imaging room for performing operations such as brain surgery. That is, the MRI apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment enables intraoperative MRI diagnosis in which surgery or treatment is performed while performing imaging (MRI imaging) using the MRI apparatus 1. Reference numeral 54 in FIG. 1 indicates a door for opening and closing the doorway 53.

  The MRI apparatus 1 includes an extendable electromagnetic shielding structure 40 that can shield the gantry 10 together with a subject mounting table 58 during electromagnetic imaging. The table 58 is a movable bed that also serves as an operating table on which a patient as a subject lies. FIG. 1 shows a state where the electromagnetic wave shield structure 40 is extended.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the MRI apparatus 1 is an open type (vertical magnetic field type) MRI apparatus in which a gantry 10 is formed in a U shape in a side view. The gantry 10 is formed with an opening 15 into which a region to be imaged such as a patient's head is inserted.

  In a predetermined region including the gantry 10 on the floor surface of the operating room 51 (see FIG. 1), a conductive floor plate 55 made of a nonmagnetic conductive material such as a stainless steel plate is laid. When performing MRI imaging, a table 58 (see FIG. 1) serving as an operating table on which a patient is placed is moved onto the conductive floor plate 55.

  The electromagnetic wave shielding structure 40 includes a frame assembly 41 in which a plurality of gate-shaped frames are connected so as to be foldable and can be extended in the horizontal direction, and a sheet (curtain) electromagnetic wave shielding member 42 (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 2, the electromagnetic shielding member 42 is not shown. The gantry 10 is covered with an electromagnetic wave shield body 43, and the extendable electromagnetic wave shield structure 40 can be stored inside the electromagnetic wave shield body 43 when contracted. FIG. 2 shows a state where the electromagnetic wave shield structure 40 is contracted.

  The electromagnetic shielding member 42 (see FIG. 1) of the electromagnetic shielding structure 40 plays a role of removing electromagnetic waves (noise) from the outside when performing MRI imaging.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the control unit 20 is fixedly installed in an equipment room 52 provided next to the operating room 51. The control unit 20 is connected to the gantry 10 by a cable 57 via a filter box 56 disposed on the back side of the gantry 10 and having a noise filter (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, the console 30 is disposed in the operating room 51. The console 30 in the operating room 51 can communicate with the control unit 20 in the equipment room 52 by radio and is configured to be movable. The console 30 can be arranged at an arbitrary position depending on the situation, but is arranged outside a so-called 5 Gauss line set as a restricted access area so as not to be affected by a leakage magnetic field from the gantry 10.

  In the operating room 51, there are many devices such as an electron microscope, an anesthesia machine, an electrocardiogram monitor, an intraoperative navigation, an infusion pump, etc. (all not shown). In order to perform the surgery accurately and quickly, it is important to place these devices in a place that does not interfere with each other. Therefore, most devices in the operating room 51 are movable.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gantry 10 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 20 shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the console 30 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gantry 10 has a magnet 11 that is disposed at a portion that is vertically opposed to the opening 15 (see FIG. 2), and a gradient coil 12 that is disposed inside the magnet 11. doing.

  The magnet 11 generates a uniform static magnetic field. The magnet 11 is, for example, a permanent magnet or a superconducting magnet. The gradient magnetic field coil 12 generates a gradient magnetic field when current is supplied from a gradient magnetic field power supply 21 (see FIG. 4).

  An RF (Radio Frequency) coil 13 is arranged inside the gradient coil 12. The RF coil 13 generates an RF pulse when an RF signal is supplied from the RF signal generator 22 (see FIG. 4). Further, the RF coil 13 receives an MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal radiated from the imaging region of the patient that has received the RF pulse, and outputs the MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal to the data collection unit 24 (see FIG. 4). The RF coil 13 is a transmission / reception coil here, but may be configured to include a transmission coil and a reception coil separately.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the control unit 20 includes a gradient magnetic field power supply 21, an RF signal generation unit 22, an imaging control unit 23, a data collection unit 24, and a control unit side wireless communication unit 25.

  The gradient magnetic field power supply 21 supplies a current to the gradient magnetic field coil 12 (see FIG. 3). The RF signal generator 22 generates an RF signal and outputs it to the RF coil 13 (see FIG. 3). The imaging control unit 23 controls the imaging operation by controlling the gradient magnetic field power source 21 and the RF signal generation unit 22. The data collection unit 24 collects raw data (raw data) obtained by performing predetermined arithmetic processing on the MR signal received from the RF coil 13 (see FIG. 3), and transmits the collected raw data to the image reconstruction unit 31 (see FIG. 5). .

  The control unit side wireless communication unit 25 is an interface for performing wireless communication. Here, the wireless communication corresponds to one or more wireless communication schemes of wireless LAN (a wireless standard included in the IEEE 802 standard), ultrasonic communication, infrared communication, and visible light communication. Communication between the console 30 and the control unit 20 can be realized using such a specific wireless communication method.

  When using infrared communication or visible light communication, there is a risk of communication failure if there is a shielding object in the route. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the installation position of the receiving antenna. The risk of communication failure can be reduced by attaching to the network. It is also possible to set a plurality of reception points as required.

  In the present embodiment, the wireless communication corresponds to a plurality of types of wireless communication methods. According to such a configuration, even when a communication line using one wireless communication method is interrupted for some reason, the console 30 and the control unit 20 can communicate using another wireless communication method. The operation is not affected and the reliability is improved. It is also possible to change the type of wireless communication method to be used according to the amount of information (for example, between image data and control data).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the console 30 includes an image reconstruction unit 31, a display unit 32, an operation unit 33, a control unit 34, an image storage unit 35, and a console-side wireless communication unit 36.

  The image reconstruction unit 31 reconstructs a tomographic image of the imaged region of the patient based on the raw data received from the data collection unit 24 (see FIG. 4). The display unit 32 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, and displays various information such as an operation screen and an image. The operation unit 33 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and accepts user operations such as a user operation related to an image to be displayed, a user operation related to imaging, and input of various information. Here, the display unit 32 and the operation unit 33 constitute an input / output unit that displays an image and accepts a user operation.

  The control unit 34 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory, and controls each unit in the console 30 and sends a command related to control of the imaging operation to the control unit 20. The image storage unit 35 is, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like, and stores various information such as images reconstructed by the image reconstruction unit 31. The console side wireless communication unit 36 is an interface for performing wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit 25 of the control unit 20.

  In this embodiment, the console 30 uses a high-performance computer mounted on a PC rack (not shown) that is movable with casters in order to perform image reconstruction at high speed. Further, when storing a large amount of images, the image storage unit 35 needs to be configured to have a large storage capacity. Furthermore, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can be installed to protect against loss of stored data due to a momentary power interruption or the like.

  Next, the operation of the MRI apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the MRI apparatus 1 during surgery. FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the MRI apparatus 1 during MRI imaging. FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing the MRI apparatus 1 during surgery while confirming an image. Here, a case will be described in which intraoperative MRI diagnosis is performed in which MRI imaging is performed to confirm the progress of surgery while performing surgery or treatment such as tumor extraction.

  First, a table 58 serving as an operating table on which a patient is placed is installed in an area outside the 5 gauss line, and the patient is operated. At this stage, as shown in FIG. 6, the extendable electromagnetic shielding structure 40 is accommodated in the electromagnetic shielding body 43. In addition, the console 30 is moved to a position that does not interfere with the operation.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, when performing MRI imaging in order to confirm the progress of the operation, the table 58 on which the patient is placed is moved onto the conductive floor plate 55 (see FIG. 2) in front of the gantry 10. Then, the part to be imaged of the patient is inserted into the opening 15 (see FIG. 2) of the gantry 10. Here, for example, in head surgery, a transmission / reception coil (not shown) is attached to a head localization fixture (not shown) attached to a table 58 that also serves as an operating table.

  Subsequently, a user such as a technician pulls out the electromagnetic shielding structure 40 from the electromagnetic shielding body 43 and extends it forward. As a result, the space including the gantry 10 and the table 58 on which the patient is placed is surrounded by the electromagnetic shielding structure 40 and is electromagnetically shielded. Therefore, noise from the outside when performing MRI imaging is removed.

  A user such as an engineer sets imaging conditions and instructs the start of MRI imaging through the operation unit 33 of the console 30. At this time, the console 30 is moved to a position where the image is easy to see and operate. When the operation unit 33 accepts a user operation related to imaging, the console 30 performs wireless communication with the control unit 20 via the console side wireless communication unit 36 and the control unit side wireless communication unit 25.

  When receiving a command from the console 30, the control unit 20 controls the imaging operation. Thereby, in the gantry 10, an RF pulse and a gradient magnetic field are applied in a predetermined sequence to an imaged region of a patient placed under a predetermined static magnetic field. The MR signal generated thereby is sent to the data collection unit 24 of the control unit 20, and the data collection unit 24 collects raw data based on the MR signal. Then, the image reconstruction unit 31 reconstructs a tomographic image based on the raw data sent from the data collection unit 24. The reconstructed image is stored and stored in the image storage unit 35.

  The display unit 32 of the console 30 displays the state of MRI imaging (for example, imaging progress such as time until imaging is completed). When the MRI imaging is completed and the operation unit 33 accepts a user operation related to image display, a necessary image stored in the image storage unit 35 is read, and the display unit 32 displays an image based on a user instruction. To do. Thereby, users, such as a doctor and an engineer, can confirm a diagnostic result, such as whether the tumor was extracted completely.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, it is possible for the doctor to perform the operation while confirming the image displayed on the display unit 32 of the console 30 during the operation. In this case, since the console 30 is configured to be movable, the display unit 32 can be easily moved to a position that is easy for the doctor to see. Furthermore, after the MRI imaging is completed, the console 30 can be brought into an examination room, a meeting room, or the like, and the diagnosis results can be easily explained to patients, related persons, and the like.

  As described above, the MRI apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the imaging control unit 23 that controls the imaging operation, the control unit 20 that includes the control unit-side wireless communication unit 25 that performs wireless communication, A console 30 having a display unit 32 and an operation unit 33 as input / output units for displaying and accepting user operations, and a console side wireless communication unit 36 for performing wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit 25; It is equipped with.

In this embodiment, since the console 30 is not connected to the control unit 20 with a cable (wired connection), the console 30 can be moved freely. Therefore, a user such as a doctor or an engineer can freely move the console 30 to a different place such as a position where an image can be easily seen and operated, and another room such as an examination room or a meeting room. Thereby, while being able to confirm a diagnostic result easily, shortening of operation time is achieved. In addition, the diagnosis results can be easily explained to patients and related persons, and can be used widely.
That is, according to the present embodiment, by making the console 30 movable, it is possible to provide the MRI apparatus 1 that can easily and quickly confirm the diagnosis result and can be used widely.

Conventionally, when an intraoperative MRI diagnosis is performed, the console 30 is installed in the operating room 51 together with the gantry 10, so that the cable connected to the console 30 interferes with the operation. It was difficult to clean and disinfect the operating room 51.
On the other hand, according to the MRI apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, in the intraoperative MRI diagnosis, even when the console 30 is arranged in the operating room 51, there is no wiring cable that gets in the way, so the doctor can You can concentrate on surgery without getting caught.

Further, by placing the console 30 at a location away from the surgical operation position or outside the operating room 51, it is possible to prevent further interruption of the surgical operation.
Moreover, when performing MRI imaging, by placing the console 30 in the operating room 51, a user such as a doctor or an engineer can check the diagnosis result during the operation.
Furthermore, when cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the operating room 51, the console 30 can be taken out of the operating room 51, and since there is no cable for wiring, the necessary disinfectant can be used without any trouble. This improves the workability of cleaning and disinfection, and allows the operating room 51 to be thoroughly hygienically managed.
Further, in the case of an operation that does not require MRI imaging or when the MRI apparatus 1 is not used, the console 30 can be taken out of the operating room and placed in another room such as the equipment room 52, for example. The space inside can be used effectively.

  In the present embodiment, the MRI apparatus 1 includes an extendable electromagnetic shielding structure 40 that can shield the gantry 10 together with the subject mounting table 58.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to perform the intraoperative MRI diagnosis by installing the electromagnetic shielding structure 40 even in the narrow operating room 51. That is, at the time of MRI imaging, while the electromagnetic wave shield structure 40 is extended, noise from the outside to the imaging space is removed, and the console 30 can display an image and the user without being affected by the magnetic field from the gantry 10. And accepting operations. On the other hand, during the operation, the doctor can operate the subject on the table 58 with the electromagnetic wave shield structure 40 contracted.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the MRI apparatus 1a during MRI imaging according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the second console 60 shown in FIG. Next, the difference between the MRI apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment and the MRI apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the MRI apparatus 1 a according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that it further includes a second console 60.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the second console 60 includes an operation panel unit 61, a control unit 62, and a second console side wireless communication unit 63. Here, as the second console 60, a tablet PC (a portable personal computer having a flat outer shape and having a touch panel type display / input unit) is used.

  The operation panel unit 61 is a touch panel for displaying various information or inputting various settings. By adopting a touch panel, an input device such as a keyboard becomes unnecessary. The operation panel unit 61 displays various information such as operation screens and images, and accepts user operations such as user operations and input of various information regarding the displayed image. Here, the operation panel unit 61 constitutes a second input / output unit that displays an image and accepts a user operation.

  The control unit 62 includes a CPU and a memory, and controls each unit in the second console 60. The second console side wireless communication unit 63 is an interface for performing wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit 25 of the control unit 20 or the console side wireless communication unit 36 of the console 30. Note that the second console 60 does not include an image reconstruction unit that performs image reconstruction and an image storage unit that stores the reconstructed image, unlike the console 30 according to the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, since the second console 60 does not perform image reconstruction and storage of the reconstructed image, the control unit 62 of the second console 60 requires relatively little load on the CPU. . Therefore, although the tablet PC is used as the second console 60, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a notebook PC may be used. However, in order to smoothly display an image reconstructed on the console 30 on the second console 60, high-speed data communication is required.

According to such 2nd Embodiment, in addition to having the same effect as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
That is, for example, in another place in the operating room 51, a plurality of users (observers) can simultaneously observe an image, and each observer performs an operation to read and display an arbitrary image. It becomes possible to make it.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing an MRI apparatus 1b during MRI imaging according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image display device 70 shown in FIG. Next, the difference between the MRI apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment and the MRI apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the MRI apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from the first embodiment in that it further includes an image display apparatus 70.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the image display device 70 includes a display unit (monitor) 71, a display control unit 72, and a display device side wireless communication unit 73. The display unit 71 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, and displays various information such as images. The display control unit 72 controls each unit in the image display device 70. The display device side wireless communication unit 73 is an interface for performing wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit 25 of the control unit 20 or the console side wireless communication unit 36 of the console 30.

According to such 3rd Embodiment, in addition to having the same effect as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
That is, for example, by installing the image display device 70 including the large-sized display unit 71 at an easily viewable position, a plurality of users (observers) can easily observe the same image at the same time. In this case, by attaching the image display device 70 to a wall or suspending it from the ceiling, a large installation space is not required, and the work is not disturbed. Note that the image display device 70 may be additionally provided in the second embodiment.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 20a of the MRI apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the console 30a of the MRI apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Next, a difference between the fourth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, in the fourth embodiment, the control unit 20 a includes the image reconstruction unit 31, and the console 30 a does not include the image reconstruction unit 31. This is different from the embodiment. That is, the image reconstruction unit 31 provided in the console 30 in the first embodiment is moved to the control unit 20a in the fourth embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, since the console 30a does not perform image reconstruction, the control unit 34 of the console 30a requires a relatively small load on the CPU. Therefore, a notebook PC is used here as the console 30a. The console 30a can be driven by a battery.

According to such 4th Embodiment, in addition to having the same effect as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
That is, by causing the control unit 20a to perform image reconstruction, high-speed image reconstruction processing is ensured, and the control unit 34 on the console 30a side reduces the load on the CPU. You don't have to use a computer.

  Further, by using a notebook PC as the console 30a, miniaturization and portability are promoted, so that the console 30a can be moved to a more free position and an image can be observed. In addition, since the console 30a is driven by a battery, a power supply cable can be omitted, and the console 30a can be moved more freely. Note that it is also possible to use another type of computer such as a tablet PC as the console 30a.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control unit 20b of the MRI apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a console 30b of an MRI apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Next, a difference between the fifth embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, in the fifth embodiment, the control unit 20b includes the image storage unit 35, and the console 30b does not include the image storage unit 35. It is different from the form. That is, the image storage unit 35 provided in the console 30a in the fourth embodiment is moved to the control unit 20b in the fifth embodiment. Further, the console 30b includes an operation panel unit 37 instead of the display unit 32 and the operation unit 33 according to the fourth embodiment. Since the operation panel unit 37 has the same configuration as the operation panel unit 61 according to the second embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In the fifth embodiment, since the console 30b does not perform image reconstruction and storage of the reconstructed image, the control unit 34 of the console 30b requires a relatively small load on the CPU and stores the console 30b. The capacity of the device (not shown) can be relatively small. Therefore, a tablet PC is used here as the console 30b. The console 30b can be driven by a battery.

According to such 5th Embodiment, in addition to having the same effect as 4th Embodiment mentioned above, there exist the following effects.
That is, by causing the control unit 20b to perform image reconstruction, it is not necessary to use a high-performance computer as the console 30b. In addition, by causing the control unit 20b to store the reconstructed image. In addition to ensuring the storage of a large number of images, the console 30b does not need to have a large-capacity storage device.

  In addition, by using a tablet PC as the console 30a, miniaturization and portability are further promoted, so that the console 30b can be moved to a more free position and an image can be observed. Further, since the console 30b is driven by a battery, a power supply cable can be omitted, and the console 30b can be moved more freely. Note that it is also possible to use another type of computer such as a notebook type PC as the console 30b.

[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a plan view schematically showing an MRI apparatus 1c according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Next, a difference between the sixth embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the sixth embodiment, the gantry 10 is installed in a shield room 81 serving as an imaging room. Here, the shield room 81 is covered with a shield wall 82 that shields electromagnetic waves. The table 58a is an imaging bed on which a patient as a subject lies. That is, the MRI apparatus 1c according to the sixth embodiment is a general MRI apparatus applied to other than intraoperative MRI diagnosis. In addition, the codes | symbols 84 and 88 in FIG. 17 show the door for entrance / exit.

  The control unit 20 is fixedly installed in an equipment room 52 provided next to the shield room 81. The control unit 20 is connected to the gantry 10 by a cable 57 via the filter box 56.

  Since the shield room 81 is shielded by electromagnetic waves, the console 30 cannot be used in the shield room 81. Therefore, the console 30 is disposed in an operation room 85 provided next to the shield room 81. The console 30 in the operation room 85 can communicate with the control unit 20 in the equipment room 52 by radio and is configured to be movable. In addition, the code | symbol 86 in FIG. 17 shows the window for users, such as a doctor and an engineer, to observe the inside of the shield room 81 used as an imaging room.

  In such a 6th embodiment, since console 30 is not connected with control unit 20 with a cable, console 30 can be moved freely. Therefore, a user such as a doctor or an engineer can freely move the console 30 to a different place such as a position where an image can be easily seen and operated, and another room such as an examination room or a meeting room. Thereby, while being able to confirm a diagnostic result easily, shortening of operation time is achieved. In addition, the diagnosis results can be easily explained to patients and related persons, and can be used widely. That is, according to the sixth embodiment, by making the console 30 movable, it is possible to provide an MRI apparatus 1c that can easily and quickly confirm a diagnosis result and can be used widely.

In addition, since the console 30 can be freely moved in the operation room 85 where the console 30 is arranged and can be arranged at a desired place or taken out of the room, the cleaning workability is improved and the hygiene of the hospital is improved. Management can be thorough.
Furthermore, when the MRI apparatus 1c is not used, the console 30 can be put away in another room such as the equipment room 52, and the space in the operation room 85 can be used effectively.

[Seventh Embodiment]
FIG. 18 is a plan view schematically showing an MRI apparatus 1d according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Next, the seventh embodiment will be described while referring to differences from the first embodiment described above.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the seventh embodiment, the gantry 10a, the control unit 20, and the console 30 are installed in an imaging room 81a. That is, the MRI apparatus 1d according to the seventh embodiment is a small MRI apparatus applied to a special purpose. Here, the MRI apparatus 1d is a small MRI apparatus for imaging a joint such as a hand, but is not limited thereto, and may be a small MRI apparatus for imaging an animal, for example. In addition, the code | symbol 84a in FIG. 18 shows the door for entrance / exit.

  In the MRI apparatus 1d according to the seventh embodiment, a simple shield (not shown) that shields electromagnetic waves is installed in the gantry 10a. In addition, the MRI apparatus 1 d includes an image display device 70. The image display device 70 is installed on the wall of the imaging room 81a or is suspended from the ceiling.

  In the seventh embodiment, since the console 30 is not connected to the control unit 20 with a cable, the console 30 can be freely placed outside the 5 gauss line 90, as with other devices in the imaging room 81a. Can be moved to. Therefore, a user such as a doctor or an engineer can freely move the console 30 to a different place such as a position where an image can be easily seen and operated, and another room such as an examination room or a meeting room. Thereby, while being able to confirm a diagnostic result easily, shortening of operation time is achieved. In addition, the diagnosis results can be easily explained to patients and related persons, and can be used widely. That is, according to the seventh embodiment, by making the console 30 movable, it is possible to provide an MRI apparatus 1d that can easily and quickly confirm a diagnosis result and can be widely used.

  Further, since the image display device 70 is provided, both the doctor and the patient can confirm the imaging progress and the image, and the doctor and the patient can always interact with each other while viewing the image. Moreover, since an open environment is constructed in this way, the patient's feeling of tension is eased.

Further, since the console 30 can be freely moved in the imaging room 81a where the console 30 is arranged and can be arranged at a desired place or taken out of the room, the cleaning workability is improved and the hygiene of the hospital is improved. Management can be thorough.
Further, when the MRI apparatus 1d is not used, the console 30 can be moved to a corner in the imaging room 81a or put away in another room, and the space in the imaging room 81a can be effectively used. it can.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to the structure described in the said embodiment, The combination thru | or selecting suitably the structure described in the said embodiment is included. The configuration can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, an open type (vertical magnetic field type) MRI apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a tunnel type (horizontal magnetic field type) MRI apparatus. .

1,1a-1d MRI apparatus (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10a Gantry 11 Magnet 20,20a, 20b Control unit 23 Imaging control part 24 Data collection part 25 Control unit side radio | wireless communication part 30,30a, 30b Console 31 Image reconstruction part 32 Display part (input / output part)
33 Operation part (input / output part)
35 Image storage unit 36 Console side wireless communication unit 37 Operation panel unit (input / output unit)
40 Electromagnetic Shield Structure 51 Operating Room 60 Second Console 61 Operation Panel (Input / Output Unit)
63 Second console side wireless communication unit 70 Image display device 71 Display unit 73 Display device side wireless communication unit

Claims (12)

An imaging control unit for controlling the imaging operation, and a control unit having a control unit side wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication;
An input / output unit for displaying an image and accepting a user operation; and a console having a console side wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit;
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a gantry having a magnet installed in the imaging chamber. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging room is an operating room also serving as an imaging room. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising an extendable electromagnetic shielding structure capable of shielding the gantry together with a subject mounting table. A second input / output unit that displays an image and accepts a user operation; and a second console side wireless communication unit that performs wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit or the console side wireless communication unit The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second console. An image display device further comprising: a display unit for displaying an image; and a display device side wireless communication unit for performing wireless communication with the control unit side wireless communication unit or the console side wireless communication unit. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further includes an image reconstruction unit that performs image reconstruction. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control unit further includes an image storage unit that stores the reconstructed image. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the console can be driven by a battery. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the console is a notebook PC or a tablet PC. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wireless communication is compatible with a plurality of types of wireless communication systems. 2. The wireless communication corresponds to any one of wireless communication methods of wireless LAN (a wireless standard included in the IEEE 802 standard), ultrasonic communication, infrared communication, and visible light communication. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 11.

Images