Tracking image quality in magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

The present invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging system (100) for acquiring magnetic resonance data (144, 146) of a subject (118) within an imaging zone (108), wherein the magnetic resonance imaging system comprises a memory storing a set (150) of parameter ranges, at least some of which are configurable by a user. The machine executable instructions cause the processor to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to perform the following operations: receive (300) a configuration command (152) configured to set an adjustable image acquisition parameter (506) of a pulse sequence component; determine (302) whether an out-of-range condition exists by determining whether any of the configuration commands is outside the parameter range; if the out-of-range condition exists, provide (304) a warning signal (200); receive (306) a scan status command (156) from a user interface (132); if the scan status indicates acceptance of the out-of-range condition, control the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire (308) the magnetic resonance data by using the pulse sequence component and the configuration command; mark (310) the magnetic resonance data with a quality indicator (158); and write (312) the magnetic resonance data together with the quality indicator to a computer readable storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging. Background Art

[0002] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners use large static magnetic fields to align the nuclear spins of atoms, which is part of the process for producing images of the body of an object. This large static magnetic field is called the B0 field or main magnetic field. Various quantities or properties of an object can be measured spatially using MRI. By using pulse sequences to control the acquisition of magnetic resonance data, various imaging protocols can be implemented. In the design of these pulse sequences, there are usually a large number of adjustable image acquisition parameters. In clinical settings, there are various standards for the allowable ranges of adjustable image acquisition parameters.

[0003] US Patent Application Publication US 2011 / 0113376 discloses a scanning condition setting device that sets scanning conditions used when scanning an object. The device includes: a selection device that has a plurality of combinations of scanning time and image quality and selects one combination from the plurality of combinations according to manipulation by an operator; and a scanning condition storage device that stores therein scanning conditions corresponding to the combination of scanning time and image quality. The scanning condition corresponding to the combination of scanning time and image quality selected by the selection device is set as the scanning condition used when scanning an object.

[0004] U.S. patent application publication US 2017 / 0156630 discloses a protocol optimization system configured to access a data repository containing a plurality of optimized protocol definitions based on an input of an optimized protocol definition to identify a scout MRI scan.

[0005] US patent publication US 2016 / 0231396 discloses an MRI apparatus arranged to suggest imaging parameters to bring SAR and PNS into permissible ranges. If the image parameter (value) is not permitted, a flag is set. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging system, a computer readable storage medium storing magnetic resonance data, and a medical imaging system in the independent claims. Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0007] A magnetic resonance imaging system typically has hard-coded values ​​for adjustable image acquisition parameters in an example pulse sequence of a magnetic resonance imaging protocol. An operator of the magnetic resonance imaging system is able to select a magnetic resonance imaging protocol and then modify the adjustable image acquisition parameters of the example pulse sequence. As described above, there are various standards or best practices to which the values ​​of the adjustable image acquisition parameters may be set. Generally, if the values ​​of the adjustable image acquisition parameters are set outside of an allowed or accepted range, the image should not be used for diagnosis.

[0008] Embodiments may provide a means of reducing the risk of accidentally using an image acquired with an adjustable image acquisition parameter that is outside of an acceptable range. Embodiments check whether the value of the adjustable image acquisition parameter is within a set of parameter ranges. The adjustable image acquisition parameter may have its own parameter range, and it may be possible to check whether the value of the adjustable image acquisition parameter is outside of its own parameter range.

[0009] If the adjustable image acquisition parameter is out of range, the magnetic resonance imaging system may provide a warning signal to alert the operator. The operator may then decide to continue the operation despite the warning signal, or take other measures (e.g., adjust the adjustable image acquisition parameter) to bring its value within its parameter range. If the operator decides to continue acquiring magnetic resonance data (even in the presence of the warning signal), the magnetic resonance data may be marked with a quality indicator.

[0010] In different examples, the quality indicator may take different forms. The quality indicator may be metadata inserted into the header of the magnetic resonance data. The quality indicator may also be data used to intentionally corrupt the data and / or provide a visible indicator.

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging system for acquiring magnetic resonance data of an object in an imaging zone. The magnetic resonance data used herein may refer to magnetic resonance imaging data or magnetic resonance k-space data. The magnetic resonance imaging system includes a memory for storing machine executable instructions. The memory also stores one or more pulse sequence components, and the one or more pulse sequence components are configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire the magnetic resonance data. Each pulse sequence component can also be considered as a description of a magnetic resonance imaging protocol. The pulse sequence component is data that describes the actions taken by the various components of the magnetic resonance imaging system as a function of time. The pulse sequence component can be converted into executable commands to control the components of the magnetic resonance imaging system before starting to acquire magnetic resonance data or during the acquisition of magnetic resonance data.

[0012] The memory also stores a set of parameter ranges. At least part of the parameter ranges are configurable by a user. For example, the parameter ranges may be stored in a file or memory so that they can be changed by a user. The one or more pulse sequence components are configured to have one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters. Adjustable image acquisition parameters are adjustable parameters that affect the acquisition method of magnetic resonance data. For example, this may include quantities such as repetition time, flip angle, or other parameters for modifying the pulse sequence. The adjustable image acquisition parameters may vary depending on the pulse sequence components. The set of parameter ranges includes a parameter range for each adjustable image acquisition parameter in one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters. In some cases, each adjustable image acquisition parameter in the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters is set to a default value.

[0013] The magnetic resonance imaging system also includes a processor configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system. Execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to receive configuration commands configured to set the adjustable image acquisition parameters of a pulse sequence component selected from the one or more pulse sequence components. They may be received, for example, via a user interface, or they may be received via other technical means (e.g., via a computer storage medium or over a network). Execution of the machine executable instructions also causes the processor to determine whether an out-of-range state exists by determining whether any of the configuration commands is outside the parameter range.

[0014] Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to perform the following operations: if the out-of-range condition exists, a warning signal is provided. The warning signal may be, for example, an audio signal or a visual signal, which is used to warn an operator of the magnetic resonance imaging system that the out-of-range condition exists. In some examples, the warning signal may be a dialog box provided on a user interface or a display. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to receive a scan state command from the user interface. This may be a response to providing the warning signal. The scan state command may be, for example, an instruction related to providing the warning signal.

[0015] Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to perform the following operations: if the scan status indicates that the out-of-range state is accepted, controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire the magnetic resonance data by using the pulse sequence component content and the configuration command. The configuration command and the pulse sequence component content can be used to generate executable commands for controlling components of the magnetic resonance imaging system before starting the acquisition or during the acquisition of magnetic resonance data.

[0016] The magnetic resonance imaging system is configured to acquire magnetic resonance data even if an out-of-range condition exists, provided that a scan state command is received and the scan state command indicates acceptance of the out-of-range condition. If the scan state does not indicate acceptance of the out-of-range condition, there are a variety of other responses. For example, a user may be prompted to further adjust the configuration command, or cancellation of the magnetic resonance imaging scan may be caused. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to mark the magnetic resonance data with a quality indicator. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to write the magnetic resonance data together with the quality indicator to a computer readable storage medium.

[0017] This embodiment may be beneficial because marking magnetic resonance data with a quality indicator may be useful for identifying whether the magnetic resonance data was acquired according to a particular quality standard or specification. For example, during a magnetic resonance imaging examination, pulse sequence parameters may change. The system may be able to check whether one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters are within parameter ranges before acquiring magnetic resonance data.

[0018] If all adjustable image acquisition parameters are not within their specific parameter ranges, the operator will receive a warning signal. The operator can then decide whether to accept the situation. If the situation is accepted, the magnetic resonance data will be marked with a quality indicator so that others who later examine the magnetic resonance data will not use properly acquired magnetic resonance data and potentially make an incorrect diagnosis. This can, for example, provide greater safety.

[0019] An advantage of this embodiment is that at least part of the parameter ranges are user configurable. In current systems, such ranges may not exist, or may be hardwired (e.g. incorporated into source code for the magnetic resonance imaging system). Making the parameter ranges user configurable enables the use or more fine-grained control of adjustable image acquisition parameters so that they meet certain safety and / or image quality requirements.

[0020] In another embodiment, the quality indicator is configured to cause a visible indicator in the magnetic resonance data. For example, the quality indicator may cause intentional corruption of the magnetic resonance data, or may cause a visible indicator (e.g., a mark or warning or obscuring of portions of the magnetic resonance data) to warn a healthcare professional who is reviewing the magnetic resonance data. This may, for example, be advantageous because it may prevent the inadvertent use of magnetic resonance data that was not acquired according to specific safety and / or image quality standards.

[0021] This embodiment may also have the additional benefit that the user may be forced to use appropriate software. For example, in many clinical situations, the so-called DICOM standard is used to store images. Various data may be contained within a specific DICOM header. One difficulty is that data with a DICOM header may simply be ignored. If DICOM viewing software from another vendor is used, or if older software is used, the software may not detect or alert the healthcare professional if a flag is set indicating that the image should not be used for diagnostic purposes. Causing a visible indicator may prevent misuse of the magnetic resonance data and may provide increased safety, for example, by eliminating the possibility of an erroneous diagnosis.

[0022] In another embodiment, the visible indicator is configured to perform any of the following operations: obscuring a portion of the magnetic resonance image data, placing a symbol in the magnetic resonance image data, placing a text message in the magnetic resonance image data, reversibly destroying the magnetic resonance data, and combinations thereof. This can be beneficial because, as described above, providing a visible indicator can provide a warning to a healthcare professional even when appropriate viewing software is not used.

[0023] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance k-space data. The magnetic resonance data is marked by writing the quality indicator to a predetermined location in k-space within the magnetic resonance data. Intentionally writing data into the k-space data may cause intentional corruption of the magnetic resonance image. This may prevent healthcare professionals from using unauthorized software to reconstruct magnetic resonance images based on the magnetic resonance k-space data.

[0024] In some examples of this, the magnetic resonance data may have a header, and instructions on how to retrieve or remove the quality indicator from the magnetic resonance k-space data may be included in the header.

[0025] In some examples, the magnetic resonance k-space data may be intentionally modified so that it has a recognizable watermark, such as text, symbols or geometric lines in the resulting magnetic resonance image.

[0026] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance image data. Magnetic resonance image data is data that can be used to directly render a magnetic resonance image.

[0027] In another embodiment, the quality indicator comprises watermark data, the watermark data being configured to generate a visible watermark. In this example, the visible indicator may be a visible watermark. The visible watermark may be constructed so that it is difficult to remove from the magnetic resonance image data. This may again provide a means for alerting a healthcare professional when a viewing program is used that is unable to detect the quality indicator. Various methods may be used to construct the visible watermark, for example wavelets, modification of specific pixels or other methods. The generation of a visible watermark may also be used to mask or render portions less readable. This may be used, for example, to force a healthcare professional to use a specific viewing program or software.

[0028] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance data includes a header. Execution of the machine executable instructions also causes the processor to write visible indicator removal data describing instructions on how to remove the visible indicator to the header. For example, if the visible indicator is a watermark, an image space or data that is intentionally added to the k-space to corrupt the k-space, the visible indicator removal data can be used to provide instructions on how to remove the visible indicator. In some examples, removing the corrupted k-space data or removing the watermark can involve a relatively complex or encrypted algorithm. The visible indicator removal data can be, for example, a secret key or data that can enable the removal of the visible indicator.

[0029] In another embodiment, the header is a DICOM header.

[0030] In another embodiment, the quality indicator comprises a rendering state for superimposing the magnetic resonance image.For example, the quality indicator can be constructed such that it can mask out parts of the image or provide a warning to a healthcare professional.

[0031] In another embodiment, execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to write a quality indicator to the header. The quality header describes whether any of the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters is outside of its parameter range. For example, in addition to providing a visible indicator on the pulse sequence component content, specific information about which of the adjustable image acquisition parameters are outside of the range can be explicitly placed in the header.

[0032] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance imaging system further comprises a display. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to display a parameter range change dialog box on the display. The parameter range change dialog box is configured to receive range change data describing a change in a predetermined range of the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters for a pulse sequence component selected from the one or more pulse sequence components. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to receive the range change data from the dialog box.

[0033] Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to modify the predetermined range for each of the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters using the range change data. This embodiment may be beneficial because it may provide a means of changing a set of parameter ranges that may typically be hardwired into source code of a system for operating a magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0034] An alternative to using a parameter range variation dialog box may be a text or other data file (eg, an XML file) that can be manually edited to change or adjust the set of parameter ranges.

[0035] In some embodiments, the display may also be used to provide a warning signal. For example, the warning signal may be provided in the form of a pop-up dialog box on the display or user interface.

[0036] In another embodiment, the adjustable parameter includes a pulse sequence component content identifier. Wherein the range change data includes a modified identifier. The parameter range change dialog box is configured to receive the modified identifier describing the change to the component content identifier. Execution of the machine executable instructions also causes the processor to receive the modified identifier from the parameter range change dialog box.

[0037] In another embodiment, a predetermined range for each of the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters may be stored in a configuration file.

[0038] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing magnetic resonance data. The magnetic resonance data is configured to be drawn as a magnetic resonance image or to be reconstructed into the magnetic resonance image. For example, the magnetic resonance data may be data stored in image space or k-space. The magnetic resonance data includes a quality indicator configured to cause a visible indicator in the magnetic resonance image. This may be used to warn a subject when the magnetic resonance data is not acquired according to specific safety and / or image quality standards.

[0039] In another embodiment the quality indicator describes whether image acquisition parameters used for acquiring the marked magnetic resonance data are outside of a parameter range.

[0040] In another embodiment, the visible indicator is configured to be removable from the magnetic resonance data.For example, the computer readable storage medium may store instructions in a header or other element for removing the quality indicator or suppressing the quality indicator.

[0041] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance k-space data. The quality indicator is stored in a predetermined position in k-space within the magnetic resonance data. The predetermined position may be, for example, a specific position in k-space, or may be a distributed position obtained according to the use of an algorithm. In this example, the quality indicator is used to intentionally corrupt the magnetic resonance k-space data.

[0042] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance image data. The quality indicator is configured to perform any of the following operations: masking a predefined portion of the magnetic resonance image data, placing a symbol in the magnetic resonance image data, placing a text message in the magnetic resonance image data, destroying at least a portion of the magnetic resonance data, placing a text message containing a pulse sequence constituent content identifier in the magnetic resonance data, and combinations thereof. This can be used to warn healthcare professionals, for example, when appropriate viewing software is not used or cannot be used.

[0043] In another embodiment, the quality indicator is data in the DICOM header or configuration of the presentation status.

[0044] In another embodiment, the quality indicator comprises watermark data, the watermark data being configured for inducing a visible watermark within the magnetic resonance image data.The advantages of this have been discussed previously.

[0045] In another embodiment, the magnetic resonance data comprises a header. The header comprises quality indicator removal data describing the removal of the watermark data from the header.

[0046] In another aspect, the present invention provides a medical imaging system comprising an imaging system memory and an imaging system processor. The imaging system memory stores machine executable instructions. Execution of the machine executable instructions causes the imaging system processor to receive magnetic resonance data, the magnetic resonance data being configured to be drawn as a magnetic resonance image or being configured to be reconstructed into the magnetic resonance image. The magnetic resonance data includes a quality indicator describing whether one or more of the pulse sequence modification commands used to acquire the magnetic resonance data are outside a predetermined range. The quality indicator is configured to cause a visible indicator in the magnetic resonance image. Execution of the machine executable instructions also causes the processor to calculate modified magnetic resonance data by removing the visible indicator from the magnetic resonance image.

[0047] Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to draw the magnetic resonance image without the visible indicator on a display using the modified magnetic resonance data. This may be beneficial as it may provide a means for a healthcare professional to view the image without the visible indicator. Additional functionality may also be included, such as automatically including a warning on a user interface, but which does not obscure or modify the magnetic resonance image.

[0048] In another embodiment, the modified magnetic resonance data is stored in a non-persistent memory. For example, after displaying the magnetic resonance image, the system may automatically delete the modified magnetic resonance data so that it is not stored in a modified form. This may, for example, prevent the visible indicator from being permanently stripped from the data.

[0049] In another aspect, the invention provides a computer readable storage medium comprising machine executable instructions executed by a processor controlling a magnetic resonance imaging system configured to acquire magnetic resonance data of a subject within an imaging zone.

[0050] The magnetic resonance imaging system includes a processor configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system. Execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to receive a configuration command, the configuration command being configured to set an adjustable image acquisition parameter of a pulse sequence component, the pulse sequence component being configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire magnetic resonance data according to a magnetic resonance imaging protocol. The computer readable storage medium also includes a memory, the memory further storing a set of parameter ranges. At least a portion of the parameter ranges are configurable by a user. The pulse sequence component is configured to have one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters. The set of parameter ranges includes parameter ranges for one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters. Execution of the machine executable instructions also causes the processor to determine whether an out-of-range state exists by determining whether any of the configuration commands in the configuration command is outside the parameter range.

[0051] Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to perform the following operations: if an out-of-range condition exists, providing a warning signal. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to receive a scan status command from a user interface. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to perform the following operations: if the scan status indicates an out-of-range condition is accepted, acquiring magnetic resonance data by controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system using the pulse sequence composition content and the configuration command. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to mark the magnetic resonance data with a quality indicator. Execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to write the magnetic resonance data together with the quality indicator to a computer readable storage medium.

[0052] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging system. The method includes receiving a configuration command configured to set an adjustable image acquisition parameter of a pulse sequence component. The pulse sequence component is configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire magnetic resonance data according to a magnetic resonance imaging protocol. A memory stores a set of parameter ranges. At least a portion of the parameter ranges are configurable by a user. The pulse sequence component is configured to have one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters. The set of parameter ranges includes parameter ranges for one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters.

[0053] The method further includes determining whether an out-of-range condition exists by determining whether any of the configuration commands is outside the parameter range. The method further includes providing a warning signal if an out-of-range condition exists. The method further includes receiving a scan status command from a user interface. The method further includes acquiring magnetic resonance data by controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system using the pulse sequence constituent content and the configuration command if the scan status indicates that an out-of-range condition is accepted. The method further includes marking the magnetic resonance data with a quality indicator. The method further includes writing the magnetic resonance data together with the quality indicator to a computer readable storage medium.

[0054] It should be understood that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention may be combined as long as the combined embodiments are not mutually exclusive.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that aspects of the present invention may be implemented as devices, methods, or computer program products. Therefore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment that combines software and hardware aspects, all of which are generally referred to herein as "circuits," "modules," or "systems." In addition, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented in one or more computer-readable media having a computer executable code implemented thereon.

[0056] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized. A computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, "computer-readable storage medium" encompasses any tangible storage medium that can store instructions that can be executed by a processor of a computing device. A computer-readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer-readable non-transient storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a tangible computer-readable medium. In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also store data that can be accessed by a processor of a computing device. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, floppy disks, magnetic hard disk drives, solid-state hard disks, flash memories, USB thumb drives, random access memories (RAM), read-only memories (ROM), optical disks, magneto-optical disks, and register files of processors. Examples of optical disks include compact disks (CDs) and digital versatile disks (DVDs), such as CD-ROMs, CD-RWs, CD-Rs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-RWs, or DVD-R disks. The term "computer-readable storage medium" also refers to various types of recording media that can be accessed by a computer device via a network or communication link. For example, data may be retrieved on a modem, on the Internet, or on a local area network. Computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0057] A computer readable signal medium may include, for example, a propagated data signal in which a computer executable code is implemented, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that is capable of conveying, propagating, or transmitting a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0058] "Computer memory" or "memory" is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer memory is any memory that can be directly accessed by a processor. "Computer storage" or "storage device" is another example of a computer-readable storage medium. A computer storage device is any non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, a computer storage device may also be computer memory, or vice versa.

[0059] As used herein, "processor" encompasses an electronic component capable of running a program or machine executable instructions or computer executable code. References to computing devices including "processors" should be interpreted as possibly including more than one processor or processing core. The processor may be, for example, a multi-core processor. The processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed between multiple computer systems. The term "computing device" should also be interpreted as possibly referring to a collection or network of multiple computing devices, each of which includes one or more processors. Computer executable code may be executed by multiple processors that may be within the same computing device or may even be distributed on multiple computing devices.

[0060] Computer executable code may include machine executable instructions or programs that cause a processor to perform an aspect of the present invention. Computer executable code for performing operations for various aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(e.g., Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc.) and conventional procedural programming languages ​​(e.g., "C" programming language or similar programming languages), and compiled into machine executable instructions. In some instances, the computer executable code may be in the form of a high-level language or in a precompiled form, and may be used in conjunction with an interpreter that generates machine executable instructions on the fly.

[0061] The computer executable code may run entirely on the user's computer as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter two scenarios, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0062] Various aspects of the present invention are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each frame or part of the frame of a flowchart, diagram and / or block diagram can be implemented by a computer program instruction in the form of computer executable code when appropriate. It should also be understood that when mutually non-exclusive, the frames in different flowcharts, diagrams and / or block diagrams can be combined. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of a computer or other programmable data processing device create a unit for implementing the function / action specified in one or more frames of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0063] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes instructions for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0064] The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions running on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagram blocks.

[0065] "User interface" used herein is an interface that allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system. "User interface" may also be referred to as a "human-machine interface device". A user interface may provide information or data to an operator and / or receive information or data from an operator. A user interface may enable the input from an operator to be received by the computer, and may provide output to a user from the computer. In other words, a user interface may allow an operator to control or manipulate a computer, and the interface may allow the computer to indicate the effect of the control or manipulation of the operator. The display of data or information on a display or graphical user interface is an example of providing information to an operator. Receiving data by a keyboard, mouse, tracking ball, touch pad, pointing stick, graphic input board, joystick, game controller, webcam, head mounted device, foot pedal, wired gloves, remote controller, and accelerometer is all examples of user interface components that enable receiving information or data from an operator.

[0066] "Hardware interface" as used herein encompasses an interface that enables a processor of a computer system to interact with and / or control an external computing device and / or apparatus. A hardware interface may allow a processor to send a control signal or instruction to an external computing device and / or apparatus. A hardware interface may also enable a processor to exchange data with an external computing device and / or apparatus. Examples of hardware interfaces include, but are not limited to, a universal serial bus, an IEEE 1394 port, a parallel port, an IEEE 1284 port, a serial port, an RS-232 port, an IEEE-488 port, a Bluetooth connection, a wireless LAN connection, a TCP / IP connection, an Ethernet connection, a control voltage interface, a MIDI interface, an analog input interface, and a digital input interface.

[0067] As used herein, a "display" or "display device" encompasses an output device or user interface suitable for displaying images or data. A display may output visual, auditory, and / or tactile data. Examples of displays include, but are not limited to: a computer monitor, a television screen, a touch screen, a tactile electronic display, a Braille screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a memory tube, a bi-stable display, an electronic paper, a vector display, a flat panel display, a vacuum fluorescent display (VF), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an electroluminescent display (ELD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode display (OLED), a projector, and a head mounted display.

[0068] Magnetic resonance k-space data is defined herein as measurements of radio frequency signals emitted by atomic spins recorded during a magnetic resonance imaging scan using the antenna of a magnetic resonance apparatus.

[0069] The magnetic resonance k-space data may be reconstructed into magnetic resonance image data. The magnetic resonance image data may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data that can be drawn as an image. The magnetic resonance image data may also be referred to as a magnetic resonance image or MR image.

[0070] The term magnetic resonance data as used herein refers to magnetic resonance k-space data or magnetic resonance image data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0071] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1 An example of a magnetic resonance imaging system is illustrated;

[0073] Figure 2 An example of a dialog box is shown;

[0074] Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation Figure 1 A flow chart of a method of a magnetic resonance imaging system;

[0075] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 Additional views of a magnetic resonance imaging system;

[0076] Figure 5 illustrates another example of a dialog box;

[0077] Figure 6 The diagram shows the operation Figure 4 A flow chart of a method of a magnetic resonance imaging system;

[0078] Figure 7 An example of a sampling pattern for magnetic resonance k-space data is illustrated;

[0079] Figure 8 A representation of magnetic resonance imaging data is shown;

[0080] Fig. 9 A representation of magnetic resonance imaging data with an example of a visible indicator is shown;

[0081] Fig.10 shows representations of magnetic resonance imaging data with further examples of visible indicators;

[0082] Fig.11 shows representations of magnetic resonance imaging data with further examples of visible indicators;

[0083] Fig.12 An example of a medical imaging system is illustrated;

[0084] Fig.13 The diagram shows the operation Fig.12 A flowchart of an example of a method of a medical imaging system;

[0085] Fig.14 shows a graphical representation of a DICOM file; and

[0086] Fig.15 A further graphical representation of a DICOM file is shown.

[0087] Reference numerals list

[0088] 100 Magnetic Resonance Imaging System

[0089] 104 Magnet

[0090] 106 Magnet bore

[0091] 108 Imaging Area

[0092] 109 Areas of Interest

[0093] 110 Magnetic field gradient coil

[0094] 112 Magnetic field gradient coil power supply

[0095] 114 RF Coil

[0096] 116 Transceiver

[0097] 118 Objects

[0098] 120 Object Support

[0099] 126 Computer Systems

[0100] 126' Computer Systems

[0101] 128 Hardware Interface

[0102] 128' Network interface

[0103] 130 processors

[0104] 130' Processor

[0105] 132 User Interface

[0106] 132' User Interface

[0107] 134 Computer memory

[0108] 134' Computer Memory

[0109] 140 machine executable instructions

[0110] 142 Pulse sequence composition

[0111] 144 Magnetic resonance k-space data

[0112] 146 Magnetic Resonance Image Data

[0113] 148 adjustable image acquisition parameters

[0114] 150 A collection of default parameter ranges

[0115] 152 Configuration Commands

[0116] 154 Warning signal module

[0117] 156 Scan Status Command

[0118] 158 Quality indicators

[0119] 200 Warning dialog

[0120] 202 Warning

[0121] 204 Reject

[0122] 206 Continue

[0123] 300 receiving a configuration command, the configuration command being configured to set an adjustable image acquisition parameter constituting a pulse sequence content

[0124] 302 Determine if an out-of-range condition exists by determining if any of the configuration commands are outside the parameter range.

[0125] 304 Provides a warning signal if an out-of-range condition exists

[0126] 306 Receive scan status command from user interface

[0127] 308 If the scan status indicates an out-of-acceptance state, acquire magnetic resonance data by controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system using the pulse sequence configuration content and the configuration command.

[0128] 310 Using quality indicators to label magnetic resonance data

[0129] 312 Writing the magnetic resonance data together with the quality indicator to a computer readable storage medium

[0130] 400 Parameter range change dialog module

[0131] 402 Range Change Data

[0132] 500 Parameter Range Change Dialog Box

[0133] 502 Reject

[0134] 504 Continue

[0135] 506 Adjustable image acquisition parameters

[0136] 508 Box for entering parameter range

[0137] 600 Display parameter range change dialog on the display

[0138] 602 Receive range change data from parameter range change dialog box

[0139] 604 Using the range change data to modify a predetermined range for each of the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters

[0140] 700 k x

[0141] 702 k y

[0142] 704 Data lines in k-space

[0143] 900 Visible indicator for partially occluded images

[0144] 1000 Symbols used as visible indicators

[0145] 1100 Text used as a visible indicator

[0146] 1200 Medical Imaging Systems

[0147] 1202 Machine executable instructions

[0148] 1204 Labeled MRI data

[0149] 1206 Modified MRI Data

[0150] 1208 Dialog Box

[0151] 1210 Warning message

[0152] 1212 Plotting modified MRI data

[0153] 1300 Receive magnetic resonance data, the magnetic resonance data being configured to be rendered as a magnetic resonance image or configured to be reconstructed into a magnetic resonance image

[0154] 1302 Computing modified magnetic resonance data by removing visible indicators from the magnetic resonance image

[0155] 1304 Drawing a magnetic resonance image without a visible indicator on a display using the modified magnetic resonance data

[0156] 1400 DICOM files

[0157] 1402 Magnetic Resonance Data

[0158] 1404 Header

[0159] 1406 Presentation Status

[0160] 1500 DICOM files

[0161] 1502 Magnetic Resonance Data with Watermark

[0162] 1504 Watermark removal data DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0163] In these figures, elements with the same reference numerals are either equivalent elements or perform the same function. Elements discussed previously need not be discussed again in subsequent figures if the function is the same.

[0164] Figure 1An example of a magnetic resonance imaging system 100 with a magnet 104 is shown. The magnet 104 is a superconducting cylindrical type magnet with a bore 106 passing through it. Different types of magnets can also be used; for example, split cylindrical magnets and so-called open magnets can also be used. Split cylindrical magnets are similar to standard cylindrical magnets, except that the cryostat has been divided into two parts to allow access to the isoplane of the magnet, such magnets can be used in conjunction with charged particle beam therapy, for example. Open magnets have two magnet parts, one above the other, with a space between the two magnets sufficient to accommodate the subject: the area arrangement of the two parts is similar to a Helmholtz coil. Open magnets are popular because the subject is less constrained. Inside the cryostat of the cylindrical magnet there is a collection of superconducting coils. Within the bore 106 of the cylindrical magnet 104 there is an imaging zone 108, in which the magnetic field is strong and uniform enough to perform magnetic resonance imaging. Within the imaging zone 108 a region of interest 109 is shown. The magnetic resonance data is typically acquired for a region of interest. An object 118 is shown supported by an object support 120 such that at least a portion of the object 118 is within the imaging zone 108 and the region of interest 109.

[0165] Also within the bore 106 of the magnet is a collection of magnetic field gradient coils 110 for acquiring preliminary magnetic resonance data to spatially encode magnetic spins within the imaging zone 108 of the magnet 104. The magnetic field gradient coils 110 are connected to a magnetic field gradient coil power supply 112. The magnetic field gradient coils 110 are intended to be representative. Typically, the magnetic field gradient coils 110 include three independent coil sets, which are used to perform spatial encoding in three orthogonal spatial directions. The magnetic field gradient power supply supplies current to the magnetic field gradient coils. The current supplied to the magnetic field gradient coils 110 is controlled according to time and can be ramped or pulsed.

[0166] Adjacent to the imaging zone 108 is a radio frequency coil 114 for manipulating the orientation of magnetic spins within the imaging zone 108 and for receiving radio transmissions from spins also within the imaging zone 108. The radio frequency antenna may contain multiple coil elements. The radio frequency antenna may also be referred to as a channel or antenna. The radio frequency coil 114 is connected to a radio frequency transceiver 116. The radio frequency coil 114 and the radio frequency transceiver 116 may be replaced by separate transmit and receive coils and separate transmitters and receivers. It should be understood that the radio frequency coil 114 and the radio frequency transceiver 116 are representative. The radio frequency coil 114 is also intended to represent a dedicated transmit antenna and a dedicated receive antenna. Similarly, the transceiver 116 may also represent a separate transmitter and receiver. The radio frequency coil 114 may also have multiple receive / transmit elements, and the radio frequency transceiver 116 may have multiple receive / transmit channels. For example, if a parallel imaging technique such as SENSE is performed, the radio frequency tank 114 will have multiple coil elements.

[0167] The transceiver 116 and the gradient controller 112 are shown as being connected to a hardware interface 128 of a computer system 126. The computer system also includes a processor 130, a memory 134, and a user interface 132 in communication with the hardware system 128. The memory 134 can be any combination of memory accessible to the processor 130. This can include, for example, main memory, cache memory, and non-volatile memory such as flash RAM, a hard drive, or other storage device. In some examples, the memory 134 can be considered a non-transitory computer readable medium.

[0168] The memory 134 is shown as containing machine executable instructions 140. The machine executable instructions 140 enable the processor 130 to control the operation and functions of the magnetic resonance imaging system 100. The machine executable instructions 140 may also enable the processor 130 to perform various data analysis and calculation functions. The computer memory 134 is also shown as containing pulse sequence components 142. The pulse sequence components are configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 to acquire magnetic resonance data from the object 118 according to the magnetic resonance imaging protocol. The pulse sequence components can be regarded as an implementation of the pulse sequence. The memory 134 is also shown as containing magnetic resonance k-space data 144 acquired by running the pulse sequence components 142. The memory 134 is also shown as containing magnetic resonance image data 146. The magnetic resonance k-space data 144 and the magnetic resonance image data 146 are both forms of magnetic resonance data. The magnetic resonance image data 146 is a reconstruction result of data that can be drawn into an image based on the magnetic resonance k-space data 144.

[0169] The memory 134 is also shown as containing adjustable image acquisition parameters 148. The adjustable image acquisition parameters 148 are values ​​or configuration data that can be used to modify or control the pulse sequence component content 142. The memory 134 is also shown as containing a set of parameter ranges 150. The set of parameter ranges 150 is a parameter range that indicates the allowed values ​​or value ranges that the adjustable image acquisition parameters 148 can take. The memory 134 is also shown as containing configuration commands 152. The configuration commands 152 are commands received to set or adjust the values ​​of the adjustable image acquisition parameters 148.

[0170] The memory 134 is also shown to include a warning signal module 154 that can generate a warning signal when the configuration command 152 sets the value of the adjustable image acquisition parameter 148 to a value outside the range allowed by the set of parameter ranges 150. Even in the case where the warning signal module 154 generates a warning signal, the operator can still choose to acquire magnetic resonance k-space data 144. The user interface 132 can be used to provide a scan state command 156. The scan state command 156 can indicate acceptance of the out-of-range state. If this is the case, the processor 130 continues to operate and control the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 to acquire magnetic resonance k-space data 144 using the pulse sequence component content 142. After this occurs, a marker is attached to the magnetic resonance k-space data 144 or the magnetic resonance image data. The marker is a quality indicator 158.

[0171] The quality indicators 158 describe the adjustable image acquisition parameters 148. For example, the quality indicators 158 may list values ​​for the adjustable image acquisition parameters, and / or the quality indicators may indicate which adjustable image acquisition parameters are outside of the set 150 of parameter ranges.

[0172] Figure 2 An example of a warning dialog box 200 is illustrated. The warning dialog box 200 is an example of a signal generated by the warning signal module 154. The warning dialog box 200 may provide a warning indicating that one or more scan parameters are out of range. The warning dialog box 200 may then provide several controls to enable the operator to make a selection. In this example, there is a reject button 204 and a continue button 206. When the reject button 204 is pressed or selected, the acquisition of magnetic resonance data may be canceled, or it may prompt the user to correct some values ​​that are out of range. When the continue button 206 is pressed or selected, the machine executable instructions may be caused to acquire magnetic resonance data 144 by controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system using the pulse sequence component 142.

[0173] Figure 3 The diagram shows the operation Figure 1Flow chart of the method of the magnetic resonance imaging system shown in FIG. First, in step 300, a configuration command 152 is received. Next, in step 302, it is determined whether there is an out-of-range state by determining whether any configuration command in the configuration command 152 is outside the associated parameter range of the set 150 of parameter ranges. Then in step 306, a scan state command 156 is received. The scan state command can indicate acceptance or rejection of the out-of-range state. Next, in step 308, if the scan state indicates acceptance of the out-of-range state, the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 is controlled by using the pulse sequence component content 142 to make the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 acquire magnetic resonance k-space data 144.

[0174] Next, in step 310, the magnetic resonance data, which will be the magnetic resonance k-space data 144 or the magnetic resonance image data 146, is marked with a quality indicator 158. The magnetic resonance data 144 or 146 is then written to the computer-readable storage medium 134 along with the quality indicator 158. The magnetic resonance data 144 or 146 may be in different forms, for example, the magnetic resonance data 144, 146 may be encapsulated in a DICOM file.

[0175] Figure 4 Shown from Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a further view of a magnetic resonance imaging system 100 of FIG. 1 . Several additional software components are shown in the computer memory 134. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the user interface 134 includes a display. The memory 134 is shown as additionally containing a parameter range change dialog module 400. The software module 400 enables the processor 130 to draw and control a parameter range change dialog on the display 132. The processor can receive range change data 402 from the parameter range change dialog 400.

[0176] Figure 5 An example of a parameter range change dialog box 500 is illustrated. The exemplary parameter range change dialog box 500 has multiple controls. There is a reject button 502 and a continue button 504. When the reject button 502 is pressed, any changes made in the dialog box 500 will be ignored. When the continue button 504 is pressed, it sends the range change data 402 to the processor 130. In this example, multiple adjustable image acquisition parameters 506 are listed. In this example, these adjustable image acquisition parameters are echo time te, repetition time gr, and flip angle. The adjustable image acquisition parameters 506 will vary depending on the specific type of magnetic resonance imaging protocol. For each adjustable image acquisition parameter in the adjustable image acquisition parameters 506, there are multiple boxes 508 for entering parameter ranges. In other examples, sliders or other controls may also be used.

[0177] Figure 6 The diagram shows the operation as Figure 4 Flow chart of the method of the magnetic resonance imaging system 100 shown in FIG. First, in step 600, a parameter range change dialog box 500 is displayed on the display of the user interface 132. Next, in step 602, range change data 402 is received from the parameter range change dialog box 500. Next, in step 604, the range change data 402 is used to modify the predetermined range for each adjustable image acquisition parameter in one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters. The range change data 402 is used to modify the set 150 of parameter ranges. There are technical means to limit access to the parameter range change dialog box 500. For example, a password or encryption key can be used to protect access to the parameter range change dialog box. This can, for example, be used to limit access to the parameter range change dialog box to qualified experts and prevent regular operators from changing the parameter range.

[0178] Figure 7 An example of magnetic resonance k-space data 144 is illustrated. The magnetic resonance k-space data 144 is an example of magnetic resonance data. Figure 7 The example in FIG. 7 shows a straight line sampling mode. For example, axis 700 may represent k x , and axis 702 may represent k y . Line 704 indicates the sampling pattern. The magnetic resonance k-space data 144 has been labeled with a quality indicator 158. The quality indicator 158 is additional data that has been inserted into the k-space. In this example, the quality indicator 158 is positioned in a k-space region of higher value than the k-space samples 704. In other examples, the quality indicator may be, for example, interlaced with the lines 704 or between two of the lines 704. The presence of the quality indicator 158 in the k-space data 144 may have the effect of corrupting or partially corrupting any magnetic resonance image reconstructed from the magnetic resonance k-space data 144.

[0179] A dedicated program used to view or reconstruct images from the magnetic resonance k-space data 144 can remove the quality indicator 158. For example, the quality indicator 158 can be placed in a standard location in k-space, or a header or other metadata accompanying the magnetic resonance k-space data can indicate the location of the quality indicator 158 and how to remove it. In other examples, the quality indicator 158 can be added by using an algorithm and assigning data. For example, assigning data 158 can be used to add data that will cause a specific geometric artifact or indicator to be present in any resulting magnetic resonance image. Such functionality can be described below. Fig.12 implemented in medical imaging systems.

[0180] Figure 8Shown is a representation of magnetic resonance image data 146. The magnetic resonance image data 146 may, for example, be a two-dimensional or three-dimensional data set. Figure 8 The example in shows essentially a rendering or a representation of a rendering of magnetic resonance image data 146 .

[0181] Fig. 9 An example of a visible indicator 900 is shown. Fig. 9 The same representation of the magnetic resonance image data 146 is shown, but in this case the image 146 also contains a visible indicator 900 which partially obscures the image 146. The visible indicator 900 may, for example, be implemented as a presentation status or a watermark.

[0182] Fig.10 Another example of a visible indicator 1000 is illustrated. Fig.10 1000. A representation of magnetic resonance image data 146 is again shown in . A large X-like structure is superimposed on the image 146, which is intended to represent a symbol 1000 that has been used as a visible indicator. This symbol 1000 may again be implemented, for example, by using a presentation state in a DICOM file, or may also be implemented as a watermark.

[0183] Fig.11 A further example of a visible indicator 1100 is illustrated. In this example again a representation of magnetic resonance image data 146 is shown. Also shown is text 1100 superimposed on the image 146. If the image 146 is in a DICOM file, the superimposed text 1100 may be implemented, for example, as a presentation state, or, for example, as a watermark. Fig.11 The text 1100 shown is for example only. The text message 1100 can be changed to provide specific details to the viewer. For example, the text message can display a message such as "Deviation from consistent protocol NAME / ID", where NAME / ID is the specific name and identifier of the magnetic resonance imaging protocol.

[0184] Fig.12 An example of a medical imaging system 1200 is illustrated. The medical imaging system includes a computer system 126'. The computer system 126' includes a processor 130' in communication with a network interface 128', a user interface 132', and a computer memory 134'. The computer memory 134' may be, for example, a non-persistent memory. The computer memory 134' is shown as containing machine executable instructions 1202. The machine executable instructions 1202 enable the processor 130' to perform various data processing and imaging tasks. The memory 134' is also shown as containing labeled magnetic resonance data 1204.

[0185] The marked magnetic resonance data 1204 may be, for example, images or k-space data, which may be packaged in a DICOM file. The memory 134' is also shown as containing modified magnetic resonance data 1206 from which the markers have been removed. In this case, the markers are configured to cause a change in the magnetic resonance image such as in Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 The user interface 132' may, for example, include a display. A dialog box 1208 may be shown on the display, which shows the rendering result of the modified magnetic resonance data 1212. It can be seen that the rendering result 1212 does not have the quality indicator as shown in Fig. 9 , Fig.10 or Fig.11 For example, a warning 1210 may be displayed on the dialog box 1208. When the warning 1210 is displayed, a visible indicator need not be shown on the drawing result 1212.

[0186] Fig.13 The diagram shows the operation Fig.12 1300 , magnetic resonance data 1204 is received. The magnetic resonance data 1204 is configured to be drawn as a magnetic resonance image 1212 or to be reconstructed into a magnetic resonance image 1212. The magnetic resonance image includes a quality indicator describing whether one or more of the pulse sequence modification commands used to acquire the magnetic resonance data are outside a parameter range. Fig. 9 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 An example of a visible indicator is shown in The quality indicator is configured to cause the visible indicator in the magnetic resonance image 1212. Next in step 1302, modified magnetic resonance data 1206 is calculated by removing the visible indicator from the magnetic resonance image.

[0187] Next, in step 1304, a magnetic resonance image 1212 without the visible indicator is drawn on the display 132' using the modified magnetic resonance data 1206. Depending on the manner in which the visible indicator is implemented, different means may be used to remove the visible indicator. For example, if the visible indicator is a presentation state, the machine executable instructions may cause the presentation state to be disabled or removed. In other cases, if the visible indicator is a watermark, an algorithm for reversing the addition of the watermark may be run. In some examples, metadata or file headers may be used to provide information that may be used to remove the watermark.

[0188] In some examples, there may be an additional state to delete the modified magnetic resonance data 1206 whenever the dialog box 1208 is closed. This may, for example, prevent the propagation of the modified magnetic resonance data 1206 without a quality indicator.

[0189] Fig.14 An image representing the structure of a DICOM file 1400 is shown. The DICOM file 1400 may include magnetic resonance data 1402 in the form of raw k-space data or magnetic resonance data 1402 that has been reconstructed in image space. The magnetic resonance data 1402 is marked with a quality indicator 158. In this case, the quality indicator 158 is a rendering status 1406 included in a header 1404. When a magnetic resonance image is rendered from the magnetic resonance data 1402, the rendering status 1406 may cause a visible indicator.

[0190] Fig.15 A further example of the structure of a DICOM file 1500 is illustrated. In this example, there is magnetic resonance data 1502 which is an image space and has been watermarked. Thus, the quality indicator 158 is at least partly part of the magnetic resonance data 1502. Within the header 1404 of the DICOM file 1500 is watermark removal data 1504. The watermark removal data 1504 is data that can be used to remove the watermark from the magnetic resonance data 1502 before rendering.

[0191] The power of MRI technology lies in the flexibility and variability of parameter space in MRI pulse sequences and protocols. When moving towards accurate and reproducible images, and particularly for quantitative techniques related to establishing a baseline that has been established in a population study, a standardized sequence that is subject to a certain level of quality control will usually be followed. In practice, this will limit the flexibility of the sequence parameter space or hinder the image data from multiple sequences in the protocol to ensure that they are consistent with the image data for the baseline method that has been established.

[0192] Examples may provide a more specific (user) configurable and extensible approach to support quality control of MR sequences, complying with consensus recommendations from professional groups, agreed requirements on allowable parameter ranges between vendors of processing software and MR sequence developers, or diagnostic standards developed locally in a hospital (or hospital chain).

[0193] The method may include one or more of the following features or steps:

[0194] Set applicable qualified parameter ranges consistent with the required quality control conditions (note: exploration of parameter space outside the ranges is allowed, but will (only) invalidate sequence classification and identification)

[0195] It is up to an authenticated expert user to define qualified identification elements. An example of such a qualifier is a free-form string.

[0196] Before a run, show qualifications at the sequence or protocol level,

[0197] The image series is enhanced with a defined qualifier string. This can be prepended to the series name and / or added to the Extra Data element in the DICOM header.

[0198] The interpretation of the qualifiers is performed at the receiving software (post-processing).

[0199] In some examples, the image processing software or workstation may notify the user if non-conforming data is received.

[0200] Regulatory approval is sometimes limited to the ability to evaluate within a certain range of acquisition / sequence parameters. Exceeding this range may invalidate the “CE Mark” or other regulatory approval for a particular biomarker.

[0201] Nevertheless, such flexibility may be desired or needed from a medical practice perspective (adjusting for special patient needs) or to support research. For example, the examples would be very useful in modifying adjustable image acquisition parameters in the following situations:

[0202] a. Amide proton transfer imaging for gliomas: requires predefined settings for several parameters, such as B1+rms, labeling duration, readout sequence (TSE train, TE), number of offset frequencies, and main offset.

[0203] Alternative settings may be useful for other pathological conditions (stroke) or for detecting other exchangeable proton groups, but will invalidate the final image.

[0204] Allowable parameter ranges are defined so that the output color image / range meets the sensitivity / specificity requirements in the scientific literature and enables the setting of attached markers.

[0205] b.T1 MOLLI: Several protocols exist regarding inversion time and number of heartbeats.

[0206] c. Quantitative ASL: The inversion RF labeling efficiency (B1+rms and labeling duration) as well as the inflow reversal time and the number of such settings are critical.

[0207] d.DIXON and DIXON Quant: The first and second TE values ​​are critical to ensure adequate water / fat separation.

[0208] Examples are also useful in notifying the user that sequence parameter settings are out of bounds when modifying them. Some specific examples include:

[0209] a. Brain volume analysis: requires a specific T1-weighted TFE protocol with a certain resolution / TE / TR and allowed SENSE value. Image contrast is crucial for the segmentation and volume determination of cortical structures.

[0210] b. Synthetic MR: requires a series of specific TE / TR / TI values ​​and dynamic scanning times for accurate processing.

[0211] c. MR elastography: requires several settings of the motion encoding gradients (frequency, amplitude, direction) to correlate the processing results with the scientific literature.

[0212] Other settings may also be useful for clinical research but will result in data that do not meet sensitivity and specificity requirements.

[0213] d.7D Flow / Vascular compliance assessment requires data acquired using narrow range flow encoding gradient settings.

[0214] The examples are also useful for improving the diagnostic confidence of hospitals, where medical professionals will establish MR sequences with preferred parameter settings. A certain range of variability will be allowed for resolution and TE / TR parameters. When this range is exceeded, the data will be disqualified or contain a warning message.

[0215] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0216] Those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure and the claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "one" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can implement the functions of several items recorded in the claims. Although certain measures are recorded in mutually different dependent claims, this does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, for example, an optical storage medium or solid-state medium supplied together with other hardware or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, for example, via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference numerals in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance imaging system (100) for acquiring magnetic resonance data (144, 146) of a subject (118) within an imaging zone (108), wherein: The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises: a memory (134) for storing machine executable instructions (140), wherein the memory stores one or more pulse sequence components (142), the one or more pulse sequence components being configured for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire the magnetic resonance data, wherein the memory further stores a set of parameter ranges (150) for each of the one or more pulse sequence components, wherein at least a portion of the set of parameter ranges is user configurable, wherein the one or more pulse sequence components are configured for having one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters (506) set to default values, wherein the set of parameter ranges includes parameter ranges for the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters; and A processor (130) configured to control the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to: receiving (300) a configuration command (152) configured to set the adjustable image acquisition parameter of a pulse sequence component selected from the one or more pulse sequence components; determining (302) whether an out-of-range condition exists by determining whether any of the configuration commands is outside the parameter range; If the out-of-range condition exists, providing (304) a warning signal (200); receiving (306) a scan status command (156) from a user interface (132); If the scan status indicates acceptance of the out-of-range status, controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system to acquire (308) the magnetic resonance data by using the pulse sequence composition content and the configuration command; marking (310) the magnetic resonance data with a quality indicator (158) describing which of the adjustable image acquisition parameters (506) are outside the set of parameter ranges; and The magnetic resonance data is written (312) to a computer-readable storage medium along with the quality indicator.

2. The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 1, wherein: The quality indicator is configured to cause a visible indicator (900, 1000, 1100) in the magnetic resonance data.

3. The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 2, wherein: The visible indicator is configured to perform any of the following operations: obscuring a portion of the magnetic resonance image data (900), placing a symbol in the magnetic resonance image data (1000), placing a text message (1100) in the magnetic resonance image data, placing a text message including an identifier of the pulse sequence component content, reversibly destroying the magnetic resonance data, changing the file name of the magnetic resonance image data, and combinations thereof.

4. The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance k-space data (144), wherein the magnetic resonance data is marked by writing the quality indicator to a predetermined position (158) in k-space within the magnetic resonance data.

5. The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein: The magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance image data (146).

6. The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 5, wherein: The quality indicator comprises watermark data configured to generate a visible watermark (900, 1000, 1100).

7. The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 6, wherein: The magnetic resonance data includes a header (1404), wherein execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to write watermark removal data (1504) describing removal of the visible watermark into the header.

8. A magnetic resonance imaging system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The magnetic resonance imaging system also includes a display (132); wherein execution of the machine executable instructions further causes the processor to: displaying (600) a parameter range change dialog box (400) on the display, wherein the parameter range change dialog box is configured to receive range change data describing a change in the parameter range for the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters; receiving (602) the range change data from the parameter range change dialog box; and The predetermined range for each of the one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters is modified ( 604 ) using the range change data.

9. A computer-readable storage medium (134') storing magnetic resonance data (1204), wherein: The magnetic resonance data is configured to be rendered as a magnetic resonance image (146) or to be reconstructed into the magnetic resonance image, the magnetic resonance data being acquired using one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters outside a set of parameter ranges, wherein the magnetic resonance data comprises a quality indicator describing which of the adjustable image acquisition parameters (506) are outside the set of parameter ranges, the quality indicator being configured to cause a visible indicator (900, 1000, 1100) in the magnetic resonance image.

10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein: The magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance k-space data (144), wherein the quality indicator is stored in a predetermined location (158) in k-space within the magnetic resonance data.

11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein: The magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance image data (146), wherein the quality indicator is configured to perform any of the following operations: masking (900) portions of the magnetic resonance image data, placing symbols (1000) in the magnetic resonance image data, placing text messages (1100) in the magnetic resonance image data, reversibly corrupting the magnetic resonance data, and combinations thereof.

12. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein: The quality indicator comprises watermark data configured to induce a visible watermark (900, 1000, 1100) within the magnetic resonance image data.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein: The magnetic resonance data includes a header (1404), wherein the header includes watermark removal data (1504) describing removal of the visible watermark from the header.

14. A medical imaging system (1200), comprising an imaging system memory (134') and an imaging system processor (130'), wherein: The imaging system memory stores machine executable instructions (1202), wherein execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to: receiving (1300) marked magnetic resonance data (1204), the marked magnetic resonance data being configured for rendering as a magnetic resonance image (1212) or for being reconstructed into the magnetic resonance image, the magnetic resonance data being acquired using one or more adjustable image acquisition parameters outside a set of parameter ranges, wherein the magnetic resonance data comprises a quality indicator describing whether one or more of pulse sequence modification commands used to acquire the magnetic resonance data are outside the parameter ranges, the quality indicator describing which of the adjustable image acquisition parameters (506) are outside the set of parameter ranges, wherein the quality indicator is configured for causing a visible indicator (900, 1000, 1100) in the magnetic resonance image; calculating (1302) modified magnetic resonance data (1206) by removing the visible indicator from the magnetic resonance image; and The magnetic resonance image without the visible indicator is rendered (1304) on a display using the modified magnetic resonance data.

15. The medical imaging system of claim 14, wherein: The modified magnetic resonance data is stored in a non-persistent memory (134').

Images