Measuring device, detecting device and measuring method

Abstract

Provided are a measuring method, a detection device and a measuring device, the measuring device comprising: a deflection magnetic field applying unit, a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, a calculation unit and an image information output unit, the deflection magnetic field applying unit applying a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and a second direction different from a first direction as a magnetic field direction of the earth's magnetism to a part of a measuring object via a coil; the plurality of magnetic field detection elements being arranged around the measuring object, respectively detecting the magnitude of a magnetic field based on electromagnetic waves generated and propagated in a part of the measuring object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field; the calculation unit calculating the impedance distribution of at least a part of the area inside the measuring object to which the electromagnetic waves propagate based on the detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements; the image information output unit generating and outputting an image representing information on the inside of the measuring object based on the impedance distribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device, a detection device and a measuring method for measuring internal information of a measuring object. Background Art

[0002] A magnetic resonance imaging method (MRI) is known that utilizes the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon to output information on the inside of a living body as a tomographic image. Also known is a small and highly sensitive magnetic sensor (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6506466

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 5839527 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] MRI applies a static magnetic field to the organism as the measurement object from the outside, so that the organism is macroscopically magnetized. As a result, the atoms constituting the organism undergo precession motion. Therefore, when a pulse of an electromagnetic wave having a frequency consistent with the Larmor frequency of the precession motion is irradiated, resonance occurs, and the rotation speed of the precession motion changes (nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon). Moreover, when the pulse irradiation of the electromagnetic wave is stopped, the precession motion of the atoms returns to the equilibrium state. Since the process until the equilibrium state is restored (relaxation phenomenon) varies from atom to atom, MRI generates the difference of this relaxation phenomenon as an image and outputs the image as a tomographic image of the organism.

[0009] Thus, in MRI, the relaxation phenomenon is observed until the precession motion of atoms returns to the equilibrium state, so at least the relaxation time must pass before the measurement result can be output. On the other hand, in order to detect abnormalities in a living body, it is desired to obtain multiple tomographic images at different positions of the living body for judgment. Even if only a part of the living body is judged to be normal or abnormal, it sometimes takes several tens of minutes to more than 1 hour to measure.

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has been completed in view of the above-mentioned aspects, and an object of the present invention is to obtain internal information of a living body at high speed with a simple structure.

[0011] Means of solving problems

[0012] In a first aspect of the present invention, a measuring device is provided, which includes: a deflection magnetic field applying unit, a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, a calculation unit and an image information output unit; the deflection magnetic field applying unit applies a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and a second direction different from a first direction as a magnetic field direction of the geomagnetic field to a part of the measuring object via a coil; the plurality of magnetic field detection elements are arranged around the measuring object, and respectively detect the magnitude of a magnetic field based on an electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a part of the measuring object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field; the calculation unit calculates the impedance distribution of at least a part of the interior of the measuring object and the area to which the electromagnetic wave propagates based on the detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements; and the image information output unit generates and outputs an image representing information on the interior of the measuring object based on the impedance distribution.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, a measuring device is provided, which includes: a static magnetic field applying unit, a deflection magnetic field applying unit, a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, a calculation unit and an image information output unit; the static magnetic field applying unit applies a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to the measuring object; the deflection magnetic field applying unit applies a deflection magnetic field of a second direction different from the first direction and having a predetermined frequency to a part of the measuring object via a coil; the plurality of magnetic field detection elements are arranged around the measuring object, and respectively detect the magnitude of a magnetic field based on electromagnetic waves generated and propagated in a part of the measuring object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field; the calculation unit calculates the impedance distribution of at least a part of the interior of the measuring object and the area to which the electromagnetic waves propagate based on the detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements; and the image information output unit generates and outputs an image representing information on the interior of the measuring object based on the impedance distribution.

[0014] The static magnetic field applying unit may be provided so as to be able to change the magnitude of the static magnetic field applied to the measurement object, and the calculating unit may calculate the impedance distribution for each magnitude of the static magnetic field.

[0015] The measuring device may further include a relaxation detection element that detects a relaxation phenomenon of the electromagnetic wave generated in a part of the measuring object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field, and an MR image generating unit that generates and outputs a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the inside of the measuring object based on the detection result of the relaxation detection element. The measuring device may further include a determining unit that determines a part of the inside of the measuring object for which a magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on one or more images that are generated by the image information output unit and represent information on the inside of the measuring object.

[0016] The deflection magnetic field applying unit may include a plurality of magnetic field generating coils, and may apply a plurality of the deflection magnetic fields directed in a plurality of directions different from the first direction toward a portion of the measurement object.

[0017] The measuring device may further include a carrying part and a moving part, wherein the carrying part has a ring shape or a part of a ring surrounding the measuring object and carries a plurality of the deflection magnetic field application parts, and the moving part moves the carrying part in a predetermined direction while maintaining the direction of the deflection magnetic field generated by the plurality of the deflection magnetic field application parts relative to the measuring object.

[0018] The mounting portion may mount at least a part of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements.

[0019] In a third aspect of the present invention, a detection device is provided, which is arranged in an MR image measuring device, and the MR image measuring device includes: a static magnetic field applying unit, a deflection magnetic field applying unit, a relaxation detection element, and an MR image generating unit; the static magnetic field applying unit applies a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to a measuring object; the deflection magnetic field applying unit applies a deflection magnetic field in a second direction different from the first direction and having a predetermined frequency to a part of the measuring object via a coil; the relaxation detection element detects electromagnetic waves generated in a part of the measuring object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field, and a relaxation phenomenon of the generated electromagnetic waves; the MR image generating unit generates an MR image based on the relaxation detection element; The detection result of the element is used to generate and output a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the interior of the measurement object, and the detection device includes: a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, a calculation unit and an image information output unit; the plurality of magnetic field detection elements are arranged around the measurement object, and respectively detect the magnitude of the magnetic field based on the electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a part of the measurement object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field; the calculation unit calculates the impedance distribution of at least a part of the interior of the measurement object and the area to which the electromagnetic wave propagates based on the detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements; the image information output unit generates and outputs an image representing information about the interior of the measurement object based on the impedance distribution.

[0020] The detection apparatus may further include a determination unit that determines a site inside the measurement object for which a magnetic resonance image is to be acquired, based on the one or more images representing information on the inside of the measurement object generated by the image information output unit.

[0021] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, a measuring method is provided, which includes the following steps: applying a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and a direction different from a first direction which is a magnetic field direction of the geomagnetic field to a part of a measuring object via a coil; detecting the magnitude of a magnetic field based on electromagnetic waves generated and propagated in a part of the measuring object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field around the measuring object; calculating the impedance distribution of at least a part of the interior of the measuring object and the area to which the electromagnetic waves propagate based on the detection result of the propagated electromagnetic waves; and generating and outputting an image representing information on the interior of the measuring object based on the impedance distribution.

[0022] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, a measuring method is provided, which includes the following steps: applying a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to a measuring object; applying a deflection magnetic field in a second direction having a predetermined frequency and different from the first direction to a part of the measuring object via a coil; detecting the magnitude of the magnetic field based on the electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a part of the measuring object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field around the measuring object; calculating the impedance distribution of at least a part of the interior of the measuring object and the area to which the electromagnetic wave propagates based on the detection result of the propagated electromagnetic wave; and generating and outputting an image representing information about the interior of the measuring object based on the impedance distribution.

[0023] The measurement method may also include the following steps: determining the internal part of the measurement object where a magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on one or more of the images generated to represent the internal information of the measurement object; applying the static magnetic field to the measurement object; applying the deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and in a direction different from the first direction to the determined part of the measurement object via a coil; detecting the electromagnetic waves generated in the part of the measurement object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field, and a relaxation phenomenon of the generated electromagnetic waves; and generating and outputting a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the interior of the measurement object based on the detection results of the generated electromagnetic waves and the relaxation phenomenon of the electromagnetic waves.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain the effect of acquiring internal information of a living body at high speed with a simple structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 A configuration example of a measurement device 100 according to this embodiment is shown together with a measurement object 10 .

[0027] Figure 2A configuration example of the mounting unit 140 and the control unit 160 according to the present embodiment is shown together with the measurement object 10 .

[0028] Figure 3 A modified example of the measurement device 100 according to the present embodiment is shown together with the measurement object 10 .

[0029] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 An example of the operation flow of the measuring device 100 according to the present modification is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 A configuration example of a detection device 400 according to the present embodiment is shown together with the MR imaging device 300 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] <Configuration Example of Measurement Device 100>

[0032] Figure 1 The structural example of the measuring device 100 involved in this embodiment is shown together with the measuring object 10. The measuring device 100 outputs the internal information of the measuring object 10 as a tomographic image. The measuring device 100 applies a deflection magnetic field to the measuring object 10 to which the static magnetic field is applied, and obtains the internal information of the measuring object 10 based on the electromagnetic waves generated in response to the application of the deflection magnetic field. The measuring object 10 is, for example, a biological body such as a human body. In this embodiment, an example in which the measuring object 10 is a human body will be described. The measuring device 100 includes a static magnetic field applying unit 110, a deflection magnetic field applying unit 120, a magnetic field detection element 130, a carrying unit 140, a moving unit 150, a control unit 160, and a display unit 170.

[0033] The static magnetic field applying unit 110 applies a static magnetic field having a constant magnitude in a first direction to the measurement object 10 . Figure 1 An example is shown in which a human body as the measurement object 10 stands upright on the ground parallel to the XY plane. Figure 1 In the figure, the first direction is shown as a direction substantially parallel to the Z direction. The Z direction is the height direction of the human body, that is, a direction perpendicular to the ground. The static magnetic field applying unit 110 applies a static magnetic field of the same magnitude as the static magnetic field used in MRI, etc., that is, several T (Tesla), to the entire measurement object 10. In addition, the static magnetic field applying unit 110 may also apply a static magnetic field of less than several T. For example, the static magnetic field applying unit 110 applies a static magnetic field of a magnitude greater than the earth's magnetism, that is, more than 100 μT, to the measurement object 10. The static magnetic field applying unit 110 has, for example, a Helmholtz coil.

[0034] The deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 applies a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and in a second direction different from the first direction to a portion of the measurement object 10 via a coil. The predetermined frequency is set based on the magnitude of the static magnetic field output by the static magnetic field applying unit 110, and is, for example, a frequency of about several kHz to about several hundred kHz.

[0035] The second direction is determined based on the region to be observed of the object 10 and is one or more directions different from the first direction. The deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 applies one or more deflection magnetic fields toward a portion of the object 10 in one or more directions different from the first direction.

[0036] The deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 has one or more magnetic field generating coils. As an example, the magnetic field generating coil is a Helmholtz coil. The deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 is preferably capable of applying deflection magnetic fields in various directions to the measurement object 10. At least six deflection magnetic field applying units 120 are provided so that the deflection magnetic field can be applied in six directions, such as the ±X direction, the ±Y direction, and the ±Z direction.

[0037] In this case, it is preferred that the six deflection magnetic field applying units 120 are arranged so as to be able to apply deflection magnetic fields of various magnitudes and directions to any part of the measurement object 10 by controlling the magnitude of the deflection magnetic field outputted from each unit. In addition, each deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 may be movably provided so as to be able to apply the deflection magnetic field to various parts of the measurement object 10.

[0038] The magnetic field detection elements 130 are arranged around the measurement object 10, and detect the magnitude of the magnetic field based on the electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a part of the measurement object 10 due to the application of the deflection magnetic field. Preferably, a plurality of magnetic field detection elements 130 are arranged so as to surround the measurement object 10. The magnetic field detection element 130 is, for example, a highly sensitive magnetic sensor capable of detecting a weak magnetic field in units of nT (nanotesla), pT (picotesla), and fT (femtotesla).

[0039] The mounting section 140 mounts at least a part of the deflection magnetic field applying section 120. The mounting section 140 has, for example, a ring shape or a part of a ring surrounding the measurement object 10, and mounts a plurality of deflection magnetic field applying sections 120. The mounting section 140 also mounts at least a part of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements 130. Figure 1 An example is shown in which a part of the deflection magnetic field applying section 120 and all of the magnetic field detection elements 130 are mounted on the mounting section 140 .

[0040] By using such a mounting unit 140, the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 can apply a plurality of deflection magnetic fields in a plurality of directions different from the first direction from the plurality of deflection magnetic field applying units 120 toward a portion of the measurement object 10. In addition, the plurality of magnetic field detecting elements 130 can respectively detect magnetic fields generated in a plurality of directions by applying the plurality of deflection magnetic fields.

[0041] The moving unit 150 moves the carrying unit 140 in a predetermined direction while maintaining the directions of the deflection magnetic fields generated by the plurality of deflection magnetic field applying units 120 relative to the measuring object 10. The moving unit 150 moves the carrying unit 140 relative to the measuring object 10 in a parallel direction or a perpendicular direction. Figure 1 The example in which the moving unit 150 moves the carrying unit 140 in the first direction is shown. The moving unit 150 is preferably capable of moving the carrying unit 140 so as to apply the deflection magnetic field to a specified portion from the toes to the top of the head of the human body. In addition, the moving unit 150 may be moved so as to rotate the carrying unit 140 around the measurement object 10.

[0042] In addition, the carrying part 140 may also have a cylindrical shape surrounding the measured object 10. The carrying part 140 has, for example, a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction. In this case, the deflection magnetic field applying part 120 and the magnetic field detecting element 130 may be provided at a plurality of different positions of the carrying part 140. Moreover, for example, in the case where the size of the carrying part 140 covers the measured object 10, it is preferred to configure a plurality of deflection magnetic field applying parts 120 so that the deflection magnetic field can be applied to a specified part from the toes to the top of the head of the human body. As an example, the cylindrical carrying part 140 is a shape having a plurality of ring shapes or a part of a ring surrounding the measured object 10. In this case, since the deflection magnetic field can be applied to any part of the measured object 10 without moving the carrying part 140, the moving part 150 may also be omitted.

[0043] The control unit 160 controls the operation of the static magnetic field applying unit 110, the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120, the magnetic field detection element 130, the carrying unit 140, and the moving unit 150. The control unit 160 controls, for example, the application timing of the static magnetic field of the static magnetic field applying unit 110 and the application timing of the deflection magnetic field of the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120. The control unit 160 controls the detection timing of the magnetic field detection element 130. In addition, the control unit 160 controls the moving unit 150 to move the carrying unit 140. In addition, the control unit 160 acquires the detection result detected by the magnetic field detection element 130. The control unit 160 generates a tomographic image of the measurement object 10 based on the obtained detection result. The control unit 160 is, for example, a computer such as a server.

[0044] <Configuration Example of Mounting Section 140 and Control Section 160>

[0045] Figure 2 A configuration example of the mounting unit 140 and the control unit 160 according to the present embodiment is shown together with the measurement object 10 . Figure 2 The carrying unit 140 and the measurement object 10 show the same Figure 1 An example of a structure in which a cross section of the device 100 is measured on a surface parallel to the XY plane. Figure 1 As described above, the mounting section 140 mounts the plurality of deflection magnetic field applying sections 120 and the plurality of magnetic field detecting elements 130 .

[0046] The mounting part 140 is provided with a deflection magnetic field applying part 120 and a magnetic field detecting element 130 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction of the ring shape, for example. The deflection magnetic field applying part 120 is configured to apply a deflection magnetic field in a predetermined direction. In addition, the magnetic field detecting element 130 is configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the measuring object 10.

[0047] The control unit 160 causes the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 to apply a deflection magnetic field to the measuring object 10 while the static magnetic field applying unit 110 is applying a static magnetic field to the measuring object 10. Thus, the deflection magnetic field is applied in a state where the measuring object 10 is macroscopically magnetized. Therefore, similar to the operation of MRI, if the frequency of the deflection magnetic field coincides with the Larmor frequency of the precession motion of the atoms constituting the measuring object 10, a nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon occurs. That is, the rotation speed of the precession motion of the atoms irradiated by the deflection magnetic field among the atoms constituting the measuring object 10 changes. Due to such a change in precession, the atoms irradiated by the deflection magnetic field generate electromagnetic waves different from the equilibrium state.

[0048] Whether such atomic nuclear magnetic resonance occurs is determined by the type of atoms, the density of the atoms, the size of the static magnetic field, the frequency of the deflection magnetic field, etc. For example, when the size of the static magnetic field is a magnetic field strength of about 0.1T to 2T (i.e., the degree used in MRI), by setting the frequency of the deflection magnetic field to about several hundred kHz, nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen atoms in the human body can be generated. In addition, when the size of the static magnetic field is a magnetic field strength of the geomagnetic degree of tens of μT, by setting the frequency of the deflection magnetic field to about several kHz, nuclear magnetic resonance of hydrogen atoms in the human body can be generated.

[0049] The magnetic field detection element 130 detects the magnetic field component of the electromagnetic wave generated by this nuclear magnetic resonance. In addition, the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 applies a deflection magnetic field to a local part of the measurement object 10, for example. In the local part of the measurement object 10, an eddy current corresponding to the deflection magnetic field is generated. The eddy current is a current whose magnitude corresponds to the impedance of the local part. Then, a magnetic field corresponding to the generated eddy current is generated. The magnetic field detection element 130 detects the magnitude of the magnetic field generated in this way. In this way, the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection element 130 is based on the value of the electromagnetic wave propagated under the influence of the electrical characteristics of the path from the part to which the deflection magnetic field is applied to the magnetic field detection element 130. Among them, the electrical characteristics of the path from the part to which the deflection magnetic field is applied to the magnetic field detection element 130 are, for example, the impedance of internal organs and organs in the human body.

[0050] That is, the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic field detection element 130 corresponds to the information inside the human body through which the electromagnetic wave passes. Therefore, the control unit 160 controls the magnitude of the magnetic field output by the deflection magnetic field application unit 120, thereby applying the deflection magnetic field to multiple parts of the measurement object 10, and obtaining the detection result of the magnetic field detection element 130 for each part to which the deflection magnetic field is applied. Thus, the control unit 160 can obtain the detection result of the magnetic field corresponding to the impedance distribution inside the measurement object 10. By analyzing such detection results, the control unit 160 can generate the information inside the measurement object 10 as an image. The above-mentioned control unit 160 includes, for example, a storage unit 162, a calculation unit 164, and an image information output unit 166.

[0051] The storage unit 162 stores the detection results detected by the magnetic field detection element 130. In addition, the storage unit 162 can also store intermediate data, calculation results, thresholds, parameters, etc. generated (or used) during the operation of the measurement device 100. In addition, the memory 162 can also provide the stored data to the request source according to the request of each component in the measurement device 100.

[0052] The storage unit 162 may also store information such as an operating system (OS) and a program that functions as the control unit 160, such as a server. In addition, the storage unit 162 may also store various information including a database that is referenced when the program is executed. For example, a computer such as a server functions as at least a part of the storage unit 162, the calculation unit 164, and the image information output unit 166 by executing the program stored in the storage unit 162.

[0053] The storage unit 162 includes, for example, a read-only memory (ROM) for storing a basic input output system (BIOS) of a computer, and a random access memory (RAM) as a work area. In addition, the storage unit 162 may also include a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and / or a solid state drive (SSD). In addition, the computer may further include a graphics processing unit (GPU) and the like.

[0054] The calculation unit 164 calculates the impedance distribution of at least a portion of the region where the electromagnetic wave propagates inside the measurement object 10 based on the detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements 130. The calculation unit 164 calculates the impedance between the plurality of parts, for example, by comparing and analyzing the magnitude of the magnetic field of each electromagnetic wave propagated from the plurality of parts. As an example, the calculation unit 164 calculates the impedance distribution inside the human body using a two-dimensional Fourier transform or the like.

[0055] The image information output unit 166 generates and outputs an image representing information on the inside of the measurement target 10 based on the impedance distribution. The calculation unit 164 and the image information output unit 166 use a known image reconstruction method as computer tomography to generate a tomographic image of the inside of the human body. In addition, since the image reconstruction method is a known technology, its detailed description is omitted here. In addition, the image information output unit 166 can also generate a three-dimensional image based on a two-dimensional tomographic image. The image information output unit 166 displays the generated image on a display device, etc. In addition, the image information output unit 166 can also store the generated image in the storage unit 162. And, the image information output unit 166 can store the generated image in an external database, etc. through a network, etc.

[0056] As described above, the measurement device 100 according to this embodiment can output the impedance distribution in a living body such as a human body as a tomographic image. Since the impedance inside the human body varies depending on the internal organs, etc., the state of the human body can be easily confirmed by the tomographic image output by the measurement device 100.

[0057] The measuring device 100 applies a static magnetic field and a deflection magnetic field to the measuring object 10 to generate a nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon, and detects electromagnetic waves generated based on the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon. Since the measuring device 100 calculates the impedance distribution instead of observing the relaxation phenomenon until the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon returns to an equilibrium state as in MRI, it is possible to output a tomographic image inside the measuring object 10 at a higher speed. In addition, tumors such as cancer generated in organs and the like sometimes change to an impedance different from that of the organs. Therefore, by using the measuring device 100, it is possible to easily observe and distinguish the normal state and abnormal state of organs that are difficult to observe by MRI.

[0058] As described above, the measuring device 100 outputs information about the inside of the measuring object 10 as an image by detecting electromagnetic waves propagated by the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon generated inside the measuring object 10. Therefore, if the electromagnetic waves can be detected, the magnitude of the static magnetic field applied to the measuring object 10 by the static magnetic field applying unit 110 can be made smaller than the magnitude of the static magnetic field reaching several T used in MRI and the like.

[0059] In this case, the magnitude of the magnetic field to be detected by the magnetic field detection element 130 is reduced in proportion to the magnitude of the static magnetic field. However, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, etc., since highly sensitive magnetic sensors are known, the magnitude of the static magnetic field output by the static magnetic field applying unit 110 can be reduced to about mT to several hundred μT. Thus, the measuring device 100 can output a tomographic image of the inside of the measuring object 10 in a small and inexpensive manner without using an expensive and large magnetic field generating device that generates a strong magnetic field of several T.

[0060] In addition, as a high-sensitivity magnetic sensor, for example, an optically pumped magnetometer, a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), etc. are also known to have a high sensitivity of a unit below the fT level. As described above, when a high-sensitivity magnetic sensor capable of detecting a weak magnetic field of a unit below pT is used as the magnetic field detection element 130, the size of the static magnetic field output by the static magnetic field application unit 110 can be further reduced.

[0061] For example, the static magnetic field applying unit 110 may also reduce the magnitude of the static magnetic field output to a magnitude approximately equal to that of the geomagnetism. In this case, the measuring device 100 may also use the geomagnetism as a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in the first direction. Then, the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 applies a deflection magnetic field in a second direction different from the first direction of the magnetic field direction of the geomagnetism to a portion of the measuring object 10 magnetized by the geomagnetism.

[0062] In such a measuring device 100, the static magnetic field applying unit 110 can be omitted, and the size of the device can be further reduced. In addition, the measuring device 100 can also include a fixing unit that can move while fixing the measuring object 10 in a manner that the first direction as the geomagnetic direction is consistent with the predetermined direction of the measuring object 10. In addition, such a fixing unit can also include a bed or the like so that it can be fixed in a lying state.

[0063] In the measurement device 100 according to the present embodiment, the static magnetic field applying unit 110 applies a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude to the measurement object 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, the static magnetic field applying unit 110 may be configured to be able to change the magnitude of the static magnetic field applied to the measurement object 10.

[0064] As described above, the resonance frequency of nuclear magnetic resonance generated in the measurement object 10 changes depending on the type of atoms, the size of the static magnetic field, etc. Therefore, if the size of the static magnetic field applied to the measurement object 10 by the static magnetic field application unit 110 is changed, the resonance frequency corresponding to the atoms contained in the measurement object 10 can be changed. Therefore, the control unit 160 obtains the detection result from the magnetic field detection element 130 for each size of the static magnetic field output by the static magnetic field application unit 110. Thus, the calculation unit 164 calculates the impedance distribution for each size of the static magnetic field.

[0065] In this way, the measuring device 100 scans the size of the static magnetic field within a predetermined size range to be able to measure the frequency characteristics of the impedance distribution. For example, the frequency characteristics of the impedance distribution can be represented by setting the horizontal axis to the frequency and the impedance value of one or more parts to the vertical axis. In addition, a tomographic image of the impedance distribution can be generated for each of the multiple resonance frequencies to be used as the frequency characteristics of the impedance distribution. By measuring the frequency characteristics of such impedance distribution, for example, it is possible to determine the generation of nuclear magnetic resonance of multiple different atoms, etc., and more detailed internal information of the measurement object 10 can be obtained.

[0066] The example in which the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment detects electromagnetic waves based on the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon is described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Since the measuring device 100 can generate the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon inside the measuring object 10, it is also possible to observe the relaxation phenomenon until the nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon returns to the equilibrium state as in MRI. The measuring device 100 will be described below.

[0067] <Modification of Measurement Device 100>

[0068] Figure 3 A modified example of the measuring device 100 according to the present embodiment is shown together with the measuring object 10. In the measuring device 100 of this modified example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 Parts of the measurement device 100 according to the present embodiment shown in the figure that have substantially the same operation are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. The measurement device 100 according to the present modification includes a relaxation detection element 210 , an MR image generation unit 220 , and a determination unit 230 .

[0069] The relaxation detection element 210 detects the relaxation phenomenon of electromagnetic waves generated in a part of the measurement object 10 due to the application of the deflection magnetic field. The relaxation detection element 210 is, for example, the same detection element as the magnetic field detection element 130. In addition, one or more of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements 130 may further detect the process from detecting the magnetic field to the magnitude of the magnetic field returning to the equilibrium state, thereby functioning as the relaxation detection element 210. In addition, since the relaxation phenomenon of electromagnetic waves is known in the measurement of MRI, its description is omitted here. The control unit 160 obtains the detection result of the relaxation phenomenon of the magnetic field detection element 130.

[0070] The MR image generation unit 220 generates and outputs a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the inside of the measurement object 10 based on the detection result of the relaxation detection element 210. The MR image generation unit 220 generates a magnetic resonance image of the inside of the human body using a known image reconstruction method such as computed tomography. In addition, since the image reconstruction method is a known technology, its detailed description is omitted here. As a result, the measurement device 100 can output a magnetic resonance image with a smaller device scale than a conventional MRI without generating a strong magnetic field of several T.

[0071] In this way, the measuring device 100 is configured to be able to measure the tomographic image and the magnetic resonance image of the impedance distribution of the measuring object 10. In this case, preferably, the measuring device 100 is configured to be able to switch between the tomographic image and the magnetic resonance image of the impedance distribution of the measuring object 10 for measurement. In addition, more preferably, it is configured to be able to specify the measurement position of the magnetic resonance image based on the measurement result of the tomographic image of the impedance distribution. In this case, the control unit 160 has a determination unit 230.

[0072] The determination unit 230 determines the part of the inside of the object 10 where the magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on one or more images representing the information of the inside of the object 10 generated by the image information output unit 166. Since the tomographic image of the impedance distribution of the object 10 can be measured at high speed as described above, it can be used to determine the measurement position of the magnetic resonance image, for example. In this case, the determination unit 230 can use the measurement results of the plurality of tomographic images to determine the part of the object 10 where the magnetic resonance image should be acquired.

[0073] The determination unit 230 determines the site estimated to be abnormal in the tomographic image as the measurement site of the magnetic resonance image based on image processing such as image comparison, for example. Alternatively, after the image information output unit 166 displays the measurement results of the plurality of tomographic images on the display unit 170, the determination unit 230 may receive input of the site of the magnetic resonance image to be measured from a user or the like. The operation of such a measurement device 100 will be described below.

[0074] <An Example of Operation Flow of Measurement Device 100>

[0075] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The illustrated example is an example of the operation flow of the measurement device 100 according to the present modification. The measurement device 100 outputs a magnetic resonance image of the measurement object 10 by executing the operation flow from S410 to S490.

[0076] First, the control unit 160 receives a measurement start of the measurement object 10 from the user or the like (S410). The measurement object 10 is configured to be in a predetermined positional relationship relative to the static magnetic field application unit 110, the deflection magnetic field application unit 120, and the magnetic field detection element 130. In addition, the control unit 160 also receives information on the measurement range of the measurement object 10. The control unit 160 receives, for example, instructions for the measurement range of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, waist, legs, whole body, etc. The control unit 160 controls the moving unit 150 based on the received information to move the carrying unit 140 to the measurement start point of the measurement range.

[0077] Next, the static magnetic field applying unit 110 applies a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to the measurement object 10 ( S420 ). The static magnetic field applying unit 110 applies a static magnetic field of a predetermined intensity level to the measurement object 10 .

[0078] Next, the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 applies a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and in a second direction different from the first direction to a portion of the measurement object 10 (S430). The deflection magnetic field applying unit 120 applies the deflection magnetic field to a portion of the measurement object 10 corresponding to the received measurement range. Then, the plurality of magnetic field detecting elements 130 detect the magnitude of the magnetic field based on the electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a portion of the measurement object 10 due to the application of the deflection magnetic field, respectively, around the measurement object 10 (S440).

[0079] Next, the calculation unit 164 calculates the impedance distribution of at least a portion of the area where the electromagnetic wave propagates inside the measurement object 10 based on the detection result of the propagated electromagnetic wave (S450). The control unit 160 repeats the operations from S430 to S450 until the impedance distribution within the measurement range can be calculated (S460: No). Among them, the control unit 160, for example, changes the part where the deflection magnetic field is applied, and calculates the impedance distribution for each part where the deflection magnetic field is applied. In addition, in order to change the part where the deflection magnetic field is applied, the control unit 160 can control the moving unit 150 to move the carrying unit 140.

[0080] When the impedance distribution within the measurement range can be calculated (S460: Yes), the image information output unit 166 generates and outputs an image representing information about the inside of the measurement object 10 based on the impedance distribution (S470). The image information output unit 166 generates, for example, one or more tomographic images corresponding to one or more impedance distributions. Alternatively or in addition, the image information output unit 166 may generate a 3D image of the inside of the measurement object 10. As an example, the image information output unit 166 displays the generated one or more images on the display unit 170.

[0081] Next, the determination unit 230 determines the portion of the inside of the measurement object 10 for which the magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on the generated one or more images representing the information on the inside of the measurement object 10 (S480). The determination unit 230 receives input of the portion for which the magnetic resonance image should be acquired from, for example, a user of the measurement device 100 who has checked the image of the measurement object 10 displayed on the display unit 170.

[0082] Next, the control unit 160 acquires and outputs a magnetic resonance image of the determined part of the measurement object 10 (S490). The acquisition of the magnetic resonance image can be performed by a known method. For example, the static magnetic field application unit 110 applies a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to the measurement object 10. Then, the deflection magnetic field application unit 120 applies a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and a direction different from the first direction toward the determined part of the measurement object 10. In addition, in order to apply the deflection magnetic field to the determined part of the measurement object 10, the control unit 160 can control the moving unit 150 to move the carrying unit 140.

[0083] The relaxation detection element 210 detects electromagnetic waves generated at a portion of the measurement object 10 due to the application of the deflection magnetic field, and the relaxation phenomenon of the generated electromagnetic waves. The MR image generation unit 220 generates and outputs a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the inside of the measurement object based on the detection results of the generated electromagnetic waves and the relaxation phenomenon of the electromagnetic waves. The MR image generation unit 220 displays the generated magnetic resonance image on the display unit 170, for example. The MR image generation unit 220 may also display the magnetic resonance image together with the image of the inside of the measurement object 10 displayed by the image information output unit 166.

[0084] As described above, the measuring device 100 according to the present modification can determine the part of the measuring object 10 where the magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on the tomographic image of the impedance distribution, and thereby measure the magnetic resonance image. Thus, the measuring device 100 can appropriately determine the part to be observed inside the measuring object 10 with a simple structure, and can quickly measure and output the magnetic resonance image.

[0085] in addition, Figure 4 The operation flow described in the embodiment is an example of the operation flow of the measuring device 100 provided with the static magnetic field applying unit 110, but is not limited thereto. The measuring device 100 may also measure the tomographic image of the impedance distribution after measuring the magnetic resonance image. In addition, in the case where the measuring device 100 measures the internal image and the magnetic resonance image of the measuring object 10 using the geomagnetism, it is self-evident that the same operation can be performed by applying a deflection magnetic field in a direction different from the first direction, which is the magnetic field direction of the geomagnetism, to a part of the measuring object 10, for example, by omitting the operation of S420 performed by the static magnetic field applying unit 110.

[0086] In the measurement device 100 according to the present embodiment, an example in which an image of the inside of the measurement object 10 can be quickly measured is described. In addition, an example in which the measurement device 100 can measure both a tomographic image of the impedance distribution of the measurement object 10 and a magnetic resonance image and can switch between the two measurements and perform them is described. Alternatively, the measurement device 100 may be configured to measure only the magnetic resonance image of the measurement object 10.

[0087] In addition, in the measurement device 100 according to the present embodiment, an example is described in which the moving unit 150 moves the carrying unit 140 while the measurement object 10 is fixed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the carrying unit 140 may be fixed and the moving unit 150 may move the measurement object 10. In this case, it is preferred that the human body as the measurement object 10 is fixed on a bed or the like and the moving unit 150 moves the bed.

[0088] <Configuration Example of Detection Device 400>

[0089] The measurement device 100 according to the present embodiment is described as an example in which the measurement device 100 is an independent device, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The measurement device 100 may be a device that functions by being added to an existing MR image measurement device that outputs a magnetic resonance image. Figure 5 A configuration example of a detection device 400 according to the present embodiment is shown together with the MR imaging device 300 .

[0090] The MR image measuring device 300 is provided with a structure which operates similarly to the static magnetic field applying unit 110, the deflection magnetic field applying unit 120, the carrying unit 140, the moving unit 150, the display unit 170, the relaxation detection element 210, and the MR image generating unit 220 involved in this embodiment. In addition, the MR image measuring device 300 includes a control unit 310, and the control unit 310 controls each component to measure a magnetic resonance image. The measurement of the magnetic resonance image by the MR image measuring device 300 is substantially the same as the above-mentioned operation, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here.

[0091] The detection device 400 is provided in the MR image measuring device 300. In this case, the combination of the MR image measuring device 300 and the detection device 400 functions as at least a part of the measuring device 100 involved in this embodiment. The detection device 400 includes a plurality of magnetic field detection elements 130 and a control unit 160 including a storage unit 162, a calculation unit 164, an image information output unit 166, and a determination unit 230.

[0092] The detection device 400 exchanges control signals and the like with the MR image measurement device 300, and generates and outputs an image representing information on the inside of the measurement object 10. In addition, the detection device 400 may supply a control signal instructing measurement of a magnetic resonance image to the MR image measurement device 300 based on the image on the inside of the measurement object 10. Thus, it is possible to configure a measurement device 100 that can obtain information on the inside of the measurement object 10 at high speed while fully utilizing existing equipment and the like.

[0093] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various deformations and changes can be made within the scope of its main purpose. For example, all or part of the device can be functionally or physically dispersed or integrated in any unit. In addition, new embodiments generated by any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the new embodiments generated by the combination also have the effects of the original embodiments.

[0094] Description of Reference Numerals

[0095] 10 Measurement objects

[0096] 100 Measurement device

[0097] 110 static magnetic field applying unit

[0098] 120 Deflection magnetic field applying unit

[0099] 130 Magnetic field detection element

[0100] 140 Carrying unit

[0101] 150 Mobile Department

[0102] 160 Control Department

[0103] 162 Storage

[0104] 164 Computing Department

[0105] 166 Image information output unit

[0106] 170 Display unit

[0107] 210 Relaxation detection element

[0108] 220 MR image generation unit

[0109] 230 Determination Department

[0110] 300 MR imaging device

[0111] 310 Control Department

[0112] 400 Detection Device

Claims

1. A measuring device, comprising: a deflection magnetic field applying unit for applying a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and having a second direction different from a first direction which is a magnetic field direction of the earth's magnetism to a part of the measurement object via the coil; a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, the plurality of magnetic field detection elements being arranged around the measurement object and respectively detecting the magnitude of a magnetic field based on an electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a portion of the measurement object due to application of the deflection magnetic field; a calculation unit that calculates impedance distribution of at least a portion of a region inside the measurement object where the electromagnetic wave propagates based on detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements; as well as An image information output unit generates and outputs an image representing information on the inside of the measurement object based on the impedance distribution.

2. A measuring device, comprising: a static magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to the measurement object; a deflection magnetic field applying unit for applying a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and in a second direction different from the first direction to a part of the measurement object via a coil; a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, the plurality of magnetic field detection elements being arranged around the measurement object and respectively detecting the magnitude of a magnetic field based on an electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a portion of the measurement object due to application of the deflection magnetic field; a calculation unit that calculates impedance distribution of at least a portion of a region inside the measurement object where the electromagnetic wave propagates based on detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements; as well as An image information output unit generates and outputs an image representing information on the inside of the measurement object based on the impedance distribution.

3. The measuring device according to claim 2, wherein: The static magnetic field applying unit is configured to be able to change the magnitude of the static magnetic field applied to the measurement object. The calculation unit calculates the impedance distribution for each magnitude of the static magnetic field.

4. The measuring device according to claim 3, further comprising: a relaxation detection element that detects a relaxation phenomenon of the electromagnetic wave generated in a portion of the measurement object due to application of the deflection magnetic field; as well as The MR image generating unit generates and outputs a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the inside of the measurement object based on the detection result of the relaxation detection element.

5. The measuring device according to claim 4 further comprises a determination unit which determines a part inside the measuring object where a magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on one or more images representing information on the inside of the measuring object generated by the image information output unit.

6. The measuring device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein The deflection magnetic field applying unit includes a plurality of magnetic field generating coils, and applies the plurality of deflection magnetic fields directed in a plurality of directions different from the first direction toward a portion of the measurement object.

7. The measuring device according to claim 6, further comprising: a carrying section having a ring shape or a part of a ring shape surrounding the measurement object and carrying a plurality of the deflection magnetic field applying sections; as well as A moving unit moves the mounting unit in a predetermined direction while maintaining the direction of the deflection magnetic field generated by the plurality of deflection magnetic field applying units with respect to the measurement object.

8. The measuring device according to claim 7, wherein: The mounting portion mounts at least a part of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements.

9. A detection device, the detection device being arranged in an MR image measuring device, the MR image measuring device comprising: a static magnetic field applying unit configured to apply a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to the measurement object; a deflection magnetic field applying unit for applying a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and in a second direction different from the first direction to a part of the measurement object via a coil; a relaxation detection element for detecting an electromagnetic wave generated in a portion of the measurement object due to application of the deflection magnetic field and a relaxation phenomenon of the generated electromagnetic wave; as well as an MR image generating unit that generates and outputs a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the inside of the measurement object based on the detection result of the relaxation detection element, The detection device comprises: a plurality of magnetic field detection elements, the plurality of magnetic field detection elements being arranged around the measurement object and respectively detecting the magnitude of a magnetic field based on an electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a portion of the measurement object due to application of the deflection magnetic field; a calculation unit that calculates impedance distribution of at least a portion of a region inside the measurement object where the electromagnetic wave propagates based on detection results of the plurality of magnetic field detection elements; and An image information output unit generates and outputs an image representing information on the inside of the measurement object based on the impedance distribution.

10. The detection device according to claim 9, further comprising a determination unit that determines a location inside the measurement object where a magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on one or more images generated by the image information output unit and representing information on the inside of the measurement object.

11. A determination method, comprising the following steps: applying a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and a direction different from a first direction, which is a magnetic field direction of the earth's magnetism, to a part of the measurement object via the coil; detecting, around the measurement object, the magnitude of the magnetic field based on the electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a part of the measurement object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field; Based on the detection result of the propagated electromagnetic wave, calculating the impedance distribution of at least a part of the area inside the measurement object where the electromagnetic wave propagates; as well as Based on the impedance distribution, an image representing information on the inside of the measurement object is generated and output.

12. A determination method, comprising the following steps: Applying a static magnetic field of a constant magnitude in a first direction to the measurement object; applying a deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and in a second direction different from the first direction to a portion of the measurement object via a coil; detecting, around the measurement object, the magnitude of the magnetic field based on the electromagnetic wave generated and propagated in a part of the measurement object due to the application of the deflection magnetic field; Based on the detection result of the propagated electromagnetic wave, calculating the impedance distribution of at least a part of the area inside the measurement object where the electromagnetic wave propagates; as well as Based on the impedance distribution, an image representing information on the inside of the measurement object is generated and output.

13. The assay method according to claim 12, further comprising the following steps: determining a portion inside the measurement object for which a magnetic resonance image should be acquired based on the one or more images generated to represent information about the inside of the measurement object; applying the static magnetic field to the measurement object; applying the deflection magnetic field having a predetermined frequency and in a direction different from the first direction to the determined part of the measurement object via a coil; detecting the electromagnetic wave generated at the portion of the measurement object due to application of the deflection magnetic field, and a relaxation phenomenon of the generated electromagnetic wave; as well as Based on the generated electromagnetic wave and the detection result of the relaxation phenomenon of the electromagnetic wave, a magnetic resonance image as a tomographic image of the inside of the measurement object is generated and output.

Images