Alarm device and alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging system

Abstract

An alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes a main body (10), a first response unit (21), and a shield (30). The first response unit and the shield are disposed on the main body. The first response unit is capable of transmitting a first radio frequency signal upon receiving electromagnetic waves of a set frequency. The shield is capable of switching between a first relative position and a second relative position relative to the first response unit. When the shield is in the first relative position, the shield blocks the first response unit to prevent it from receiving electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. When the shield is in the second relative position, the shield avoids the first response unit to allow it to receive electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. This alarm device has high reliability. Furthermore, an alarm system for an MRI system including this alarm device is also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an alarm device, and more particularly to an alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system and an alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging system including the same. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used for disease diagnosis. When a patient is examined within the MRI system's detection area, the system is typically equipped with an alarm device to facilitate the patient's signal to the operator. Current alarm devices primarily utilize a squeeze ball connected to an air duct, the other end of which is connected to a pressure sensor. When the patient presses the squeeze ball, the pressure sensor generates an electrical signal under air pressure, triggering the alarm. However, the air duct is prone to damage or mechanical compression during use, which can prevent air pressure from being transmitted from the squeeze ball to the pressure sensor, causing the alarm to fail to trigger. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide an alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, which has high reliability.

[0004] Another objective of this invention is to provide an alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging system that has high reliability.

[0005] This invention provides an alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, comprising a main body, a first response unit, and a shield. The first response unit is disposed on the main body. Upon receiving electromagnetic waves of a set frequency, the first response unit can transmit a first radio frequency signal. The shield is disposed on the main body and can switch between a first relative position and a second relative position relative to the first response unit. When the shield is in the first relative position, the shield blocks the first response unit to prevent it from receiving electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. When the shield is in the second relative position, the shield avoids the first response unit to allow it to receive electromagnetic waves of the set frequency.

[0006] The alarm device of this magnetic resonance imaging system uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to transmit signals, which has high reliability.

[0007] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the alarm device further includes a second response unit. The second response unit is disposed within the main body and fixedly positioned relative to the first response unit. The second response unit is capable of transmitting a second radio frequency signal upon receiving electromagnetic waves of a set frequency. When the shield is in a first relative position, the shield avoids the second response unit to allow the second response unit to receive electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. When the shield is in a second relative position, the shield blocks the second response unit to prevent it from receiving electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. This indicates that the alarm device is within the radio frequency electromagnetic field formed by electromagnetic waves of the set frequency and is operating normally, further improving the reliability of the alarm device.

[0008] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the alarm device further includes a support body. The support body is disposed on the main body. A shielding member is slidably fitted onto the support body along a first direction and the opposite direction. The shielding member has a shielding cavity extending along the first direction to allow the support body to pass through. A first response unit and a second response unit are disposed on the support body and arranged along the first direction. When the shielding member is in a first relative position, the first response unit is located within the shielding cavity. When the shielding member is in a second relative position, the second response unit is located within the shielding cavity. This structure is simple and provides good shielding performance.

[0009] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the alarm device further includes an operating member and a reset elastic member. The operating member is movably disposed on the main body and can switch between a release position and a trigger position relative to the main body. During the movement of the operating member from the release position to the trigger position, the operating member can drive a shield or support to move the shield relative to the first response unit from a first relative position to a second relative position. The reset elastic member can apply an elastic force to the operating member to drive the operating member from the trigger position to the release position. This facilitates operation.

[0010] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the operating component includes a first rack portion. The shielding component or support body includes a second rack portion. The alarm device also includes a first transmission gear and a second transmission gear. The first transmission gear is rotatably mounted on the main body and meshes with the first rack portion. The second transmission gear is coaxially fixedly connected to the first transmission gear and meshes with the second rack portion. This structure is simple and has good stability.

[0011] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the main body has a receiving cavity. A first response unit, a second response unit, a shield, and a support are disposed within the receiving cavity. An operating member is movably inserted through the main body. A reset elastic member is configured as a compression spring sleeved on the operating member, one end of which can abut against the main body, and the other end of which can abut against the operating member. This allows the main body to protect the internal structure.

[0012] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the first response unit is configured to send a first radio frequency signal after continuously receiving electromagnetic waves of a set frequency for more than a preset duration. This avoids unnecessary signal triggering.

[0013] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the shielding component includes a housing and a coating made of non-magnetic metal covering the surface of the housing, or the shielding component includes a frame and a shielding plate or mesh made of non-magnetic metal connecting the frame. This provides a better shielding effect.

[0014] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the circuits within the first and second response units are passive circuits to avoid the inconvenience of battery replacement.

[0015] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, both the first and second response units are radio frequency identification tags, and their antennas are both omnidirectional antennas, in order to improve sensitivity.

[0016] This invention also provides an alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, comprising the aforementioned alarm device and a reader / writer. The reader / writer is capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves of a set frequency to form a radio frequency electromagnetic field located in the detection area of ​​the MRI system. The reader / writer is capable of receiving a first radio frequency signal and issuing an alert signal based on the first radio frequency signal. The alarm device of this alarm system utilizes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to transmit signals, exhibiting high reliability.

[0017] In another illustrative embodiment of the alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging system, the alarm system further includes a warning device. The warning device is connected to the reader / writer and can convert the prompt signal emitted by the reader / writer into an audible or visual signal to alert the user. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The following figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0020] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of part of the structure of the alarm device shown.

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows another state of the alarm device.

[0022] Figures 4 to 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of the alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0024] Label Explanation

[0025] 10 main body

[0026] 11. Receiving cavity

[0027] 21 First Response Unit

[0028] 22 Second Response Unit

[0029] 30 Shielding components

[0030] 31 Shielding cavity

[0031] 32 Second rack section

[0032] 40 Support

[0033] 50 operating components

[0034] 51 First rack section

[0035] 60 Reset elastic element

[0036] 71 First transmission gear

[0037] 72 Second transmission gear

[0038] 100 alarm device

[0039] 200 Reader

[0040] 300 Alarm Device

[0041] 90 subjects

[0042] 400 Magnetic Resonance Imaging System

[0043] 401 Detection Area

[0044] D1 First Direction Detailed Implementation

[0045] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the invention, specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate components with the same or similar structures but the same function.

[0046] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0047] In this document, terms such as "first" and "second" do not indicate their importance or order, but are only used to distinguish them to facilitate the description of the document.

[0048] To keep the drawings simple, each drawing only schematically shows the parts related to the present invention, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system. Figure 2 for Figure 1 An exploded view of part of the structure of the alarm device shown. Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of another state of the alarm device is shown. (See diagram below.) Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the alarm device 100 of the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a main body 10 and a first response unit 21 (see...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and a shielding component 30, wherein Figure 1 The first response unit 21 is shielded by the shield 30 and is therefore invisible. The main body 10 has a receiving cavity 11. The first response unit 21 and the shield 30 are disposed in the receiving cavity 11. The first response unit 21 is capable of transmitting a first radio frequency signal upon receiving an electromagnetic wave of a set frequency. The frequencies of the set frequency electromagnetic wave and the first radio frequency signal can be set as needed, for example, from 800MHz to 930MHz, to avoid interference with the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0050] The shielding member 30 is switchable between a first relative position and a second relative position relative to the first response unit 21. Specifically, in this illustrative embodiment, the alarm device 100 further includes a support body 40, which is disposed in the receiving cavity 11 and fixedly connected to the main body 10. The first response unit 21 is fixedly disposed on the support body 40. The shielding member 30 is slidably sleeved on the support body 40 along a first direction D1 and the opposite direction of the first direction D1, so as to be in a first relative position relative to the first response unit 21 ( Figure 1 The position shown) and the second relative position ( Figure 3 Switch between the indicated locations. See also Figure 2 The shielding member 30 has a shielding cavity 31 extending along a first direction D1 to allow the support 40 to pass through. When the shielding member 30 is in a first relative position, the first response unit 21 is located within the shielding cavity 31, and the shielding member 30 blocks the first response unit 21 to prevent it from receiving electromagnetic waves of a set frequency. When the shielding member 30 is in a second relative position, the first response unit 21 is located outside the shielding cavity 31, and the shielding member 30 avoids the first response unit 21 to allow it to receive electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. This structure is simple and provides good shielding, but it is not limited to this.

[0051] In this illustrative embodiment, for ease of operation, the alarm device 100 further includes an operating member 50 and a reset elastic member 60. The operating member 50... Figure 1 It is movable through the main body 10 in the vertical direction and can be in a release position relative to the main body 10. Figure 1 (as shown in the image) and a trigger position ( Figure 3 Switching between positions (as shown). During the movement of the operating member 50 from the release position to the trigger position, the operating member 50 can drive the shield 30, so that the shield 30 moves relative to the first response unit 21 from a first relative position to a second relative position. Specifically, in this illustrative embodiment, the operating member 50 includes a first rack portion 51. The shield 30 includes a second rack portion 32. The alarm device 100 also includes a first transmission gear 71 and a second transmission gear 72. The first transmission gear 71 is rotatably disposed on the main body 10 and meshes with the first rack portion 51. The second transmission gear 72 is coaxially fixedly connected to the first transmission gear 71 and meshes with the second rack portion 32. Thereby, the transmission from the operating member 50 to the shield 30 is realized through the first rack portion 51, the first transmission gear 71, the second transmission gear 72, and the second rack portion 32. However, it is not limited to this; in other illustrative embodiments, the operating member 50 and the shield 30 can also be transmitted through other transmission structures.

[0052] The reset elastic element 60 is, for example, a compression spring sleeved on the operating element 50, with one end abutting against the main body 10 and the other end abutting against the operating element 50, so as to drive the operating element 50 from the trigger position to the release position by applying an elastic force to the operating element 50. In this way, the operating element 50 can automatically return to the release position after being stopped being pressed.

[0053] During use, the operator can access the device by following the... Figure 1Pressing the operating member 50 downwards drives the shielding member 30 from a first relative position to a second relative position. Then, the first response unit 21 receives electromagnetic waves of a set frequency and emits a first radio frequency signal. This first radio frequency signal can be received, for example, to indicate that the operator is triggering an alarm via an alarm device.

[0054] The alarm device of this magnetic resonance imaging system uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to transmit signals, which has high reliability.

[0055] In an illustrative embodiment, the first response unit 21 is configured to send a first radio frequency signal after continuously receiving electromagnetic waves of a set frequency for more than a preset duration. The preset duration can be set as needed. Therefore, if the operator accidentally presses the operating element 50 for a shorter period (not exceeding the aforementioned preset duration), the first radio frequency signal will not be sent, thus avoiding unnecessary signal triggering.

[0056] In an illustrative embodiment, the shielding member 30 includes a housing and a coating made of a non-magnetic metal covering the surface of the housing, the coating being used to shield electromagnetic waves of a set frequency. Alternatively, in other illustrative embodiments, the shielding member 30 includes a frame and a shielding plate or mesh made of a non-magnetic metal connecting the frame, the shielding plate or mesh being used to shield electromagnetic waves of a set frequency.

[0057] In the illustrative embodiment, the circuit of the first response unit 21 is a passive circuit, which avoids the inconvenience of replacing batteries. The first response unit 21 is a radio frequency identification tag, and its antenna is an omnidirectional antenna to improve sensitivity.

[0058] In the illustrative embodiment, the main body 10, shield 30, support 40, operating member 50, reset elastic member 60, first transmission gear 71 and second transmission gear 72 are all made of non-magnetic materials to avoid interfering with the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0059] In this illustrative embodiment, the support 40 is fixedly disposed relative to the main body 10, and the shield 30 is movable relative to the main body 10. However, this is not the only embodiment. In other illustrative embodiments, the support 40 may be movable relative to the main body 10, and the shield 30 may be fixedly disposed on the main body 10.

[0060] Figures 4 to 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another embodiment of an alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system. The alarm device of this schematic embodiment is similar to... Figure 1The similarities and differences between the alarm devices shown will not be repeated here. The difference lies in that the alarm device 100 of this illustrative embodiment further includes a second response unit 22. The second response unit 22 is fixedly disposed on the support 40 and arranged along the first response unit 21 in the first direction D1. The second response unit 22 can transmit a second radio frequency signal upon receiving an electromagnetic wave of a set frequency. The frequency of the second radio frequency signal can be set as needed, for example, from 800MHz to 930MHz, to avoid interference with the magnetic field of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0061] When the shielding component 30 is in the first relative position ( Figure 4 In the case shown in the diagram, the second response unit 22 is located outside the shielding cavity 31, and the shielding member 30 avoids the second response unit 22 to allow the second response unit 22 to receive electromagnetic waves of a set frequency. When the shielding member 30 is in the second relative position (…), Figure 6 In the case shown in the figure, the second response unit 22 is located inside the shielding cavity 31, and the shielding member 30 blocks the second response unit 22 to prevent the second response unit 22 from receiving electromagnetic waves of a set frequency.

[0062] When the operator does not press the operating component 50, the shielding component 30 is in the first relative position. The second response unit 22 receives the electromagnetic wave of the set frequency and sends a second radio frequency signal. The second radio frequency signal can be received, for example, to indicate that the alarm device 100 is within the radio frequency electromagnetic field formed by the electromagnetic wave of the set frequency and is operating normally. This can further improve the reliability of the alarm device.

[0063] In this illustrative embodiment, the circuitry within the second response unit 22 is passive, avoiding the inconvenience of battery replacement. The second response unit 22 is a radio frequency identification tag, and its antenna is an omnidirectional antenna to improve sensitivity.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging system. (Example:) Figure 7 As shown, the alarm system of the magnetic resonance imaging system includes a Figure 1The diagram shows an alarm device 100 and a reader / writer 200. The reader / writer 200 can transmit electromagnetic waves of a set frequency to form a radio frequency electromagnetic field located in the detection area 401 of the magnetic resonance imaging system 400. The reader / writer 200 can receive a first radio frequency signal and issue a prompt signal based on the first radio frequency signal. In this illustrative embodiment, the alarm system also includes a warning device 300. The warning device 300 is connected to the reader / writer 200 and can convert the prompt signal emitted by the reader / writer 200 into an audible or visual signal. The alarm device of this alarm system utilizes RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to transmit signals, which has high reliability.

[0065] In other illustrative embodiments, the alarm system of the magnetic resonance imaging system includes, for example, a... Figure 4 The diagram shows an alarm device 100, a reader / writer 200, and an alert device 300. The reader / writer 200 is capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves of a set frequency to form a radio frequency electromagnetic field located in the detection area 401 of the magnetic resonance imaging system 400. The reader / writer 200 is capable of receiving a first radio frequency signal and a second radio frequency signal and can issue different alert signals based on the first and second radio frequency signals. The alert device 300 is connected to the reader / writer 200 and can convert the alert signals emitted by the reader / writer 200 into sound or light signals. Different alert signals correspond to different sound or light signals for differentiation.

[0066] When the operator does not press the operating component 50, the shielding component 30 is in the first relative position. The second response unit 22 receives the electromagnetic wave of the set frequency and sends a second radio frequency signal. The second radio frequency signal is received by the reader 200 and indicated by the alarm 300 that the alarm device 100 is in the radio frequency electromagnetic field formed by the electromagnetic wave of the set frequency and is working normally. This can further improve the reliability of the alarm system.

[0067] It should be understood that although this specification is described according to various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other implementation methods that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0068] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementation schemes or modifications made without departing from the spirit of the present invention, such as combinations, divisions or repetitions of features, should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An alarm device for a magnetic resonance imaging system, characterized in that, include: One subject (10); A first response unit (21) is disposed in the main body (10), and the first response unit (21) is capable of sending a first radio frequency signal after receiving an electromagnetic wave of a set frequency; as well as A shield (30) is disposed on the main body (10) and is switchable between a first relative position and a second relative position relative to the first response unit (21). When the shield (30) is in the first relative position, the shield (30) blocks the first response unit (21) to prevent the first response unit (21) from receiving electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. When the shield (30) is in the second relative position, the shield (30) avoids the first response unit (21) to allow the first response unit (21) to receive electromagnetic waves of the set frequency.

2. The alarm device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The alarm device further includes a second response unit (22), which is disposed on the main body (10) and fixedly disposed relative to the first response unit (21). The second response unit (22) is capable of sending a second radio frequency signal after receiving electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. When the shield (30) is located in the first relative position, the shield (30) avoids the second response unit (22) to allow the second response unit (22) to receive electromagnetic waves of the set frequency. When the shield (30) is located in the second relative position, the shield (30) blocks the second response unit (22) to prevent the second response unit (22) from receiving electromagnetic waves of the set frequency.

3. The alarm device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The alarm device further includes a support body (40) disposed on the main body (10); the shield (30) is slidably fitted onto the support body (40) along a first direction (D1) and the opposite direction of the first direction (D1), the shield (30) having a shield cavity (31) extending along the first direction (D1) to allow the support body (40) to pass through; the first response unit (21) and the second response unit (22) are disposed on the support body (40) and arranged along the first direction (D1); when the shield (30) is in the first relative position, the first response unit (21) is located in the shield cavity (31), and when the shield (30) is in the second relative position, the second response unit (22) is located in the shield cavity (31).

4. The alarm device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The alarm device also includes: An operating element (50) is movably disposed on the body (10) and capable of switching between a release position and a trigger position relative to the body (10). During the movement of the operating element (50) from the release position to the trigger position, the operating element (50) can drive the shield (30) or the support (40) to move the shield (30) relative to the first response unit (21) from a first relative position to a second relative position; and A reset elastic element (60) is capable of applying an elastic force to the operating element (50) to drive the operating element (50) from the trigger position to the release position.

5. The alarm device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The operating element (50) includes a first rack portion (51), the shielding element (30) or the support body (40) includes a second rack portion (32), and the alarm device further includes: A first transmission gear (71), which is rotatably disposed on the main body (10) and meshes with the first rack portion (51), and A second transmission gear (72) is fixedly connected coaxially to the first transmission gear (71), and the second transmission gear (72) meshes with the second rack portion (32).

6. The alarm device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The main body (10) has a receiving cavity (11), in which the first response unit (21), the second response unit (22), the shield (30) and the support (40) are disposed; the operating member (50) is movably inserted through the main body (10); the reset elastic member (60) is configured as a compression spring sleeved on the operating member (50), one end of which can abut against the main body (10) and the other end of which can abut against the operating member (50).

7. The alarm device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first response unit (21) is configured to send the first radio frequency signal after continuously receiving electromagnetic waves of the set frequency for more than a preset duration.

8. The alarm device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The shielding element (30) includes a housing and a coating made of non-magnetic metal covering the surface of the housing, or the shielding element (30) includes a frame and a shielding plate or shielding mesh made of non-magnetic metal connecting the frame.

9. The alarm device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The circuits in the first response unit (21) and the second response unit (22) are passive circuits.

10. The alarm device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first response unit (21) and the second response unit (22) are radio frequency identification tags, and their antennas are both omnidirectional antennas.

11. An alarm system for a magnetic resonance imaging system, characterized in that, include: An alarm device as described in any one of claims 1 to 10; as well as A reader (200) is capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves of the set frequency to form a radio frequency electromagnetic field located in the detection area of ​​the magnetic resonance imaging system. The reader (200) is capable of receiving the first radio frequency signal and issuing a prompt signal based on the first radio frequency signal.

12. The alarm system as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The alarm system also includes a warning device (300), which is connected to the reader (200) and can convert the prompt signal emitted by the reader (200) into an audio signal or a light signal.

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