Magnetic Resonance Tomography Apparatus and Methods for Energy-Saving Operation of Magnetic Resonance Tomography Apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device and an MRI device for implementing the method. The MRI device acquires state changes via a control unit, assesses these state changes in the event of potential operational interruptions, determines feasible energy-saving schemes for potential impending interruptions in image acquisition, acquires user-selected options, and executes the selected energy-saving scheme.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus and a method for operating the MRI apparatus in an energy-efficient manner. The MRI apparatus identifies changes in its state and suggests energy-saving solutions. Background Technology

[0002] A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device is an imaging apparatus that uses an external strong magnetic field to orient the nuclear spins of the object being examined in order to image it. An alternating magnetic field is then used to excite the nuclear spins to precess around this orientation. The precession or return of the spins from this excited state to a lower energy state in response to the precession generates another alternating magnetic field, which is received by an antenna.

[0003] A gradient magnetic field is used to apply position encoding to the signal, which then enables the correlation between the received signal and volume elements. The received signal is then analyzed to provide a three-dimensional image of the object under inspection. For signal reception, a local receiving antenna, also known as a local coil, is preferably used, positioned directly on the object under inspection to achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio.

[0004] The energy consumption of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners significantly increases operating costs. Some subsystems of MRI scanners can be quickly deactivated and reactivated. However, other components, such as cooling systems or power supply units, require longer shutdown or reactivation times. Furthermore, it is often unknown when the MRI scanner should resume operation. Therefore, for availability reasons, only subsystems with shorter startup times are deactivated, which limits energy efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance tomography device and a method for operating it, the method achieving greater energy savings.

[0006] The technical problem is solved by a method for operating a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus and a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus with a control device.

[0007] The method provided by this invention is used to configure an apparatus for operating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. The MRI scanner includes a control device. This control device is configured to control image acquisition. However, the control device is also specifically designed to be able to directly or via control commands to a lower-level control device set high-energy-consuming components of the MRI scanner to an energy-saving standby state, and to reactivate from this standby state. The energy-saving standby state is particularly understood as a state in which the energy consumption of the unit is reduced compared to image acquisition or a standby mode with a very short restart time of less than 1 minute, 30 seconds, 10 seconds, or 1 second, or no restart time.

[0008] In the steps of the method according to the invention, the control device acquires changes in the state of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus. This can be achieved using sensors, such as those acquiring the patient's position or the patient's bed position. For example, image acquisition is not expected if the patient's bed is outside the patient access area or if there is no patient on the patient's bed. Acquisition of state changes can also be achieved based on analysis of user input. For example, if a new sequence is initiated, energy-saving measures or energy-saving schemes cannot be implemented for the duration of that sequence. Conversely, in the event of a change in internal state, such as when the sequence is terminated by the control device or by the expiration of a timer from the last user interaction, energy-saving schemes can be re-implemented through energy-saving measures.

[0009] The control device specifically evaluates state changes to determine whether they indicate an operational interruption. In other words, the control device checks whether a state change can, particularly through possible energy-saving measures, induce an operational interruption, or even force an operational interruption. This can be achieved, for example, by having the control device compare state changes with a stored database. There, for example, it can store whether each state change results in an operational interruption that implements energy-saving measures, or whether such interruptions frequently occur during operation with that state change. For example, it can store the probability of occurrence, the average duration of the interruption, and / or the subsystems that may be shut down to save energy. This information can also be acquired and adapted by the control device itself from observations of ongoing operation. It is also conceivable that data collected from the operation of multiple subsystems is analyzed and stored in advance in the database.

[0010] Analysis can be performed manually, mechanically, or especially through artificial intelligence. If the analysis is performed by artificial intelligence in the control unit of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, or by a control unit connected to it, such as a control unit in the cloud, the control unit can continuously adapt the assessment to the corresponding local usage habits and user profiles.

[0011] In another step of the method according to the invention, the control device determines multiple feasible energy-saving schemes for image acquisition in the event of an impending or potentially impending interruption, based on changes in state. This determination is preferably based on the state resulting from the state change and / or on the expected duration of the interruption. Some subsystems are not necessary, for example, in certain states.

[0012] In another step of the method according to the invention, the control device determines a restart time for the identified feasible energy-saving scheme. For example, values ​​for the restart scheme can be stored in the control device's memory or in the cloud for each individual subsystem. If the relevant subsystems are independent, then for the energy-saving scheme, the longest restart time for each individual relevant subsystem is the restart time of the entire energy-saving scheme. If there are interdependencies between the subsystems, it is also possible to consider adding the individual restart times to obtain the total restart time.

[0013] In another step of the method according to the invention, the user is presented with a selection of multiple energy-saving options. The selection options include at least two different energy-saving options, provided, for example, in a list or table for selection. This can be displayed, for example, on a display screen at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The selection options also provide the user with input options for selection. This can be a touchscreen, buttons associated with the display, or a keyboard or mouse.

[0014] The method according to the invention advantageously enables users to easily provide particularly energy-efficient operation by means of an external view of the processes surrounding the magnetic resonance imaging system and an internal view of the internal processes of the magnetic resonance imaging system provided by the method.

[0015] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the invention has the advantage of performing the method according to the invention thereon.

[0016] Other advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

[0017] In one feasible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method further includes the step of acquiring the user's selection of an energy-saving scheme via a control device. The acquisition of user input is preferably performed on a device on which the selection possibilities are also output. In the case of a display screen at a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, the device may be an input element, such as buttons or a rotary selector on the display screen, or in the case of a touchscreen, the display screen itself. In the case of a remote operating terminal installed in an adjacent space, the device may also be an input device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen. Using a tablet computer for output and / or acquisition of input is also contemplated. Even a voice-controlled interface is contemplated, wherein selection possibilities are acoustically output and / or the user's selection is acquired via voice control. Gesture recognition using a camera is also contemplated.

[0018] The energy-saving scheme selected by the user is then executed by the control device. The subsystem preferably enters an energy-saving standby state corresponding to the selected scheme. The control device, for example, shuts down the relevant subsystem and then interrupts the energy supply to that subsystem. For simple subsystems, such as the tuning device of a local coil, simply interrupting the energy supply is sufficient. Alternatively, the subsystem can have its own control device, and the control device of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus can bring the subsystem into a standby state by issuing control commands to the subsystem's control device.

[0019] Choosing an energy-saving solution simplifies the process of reducing energy consumption for users in a beneficial way.

[0020] In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device selects the energy-saving scheme with the shortest restart time after the output step, without user input, after a predetermined time. The control device then executes the energy-saving scheme as already described.

[0021] The activation of the default energy-saving scheme enables energy consumption reduction even without user intervention in a beneficial manner.

[0022] In one feasible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the determination of the energy-saving scheme is based on a parameter in the step of determining the energy-saving scheme. Multiple parameters may also be considered. This parameter may be predefined by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, such as the restart time from the energy-saving scheme. The degree of energy saving to be achieved may also be considered. This parameter may also depend on the state changes acquired by the MRI device. Parameters that may also be considered are those dependent on the use of the MRI device. For example, a time may be predetermined by the radiology workflow, such as the time required to change patients at least between two image acquisitions.

[0023] In another step, the user changes the parameter through a user dialogue, or the control device is designed to change the parameter through a user dialogue.

[0024] This allows users to adapt energy-saving settings to operating procedures in a favorable manner.

[0025] However, it is also possible to consider replacing user input with algorithms or artificial intelligence in the control device that automatically adapt to operational practices by acquiring multiple images.

[0026] In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device sends the output possibility to a remote operating interface for output during the output step. This could be, for example, a remote operating computer in an adjacent space or an operating terminal connected via a data network. A wirelessly connected tablet computer is also considered. Accordingly, during the step of selecting an energy-saving scheme, the control device receives selections from the operating interface, for example, via keyboard input, mouse selection, or touchscreen.

[0027] The remote operation interface also enables remote activation of energy saving in a convenient way.

[0028] In one feasible embodiment of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device according to the present invention, the MRI device has an operating element for inputting user selections. This can be a touchscreen directly mounted on the device or a tactile or haptic-sensory operating element, such as one or more buttons on the MRI device. The MRI device collects user input via the operating element for selecting energy-saving schemes.

[0029] The operating elements at the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit allow for direct and reliable selection in an advantageous manner.

[0030] In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the magnetic resonance imaging system, in one step, responds to user input to terminate one or more energy-saving measures activated according to the selected and executed energy-saving scheme, and restarts or starts the relevant subsystem. The user input can preferably be performed via one, more, or all of the operating elements of the magnetic resonance imaging device. Dedicated operating elements, such as a wake-up button, are conceivable. Alternatively, manipulation of operating elements at the magnetic resonance imaging device, such as control buttons on the patient's bed, can also serve as user input for termination.

[0031] Wake-up via an operating element advantageously avoids the complex process of restarting through sequential commands issued via an operating interface. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above-mentioned features, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention, and their implementation methods, will become clearer and easier to understand in conjunction with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the attached diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus according to the present invention is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a unit of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus according to the invention is shown in an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the magnetic resonance tomography apparatus 1 is shown.

[0038] The magnet unit 10 has a field magnet 11 that generates a static magnetic field B0, which is used to orient the nuclear spins of a sample or patient 100 in the receiving area. The receiving area is arranged in a patient channel 16 that extends longitudinally 2 through the magnet unit 10. The patient 100 can be moved to the receiving area by means of a patient couch 30 and a moving unit 36 ​​of the patient couch 30. The field magnet 11 is typically a superconducting magnet capable of providing magnetic fields with flux densities up to 3T, and even higher in state-of-the-art devices. However, permanent magnets or electromagnets with normally conductive coils can also be used for lower field strengths.

[0039] Furthermore, the magnet unit 10 has a gradient coil 12 designed to superimpose a variable magnetic field with the magnetic field B0 along three spatial directions to spatially distinguish imaging areas acquired within the examination volume. The gradient coil 12 is typically a coil composed of normally conductive wire, capable of generating mutually perpendicular fields within the examination volume.

[0040] The magnet unit 10 also has a body coil 14, which is designed to radiate high-frequency signals input via signal line 33 into the examination volume and to receive and output resonant signals emitted by the patient 100 via signal line. However, the body coil 14 for transmitting and / or receiving high-frequency signals is preferably replaced by a local coil 50, which is arranged in the patient channel 16 close to the patient 100. However, it is also conceivable that the local coil 50 is designed for both transmission and reception, and therefore the body coil 14 can be omitted.

[0041] The control unit 20 provides different signals to the magnet unit 10 for the gradient coil 12 and the body coil 14 and analyzes the received signals. The magnetic resonance imaging control unit 23 coordinates the various subunits here.

[0042] The control unit 20 therefore has a gradient control device 21, which is designed to supply a variable current to the gradient coil 12 via an input line that provides the desired gradient field in the check volume in a time-coordinated manner.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 20 includes a high-frequency unit 22 designed to generate high-frequency pulses with a predetermined time course, amplitude, and spectral power distribution for exciting the nuclear spins in the patient 100 via magnetic resonance imaging. Pulse power in the kilowatt range can be achieved here. The individual units are interconnected via a signal bus 25.

[0044] The high-frequency signal generated by the high-frequency unit 22 is transmitted to the patient 100 via the signal connection to the input coil 14 to excite nuclear spins there. However, the high-frequency signal can also be transmitted via one or more local coils 50.

[0045] Because of the closer proximity, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the local coil 50 is superior to that received by the body coil 14; therefore, the local coil 50 preferably receives the magnetic resonance signal from the patient 100's body. The magnetic resonance signal received by the local coil 50 is processed within the local coil 50 and transmitted to the high-frequency unit 22 of the magnetic resonance tomography apparatus 1 for analysis and image acquisition. A signal connection 33 is preferably used for this purpose; however, wireless transmission, for example, could also be considered.

[0046] The high-energy-consuming subsystem comprises a magnet unit 10 with a cooling device for the field magnet 11, a control unit 21 that provides a current gradient to the gradient coil 12 via an amplifier, and a high-frequency unit 22 that generates high-frequency excitation pulses to excite nuclear spin. However, detuning the local coil 50 via the high-frequency unit 22 also requires considerable power to turn on the PIN diode.

[0047] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the method according to the present invention is executed by the control device 23 of the control unit 20.

[0048] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a unit of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus 1 according to the invention is shown in an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0049] The units to be adjusted in the energy-saving scheme include, for example, the magnet unit 10, the gradient control unit 21, and the high-frequency unit 22, which are controlled by command via bus 25 through the control device 23. The magnet unit 10 is connected to the control device 23 via a separate control line 26. However, other arrangements are also possible, in which all these units are compactly integrated within a housing and connected via the control bus 25. A distributed magnetic resonance system is also feasible, in which only units that need to be directly adjacent due to the power or signal to be transmitted, such as the gradient control unit 21 and the high-frequency unit 22, are combined with the magnet unit 10, and the control device is remotely implemented via a network in cloud 70, for example, on server 71.

[0050] A subsystem capable of causing a change in the state of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus 1 is, for example, the patient bed 30, which is also controlled by the control device 23, or the patient bed may report, for example, whether it has moved into or out of the patient passageway 16 via a limit switch. It is also possible to acquire the presence and / or position of the patient using other sensors, such as cameras, gratings, or pressure sensor pads.

[0051] The state changes of the magnetic resonance tomography device 1 can also be caused by the user through the operation interface. Figure 2 An operating computer 61 or operating terminal, a display 63 with operating elements 64, or a wireless tablet computer 62 are illustrated as examples. It is conceivable that the control device 23 outputs to or receives input from the user through one, several, or all of these operating interfaces. It is also conceivable to operate through only one of the operating interfaces.

[0052] Alternatively, a dedicated control device 64 could be provided at the magnetic unit 10 to simplify the selection of energy-saving options directly at the device.

[0053] Figure 3 A schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown. The magnetic resonance tomography apparatus 1 according to the invention is designed for implementing the method.

[0054] In step S20, control device 23 acquires state changes of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 1. State changes can be acquired by sensors, such as those previously described on the patient bed 30. State changes can also be acquired via one of the described operating interfaces, for example, when a user or operator of the MRI device 1 makes an input to change the state of the MRI device 1. State changes caused by internal system factors can also be considered, such as termination of a previously running process, termination of image acquisition or a portion thereof, termination of a test-or maintenance process, or startup or shutdown of a subsystem or the entire MRI device 1. The state change is then evaluated to determine if it indicates an operational interruption, i.e., an operational interruption should be expected with a greater than zero probability for a certain period of time following the state change. The start of a sequence or test, for example, excludes operational interruption of all units or at least the relevant subsystems. Other state changes, such as interruption of an imaging sequence, removal of the patient bed 30, or absence of the patient 100 on the patient bed 30, indicate a longer interruption period. The term "unit" here refers to a subsystem of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 that can be controlled by the control device 23 to be set to an energy-saving idle state, such as... Figure 2 The magnet unit 10, gradient unit 21 or high-frequency unit 22 or subsystems thereof, such as high-frequency power amplifier and detuning unit, are described in the text.

[0055] If the state change indicates an operational interruption for at least a predetermined minimum time, such as more than 1 minute, more than 5 minutes, more than 20 minutes, or several hours, then in step S30, control device 23 determines, based on the state change, several feasible energy-saving schemes for the impending image acquisition interruption. Preferably, energy-saving measures for units or subsystems of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus 1 are considered, which are immediately no longer needed due to the change in the acquired state and can therefore be set to an energy-saving standby state. The energy-saving scheme here includes at least one energy-saving measure for at least one unit that can be set to an energy-saving standby state. However, the energy-saving scheme preferably includes multiple units and / or energy-saving measures that are collectively no longer needed in the state of the MRI apparatus 1 after the state change and are collectively set to an energy-saving standby state. For example, multiple functionally related units or units with similar corresponding restart times can be combined in the energy-saving scheme. The energy-saving scheme preferably includes all units that can be set to an energy-saving standby state due to the state entered by the MRI apparatus 1 through the state change and can be restarted within the longest time predetermined for the energy-saving scheme.

[0056] In another step S40, the control device 23 determines the restart time for the energy-saving scheme. For an energy-saving scheme with individual related units, the restart time for the energy-saving scheme is the restart time of the individual unit. If the energy-saving scheme includes multiple units, the restart time of the energy-saving scheme can be the value of the maximum restart time of the units in the energy-saving scheme. However, in the case of interdependence, the restart time can also be the sum of the restart times of the related units. A hybrid form can also be considered. The restart times of all possible units of the energy-saving scheme are preferably stored in the memory of the control unit 23 or stored on the server 71.

[0057] In another step S50, the control device 23 outputs to the user, via an operation interface, a selection of multiple energy-saving schemes with information about the corresponding restart times. For example, a list or table of energy-saving schemes can be output on the display screen 63 of the operation terminal 61 or tablet computer 62. However, voice output is also possible, for example.

[0058] In another step S70, the control device 23 executes one of the determined energy-saving schemes. This depends on the user's response, which will be explained in detail below. The execution is achieved by the control unit 23 issuing corresponding adjustment commands to the relevant unit or its control device to establish a stop state, or, in the case of a simple unit, directly interrupting the energy supply.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method includes step S60, namely, acquiring the user's selection of an energy-saving scheme via control device 23. This selection is preferably made at an operating interface, such as at the exemplary operating computer 61, a display 63 connected to an operating element 64, or a tablet computer 62. For example, a list or table of determined energy-saving schemes and corresponding restart times is displayed using numbers, symbols, or color coding, and selection is made via input on a button, mouse, or touchscreen. The operating element 64 is associated with an energy-saving scheme on the display screen, for example, through positional, tactile, or visual markers. Acoustic output and selection via voice input or gestures captured by a camera are also contemplated.

[0060] The selection is then executed via control device 23, as already described.

[0061] In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, after the output step S50, and after a predetermined time without user input, the control system 23 also interprets it as a user selection and assumes a predetermined default value as the user input. The predetermined time may be, for example, less than 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 1 hour. The control device preferably selects the determined energy-saving scheme with the shortest restart time as the predetermined default value. However, a default energy-saving scheme that can be configured by the user, as described below, is also acceptable.

[0062] In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, an energy-saving scheme is determined based on parameters in step S30. For example, it is conceivable that a user can specify a previously described default energy-saving scheme as a parameter. It is also possible to assign a determined state change to an anticipated operational interruption. Adjustable time dependence is also conceivable, whereby the parameters change, for example, at specific times of the day.

[0063] In step S10, the change of one or more parameters is implemented through a dialogue with the user via an operation interface. The control system 23 then changes one or more parameters based on the user's input.

[0064] In one feasible embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step S50, the control device outputs the selection possibilities at a remote operating interface, for example, at an operating computer 61 or tablet computer 62 connected to the control device 23 via a wired or wireless data network. In step S60, the control device accordingly receives the user's selection from the operating interface via the reverse path. Advantageously, a deeper and more efficient energy-saving state and a longer restart time are desirable when the user is not present at the device. Thus, energy-saving measures can be optimized, for example, through a central and always-participating service center. A centralized control device implemented through a server or artificial intelligence acting as a virtual user of the service center is also conceivable.

[0065] In a possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step S80, the control device 23 terminates the energy-saving measures or energy-saving scheme in response to user input, and restarts the unit that was set to an energy-saving standby state according to the energy-saving scheme.

[0066] Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, or other variations can be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for operating a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus (1), the MRI apparatus having a control device (23) for controlling image acquisition, wherein, The method comprises the following steps: The control device (23) collects the state changes of the magnetic resonance tomography device (1) and evaluates the state changes to see if the state changes indicate an interruption of operation. Based on the state change, the control device (23) determines several feasible energy-saving solutions for the impending interruption of image acquisition; The restart time is determined by the control device (23) for the feasible energy-saving scheme; The control device (23) outputs to the user options for multiple feasible energy-saving schemes along with information about the corresponding restart times; An energy-saving scheme is executed by the control device (23).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method also includes a step (S60) of collecting the user's selection of an energy-saving scheme through the control device (23), wherein the control device (23) executes the selected energy-saving scheme in the step (S70) of executing an energy-saving scheme through the control device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, After step (S50) whereby the control device (23) outputs options for multiple feasible energy-saving schemes to the user along with information about the corresponding restart time, after a predetermined time without user input, the control device (23) selects the energy-saving scheme with the shortest restart time and then executes the energy-saving scheme in step (S70) whereby the control device executes an energy-saving scheme.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In the step (S30) of determining multiple feasible energy-saving solutions, the determination is made based on parameters, wherein the method further includes the step (S10) of changing parameters, wherein the control device (23) changes the parameters based on user input in a user dialogue.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, In the step (S50) of outputting options for multiple feasible energy-saving schemes to the user via the control device (23) along with information about the corresponding restart time, the control device (23) sends selection possibilities to the remote operation interface for output, and in the step (S60) of acquiring the user's selection of energy-saving schemes via the control device (23), the control device (23) receives the user's selection from the operation interface.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The magnetic resonance tomography device (1) has an operating element for inputting the user's selection, and the selection is acquired by the operating element in the step (S60) of acquiring the user's selection of the energy-saving scheme by the control device (23).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The magnetic resonance tomography device (1) terminates the energy-saving scheme in response to user input.

8. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device with a control device (23), wherein, The control device (23) is designed to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A computer program product capable of being loaded in a storage unit of a control device (23) of a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus (1) according to claim 8, the computer program product having program code that, when implemented in the magnetic resonance tomography apparatus (1) according to claim 8, implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, the program code being readable by a magnetic resonance tomography apparatus (1) according to claim 8 and being executable by the control device (23) to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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