Imaging support device, magnetic resonance imaging device provided with same, and imaging support method

Abstract

The invention provides an imaging support device, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus provided with the imaging support device, and an imaging support method. The imaging support device can ensure the imaging quality and confirm the safety when setting a subject. An imaging support technique according to the present invention acquires a camera image of a subject placed on a subject transport table of an imaging device, and uses the camera image to present an optimal arrangement of an instrument attached to the subject from the perspective of image quality. Next, the camera image of the subject to which the instrument is attached is used to determine and predict whether there is collision or entrainment between the attached instrument or the like and a structure such as an imaging device or whether safety such as a cavity and a gap is maintained after attachment, and the result is presented to the operator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a support device for placing a subject in an imaging space in an imaging device such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, and more particularly to a placement support technology including the installation of a receiving coil. Background Art

[0002] In an examination using an MRI device, a receiving coil for receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals is installed at the examination part of the subject, and the examination part of the subject is arranged in an imaging space where a static magnetic field is generated for imaging. In order to obtain good images, it is important that the receiving coil is properly installed at an appropriate position on the subject and the examination part is reliably positioned approximately at the center of the static magnetic field. In addition, the imaging space is formed in a relatively narrow cavity, and since the subject with the receiving coil installed is transported in the narrow cavity in a state where the subject lies on a bed, it is crucial to ensure safe transportation operations. That is, operations need to be performed to avoid accidents such as the receiving coil or its cable installed on the subject getting stuck on other structures during transportation, or the subject hitting the entrance or inner wall of the cavity, thereby falling from a specified position on the bed.

[0003] Various schemes have been proposed to properly install the receiving coil and set it up in the magnetic field space. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for analyzing the movement of a subject, an apparatus (receiving coil, etc.) used in imaging, an operator, etc., based on an image acquired by a camera, and monitoring whether a series of operations (operation flow) are properly performed, and discloses a technique for determining the safety appropriateness of at least one state and issuing a warning.

[0004] In addition, Patent Document 2 proposes the following: obtaining 3D image data of a subject positioned on a bed device, obtaining information about the subject based on the temporal changes in the 3D image data, such as information about the subject or an accessory unit (receiving coil, etc.) mounted on the subject protruding from the bed device, comparing the information with a safety value, and outputting the result.

[0005] In addition, Patent Document 3 proposes a system that calculates the difference between an artificial image generated using a generator neural network and optical camera data, determines abnormal conditions that occur during setup based on AI, and issues a warning. Abnormal conditions include improper configuration or connection of coils, cable loops that may be sources of induced current, or the generation of body loops. Patent Document 4 also proposes a technology dedicated to loop detection during transport.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-183525

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-248402

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-508337

[0009] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-124633

[0010] In the installation work from mounting the receiving coil to transporting it to the magnetic field space, which is an example, it is particularly important to mount the receiving coil at the optimal position of the subject to obtain good image quality and to ensure safety in transporting it in this state.

[0011] In the prior art, the state of the subject with the receiving coil installed during transportation is monitored, and abnormalities are detected based on AI or rules. At the time when the receiving coil is installed, the safety of the subsequent operation is determined. That is, in the prior art, although it is possible to detect abnormalities or bad conditions that occur during the transportation operation and respond to them, when it is necessary to respond, for example, returning the subject to the state before transportation to reinstall the receiving coil, the time required for response becomes an obstacle to improving the efficiency of the operation. In addition, not only from the perspective of safety, but also from the perspective of image quality, it is not considered that the receiving coil should be optimally installed and used under the optimal conditions. Summary of the invention

[0012] The present invention provides a technology for determining the safety of a subject during patient setting operations while ensuring image quality, so as to allow an operator to avoid operations that cannot ensure safety.

[0013] To solve the above problems, the receiving coil installation position is presented for the subject before the receiving coil is installed, a camera image of the subject after the receiving coil is installed is acquired, safety is determined using the acquired camera image, and the result is presented.

[0014] That is, the imaging support device of the present invention supports the operation of setting a subject in an imaging device having an imaging space and a workbench for placing the subject and transporting the subject to the imaging space. The imaging support device comprises: a camera image acquisition unit for acquiring a camera image of the subject placed on the workbench; an optimal configuration presentation unit for presenting the optimal configuration of an instrument installed on the subject using the camera image; and a determination unit for determining the safety of the setting operation using the camera image of the subject with the instrument installed.

[0015] The determination result of the determination unit is presented to the operator or fed back to the optimal configuration presentation unit.

[0016] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention has the function of the imaging support device as a function of a calculation unit.

[0017] Furthermore, the imaging support method of the present invention supports the operation of setting a subject in an imaging device having an imaging space and a workbench for placing the subject and transporting the subject to the imaging space. The imaging support method includes the following steps: a camera image acquisition step of acquiring a camera image of the subject placed on the workbench; an optimal configuration presentation step of using the camera image to present an optimal configuration of an instrument installed on the subject; a judgment step of using the camera image of the subject with the instrument installed to judge the safety of the setting operation; and a result presentation step of presenting a judgment result of the judgment step.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, by placing a receiving coil or a cable connected thereto at an optimal position on the subject, it is possible to ensure safety while ensuring image quality, and to carry and position the subject in the magnetic field space. Thus, the carrying operation can be performed without interruption, which can improve the safety and efficiency of the operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1A This is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of an imaging device to which the present invention is applied.

[0021] Figure 1B This is a diagram showing another example of the appearance of an imaging device to which the present invention is applied.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an imaging device (MRI).

[0023] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of a camera support device.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of safety confirmation at the time of carrying in.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the imaging support device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the imaging support device according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of arrangement in which the gap is insufficient and an example of rearrangement after improvement.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the imaging support device according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Fig. 9 This is a diagram for explaining the processing flow of the imaging support device according to the fourth embodiment.

[0030] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing an example of optimal channel presentation by a camera support device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0031] Explanation of symbols

[0032] 1-imaging support device, 2-imaging device, 2A-MRI device, 3-camera, 4, 40-external storage device, 50-device (display device and input device), 6-subject, 7-instrument (receiving coil), 11-optimal configuration presentation unit, 13-camera image acquisition unit, 14-determination unit, 5, 15-UI unit, 16-body thickness estimation unit, 17-loop detection unit, 21-gantry, 22-workbench, 71-cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following is a description of an embodiment of the imaging support device of the present invention. In the following description, the imaging device is an MRI device and the instrument installed on the subject is mainly a receiving coil of the MRI device. However, the imaging device can also be applied to a device having an imaging space and carrying the subject to the imaging space for imaging, such as a CT device or a PET device, and the instrument can also be a living body information measuring device such as an oxygen concentration measuring device or a heart rate monitor.

[0034] First, an imaging device to be used as the imaging support device will be described.

[0035] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of an imaging device 2 to which the present invention is applicable is shown in FIG. The imaging device 2 includes a cylindrical gantry 21 having an imaging space (cavity) inside and a bed device for carrying a subject 6 into the cavity. The bed device includes a workbench 22 on which the subject 6 is placed, and the subject 6 is carried into the cavity by moving the workbench 22.

[0036] In the imaging device 2, one or more cameras 3 are installed at positions where the subject 6 before being brought into the imaging space can be photographed, and camera images of the subject 6 placed on the table 22 of the bed device are acquired. The type, number and location of the camera are not particularly limited. Figure 1A The example in which the cameras 3 are installed near the entrance of the gantry 21 and at the upper part of the inspection room or the ceiling is shown in FIG. 1 , but the number of cameras can be one or more than three, and the installation location can be any location where the camera images required for the above installation can be obtained. Figure 1B As shown, even in the camera 3 installed in the gantry, as long as the camera image can confirm the installation situation on the workbench, the image can be used.

[0037] Furthermore, the camera 3 may be a camera that acquires a two-dimensional image or a stereo camera that can grasp a three-dimensional position. Furthermore, it may be a camera that has an animation function or a tracking function. Regardless of the type of the camera, the image acquired by the camera is referred to as a camera image below. That is, in this specification, the "camera image" is used in a broad sense including not only images acquired by a camera in a narrow sense, but also images acquired by an optical photographic device.

[0038] In the gantry 21, as long as it is an MRI device, a static magnetic field magnet, a gradient magnetic field generating magnet, and an RF transmission coil are sequentially arranged, and a uniform static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet is generated in the imaging space. Sometimes the RF transmission coil also serves as an RF receiving coil for receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals generated in the subject, but in order to sensitively receive nuclear magnetic resonance signals, the RF receiving coil 7 is installed on the subject.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the gradient magnetic field generating magnet 202, the RF transmitting coil 203 and the RF receiving coil 204 (RF receiving coil 7) are connected to the gradient magnetic field power supply 212, the RF transmitting unit 213 and the RF receiving unit 214. The operation of the gradient magnetic field power supply 212, the RF transmitting unit 213 and the RF receiving unit 214 is controlled by the sequencer 215 according to a predetermined pulse sequence.

[0040] The MRI apparatus 2A further includes a computer 20 for controlling the entire apparatus and performing calculations such as image reconstruction using the nuclear magnetic resonance signals detected by the RF receiving unit 214. The computer 20 can be connected to an external storage device 4 for exchanging data or calculation results required for control or image calculation or a UI unit 5 including a device 50 such as a display device.

[0041] In addition, since the imaging sequence by the MRI apparatus 2A is the same as that of a general MRI apparatus, the description thereof is omitted in this specification.

[0042] The imaging support device 1 is a device that, when imaging is performed using the MRI apparatus 2A, places the subject 6 on the workbench 22, attaches the receiving coil 7 to the subject 6, and supports the preparation process until the subject 6 is moved to a predetermined position in the imaging space. The imaging support device 1 can be built in a general-purpose computer or workstation, or can be assembled in the computer 20 of the MRI apparatus 2A. In addition, part of the functions of the imaging support device 1 can be realized by a programmable IC or the like.

[0043] Figure 31 is a block diagram showing an overview of the functions of the imaging support device 1, which includes an optimal configuration presenting unit 11 for presenting the optimal configuration of the receiving coil 7 and other instruments mounted on the subject 6; a camera image acquiring unit 13 for acquiring a camera image of the subject mounted on the imaging device 2; a determining unit 14 for determining the safety of the operation using the camera image; and a UI unit 15 for communicating with an imaging technician or a doctor (hereinafter referred to as an operator). In addition, according to the embodiment, a body thickness estimating unit 16 for measuring or estimating the body thickness of the subject and a loop detecting unit 17 for detecting a loop generated in the instrument or the subject are provided.

[0044] Furthermore, as auxiliary devices, the imaging support device 1 is connected to the following parts: a camera 3, which is set in the imaging device 2 at a position where the subject 6 can be photographed; an external storage device 40, which stores data used for the determination of the determination unit 14; and a device 50, which is a display device, an input device, and a voice generating device connected to the UI unit 15. Figure 2 As shown, when the imaging support device 1 is incorporated into a computer of an imaging device such as an MRI device 2A, Figure 2 The external storage device 4 and the UI unit 5 connected to the computer 20 shown in the figure can also serve as Figure 3 The external storage device 40 and the UI unit 15 (including the device 50) are provided.

[0045] Regarding the camera 3, in the image pickup device 2 Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the description of , the installation position and the like are described, but in order to support the video recording, it is preferred to install two or more cameras and use them as a stereo camera. In this way, the body thickness of the subject can be measured, and it can also be determined whether a patient with a large physique (large abdominal circumference) enters the cavity.

[0046] The camera image acquisition unit 13 acquires the camera image from the camera 3 at a predetermined time, transmits it to the determination unit 14, and displays it on the display device of the UI unit 15. The camera image acquisition unit 13 may acquire the camera image at a time indicated by the operator via the UI unit 15, or may acquire the camera image automatically at a constant interval or at a predetermined time programmed in advance.

[0047] The determination unit 14 analyzes the camera image of the subject 6 with the receiving coil 7 installed, and determines whether the subject 6 with the receiving coil 7 installed is safe when it is carried into the cavity. If necessary, the camera image of the subject before the receiving coil is installed is also obtained. For example, Figure 4As shown, the states where safety becomes a problem are the following states: a state in which a part of the body of the subject 6 or the receiving coil 7 attached to the subject 6 or the blanket covering the subject 6 protrudes from the workbench 22 on which the subject 6 is placed; a state in which the receiving coil 7 or the blanket may be drawn into the workbench when the subject 6 is moved into the gantry 21 of the imaging device 2 in the state in which the receiving coil 7 is attached; a state in which a prescribed interval (gap) is not maintained between the inner wall surface of the cavity and the object being moved; and a state in which a loop that provides a flow path for an induced current is or may be formed in a cable (not shown) connected to the subject 6 or the receiving coil 7, etc.

[0048] The optimal arrangement presenting unit 11 determines the optimal position where the receiving coil should be installed from the viewpoint of image quality, for example, based on the camera image of the subject before the receiving coil is installed and the examination information of the subject, and presents it on the camera image mapped on the display device of the UI unit 15. Details of the position determination method by the optimal arrangement presenting unit 11 will be described later.

[0049] Next, an embodiment of the processing of each unit will be described based on the configuration of the above-described imaging support device 1 .

[0050] <Implementation method 1>

[0051] In this embodiment, reference Figure 5 The flowchart shown here explains the basic processing of the image capture support device 1. Here, the camera 3 continuously captures images at predetermined intervals.

[0052] The camera image acquisition unit 13 acquires a camera image captured by the camera 3 when the subject 6 is placed on the table 22 of the bed device (S1). The camera image deviates from the actual distance and position of the subject according to the position where the camera 3 is arranged, but it can be corrected using information such as the distance or angle between the camera and the subject, and the corrected image can be used as the camera image.

[0053] The optimal arrangement presenting unit 11 determines the position where the receiving coil 7 should be installed in the subject 6 based on the examination information input via the imaging device 2 or the UI unit 15 , and displays the position on the camera image displayed on the display device of the UI unit 15 ( S2 ).

[0054] The method of determining and presenting the optimal receiving coil arrangement from the viewpoint of image quality is not limited. For example, when the user specifies the examination site (for example, the heart position) on the camera image displayed on the display device, the position where the center of the receiving coil coincides with the position is determined as the optimal arrangement, and the optimal arrangement is presented on the camera image. Alternatively, the examination site of the subject is irradiated with projection light from a projector provided in the imaging device, and the receiving coil position is presented on the camera image in such a manner that the center of the receiving coil coincides with the position. In this case, the receiving coil information including the type, size, and shape of the receiving coil may be pre-stored in the external storage device 4, and the stored information may be read out for the receiving coil used in the actual imaging, and the position may be displayed on the camera image by arranging a figure of the contour of the receiving coil appropriately scaled on the camera image. In addition, in simple terms, a template image indicating the optimal installation site in consideration of image quality may be prepared in advance for each examination site, and imaging information including the examination site may be acquired from the imaging device 2, and the template image may be presented.

[0055] The camera image acquisition unit 13 acquires the camera image taken by the camera after the receiving coil is installed from the camera images taken by the camera 3 continuously or at predetermined intervals, and transmits it to the determination unit 14 (S3). The time of acquiring the camera image after the receiving coil is installed or transmitting it to the determination unit 14 may be determined by the user via the input device of the UI unit 15, etc., or the time when the receiving coil 7 is connected to the camera device 2 (receiver) may be received from the camera device 2 and used as the camera image acquisition time.

[0056] The determination unit 14 analyzes the camera image of the subject with the receiving coil installed and checks the safety. Figure 4 As shown, the following situations are checked (S4): (Situation 1) whether a part of the body of the subject 6 or the receiving coil 7 or an accessory installed on the subject 6 protrudes from the workbench 22; (Situation 2) whether a loop 71a is not formed in the cable 71 of the receiving coil 7 itself or between the cable 71 and the subject 6, or whether there is a possibility of forming it; and (Situation 3) whether a sufficient gap (Clearance) is ensured between the receiving coil 7 or the subject 6 covered by a blanket, etc. and the imaging space (the wall surface inside the cavity).

[0057] Regarding the extension from the table 22 , for example, it is possible to determine only the difference between an image of the table acquired in advance and a reference image.

[0058] By determining the extension of the receiving coil 7 or its accessories in this way, when the receiving coil is wound around a limb or the like, it is possible to prevent the excess coil portion from being caught in the structure of the imaging device such as a bed device due to the movement of the subject.

[0059] Regarding loop formation, if a loop is generated at the time when the receiving coil is arranged, the loop detection unit 17 can perform image processing on the camera image to determine whether there is a loop-shaped pattern. Regarding a loop that may be generated during transportation, the determination unit 14 predicts the generation of a loop as the table 22 moves based on the travel state of the cable 71 between the receiving coil 7 and the receiving coil connection part 72. For example, when the cable 71 coming out of the receiving coil 7 is arranged along the body axis direction of the subject 6 and is gently bent near the connection part 72 and connected to the connection part 72, even if the table 22 moves, the possibility of a loop between the subject 6 and the cable 71 is small. However, when the cable 71 is arranged to be offset from the subject 6, a loop is likely to be formed as the table 22 moves, and there is a possibility that the loop may be extended from the table 22. That is, with respect to a cable of a predetermined length from the cable connection part of the receiving coil 7, by detecting the length or the angle relative to the table movement direction, the likelihood of loop generation can be predicted. The determination unit 14 detects the distance between the cable connection portion and the table end, the length of the cable, the angle at which the cable travels, etc. from the camera image, predicts the occurrence of a loop based on the result, and checks safety.

[0060] In this way, by detecting the geometric information of the cable when the receiving coil is arranged to predict subsequent changes, the occurrence of a loop or the danger of the cable being entangled in a part of the subject (eg, an arm, etc.) can be detected in advance and a warning can be given.

[0061] Whether the gap is sufficiently maintained will be described in detail in Embodiment 2, but it is determined by comparing the result of measuring or estimating the size (body thickness or abdominal circumference) of the subject or the subject after the instrument is installed with the size of the cavity.

[0062] In addition to confirming the patient position, coil position, and safety related to the cable (cases 1 to 3), the determination unit 14 also confirms safety by detecting the cable of the SPO2 sensor mounted on the patient's finger or the blanket covering the patient. In particular, a thin blanket or the like may be caught in the workbench and its support when the workbench moves. With regard to the possibility of such entanglement, the determination unit 14 detects the blanket and determines the blanket setting (for example, whether the blanket position is within a specified range), so that the occurrence of entanglement can be predicted, thereby preventing entanglement.

[0063] Furthermore, the above predictions are based on rules to determine the conditions that hinder safety, but the predictions can also be made using a machine learning model or AI that has learned various image data that hinder safety. That is, part or all of the determination unit 14 can also be constructed using a machine learning model or AI.

[0064] When the result of the determination is that there is a problem in safety (the case of NG determination in S4), the determination unit 14 issues an alarm via the UI unit 15 (S5). The alarm may be displayed as OK or NG from the safety point of view on a gantry monitor installed at the entrance of the cavity, or may be notified by an alarm sound. In addition, as an alarm display, for example, an arrow or a quadrilateral may be used to surround the problematic part on the camera image displayed on the display device. Alternatively, an icon or a template image may be displayed. In this way, the user can immediately identify the problematic part and deal with it.

[0065] After the user responds to the alarm to deal with the safety problem, the camera image acquisition unit 13 acquires the camera image again (S6). For example, if there is a problem with the position of the receiving coil, the user responds by re-arranging the receiving coil while maintaining the optimal configuration presented initially.

[0066] The camera image acquisition unit 13 transmits the camera image after addressing the problematic part (for example, after re-arranging the receiving coil) to the determination unit 14 , and repeats the processes S4 to S6 until it is confirmed that there is no problem in terms of safety.

[0067] Then, the table 22 is moved to carry the subject 6 into the imaging space so that the center of the receiving coil 7 is located at the center of the cavity, that is, the center of the static magnetic field space. Figure 5 Although not shown in the figure, camera images are also acquired during the transport to monitor whether any problems occur due to the movement generated during the transport.

[0068] Thus, according to the present embodiment, by ensuring safety and moving the subject 6 into the imaging space while the receiving coil 7 is installed in the optimal configuration taking into account image quality, it is possible to ensure safety during the setting operation while ensuring image quality, without the need for repeated workbench movement, and to prevent inappropriate configuration and resulting image quality degradation due to reinstalling the receiving coil.

[0069] <Implementation method 2>

[0070] In this embodiment, an imaging support device having a function of determining whether a sufficient gap is ensured between the receiving coil 7, the subject 6 covered with a blanket or the like, and the imaging space (cavity wall surface) as a safety confirmation item will be described.

[0071] The imaging support device 1 of the present embodiment includes a body thickness estimation unit 16 for making such a determination. The body thickness estimation unit 16 estimates the body thickness (thickness in a direction perpendicular to the work surface) of the subject 6 based on the camera image. Figure 3 same.

[0072] The processing flow of this embodiment is shown in Figure 6 In. Figure 6 In, with Figure 5 The same processing is denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description is omitted, and the description will focus on the different points.

[0073] First, the optimal arrangement presenting unit 11 presents the optimal arrangement of the receiving coils using camera images (S1, S2), and the camera image acquiring unit 13 acquires a camera image after the receiving coils are installed (S3). The body thickness estimating unit 16 estimates the body thickness using the camera images (S31).

[0074] When the camera 3 is provided on the side of the bed, the side of the subject is projected on the camera image, so the height of the subject in the vertical direction, that is, the body thickness of the subject can be estimated from the image. Alternatively, when the camera 3 is a stereo camera, the body thickness of the subject can be estimated from two camera images taken from different angles.

[0075] The determination unit 14 determines the thickness of the object to be inspected as the sum of the thickness estimated by the thickness estimation unit 16 and the thickness of the receiving coil 7 acquired in advance, calculates the difference between the geometrical values ​​of the imaging space (elliptical shape, height, width) and the thickness, and determines whether the difference is within the allowable gap (S4). The gap is determined in advance to have an appropriate range for each device, taking into account the strength of the magnetic field generated by the RF transmitting coil housed in the gantry, and the determination unit 14 acquires it from the external storage device 4 or the imaging device 2, for example.

[0076] When the determination unit 14 determines that the distance between the inspection object and the cavity wall surface does not satisfy the predetermined gap based on the result estimated by the thickness estimation unit 16, an alarm is issued (S5). Figure 5 The process is the same as that of FIG. 1 , but as the display of the alarm, it is preferable to display not only a simple display of safety NG or OK, but also an alarm to inform the user that the gap is not satisfied. For example, it is possible to display Figure 7 The template image 801 or character information shown. Thus, the user can focus on the problematic area.

[0077] After the alarm is issued, if the user reconfigures the receiving coil, a camera image is acquired ( S6 ), and steps S4 to S6 are repeated.

[0078] At this time, if Figure 6 In the process shown by the dotted line, according to the determination result of the determination unit 14 (S51), the optimal configuration presenting unit 11 presents the optimal configuration of the receiving coil (S52). Figure 7As shown, when the gap with the upper surface of the inner wall of the gantry is minimized by installing the receiving coil 7 (801), the configuration or type of the receiving coil 7 that can avoid contact between the upper surface and the receiving coil and maintain good receiving sensitivity to the inspection part 800 is presented (802). The presentation method may be presentation using an image (a template image or a displayed camera image), or may be combined with character information indicating the type of the receiving coil.

[0079] This allows the user to install a receiving coil that ensures safety while ensuring image quality.

[0080] In addition, Figure 6 , the case where the thickness of the subject 6 becomes a problem is described in the previous section. However, in addition to the thickness, the gap between the subject and the side of the cavity may also become a problem depending on the physique or posture of the subject. In this case, the maximum height or maximum width of the volume occupied by the subject is estimated based on the image obtained by the camera installed near the ceiling of the examination room, or the maximum height or maximum width is obtained based on the results of a pre-measurement. In this case, in addition to Figure 3 The same processing is performed except that the "body thickness estimation unit" is renamed as the "volume estimation unit".

[0081] According to this embodiment, when a patient with a large physique (large abdominal circumference) enters the cavity, it can be determined whether the patient has entered the cavity. In addition, it is possible to pre-determine the safety obstacle conditions after the configuration of instruments that are difficult to determine at a glance, and on this basis, it is possible to find the optimal receiving coil configuration. In this way, it is possible to prevent the discomfort of the subject caused by insufficient clearance, or in extreme cases, the influence on the subject caused by the distance from the RF transmitting coil.

[0082] <Implementation method 3>

[0083] In the first and second embodiments, the process from determination step S4 to receiving coil relocation camera image acquisition step S6 is repeated until the determination unit 14 determines that there is no safety problem. However, this embodiment provides a method for increasing the setting efficiency by limiting the number of repetitions to an appropriate range.

[0084] Therefore, in the imaging support device 1 of this embodiment, the determination unit 14 counts the number of repetitions, and the optimal configuration presenting unit 11 presents an option of a receiving coil configuration different from the initially presented receiving coil configuration. Figure 8 The process of the imaging support device 1 of this embodiment is described in the following flow. Figure 8 In, with Figure 5 and Figure 6 The same reference numerals are used to represent the same steps as those shown in the figure, and repeated description is omitted.

[0085] After acquiring the camera image (S1), the optimal configuration presenting unit 11 uses the camera image to present the optimal receiving coil configuration (S21). This step S21 is basically the same as step S2 of embodiments 1 and 2, but from the perspective of safety, the installation position is presented on the basis of excluding problematic setting positions. For example, in the case where the examination part is the heart or an arm or a leg, etc., which deviates from the center of the subject to the left or right direction, or in the case where the examination part has an extension, if the receiving coil is set in such a way that the center of the receiving coil is located at the center of the examination part, then in the case of a multi-channel coil with a relatively wide area, it is possible that it protrudes from the end of the workbench. The optimal configuration presenting unit 11 compares, for example, the position or range of the examination part determined by the camera image with the size of the receiving coil, and presents the optimal receiving coil position by excluding the setting position where the receiving coil protrudes from the workbench.

[0086] The elimination of safety NG in this step may be simpler than the safety determination by the determination unit 14 , but by eliminating configurations with safety problems that can be easily predicted in advance, the number of repetitions of the subsequent safety determination loop can be reduced.

[0087] After the user installs the receiving coil according to the presented receiving coil position, the determination unit 14 obtains the camera image after installation (S3) and determines whether safety is ensured (S4). In the case of safety NG, an alarm is displayed (S5), and a camera image after the receiving coil is reconfigured is obtained (S6), and safety is determined again (S4). However, the determination unit 14 monitors the number of repeated safety judgments, i.e., repeated reconfigurations (S7). If the number reaches a predetermined number (N) or more, the determination loop is stopped, and the optimal configuration presentation unit 11 presents the second option (S71). The second option is a configuration that maintains the same or relatively good image quality as the optimal receiving coil configuration initially presented, including the use of different types of receiving coils and their configuration.

[0088] For example, in the case of a large patient, the configuration initially presented is optimal from the viewpoint of image quality, but cannot be configured due to insufficient spacing between the patient and the cavity, and the alarm cannot be eliminated even after repeated reconfiguration, such as Figure 7 As shown, the coil position is changed, or another receiving coil is selected and presented as the second best configuration.

[0089] When the receiving coils are arranged in the presented second optimal arrangement, the camera image acquisition unit 13 acquires a camera image ( S72 ), and the above steps S4 to S7 are repeated again.

[0090] According to this embodiment, since it is not necessary to repeat the optimal arrangement operation proposed from the viewpoint of image quality multiple times, the operation efficiency can be improved. Figure 8 Although not shown, after step S7 of determining the number of reconfiguration times, a user instruction on whether to terminate the imaging may be accepted, thereby prompting the user to reconsider the imaging method when safety cannot be ensured only by the configuration of the instrument or the subject.

[0091] <Implementation method 4>

[0092] This embodiment is an embodiment in which the following function is added: when the receiving coil is a multi-channel coil, the optimal arrangement presenting unit 11 presents not only the mounting position of the receiving coil but also the coil position that is optimal for improving image quality.

[0093] At present, the receiving coil widely used in MRI apparatuses is a multi-channel coil, which is equipped with a plurality of surface coils to improve sensitivity and enable wide-range imaging. The multi-channel coil has the advantage of being able to image a relatively wide area at a time with high sensitivity, but in the case of imaging a limited inspection site, it is also possible that the signal from the coil of the upper channel located relatively far from the site is also included in the image reconstruction, thereby increasing noise. In addition, among the multi-channel coils, there are coils with more channels than the receiver channels of the receiving coil of the imaging device 2, in which case it is necessary to select which channel to use or not to use.

[0094] In the imaging support device 1 of this embodiment, when a multi-channel coil is used, a function of presenting one or more channels that are best in terms of image quality among the multiple channels constituting the multi-channel coil is added. The channel presenting function can be set to Figure 3 The function of the optimal configuration presentation unit 11 shown in the figure can also be separated from the channel presentation unit (not shown). Figure 3 The optimal configuration presentation unit 11 is changed to a channel presentation unit for explanation. The other structures and functions of the determination unit 14 are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be explained centering on the differences.

[0095] Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the processing of the camera support device of this embodiment. In this flow chart, step S20 is replaced by Figure 5 The flow of the first embodiment shown is the same as the first embodiment except for step S2.

[0096] In step S20, first, the optimal configuration presenting unit 11 presents the optimal receiving coil position from the viewpoint of image quality. At this time, the optimal configuration is presented after excluding problematic installation positions from the viewpoint of safety. Figure 8The same as step S21, the camera image is used to simply exclude the configuration that extends from the workbench, for example, and judge and present the best configuration. In the best position presented in this way, the center of the receiving coil does not necessarily coincide with the center of the inspection part. In order to obtain good image quality, it is important to reconstruct the received signal using a channel within a specified range centered on the inspection part.

[0097] Therefore, the channel presenting unit selects a channel in a predetermined area including the examination site as an active channel from among the multiple channels of the receiving coil. Fig.10 In the example, the following example is shown as an example: the examination part 61 is located on the left side of the chest of the subject 6, and the optimal receiving coil position and the optimal channel position that exclude safety NG are presented. This example is an example of using a multi-channel coil that can photograph the trunk of the subject 6. Since the examination part 61 of the subject 6 is biased to the left side, the center of the receiving coil is offset from the center of the examination part, and a position that does not extend from the workbench is presented as the optimal position, and a certain area centered on the examination part 61 is included and presented. The channel included in the certain area is the optimal channel. In addition, the range of the optimal channel is presented here, but on the contrary, unused channels can also be presented.

[0098] The information indicating the best channel is reflected to the imaging device 2. For example, the information of the best channel presented can be used to allow the user to manually set the channel to be activated, or the geometric information of the multi-channel coil can be sent to the imaging device 2 together to turn on the best channel automatically selected by the imaging device 2.

[0099] Thus, in step S20, after presenting the best position and best channel of the receiving coil, the camera image after installation is obtained to predict safety, and an alarm is issued as needed (S4 to S6). This is the same as other embodiments, so the description is omitted. Figure 8 The steps of reducing the safety judgment loop are added as in the flow of FIG. 1 , and the second option is presented for the optimal configuration as needed. When the optimal configuration is changed, the presentation of the optimal channel is also changed as needed.

[0100] According to this embodiment, in addition to the optimal installation position, it is also possible to ensure good image quality and support safe installation by presenting the optimal channel.

[0101] In the above, the embodiment in which the imaging support device and imaging support method of the present invention are mainly applied to MRI is described, but the present invention can be applied not only to MRI devices but also to devices that carry a subject into a cavity for imaging. Furthermore, as long as there is no technical contradiction, the various embodiments or the various processes included therein can be appropriately combined, and such a combination is also included in the present invention.

Claims

1. An imaging support device that supports a task of placing a subject in an imaging device having an imaging space and a table for placing the subject and conveying the subject to the imaging space, the imaging support device comprising: a camera image acquisition unit for acquiring a camera image of the subject placed on the workbench; an optimal arrangement presenting unit that presents an optimal arrangement of instruments mounted on the subject using the camera image; and The determination unit determines safety during installation work using a camera image of the subject to which the instrument is attached.

2. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit determines whether a gap between a subject to which the instrument is attached and an inner wall surface of the imaging space satisfies a predetermined value.

3. The imaging support device according to claim 2, wherein: comprising a body thickness estimating unit for estimating the body thickness of the subject, The determination unit performs the determination using the body thickness estimated by the body thickness estimation unit.

4. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein: When the subject is carried into the imaging space, the determination unit predicts entrapment of the subject or an accessory attached to the instrument.

5. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit predicts whether a loop occurs between the instrument and a cable connected thereto or between the cable and the subject.

6. The imaging support device according to claim 5, wherein: The determination unit predicts the occurrence of the loop using geometric information of the cable including the length of the cable obtained from the camera image and a connection angle with respect to the device.

7. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein: The determination unit performs the determination using a learning model that has learned the arrangement of the instruments and accessories with respect to the subject and changes in the arrangement after the subject has moved.

8. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein: The device is a receiving coil used in a magnetic resonance imaging device. The optimal arrangement presenting unit presents, as the optimal arrangement, the arrangement positions of the receiving coils that can obtain a high-quality image with respect to the examination site of the subject.

9. The imaging support device according to claim 8, wherein: The optimal configuration presenting section presents, as the optimal configuration, a configuration excluding a configuration in which setting security cannot be ensured.

10. The imaging support device according to claim 8, wherein: The optimal configuration presented by the optimal configuration presenting unit includes any one of the position, type, and number of the receiving coils.

11. The imaging support device according to claim 8, wherein: The receiving coil is a multi-channel coil consisting of multiple channels. The optimal configuration presenting unit includes a channel presenting unit that presents a portion of the channels from the plurality of channels as optimal channels that can obtain high image quality.

12. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein: A user interface unit is further provided for issuing an alarm based on the determination result of the determination unit.

13. The imaging support device according to claim 1, wherein: The optimal arrangement presenting unit presents a second optimal arrangement different from the optimal arrangement based on a determination result of the determination unit.

14. A magnetic resonance imaging device, characterized in that: have: An imaging unit including an imaging space generating a static magnetic field, a workbench for carrying a subject to the imaging space, an RF transmitting unit generating an RF magnetic field in the imaging space, and an RF receiving unit receiving a nuclear magnetic resonance signal generated from the subject; and a computing unit for controlling the imaging unit and reconstructing an image using the nuclear magnetic resonance signal; The computing unit comprises: a camera image acquisition unit that acquires a camera image of the subject placed on the workbench before being transported to the imaging space; an optimal configuration presenting unit that presents an optimal configuration of an instrument mounted on the subject using the camera image; and The determination unit determines the safety of an operation of placing the subject in the imaging space using a camera image of the subject to which the instrument is attached.

15. An imaging support method for supporting an operation of placing a subject in an imaging device having an imaging space and a table for placing the subject and conveying the subject to the imaging space, the imaging support method comprising the following steps: a camera image acquisition step of acquiring a camera image of the subject placed on the workbench; an optimal configuration presenting step of presenting an optimal configuration of an instrument mounted on the subject using the camera image; a step of determining the safety of the setting operation using a camera image of the subject to which the instrument is attached; and The result presenting step presents the determination result of the determination step.

16. The imaging support method according to claim 15, wherein: When the apparatus is reconfigured after the result presentation step, Repeat the determination step and the result presentation step.

17. The imaging support method according to claim 16, wherein: Also includes: A second optimal arrangement presenting step: when the determination step and the result presenting step are repeated more than a predetermined number of times, presenting a second optimal arrangement different from the optimal arrangement.

Images