Magnetic resonance scanning system and method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses a magnetic resonance scanning system and method, and the method comprises the steps: a plurality of scanning configurations are preset, the plurality of scanning configurations correspond to a plurality of scanning ranges of an object to be scanned, and each scanning configuration comprises a magnetic resonance scanning parameter related to an implant; and executing a scanning process on an object to be scanned by adopting at least one of the plurality of preset scanning configurations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to medical imaging technology, and more particularly to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning system and a magnetic resonance scanning method. Background Art

[0002] Magnetic resonance imaging technology has been widely used in the field of medical diagnosis. A magnetic resonance system usually has a main magnet, a gradient drive system, a gradient coil assembly, a radio frequency transmission chain module, a radio frequency receiving chain module, etc. Among them, the radio frequency transmission chain module is used to generate radio frequency pulses to excite the object to generate magnetic resonance signals, and the magnetic resonance signals can be used to reconstruct medical images.

[0003] The SAR (Radio Frequency Absorption Specific) is an important reference indicator in the transmission chain module, which indicates the ratio of the radio frequency signal absorbed by the scanned object. The SAR value is usually set below a certain threshold to avoid damage to the object during the scan. Generally, patients wearing implants have lower SAR limits when undergoing magnetic resonance imaging. With the advancement of medical technology, the number of patients wearing implants has increased rapidly, and the manufacturers of these implants usually specify the medical scanning parameters applicable to the implants.

[0004] When using a magnetic resonance scanning system to scan different parts of a patient (usually determined as different scanning ranges during the scanning process), the implants on the patient may also be subject to different scanning parameters, which requires interrupting the scanning process to reconfigure the scanning parameters separately, or even creating a new scanning process, which will seriously interfere with the scanning and increase the time cost. Alternatively, when a patient wears two or more implants, it is also necessary to comprehensively set the applicable medical scanning parameters for these implants. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides a magnetic resonance scanning method, which includes: presetting a plurality of scanning configurations, and performing a scanning process on a subject to be scanned using at least one of the plurality of pre-set scanning configurations. The plurality of scanning configurations correspond to a plurality of scanning ranges of the subject to be scanned, and each scanning configuration includes magnetic resonance scanning parameters related to an implant.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a magnetic resonance scanning system, comprising:

[0007] A controller, configured to execute the magnetic resonance scanning method; and

[0008] The magnetic resonance component is used to execute the scanning process on the object to be scanned based on the control instruction of the controller.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention provides a magnetic resonance scanning system, comprising:

[0010] Magnetic resonance components;

[0011] a controller; and,

[0012] A graphical user interface interacting with the controller, the graphical user interface comprising a plurality of interfaces, the plurality of interfaces respectively being used to display a plurality of pre-set scanning configurations, the plurality of scanning configurations corresponding to a plurality of scanning ranges of the object to be scanned, each scanning configuration comprising magnetic resonance scanning parameters related to the implant. The controller is used to control the magnetic resonance assembly to perform a scanning process on the object to be scanned using at least one of the plurality of pre-set scanning configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to refer to like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary magnetic resonance scanning system according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 An example of a subject to be scanned wearing an implant is shown;

[0016] Figure 3 A conventional scanning process of performing magnetic resonance scanning on multiple scanning sites is shown;

[0017] Figure 4 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 A block diagram showing a magnetic resonance scanning system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 A block diagram showing a magnetic resonance scanning system according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 An example of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 8 A flow chart showing another embodiment of the magnetic resonance scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Fig. 9 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Fig.10An example of a graphical user interface in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0024] Fig.11 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Fig.12 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Fig.13 , Fig.14 The body models obtained based on different body indicators are shown respectively;

[0027] Fig.15 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Fig.16 The figure shows the body model in the second perspective;

[0029] Fig.17 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Fig.18 A schematic diagram of adding implant identification to a body model using a medical image is shown;

[0031] Fig.19 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Fig. 20 An example of the safety prompt information displayed in the current interface is shown;

[0033] Fig.21 Another example of safety prompt information displayed in another interface is shown;

[0034] Fig. 22 A flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to help those skilled in the art to accurately understand the subject matter claimed for protection of the present invention, the specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description of these specific embodiments, some well-known functions or structures are not described in detail in this specification to avoid unnecessary details that affect the disclosure of the present invention.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in the claims and the specification should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the technical field. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in this specification and the claims do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. "One" or "one" and similar words do not indicate a quantitative limitation, but indicate the existence of at least one. "Including" or "comprising" and similar words mean that the elements or objects appearing in front of "including" or "comprising" include the elements or objects listed after "including" or "comprising" and their equivalent elements, and do not exclude other elements or objects. "Connected" or "connected" and similar words are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, nor are they limited to direct or indirect connections. In addition, it should be understood that reference to "one embodiment" or "embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementation schemes that also include the cited features.

[0037] The "modules", "units", etc. described herein may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. For example, according to certain aspects of the embodiments of the present invention, the "modules" described herein may be implemented as computer program modules or circuit modules.

[0038] The “image” described herein may include a displayed image, and may also include data forming the displayed image.

[0039] refer to Figure 1 , shows an exemplary magnetic resonance scanning system 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention. An operator workstation 110 is used to control the operation of the MRI system 100, and the operator workstation 110 includes an input device 114, a control panel 116 and a display 118. The input device 114 can be a joystick, a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a touch-activated screen, voice control, or any similar or equivalent input device. The control panel 116 can include a keyboard, a touch-activated screen, voice control, buttons, sliders, or any similar or equivalent control device. The operator workstation 110 is coupled to and communicates with a computer system 120, and provides an interface for the operator to plan magnetic resonance scans, display images and a graphical user interface, perform image processing, and store data and images.

[0040] The computer system 120 includes a plurality of modules that communicate with each other via electrical and / or data connection modules 122. The connection modules 122 may be wired communication links, fiber optic communication links, wireless communication links, etc. The computer system 120 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 124, a memory 126, and an image processor 128. In some embodiments, the image processor 128 may be replaced by an image processing function running in the CPU 124. The computer system 120 may be connected to an archival media device, a permanent or backup storage, or a network. The computer system 120 may be coupled to and communicate with a separate MRI system controller 130.

[0041] The MRI system controller 130 includes a set of modules that communicate with each other via electrical and / or data connection modules 132. The connection modules 132 may be direct wired communication links, fiber optic communication links, wireless communication links, etc. In alternative embodiments, the modules of the computer system 120 and the MRI system controller 130 may be implemented on the same computer system or multiple computer systems. The MRI system controller 130 may include a CPU 131, a sequence pulse generator 133 that communicates with the operator workstation 110, a transceiver (or RF transceiver) 135, a gradient controller 136, a memory 137, and an array processor 139.

[0042] An object 170 to be scanned by MR can be positioned in a cylindrical imaging volume 146 of a magnetic resonance assembly 140 via a scanning couch, and one or more implants may be worn on the body of the object 170. The MRI system controller 130 controls the scanning couch to move along the Z-axis direction of the magnetic resonance system to transfer a predetermined part of the object 170 to be scanned to the imaging volume 146. The magnetic resonance assembly 140 includes a superconducting magnet having a superconducting coil 144, a radio frequency coil assembly, and a gradient coil assembly 142. The superconducting coil 144 has a magnet bore to form the cylindrical imaging volume 146. The superconducting coil 144 provides a static uniform longitudinal magnetic field B0 throughout the cylindrical imaging volume 146 during operation. The radio frequency coil assembly may include a body coil 148 and a surface coil 149, which may be used to send and / or receive radio frequency signals.

[0043] The MRI system controller 130 may receive commands from the operator workstation 110 to indicate a scanning process to be performed during an MRI scan. In an embodiment of the present invention, the scanning process may include multiple scans for multiple scanning ranges, each scan having a set scanning configuration, and multiple scanning configurations may be pre-set based on an embodiment of the present invention. Each scan is used to perform a predetermined scanning sequence under a corresponding scanning configuration. The above-mentioned "scanning sequence" refers to a combination of pulses with specific intensity, shape, and timing, etc. applied when performing a magnetic resonance imaging scan. These pulses may generally include, for example, radio frequency pulses and gradient pulses. Multiple scanning sequences may be pre-stored in the computer system 120 so that a sequence that is compatible with clinical detection requirements can be indicated via the operator workstation. The clinical detection requirements may include, for example, imaging sites, imaging functions, imaging effects, scanning safety, etc. The sequence pulse generator 133 of the MRI system controller 130 sends instructions describing the timing, intensity, and shape of radio frequency pulses and gradient pulses in the sequence based on the indicated sequence to operate the system components that execute the sequence.

[0044] The RF pulses in the scanning sequence sent by the pulse generator 133 can be generated via the transceiver 135, and the RF pulses are amplified by the RF power amplifier 162. The amplified RF pulses are provided to the body coil 148 via the transmit / receive switch (T / R switch) 164, and the RF body coil 148 then provides a transverse magnetic field B1. As a non-limiting example, the transmitting part in the transceiver 135, the RF power amplifier 162, the T / R switch 164, etc. constitute at least a part of the RF transmission link. The transverse magnetic field B1 is substantially perpendicular to B0 in the entire cylindrical imaging volume 146, and the transverse magnetic field B1 is used to excite the excited nuclei in the scanned object to generate MR signals.

[0045] Part of the energy carried by the radio frequency pulse is released as heat and absorbed by the human body. Over time, this energy is deposited in the scanned part of the human body, causing the local or whole body temperature to increase. The energy that can be absorbed by the human body per unit weight per unit time is defined as SAR, and different SAR values ​​are usually set for different parts of the human body.

[0046] The gradient pulses in the scanning sequence sent by the pulse generator 133 can be generated by the gradient controller 136 and act on the gradient driver 150, which includes a G x , G y and G z Amplifier, etc. G x , G y and G z Each of the gradient amplifiers is used to excite a corresponding gradient coil in the gradient coil assembly 142 to generate magnetic field gradients used to spatially encode MR signals during an MR scan.

[0047] The pulse generator 133 is coupled to and in communication with a scan room interface system 145, which can receive signals from various sensors associated with the status of the magnetic resonance assembly 140 and various processors disposed in the scan room. The scan room interface system 145 is also coupled to and in communication with a patient positioning system 147, which sends and receives signals to control the travel of the scan table to transfer the patient or subject 170 to a desired position for MR scanning.

[0048] As described above, the RF body coil 148 and the RF surface coil 149 can be used to transmit radio frequency pulses and / or receive MR signals from the scanned object. The MR signals emitted by the nuclei excited in the scanned object can be sensed and received by the RF body coil 148 or the RF surface coil 149 and sent back to the preamplifier 166 through the T / R switch 164. The T / R switch 164 can be controlled by a signal from the MRI system controller 130 to electrically connect the radio frequency power amplifier 162 to the RF body coil 148 during the transmit mode, and to connect the preamplifier 166 to the RF body coil 148 during the receive mode. The T / R switch 164 can also enable the RF surface coil 149 to be used in the transmit mode or the receive mode.

[0049] In some embodiments, the MR signals sensed and received by the RF body coil 148 or the RF surface coil 149 and amplified by the preamplifier 166 are demodulated, filtered, and digitized in the receiving portion of the transceiver 135 and transmitted to the memory 137 in the MRI system controller 130 as a raw k-space data array.

[0050] Reconstructed magnetic resonance images can be acquired by transforming / processing the stored raw k-space data. For each image to be reconstructed, the data is rearranged into a separate k-space data array, and each of these separate k-space data arrays is input to an array processor 139, which is operated to transform the data into an array of image data.

[0051] The array processor 139 uses a transform method, most commonly a Fourier transform, to create images from the received MR signals. These images are transmitted to the computer system 120 and stored in the memory 126. In response to commands received from the operator workstation 110, the image data may be stored in long-term storage or may be further processed by the image processor 128 and transmitted to the operator workstation 110 for presentation on the display 118.

[0052] In various embodiments, components of computer system 120 and MRI system controller 130 may be implemented on the same computer system or multiple computer systems. Figure 1 The MRI system 100 shown is for illustration purposes. Suitable MRI systems may include more, fewer, and / or different components.

[0053] The MRI system controller 130 and the image processor 128 may include a computer processor and a storage medium, respectively or in common, on which a program for predetermined data processing to be executed by the computer processor is recorded. For example, the storage medium may store a program for implementing scanning processing (such as scanning parameter setting, scanning control flow, imaging sequence), image reconstruction, image processing, etc. Specifically, the storage medium may store the magnetic resonance scanning method of any embodiment of the present invention. The above-mentioned storage medium may include, for example, a ROM, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, or a non-volatile memory card.

[0054] When performing an MRI scan on a subject to be examined, a complete scan may include scanning multiple parts of the subject, so the complete scan may involve scanning at different scanning ranges. In some scenarios, for example, when the subject wears a certain implant, the implant has different scanning configuration requirements at different scanning ranges. Figure 2 As shown, there is a pacemaker 210 which requires that the root mean square value of the radio frequency field B+rms must be less than or equal to 3.2uT (micro Tesla) when the scanning range (or the part to be scanned) of the magnetic resonance scanning is above the cervical vertebra C7 cone, and the root mean square value of the radio frequency field B+rms must be less than or equal to 2.8uT when the scanning range is below the cone.

[0055] When the whole body of the subject needs to be scanned in a complete scan, or the part above the C7 pyramid (such as the head) and the part below the C7 pyramid (such as the abdomen) need to be scanned separately, the conventional scanning process 300 is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, in step 310, patient registration is performed, and a first scanning parameter is determined for a head scan. In step 320, a head scan is performed based on the first scanning parameter, and the scanning process is terminated. The head scan includes moving the scanning bed so that the head area of ​​the object is aligned with the scanning center for imaging. In step 330, patient registration is performed again, and a second scanning parameter is determined for an abdominal scan. In step 340, an abdominal scan is performed based on the second scanning parameter, and the scanning process is terminated. The abdominal scan includes moving the scanning bed so that the abdominal area of ​​the object is aligned with the scanning center for imaging.

[0056] This approach requires repeated patient registration (for example, which may include inputting / editing patient information and confirming the patient from the registration list) and repeated setting of scanning parameters. The scanning process is interrupted, and when the number of first scans or second scans is greater, more time costs are wasted.

[0057] Figure 4 A flowchart 400 of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In step 420, a plurality of scanning configurations are preset, the plurality of scanning configurations corresponding to a plurality of scanning ranges of an object to be scanned, and each scanning configuration includes magnetic resonance scanning parameters related to an implant. In step 440, a scanning process is performed on the object to be scanned using at least one of the plurality of preset scanning configurations.

[0058] The above-mentioned “scanning process” may include one or more separate scanning processes for one or more scanning ranges or parts of the object to be detected, for example, it may include part or all of the scans performed during the time period from when the object to be detected is positioned on the scanning bed and when it leaves the scanning bed.

[0059] The above-mentioned "pre-setting" refers to setting the scanning configuration information before executing the above-mentioned scanning process. For multiple individual scanning processes in the scanning process (for example, with different scanning ranges), the scanning configurations used in all individual scanning processes can be determined before executing the first individual scanning process, for example, the magnetic resonance scanning parameters related to the implant in each individual scanning process are set. Therefore, when executing the scanning process, any individual scanning process can be directly executed based on the corresponding pre-set scanning configuration. For example, multiple individual scanning processes can be executed sequentially, and no scanning configuration or scanning parameter setting is performed between two adjacent individual scanning processes.

[0060] The above-mentioned “scanning parameters related to the implant” refer to parameters and / or hardware configurations whose parameter values ​​may be directly or indirectly limited by the implant, for example, they may include SAR (specific absorption rate, which may include whole body SAR value (WB SAR) and local SAR value (such as Head SAR)), allowed transmitting coil (Allowed RF Transmit Coil), allowed RF drive mode (Allowed RF Drive Mode), maximum single scan time (Max Single Series Time), spatial gradient field strength (Spatial Gradient), maximum gradient switching rate (Max Slew Rate), and at least one of the above-mentioned RF field root mean square value (B+rms), etc. The set of these parameters / hardware configurations is taken as an example and is also included in Figure 8 The graphical user interface shown is shown.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present invention, the multiple scanning configurations may include a first scanning configuration and a second scanning configuration, and the scanning process may include: sequentially performing a first scan and a second scan based on the first scanning configuration and the second scanning configuration, respectively.

[0062] The above “performing the first scan and the second scan sequentially” means that after the first scan is completed, the second scan can be started through user operation or automatic control without setting the scan configuration again.

[0063] Figure 5 A block diagram of a magnetic resonance scanning system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes a controller 510 and a magnetic resonance component 520. The controller 510 is used to execute the magnetic resonance scanning method according to any embodiment of the present invention, and the magnetic resonance component 520 is used to execute the above scanning process on the object to be scanned based on the control instruction of the controller 510.

[0064] For example, the controller 510 may be used to perform: presetting the plurality of scanning configurations and using at least one of the plurality of pre-set scanning configurations to perform a scanning process on the object to be scanned.

[0065] Figure 6 A block diagram of a magnetic resonance scanning system 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes a magnetic resonance component 620, a controller 610, and a graphical user interface 630 interacting with the controller 610. The graphical user interface 630 includes multiple interfaces 631, which are respectively used to display the multiple pre-set scanning configurations. The controller 610 is used to control the magnetic resonance component 620 to use at least one of the multiple pre-set scanning configurations to perform a scanning process on the object to be scanned.

[0066] Furthermore, each of the multiple interfaces 631 is also used to: display a body model 632 that matches the object to be scanned; receive a user operation to add an implant identifier 633 in the body model; and display safety prompt information 634 under the corresponding scanning configuration, wherein the safety prompt information is obtained based on the position information of the implant identifier 633 in the body model 632.

[0067] In the embodiment of the present invention, the controllers 510 and 610 can be respectively Figure 1 The magnetic resonance components 520 and 620 may also include the computer system 120 and the MR system controller 130, or include at least a portion of the computer system 120 and the MR system controller 130, or be integrated with at least a portion of the computer system 120 and the MR system controller 130. Figure 1 The graphical user interface 630 may be displayed via the display 118 or a display screen disposed on the magnetic resonance component 520, 620.

[0068] like Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, optionally, the controller 510, 610 can also communicate with the patient information system 540 via a remote or local network. In some embodiments, the patient information system 540 can be integrated with the magnetic resonance scanning system. The patient information system 540 will be further introduced in the further description of the magnetic resonance scanning method of the embodiment of the present invention below.

[0069] Figure 7 An example 700 of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein in step 710, patient registration is performed, and the registration may be performed by inputting information via the magnetic resonance scanning system 500, 600 of the present invention, and the registered patient information may be subsequently stored in the magnetic resonance scanning system 500 and the patient information system 540. In step 720, a head scan configuration is set for a head scan, and an abdominal scan configuration is set for an abdominal scan, and one or more parameters in the head scan configuration and the abdominal scan configuration may have different set values. Step 720 is performed before executing the scanning process, that is, before step 730. In step 730, the head scan and the abdominal scan are performed based on the head scan configuration and the abdominal scan configuration, respectively, in a preset order, wherein multiple head scans and / or multiple abdominal scans may be performed separately or interspersed, and each two adjacent scans may be used as the first scan and the second scan.

[0070] In this way, it is possible to avoid interrupting the scanning process to set the scanning configuration for the next scan (such as the abdomen) after completing a scan (such as a head scan), thereby improving the scanning efficiency.

[0071] Figure 8 A flowchart of another embodiment of the magnetic resonance scanning method of the embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein step 420, i.e., presetting a plurality of scanning configurations, can be implemented through steps 810 and 820. In step 810, implant information of the object to be scanned is acquired based on the patient information system 540 that communicates with or is integrated with the magnetic resonance scanning system; in step 820, the plurality of scanning configurations are pre-set based on the acquired implant information.

[0072] The above-mentioned patient information system can be used to register, store, and access patient information, which can be one or more of HIS (Hospital Information System), RIS (Radiology Information System), EMR (Electronic Medical Record) (or EHR), EPIC medical management system, etc.

[0073] The above-mentioned "communication" may include a local network link or a remote network connection.

[0074] The implant information of the object to be scanned obtained in step 810 may include, for example, one or more of the implant type, model, size, and scan configuration information applicable to different scan ranges. The implant information may be stored in the magnetic resonance scanning system. In some embodiments, multiple scan configurations for different scan ranges may be automatically generated based on the implant information, and the user may confirm or adjust the scan configuration. In some embodiments, the scan configuration may also be performed directly through user operation, for example, the user may create multiple scan configurations in a graphical user interface using the obtained implant information.

[0075] In an embodiment of the present invention, presetting a plurality of scan configurations may include at least one of the following operations: deleting at least one of the existing scan configurations; editing at least one of the existing scan configurations; and adding a new scan configuration.

[0076] Fig. 9 A flowchart of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the method further comprises step 910: displaying the plurality of scanning configurations through a plurality of interfaces of a graphical user interface, respectively, wherein the graphical user interface may include Figure 6 Graphical user interface 630 is shown.

[0077] Further, in step 420, the plurality of scan configurations may be set based on user input received via the graphical user interface.

[0078] Fig.10 An example 1000 of the graphical user interface 630 is shown, which includes a first interface Config1 and a second interface Config2, wherein detailed information of the first interface Config1 is displayed in the current interface, for example, including a scanning configuration 1001 and a body model 1010, and may also include an implant identifier 1020 added to the body model 1010. The detailed information may further include a simulation model 1030 of a magnetic resonance scanning system, an implant safety restriction area 1040, and the relative position between the body model 1010 and the implant identifier 1020 therein and the implant safety restriction area 1040 in the current state. The current interface can be switched to display detailed information of the second interface Config2 by clicking the icon of the second interface Config2. In other embodiments, the first interface and the second interface may be displayed simultaneously in different areas of the current interface.

[0079] The first interface or the second interface can be based on user operations (such as clicking Fig.10The user can also delete the current interface (such as the first interface) by operating the "Delete" icon "-", or modify / edit any information in the corresponding scan configuration in the current interface.

[0080] Fig.11 A flowchart 1100 of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the method further includes steps 1110, 1120, and 1130. In step 1110, the positioning information of the implant of the object to be scanned in the body is determined. In step 1120, the safety prompt information under the multiple scanning configurations is generated based on the positioning information. In step 1130, the safety prompt information under the corresponding multiple scanning configurations is displayed via the multiple interfaces.

[0081] Wherein, step 1110 may further include steps 1112, 1114 and 1116. In step 1112, via the graphical user interface (such as Fig.10 In step 1114, an implant mark 1020 is added to the body model 1010. In step 1116, the position information of the implant mark 1020 relative to the body model 1010 is determined.

[0082] The position information of the implant identifier 1020 relative to the body model 1010 can reflect the actual position of the implant in the body. Therefore, in step 1120, the safety prompt information can be generated based on the position information of the implant identifier 1020 relative to the body model 1010. Based on the actual position of the implant of the object to be detected in the body, it is determined whether a safe scan can be performed under the current scanning configuration, and the safety assessment result is presented to the user by displaying the safety prompt information, so that the scanning risk can be predicted before the actual scanning to avoid safety accidents.

[0083] The body model 1010 may be a three-dimensional image model with a similar human body structure. For example, the body model 1010 may include but is not limited to a trunk, limbs, head, brain, heart, liver, spleen, stomach, bones, etc., so as to add implant identification in a more accurate position. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional body model 1010 may have a simpler structure, for example, it may only include an outer contour, and the user may operate in the simplified three-dimensional body model based on his own knowledge of human body structure. The body model may be a unified standard model or selected from multiple standard models. In order to improve the accuracy of the safety assessment, the body model 1010 may be obtained after matching with the object to be scanned, and the "match" may include being consistent or similar with the object to be scanned in terms of height, weight, body proportions, gender, age, etc. In some embodiments, the "match" includes scaling the body model as a whole or in part, adjusting the proportion, etc. In the example of the present invention, the body model can be adjusted through the adjustment icon 1070 in the operation interface.

[0084] Fig.12 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 , Fig.14 The body models obtained based on different body indicators are shown respectively. Figure 12 to Figure 14 An example of obtaining a body model that matches an object to be scanned is described.

[0085] In step 1210, the body index information of the object to be detected is obtained, and the body index information may include at least one of height and weight. The body index information may be obtained by asking the object to be scanned or measuring it by any technical means. In step 1220, a body model matching the object to be detected is obtained based on the body index information. In one example, the body model can be obtained by automatically adjusting the pre-stored standard body model based on the body index information, and the standard body model may include the basic human body structure. In another example, a body model matching the body index information can also be selected from a plurality of pre-stored standard body models. For example, a plurality of standard models based on different height ranges and weight ranges can be stored so that a suitable body model can be quickly selected. In other examples, the pre-stored plurality of standard body models can also be obtained by combining significant features such as age group, gender, body shape, etc., so as to improve the accuracy of matching. In other examples, a rough match can be first performed by selecting a standard model, and then an accurate match can be performed by adjusting the selected standard model, and the adjustment can, for example, include further scaling, proportional adjustment, etc.

[0086] Fig.13 The body model 1310 in FIG. 1 is based on the body indicators of a weight of 80 kg and a height of 180 cm. Fig.14 The body model 1410 in FIG. 1 is obtained based on the body indicators of a weight of 20 kg and a height of 120 cm. Therefore, a body model that better matches the actual characteristics of the subject to be detected can be obtained, so that the position information of the implant marker added to the body model is more accurate, which is convenient for the safety prediction of the implant. Fig.13 , Fig.14 As shown, the body index information can be displayed and input through the corresponding interface of each scanning configuration.

[0087] In other embodiments, the three-dimensional image of the object to be detected can be obtained by photographing the current object to be scanned via a three-dimensional camera, and a body model matching the object to be scanned can be generated based on the three-dimensional image. For example, the object to be scanned on the scanning bed can be photographed, and the photographed image can be preprocessed, and the preprocessed image can be used as a body model, or the object to be scanned at any position can be photographed, and the photographed image can be subjected to posture correction, coordinate transformation, etc. to generate a body model. Since the body model is generated based on the image of the object itself, the implant position information obtained later is more accurate.

[0088] The body model 1010 in the current interface can be changed in a variety of ways (for example, it can include additional Fig.13 Body model 1310 or Fig.14 The implant identifier 1020 is added to the body model 1410 in the figure. For example, according to the implant information obtained from the patient information system 540, if it is determined that the subject to be scanned has a pacemaker, the implant identifier can be added to the heart of the body model 1010 based on the operation instructions of the graphical user interface. Figures 15 to 17 An embodiment of adding an implant identifier is described in detail.

[0089] Fig.15 A flow chart of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein step 1114 may further include step 1510: adding implant identifiers to the body model at at least two different viewing angles respectively.

[0090] Fig.10 The body model 1010 is shown in the first perspective (front perspective). Fig.16The body model 1010 in the second perspective (side perspective) is shown, wherein the first perspective and the second perspective can be switched by the perspective switching icon 1050 in the operation interface. In step 1510, the implant mark 1020 can be first added to the body model 1010 in the default first perspective, so that the position information of the implant mark 1020 in the XZ plane can be determined, and then based on the operation instruction of the perspective switching icon 1050, the body model 1010 in the second perspective is displayed, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, the body model 1010 of the second perspective already has an implant marker 1020 positioned in the XY plane, and the position of the implant marker 1020 in the Y direction can be further adjusted so that the three-dimensional position information of the implant marker can be determined.

[0091] Fig.17 A flowchart 1700 of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the above step 1114 may further include steps 1720 , 1730 , 1740 and 1750 . Fig.18 The body model 1010 of the object to be scanned and the medical image 1810 of the object to be scanned are shown. Fig.17 , Fig.18 Another example of adding implant identification is presented.

[0092] In step 1720, a medical image 1810 of the object to be scanned is acquired based on the above-mentioned patient information system 540. The medical image 1810 may be an image of an imaging modality such as magnetic resonance, CT, ultrasound, PET, or any combination thereof. The medical image 1810 is obtained by imaging the image to be scanned in a previous diagnosis / examination, and the medical image 1810 contains an implant 1811 that can be identified by equipment or the naked eye.

[0093] In step 1730, the medical image 1810 is matched with the body model 1010 displayed in step 1112. The “matching” 8 can make the size of the body part in the medical image 1810 match the size of the body model 1010, for example, the corresponding body part of the body model 1010 can be covered or overlapped with the corresponding body part, which can be achieved by adjusting either the medical image 1810 or the body model 1010.

[0094] In step 1740, the position information of the implant is determined in the medical image 1810. For example, the implant in the medical image 1810 can be indicated by adding an auxiliary mark at the position of the implant. The auxiliary mark can be a mark of a wireframe, a coil, a dot, or other shapes. The position information of the implant can also be determined in the medical image by image detection technology, or the implant mark 1020 can be directly placed at the implant position in the medical image 1810.

[0095] In step 1750, an implant identifier 1020 is added at a corresponding position of the body model based on the determined implant position information. For example, the implant identifier 1020 can be added at a position on the body model corresponding to the implant position information through user operation instructions on a graphical user interface. After the implant position information is determined, the implant identifier can be directly generated at a mapping position of the body model 1010. The above-mentioned auxiliary identifier / implant identifier can also be directly mapped in the body model 1010.

[0096] like Fig.18 As shown, after matching the medical image 1810 of the chest of the object to be scanned with the chest of the body model 1010, the interface is displayed as shown in FIG. Fig.18 18-1, where the implant 1811 is displayed on the right side of the image (corresponding to the position of the human heart), the user can add the implant identifier 1020 by, for example, clicking the right button of the mouse at the position of the displayed implant 1811, forming Fig.18 Then the medical image is removed from the interface or only from the body model 1010, and the position of the implant mark 1020 added in the interface and the body model 1010 remains unchanged, forming Fig.18 As shown in the image 18-3, the implant identification is added to the body model.

[0097] Although Fig.18 18-1 only shows the matching of the medical image for the body model in the front view. However, in order to add the implant mark at a more precise position, the position information of the implant can also be determined in other perspectives, which can be combined with Figure 15 to Figure 16 as well as Figure 17 to Figure 18 For example, in step 1730, matching the medical image and the body model may specifically include: acquiring at least two medical images in different anatomical directions, and matching the at least two medical images in different anatomical directions with the body model in at least two different viewing angles.

[0098] In the example of the present invention, the medical image 1810 can be obtained through the “reference image import” icon 1080 in the operation interface, and the medical image 1810 can be hidden or removed through the “reference image hide” icon 1090 in the operation interface.

[0099] By adding an implant identifier to the body model through any of the above embodiments, it is possible to determine the position information of the implant identifier relative to the body model, and the position information can be used to determine the positioning information of the implant of the object to be scanned in the body. Therefore, in step 1120, safety prompt information under multiple scanning configurations can be generated based on the positioning information.

[0100] refer to Fig.19 , a flowchart 1900 of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein in step 1120, the safety prompt information generated based on the determined positioning information of the implant of the object to be scanned in the body includes a simulation image. The simulation image may include a simulation model of the magnetic resonance scanning system, the body model with the implant identification, and an implant safety restriction area.

[0101] refer to Fig. 20 , which shows an example 2000 of the safety prompt information 634 displayed in the current interface (e.g., the first interface Config1). Specifically, a body model 1010, an implant identifier 1020 located in the body model, a simulation model 1030 of the magnetic resonance scanning system, and an implant safety restriction area (e.g., the arc-shaped area at both ends of the magnet housing) 1040 are shown.

[0102] The simulation model 1030 may be generated in advance according to at least some components of the current magnetic resonance scanning system, for example, including a simulated scanning bed 1031, a body coil 1032, a gradient coil 1033, a main magnet 1034, a magnet housing 1035, etc., wherein a simulated imaging space 1036 is formed in the central area of ​​the simulated body coil 1032, and the simulated imaging space 1036 is, for example, Figure 1 The imaging volume 146 shown corresponds.

[0103] The implant safety limit area 1040 may be determined based on the current implant's tolerance to the spatial gradient field strength, for example, Fig. 20In the figure, the limit of the spatial gradient field strength (Spatial Gradient) is 20 Tesla / meter (T / m), then the implant safety restriction area 1040 is an area where the spatial gradient field strength is greater than 20 Tesla / meter. The safety prompt information determines and shows the relative position information between the implant identifier 1020 and the safety restriction area 1040 in the Z direction (the length direction of the scanning bed), so that it is possible to predict whether the implant can avoid the safety restriction area 1040 as the scanning bed moves along the Z direction.

[0104] Therefore, if Fig.19 As shown, the magnetic resonance scanning method may further include step 1910, wherein the path information of the body model 1010 entering the imaging space 1036 of the simulation model 1030 of the magnetic resonance scanning system is simulated based on the scanning range corresponding to the current scanning configuration to determine whether the implant marker 1020 in the body model 1010 passes through the safety restricted area 1040.

[0105] For example, if the scanning range under the current configuration is the head area, then based on the process of positioning the object to be scanned during the actual scan (i.e., the scanning bed moves from the initial position to the scanning position, at which the head area of ​​the object to be detected is located in the imaging space, or the center of the head area is aligned with the scanning center), the path of the head area 1011 of the body model 1010 from the initial position into the imaging space of the simulation model 1030 is predicted, and it is predicted whether the implant identifier 1020 will enter the implant safety restriction area 1040 while moving along the path.

[0106] In some embodiments, the above “prediction” or “simulation” result may be presented to the user in the form of a still image via a graphical user interface, and the still image may display the simulated state after the scanning range (e.g., the head region 1011) is positioned in the imaging space 1036, for example, Fig. 20 The image on the left is used to present the above simulation results, in which the center of the head area is aligned with the scanning center, and the operator can also judge whether it is safe or not based on observing the distance between the implant mark 1020 and the safety restriction area 1040 in the X direction. In other embodiments, the body model 1010 in the still image can also be at other positions, such as the initial position.

[0107] In some embodiments, the results of the above "prediction" or "simulation" can also be presented to the user in the form of a video via a graphical user interface, showing the process of the body model moving from an initial position relative to the simulation model 1030 to the scanning range (e.g., the head area 1011) positioned in the imaging space 1036, and displaying the distance between the implant identifier 1020 and the implant safety limit area 1040 during the movement.

[0108] In some embodiments, in the above-mentioned still image or video, the specific value of the distance between the implant identifier 1020 and the implant safety restriction area can also be shown to allow the user to more intuitively judge whether it is safe or not.

[0109] In one example, the “simulation” icon 1060 in the operation interface can be used to simulate the scanning bed 1031 from the initial position (eg Fig.10 The position of the body model 1010 relative to the imaging space 1036 in FIG. 1010 moves to the target position (eg, Fig. 20 The path information of the position of the body model 1010 relative to the imaging space 1036 is used to generate the safety prompt information 2000.

[0110] Although Fig. 20 In the example, only one interface is used to show in detail the security prompt information 2000 under one scanning configuration. However, the security prompt information under other scanning configurations can be switched to be displayed by operating the graphical user. For example, Fig.21 The interface when the user clicks the icon "Config2" is shown, wherein detailed information of another scan configuration and security prompt information 2100 under the other scan configuration are shown, wherein: Fig.21 In the process, the scanning range 1012 (e.g., the lower body) of the body model 1010 is positioned in the imaging space 1036 of the simulation model 1030. Therefore, in step 2010, the path information of the lower body of the body model 1010 positioned from the initial position in the imaging space 1036 is simulated to determine whether the implant representation passes through the implant safety restriction area 1040.

[0111] refer to Fig. 22 , a flowchart 2200 of a magnetic resonance scanning method according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In step 2210, the implant identification is linked to the corresponding implant information. As mentioned above, the implant information may be pre-acquired and stored in the patient information system 540, from which the parameter information of the implant itself may be extracted, such as the implant type, manufacturer, parameter limits for the scanning system, etc. The implant information may also include description documents, pictures, etc. In this way, it is avoided that the user opens and checks a third-party database to confirm the implant parameters during the examination process.

[0112] In step 2220, the implant information is displayed based on the specific operation of the implant identification via the graphical user interface. For example, when the user clicks the right button of the mouse at the implant identification 1020 in the interface, the interface pops up the implant information, and the implant information can also include a link address that can link to related documents or pictures.

[0113] In some embodiments, the displayed implant information can also be edited via the graphical user interface, such as modifying parameters or link addresses.

[0114] In the various embodiments of the present invention, although a plurality of scanning configurations related to implants are pre-set for different scanning ranges are described, corresponding scanning configurations may also be set for a plurality of different implants worn by the object to be scanned, so that the corresponding scanning configuration may be directly selected during the scanning process based on a predetermined scanning process without interrupting the scanning process for reconfiguration.

[0115] Although the present invention has been described in detail in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the present invention. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the intent of the claims is to cover all these modifications and variations within the true concept and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic resonance scanning method, comprising: Presetting a plurality of scanning configurations, the plurality of scanning configurations corresponding to a plurality of scanning ranges of the object to be scanned, each of the scanning configurations comprising magnetic resonance scanning parameters related to the implant; and A scanning process is performed on the object to be scanned using at least one of the plurality of preset scanning configurations.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of scanning configurations include a first scanning configuration and a second scanning configuration, and the scanning process includes: A first scan and a second scan are sequentially performed based on the first scan configuration and the second scan configuration, respectively.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: Acquiring implant information of the object to be scanned based on a patient information system that communicates with or is integrated with the magnetic resonance scanning system; as well as, The plurality of scanning configurations are preset based on the acquired implant information.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The plurality of scanning configurations are displayed through a plurality of interfaces of the graphical user interface, respectively.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The presetting a plurality of scan configurations includes setting the plurality of scan configurations based on a user input received via the graphical user interface.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that Also includes: Determining the location information of the implant of the object to be scanned in the body; as well as, generating safety prompt information under the multiple scanning configurations based on the positioning information; as well as, The security prompt information under the corresponding multiple scanning configurations is displayed via the multiple interfaces.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Determining the location information of the implant of the object to be scanned in the body includes: displaying a body model matching the object to be scanned via the graphical user interface; adding an implant identifier to the body model; and, Position information of the implant marker relative to the body model is determined.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that Adding the implant identifier to the body model includes: adding the implant identifier to the body model at at least two different viewing angles respectively.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Determining the location information of the implant of the object to be scanned in the body includes: displaying a body model matching the object to be scanned via the graphical user interface; Acquiring a medical image of the object to be scanned based on a patient information system in communication with the magnetic resonance scanning system; matching the medical image and the body model; determining location information of an implant in the medical image; and, An implant marker is added at a corresponding position of the body model based on the determined position information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Matching the medical image and the body model, comprising: acquiring at least two medical images in different anatomical directions respectively; The medical images in the at least two different anatomical directions are matched with the body models in at least two different viewing angles respectively.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that Generating the security prompt information under the multiple scanning configurations based on the positioning information includes: A simulation image is generated based on the determined positioning information of the implant of the object to be scanned in the body, wherein the simulation image includes a simulation model of the magnetic resonance scanning system, the body model with the implant identification, and an implant safety restriction area.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Also includes: The path information of the body model entering the imaging space of the simulation model of the magnetic resonance scanning system is simulated based on the scanning range corresponding to the current scanning configuration to determine whether the implant marker in the body model passes through the safety restricted area.

13. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that Also includes: Acquiring physical index information of the subject to be detected; and, A body model matching the object to be detected is acquired based on the body indicator information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that Also includes: Acquire a three-dimensional image of the object to be detected taken by a camera; A body model matching the object to be scanned is generated based on the three-dimensional image.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Preset multiple scan configurations, including at least one of the following operations: Deleting at least one of the existing scan configurations; editing at least one of the existing scan configurations; and, Added new scan configuration.

16. The method according to claims 7 to 10, characterized in that Also includes: Linking the implant identification with corresponding implant parameter information; as well as; The implant parameters are displayed based on detecting a specific manipulation of the implant identification via the graphical user interface.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that Also includes: The displayed implant parameters are edited via the graphical user interface.

18. A magnetic resonance scanning system, comprising: A controller, configured to execute the magnetic resonance scanning method according to any one of claims 1 to 17; as well as, The magnetic resonance component is used to execute the scanning process on the object to be scanned based on the control instruction of the controller.

19. A magnetic resonance scanning system, comprising: Magnetic resonance components; Controller; as well as, A graphical user interface interacting with the controller, the graphical user interface comprising a plurality of interfaces, the plurality of interfaces respectively used to display a plurality of pre-set scanning configurations, the plurality of scanning configurations corresponding to a plurality of scanning ranges of the object to be scanned, each of the scanning configurations comprising magnetic resonance scanning parameters related to the implant; The controller is used to control the magnetic resonance component to perform a scanning process on the object to be scanned using at least one of the plurality of preset scanning configurations.

20. The magnetic resonance scanning system according to claim 19, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of interfaces is further configured to: Displaying a body model matching the object to be scanned; receiving a user operation to add an implant identifier to the body model; and, Display safety prompt information under the corresponding scanning configuration, wherein the safety prompt information is generated based on the position information of the implant marker in the body model.

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