Operation terminal, working method of operation terminal and magnetic resonance imaging system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an operation terminal, a method for operating the operation terminal, and a magnetic resonance imaging system provided with the operation terminal, whereby a user can correctly understand the state of a magnet and perform an appropriate operation. An operation terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention is an operation terminal for a magnetic resonance imaging device, the operation terminal being provided with a processor that performs: a process for acquiring first information indicating the state of a magnet provided in the magnetic resonance imaging device; determining a state of a magnet of the magnetic resonance imaging device based on the first information; when the determined state of the magnet is a cooling completion state, second information for urging a user of the magnetic resonance imaging device to perform a safety confirmation operation is output; when a security confirmation operation by a user is received, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is instructed to start excitation of the magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation terminal of a magnetic resonance imaging device, a working method of the operation terminal, and a magnetic resonance imaging system, and in particular to a technology for exciting a magnet of the magnetic resonance imaging device. Background Art

[0002] In magnetic resonance imaging devices (MRI devices, MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging), liquid helium has been used to cool superconducting magnets. In such MRI devices, since the control and adjustment of the cooling of the superconducting magnets requires advanced knowledge and technology, it is performed by specialized service personnel.

[0003] On the other hand, in recent years, technologies for reducing the amount of liquid helium used or cooling magnets without using liquid helium have been developed, and such technologies are expected to improve in the future. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an MRI apparatus whose cooling container does not contain liquid helium.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-144099

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned progress in the technology of reducing the amount of liquid helium used or in the technology of cooling the magnet without using liquid helium, it is preferred that not only professional service personnel with high knowledge or technology but also general users such as technicians who use MRI devices in normal examinations etc. can correctly understand the state of the magnet and perform safe and appropriate operations. However, in the prior art shown in Patent Document 1, general users cannot perform such understanding or operations. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an operation terminal and an operating method of the operation terminal, and a magnetic resonance imaging system including the operation terminal, which allow a user to correctly understand the state of a magnet and perform appropriate operations.

[0007] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the operating terminal involved in the first mode of the present invention is an operating terminal of a magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein the operating terminal has a processor, and the processor performs the following processing: obtaining first information representing the state of a magnet possessed by the magnetic resonance imaging device; judging the state of the magnet based on the first information; when the judged state of the magnet is a cooling completion state, outputting second information urging a user of the magnetic resonance imaging device to perform a safety confirmation operation; and when receiving the safety confirmation operation performed by the user, instructing the magnetic resonance imaging device to start excitation of the magnet.

[0008] According to the first method, the processor performs the following processing: when the state of the magnet is a cooling completion state, the processor outputs the second information urging the user of the magnetic resonance imaging device to perform a safety confirmation operation; when the safety confirmation operation is received by the user, the processor instructs the magnetic resonance imaging device to start excitation of the magnet, so that the user can correctly understand the state of the magnet and perform appropriate operations.

[0009] In the operation terminal according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, the processor performs processing to acquire, as the first information, at least one of the temperature of the magnet and the current flowing through the magnet and the voltage between the lead terminals of the magnet.

[0010] In the operation terminal according to the third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the processor performs processing to determine whether the state of the magnet is a demagnetized state, a cooling state, a cooling completed state, a magnetizing state, or a magnetizing completed state.

[0011] In the operation terminal according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the processor performs processing for accepting at least one of an operation via a screen of the display device and an operation by voice input as a safety confirmation operation.

[0012] The operation terminal according to the fifth embodiment is configured such that, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the processor performs the following processing: as a safety confirmation operation, the processor receives a first operation and a second operation, wherein the first operation is an operation indicating that the user has confirmed that there is no magnetic body and no person around the magnetic resonance imaging device, and the second operation is an operation indicating the start of excitation; when the second operation is received, the processor indicates the start of excitation to the magnetic resonance imaging device; and when the second operation is canceled, the processor does not indicate the start of excitation to the magnetic resonance imaging device, but prompts the user to perform the first operation again. According to the fifth embodiment, the safety confirmation operation is divided into two stages, so that the user can reliably perform appropriate operations.

[0013] The operation terminal involved in the sixth embodiment includes a first terminal device and a second terminal device in the fifth embodiment, and the processor performs the following processing: outputting the second information to the first terminal device and the second terminal device; receiving the first operation performed on the first terminal device and the first operation performed on the second terminal device; and instructing the magnetic resonance imaging device to start excitation when receiving the second operation performed on the second terminal device. According to the sixth embodiment, the operation terminal includes: a first terminal device on which a user can perform a first operation (the operation indicating confirmation of the absence of a magnetic body and a person described above in the fifth embodiment); and a second terminal device on which a first operation and a second operation (an operation for instructing the start of excitation) can be performed, and the processor performs the following processing: instructing the magnetic resonance imaging device to start excitation according to the second operation performed on the second terminal device, so that the user can perform an appropriate operation corresponding to the level or occupation type.

[0014] The operation terminal according to the seventh aspect is configured such that, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the processor performs the following processing: when outputting the second information, the processor outputs at least one of the first auxiliary information indicating the detection result of the magnetic resonance imaging device and the magnetic body near the magnetic resonance imaging device, and the second auxiliary information which is an image of the magnetic resonance imaging device and the magnetic resonance imaging device near the magnetic resonance imaging device. According to the seventh aspect, the processor performs the following processing: when outputting the second information, the processor outputs at least one of the first auxiliary information and the second auxiliary information, so that the user can easily perform safety confirmation and can reliably perform appropriate operations.

[0015] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the working method of the operation terminal involved in the 8th mode of the present invention is a working method of the operation terminal of the magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein the operation terminal has a processor, and the processor performs the following processing: obtaining the first information indicating the state of the magnet of the magnetic resonance imaging device; judging the state of the magnet according to the first information; when the judged state of the magnet is the cooling completion state, outputting the second information urging the user of the magnetic resonance imaging device to perform a safety confirmation operation; and when receiving the safety confirmation operation performed by the user, instructing the magnetic resonance imaging device to start the excitation of the magnet. According to the 8th mode, as in the 1st mode, the user can correctly understand the state of the magnet and can reliably perform appropriate operations.

[0016] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the magnetic resonance imaging system involved in the 9th aspect of the present invention comprises: the operation terminal involved in any one of the 1st aspect to the 7th aspect; and the magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging device has a superconducting magnet for generating a static magnetic field as a magnet. According to the 9th aspect, as in the 1st aspect and the 8th aspect, the user can correctly understand the state of the magnet and perform appropriate operation.

[0017] The magnetic resonance imaging system according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, includes a sensor for acquiring the first information. The sensor may be, for example, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a thermometer, or the like.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] As described above, according to the operation terminal, the operation terminal operating method, and the magnetic resonance imaging system of the present invention, the user can correctly understand the state of the magnet and perform appropriate operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging system according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the structure of an operation terminal (on-site operation terminal).

[0022] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of information recorded in a recording device.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of an operation terminal (operation terminal for a service site).

[0024] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a use case of an operator (user) of a magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a flowchart (1 / 2) showing the processing in the magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a flowchart (2 / 2) showing the processing in the magnetic resonance imaging system.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of user information.

[0028] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the state of the magnet and the information to be output, the action requested from the user, and the operation to be accepted.

[0029] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing an example of a cooling curve.

[0030] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing another example of a cooling curve.

[0031] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing another example of a cooling curve.

[0032] Fig.13 This is a graph showing the predicted value and the measured value of the magnet temperature.

[0033] Fig.14 It is a figure which shows the display example of the remaining cooling time.

[0034] Fig.15 This is a table showing examples of discrete display and staged display of the remaining cooling time.

[0035] Fig.16 This is a table showing another example of discrete display and staged display of the remaining cooling time.

[0036] Fig.17 This is a table showing an example of discretely and step-by-step display of the remaining cooling time on the screen.

[0037] Fig.18 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the value of the parameter and the state of the magnet.

[0038] Fig.19 This is the screen transition diagram for safety confirmation.

[0039] Fig. 20 It is a diagram showing a display example of the residual excitation time.

[0040] Fig.21 A diagram showing the relationship between user levels and executable operations.

[0041] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart showing the limitation of operations according to the user level.

[0042] Fig.23 This is a diagram showing an output example of safety confirmation information.

[0043] Explanation of symbols

[0044] 10-magnetic resonance imaging system, 100-magnetic resonance imaging device, 101-refrigerator, 102-compressor, 103-control unit, 104-pressure measuring unit, 106-shielding member temperature measuring unit, 107-magnet temperature measuring unit, 108-ammeter, 109-voltmeter, 110-magnet, 120-bed device, 200-operation terminal, 202-display, 212-processor, 212A-calculation unit, 212B-remote transceiver unit, 300-operation terminal, 302-display, 312-processor, 312A-remote transceiver unit, 312B-analysis unit, S100~S250-each step of the working method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the operation terminal, the operation method of the operation terminal, and the magnetic resonance imaging system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the accompanying drawings, for the sake of convenience of description, some components may be omitted from the drawings.

[0046] [First embodiment]

[0047] [Structure of MRI system]

[0048] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging system 10 (magnetic resonance imaging system; MRI system) according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 In the present invention, the magnetic resonance imaging system 10 includes: a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, MRI apparatus); an operation terminal 200 (operation terminal, first terminal device; on-site operation terminal) arranged near the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100; and an operation terminal 300 (operation terminal, second terminal device; service site operation terminal) arranged separately from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, the operation terminal 200, and the operation terminal 300 can communicate with each other via a network not shown.

[0049] In addition, the operation terminal 200 can be set, for example, in the examination room where the magnetic resonance imaging device 100 is installed, or in a place adjacent to the examination room and where the inside of the examination room can be visually identified. Hereinafter, the examination room and the place where the inside of the examination room can be visually identified are sometimes collectively referred to as "site". On the other hand, the operation terminal 300 is set, for example, at a service station such as another floor of the same building as the examination room, or a building different from the examination room, or a site different from the examination room. The operation terminal 300 (operation terminal for service station) can communicate with multiple magnetic resonance imaging devices 100 and operation terminals 200 (operation terminals for site). In addition, one magnetic resonance imaging device 100 and operation terminal 200 can also communicate with multiple operation terminals 300. In addition, the operation terminal 200 is connected to (can communicate with) the control unit 103 described later, but exists separately from the control unit 103. In addition, the operation terminal 300 is also connected to the control unit 103, but exists separately from the control unit 103.

[0050] The magnetic resonance imaging device 100 includes a magnet 110 as a superconducting magnet for generating a static magnetic field. The magnet 110 includes a vacuum container configured to block external heat, and a heat shield and a cooling container are provided in the vacuum container so that the interior of the cooling container is maintained as a vacuum. That is, the cooling container is a structure without liquid helium. Then, a superconducting coil is provided in the cooling container. The superconducting coil is wound on a coil frame (supporting member). The refrigerator 101 expands the refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 102 to generate cold heat and directly cool the coil frame, thereby cooling the superconducting coil wound on the coil frame. The magnetic resonance imaging device 100 may include a plurality of refrigerators 101.

[0051] The magnet 110 is provided with a pressure measuring unit 104 and a shielding material temperature measuring unit 106, which are controlled by the control unit 103. The temperature of the magnet 110 is measured by a magnet temperature measuring unit 107 (thermometer, temperature sensor). In addition, an ammeter 108 and a voltmeter 109 are connected to the magnet 110, and the current and voltage (the voltage between the lead terminals of the magnet 110) flowing through the coil of the magnet 110 are measured by these devices. The data (including the data of temperature, current and voltage) received by the above-mentioned measuring units are sent to the processor 212 (calculation unit 212A) by the control unit 103, and are used to determine the actual state of the magnet 110, etc. In addition, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 is provided with a gradient magnetic field generating coil and a high-frequency coil (also called RF (radio frequency) coil) (both are not shown) in addition to the magnet 110 (superconducting coil).

[0052] Furthermore, the control unit 103 controls the power supply (not shown) to be energized according to the instruction from the processor 212 to excite the magnet 110. The magnet 110 can take any of a plurality of states (demagnetized state, cooling state, cooling completed state, excitation state, and excitation completed state) according to the cooling and excitation conditions.

[0053] In addition, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 includes an image generating unit (not shown) for generating a magnetic resonance image of a subject. The image generating unit may be provided in the operation terminal 200 (for example, it may be a function of the processor 212), or may be provided separately from the operation terminal 200. Furthermore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 includes a bed device 120 for placing the subject. The bed device 120 may be attached to and detached from the main body of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

[0054] [Structure of the field operation terminal]

[0055] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an operation terminal 200 (on-site operation terminal). Figure 2 As shown, the operation terminal 200 includes a display 202 (display device), a microphone 204 (sound input device), a speaker 206 (sound output device), a keyboard 208 (input device), and a mouse 210 (input device). The user can input instructions to the operation terminal 200 through these devices, and the operation terminal 200 can output acquired information or notify the state of the magnet through these devices. The display 202 can be composed of a touch panel display and used as an input device. The operation terminal 200 can be implemented as a touch panel display. Figure 2 The computer with the required components is shown.

[0056] Furthermore, the operation terminal 200 may be provided with a rotating light or a warning light (sometimes referred to as a "Rotary Beacon Light" in English) called a Patlite (registered trademark) or a Patlamp, and the rotating light or the warning light may be used to notify the state of the magnet, warn, output the urgency of replacing the refrigerator, etc. With respect to such a rotating light or the warning light, a plurality of rotating lights or the warning light of different colors may be provided according to different states of the magnet, the importance of the warning, the urgency of replacing the refrigerator, etc. For example, the demagnetization state, the cooling state, and the excitation state may be notified or outputted in correspondence with different colors (e.g., green, blue, yellow, red, etc.). The same is true for the operation terminal 300.

[0057] Furthermore, the operation terminal 200 is provided with a processor 212 (processor), a ROM 214 (ROM: Read Only Memory) and a RAM 216 (RAM: Random Access Memory). The above-mentioned operation unit 212A and the remote transceiver 212B are components of the processor 212, and the processor 212 may have components or functions other than the operation unit 212A and the remote transceiver 212B. For example, the processor 212 may have a function of generating an image based on the measurement data. As will be described in detail later, the processor 212 performs processing such as determining the state of the magnet or predicting (calculating) the remaining cooling time and their output, safety confirmation when the magnet 110 is excited or the excitation starts. In addition, these processes may also be performed by the analysis unit 312B of the operation terminal 300. The processor 212 sends the collected data (parameters of the magnet 110) or its processing results (the state of the magnet 110, etc.) to the operation terminal 300 via the input / output interface 218 and the network not shown in the figure as needed.

[0058] The calculation unit 212A (processor 212) calculates each received data, and outputs an on / off command of the compressor 102 to the control unit 103 according to the calculation result, so as to control the pressure within a certain range in such a way that the output of the heater approaches 0. The calculation unit 212A uses the display 202 of the operation terminal 200 at each site to display each acquired data or the urgency of replacing the refrigerator. The calculation unit 212A uses the remote transceiver 212B (processor 212) to send each acquired data and the urgency of replacing the refrigerator to the remote transceiver 312A (processor 312) of the operation terminal 300 (operation terminal for service site) via a communication channel such as wireless communication or a data transmission channel. The remote transceiver 312A receives data via the input / output interface 318, and sends the received data to the analysis unit 312B (processor 312). The analysis unit 312B analyzes the data received from other on-site devices (magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 and operation terminal 200) in the same manner, and analyzes the optimal replacement timing of the refrigerator. The processor 312 can judge the state of the magnet or predict (calculate) the remaining cooling time and output them, confirm the safety when exciting the magnet 110 or start excitation, etc. In addition, the analysis unit 312B can display the received data, analysis data, messages to the user, etc. on the display 302 of the operation terminal 300, or output them via the speaker 306.

[0059] The above-mentioned components of the operation terminal 200 are connected via a bus 222 .

[0060] [Example of information recorded in the recording device]

[0061] The recording device 220 (non-transitory and tangible recording medium) includes a non-transitory and tangible recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory and a control unit thereof, and records various information. Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing an example of information recorded in the recording device 220. Figure 3 In the example shown, a magnetic resonance image 220A, cooling curve data 220B, user information 220C, magnet information 220D, and specific operation information 220E are recorded in the recording device 220. Other information may be recorded in the recording device 220.

[0062] The magnetic resonance image 220A is an image obtained by imaging the subject using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100. The cooling curve data 220B is data of a cooling curve generated based on actual measurement values ​​and indicating the relationship between the time from the start of cooling of the magnet 110 (superconducting magnet for generating a static magnetic field) and the temperature of the magnet 110, and is used for prediction (calculation) of the remaining cooling time (see below). Fig.12The user information 220C is information in which identification information of the user who operates the terminal 200 and information indicating occupation types of the user divided into multiple levels are associated (see below). Figure 8 The magnet information 220D is information that associates the values ​​of parameters (temperature, current, voltage, etc.) related to the magnet 110 with the states that the magnet 110 can take (see below). Fig.10 The specific operation information 220E (specific operation information) is information that associates the user level (occupation type) with the operations that can be performed by users of each level (see below). Fig.18 The details of the processing using this information will be described later.

[0063] [Structure of the operation terminal for service stations]

[0064] Figure 4 3 is a diagram showing the structure of an operation terminal 300 (operation terminal for service site). The operation terminal 300 is similar to the above-mentioned operation terminal 200 (operation terminal for on-site use), and is equipped with a display 302 (display device), a microphone 304 (sound input device), a speaker 306 (sound output device), a keyboard 308 (input device) and a mouse 310 (input device). The user can input instructions to the operation terminal 300 through these devices, and the operation terminal 300 can output the acquired information or notify the state of the magnet through these devices. The display 302 can be composed of a touch panel type display and used as an input device. The various parts of these operation terminals 300 are connected via a bus 322.

[0065] Furthermore, the operation terminal 300 includes a processor 312 (processor), a ROM 314, and a RAM 316. The remote transceiver 312A and the analysis unit 312B are components of the processor 312. The operation terminal 300 can use such a processor 312 to analyze the urgency or timing of replacement of the refrigerator based on the data collected from the operation terminal 200, and display it on the display 302. The processor 312 can have a function of generating an image based on the measurement data, similar to the above content for the processor 212. The recording device 320 includes a non-temporary and tangible recording medium such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and its control unit, and records various information. The information recorded in the recording device 320 may be the same as the information recorded in the recording device 220, or may be different. The recording device 320 may record information received from a plurality of operation terminals 200.

[0066] In addition, the user can perform the same operations as those of the operation terminal 200 through the operation terminal 300 .

[0067] [Structure of Processor in Operation Terminal]

[0068] In the present embodiment, the hardware structure of the processor 212 and the processor 312 that execute the above-mentioned processing is, for example, various processors (processors) as shown below. The "various processors" include general-purpose processors that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units, namely CPUs (Central Processing Units), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and other processors whose circuit structures can be changed after manufacturing, namely programmable logic devices (PLDs), ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), and other processors that have circuit structures specially designed to execute specific processing, namely dedicated circuits, etc.

[0069] Processor 212 and processor 312 may be composed of one of these various processors, or may be composed of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs or a CPU and an FPGA). In addition, multiple processing units (including a computing unit 212A, a remote transceiver unit 212B, a remote transceiver unit 312A, and an analysis unit 312B) may be composed of one processor. As an example of a plurality of processing units composed of one processor, the first method is as follows, that is, as represented by a computer such as a client or a server, a processor is composed of a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and the processor functions as a plurality of processing units. The second method is as follows, that is, as represented by a system on chip (System On Chip: SoC), etc., a processor that uses one IC (Integrated Circuit: Integrated Circuit) chip to implement the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units. In this way, one or more of the above-mentioned various processors can be used as a hardware structure to constitute various processing units.

[0070] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors is a circuit (circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements. In addition, when the various processors are operating, they can refer to programs or data recorded in non-temporary and tangible recording media such as ROM214 and 314, and can use recording media such as RAM216 and 316 or internal memory as a temporary work area during operation.

[0071] [Use case for operators]

[0072] Figure 51 is a diagram showing use cases of an operator (user) of the magnetic resonance imaging system 10. The use cases show the relationship between the state of the magnetic resonance imaging system 10, the processing in the magnetic resonance imaging system 10, and the user's operations corresponding to these states and processing. Figure 5 In the diagram, the solid line represents the system status and system processing (including information output), and the dotted line represents the operator's operation (task).

[0073] [Processing in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems]

[0074] Next, one aspect of the processing in the magnetic resonance imaging system 10 (the operating method of the magnetic resonance imaging system 10 ) will be described. Figure 6 , Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing the processing in the magnetic resonance imaging system 10. In addition, the following mainly describes the processing by the operation terminal 200 (on-site operation terminal, first terminal device), but the processing may also be performed by the operation terminal 300 (service site operation terminal, second terminal device).

[0075] [User authentication]

[0076] The processor 212 of the operation terminal 200 authenticates the user (step S100). The processor 212 can compare the information (login ID, password, etc.) input via the keyboard 208, mouse 210, microphone 204, etc. with the user information 220C recorded in the recording device 220 (see Figure 3 ) to authenticate the user. Figure 8 As shown, the user information 220C is information that establishes associations between identification information of the user of the operation terminal 200 and information indicating the occupational type of the user divided into multiple levels. In addition, a barcode reader or scanner may be provided on the operation terminal 200 to read information recorded on an employee ID or staff ID, etc., and use it for authentication. Biometric authentication of the user (e.g., authentication of fingerprint, blood vessel pattern, iris, voiceprint, etc.) may also be performed. In addition, in the magnetic resonance imaging system 10, it is possible to limit the operations that the user can perform according to the user level (occupational type), or set the role of the operation terminal according to the authentication result (described later).

[0077] [State of the magnet]

[0078] The processor 212 acquires magnet data from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 ( Figure 3The magnet information 220D; the first information) (step S110), and determines which of the multiple states that the magnet 110 can obtain is the actual state of the magnet 110 (step S112). The processor 212 can notify the user of the acquired magnet data and the determined actual state of the magnet 110 through the display 202, the speaker 206 or the above-mentioned rotating light or warning light (not shown) (step S114). The magnet data (the first information) is the value of a parameter related to the magnet 110, and includes at least one of the temperature of the magnet 110, and the current passed through the magnet 110 and the voltage between the lead terminals of the magnet 110. In addition, the multiple states that the magnet 110 can obtain are a demagnetized state, a cooling state, a cooling complete state, a magnetizing state, and an excitation complete state, and the actual state is any one of these multiple states. In addition, the demagnetized state and the cooling state can also be collectively referred to as the "cooling state".

[0079] The magnet data can be measured by the magnet temperature measuring unit 107, the ammeter 108 and the voltmeter 109. Figure 3 As described above, the value of the parameter related to the magnet 110 and the state of the magnet 110 corresponding to the value of the parameter are associated and recorded in the recording device 220 (magnetic information 220D; see Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 20 ), the processor 212 can determine the actual state of the magnet 110 based on the measured data and the magnet information 220D. In addition, the processor 212 can also obtain parameters other than the magnet data. At this time, after obtaining the magnet data (parameters indicating the state of the magnet 110) and determining the state of the magnet 110, the processor 212 can determine “which parameters to obtain as parameters other than the magnet data” according to the state of the magnet 110.

[0080] The processor 212 can obtain the value of the above parameter at a determined time interval and make a judgment, and can notify when the actual state of the magnet 110 changes (for example, when the cooling state changes to the cooling completed state, or when the excitation state changes to the excitation completed state). The processor 212 can notify when the state of the magnet 110 is abnormal. In addition, the processor 212 can notify through at least one of the display 202 (display device) and the speaker 206 (sound output device).

[0081] In addition, the processor 212 preferably obtains the value of the parameter in real time (without time delay) and determines and notifies the state of the magnet 110. In addition, the processor 212 can notify the state of the magnet 110 to the remote transceiver 312A (processor 312) of the operation terminal 300 (operation terminal for the service station), and the remote transceiver 312A can be used as a notification method to display the notified state of the magnet 110 on the display 302, or output a sound from the speaker 306, or output through the above-mentioned rotating light or warning light.

[0082] Processor 212 continues to acquire the above data, determine and notify the state of magnet 110 until there is an instruction to start cooling magnet 110 (until it becomes "Yes" in step S120). When magnet 110 is in a demagnetized state, processor 212 notifies (display output, sound output) that it is in a demagnetized state.

[0083] [Actions according to the state of the magnet]

[0084] In addition, the processor 212 accepts an operation corresponding to the actual state of the magnet 110 , and sends an instruction corresponding to the accepted operation to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 . Fig. 9 The table represents the relationship between the state of the magnet and the information output by the processor 212, the action requested from the user, and the operation accepted when the action is performed, and the information is recorded in the recording device 220. The processor 212 determines the action requested from the user based on the actual state of the magnet and the information in the table recorded in the recording device 220 for at least some of the multiple states that the magnet 110 can take. Fig. 9 2 shows a case where the user is requested to take action for the cooling completed state and the exciting state, but the processor 212 may request the user to take action for all states of the plurality of states that the magnet 110 can take, including other states.

[0085] [Cooling of superconducting magnets]

[0086] [Start of excitation after cooling with liquid helium removal]

[0087] In the prior art using liquid helium, only pressure (gas pressure) is used to cool the superconducting magnet. However, since there is no liquid helium, electricity rather than pressure (gas pressure) is required to cool the superconducting magnet and maintain the superconducting state. However, if the power supply of the superconducting magnet is turned off for maintenance, the cooling stops and the magnetic field becomes zero (demagnetization state), and the temperature of the superconducting magnet rises. In order to return to the normal superconducting state from this state, the superconducting magnet must first be cooled and then excitation is started. In this embodiment, as described below, safety confirmation is performed during the excitation. In addition, the user can perform excitation not only from the on-site operation terminal, but also from a remote operation terminal (service station, etc.).

[0088] [Cooling curve setting]

[0089] If the user instructs the operation terminal 200 to start cooling the magnet 110 (“Yes” in step S120 ), the processor 212 sets a cooling curve for predicting (calculating) the remaining cooling time according to the instruction (step S130 ). Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the “cooling curve” is information generated based on the actual measured values ​​and represents the relationship between the time from the start of cooling of the magnet 110 and the temperature of the magnet 110 ( Figure 3 In the cooling curve data 220B), the "remaining cooling time" is the time (remaining time) required for the magnet 110 to cool to the cooling completion state. In addition, the "cooling completion state" is a state in which the superconducting state of the magnet 110 can be maintained and the excitation of the magnet 110 can be started. Fig.10 In the example of , in the cooling curve C1 , the remaining cooling time 1 corresponds to the magnet temperature 1 , and the remaining cooling time 2 corresponds to the magnet temperature 2 .

[0090] Fig.11 : is a diagram showing another example of a cooling curve, and shows cooling curves C2 and C3 for refrigerators 1 and 2 (different types of cooling devices). The total cooling time (from the start of cooling to the completion of cooling) in cooling curve C2 is remaining cooling time 3, and the total cooling time in cooling curve C3 is remaining cooling time 4. And, Fig.12 1 is a diagram showing another example of a cooling curve, and shows a state where a cooling curve C6 after one year from the start of use is obtained by interpolating a cooling curve C4 at the start of use and a cooling curve C5 after three years for the refrigerator 1. The total cooling times corresponding to the cooling curves C4, C5, and C6 are the remaining cooling times 5, 6, and 7, respectively.

[0091] Thus, in the magnetic resonance imaging system 10, data of a plurality of cooling curves corresponding to the type of cooling device for cooling the magnet 110 and the change of the cooling device over the years are preferably stored in the recording device 220, and the processor 212 preferably interpolates the plurality of cooling curves according to the type of cooling device and the change of the cooling device over the years and uses them for prediction (calculation) of the remaining cooling time. By this processing, the remaining cooling time can be accurately predicted. In addition, the processor 212 can newly generate a cooling curve according to the measured value of the temperature of the magnet 110, and store the data of the generated cooling curve in the recording device 220. For example, Fig.13 As shown, for the cooling curve C7 (prediction curve), a cooling curve C8 based on the measured value can be generated and stored in the recording device 220. The method used when generating a new cooling curve based on the measured value is not particularly limited, for example, a machine learning method such as a nonlinear least square method can be used. When generating a new cooling curve, the processor 212 can remove abnormal values ​​included in the measured value.

[0092] Additionally, processor 212 can cause these cooling curves to be displayed on display 202 (display device).

[0093] [Calculation and output of remaining cooling time]

[0094] The processor 212 starts cooling the magnet 110 by the compressor 102 and the control unit 103 according to the indication of cooling start (step S140), and acquires the above-mentioned magnet data (step S150). The processor 212 can start cooling the magnet 110 according to the operation performed by the user of the operation terminal 200, or automatically start cooling without the user's operation when the necessary conditions are met. The processor 212 can regard the situation where there is a user's operation or the situation where the necessary conditions are met as an "indication of cooling start". Then, the processor 212 uses the cooling curve set in step S130 and the acquired magnet data to calculate the remaining cooling time, and outputs the calculated remaining cooling time (step S160). Fig.14 2 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the remaining cooling time (the numerical value is for illustration only and does not accurately reflect the actual cooling time of the magnetic resonance imaging device). Not only the remaining cooling time can be displayed, but also the timing when the excitation can be started can be displayed. Through these displays, the user can easily grasp the remaining cooling time or the timing when the excitation can be started. In addition to the remaining cooling time, the processor 212 can also display the set cooling curve or the measured temperature of the magnet 110 (numerical display, graphical display, etc.). Through these displays, the user can accurately grasp the state of the magnet 110 or the cooling state, etc.

[0095] [Discrete and staged display of remaining cooling time]

[0096] The remaining cooling time can be displayed discretely and / or in stages. Fig.15 The remaining cooling time is displayed as shown (displayed on the display 202). Fig.15 In the example, the processor 212 displays the remaining cooling time (information indicating the remaining cooling time) discretely and in stages according to the remaining cooling time. Furthermore, as the remaining cooling time approaches zero, a smaller granularity is determined, and the remaining cooling time is outputted through the determined granularity. "Granularity" is the output unit of information, and the shorter the remaining cooling time, the smaller the granularity. Specifically, the processor 212 displays "week" as the granularity (unit) when the calculated remaining cooling time is more than 1 week. Similarly, when the remaining cooling time is more than 1 day and less than 1 week, "day" is displayed as the granularity, and when the remaining cooling time is less than 1 day, "hour" is displayed as the unit. Furthermore, when the remaining cooling time is "more than 1 week and less than 2 weeks", the upper limit value of "about 2 weeks" is displayed. Moreover, by adding the word "about", it is indicated that the displayed remaining cooling time is an approximate time. The words indicating the approximate time may also be other words such as "about", "etc. (about)", and "degree".

[0097] Fig.16 This is another example of discrete display and staged display. Fig.16 In the example shown, processor 212 rounds the value of the remaining cooling time to display an approximate time. The value can be rounded, carried forward, or the upper limit of a range. For example, if the calculated remaining cooling time is 10 days, it can be displayed as "approximately 2 weeks." Fig.16 In the example, Fig.15 Similarly, as the remaining cooling time approaches zero, a smaller granularity is determined, and the remaining cooling time is outputted using the determined granularity.

[0098] Fig.17 2 is a diagram showing an example of discretely displaying the remaining cooling time on the screen. As described above, by adding the word "approximately", it is indicated that the displayed remaining cooling time is an approximate time.

[0099] For example, even if the difference in the remaining cooling time is 1 hour, there is not much difference between "1 week remaining" and "1 week remaining + 1 hour", but there is a big difference between "1 hour remaining" and "2 hours remaining". Therefore, it is preferable to perform the above-mentioned discrete display or staged display. In addition, regarding this display, it is possible to Fig.15 , Fig.16The information indicating the correspondence between the remaining cooling time and the display time is recorded in the recording device 220, and the processor 212 refers to the information when calculating the remaining cooling time. The same is true in the operation terminal 300. The granularity of the display may be set by the user of the operation terminal 200, 300.

[0100] The processor 212 repeats the acquisition of magnetic data, calculation and output of the remaining cooling time until the cooling is completed (until the result is "Yes" in step S170). The processor 212 can be used to indicate that "the temperature T < T1 has continued for a predetermined time or longer" (refer to Fig.18 ) as a necessary condition for cooling to be completed. After cooling is completed (“Yes” in step S170), the processor 212 notifies the cooling to be completed (step S180). The notification may be as follows: Fig.14 , Fig.17 Such picture output can also be sound output.

[0101] Furthermore, when some abnormality or the like is detected during the cooling process, the user of the operation terminal 200 or 300 can interrupt or stop the cooling process.

[0102] [Safety confirmation at the start of excitation]

[0103] [Two-stage safety check: Operation 1]

[0104] In the magnetic resonance imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, after cooling is completed, excitation is started after safety confirmation. As described below, this safety confirmation is preferably performed in two stages. Fig.19 First, when the magnet 110 is in the cooling completed state after the processing up to step S180, the processor 212 displays a screen prompting the user to perform a first operation (first safety confirmation operation) on the display 202 (step S190). Fig.19 Part (a) is an example of a screen that prompts the first operation (an output example of the second information). If the user confirms that "there are no magnetic metals or prohibited items in the MR room (examination room)" and "there is no one in the MR room" without checking the two check boxes, the "Proceed to the next step" button cannot be pressed. In other words, the first operation is composed of checking the check box and pressing the "Proceed to the next step" button. The user can check and press the button using the mouse 210 (the same in the following safety confirmation). In addition, instead of or in addition to the display on the display 202, the user can be urged to perform the first operation by outputting a message by sound from the speaker 206 (an output example of the second information).

[0105] In addition, Fig.19, an example of performing safety confirmation by operating the screen of the display 202 (display device) (an example of the first operation) is shown, but it can also be set that the user can perform safety confirmation by operating based on voice input via the microphone 204. Regarding the operation based on voice input, for example, it can be performed by speaking a specific word such as "confirmed that there is no magnetic body" or "confirmed that there is no one" (another example of the first operation). In this way, the processor 212 can accept at least one of the operation via the screen of the display device and the operation based on voice input as a safety confirmation operation. In addition, at this time, the processor 212 has a voice recognition function.

[0106] In addition, regarding the above-mentioned safety confirmation, a magnetic body detection device may be provided outside or at the entrance of the inspection room, and the magnetic body (for example, machinery, apparatus, tools or belongings of the subject used in the inspection room and its surroundings) near the magnetic resonance imaging device 100 and the magnetic resonance imaging device 100 may be detected by the device, and the detection result (first auxiliary information) may be output. In addition, the magnetic body detection device may be provided inside the inspection room, and in this case, for example, a device for detecting the magnetic body according to the change in voltage between the current lead terminals of the superconducting coil may be used. The processor 212 or the processor 312 may also have such a magnetic body detection function. Regarding the output, it may be a display output on the display 202 or a sound output on the speaker 206. In the case of display output, the name of a typical magnetic body (for example, the name of a tool such as a magnetic body driver) or its image, or an illustration, etc. may be displayed on the display 202, and this information may be used as auxiliary information (first auxiliary information) for confirming the existence of the magnetic body. Furthermore, a camera for capturing images of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 and its vicinity may be provided, and the captured images (second auxiliary information) may be displayed on the display 202, and used as auxiliary information (second auxiliary information) for safety confirmation. In the magnetic resonance imaging system 10, at least one of the first auxiliary information and the second auxiliary information is preferably output for safety confirmation, so that the user can quickly and easily perform safety confirmation based on the first auxiliary information and the second auxiliary information.

[0107] [Second-stage safety confirmation: Operation 2]

[0108] If in Fig.19 In the state shown in part (a) of Fig.19 As shown in part (b) of FIG. 2 , the color of the button changes and it can be pressed (or tapped; the same applies hereinafter). If the user presses the button in this state (“Yes” in step S200), the processor 212 causes the display 202 to display a screen (an example of outputting the second information) urging the user to perform the second operation (the second safety confirmation operation) (step S210). Specifically, the processor 212 causes the display 202 to Fig.19 The screen illustrated in part (c) of FIG. 1 is displayed on the display 202. If the user checks the check box of “Start excitation”, Fig.19 As shown in part (d) of FIG. 1 , the color of the OK button changes and the user can press it. That is, similar to the first operation described above, the second operation is composed of checking the check box and pressing the OK button. If the user presses the OK button in this state, the processor 212 instructs the magnetic resonance imaging device 100 to start excitation, and starts excitation according to the instruction (step S230). The excitation is automatically executed according to the prescribed sequence. During the excitation process, Fig. 20 As shown, it is preferred to display the remaining excitation time (predicted value) and the prohibition of entering the inspection room. By displaying the remaining excitation time, the user can understand the time when the inspection can start. In addition, Fig. 20 The value of the remaining excitation time shown is for illustration only and does not accurately reflect the remaining excitation time of the actual magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. In addition, the processor 212 may also display the remaining excitation time discretely or in stages, as described above for the remaining cooling time, and may also change the granularity of the display.

[0109] According to this embodiment, by performing two-stage safety confirmation, excitation cannot be started unless the user checks all items and presses the confirmation button, thereby ensuring safety and preventing the presence of magnetic bodies near the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 from affecting the quality of magnetic resonance images.

[0110] [Setting of notification method according to magnet status, etc.]

[0111] In addition, the processor 212 preferably sets the notification method according to the state of the magnet 110 or the content of the action requested to be performed by the user. For example, for notifications in a state where safety confirmation is required and attention is required, such as when the magnet 110 is excited, it may be considered to change the display method (for example, the presence, type, size, or color of characters, signs, graphics, icons, etc.) or the sound output method (volume, pitch, output mode, etc.) compared to notifications in other states to increase the degree of attention.

[0112] [Cancellation of safety confirmation]

[0113] In the above safety confirmation, Fig.19 If the user presses the "Cancel" button in the state shown in part (c) of FIG. 1 , the processor 212 returns to step S190, so that Fig.19The screen shown in part (a) of FIG. 2 is displayed on the display 202 , and the user is urged to perform the first operation again. That is, when the second operation is canceled, the processor 212 does not instruct the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to start excitation, but urges the user to perform the first operation.

[0114] [Excitation completed]

[0115] The processor 212 determines whether the excitation is completed (step S240). If the excitation is completed ("Yes" in step S240), the content of the completion of the excitation (success or failure of the excitation) is notified by display or sound (step S250). The completion (success) of the excitation enables the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 to image the subject.

[0116] In addition, when some abnormality is detected during the excitation process, the user of the operation terminal 200, 300 can interrupt or stop the excitation. Furthermore, if the low temperature state is not maintained, the magnetic field will disappear, so even after the inspection is completed, except for maintenance, the power is maintained, and the cooling state and the excitation state are maintained.

[0117] [Restrictions on operations according to the user's occupation type]

[0118] [Associate the user's occupation type with the operations that the user can perform]

[0119] In the magnetic resonance imaging system 10 according to the first embodiment, it is also possible to limit the operations that can be performed after the user logs in, according to the occupation type (level) of the user. In this way, when setting the restrictions on the operations that can be performed, for example, in the operation terminal 200, the identification information of the user of the operation terminal 200, the information indicating the occupation types of users divided into a plurality of levels, and the information indicating the operations that can be performed by users belonging to each occupation type can be associated and stored in the recording device 220. The relationship between the user identification information and the user level and occupation type can be, for example, Figure 8 Furthermore, the operations that can be performed by users belonging to each occupation category can be, for example, Fig.21 This information can be provided as user information 220C or specific operation information 220E (refer to Figure 3 ) is recorded in the recording device 220.

[0120] exist Fig.21 In the example shown in part (a) of , user levels are divided according to whether "safety confirmation operation can be performed" and "excitation start operation can be performed". Fig.21In the example of part (a), it is assumed that a user who cannot perform the safety confirmation operation cannot also perform the excitation start operation, so as a result, users are divided into three levels (upper / middle / lower). Specifically, a user belonging to level 1 (level 1) has the authority to perform the safety confirmation operation of the magnetic resonance imaging device 100 and the excitation start operation of the magnet 110 possessed by the magnetic resonance imaging device 100. A user belonging to level 2 (level 2) which is lower than level 1 has the authority to perform the safety confirmation operation, but does not have the authority to perform the excitation start operation. A user belonging to level 3 (level 3) which is lower than level 2 does not have the authority to perform the safety confirmation operation and the authority to perform the excitation start operation.

[0121] In contrast, Fig.21 In the example shown in part (b) of , the levels are divided in such a way that users of a specific occupation type (users belonging to a "specific level"; in this example, nurses) among the users of "level 3" can confirm the remaining cooling time (an example of "information indicating the state of the magnet"). This is an example assuming a situation where it is necessary to confirm the state of the magnetic resonance imaging device 100 according to the occupation type. For example, it can be considered that a user of a specific occupation type receives instructions on the examination content from a doctor and arranges the operation plan according to the start date of use of the magnetic resonance imaging system 10. In addition, it can also be set as follows: such a "user of a specific occupation type" can not only confirm the remaining cooling time, but also confirm other states of the magnet 110 (any of the demagnetized state, cooling state, cooling completed state, magnetizing state, and magnetizing completed state).

[0122] In addition, Fig.21 In the example shown, no restriction based on the type of job is set for the operation of starting cooling, but restrictions may be set similarly to other operations.

[0123] Thus, in the magnetic resonance imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, by limiting the executable operations according to the occupation type of the user, safety can be improved. In addition, in the operation terminal 300, the executable operations can also be limited according to the occupation type of the user.

[0124] [Safety confirmation and excitation according to the user's occupation]

[0125] Fig. 22 This is a flowchart for performing safety confirmation and excitation corresponding to the user's occupation type. The processing up to the safety confirmation operation in step S200 is the same as Figure 6 , Figure 7 Same as, and in Figure 6 , Figure 7 The same processing is performed in the same step number.

[0126] exist Fig. 22 In the flowchart of FIG. 1 , the processor 212 determines whether the user who performed the first operation has the authority to perform the first safety confirmation (confirmation of the absence of a magnetic body and a person) (step S202). The processor 212 can refer to the above Figure 8 , Fig.21 The table is used to determine whether the user has the permission for the first security confirmation operation (a form of "specific operation"). If the user does not have the permission for the first security confirmation ("No" in step S202), the processor 212 does not accept the operation that the user wants to perform, and performs the first security confirmation corresponding process (step S204). "Not accepting the operation" includes, for example, Fig.19 In the state of , the check box cannot be checked, or the confirmation button cannot be pressed (or tapped). After executing the first safety confirmation corresponding process of step S204, return to step S200.

[0127] [1st safety confirmation response process]

[0128] The processor 212 outputs at least one of information indicating that the user does not have authority to perform the first safety confirmation operation (specific operation) (safety confirmation information 1 ) and information urging the superior user to perform the first safety confirmation operation (safety confirmation information 2 ) (step S204 ). Fig.23 Part (a) of FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an output example of the first safety confirmation corresponding process (an example in which all the above information is output). Fig.23 In part (a), it is assumed that "Minami Aoyama Hanako" (nurse), who is a user at level 3, wants to perform a first safety confirmation operation (specific operation). The processor 212 can display and output the above information on the screen (display 202) of the operation terminal (operation terminal 200; first terminal device) used by the unauthorized user, but can also output the information by sound via the speaker 206.

[0129] If the user is Fig.23 When "Delegated Operation" is clicked or tapped in part (a) of the control panel, an information output request is sent from processor 212 to processor 312 (a processor of an operation terminal (here, operation terminal 300; second terminal device) used by the superior user), and processor 312 outputs (either a display output or an audio output) accordingly. Fig.23 In addition, the processor 212 may output the message (screen display, audio output) to a mobile terminal (smartphone, tablet terminal; one form of the second terminal device) carried by the superior user, instead of the operation terminal 300.

[0130] If in Fig.23In the state shown in part (b) of Fig.19 The screen shown is displayed on the operation terminal 300 or the mobile terminal, and the first safety confirmation can be performed.

[0131] In addition, Fig.23 In the description, the case where an unauthorized user uses the operation terminal 200 and a superior user uses the operation terminal 300 is described, but the relationship may be reversed. Fig.23 , the case where an unauthorized user attempts to perform a specific operation is described. However, it is also possible to set the screen for safety confirmation or excitation not to be displayed according to the user level (see Fig.19 ) itself, making it impossible for unprivileged users to attempt to perform specific operations themselves.

[0132] [Second safety confirmation response process]

[0133] Similar to the operation restriction during the first safety confirmation described above, the same processing can be performed on the operation restriction during the second safety confirmation (confirmation of the start of excitation) (steps S222 and S224 ; second safety confirmation corresponding processing).

[0134] [Role sharing of operation terminals]

[0135] In the magnetic resonance imaging system 10 according to the present embodiment, the safety confirmation may be performed by only one of the operation terminal 200 and the operation terminal 300, or by both of them. In the case where the safety confirmation is performed by two operation terminals, one of the operation terminals 200 and 300 (for example, the operation terminal 200 as the operation terminal for the field) can be used as an operation terminal dedicated to the first operation (the first terminal device), and the other (for example, the operation terminal 300 as the operation terminal for the service station) can be used as an operation terminal capable of performing the first operation and the second operation (the second terminal device). For example, it can be considered that the user of level 2 (technician) performs the first safety confirmation by the operation terminal 200 and the user of level 1 (chief technician) performs (monitoring of the first safety confirmation and) the second safety confirmation by the operation terminal 300. In this case, the operation terminal 200 is the first terminal device, and the operation terminal 300 is the second terminal device. It can also be set as follows: when such role sharing is performed, the screen of the second operation (confirmation and operation of the start of excitation) is not displayed on the operation terminal 200.

[0136] Furthermore, it is also possible to switch the role of the operation terminal 200 or 300 according to the user level (professional type) without fixing which of the operation terminals 200 or 300 is used as the first terminal device or the second terminal device. For example, it is possible to set the role of the operation terminal 200 or 300 according to the ID or professional type of the logged-in user.

[0137] [Effects of Embodiment]

[0138] As described above, according to the first embodiment, not only professional service personnel with high knowledge or technology, but also general users can correctly understand the state of the magnet. And, since actions such as safety confirmation are requested, users can easily understand what to do and can reliably perform appropriate operations.

[0139] [other]

[0140] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

Claims

1. An operation terminal, which is an operation terminal of a magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein: The operation terminal includes a processor. The processor performs the following processing: acquiring first information indicating a state of a magnet included in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus; determining the state of the magnet according to the first information; outputting second information for urging a user of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to perform a safety confirmation operation when the determined state of the magnet is a cooling completed state; and When the safety confirmation operation is accepted by the user, an instruction is given to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to start excitation of the magnet.

2. The operation terminal according to claim 1, wherein: The processor performs processing to acquire, as the first information, at least one of a temperature of the magnet, and a current flowing through the magnet and a voltage between lead terminals of the magnet.

3. The operation terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: determining whether the state of the magnet is a demagnetized state, a cooling state, a cooling completed state, a magnetizing state, or a magnetizing completed state.

4. The operation terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processor performs processing for accepting at least one of an operation via a screen of a display device and an operation by voice input as the operation for the safety confirmation.

5. The operation terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: As the safety confirmation operation, a first operation and a second operation are accepted, wherein the first operation is an operation indicating that the user has confirmed that there is no magnetic body near the magnetic resonance imaging device and that there is no person near the magnetic resonance imaging device, and the second operation is an operation indicating the start of the excitation; When the second operation is received, instructing the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to start the excitation; and When the second operation is canceled, the user is urged to perform the first operation again without instructing the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to start the excitation.

6. The operation terminal according to claim 5, comprising a first terminal device and a second terminal device, The processor performs the following processing: causing the second information to be output to the first terminal device and the second terminal device; accepting the first operation performed on the first terminal device and the first operation performed on the second terminal device; and When the second operation performed on the second terminal device is received, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is instructed to start the excitation.

7. The operation terminal according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The processor performs the following processing: when outputting the second information, it also outputs at least one of the first auxiliary information indicating the detection results of the magnetic resonance imaging device and the magnetic body near the magnetic resonance imaging device, and the second auxiliary information which is an image of the magnetic resonance imaging device and the vicinity of the magnetic resonance imaging device.

8. A working method, which is a working method of an operating terminal of a magnetic resonance imaging device, wherein: The operation terminal includes a processor. The processor performs the following processing: acquiring first information indicating a state of a magnet included in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus; determining the state of the magnet according to the first information; outputting second information for urging a user of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to perform a safety confirmation operation when the determined state of the magnet is a cooling completed state; and When the safety confirmation operation is accepted by the user, an instruction is given to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus to start excitation of the magnet.

9. A magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: The operating terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, wherein The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a superconducting magnet as the magnet for generating a static magnetic field. 10 . The magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 9 , comprising a sensor for acquiring the first information.

Images