Medical information processing apparatus and medical information processing method

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of appropriately managing the power storage state of a battery provided in a wireless RF coil after the RF coil of a magnetic resonance imaging device is wireless. [Solution] A medical information processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a medical image diagnostic device that captures a tomographic image by irradiating a subject with an RF pulse, the medical information processing device managing the power storage state of a battery provided in a wireless RF coil, an imaging device includes an imaging condition acquisition unit, a power consumption estimation unit, a battery information acquisition unit, and an imaging determination unit. The imaging condition acquisition unit acquires an imaging condition when imaging the tomographic image. The power consumption estimation unit estimates the power consumption of the battery when the tomographic image is captured on the basis of the imaging condition. The battery information acquisition unit acquires battery information including at least the power capacity stored in the battery. The imaging determination unit determines whether or not it is possible to capture the tomographic image using the RF coil on the basis of the power consumption and the battery information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to a medical information processing device and a medical information processing method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices were used as medical imaging diagnostic devices for image-based diagnosis. An MRI device (hereinafter referred to as an "MRI device") is a device that captures tomographic images of a subject by receiving MR signals excited by RF (Radio Frequency) pulses irradiated in a strong magnetic field through an RF coil. In conventional RF coils, power was supplied to a control device via a wire, and the exchange of control signals and MR signals between the control device and the control device was also conducted via a wire. In recent years, research has been conducted on making the RF coil that receives MR signals wireless in MRI devices.

[0003] However, even when the RF coil is made wireless, it still needs to be powered. A power supply can be provided to the wireless RF coil (hereinafter referred to as the "wireless RF coil"). For example, a battery (secondary battery) such as a nickel-metal hydride battery can be considered as a power supply for the wireless RF coil. While the battery can supply the stored amount of power, it needs to be recharged when the stored power decreases or disappears. Furthermore, in MRI devices, the long time required to capture tomographic images of the subject means that charging only during the intervals between images may not adequately charge the battery. Moreover, the practice of MRI examiners (doctors, technicians, etc.) preparing multiple fully charged wireless RF coils for safe use is not necessarily efficient. Additionally, the main causes of accelerated battery degradation include repeated charging and discharging, or charging when the battery is already partially charged. Therefore, in MRI devices that use wireless RF coils to receive MR signals, it is necessary to manage the state of charge stored in the battery of the wireless RF coil, i.e., the state of charge of the battery.

[0004] Existing technical documents:

[0005] Patent documents:

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-158589

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-030023 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve:

[0009] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is to properly manage the state of charge of the battery of the wireless RF coil when the RF coil of the magnetic resonance imaging device is made wireless. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and accompanying drawings is not limited to the above-mentioned problem. It is also possible to identify other problems as the problems corresponding to the effects of the various structures shown in the embodiments described below.

[0010] Methods used to solve problems:

[0011] The medical information processing device of this embodiment manages the state of charge of the battery in an RF coil. The RF coil is installed on a subject being imaged by a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The RF coil receives analog magnetic resonance signals emitted by the subject due to irradiation with RF pulses, converts the magnetic resonance signals into digital magnetic resonance data, and transmits them wirelessly. The medical information processing device includes an imaging condition acquisition unit, a power consumption estimation unit, a battery information acquisition unit, and an imaging determination unit. The imaging condition acquisition unit acquires the imaging conditions when the MRI device images the subject. The power consumption estimation unit estimates the power consumption of the battery when the MRI device images the subject based on the imaging conditions. The battery information acquisition unit acquires battery information including the remaining power in the battery. The imaging determination unit determines, based on the power consumption and the battery information, whether the RF coil can be used when the MRI device images the subject based on the imaging conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of the configuration of a medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with a medical information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a medical information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of timing during image capture in a medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with a medical information processing device having an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is an example of a setting image used to set shooting conditions for shooting timing in a medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with a medical information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is an example of a setting image used to set the imaging conditions for selecting the RF coil in a medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with a medical information processing device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of imaging a subject in a medical image diagnostic apparatus equipped with a medical information processing device, and the processing flow within the medical information processing device.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0019] 1…MRI device, 10…stand device, 12…static magnetic field magnet, 14…gradient magnetic field coil, 16…RF coil, 18…wireless RF coil, 20…examination bed device, 22…base, 24…top plate, 30…control device, 31…sequence control circuit, 32…gradient magnetic field power supply, 33…transmitting circuit, 34…receiving circuit, 35…transmit / receiver circuit, 36…examination bed control circuit, 40…control console device, 41…memory, 42…display, 43…input interface, 50…processing circuit, 51…coil judgment function, 511…imaging condition acquisition function, 512…power consumption estimation function, 513…battery information acquisition function, 514…imaging judgment function, 515…judgment result prompt function, 52…acquisition function, 53…reconstruction processing function, 54…image processing function, 55…output control function. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Hereinafter, the medical information processing apparatus and medical information processing method according to embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The medical information processing apparatus of the embodiments is applied, for example, to a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "MRI apparatus").

[0021] An MRI device is a medical imaging diagnostic device that works by irradiating a subject (e.g., the human body) with RF (Radio Frequency) pulses under a strong magnetic field. An RF coil receives electromagnetic waves generated from hydrogen nuclei within the subject due to nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Based on the NMR signal (hereinafter referred to as the "MR signal") based on the received electromagnetic waves, a tomographic image (hereinafter referred to as an "MR image") of the subject is reconstructed. An MRI device can also capture MR images of the subject by reconstructing the MR signal based on electromagnetic waves received by a wireless RF coil (hereinafter referred to as a "wireless RF coil") installed on the subject. By displaying the MR image of the subject on the MRI device, the person performing the MRI examination (doctor, technician, etc.) can visually confirm whether there are lesions, etc.

[0022] Figure 1This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of a medical imaging diagnostic apparatus (MRI apparatus) equipped with a medical information processing device according to an embodiment. The MRI apparatus 1 includes, for example, a stand assembly 10, an examination table assembly 20, a control device 30, and a control console assembly 40. In this embodiment, the control device 30 and the control console assembly 40 are described separately from the stand assembly 10; however, the stand assembly 10 may also include some or all of the components of the control device 30 and the control console assembly 40.

[0023] MRI device 1 is an example of a "medical imaging diagnostic device".

[0024] The stage device 10 includes, for example, a static magnetic field magnet 12, a gradient magnetic field coil 14, and an RF coil 16. Furthermore, as a component of the RF coil 16, the stage device 10 includes, for example, a wireless RF coil 18 that can be mounted on the subject P.

[0025] The static magnetic field magnet 12 is a hollow, generally cylindrical magnet. The static magnetic field magnet 12 generates a uniform static magnetic field within its internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 12 can be, for example, a permanent magnet or a superconducting magnet. In the case where the static magnetic field magnet 12 is a superconducting magnet, it generates a static magnetic field by receiving a power supply from a static magnetic field power source (not shown).

[0026] The gradient magnetic field coil 14 is a hollow, approximately cylindrical coil. It is positioned inside the static magnetic field magnet 12. The gradient magnetic field coil 14 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes. Each of the three coils, corresponding to the direction of each axis, receives current individually from the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, generating a gradient magnetic field with varying magnetic field strength along the X, Y, and Z axes within the imaging space (i.e., within the aperture) of the MRI device 1 where the subject P is located. In this embodiment, the central axis of the platform device 10 or the long side direction of the top plate 24 of the examination bed device 20 is defined as the Y-axis direction; the axis orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and horizontal relative to the floor of the room where the MRI device 1 is located is defined as the X-axis direction; and the direction orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor is defined as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the Y-axis direction is set to be the same direction as the static magnetic field.

[0027] Here, the gradient magnetic fields generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 14 along the X, Y, and Z axes correspond, for example, to the gradient magnetic field for slice selection, the gradient magnetic field for phase encoding, and the gradient magnetic field for readout. The gradient magnetic field for slice selection is used to determine arbitrary imaging sections in the MRI apparatus 1. The gradient magnetic field for phase encoding is used to change the phase of the MR signal according to the spatial position in the MRI apparatus 1. The gradient magnetic field for readout is used to change the frequency of the MR signal according to the spatial position in the MRI apparatus 1.

[0028] The RF coil 16 is a whole-body coil configured to be housed within the stage device 10 and surround the subject P within the imaging space. The RF coil 16 receives RF pulses from the transmitting circuit 33 and generates a high-frequency magnetic field. The RF coil 16 receives the MR signal emitted from the subject P due to the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field. If the RF coil 16 receives an MR signal, it outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 34. The RF coil 16 can transmit RF pulses and receive MR signals using different RF coil structures, or it can use the same RF coil structure, i.e., a transceiver structure, to transmit RF pulses and receive MR signals. The RF coil 16 can also be, for example, a coil array composed of multiple coil elements (a so-called phased-array coil).

[0029] The wireless RF coil 18 is a wireless local coil installed on the subject P. The wireless RF coil 18 has various shapes according to each part of the subject P being imaged (hereinafter referred to as "imaged part"). Figure 1This describes an example of a wireless RF coil 18 installed on the body of a subject P. The wireless RF coil 18 receives MR signals emitted from the subject P due to the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field generated by the RF coil 16 via a coil section (not shown), and transmits the received MR signals to the transceiver circuit 35 wirelessly. The wireless RF coil 18 may include, for example, a battery (secondary battery) (not shown) such as a nickel-metal hydride battery as a power source for each component of the wireless RF coil 18. Furthermore, the wireless RF coil 18 may include, for example, a communication interface (not shown) and a communication antenna for wireless communication with the transceiver circuit 35. The wireless RF coil 18 may also be a coil section (not shown) composed of a coil array (phased array coil) of multiple coil elements. In this case, the wireless RF coil 18 may be a single communication interface (not shown) that sequentially transmits the MR signals received by each coil element to the transceiver circuit 35 wirelessly, or it may be a separate communication interface (not shown) corresponding to each coil element that sequentially transmits the MR signals received by the corresponding coil element to the transceiver circuit 35 wirelessly. The wireless RF coil 18 may also include an analog-to-digital converter (AD converter, not shown) that converts the received MR signal (analog signal) into digital data (hereinafter referred to as "MR data"). In this case, the wireless RF coil 18 transmits the MR data converted by the AD converter (not shown) to the transceiver circuit 35 wirelessly.

[0030] The wireless RF coil 18 is an example of an "RF coil (wireless RF coil)".

[0031] The examination bed device 20 guides the subject P, which is to be photographed, into the interior of the frame device 10, specifically into the opening of the frame device 10, by moving the top plate 24 on which the subject P is placed. In other words, the examination bed device 20 is a device that moves the top plate 24 so that the imaging portion of the subject P is positioned suitable for imaging within the magnetic field generated in the opening of the static magnetic field magnet 12, the gradient magnetic field coil 14, and the RF coil 16, i.e., within the imaging port. The examination bed device 20 includes, for example, a base 22 and a top plate 24.

[0032] The base 22, operated by a not shown examination bed drive device (operating according to control signals output from the examination bed control circuit 36), moves the top plate 24, on which the subject P is placed, in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis directions) or the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The base 22 includes a housing supporting the top plate 24 for movable movement. The not shown examination bed drive device includes, for example, a motor and an actuator. The not shown examination bed drive device not only moves the top plate 24 but also moves the base 22 itself along the length direction (Y-axis direction) of the top plate 24. When the frame assembly 10 is a structure capable of moving along the Y-axis direction, the not shown examination bed drive device can also operate to move the frame assembly 10 and guide the subject P into the interior of the frame assembly 10. In the case where the examination bed drive device (not shown) is a structure in which the platform device 10 can move and the top plate 24 and the base 22 can move, it is also possible to move the platform device 10, the top plate 24 and the base 22 respectively to guide the subject P into the interior of the platform device 10.

[0033] The top plate 24 is a plate-shaped component on which the test subject P is placed. The top plate 24 is, for example, a material with low conductivity (less affected by magnetic fields) such as glass fiber.

[0034] The control device 30 controls the operation of the platform device 10 and the examination bed device 20 according to the control from the control console device 40. The control device 30 includes, for example, a sequence control circuit 31, a gradient magnetic field power supply 32, a transmitting circuit 33, a receiving circuit 34, a transceiver circuit 35, and an examination bed control circuit 36. The control device 30 may be installed in the platform device 10 or in the control console device 40.

[0035] The sequence control circuit 31 is a sequencer that drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, the transmitting circuit 33, the receiving circuit 34, and the transceiver circuit 35 based on the sequence information set by the console device 40, thereby performing the imaging of the subject P. The sequence control circuit 31 may, for example, be a processing circuit with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The sequence information is information that predefines the order of imaging processes for the subject P in the MRI device 1. The sequence information predefines the order of each imaging process performed in the MRI device 1. The sequence information, for example, shows, in time sequence, the operation and timing (hereinafter referred to as "events") of the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, the transmitting circuit 33, the receiving circuit 34, and the transceiver circuit 35 during the imaging of the subject P. More specifically, the sequence information includes events such as the magnitude of the current supplied to the gradient magnetic field coil 14 via the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, the timing of the current supply, the intensity of the RF pulse transmitted (supplied) to the RF coil 16 via the transmitting circuit 33, the timing of the RF pulse supply, and the duration of the RF pulse supply. Furthermore, the sequence information also includes events such as the timing of the receiving circuit 34 receiving (detecting) the MR signal output from the RF coil 16, the duration of receiving (detecting) the MR signal, and the timing of the transceiver circuit 35 receiving (detecting) the MR signal (or MR data) output from the wireless RF coil 18, and the duration of receiving (detecting) the MR signal. The sequence control circuit 31 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, the transmitting circuit 33, the receiving circuit 34, and the transceiver circuit 35 by sequentially executing the events shown in the sequence information based on a predetermined clock signal. If the receiving circuit 34 or the transceiver circuit 35 receives an MR signal, it transmits the received MR signal (or MR data representing the MR signal) to the control console device 40. The clock signal, for example, represents the timing of the action of imaging the subject P in the MRI apparatus 1, generated by a clock generation circuit (not shown) containing a clock oscillator. The clock signal is supplied to the various components of the control device 30. Events are executed sequentially based on the clock signal timing by the sequence control circuit 31, and the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, the transmitting circuit 33, and the receiving circuit 34 operate synchronously. Furthermore, the sequence control circuit 31 causes the transceiver circuit 35 to transmit the clock signal and data representing events used to drive the wireless RF coil 18 (hereinafter referred to as "event data"). The clock signal is a (reference) clock signal used when the sequence control circuit 31 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, the transmitting circuit 33, the receiving circuit 34, and the transceiver circuit 35. The wireless RF coil 18 operates based on the transmitted clock signal, and the wireless RF coil 18 also operates synchronously with the gradient magnetic field power supply 32, the transmitting circuit 33, and the receiving circuit 34.

[0036] The gradient magnetic field power supply 32 supplies current to the three coils in the gradient magnetic field coil 14 that correspond to the directions of each axis individually.

[0037] The transmitting circuit 33 supplies RF pulses to the RF coil 16. The RF pulses supplied by the transmitting circuit 33 to the RF coil 16 are pulses corresponding to the Larmor frequency, which is determined by the type of atomic nucleus being targeted and the strength of the magnetic field.

[0038] The receiving circuit 34 detects the MR signal output by the RF coil 16 and generates MR data representing the detected MR signal. The receiving circuit 34 generates the MR data, for example, by converting the MR signal into digital data. The receiving circuit 34 outputs the generated MR data to the sequence control circuit 31. The sequence control circuit 31 transmits the MR data output by the receiving circuit 34 to the control console device 40.

[0039] The transceiver circuit 35, under the control of the sequence control circuit 31, transmits clock signals and event data to the wireless RF coil 18. The transceiver circuit 35 also receives MR signals transmitted by the wireless RF coil 18. The transceiver circuit 35 generates MR data, for example, by converting the MR signals into digital data. When the wireless RF coil 18 is configured to transmit MR data, the transceiver circuit 35 receives the MR data transmitted by the wireless RF coil 18. The transceiver circuit 35 uses, for example, a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi to transmit clock signals and event data and to receive MR signals and MR data. The transceiver circuit 35 includes, for example, an antenna (not shown) corresponding to a wireless communication standard. The transceiver circuit 35 outputs the generated or received MR data to the sequence control circuit 31.

[0040] The examination bed control circuit 36, under control from the control console device 40, outputs a control signal that moves the base 22 and the top plate 24 on which the subject P is placed to an examination bed drive device (not shown) provided in the examination bed device 20. The examination bed control circuit 36 ​​may be located within the platform device 10 or within the examination bed device 20. In this case, the examination bed control circuit 36 ​​outputs a control signal corresponding to an input signal (not shown) provided in the examination bed drive device 20. This input signal is an input signal received through an input interface (not shown) provided by the operator of the MRI device 1 (e.g., physician, technician, or MRI examination practitioner) operating the device equipped with the examination bed control circuit 36.

[0041] The console device 40 controls the entire MRI device 1 or collects MR data. The console device 40 includes, for example, a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and processing circuitry 50.

[0042] The memory 41 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory elements such as ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), optical disk, etc. The memory 41 stores, for example, MR data output by the sequence control circuit 31, reconstructed images (MRI images) generated based on the MR data, and other data. This data may also not be stored in the memory 41 (or in a different way), but in an external memory that the MRI device 1 can communicate with. The external memory is, for example, NAS (Network Attached Storage), or a memory controlled by a cloud server that handles read and write requests. The external memory is implemented, for example, by a system called PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems). A PACS is a medical image management system that systematically stores medical images captured by various medical imaging diagnostic devices.

[0043] Display 42 displays various information. For example, display 42 displays medical images generated by processing circuit 50, GUI (Graphical User Interface) images of various operations performed by the operator of the MRI examination, etc. Display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. Display 42 may also be mounted on the stand device 10. Display 42 may also be desktop or a display device (e.g., a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the main body of the control console device 40.

[0044] Input interface 43 receives various input operations performed by the person performing the MRI examination and outputs an electrical signal representing the content of the received input operation to processing circuit 50. For example, input interface 43 receives input operations such as collection conditions when collecting MR data (i.e., imaging conditions when photographing the subject P), generation conditions when generating MR data, reconstruction conditions when reconstructing the reconstructed image, and image processing conditions when generating a post-processed image from the reconstructed image. Input interface 43 can be implemented, for example, by a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, trackball, switch, button, joystick, camera, infrared sensor, microphone, etc. When input interface 43 is a touch panel, display 42 can also be integrated with input interface 43. Input interface 43 can also be provided on the stand device 10. Input interface 43 can also be implemented by a display device (e.g., a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the main body of console device 40. In this specification, input interface 43 is not limited to having the aforementioned physical operating components such as a mouse and keyboard. For example, the processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device that is separately located from the console device 40 and outputs such electrical signals to the processing circuit 50 is also included in the input interface 43.

[0045] The processing circuit 50 controls the overall operation of the MRI device 1. The processing circuit 50 sets sequence information for the sequence control circuit 31. The processing circuit 50 performs functions such as coil detection 51, acquisition 52, reconstruction processing 53, image processing 54, and output control 55. The processing circuit 50 implements these functions, for example, by executing programs (software) stored in the memory 41, which serves as a storage device (storage circuit), through a hardware processor of a computer device.

[0046] Hardware processors include, for example, CPUs, GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), LSIs (Large Scale Integration), SoCs (System-on-Chips), Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). Alternatively, instead of storing the program in memory 41, the program can be loaded directly into the hardware processor's circuitry. In this case, the hardware processor implements its functions by reading and executing the program assembled within the circuitry. Hardware processors are not limited to being a single circuit; multiple independent circuits can be combined to form a single hardware processor to implement various functions. Multiple components can also be integrated into a single hardware processor to implement various functions. Alternatively, multiple components can be assembled into a dedicated LSI to implement various functions. Here, the program (software) can be pre-saved in a storage device constituting memory 41, such as a semiconductor memory element like ROM, RAM, or flash memory, or a hard disk drive (HDD) (a storage device with a non-transient storage medium), or it can be saved in a removable storage medium like a DVD or CD-ROM (a non-transient storage medium), and installed in the storage device of the console device 40 by mounting the storage medium to the drive device of the console device 40. The program (software) can also be pre-downloaded from another computer device (not shown) via a network and installed in the storage device of the console device 40.

[0047] The various components of the console device 40 or the processing circuit 50 can also be distributed and implemented by multiple hardware components. The processing circuit 50 may not be a structure possessed by the console device 40, but rather implemented by a processing device capable of communicating with the console device 40. The processing device may be, for example, a workstation connected to an MRI device, or a device connected to multiple MRI devices to perform the same processing as the processing circuit 50 described below (e.g., a cloud server). That is, the structure of this embodiment can also be implemented as an MRI examination system (medical diagnostic system) where the MRI device and other processing devices are connected via a network.

[0048] In order to manage the state of charge of the battery of the wireless RF coil 18, when using the wireless RF coil 18 to capture MR images of the subject P in the MRI apparatus 1, the coil judgment function 51 estimates the power consumption of the battery of the wireless RF coil 18, i.e., the power consumption of the battery during the capture, and thereby determines whether the capture using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed without problems. More specifically, the coil judgment function 51 estimates the power consumption of the battery of the wireless RF coil 18 based, for example, on the capture conditions when capturing the subject P and information related to the battery of the wireless RF coil 18 (hereinafter referred to as "battery information"). By comparing the estimated power consumption of the battery with the power capacity stored in the battery at least at the current moment, in other words, the remaining power of the battery, it determines whether the capture using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed. The coil judgment function 51 prompts (guides) the MRI examiner with the result of determining whether the capture using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed (judgment result). If the coil judgment function 51 determines that shooting using the wireless RF coil 18 is not allowed, it can also propose to change the shooting method to shooting using the wireless RF coil 18.

[0049] The coil judgment function 51 is an example of a "medical information processing device".

[0050] Acquisition function 52 acquires MR data transmitted by sequence control circuit 31. MR data is obtained by receiving circuit 34 converting MR signals into digital data, or by transceiver circuit 35 receiving data from wireless RF coil 18. Acquisition function 52 can also store the acquired MR data in memory 41.

[0051] The reconstruction processing function 53 performs a prescribed reconstruction process on the MR data acquired by the acquisition function 52 (or the MR data stored in the memory 41) to generate a reconstructed image. For example, after configuring the MR data into two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures corresponding to the gradient magnetic field for slice selection, the gradient magnetic field for phase encoding, and the gradient magnetic field for readout, the reconstruction processing function 53 performs a reconstruction process using Fourier transform, etc., to generate a reconstructed image. The reconstruction processing function 53 causes the memory 41 to store the generated reconstructed image.

[0052] Image processing function 54 performs prescribed image processing on the reconstructed image stored in memory 41 based on the input operation received by input interface 43, generating an MR image for presentation to the MRI examiner. Prescribed image processing includes, for example, transforming the reconstructed image into a three-dimensional image or cross-sectional image data of arbitrary cross sections using known methods. Image processing function 54 causes memory 41 to store the generated MR image.

[0053] Output control function 55 controls, for example, the display mode on display 42. Output control function 55 outputs and displays the judgment result from coil judgment function 51 to display 42. Thus, the MRI examiner can change the imaging conditions or the order of imaging based on the judgment result displayed on display 42. Output control function 55 outputs and displays the MR image generated by image processing function 54 and stored in memory 41 to display 42. Thus, the MRI examiner can visually confirm the MR image displayed on display 42 and perform diagnosis and examination such as determining whether the subject P has lesions. Output control function 55 can also send MR images to, for example, a tablet terminal connected to the main body of console device 40 via a network (not shown) and display them on the display device. Output control function 55 can also display GUI images for various operations performed by the MRI examiner.

[0054] [Structure and Operation of Medical Information Processing Devices]

[0055] Next, the structure and operation of the coil judgment function 51 will be explained. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates an example of the functional structure of the medical information processing device (coil determination function 51) according to the embodiment. The coil determination function 51 may perform functions such as acquiring shooting conditions 511, estimating power consumption 512, acquiring battery information 513, determining shooting conditions 514, and indicating determination results 515.

[0056] The imaging condition acquisition function 511 acquires the imaging conditions used to estimate the power consumption of the battery in the wireless RF coil 18. For example, the imaging condition acquisition function 511 acquires the imaging conditions set by the MRI device 1 by the MRI examiner for imaging the subject P.

[0057] The main power consumption of the battery in the wireless RF coil 18 can be determined, for example, by combining the standby time and operating time of the coil section (not shown), i.e., the control time of the coil section. The main operating time of the coil section includes, for example, the time required for receiving MR signals and transmitting (transmitting) the received MR signals. The MR signal receiving time can be determined, for example, by the time and number of times each MR signal is received, and the number of coil sections receiving MR signals. The MR signal transmission time varies, for example, by the magnitude of the transmitted MR signal (or, in the case of the wireless RF coil 18 transmitting MR data). That is, the MR signal transmission time is the wireless communication time in the communication interface (not shown). The magnitude of the MR signal, the amount of MR data, and the intensity of the high-frequency magnetic field generated during shooting, the intensity of the RF pulse, and the duration of the RF pulse supply are proportional.

[0058] Here, an example of the reception time of MR signals will be explained. Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of timing during image capture in a medical image diagnostic apparatus (MRI apparatus 1) equipped with a medical information processing device (coil judgment function 51) of the embodiment. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an example of the reception time (hereinafter referred to as the "reception period Tr") of the wireless RF coil 18 receiving the MR signal during a certain period (hereinafter referred to as the "unit period Tu") during which the sequence control circuit 31 sequentially executes events and receives (detects) a single MR signal. More specifically, in Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an example of an RF pulse, schematically showing the state supplied from the transmitting circuit 33 and actually irradiated within a unit period Tu; the gradient magnetic fields of the slice selection gradient magnetic field Gss, the phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gpe, and the readout gradient magnetic field Gro generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 14; an example of an MR signal, schematically showing the state emitted from the subject P; and an example of the various time relationships with the reception period Tr. Figure 3 In one example shown, after the RF coil 16 is irradiated with an RF pulse at time t0, the wireless RF coil 18 receives the MR signal emitted from the subject P during the MR signal reception period Tr (the period between time t1 and time t2).

[0059] The operator of the MRI examination uses the input interface 43 of the control console device 40 to set the MRI device 1 on the setting image (GUI image) displayed on the monitor 42 for setting the imaging conditions. Figure 3 The image shown illustrates the imaging conditions for timing the imaging of the subject P. The MRI examiner may set, for example, the number of slices selected using the gradient magnetic field Gss during the unit period Tu (slice selection number), the number of times the gradient magnetic field coil 14 repeatedly generates the phase-encoding gradient magnetic field Gpe (encoding number), and the timing of the reception period Tr. Figure 4 This is an example of a setting image used to set imaging conditions for imaging timing in a medical image diagnostic apparatus (MRI apparatus 1) equipped with a medical information processing device (coil determination function 51) of the embodiment. Figure 4 In one example of the setup image IM1 shown, an example is illustrated with the slice number Ns = 30, the number of codes Ne = 192, and the timing Tro of the reception period Tr = 256. The setup image used to set the shooting conditions is not limited to this. Figure 4The example shown is a setup image IM1. The setup image may also include items for setting various imaging conditions, such as the number of MR images to be averaged when generating additional MR images obtained by averaging the captured MR images. The imaging condition acquisition function 511 acquires this information (settings) set by the MRI examiner as imaging conditions.

[0060] exist Figure 3 In one example shown, the timing of the reception period Tr of the MR signal received by the wireless RF coil 18 is illustrated within a unit period Tu of receiving (detecting) a single MR signal. However, in the imaging of the subject P in the MRI apparatus 1, multiple RF pulses are applied and MR signals are received. Therefore, the imaging condition acquisition function 511 acquires information (settings) of the imaging timing corresponding to each unit period Tu set by the MRI examiner as each imaging condition.

[0061] Furthermore, the following situation can also be considered: the coil section of the wireless RF coil 18 is a coil array composed of multiple coil elements, configured such that the coil elements not used during shooting are not affected by the high-frequency magnetic field generated by the RF coil 16. For example, to prevent the coil section and coil elements from overheating or being damaged by eddy currents generated by the high-frequency magnetic field, the following situation can also be considered: using a high-frequency diode (so-called a PIN diode), configured to be in a state where it is normally disconnected and does not function as an RF coil, but is connected in a state where it functions as an RF coil only when used for shooting (receiving MR signals). In this case, the power of the battery consumed by the high-frequency diode to enable it to function as an RF coil is also included in the power consumption of the battery provided with the wireless RF coil 18.

[0062] The operator of the MRI examination uses the input interface 43 of the control console device 40 to set the RF coil that receives MR signals when imaging the subject P and the imaging conditions of the coil elements in the specified coil array on the setting image (GUI image) for selecting the RF coil displayed on the display 42. Figure 5 This is an example of a setting image used to set the imaging conditions for selecting the RF coil in a medical image diagnostic apparatus (MRI apparatus 1) equipped with a medical information processing device (coil determination function 51) of the embodiment. Figure 5 The image schematically shows the stand assembly 10 and the examination table assembly 20 constituting the MRI apparatus 1, and schematically shows the RF coil and coil elements that can be used for imaging the subject P in the MRI apparatus 1. Figure 5In one example shown, the following are schematically illustrated: the RF coil Cb (i.e., RF coil 16) within the mounting device 10; the head RF coil Ch (coil elements H1 to H4) of the coil array structure capable of photographing the head of the subject P; the spine RF coil Cs (coil elements S1 to S8) of the coil array structure capable of photographing the spine of the subject P; and the wireless RF coil Cw (e.g., wireless RF coil 18: coil elements W1 to W4) that can be mounted on the subject P, each in a state where it can be used for photographing the subject P. The head RF coil Ch and the spine RF coil Cs are RF coils disposed on the top plate 24, and therefore are assumed to be powered via the top plate 24. However, either or both of the head RF coil Ch and the spine RF coil Cs could also be configured as wireless RF coils powered by a battery (not shown), similar to the RF coil Cw (wireless RF coil 18). Figure 5 In one example, if an additional RF coil is added that can be used in the imaging of subject P, or if a different RF coil is used instead, the corresponding RF coil is represented in the setup image IM2 as the RF coil currently usable in the imaging of subject P. The MRI examiner selects (specifies) this information. Figure 5 The MRI apparatus 1 uses any one or more RF coils or coil elements shown to image the subject P using the selected (specified) RF coil. Figure 5 In one example shown, coil elements W2, W3, and W4 within the coil array constituting the wireless RF coil Cw are shown in a state where the operator of the MRI examination has selected (designated) them. The imaging condition acquisition function 511 also acquires information about the RF coils and coil elements selected (designated) by the operator of the MRI examination as imaging conditions. These imaging conditions include, for example, information identifying the selected (designated) RF coils and coil elements, and information indicating their quantity (in other words, information indicating the type of RF coil used in the imaging, the number of channels of the coil elements, etc.). In the MRI apparatus 1, it is also possible to use individual RF coil settings. Figure 3 , Figure 4 The shooting conditions for the shooting timing are explained. In this case, the shooting condition acquisition function 511 acquires, for example, information (setting values) of the shooting timing corresponding to each RF coil specified in the setting image IM2 as shooting conditions.

[0063] The shooting conditions acquired by the shooting condition acquisition function 511 are not limited to the shooting timing information (set value) mentioned above, or the information on the RF coil and coil element specified for use in the shooting of the subject P. Any information that can be used to estimate the power consumption of the battery in the wireless RF coil 18 can be used. In addition to the shooting conditions mentioned above, the shooting condition acquisition function 511 may also include, for example, acquiring information related to the physique of the subject P (hereinafter referred to as "subject information"), and information on the imaging location (hereinafter referred to as "imaging location information"). Subject information includes, for example, the height and weight of the subject P being photographed. For example, if the RF coil and coil element are not selected (specified) by the MRI examiner, the height information of the subject P can be used as information for assuming the RF coil and coil element to be used in the shooting. Imaging location information is, for example, information associated with one or more sequences of information predetermined for each imaging location, i.e., a series of sequences of information for photographing each imaging location of the subject P. In other words, the imaging location information includes information on the preset imaging timing (set value), the RF coil used in the imaging, and the coil components. The imaging location information can be predetermined, for example, during the development, design, and manufacturing of the MRI device 1, or it can be predetermined in a medical institution where the MRI device 1 is installed. The imaging location information can also be stored, for example, in memory 41, or in an external memory that can be read and written by a NAS, PACS, or cloud server and communicate with the MRI device 1.

[0064] The shooting condition acquisition function 511 outputs the acquired shooting condition information (hereinafter referred to as "shooting condition information") to the power consumption estimation function 512. The shooting condition acquisition function 511 may also store the acquired shooting condition information (shooting condition information) in the memory 41 and notify the power consumption estimation function 512 of this information.

[0065] The shooting condition acquisition function 511 is an example of a "shooting condition acquisition unit".

[0066] return Figure 2The power consumption estimation function 512 calculates the power consumption of the battery in the wireless RF coil 18 used for imaging based on the imaging condition information output by the imaging condition acquisition function 511. In other words, the power consumption estimation function 512 estimates the power consumption of the battery used for imaging based on the imaging condition information. As described above, the imaging condition information output by the imaging condition acquisition function 511 includes information on the imaging timing (set value) when imaging the subject P in the MRI device 1, the RF coil used, and information on the coil elements. In other words, the imaging condition information is information associated with the reception of MR signals in the wireless RF coil 18. Therefore, the power consumption estimation function 512 calculates the battery power consumed when the wireless RF coil 18 receives MR signals based on the imaging condition information. This battery power when the wireless RF coil 18 receives MR signals can be considered as the magnitude of the MR signal received by the wireless RF coil 18 (or the amount of MR data in the case of the wireless RF coil 18 transmitting MR data), and is proportional to the transmission power when the wireless RF coil 18 transmits (sends) the MR signal (or MR data) to the transceiver circuit 35 via wireless communication. The power consumption estimation function 512 sets the battery power when receiving the calculated MR signal as the estimated battery power consumption.

[0067] When multiple wireless RF coils 18 are used in the imaging of the subject P, the power consumption estimation function 512 estimates the battery power consumption for each wireless RF coil 18. Furthermore, the power consumption estimation function 512 also estimates the battery power consumption for each sequence of information. More specifically, the power consumption estimation function 512 estimates the battery power consumption for each of the sequence information shown in the imaging condition information, each of the sequence information contained in the imaging site information (a series of sequence information corresponding to the same imaging site), and each of the sequence information contained in a series of sequence information corresponding to the same subject P. In addition, the power consumption estimation function 512 also estimates the battery power consumption by summarizing a series of sequence information. More specifically, the power consumption estimation function 512 estimates the battery power consumption for each imaging site after summarizing a series of sequence information from the same imaging site information, or for diagnoses or examinations after summarizing a series of sequence information corresponding to the same subject P.

[0068] The power consumption estimation function 512 outputs the estimated power consumption information (hereinafter referred to as "power consumption information") of the batteries equipped in the wireless RF coil 18 to the shooting judgment function 514. The power consumption estimation function 512 may also store the estimated power consumption information (power consumption information) of each battery in the memory 41 and notify the shooting judgment function 514 of this information.

[0069] The power consumption estimation function 512 is an example of the "Power Consumption Estimation Department".

[0070] The battery information acquisition function 513 acquires battery information of the battery included in the wireless RF coil 18. This battery information includes capacity-related information such as the overall power capacity of the battery included in the wireless RF coil 18 and the power capacity stored at the current moment, as well as information related to the battery's degradation status. The battery information can be transmitted wirelessly from the wireless RF coil 18, i.e., via a communication interface (not shown) included in the wireless RF coil 18, or via a communication interface (not shown) included in a charger that charges the battery of the wireless RF coil 18 (which can be wired or wireless). The battery information can be transmitted periodically at predetermined time intervals or at arbitrary time intervals. For example, when acquiring battery information from the wireless RF coil 18, the communication interface (not shown) included in the wireless RF coil 18 can also wirelessly transmit the current battery information at any time interval after the recording of the subject P has ended, and the battery information acquisition function 513 acquires this battery information. For example, when obtaining battery information from a charger that charges the battery of the wireless RF coil 18, the charger can also periodically transmit the current battery information at predetermined time intervals during battery charging, and the battery information acquisition function 513 acquires this battery information. There are no particular provisions regarding the charger's structure or the charging method of the battery in the charger. The charger can also be, for example, as... Figure 5 As shown with the head RF coil Ch and spine RF coil Cs, battery charging begins when connected to the RF coils provided on the top plate 24 and the wireless RF coil 18 placed on the top plate 24. Battery charging can also begin when the wireless RF coil 18 is housed in a coil holder that houses multiple wireless RF coils. In the case of a coil holder, it can replace a charger, and the communication interface (not shown) provided on the main body of the coil holder can transmit data to each of the housed wireless RF coils (wireless RF coil 18, wireless head RF coil Ch, and spine RF coil Cs). Figure 5 The battery information acquisition function 513 acquires the battery information of each battery in the system. The battery information acquisition function 513 can also store the acquired battery information in the memory 41 and retrieve it from the memory 41 at necessary intervals. In this case, if new battery information corresponding to the same battery is acquired, the battery information acquisition function 513 updates the battery information corresponding to the same battery stored in the memory 41 with the new battery information. That is, the battery information acquisition function 513 ensures that the battery information corresponding to the same battery stored in the memory 41 is always up-to-date.

[0071] The battery information acquisition function 513 outputs the acquired battery information (or battery information read from memory 41) to the shooting judgment function 514. The battery information acquisition function 513 can also directly acquire the sent battery information and output it to the shooting judgment function 514. If the acquired battery information is stored in memory 41, the battery information acquisition function 513 can also notify the shooting judgment function 514 of the storage area of ​​memory 41 containing the output battery information.

[0072] The battery information acquisition function 513 is an example of a "battery information acquisition unit".

[0073] The shooting judgment function 514 determines whether shooting can be performed using the wireless RF coil 18 based on the power consumption information output by the power consumption estimation function 512 and the battery information output by the battery information acquisition function 513. More specifically, the shooting judgment function 514 compares the power consumption information with the power capacity stored at the current moment as indicated by the battery information. If the power capacity at the current moment is greater than the power consumption indicated by the power consumption information, it determines that shooting using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed without problems. If the power capacity at the current moment is less than the power consumption indicated by the power consumption information, it determines that shooting using the wireless RF coil 18 cannot be performed without problems. The shooting judgment function 514 determines whether shooting can be performed using the wireless RF coil 18 according to each power consumption indicated by each power consumption information output by the power consumption estimation function 512. That is, the shooting judgment function 514 performs the following: a judgment on whether shooting can be performed using the wireless RF coil 18 based on the power consumption represented by the power consumption information after summarizing a series of sequence information output by the power consumption estimation function 512; and a judgment on whether shooting can be performed using the wireless RF coil 18 based on each power consumption represented by each power consumption information output by the power consumption estimation function 512, that is, each wireless RF coil 18, each sequence information, each camera position, and each diagnostic or examination unit.

[0074] When determining whether to take a picture using the wireless RF coil 18, the shooting judgment function 514 makes the judgment under the condition that either the battery power consumption indicated by the power consumption information or the current power capacity has a predetermined margin. More specifically, the shooting judgment function 514 determines whether to take a picture under the condition that the battery power consumption indicated by the power consumption information exceeds the predetermined margin. Alternatively, the shooting judgment function 514 determines whether to take a picture under the condition that the current power capacity is less than the predetermined margin. The predetermined margin can be a predetermined percentage (e.g., 10%), or it can be determined based on the power capacity that allows for taking pictures even if another picture is needed (e.g., the power capacity that allows for at least two identical pictures, i.e., the power capacity that allows for another picture), or the battery power consumption.

[0075] When the shooting judgment function 514 determines whether shooting can be performed using the wireless RF coil 18 during the stage of shooting the subject P (i.e., the state where shooting is not performed at the current time), instead of the current battery information output by the battery information acquisition function 513, it sets all the batteries of the wireless RF coil 18 to be fully charged to determine whether shooting can be performed.

[0076] The shooting judgment function 514 outputs the judgment results of the power consumption indicated by each power consumption information and whether shooting can be performed using the wireless RF coil 18 to the judgment result prompt function 515. The shooting judgment function 514 can also store each judgment result in the memory 41 and notify the judgment result prompt function 515 of the situation.

[0077] The shooting judgment function 514 is an example of a "shooting judgment unit".

[0078] The judgment result prompting function 515 provides the MRI examiner with the judgment result prompt (guidance) output by the imaging judgment function 514. More specifically, the judgment result prompting function 515 provides the MRI examiner with a judgment result prompt (guidance) indicating a state with remaining battery power, corresponding to an estimate of battery power consumption after summarizing a series of sequence information. For example, the judgment result prompting function 515 generates a judgment result image representing the judgment result, outputs the generated judgment result image to the output control function 55 and displays it on the display 42, thereby prompting (guiding) the MRI examiner whether imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed without problems.

[0079] If the judgment result output by the imaging judgment function 514 indicates that imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 cannot be performed without problems, the judgment result prompting function 515 may also propose a change to the imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 to the MRI examiner. That is, even if the judgment result indicates that imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 cannot be performed due to a margin in the estimated battery power consumption corresponding to a series of sequence information, if imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed by changing the imaging conditions or judgment conditions, the judgment result prompting function 515 may also prompt (guide) the MRI examiner to perform imaging if the imaging conditions or judgment conditions are changed. In this case, the judgment result prompting function 515 proposes a change to the imaging conditions or judgment conditions (a change to imaging using the wireless RF coil 18) to the MRI examiner based on each judgment result made for each power consumption represented by each power consumption information output by the imaging judgment function 514. As a proposal to change the imaging using the wireless RF coil 18, consider the following proposal, for example.

[0080] (Proposal 1): Proposal 515 proposes to change the margin (reduce or eliminate the margin), whereby the margin is the judgment condition for determining whether wireless RF coil 18 can be used for imaging. If Proposal 1 is accepted, the MRI examiner will be able to determine whether to use wireless RF coil 18 for imaging based on the fact that there is no margin in the battery power at the current moment.

[0081] (Proposal 2): ​​The judgment result prompt function addresses changes to the camera conditions in Proposal 515. Proposal 2 includes, for example, changes to... Figure 4 The proposed changes to the number of slices Ns, the number of codes Ne, the timing Tro of the reception period Tr, and the settings in the example of the image IM1 shown are as follows: Figure 5 The example shown in image IM2 includes a proposal for the selection (specification) of the RF coil and coil components. Proposal 2 may also include, for example, a proposal to change the effective field of view (FOV) during imaging. If proposal 2 is accepted, the MRI examiner can determine whether resetting the imaging conditions, taking into account the battery capacity at the current moment, is permissible for the diagnosis and examination of subject P.

[0082] (Proposal 3): The judgment result prompting function 515 proposes to omit sequences of MR images of low clinical significance or to change the order of imaging based on which sequence of information can be captured in a series of imaging sequences. That is, the judgment result prompting function 515 may, for example, consider a situation where MR images captured based on a series of sequence information corresponding to the imaging site, or MR images captured based on a series of sequence information used for the diagnosis and examination of subject P, cannot be captured midway, and proposes not to capture MR images of low importance, or to postpone the capture of MR images of low importance. If Proposal 3 is accepted, the MRI examiner can determine whether it is permissible to capture MR images with the current battery capacity during the diagnosis and examination of subject P.

[0083] (Proposal 4): The proposal 515 uses an image captured by another wireless RF coil 18 capable of capturing the same MR image as the selected (specified) wireless RF coil 18. For example, based on subject information of the subject P, the proposal suggests using a wireless RF coil 18 of the same type but different size as a substitute. For example, in cases where multiple identical wireless RF coils 18 exist, such as when the coil holder houses multiple wireless RF coils of the same type and size, the proposal suggests using another wireless RF coil 18 that is different from the currently prepared (removed from the coil holder) wireless RF coil 18 but has a higher battery capacity at the current time. If Proposal 4 is accepted, the MRI examiner can determine whether an image captured using a substitute or another wireless RF coil 18 can be performed. Furthermore, if the MRI examiner determines that an image was taken using an alternative or other wireless RF coil 18, the selected (designated) wireless RF coil 18 is charged by connecting to a charger or storing it in a coil holder.

[0084] (Proposal 5): The judgment result prompting function 515, when prompting (guiding) the judgment result during the scheduled imaging of subject P, proposes to switch the order of imaging with other subjects already scheduled for imaging on the same day. Proposal 5 is a proposal to ensure that the power capacity stored in the battery of a specific wireless RF coil 18 does not become extremely low by continuously performing imaging using the same wireless RF coil 18. The judgment result prompting function 515 can also, in addition to or instead of Proposal 5, warn (guide) the MRI examiner that the battery power capacity is low if it is impossible to continuously perform imaging using the same wireless RF coil 18 after the current scheduled imaging of subject P has ended. If Proposal 5 (or the aforementioned warning) is accepted, the MRI examiner can consider reorganizing the imaging schedule for the same scheduled day, or whether the imaging of subject P can be scheduled for another day, to obtain an imaging appointment for subject P.

[0085] The judgment result prompt function 515 is an example of the "judgment result prompt department".

[0086] Through this structure and operation, the coil judgment function 51, for example, estimates the power consumption of the battery of the wireless RF coil 18 based on the imaging conditions when imaging the subject P and the battery information of the battery of the wireless RF coil 18, thereby determining whether imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed without problems, and provides the judgment result or a suggestion (guidance) based on the judgment result to the MRI examiner.

[0087] [MRI imaging sequence]

[0088] Next, the imaging sequence of the subject P in the MRI device 1 and the processing flow in the coil judgment function 51 will be explained. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the sequence of imaging a subject in a medical image diagnostic apparatus (MRI apparatus 1) equipped with a medical information processing device (coil judgment function 51) of the embodiment, and the processing flow in the medical information processing device (coil judgment function 51). Figure 6 The flowchart shown is an example of imaging a subject P using a wireless RF coil 18 in an MRI apparatus 1. In the following description, imaging location information (a series of sequence information corresponding to the same imaging location) is stored in memory 41. Furthermore, memory 41 stores information about the current battery capacity stored in the battery of the wireless RF coil 18 (current battery information), and the stored battery information is updated whenever new battery information is sent from the wireless RF coil 18 or the charger.

[0089] The MRI examiner sets the imaging conditions for taking images of the subject P in sequence P1. For example, the MRI examiner uses... Figure 4 The setting image IM1 shown is used to set the shooting conditions (settings), through... Figure 5 The setting image IM2 shown is used to select (specify) the wireless RF coil 18 and the coil elements constituting the wireless RF coil 18. The MRI examiner can also set the imaging conditions by storing the imaging site information corresponding to the imaging site of the subject P in the imaging site information stored in the memory 41.

[0090] When the MRI examiner sets the imaging conditions for taking pictures of the subject P, the imaging condition acquisition function 511, which is executed in the coil judgment function 51, acquires the set imaging conditions and outputs them as imaging condition information to the power consumption estimation function 512 (step S100).

[0091] The power consumption estimation function 512, which is executed in the coil determination function 51, estimates the power consumption of the battery of the wireless RF coil 18 used in the shooting based on the shooting condition information output by the shooting condition acquisition function 511, and outputs the estimated power consumption information to the shooting determination function 514 (step S110).

[0092] The battery information acquisition function 513, executed in the coil judgment function 51, acquires the current battery information of the battery of the selected (specified) wireless RF coil 18 contained in the shooting condition information (read from memory 41), and outputs it to the shooting judgment function 514 (step S120).

[0093] The shooting judgment function 514, executed in the coil judgment function 51, compares the power consumption information output by the power consumption estimation function 512 with the battery information output by the battery information acquisition function 513, and confirms whether the estimated power consumption is less than the current power capacity (step S130). In step S130, if the estimated power consumption is greater than or equal to the current power capacity, the shooting judgment function 514 determines that shooting using the wireless RF coil 18 is not allowed. The shooting judgment function 514 outputs this judgment result to the judgment result prompt function 515.

[0094] The judgment result prompting function 515, executed in the coil judgment function 51, prompts (guides) the MRI examiner with the judgment result (cannot be photographed) output by the imaging judgment function 514 (step S140). At this time, the judgment result prompting function 515 proposes to the MRI examiner a change to imaging using the wireless RF coil 18.

[0095] In sequence P2, the MRI examiner changes the imaging conditions when taking pictures of the subject P according to the proposal. As a result, in the coil judgment function 51, the processing of steps S100 to S130 is repeated, and the feasibility of taking pictures using the wireless RF coil 18 is repeatedly judged based on the current imaging conditions.

[0096] On the other hand, in step S130, if the estimated power consumption is less than the current power capacity, the imaging judgment function 514 determines that imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 is permissible. The imaging judgment function 514 outputs this judgment result to the judgment result prompting function 515. The judgment result prompting function 515 prompts (guides) the MRI examiner with the judgment result (imaging is permissible) output by the imaging judgment function 514 (step S142).

[0097] In step P3, the MRI examiner installs the selected (designated) wireless RF coil 18 onto the subject P. Then, in step P4, the MRI examiner takes an image of the subject P. As a result, the MR image of the subject P is displayed on the monitor 42 in the MRI device 1, and the MRI examiner can review the MR image of the subject P. When the imaging of the subject P is finished, the MRI examiner removes the wireless RF coil 18 from the subject P in sequence P5, ending the imaging sequence of the subject P in the MRI device 1. At this time, or later, in sequence P10, if the wireless RF coil 18 or the charger charging the wireless RF coil 18 sends battery information at the current moment, the battery information acquisition function 513 acquires the sent battery information and stores the acquired battery information in the memory 41.

[0098] As described above, in the coil judgment function 51 of the medical information processing device as an embodiment, when the subject P is imaged using the wireless RF coil 18 in the MRI device 1, it is determined whether image capture using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed under the current image capture conditions, and the judgment result and a suggestion (guidance) based on the judgment result are given to the MRI examiner. Therefore, in the MRI device 1 using the medical information processing device of the embodiment, the image capture of the subject P can be performed while appropriately managing the battery status of the wireless RF coil 18. Thus, in the MRI device 1 using the medical information processing device of the embodiment, the MRI examiner does not need to consider the battery status of the wireless RF coil 18, and image capture using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed efficiently.

[0099] In the above-described embodiment, it was explained that the acquired battery information is stored in the memory 41 of the MRI device 1, which uses the medical information processing device (coil determination function 51) of the embodiment, and the battery information at the current moment is always updated by updating the stored battery information corresponding to the same battery. However, the acquired battery information is not limited to the battery information at the current moment obtained when taking a picture using the wireless RF coil 18 later, which is always set to the latest information. For example, instead of updating the battery information stored in the memory 41, a historical record of changes in each battery information is saved in association with the time of acquisition, thereby forming a database. In this case, an external memory that the MRI device 1 can communicate with is considered as the destination for storing the database-based battery information. The database-based battery information can be reflected in the battery power consumption estimation in the power consumption estimation function 512, or used when judging the battery's deterioration state. For example, when estimating the battery power consumption in the power consumption estimation function 512, the actual battery power consumption information can be obtained based on the database-based battery information before and after the picture, thus enabling higher accuracy in the estimation when taking the same picture. For example, in a subject P undergoing observation, since the images are taken under the same conditions, it is possible to estimate the battery's power consumption close to the actual consumption based on database-generated battery information from previous images. For instance, the battery's degradation status can be determined based on the relationship between repeated charge-discharge cycles represented by database-generated battery information and the current battery capacity.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the following situation is described: After the MRI examiner sets the imaging conditions for imaging the subject P in sequence P1, the medical information processing device (coil determination function 51) of the embodiment determines whether imaging using the wireless RF coil 18 can be performed under the set imaging conditions. If it is determined that imaging is possible, imaging of the subject P is performed. That is, in the above embodiment, the setting of imaging conditions and imaging are described simultaneously. This is equivalent to, for example, performing imaging of the subject P (i.e., examination of the subject P) urgently in a medical institution. However, it is easy to imagine a situation where an appointment is first made in a medical institution and imaging of the subject P is performed on another date. In this case, the sequence of the MRI examiner and the processing flow in the coil determination function 51 can be based on... Figure 6 The sequence of personnel performing the MRI examination and the processing flow in the coil judgment function 51 are readily considered as an example. More specifically, Figure 6The sequence P1 shown illustrates the order in which the imaging conditions are set for the MRI examination performed: setting the imaging conditions when making an appointment, registering the subject's information, and setting the imaging site information. In this sequence, even without specifying the imaging timing (setting value), the RF coil used for imaging, or the coil element selection (specification) during imaging condition setting, the imaging timing information (setting value), the selected (specified) RF coil, and the coil element information can be obtained, for example, based on a series of sequence information shown by the set imaging site information and the registered subject information (e.g., height information). Then, the coil determination function 51 performs [the necessary steps] based on the information obtained during the appointment process. Figure 6 The processing steps S100 to S142 are shown. At this time, the coil judgment function 51 can determine whether or not to take a picture, in addition to determining whether the picture can be taken based on the setting of the shooting conditions for the subject who has been booked for this appointment, also including determining whether or not to take a picture based on the setting of the shooting conditions for other subjects who have been booked for the same day. Furthermore, the battery information (currently stored power capacity) of the battery in the wireless RF coil 18 during the booking phase is different from the battery information on the day of the shooting. Therefore, during the booking phase, the coil judgment function 51 (more specifically, the shooting judgment function 514) determines whether or not to take a picture by assuming all the batteries of the wireless RF coil 18 are fully charged, as described above. However, considering that the shooting of multiple subjects is booked on the same date, it is very useful to be able to determine in advance whether or not to take a picture using the wireless RF coil 18, based on the shooting conditions corresponding to each subject. Furthermore, as in Proposal 5 above, the coil judgment function 51 (more specifically, the judgment result prompting function 515) can propose to the MRI examiner, based on the judgment result, to make a judgment (research) regarding the order of examinations with other subjects scheduled for imaging on the same date (reorganization of the imaging plan), or to include changes to the appointment date. Thus, in the MRI apparatus 1 employing the medical information processing device (coil judgment function 51) of this embodiment, it is possible to determine in advance whether imaging can be performed using the wireless RF coil 18 during the appointment stage. Then, on the day of imaging, through... Figure 6 The sequence of MRI examination practitioners and the processing flow in coil judgment function 51 shown enable the final judgment on whether wireless RF coil 18 can be used for imaging and the actual imaging.

[0101] The implementation methods described above can be performed as follows.

[0102] A medical information processing device, in a medical image diagnostic device that captures tomographic images by irradiating a subject placed on a top plate with RF pulses, manages the state of charge of a battery equipped with a wireless RF coil. The medical information processing device has a processing circuitry that acquires the shooting conditions when capturing the tomographic image, estimates the power consumption of the battery when capturing the tomographic image based on the shooting conditions, acquires battery information including at least the power capacity stored in the battery, and determines whether the RF coil can be used to capture the tomographic image based on the power consumption and the battery information.

[0103] According to at least one embodiment described above, a medical information processing device (51) in a medical image diagnostic device (1) that captures tomographic images (MR images) by irradiating an examination subject (P) placed on a top plate (24) with an RF pulse manages the state of charge of the battery equipped with a wireless RF coil (18). The medical information processing device (51) includes: a capture condition acquisition unit (511) that acquires the capture conditions when capturing the tomographic image; a power consumption estimation unit (512) that estimates the power consumption of the battery when capturing the tomographic image based on the capture conditions; a battery information acquisition unit (513) that acquires battery information including at least the power capacity stored in the battery; and a capture determination unit (514) that determines whether the tomographic image can be captured using the RF coil based on the power consumption and the battery information. Thus, when the RF coil (16) of the magnetic resonance imaging device (1) is made wireless, the state of charge of the battery equipped with the wireless RF coil (18) can be appropriately managed.

[0104] Several embodiments have been described, but these embodiments are given by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments or variations thereof are included within the scope or spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A medical information processing apparatus, wherein, A battery included in an RF coil mounted to an object to be imaged by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the RF coil receiving an analog magnetic resonance signal emitted from the object by irradiating the object with an RF pulse, converting the magnetic resonance signal into digital magnetic resonance data, and transmitting the magnetic resonance data by wireless communication, The medical information processing apparatus includes: a photographing condition acquisition section that acquires a photographing condition at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus; a power consumption estimation section that estimates, based on the photographing condition, a power consumption of the battery at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus; a battery information acquisition section that acquires battery information including a power amount stored in the battery; a photographing determination section that determines, based on the power consumption and the battery information, whether or not the RF coil can be used at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition.

2. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing determination section determines that the RF coil can be used at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition, in a case where the power amount stored in the battery is more than the power consumption of the battery estimated at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition, the photographing determination section determines that the RF coil cannot be used at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition, in a case where the power amount stored in the battery is equal to or less than the power consumption of the battery estimated at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition.

3. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing determination section changes the first photographing condition to a second photographing condition, in a case where it is determined that the RF coil cannot be used at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the first photographing condition.

4. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a determination result presentation section that causes a display apparatus to display a determination result of whether or not the RF coil can be used at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition.

5. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing condition includes a reception time in which the RF coil receives the magnetic resonance signal from the object, the estimated power consumption of the battery at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition includes a power amount consumed by the battery in the reception time.

6. The medical information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the RF coil includes a plurality of coil elements, the photographing condition includes information that specifies the coil elements used to receive the magnetic resonance signal from the object, the estimated power consumption of the battery at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus based on the photographing condition includes a power amount consumed by the specified coil elements in a process of receiving the magnetic resonance signal. ​ ​ 7. A medical information processing method, wherein by a computer of a medical information processing apparatus that manages a state of charge of a battery possessed by an RF coil that is attached to an object to be examined by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, receives an analog magnetic resonance signal emitted from the object by irradiating the object with an RF pulse, converts the magnetic resonance signal into digital magnetic resonance data, and transmits the magnetic resonance data through wireless communication, the steps are: acquiring a photographing condition at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus; estimating, based on the photographing condition, an amount of power consumption of the battery at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus; acquiring battery information including a power margin charged in the battery; and judging, based on the amount of power consumption and the battery information, whether or not the RF coil can be used at the time of photographing the object by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

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