Control system of magnetic resonance imaging equipment

Abstract

The utility model provides a control system of magnetic resonance imaging equipment, and relates to the technical field of magnetic resonance imaging equipment control. The control system of the magnetic resonance imaging equipment comprises hardware composition equipment and a software control module, the hardware composition equipment comprises a scanning component and a magnetic resonance host, and the software control module comprises a scanning parameter setting unit, a sequence control unit, an image reconstruction unit and a system monitoring and feedback unit. According to the utility model, the image reconstruction module in the control system adopts advanced mathematical algorithms, the algorithms can quickly and accurately convert acquired radio frequency signals into high-quality images, and the control system can process the images in real time in the scanning process, so that the contrast ratio of the images is more appropriate, and the image quality is improved. Therefore, an operator can conveniently observe the image quality in time in the scanning process and judge whether scanning parameters need to be adjusted or not, high-quality imaging is achieved, and then the reliability and safety of MRI imaging are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of magnetic resonance imaging equipment control technology, specifically a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive, radiation-free medical imaging technique that provides clear, detailed images of the body's internal structures and functions. MRI technology is based on the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) phenomenon. NMR refers to the process by which an atomic nucleus system in a static magnetic field, when excited by a radio frequency pulse of a certain frequency, undergoes a resonant transition, and after the radio frequency pulse stops, the nucleus returns to its original state and emits a radio frequency signal.

[0003] As medical diagnostics increasingly demand higher image quality, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment control systems need to generate more stable and uniform magnetic fields, more precise gradient magnetic fields, and radio frequency pulses. Furthermore, with the growing number of patients in clinical practice, improving examination efficiency and reducing patient waiting times necessitates faster MRI scanning speeds. This has prompted the control system to adopt more powerful gradient amplifiers and radio frequency transmitters to achieve rapid signal excitation and acquisition. Modern medical diagnosis not only requires observing the anatomical structure of the human body but also understanding the physiological functions and metabolic information of tissues. This necessitates that the MRI equipment control system support more functional imaging modes.

[0004] Early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment had relatively simple control systems. In terms of hardware, the gradient amplifiers in the gradient system had low power, and the linearity and accuracy of the gradient magnetic field were poor, resulting in low spatial resolution of the images. The performance of the radio frequency (RF) transmitters and receivers in the RF system was also limited, and the frequency stability and power control of the RF pulses were not precise enough, leading to unsatisfactory signal excitation and reception. In terms of software, early control systems had limited functionality, a narrow range of scanning parameter settings, and operators could only select a limited number of scanning sequences. Furthermore, the image reconstruction algorithms were relatively simple, with weak capabilities for complex signal processing and artifact removal.

[0005] Therefore, those skilled in the art have provided a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art. Utility Model Content

[0006] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0007] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, which solves the problems of relatively simple and poor functionality in early MRI device control systems.

[0008] (II) Technical Solution

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0010] A control system for a magnetic resonance imaging device includes hardware components and a software control module. The hardware components include a scanning component and a magnetic resonance host. The software control module includes a scanning parameter setting unit, a sequence control unit, an image reconstruction unit, and a system monitoring and feedback unit.

[0011] The scanning components specifically include a gradient amplifier and gradient coil, an RF transmitter and an RF receiver, and a magnet power supply and control unit for the superconducting magnet;

[0012] The gradient amplifier receives control signals from the host and converts them into a powerful current to drive the gradient coil to generate the required gradient magnetic field. The performance of the gradient amplifier directly affects the strength, rise time and stability of the gradient magnetic field. In order to obtain high-resolution images, the gradient amplifier needs to be able to provide high-power, fast-switching current to generate steep gradient magnetic field changes.

[0013] The gradient coil is the key component for generating the gradient magnetic field. It usually consists of three sets of coils perpendicular to each other in the X, Y, and Z directions. These coils are placed inside the magnet and, driven by the gradient amplifier, can generate a linearly changing magnetic field.

[0014] The radio frequency transmitter mainly consists of a radio frequency power amplifier and a radio frequency pulse generator. The radio frequency pulse generator generates radio frequency pulse signals with specific frequency, bandwidth and pulse shape according to the scanning sequence set by the host. The radio frequency power amplifier amplifies these signals to sufficient power to effectively excite hydrogen protons in human tissue.

[0015] The radio frequency receiver is used to receive the weak radio frequency signal emitted by human tissue after being excited by a radio frequency pulse. It includes a preamplifier, a mixer, and a filter assembly. The preamplifier first amplifies the weak signal, then the mixer converts the signal into an intermediate frequency signal, then the filter removes noise and interference signals, and finally the processed signal is transmitted to the host for further processing.

[0016] The magnet power supply and control unit is mainly responsible for providing a stable power supply and precise temperature control for the superconducting magnet. It ensures that the superconducting coil inside the magnet is always in a superconducting state by controlling the liquid helium cooling system.

[0017] The magnetic resonance imaging host includes a bed drive motor and a controller;

[0018] The bed drive motor is the power source that controls the movement of the bed. It can precisely adjust the position of the bed so that different parts of the patient's body can accurately enter the scanning area.

[0019] The controller then controls the motor's speed, direction, and stroke according to the instructions issued by the host.

[0020] Furthermore, the scanning parameter setting unit is an important interface for the operator to interact with the magnetic resonance imaging equipment control system. Through this module, the operator can set various scanning parameters, such as scanning sequence type (spin echo, gradient echo, fast spin echo, etc.), scanning location (head, neck, chest, abdomen, etc.), scanning slice thickness (ranging from a few millimeters to tens of millimeters), field of view size (which determines the size of the scanning range), and matrix size (which affects the image resolution).

[0021] Furthermore, the sequence control unit is responsible for controlling the execution of the scanning sequence. According to the sequence type set in the scanning parameter setting module, it coordinates the work of the gradient system, radio frequency system and signal acquisition system in a predetermined time order and according to the parameters.

[0022] Furthermore, the image reconstruction unit converts the acquired radio frequency signals into visualized images. It uses a Fourier transform mathematical algorithm to process the signals, and the specific processing procedure is as follows:

[0023] First, the acquired signals are preprocessed, including signal amplification, filtering, phase correction and other operations, in order to improve signal quality;

[0024] Then, based on the spatial information encoded by the gradient magnetic field, the signal is converted from the time domain to the frequency domain through Fourier transform, thereby reconstructing an image reflecting the anatomical structure of human tissue.

[0025] Furthermore, the system monitoring and feedback unit is used to monitor each subsystem of the entire magnetic resonance imaging device in real time. It can monitor key parameters such as the current and temperature of the gradient amplifier, the power and frequency of the radio frequency transmitter and receiver, and the temperature and magnetic field strength of the magnet. When these parameters exceed the normal range, the system monitoring and feedback module will issue an alarm in a timely manner and take corresponding measures, such as adjusting parameters or pausing scanning.

[0026] Furthermore, the control system also includes a signal acquisition module and a data processing module. The signal acquisition module includes an electromagnetic interference sensor, which is installed on the examination bed that is paired with the magnetic resonance host, and is used to acquire surrounding electromagnetic interference signals. The data processing module analyzes the acquired electromagnetic interference signals, and when the intensity of the electromagnetic interference signal exceeds a preset threshold, it obtains the analysis results of the abnormal electromagnetic interference signals appearing around the magnetic resonance host.

[0027] Furthermore, the signal acquisition module also includes a magnetic field disturbance sensor, which is installed on the magnetic resonance host and is used to acquire magnetic field disturbance signals around the magnetic resonance host. The data processing module analyzes the acquired magnetic field disturbance signals and obtains the analysis results of abnormal magnetic field disturbance signals appearing around the magnetic resonance host when the intensity of the magnetic field disturbance signal exceeds a preset threshold.

[0028] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0029] This invention provides a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. This utility model provides a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging device, which can precisely control the magnet system. For superconducting magnets, the superconducting state can be maintained by finely adjusting parameters such as the temperature and pressure of liquid helium, ensuring the high stability of the main magnetic field. In terms of spatial positioning, the control system can accurately drive the gradient system. The gradient amplifier accurately outputs current according to the command, so that the gradient coil generates a gradient magnetic field with extremely high linearity in the x, y, and z directions.

[0031] 2. This utility model provides a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging device. The image reconstruction module in the control system adopts advanced mathematical algorithms. These algorithms can quickly and accurately convert the acquired radio frequency signals into high-quality images. During the scanning process, the control system can process the images in real time and perform simple image enhancement operations, such as adjusting the window width and window level to make the image contrast more suitable. This allows operators to observe the image quality in a timely manner during the scanning process and determine whether the scanning parameters need to be adjusted to achieve high-quality imaging, thereby improving the reliability and safety of MRI imaging.

[0032] 3. This utility model provides a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging device, which plays a key role in the transmission and reception of radio frequency pulses. It can accurately set the frequency, intensity and duration of radio frequency pulses. When scanning muscle tissue and adipose tissue, since their hydrogen proton precession frequencies are slightly different, the control system can adjust the radio frequency pulse parameters to achieve selective excitation, thereby obtaining images with good tissue contrast. The radio frequency receiver can also accurately receive and process weak radio frequency signals, effectively improving the signal-to-noise ratio and ensuring image quality. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the magnetic resonance imaging equipment control system of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the imaging method steps of the magnetic resonance imaging device of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of specific embodiments. Obviously, the described specific embodiments are only a part of the specific embodiments of the present invention, and not all of them. Based on the specific embodiments of the present invention, all other specific embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a specific embodiment of this utility model provides a control system for a magnetic resonance imaging device, including hardware components and a software control module. The hardware components include a scanning component and a magnetic resonance host, and the software control module includes a scanning parameter setting unit, a sequence control unit, an image reconstruction unit, and a system monitoring and feedback unit.

[0037] The scanning components specifically include gradient amplifiers and gradient coils, radio frequency transmitters and radio frequency receivers, as well as a magnet power supply and control unit for the superconducting magnet;

[0038] The gradient amplifier receives control signals from the host and converts them into a powerful current to drive the gradient coil to generate the required gradient magnetic field. The performance of the gradient amplifier directly affects the strength, rise time and stability of the gradient magnetic field. In order to obtain high-resolution images, the gradient amplifier needs to be able to provide high-power, fast-switching current to generate steep gradient magnetic field changes.

[0039] Gradient coils are key components for generating gradient magnetic fields. They typically consist of three sets of coils perpendicular to each other in the X, Y, and Z directions. These coils are placed inside the magnet and, driven by a gradient amplifier, can generate a linearly changing magnetic field.

[0040] The radio frequency transmitter mainly consists of a radio frequency power amplifier and a radio frequency pulse generator. The radio frequency pulse generator generates radio frequency pulse signals with specific frequency, bandwidth and pulse shape according to the scanning sequence set by the host. The radio frequency power amplifier amplifies these signals to sufficient power to effectively excite hydrogen protons in human tissue.

[0041] The radio frequency receiver is used to receive the weak radio frequency signals emitted by human tissue after being excited by a radio frequency pulse. It includes a preamplifier, a mixer, and a filter assembly. The preamplifier first amplifies the weak signal, then the mixer converts the signal into an intermediate frequency signal, then the filter removes noise and interference signals, and finally the processed signal is transmitted to the host for further processing.

[0042] The magnet power supply and control unit is mainly responsible for providing a stable power supply and precise temperature control for the superconducting magnet. It ensures that the superconducting coil inside the magnet is always in a superconducting state by controlling the liquid helium cooling system.

[0043] The MRI main unit includes the bed drive motor and controller;

[0044] The bed drive motor is the power source that controls the movement of the bed. It can precisely adjust the position of the bed so that different parts of the patient's body can accurately enter the scanning area.

[0045] The controller controls the motor's speed, direction, and stroke according to the instructions issued by the host.

[0046] The scanning parameter setting unit is an important interface for operators to interact with the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment control system. Through this module, operators can set various scanning parameters, such as scanning sequence type (spin echo, gradient echo, fast spin echo, etc.), scanning location (head, neck, chest, abdomen, etc.), scanning slice thickness (ranging from a few millimeters to tens of millimeters), field of view size (which determines the size of the scanning range), and matrix size (which affects image resolution). For example, when scanning for small brain lesions, operators may choose a thinner scanning slice thickness and a smaller field of view, while using a high-resolution scanning sequence to improve the detection rate of lesions.

[0047] The sequence control unit is responsible for controlling the execution of the scanning sequence. According to the sequence type set in the scanning parameter setting module, it coordinates the work of the gradient system, radio frequency system and signal acquisition system according to the predetermined time sequence and parameters.

[0048] For example, in a spin echo sequence, the sequence control module first controls the gradient system to generate a layer selection gradient magnetic field to determine the layer to be scanned.

[0049] Then, the radio frequency system is directed to emit a 90° radio frequency pulse to excite hydrogen protons in that layer.

[0050] Then, after waiting for an echo time TE, a 180° radio frequency pulse is emitted to cause the hydrogen protons to re-converge and generate a spin echo signal.

[0051] Finally, the control signal acquisition system acquires the echo signal at an appropriate time.

[0052] The image reconstruction unit converts the acquired radio frequency signals into a visualized image. It uses Fourier transform mathematical algorithms to process the signal, and the specific processing procedure is as follows:

[0053] First, the acquired signals are preprocessed, including signal amplification, filtering, phase correction and other operations, in order to improve signal quality;

[0054] Then, based on the spatial information encoded by the gradient magnetic field, the signal is converted from the time domain to the frequency domain through Fourier transform, thereby reconstructing an image reflecting the anatomical structure of human tissue.

[0055] For example, when reconstructing brain images, the image reconstruction module can distinguish different tissue components such as gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid based on the frequency distribution and phase information of the signal, and generate a clear brain image.

[0056] The system monitoring and feedback unit is used to monitor each subsystem of the entire magnetic resonance imaging equipment in real time. It can monitor key parameters such as the current and temperature of the gradient amplifier, the power and frequency of the radio frequency transmitter and receiver, and the temperature and magnetic field strength of the magnet. When these parameters exceed the normal range, the system monitoring and feedback module will issue an alarm in time and take corresponding measures, such as adjusting parameters or pausing scanning.

[0057] For example, if the temperature of the gradient amplifier is too high, it may affect its performance or even damage the equipment. The monitoring module will detect the abnormal temperature rise, automatically reduce the operating power of the gradient amplifier, and remind the operator to check and maintain it.

[0058] The control system also includes a signal acquisition module and a data processing module. The signal acquisition module includes an electromagnetic interference sensor, which is installed on the examination bed that is paired with the magnetic resonance imaging host to collect surrounding electromagnetic interference signals. The data processing module analyzes the collected electromagnetic interference signals and obtains the analysis results of abnormal electromagnetic interference signals appearing around the magnetic resonance imaging host when the intensity of the electromagnetic interference signal exceeds a preset threshold.

[0059] The signal acquisition module also includes a magnetic field disturbance sensor, which is installed on the magnetic resonance host to collect magnetic field disturbance signals around the magnetic resonance host. The data processing module analyzes the collected magnetic field disturbance signals and obtains the analysis results of abnormal magnetic field disturbance signals around the magnetic resonance host when the intensity of the magnetic field disturbance signal exceeds a preset threshold.

[0060] The imaging method of this magnetic resonance imaging device includes the following steps:

[0061] Step S1. First, remove any metal objects from the patient, as metal can cause interference in a magnetic field, affecting image quality and potentially harming the patient.

[0062] Step S2. Then, the patient lies on the hospital bed, and the operator moves the patient to a suitable position near the center of the magnet using the bed control system;

[0063] Step S3. The operator sets the scanning parameters on the main computer system. The selection of the scanning sequence depends on the scanning purpose and location. At the same time, parameters such as scanning slice thickness, interslice spacing, field of view, and matrix size also need to be set.

[0064] Step S4. The magnet system generates a stable main magnetic field, which causes hydrogen protons in human tissue to precess along the direction of the magnetic field. Then, the gradient control system generates a gradient magnetic field according to the set parameters for spatial positioning. Next, the radio frequency control system emits radio frequency pulses to excite hydrogen protons in a specific layer.

[0065] Step S5. After being excited by a radio frequency pulse, hydrogen protons will undergo relaxation. During the relaxation process, they will emit radio frequency signals. The radio frequency receiver receives these signals and transmits them to the host computer system.

[0066] Step S6. The main computer system performs preprocessing operations such as amplification and filtering on the acquired signals, and then performs image reconstruction through complex mathematical algorithms. During the image reconstruction process, the information encoded by the gradient magnetic field is used to convert the radio frequency signal into an image that reflects the anatomical structure and physiological state of human tissue.

[0067] Step S7. The reconstructed image is displayed on the monitor of the main computer system. Then the operator evaluates the image to check the image quality, whether there are artifacts, and whether the region of interest is fully displayed. If the image quality does not meet the requirements, the scanning parameters need to be adjusted and the image needs to be rescanned.

[0068] Step S8. Qualified images are stored in the computer's storage device for subsequent diagnosis and research. The stored images can also be transmitted to other medical devices, such as PACS systems (Medical Image Storage and Communication Systems), for remote diagnosis or consultation.

[0069] The control system of the magnetic resonance imaging device of this invention can precisely control the magnet system. For superconducting magnets, the superconducting state can be maintained by finely adjusting parameters such as the temperature and pressure of liquid helium, ensuring the high stability of the main magnetic field. In terms of spatial positioning, the control system can accurately drive the gradient system. The gradient amplifier accurately outputs current according to the command, so that the gradient coil generates a gradient magnetic field with extremely high linearity in the x, y, and z directions.

[0070] The image reconstruction module in the control system of the magnetic resonance imaging device of this invention adopts advanced mathematical algorithms. These algorithms can quickly and accurately convert the acquired radio frequency signals into high-quality images. During the scanning process, the control system can process the images in real time and perform simple image enhancement operations, such as adjusting the window width and window level to make the image contrast more suitable. This allows operators to observe the image quality in a timely manner during the scanning process and determine whether the scanning parameters need to be adjusted to achieve high-quality imaging, thereby improving the reliability and safety of MRI imaging.

[0071] The control system of this magnetic resonance imaging device plays a crucial role in the transmission and reception of radio frequency pulses. It can precisely set the frequency, intensity, and duration of the radio frequency pulses. When scanning muscle and adipose tissue, since their hydrogen proton precession frequencies are slightly different, the control system can adjust the radio frequency pulse parameters to achieve selective excitation, thereby acquiring images with good tissue contrast. The radio frequency receiver can also accurately receive and process weak radio frequency signals, effectively improving the signal-to-noise ratio and ensuring image quality.

[0072] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these specific embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control system of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising a hardware component apparatus and a software control module, characterized in that, The hardware component device comprises a scanning component and a magnetic resonance host, and the software control module comprises a scanning parameter setting unit, a sequence control unit, an image reconstruction unit and a system monitoring and feedback unit. The scanning component specifically comprises a gradient amplifier and a gradient coil, a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver, and a magnet power supply and a control unit for a superconducting magnet. The gradient amplifier receives a control signal from the host, converts it into a strong current, and drives the gradient coil to generate a required gradient magnetic field, and the performance of the gradient amplifier directly affects the strength, rise time and stability of the gradient magnetic field, in order to obtain a high-resolution image, the gradient amplifier needs to be able to provide a high-power, fast-switching current to generate a steep gradient magnetic field change. The gradient coil is a key component for generating a gradient magnetic field, and is usually composed of three groups of X, Y and Z direction coils perpendicular to each other, which are placed inside the magnet, and under the drive of the gradient amplifier, the coils can generate a linearly changing magnetic field. The radio frequency transmitter is mainly composed of a radio frequency power amplifier and a radio frequency pulse generator, the radio frequency pulse generator generates a radio frequency pulse signal with a specific frequency, bandwidth and pulse shape according to the scanning sequence set by the host, and the radio frequency power amplifier amplifies these signals to sufficient power to effectively excite hydrogen protons in human tissues. The radio frequency receiver is used to receive the weak radio frequency signals emitted by human tissues after being excited by the radio frequency pulse, and comprises a preamplifier, a mixer and a filter assembly, the preamplifier first amplifies the weak signals, then the mixer converts the signals into intermediate frequency signals, and then the filter removes noise and interference signals, and finally the processed signals are transmitted to the host for subsequent processing. The magnet power supply and control unit is mainly responsible for providing stable power supply and precise temperature control for the superconducting magnet, and it controls the cooling system of liquid helium to ensure that the superconducting coil inside the magnet is always in a superconducting state. The magnetic resonance host comprises a bed driving motor and a controller. The bed driving motor is the power source for controlling the movement of the bed, and it can accurately adjust the position of the bed to accurately place different parts of the patient's body into the scanning area. The controller controls the speed, direction and stroke of the motor according to the instructions from the host. The scanning parameter setting unit is an important interface for the operator to interact with the magnetic resonance imaging device control system, through which the operator can set various scanning parameters such as scanning sequence type, scanning site, scanning layer thickness, field of view size and matrix size. The image reconstruction unit is used to convert the collected radio frequency signals into visual images, and it uses Fourier transform mathematical algorithms to process the signals, and the specific processing process is as follows: Firstly, the collected signals are preprocessed, including signal amplification, filtering and phase correction, to improve the signal quality; Then, according to the spatial information of the gradient magnetic field coding, the signal is converted from time domain to frequency domain through Fourier transform, so as to reconstruct an image reflecting the anatomical structure of human tissues.

2. A control system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus as defined in claim 1, characterized in that The sequence control unit is responsible for controlling the execution of the scanning sequence, and it coordinates the work of the gradient system, the radio frequency system and the signal acquisition system according to the sequence type set in the scanning parameter setting module, the predetermined time sequence and the parameters.

3. A control system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus as defined in claim 1, characterized in that The system monitoring and feedback unit is used for real-time monitoring of each subsystem of the whole magnetic resonance imaging device, which can monitor the current and temperature of the gradient amplifier, the power and frequency of the radio frequency transmitter and receiver, the temperature and magnetic field strength of the magnet, these key parameters, when these parameters are out of the normal range, the system monitoring and feedback module will timely send out an alarm, and take corresponding measures, such as adjusting the parameters, suspending the scanning.

4. The control system of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by, The control system further comprises a signal acquisition module and a data processing module, the signal acquisition module comprises an electromagnetic interference sensor arranged on an examination bed matched with the magnetic resonance main machine, for collecting the surrounding electromagnetic interference signals, and the data processing module analyzes the collected electromagnetic interference signals, and when the intensity of the electromagnetic interference signals exceeds the preset threshold, the analysis result of the abnormal electromagnetic interference signals appearing around the magnetic resonance main machine is obtained.

5. A control system for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus as defined in claim 4, characterized in that The signal acquisition module further comprises a magnetic field disturbance sensor arranged on the magnetic resonance main machine, for collecting the magnetic field disturbance signals around the magnetic resonance main machine, and the data processing module analyzes the collected magnetic field disturbance signals, and when the intensity of the magnetic field disturbance signals exceeds the preset threshold, the analysis result of the abnormal magnetic field disturbance signals appearing around the magnetic resonance main machine is obtained.

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