Computer-aided method for processing an investigation step

Abstract

Computer-aided method for editing an examination step (32, 32.1, 32.2) with an editor (30), wherein the editor (30) is provided as part of a stand-alone interface (22) to change examination steps centrally and without direct reference to a specific magnetic resonance imaging device (2, 4, 6), wherein the examination step (32.1, 32.2) comprises adjustable parameters for imaging with a magnetic resonance imaging device (2, 4, 6), wherein permissible value ranges (44) of the parameters are determined by a configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging device (2, 4, 6), wherein the configuration is described by a configuration file (40.1, 40.2, 40.3; 41.1, 41.2), wherein the editor (30) is functionally connected to a selection step (38), wherein the selection step (38) has access to various configuration files (40.1, 40.2, 40.3; 41.1, 41.2), which describe different configurations of magnetic resonance devices (2, 4, 6), are supplied and- wherein, after a selection made by a user from the different configuration files (40.1, 40.2, 40.3; 41.1, 41.2), this is supplied to the editor (30) as the selected configuration file (42).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a computer-aided method for editing an examination step with an editor, wherein the examination step comprises adjustable parameters for imaging with a magnetic resonance device, wherein permissible value ranges of the parameters are determined by a configuration of the magnetic resonance device and wherein the configuration is described by a configuration file.

[0002] Nowadays, the trend in healthcare is towards conducting more and more examinations in large diagnostic centers or diagnostic chains with many similar diagnostic devices, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. However, even in these diagnostic centers, MRI scanners often have individual configurations, meaning they possess different features and combinations of components. Besides the base magnetic field strength, MRI scanners can differ, for example, in their built-in gradient system, the number of radio frequency receiver channels, and their equipment for specific applications such as spectroscopy, parallel imaging, or PAT (Parallel Acquisition Technique). Nevertheless, there are still configurations that are very similar.

[0003] The imaging capabilities of a medical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner are influenced by a multitude of parameters. Depending on the body region, its imaging characteristics, the time available for imaging, the medical question, and other factors, suitable imaging programs with examination steps have proven effective in clinical practice. These examination steps are defined by specific values ​​of the parameters influencing the imaging. The complete set of parameter values ​​for a given examination step can be stored as a parameter set in a database for reuse. A parameter set for imaging a body region for a specific medical question can comprise several hundred individual parameters, some of which can also significantly influence each other.

[0004] Users frequently utilize the large number of adjustable parameters for magnetic resonance imaging to change and optimize the parameter values ​​with the aim of achieving the highest possible image quality.

[0005] In diagnostic centers and diagnostic networks, imaging programs configured for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which have been tested and approved, are often stored in a central database. All MRI scanners and their users have access to this database. To reduce the effort required for maintaining and updating the imaging programs in the central databases of diagnostic centers and to guarantee consistent imaging quality for as many MRI scanners as possible, the same imaging programs should be used within groups comprising MRI scanners with similar configurations. Individual programs should only be used for specific applications.

[0006] Computer-aided methods for editing imaging programs take into account the configuration of the directly functionally connected magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. In contrast, editors not associated with a specific MRI scanner use predefined standard configurations intended to be valid for a particular group of MRI scanners. Thus, a predefined configuration is used as a representative of all configurations within that group. However, in detail, differences may exist between the configurations within the group, which can impair or even prevent usability and validity within that group. This is often unknown to the user during editing. As a result, imaging programs can be unintentionally created that do not function on all MRI scanners within the group.The functionality of all magnetic resonance devices in a group is further impaired if the proxy configuration represents the best configuration for the group.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a computer-aided method for processing an examination step, in particular for diagnostic centers with a large number of magnetic resonance devices, with which the processed examination step is functional and compatible for certain configurations in a predictable manner.

[0008] The problem is solved by a computer-aided method with the features of claim 1.

[0009] According to the invention, the method described above is characterized in that the editor is functionally connected with a selection step, that various configuration files describing different configurations of magnetic resonance devices are supplied to the selection step, and that after a selection has been made by a user from the various configuration files, this selection is supplied to the editor as the selected configuration file.

[0010] The invention addresses the fact that existing methods for modifying an examination step lack support for preventing unintended specialization of examination steps. Currently, it is only when applying a centrally modified examination step to an individually configured magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner that it becomes apparent that the step is either unusable or requires prior conversion. Conversion is generally understood as a process in which the MRI scanner automatically attempts to adapt an examination step that is not directly usable by that MRI scanner. The goal of conversion is to preserve the original parameter values ​​as much as possible. The reasons for conversion can be varied, for example, if the examination step requires a configuration with licenses and / or options that are not available on the current MRI scanner. If, for example, the MRI scanner requires a specific configuration, the conversion process can be adapted to the existing MRI scanner.For example, if a diagnostic step was performed on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner with many receiver channels, and these channels are also used for imaging, many parameters may change when converting the data to a system with few receiver channels. For instance, parallel imaging may no longer be possible, which can significantly increase the measurement time.

[0011] Since conversion during specialized examination steps can change many parameters, this can lead to undesirable rework.

[0012] A key aspect of the invention is that, instead of using a fixed, predefined standard configuration for editing, a specific configuration can be selected. This means that an examination step for a group of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices with similar configurations is no longer edited with a fixed, predetermined configuration, but rather with a selected, suitable configuration to ensure the desired compatibility. For example, a group of MRI devices might include configurations with varying numbers of receiver channels, such as 8, 18, or 64. In this case, a user can then select the 8-receiver-channel configuration to edit an examination step.It is highly likely that a modified examination step will then run on all magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in this group, including those with 18 or 64 receiver channels. This supports editing examination steps for MRI scanners with similar configurations, or ensures these configurations are taken into account when changes are made. The advantage lies in the improved efficiency of maintaining large databases of examination steps. Furthermore, unintended conversions are avoided, thus preventing the risk of unwanted deviations in the imaging. By selecting and setting the configuration to be used, the creation of unwanted examination steps is prevented right from the start.

[0013] Advantageous embodiments of the computer-aided method for processing an investigation step are the subject of dependent patent claims 2 to 7.

[0014] An advantageous embodiment of the computer-aided method is specified by the features of claim 2. According to this claim, at least one of the configuration files is defined for several different examination steps. For example, a configuration file can encompass all the different examination steps for the examination region "head". With such a global configuration file, it is ensured that all examination steps developed and modified with it are executable on all magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners of a diagnostic center, despite differing configurations.

[0015] A further advantageous embodiment of the computer-aided method is specified by the features of claim 3. According to this claim, at least one of the configuration files is defined for several different configurations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices. For example, one configuration file can apply to a group of 1.5 Tesla MRI devices. With such a global configuration file, it is ensured that all examination steps developed and modified with it are executable on all 1.5 Tesla MRI devices in a diagnostic center, despite different configurations.

[0016] A further particularly advantageous embodiment of the computer-aided method is specified by the features of claim 5. According to this embodiment, after a change to the examination step, a check is performed to determine whether this change is compatible not only with the selected configuration but also with other configurations. This allows for automated verification at suitable points as to whether the modified examination step is also valid for other configurations, i.e., whether it is executable on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices with different configurations. This verification can be performed after each individual change or only after all changes have been completed.

[0017] The properties, features, and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understandable in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. These show, in schematic representation:

[0018] Fig. 1 an arrangement of several magnetic resonance devices connected to a central database and

[0019] Fig. 2. An editor with a selection option for a specific configuration of the magnetic resonance devices for editing an examination step.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows an overview of three diagnostic magnetic resonance devices, as examples of a larger number. 2 , 4 , 6 such as those installed at various locations within a large hospital chain. Each magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine2 , 4 , 6 includes an image generation component 8 The image generation part 8 As has been described many times elsewhere, it contains a magnetic system for generating a magnetic field, gradient coils for spatial encoding, and high-frequency coils for exciting and receiving magnetic resonance signals, as well as other hardware components. The control of the image generation section 8 This is done through a control unit. 10 The control unit 10 It comprises a system computer and an image processor with associated data storage, as well as a user interface connected to the system computer and the image processor, and control software. The control unit also includes... 10 It also includes a pulse sequence controller and a gradient pulse shape generator. The user interface comprises an input unit. 14 and a monitor 16The positioning of the patient and the operation of the gradient and high-frequency coils are determined by an imaging program, which generally includes several examination steps, by the system computer together with the pulse sequence control and the gradient pulse shape generator.

[0021] The control components 10 the magnetic resonance devices 2 , 4 , 6 are via a data network 12 among each other and with a central database 20 connected. In the central database 20 The system contains pre-configured, tested, and approved imaging programs for magnetic resonance imaging. Additionally, a stand-alone interface is available. 22 to the data network 12 connected.

[0022] In general, the exchange of imaging programs between multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices is possible. 2 , 4 , 6Manual import / export functionality can be used, for example, via a USB interface or an intranet. During the import process, the system checks whether the imaging software is compatible with the corresponding magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. If it is not directly compatible, a conversion may be necessary. Due to the conversion problems discussed above, it is important that the import process functions with minimal conversion effects.

[0023] The stand-alone interface 22 is independent and not a specific magnetic resonance device 2 , 4 , 6 assigned. However, it, like the control components, has 10 Access to the central database 20 The stand-alone interface 22 This is intended to allow investigation steps to be carried out centrally using an editor, without direct reference to a specific magnetic resonance device. 2 , 4 , 6to change, as described in detail below.

[0024] It is essential to ensure that any exchange of imaging programs between different magnetic resonance devices is carried out correctly. 2 , 4 , 6 The imaging programs, with their examination steps, should ideally only require the configuration with the properties and options that are available on the relevant magnetic resonance devices. 2 , 4 , 6 are available.

[0025] The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine 2 This is intended to represent an initial group of several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices that are similarly configured. This is described in an initial configuration file. For example, the first configuration file designates all MRI devices with a base magnetic field of 1.5 Tesla.

[0026] The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine 4This is intended to represent a second group of several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices that are also similarly configured. This is described in a second configuration file. For example, the second configuration file refers to all MRI devices with a high-performance gradient system.

[0027] The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine 6 This refers to a third group of multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices that are similarly configured. This is described in a third configuration file. For example, the third configuration file refers to all MRI devices with an 8-channel receiver array.

[0028] Hierarchically organized groups of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices can also be defined. For example, one group could include all MRI devices with an 18-channel receiver array. Another group could include all MRI devices with a 64-channel receiver array.

[0029] Furthermore, there are configuration files that apply, for example, to imaging programs structured hierarchically according to anatomy. The top level of the hierarchy is, for instance, the region to be imaged or examined, e.g., head, heart, back, knee, etc.

[0030] One level below provides various search options for the regions. Examples of levels below regions are Standard, Routine, Library, etc. However, the user can also organize the levels as desired, similar to the familiar Windows File Explorer.

[0031] Below this is an imaging program layer. For the head region, for example, this includes General, Lesion, Trauma, Epilepsy, etc., and for the heart region, Morphology, Function, Dynamic, etc. Finally, at the lowest level, is the examination step with the pulse sequences and their adjustable parameters. Additional configuration files may be provided, but these are not shown here for the sake of clarity.

[0032] It should be noted that there can be overlaps within the individual groups of magnetic resonance devices. For example, a particular magnetic resonance device may belong to both the group with a basic magnetic field of 1.5 Tesla and the group with an 8-channel receiver configuration.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows the essential structure of a procedure for modifying investigation steps. The core of the procedure is a program editor.30 , which allows parameters of investigation steps to be changed in a familiar manner. As described above, the imaging properties of the investigation step can be modified via these parameters.

[0034] From a multitude of different examination steps 32.1 , 32.2 , 32.3 etc. is selected by the user in a selection step 34 an investigation step 36 from which he wishes to process. The investigation steps 32.1 , 32.2 , 32.3 etc. are in the central database 20 saved. To edit, select the selected examination step. 36 the editor 30 supplied.

[0035] A user selects via a selection step. 38 from a compilation of the various installed configurations 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 etc. or 41.1 , 41.2etc. a configuration as selected configuration 42 from those for which the proposed changes are intended to be suitable. The configurations 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 etc. are intended to specify the technical design and execution of components of the magnetic resonance devices. The configurations 41.1 , 41.2 etc. should be structured more or less hierarchically according to anatomy and the type of examination or imaging, as described above.

[0036] Generally, a user will aim for a modified examination step to be executable on as many differently configured magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners as possible. This can be ensured by ensuring that the selected configuration 42The aim is to place the lowest possible technical demands on the components of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. For example, a modified examination step developed for a 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner will most likely also run on a 3 Tesla MRI scanner. Similarly, a modified examination step developed for a standard gradient system will also run on an MRI scanner with a high-performance gradient system. Likewise, an examination step modified for an 8-channel receiver system will run on an 18-channel receiver system or higher. This ensures the greatest possible compatibility of the modified examination step. In general, the user will select a configuration that places the lowest possible demands on the device components while still enabling improved imaging.

[0037] During the changes, the editor checks30 automatically, in a known manner, whether the changed parameter value is in a configuration suitable for the selected configuration. 42 within the permissible range. The editor is used for this purpose. 30 with a values ​​file 44 connected, in which the permissible value ranges of all changeable parameters depend on the selected configuration 42 are included.

[0038] After all changes have been completed, there is a modified investigation step. 46 , which is on a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine according to the selected configuration 42 is ready to run.

[0039] In an additional testing step 48 Any change and / or modified investigation step will be 46 Overall, after completing all changes, ensure compatibility with other configurations. 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 etc. and 41.1 , 41.2etc. is checked. The result of the check is displayed to the user in a table. 50 depicted.

[0040] The result of the test step 48 The user can be shown various things on the monitor of the stand-alone interface. 22 This can be displayed. For example, it can be a separate area on a display of the editor. 30 give, which includes all alternative configurations 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 etc. and 41.1 , 41.2 etc. Each of these configurations includes 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 etc. and 41.1 , 41.2etc. is color-coded: green if the investigation step is usable there; red if it is not applicable with this configuration; gray if no result is yet available. If the check is performed immediately after each individual change, feedback is available promptly after the actual editing. If the check is performed only after all changes have been completed, a compatibility message is displayed immediately after completion. Saving a modified investigation step 48 , which is not compatible with all intended configurations, in the central database 20 This can prevent it.

[0041] The test step described above 48 It can run automatically in the background or in a separate, user-initiated main task with appropriate navigation.

[0042] Although the invention has been further illustrated and described in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived from them by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

[1] Computer-aided method for processing an investigation step ( 32 , 32.1 , 32.2 ) with an editor ( 30 ), wherein the examination step ( 32.1 , 32.2 ) adjustable parameters for imaging with a magnetic resonance imaging ( 2 , 4 , 6 ) includes permissible value ranges ( 44 ) the parameters through a configuration of the magnetic resonance device ( 2 , 4 , 6 ) are determined and where the configuration is defined by a configuration file ( 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 ; 41.1 , 41.2 ) is described, characterized by that the editor ( 30 ) functionally with a selection step ( 38 ) is associated with the selection step ( 38 ) various configuration files ( 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 ; 41.1 , 41.2 ), the various configurations of magnetic resonance devices (2 , 4 , 6 ) describe, are supplied, and that after a selection made by a user from the various configuration files ( 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 ; 41.1 , 41.2 ) this as the selected configuration file ( 42 ) the editor ( 30 ) is supplied. [2] Computer-aided method according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one of the configuration files ( 41.1 , 41.2 ) is defined for several different examination steps. [3] Computer-aided method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that at least one of the configuration files ( 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 ) for several different configurations of magnetic resonance devices ( 2 , 4 , 6 ) is defined. [4] Computer-aided method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the various configuration files defines a default configuration. [5] Computer-aided method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that after a change to the investigation step, a check is performed to see if this change is compatible with anything other than the selected configuration ( 42 ) also with the other configurations ( 40.1 , 40.2 , 40.3 ; 41.1 , 41.2 ) is compatible. [6] Computer-aided method according to claim 5, characterized by that the check is performed at every intermediate stage during editing. [7] Computer-aided method according to claim 6, characterized by that the review takes place after editing is complete.

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