Coil unit, magnetic resonance imaging system, and control method for the same

Abstract

To provide a coil unit, a magnetic resonance imaging system, and a control method for the same which are usable by being adjusted to a size of a subject.SOLUTION: A coil unit is fixed to a subject with a string member and includes a plurality of reception coils receiving a core magnetic resonance signal of the subject and a flexible coil cover where the plurality of reception coils are arranged in a two-dimensional shape. The coil cover is provided with a plurality of through holes, going from one surface through to the other surface, into which the string member is inserted at a position corresponding to the size of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a coil unit, a magnetic resonance imaging system, and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a technique for fixing a coil unit to a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus receives nuclear magnetic resonance signals generated in a subject and reconstructs the received signals to obtain a magnetic resonance image. In such a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a coil unit having multiple receiving coils for receiving the nuclear magnetic resonance signals must be fixed to the subject.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a blanket that includes a first receiver coil array disposed on a first flexible substrate, the flexible substrate being configured to be placed above or below a section of a patient under examination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-130701 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The blanket described in Patent Document 1 has a fixed size, which means that it cannot be individually adjusted to fit the size of the subject. There is also room for improvement in the method of fixing the blanket to the subject.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a coil unit, a magnetic resonance imaging system, and a control method thereof that can be adjusted according to the size of the subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the coil unit according to the first aspect of the present disclosure is a coil unit fixed to a subject by a string-like member, and comprises a plurality of receiving coils that receive the subject's nuclear magnetic resonance signals, and a flexible coil cover in which the plurality of receiving coils are arranged two-dimensionally, the coil cover having a plurality of through holes that penetrate from one side to the other, and through which the string-like members are inserted at positions according to the size of the subject.

[0008] A coil unit according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is preferably the coil unit according to the first aspect, wherein the plurality of through holes are arranged two-dimensionally in correspondence with the positions of the plurality of receiving coils.

[0009] The coil unit according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is preferably the coil unit according to the first or second aspect, wherein the coil unit is fixed to the subject by string-like members inserted into at least four through holes.

[0010] The coil unit according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is preferably the coil unit according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the coil unit is fixed to the subject by two string-like members.

[0011] The coil unit according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is preferably a coil unit according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a detection member that detects whether or not a string-like member is inserted through each of the multiple through holes.

[0012] A coil unit according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a coil unit according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein each of the multiple through holes preferably includes a light-emitting element that emits light when a string-shaped member is inserted therethrough.

[0013] A coil unit according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the coil unit according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the coil cover is preferably made of a transparent material.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, a magnetic resonance imaging system according to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure comprises a string-like member, a coil unit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and a table on which a subject is placed, and it is preferable that the table comprises an engaging member to which the string-like member is engaged, and that the subject is fixed to the table by the string-like member engaged with the engaging member.

[0015] In order to achieve the above object, a magnetic resonance imaging system according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising a string-like member, a coil unit according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and a processor that processes nuclear magnetic resonance signals, wherein the processor identifies a plurality of through-holes through which the string-like member is inserted, selects a plurality of receiving coils to be used based on the positions of the identified plurality of through-holes, and processes the nuclear magnetic resonance signals received by the selected plurality of receiving coils.

[0016] In a magnetic resonance imaging system according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the magnetic resonance imaging system according to the ninth aspect, it is preferable that the processor processes magnetic resonance signals received by receiving coils among the multiple receiving coils that are positioned inside the range defined by the multiple through holes through which the string-shaped member is inserted.

[0017] In a magnetic resonance imaging system according to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the magnetic resonance imaging system according to the tenth aspect, it is preferable that the processor sets an FOV (Field Of View) that includes the inside of the range partitioned by the multiple through holes through which the string-like member is inserted.

[0018] In a magnetic resonance imaging system according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, in a magnetic resonance imaging system according to any of the ninth to eleventh aspects, it is preferable that the multiple through holes are each provided with a detection member that detects whether a string-like member is inserted through the through hole, and the processor distinguishes between the multiple through holes through which the string-like member has been inserted based on the detection result of the detection member.

[0019] In a magnetic resonance imaging system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the magnetic resonance imaging system according to any one of the ninth to twelfth aspects, it is preferable that the magnetic resonance imaging system is provided with a camera, and the processor identifies the multiple through holes through which the string-like member is inserted from an image of the coil unit taken by the camera.

[0020] In a magnetic resonance imaging system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the magnetic resonance imaging system according to the thirteenth aspect, it is preferable that each of the multiple through holes is provided with a light-emitting element that emits light when a string-like member is inserted therethrough, and the processor detects the multiple through holes through which the string-like member has been inserted based on whether or not the light-emitting element emits light.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, a control method for a magnetic resonance imaging system according to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method for a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: a string-like member; a coil unit fixed to a subject by the string-like member, the coil unit comprising a plurality of receiving coils that receive nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the subject; a flexible coil cover in which the plurality of receiving coils are arranged two-dimensionally, the coil cover having a plurality of through holes that penetrate from one side to the other side, the plurality of through holes through which the string-like member is inserted at positions according to the size of the subject; and a processor, wherein the processor identifies a plurality of through holes through which the string-like member is inserted, selects a plurality of receiving coils to be used from a plurality of receiving coils based on the positions of the identified plurality of through holes, and processes the nuclear magnetic resonance signals received by the selected plurality of receiving coils. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, the size of the subject can be adjusted accordingly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of an MRI apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the coil unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the coil unit as viewed in the Y direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a coil unit fixed to a subject. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a coil unit fixed to a subject having a relatively small region to be examined. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a coil unit fixed to a subject. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of a coil unit fixed to a subject. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a coil unit fixed to a subject. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of fixing the subject to the top board with a belt. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a signal detection circuit when the coil unit includes a switch. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a magnetic resonance imaging system including a camera. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a push switch mechanism having a coloring function. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the push switch mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and accompanying drawings, identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In addition, when multiple components are listed in the following embodiments, it can be interpreted that at least one of the multiple components is included.

[0025] [Magnetic Resonance Imaging System] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging system 10. In Fig. 1, the Z direction is the static magnetic field direction, the Y direction is the vertical direction, and the X direction is a direction perpendicular to the Y and Z directions. The magnetic resonance imaging system 10 includes a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 20 (hereinafter referred to as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus 20) and a coil unit 50.

[0026] The MRI apparatus 20 includes a gantry 22 and a bed 30. The gantry 22 has a cylindrical imaging space 24. The gantry 22 also has an MRI magnet and various other coils disposed therein.

[0027] The bed 30 is installed on the front side of the gantry 22, facing the imaging space 24. The bed 30 includes a table 32. A subject 100 (see FIG. 2) is placed on a top plate 34 of the table 32. A coil unit 50 is attached to the examination area of ​​the subject 100. The table 32 may include a fixing mechanism for fixing the subject 100 to the top plate 34.

[0028] The bed 30 moves the table 32 into and out of the imaging space 24 by a driving mechanism (not shown).

[0029] The coil unit 50 is a multi-channel RF (Radio Frequency) coil unit consisting of a plurality of receiving coils 52 (see FIG. 3) for receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals (NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) signals, hereinafter referred to as NMR signals) generated in the subject 100.

[0030] A receiving cable (not shown) that outputs the NMR signal received by the coil unit 50 is connected to the coil unit 50. A receiving connector (not shown) is connected to the end of this receiving cable. The receiving connector is connected to a bed connector of a bed cable (not shown). The bed cable is connected to the control unit 116 (see FIG. 2). This allows the coil unit 50 to be communicatively connected to the control unit 116 and the sequencer 108 (see FIG. 2). Note that the connection between the coil unit 50 and the control unit 116 and the sequencer 108 is not limited to a wired connection such as a cable, and wireless connection is also possible.

[0031] [Internal structure of MRI device] 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the MRI apparatus 20. The MRI apparatus 20 includes a static magnetic field generating magnet 102, a gradient magnetic field coil 104, a transmission coil 106, a sequencer 108, a high-frequency magnetic field generator 110, a gradient magnetic field power supply 112, a receiver 114, a control unit 116, and an operation unit 118.

[0032] The static magnetic field generating magnet 102 generates a uniform static magnetic field in the imaging space 24 in which the subject 100 is placed. The gradient magnetic field coil 104 generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space 24. The transmission coil 106 generates a high-frequency magnetic field in the imaging space 24 to generate NMR signals in the nuclei of atoms that make up the tissue of the subject 100.

[0033] An examination region of the subject 100 is placed at the center of the static magnetic field of the imaging space 24. A coil unit 50 is fixed to the examination region of the subject 100 by a belt 60, which is a string-like member. The coil unit 50 detects an NMR signal generated from the subject 100.

[0034] The sequencer 108 sends commands to the radio frequency magnetic field generator 110 and the gradient magnetic field power supply 112 in accordance with an imaging sequence (pulse sequence), which causes appropriately amplified signals to be sent to the transmission coil 106 and the gradient magnetic field coil 104, respectively.

[0035] The transmitting coil 106 applies a pulsed radio frequency magnetic field (RF pulse) to the subject 100 in response to a signal from the radio frequency magnetic field generator 110. Preferably, the sequencer 108 sends a command to the coil unit 50 in accordance with the imaging sequence, and turns off the coil unit 50 when the RF pulse is applied.

[0036] The gradient magnetic field coil 104 is composed of gradient magnetic field coils in three directions, X, Y, and Z. The gradient magnetic field coil 104 generates gradient magnetic fields in response to signals from a gradient magnetic field power supply 112.

[0037] The NMR signal generated from the subject 100 is detected by the receiving coil 52 of the coil unit 50, amplified by a preamplifier (not shown) in the receiving coil 52, and transmitted to the receiver 114. In the receiver 114, the amplified NMR signal is subjected to AD (analog-to-digital) conversion and necessary signal processing to generate data. The generated data is transmitted to the control unit 116. This data is also called a received signal or measurement data.

[0038] The sequencer 108 controls each component so that it operates at pre-programmed timing and intensity. A program that describes the timing and intensity of RF pulses, gradient magnetic fields, and signal reception is called a pulse sequence. Various pulse sequences are known depending on the purpose, but detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0039] The control unit 116 receives various instruction inputs from the operation unit 118 and controls each unit of the MRI apparatus 20 via the sequencer 108. The control unit 116 also performs processing such as converting the spatial frequency domain received signal received from the receiver 114 into an image in real space by inverse Fourier transform, thereby generating an MRI image.

[0040] The control unit 116 is realized by a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer or a microcomputer, etc. The control unit 116 includes a processor 116A and a memory 116B.

[0041] Processor 116A executes instructions stored in memory 116B. The hardware structure of processor 116A is various processors as shown below. The various processors include a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various functional units, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), which is a processor specialized for image processing, a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), which is a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processing.

[0042] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU). Also, multiple functional units may be configured with a single processor. Examples of multiple functional units configured with a single processor include, first, a configuration in which a single processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by a client or server computer, and this processor operates as multiple functional units. Second, a configuration in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple functional units on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by an SoC (System On Chip). In this way, the various functional units are configured with one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0043] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit made up of a combination of circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0044] The memory 116B stores instructions to be executed by the processor 116A. The memory 116B includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory), not shown. The processor 116A uses the RAM as a working area, executes software using various programs and parameters stored in the ROM, and also executes various processes of the MRI apparatus 20 by using parameters stored in the ROM, etc.

[0045] The control unit 116 may include an input / output interface (not shown).

[0046] The operation unit 118 includes a mouse, keyboard, display, etc. A user uses the operation unit 118 to start and stop (including pausing) the MRI apparatus 20, select a pulse sequence, and input imaging conditions and processing conditions.

[0047] [Coil unit] Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the coil unit 50. As shown in Fig. 3, the coil unit 50 includes a plurality of receiving coils 52, a plurality of signal detection circuits 54, and a coil cover 56. Note that the coil unit 50 may also have a receiving-side connector (not shown) for connecting a receiving-side cable.

[0048] The receiving coil 52 functions as a detector (sensor) that receives NMR signals. The receiving coil 52 is a circular loop coil with a diameter of approximately 10 cm to 15 cm when viewed in the Y direction. The multiple receiving coils 52 are arranged two-dimensionally in the coil cover 56. Here, the coil cover 56 houses the multiple receiving coils 52 arranged two-dimensionally. The coil unit 50 shown in FIG. 3 is multi-channeled by including a total of 20 receiving coils 52 arranged two-dimensionally in a grid pattern of five rows in the X direction and four columns in the Z direction. Note that the number and arrangement of the receiving coils 52 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, while FIG. 3 shows an example in which the receiving coils are circular, the shape of each receiving coil 52 is not limited to circular, and may be an ellipse, a polygon, or a combination thereof, as long as the loop area is approximately the same.

[0049] The plurality of signal detection circuits 54 are arranged corresponding to the plurality of receiving coils 52, respectively. The signal detection circuit 54 is an electric circuit including a plurality of circuit elements packaged in a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped housing.

[0050] The coil cover 56 is a housing that covers the periphery of the multiple receiving coils 52 and multiple signal detection circuits 54. The multiple receiving coils 52 and multiple signal detection circuits 54 are housed inside the coil cover 56 and configured as a blanket-shaped coil unit 50. The multiple receiving coils 52 and multiple signal detection circuits 54 may be housed inside the coil cover 56 in a state where they are fixed on a film (not shown). The film fixes the positional relationship between the receiving coils 52 and the signal detection circuits 54, making it possible to prevent misalignment.

[0051] The coil cover 56 is flexible and formed into a bag shape by sewing or gluing together the ends of a cut sheet material. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the bag-shaped coil cover 56 is formed by sewing or gluing together a first sheet body 56A and a second sheet body 56B. The material of the coil cover 56 may be a urethane-based resin such as polyurethane, a polyamide synthetic resin such as nylon, or the like.

[0052] The first sheet body 56A has a plurality of first holes 58A corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of receiving coils 52. The second sheet body 56B has a plurality of second holes 58B corresponding to the arrangement of the plurality of receiving coils 52. The first holes 58A and second holes 58B at corresponding positions are connected with engaging members (not shown), thereby forming a plurality of through holes 58 (see FIG. 4) for size adjustment that penetrate from one surface of the coil cover 56 (for example, the surface formed by the first sheet body 56A) to the other surface (for example, the surface formed by the second sheet body 56B) in the coil unit 50. The size and shape of the through holes 58 are not particularly limited as long as they allow the belt 60 to be inserted therethrough.

[0053] Although the coil unit 50 is connected to the control unit 118 and the sequencer 108 via cables, this is not limiting, and the coil unit 50 may be connected to the control unit 118 and the sequencer 108 wirelessly. In this case, the coil unit 50 further includes at least an AD (analog-digital) conversion module and a wireless communication module.

[0054] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the coil unit 50 as viewed in the Y direction. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the coil unit 50 has a total of 20 through holes 58 arranged in five rows in the X direction and four columns in the Z direction, each of which is concentric with the loop portion of the corresponding receiving coil 52. In other words, the through holes 58 are arranged two-dimensionally in a lattice pattern.

[0055] It should be noted that a plurality of through holes 58 may be disposed in the loop portion of one receiving coil 52. The position of the through hole 58 may be outside the loop portion of the receiving coil 52.

[0056] In the following description, it is assumed that the coil unit 50 fixed to the subject 100 is a surface where the second sheet 56B is in contact with the subject 100 and a surface where the first sheet 56A is not in contact with the subject 100.

[0057] [Fixing the coil unit] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the coil unit 50 fixed to the subject 100. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the coil unit 50 is fixed to the abdomen of the subject 100 placed on the tabletop 34 by inserting two belts 60A and 60B into four through-holes 58-1, 58-2, 58-3, and 58-4 out of the plurality of through-holes 58.

[0058] The belt 60A is inserted through a through-hole 58-1 of the coil unit 50 placed on the abdomen of the subject 100 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, is stretched across the left and right sides (X direction) of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, and is inserted through a through-hole 58-2 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60A are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-1 and 58-2.

[0059] The belt 60B is inserted through the through-hole 58-3 of the coil unit 50 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, and inserted through the through-hole 58-4 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60B are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-3 and 58-4.

[0060] 5, belts 60A and 60B are inserted through four through holes 58-1, 58-2, 58-3, and 58-4, which are positioned according to the size of the examination region of the subject 100, among the plurality of through holes 58. Therefore, the coil unit 50 is appropriately fixed in close contact with the subject 100 by the belt 60A inserted through the through holes 58-1 and 58-2 and the belt 60B inserted through the through holes 58-3 and 58-4.

[0061] Furthermore, the through holes 58-1 and 58-2 and the through holes 58-3 and 58-4 are arranged diagonally. Therefore, the belts 60A and 60B cross each other on the back side and the front side of the subject 100. Therefore, the belts 60A and 60B can fix the coil unit 50 in close contact with the subject 100.

[0062] The coil unit 50 may be fixed by one or three or more belts 60. The belt 60 may be inserted through at least four through holes 58, and may be inserted through five or more through holes 58. A single through hole 58 may be inserted with multiple belts 60 or multiple belts 60.

[0063] 5, to fix the coil unit 50, the user first places the subject 100 on his / her back on the top board 34 of the table 32. The user also places the coil unit 50 on the abdomen of the subject 100, which is the examination site.

[0064] Next, the user selects a plurality of through-holes 58 from the plurality of through-holes 58 of the coil unit 50 to fix the coil unit 50 with the belts 60A and 60B. For example, the user selects four through-holes 58 arranged inside the region selected as the FOV (Field Of View) of the MRI apparatus 20. Here, the user further selects four through-holes 58 at positions according to the size of the region to be examined of the subject 100. In the example shown in FIG. 5, through-holes 58-1, 58-2, 58-3, and 58-4 are selected.

[0065] The user passes the belt 60A between the back of the subject 100 and the top board 34 and passes it over to the left and right sides of the subject 100. The user may pass the belt 60A over to the left and right sides of the top board 34 in advance before placing the subject 100 on the top board 34 of the table 32.

[0066] Next, the user passes one end of the belt 60A through the through-hole 58-1 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50. Similarly, the user passes the other end of the belt 60A through the through-hole 58-2 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50.

[0067] The user pulls both ends of the belt 60A to tie the ends of the belt 60A together and secure them together.

[0068] The user also passes the belts 60B between the back of the subject 100 and the top board 34 and passes them over to the left and right sides of the subject 100. The user may pass the belts 60B over to the left and right sides of the top board 34 in advance before placing the subject 100 on the top board 34 of the table 32.

[0069] Next, the user passes one end of the belt 60B through the through-hole 58-3 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50. Similarly, the user passes the other end of the belt 60B through the through-hole 58-4 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50.

[0070] The user pulls both ends of the belt 60B to tie the ends of the belt 60B together and secure them together.

[0071] The above procedure is an example, and the order may be changed.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the coil unit 50 fixed to a subject 100A whose examination region is relatively smaller in size than the subject 100. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the coil unit 50 is fixed to the abdomen of the subject 100A placed on the tabletop 34 by inserting two belts 60A and 60B into four through-holes 58-1, 58-5, 58-6, and 58-7 out of the plurality of through-holes 58.

[0073] The belt 60A is inserted through the through-hole 58-1 of the coil unit 50 placed on the abdomen of the subject 100 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, and inserted through the through-hole 58-5 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60A are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-1 and 58-5.

[0074] The belt 60B is inserted through the through-hole 58-6 of the coil unit 50 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, and inserted through the through-hole 58-7 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60B are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-6 and 58-7.

[0075] In this way, by selecting the four through holes 58-1, 58-5, 58-6, and 58-7 at positions according to the size of the examination region of the subject 100A, the coil unit 50 can be fixed in close contact with the subject 100A by the belts 60A and 60B.

[0076] The coil cover 56 may be made of a transparent material. This allows the user to directly see the body shape of the subject 100 even after the coil unit 50 is fixed to the subject 100. Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize whether the belt 60 is inserted through the through-hole 58 that it should be inserted through. Note that transparency means that the transmittance of visible light is 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 90% or more.

[0077] In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, both ends of the belts 60A and 60B are fixed by being tied, but the method of fixing the both ends is not limited to this example. For example, hook-and-loop fasteners, band stoppers, buckles, various locking members, etc. may also be used. The belts 60A and 60B may each be made of a stretchable member.

[0078] In addition, in the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, both ends of the belts 60A and 60B are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 (the front side of the subject 100), but both ends of the belts 60A and 60B may also be tied on the back side of the subject 100.

[0079] 7 is a diagram showing another example of the coil unit 50 fixed to the subject 100. As shown in Fig. 7, the belt 60A is inserted through the through-hole 58-1 of the coil unit 50 placed on the abdomen of the subject 100 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50, and inserted through the through-hole 58-2 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60A are tied on the back side of the subject 100 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-1 and 58-2.

[0080] The belt 60B is inserted through the through-hole 58-3 of the coil unit 50 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50, and inserted through the through-hole 58-4 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side. The belt 60B is tied at both ends on the back side of the subject 100 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-3 and 58-4.

[0081] In the example shown in FIG. 7, the user may fix the coil unit 50 to the subject 100 with belts 60A and 60B in advance, and then place the subject 100 on the tabletop .

[0082] In this way, the coil unit 50 can be fixed in close contact with the subject 100 by the belts 60A and 60B, each of which has both ends tied on the back side of the subject 100. One of the belts 60A and 60B may have both ends tied on the front side of the subject 100, and the other may have both ends tied on the back side of the subject 100.

[0083] In the example shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the belts 60A and 60B cross each other to fix the coil unit 50, but the belts 60A and 60B do not have to cross each other.

[0084] 8 is a diagram showing another example of the coil unit 50 fixed to the subject 100. As shown in Fig. 8, the belt 60A is inserted through the through-hole 58-1 of the coil unit 50 placed on the abdomen of the subject 100 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, and inserted through the through-hole 58-3 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60A are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-1 and 58-3.

[0085] The belt 60B is inserted through the through-hole 58-4 of the coil unit 50 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, and inserted through the through-hole 58-2 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. The belt 60B is tied at both ends on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-2 and 58-4.

[0086] In this way, the coil unit 50 can be fixed in close contact with the subject 100 by the belts 60A and 60B arranged around the subject 100 in parallel with each other.

[0087] 9 is a diagram showing another example of the coil unit 50 fixed to the subject 100. As shown in Fig. 9, the belt 60A is inserted through a through-hole 58-1 of the coil unit 50 placed on the abdomen of the subject 100 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side, stretched in the body axis direction (Z direction) of the subject 100 on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50, and inserted through a through-hole 58-4 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side.

[0088] In addition, the belt 60B is inserted through the through hole 58-3 of the coil unit 50 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side, is passed in the body axis direction of the subject 100 on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50, and is inserted through the through hole 58-2 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side.

[0089] One end of the belt 60A and one end of the belt 60B are tied at positions on the back side of the subject 100 that are equidistant from the through-holes 58-1 and 58-3. The other end of the belt 60A and the other end of the belt 60B are tied at positions on the back side of the subject 100 that are equidistant from the through-holes 58-2 and 58-4.

[0090] In this way, the coil unit 50 can be fixed in close contact with the subject 100 by the belts 60A and 60B with their respective ends tied together.

[0091] One end of the belt 60A and the other end of the belt 60B may be tied at positions on the back side of the subject 100 that are equidistant from the through-holes 58-1 and 58-2, and the other end of the belt 60A and one end of the belt 60B may be tied at positions on the back side of the subject 100 that are equidistant from the through-holes 58-3 and 58-4. In this case, the belts 60A and 60B intersect on the back side of the subject 100.

[0092] The subject 100 may be fixed to the top board 34. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example in which the subject 100 is fixed to the top board 34 by belts 60A and 60B.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 10, hook members 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4, and 36-5 are provided at one end (lower side in Figure 10) of table 32 in the X direction, and hook members 36-6, 36-7, 36-8, 36-9, and 36-10 are provided at the other end (upper side in Figure 10), each at regular intervals in the Z direction.

[0094] Hook members 36-1 to 36-10 are rod-shaped members with one end fixed to table 32. The shape of hook members 36-1 to 36-10 is not limited to rod-shaped members, and may be any shape that can engage with belts 60A, 60B. Furthermore, table 32 may be provided with hole members, instead of hook members, through which belts 60A, 60B can be inserted.

[0095] The belt 60A is inserted through a through-hole 58-1 of the coil unit 50 placed on the abdomen of the subject 100 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, engaged with the hook members 36-2, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, engaged with the hook members 36-9, and inserted through the through-hole 58-2 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60A are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through-holes 58-1 and 58-2.

[0096] The belt 60B is inserted through the through hole 58-3 of the coil unit 50 from the first sheet body 56A side to the second sheet body 56B side, engaged with the hook members 36-7, stretched across the left and right sides of the subject 100 on the back side of the subject 100, engaged with the hook members 36-4, and inserted through the through hole 58-4 from the second sheet body 56B side to the first sheet body 56A side. In addition, both ends of the belt 60B are tied on the first sheet body 56A side of the coil unit 50 at positions equidistant from the through holes 58-3 and 58-4.

[0097] In this way, the coil unit 50 is fixed to the subject 100 by the belts 60A and 60B, and the subject 100 is fixed to the tabletop 34. The user may select two of the hook members 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4, and 36-5 and two of the hook members 36-6, 36-7, 36-8, 36-9, and 36-10 to be used depending on the size of the examination region of the subject 100.

[0098] [Receiver coil used for processing NMR signals] The magnetic resonance imaging system 10 uses only some of the multiple receive coils 52 included in the coil unit 50 for processing NMR signals. In this embodiment, the MRI apparatus 20 selects the multiple receive coils 52 to be used for processing NMR signals based on the positions of the multiple through-holes 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted.

[0099] For example, the MRI apparatus 20 processes NMR signals received by the receive coils 52, among the multiple receive coils 52, that are arranged inside the range defined by the multiple through-holes 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted. The MRI apparatus 20 may also process NMR signals received by the receive coils 52, among the multiple receive coils 52, that are arranged around the range defined by the multiple through-holes 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted.

[0100] The range defined by the plurality of through holes 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted is an area surrounded by straight lines connecting the centers of the through holes 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted. The receiving coil 52 arranged inside the defined range may be a receiving coil 52 whose entire loop portion is arranged inside the defined range, or may include a receiving coil 52 whose at least a part of the loop portion is arranged inside the defined range.

[0101] For example, if the through-hole 58 is positioned inside the loop portion of the receiving coil 52, the MRI device 20 may process the NMR signals received by the receiving coil 52 in which at least a portion of the loop portion is positioned inside the area surrounded by the straight line connecting the centers of the through-hole 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted.

[0102] Furthermore, when the through-hole 58 is positioned outside the loop portion of the receiving coil 52, the MRI device 20 may process the NMR signals received by the receiving coil 52 whose entire loop portion is positioned inside the area surrounded by the straight line connecting the centers of the through-hole 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted.

[0103] [Identifying the through-hole through which the belt is inserted] <<When the detection member is installed in the coil unit>> The coil unit 50 may include a sensor or switch that detects that the belt 60 has been inserted around each through-hole 58. The sensor or switch is connected to the signal detection circuit 54 of the corresponding receiving coil 52, and the output signal of the signal detection circuit 54 changes in response to the sensor or switch. The control unit 116 detects this change and thereby determines the through-hole 58 through which the belt 60 has been inserted.

[0104] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the receiving coil 52 when the coil unit 50 includes a switch. As shown in FIG. 11, the signal detection circuit 54 includes a preamplifier 54A and capacitors 200A and 200B. The capacitors 200A and 200B arranged on the receiving coil 52 are capacitors for input impedance matching. The voltage across the capacitor 200A is input as a signal to the preamplifier 54B. The signal detection circuit 54 also includes a magnetic coupling prevention circuit 54B. The magnetic coupling prevention circuit 54B prevents magnetic coupling between the receiving coil 52 and the transmitting coil 106. The magnetic coupling prevention circuit 54B includes a capacitor 200C, an inductor 202, a diode 204, and choke coils 206A and 206B.

[0105] Capacitor 200C is disposed on the receiving coil 52 and functions as a frequency tuning capacitor together with capacitors 200A and 200B so that the resonant frequency of the receiving coil 52 coincides with the magnetic resonance frequency f0 (approximately 63.88 MHz for 1.5 Tesla) of the MRI apparatus 20. Inductor 202 and diode 204 are connected in series to form a series circuit. The series circuit is connected in parallel to capacitor 200C. Diode 204 is connected to a magnetic decoupling circuit driver (not shown).

[0106] The choke coils 206A and 206B are respectively connected to the anode and cathode sides of the diode 204. The choke coils 206A and 206B prevent the intrusion of AC current into the diode 204.

[0107] The capacitor 200C and the inductor 202 are adjusted to resonate in parallel at the magnetic resonance frequency f0 (approximately 63.88 MHz for 1.5 Tesla) of the MRI apparatus 20 when the diode 204 is in the ON state. Normally, the diode is turned ON by a DC current for controlling the diode except when an NMR signal is being received. When the diode is in the ON state, high impedance is present at the position of the capacitor 200C at the magnetic resonance frequency f0, and no RF current of the magnetic resonance frequency f0 flows. Therefore, the receive coil 52 does not function as a receive coil.

[0108] The magnetic coupling prevention circuit 54B further includes a switch 208 (an example of a "detection member"). The switch 208 is connected between the anode and cathode of the diode 204. The switch 208 is turned on when the belt 60 is inserted through a through-hole 58 (not shown in FIG. 11) corresponding to the receiving coil 52 including the signal detection circuit 54, and is turned off when the belt 60 is not inserted through the through-hole 58.

[0109] When switch 208 is in the on state, it shorts out diode 204. When switch 208 is in the on state, capacitor 200C and inductor 202 resonate at magnetic resonance frequency f0, regardless of whether diode 204 is in the on state or off state, and high impedance occurs at the position of capacitor 200C. Therefore, receiving coil 52 does not operate as a receiving coil. In other words, when switch 208 is in the on state, receiving coil 52 does not resonate at magnetic resonance frequency f0, regardless of whether or not a diode control DC current is present. Control unit 116 can determine the on state of switch 208 by observing the frequency characteristics of the input impedance of receiving coil 52 (an example of a "detection result").

[0110] The control unit 116 detects the through-holes 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted during a so-called pre-scan that is performed prior to actual imaging by the MRI apparatus 20. Furthermore, the control unit 116 controls the diodes 204 of the receive coils 52 that are located outside the range defined by the detected through-holes 58 among the multiple receive coils 52 to an on state using a diode control DC current. This allows the control unit 116 to select the receive coils 52 that are located inside the range defined by the through-holes 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted as the receive coils 52 that will receive nuclear magnetic resonance signals.

[0111] Here, the case where the coil unit 50 includes a switch has been described, but a transmission type laser sensor or the like can be applied when the coil unit 50 includes a sensor. For example, a light-emitting element that emits laser light and a light-receiving element that receives the laser light emitted from the light-emitting element may be disposed facing each other on the inside of each through-hole 58, and the through-hole 58 through which the belt 60 has been inserted may be detected by utilizing the change in the amount of light received by the light-receiving element when the belt 60 is inserted.

[0112] <<When the detection element is installed somewhere other than the coil unit>> The magnetic resonance imaging system 10 may include a camera that captures an image of the coil unit 50 as a means for detecting the through-hole 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted.

[0113] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging system 10 including a camera. As shown in Fig. 12, a camera 70 is arranged vertically from above with its optical axis directed toward the top plate 34 of the table 32. The camera 70 may be provided inside an imaging room in which the MRI apparatus 20 is installed, or may be provided inside the imaging space 24 of the gantry 22 of the MRI apparatus 20. The magnetic resonance imaging system 10 may also include a light source that irradiates an imaging area of ​​the camera 70 with illumination light.

[0114] Numbers (not shown) for identifying each through hole 58 or scales (not shown) for identifying the position of each through hole 58 are provided in advance by printing or the like near the through holes 58 of the first sheet body 56A of the coil unit 50. The control unit 116 identifies the numbers or scales from the image of the coil unit 50 captured by the camera 70, and detects through which of the multiple through holes 58 the belt 60 is inserted.

[0115] The through-holes 58 may be provided with a mechanism that develops or changes color when the belt 60 is inserted therethrough. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a push switch mechanism having a color development function. A push switch mechanism 80 is provided in each of the multiple through-holes 58, and FIG. 13 shows an enlarged view of one through-hole 58. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the push switch mechanism 80 includes a light-emitting unit 82, an unlock button 84, a locking member 86, a ring member 88, a spring 90, a first electrode portion 92A, and a second electrode portion 92B.

[0116] The light-emitting portion 82 and the unlock button 84 are arranged around the first hole 58A of the first sheet body 56A. The light-emitting portion 82 is made of a transparent material and has a light-emitting element (not shown) inside. The light-emitting portion 82 emits or changes color when the light-emitting element emits light. The color that emits or changes color is preferably different from the color of the coil cover 56 and the color of the belt 60. The light-emitting portion 82 is driven by a rechargeable battery (not shown). The rechargeable battery may be charged by a diode-controlling direct current. The unlock button 84 is supported by the light-emitting portion 82 so as to be slidable in a direction from the position shown in Figures 13 and 14 toward the circumferential center of the first hole 58A.

[0117] The locking member 86 is a member extending in the Y direction, and is attached so as to be able to follow the lock release button 84. The tip of the locking member 86 is provided with a hook portion 86A that protrudes toward the outer circumferential side of the first hole 58A.

[0118] The opening of the ring member 88 is disposed at the position of the second hole 58B of the second sheet body 56B. The ring member 88 is provided, on its inner circumferential edge facing the unlock button 84, with a protrusion 88A that protrudes toward the circumferential center of the second hole 58B and a notch 88B that is recessed toward the outer circumferential side of the second hole 58B.

[0119] The spring 90 is an elastic member having one end connected to the unlock button 84 and the other end connected to the ring member 88. The spring 90 biases the unlock button 84 in a direction away from the ring member 88 (Y direction).

[0120] The first electrode portion 92A is disposed at a position facing the ring member 88 of the light-emitting portion 82, and the second electrode portion 92B is disposed at a position facing the light-emitting portion 82 of the ring member 88. The light-emitting portion 82 is configured so that when the first electrode portion 92A and the second electrode portion 92B come into contact with each other, the light-emitting element is illuminated by a rechargeable battery.

[0121] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the push switch mechanism 80, and is a cross-sectional view taken at the same position as FIG.

[0122] 14, when the belt 60 is inserted through the through-hole 58 and the user applies tension to the belt 60 to secure the coil unit 50 to the subject 100, a force is applied to the light-emitting unit 82, the unlock button 84, and the ring member 88 in a direction that shortens the distance in the Y direction. This force resists the biasing force of the spring 90, resulting in a switch-on state in which the first electrode unit 92A and the second electrode unit 92B come into contact, as shown in F15A of FIG. 15, and the light-emitting unit 82 emits light, causing the light-emitting unit 82 to emit or change color. In addition, the hook portion 86A of the locking member 86 climbs over the protrusion 88A of the ring member 88 and engages with the notch portion 88B.

[0123] Therefore, when the coil unit 50 is fixed to the subject 100 by the belt 60, the light emitting portion 82 of the push switch mechanism 80 arranged in the through-hole 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted turns on or changes color. This allows the user to confirm the close contact between the subject 100 and the coil unit 50 by checking the color changes or changes in the four points. Furthermore, the control unit 116 can easily identify the through-hole 58 through which the belt 60 is inserted by detecting the color changes or changes in the four points from the image of the coil unit 50 captured by the camera 70.

[0124] Even if the user removes the belt 60 from the through-hole 58, the engagement between the hook portion 86A of the locking member 86 and the notch portion 88B of the ring member 88 remains, and the light-emitting portion 82 maintains its colored or color-changing state. To turn off the light-emitting element, the user slides the unlock button 84 toward the circumferential center of the first hole 58A, as shown in F15B of FIG. 15 . This releases the engagement between the hook portion 86A and the notch portion 88B. Therefore, the biasing force of the spring 90 returns the device to the state shown in FIG. 14 , where the first electrode portion 92A and the second electrode portion 92B are in a non-contact, switched-off state. The light-emitting element of the light-emitting portion 82 is turned off, and the light-emitting portion 82 is in a non-colored or color-changing state.

[0125] The push switch mechanism 80 may be applied to the switch 208 shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the first electrode portion 92A and the second electrode portion 92B may be configured to contact each other, thereby short-circuiting both ends of the diode 204.

[0126] [Method for controlling a magnetic resonance imaging system] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system 10.

[0127] In step S1, the control unit 116 identifies the model number and type of the coil unit to be used. For example, the MRI apparatus 20 and the coil unit are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly, allowing the control unit 116 to identify the coil unit to be used. The control unit 116 recognizes the number, arrangement, size, and positions of through-holes of the receiving coils provided in the coil unit, the presence or absence of a detection member, and the like.

[0128] The user also fixes the coil unit to the subject by inserting a belt through the through-hole of the coil unit. Here, the user inserts the belt through the through-hole at a position corresponding to the FOV.

[0129] In step S2, the control unit 116 identifies the multiple through-holes through which the belt is inserted, among the multiple through-holes of the coil unit fixed to the subject. For example, if the coil unit has the switch shown in Fig. 11, the control unit 116 observes the frequency characteristics of the input impedance of the receiving coil during a pre-scan and identifies the four through-holes through which the belt is inserted. As described with reference to Fig. 12, the control unit 116 may identify the four through-holes through which the belt is inserted from an image of the coil unit captured by a camera.

[0130] In step S3, the control unit 116 selects a plurality of receiving coils 52 to be used from among the plurality of receiving coils included in the coil unit, based on the positions of the four through holes determined in step S2.

[0131] For example, if the through-holes of the coil unit are located inside the loops of the receiver coils, all receiver coils located inside the rectangle defined by the four through-holes through which the belt is inserted, including the receiver coil with the belt inserted through the through-hole, are used. Of course, receiver coils located inside the rectangle, excluding the receiver coil with the belt inserted through the through-hole, may also be used.

[0132] Furthermore, if the through-holes of the coil unit are located outside the loop of the receiving coil, it is sufficient to use a receiving coil located inside the rectangle defined by the multiple through-holes through which the belt is inserted. Of course, to allow for an overlap, a receiving coil located one row outside the receiving coil located inside the rectangle may also be used.

[0133] Furthermore, the control unit 116 sets the FOV to a range that includes the multiple receiving coils 52 to be used, thereby reducing the time required for the user to select the FOV.

[0134] In step S4, the control unit 116 receives the NMR signals received by the plurality of receiving coils selected in step S3, and performs signal processing on the received NMR signals to reconstruct the signals and obtain a magnetic resonance image.

[0135] The control unit 116 may activate only the receive coil selected in step S3 so that it can receive NMR signals. This can be achieved by passing a diode control DC current through the magnetic coupling prevention circuit 54B of the receive coils other than the receive coil selected in step S3. As described in FIG. 11 , the receive coil through which the diode control DC current is passed to turn on the diode 204 does not operate as a receive coil. As a result, only the receive coil selected in step S3 can be activated so that it can receive signals. The control unit 116 may activate all receive coils and limit the receive coils that transmit data to the MRI apparatus 20 to the receive coil selected in step S3. The control unit 116 may cause all receive coils to transmit received data to the MRI apparatus 20 and limit the receive data of the receive coils used to generate an image to the receive data of the receive coil selected in step S3.

[0136] 〔others〕 The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. The configurations and the like in each embodiment can be appropriately combined with each other within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 50...Coil unit 52...Receiver coil 54...Signal detection circuit 56...Coil cover 56A...First sheet body 56B...Second sheet body 58...Through hole 60A...Belt 60B...Belt 70...Camera 80...Push switch mechanism 100...Subject

Claims

1. A coil unit fixed to a subject by a string-like member, a plurality of receiving coils for receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals of the subject; a flexible coil cover on which the plurality of receiving coils are two-dimensionally arranged; Equipped with the coil cover has a plurality of through holes penetrating from one surface to the other surface, the through holes being positioned according to the size of the subject, and the string-like members are inserted through the through holes; Coil unit.

2. the plurality of through holes are two-dimensionally arranged corresponding to the positions of the plurality of receiving coils. The coil unit according to claim 1 .

3. The device is fixed to the subject by the string-like members inserted through at least four through-holes. The coil unit according to claim 1 .

4. The device is fixed to the subject by the two string-like members. The coil unit according to claim 1 .

5. a detection member for detecting whether the string-like member is inserted through each of the plurality of through holes, The coil unit according to claim 1 .

6. Each of the plurality of through holes is provided with a light-emitting element that emits light when the string-shaped member is inserted therethrough. The coil unit according to claim 1 .

7. The coil cover is made of a transparent material. The coil unit according to claim 1 .

8. A string-like member; The coil unit according to claim 1; a table on which a subject is placed; Equipped with the table includes an engagement member with which the string-like member is engaged; the subject is fixed to the table by the string-like member engaged with the engaging member; Magnetic resonance imaging system.

9. A string-like member; The coil unit according to claim 1; a processor for processing the nuclear magnetic resonance signals; Equipped with The processor: Identifying a plurality of through holes through which the string-like member is inserted among the plurality of through holes; selecting a plurality of receiving coils to be used from the plurality of receiving coils based on the determined positions of the plurality of through holes; processing the nuclear magnetic resonance signals received by the selected plurality of receive coils; Magnetic resonance imaging system.

10. the processor processes magnetic resonance signals received by the receiving coils, among the plurality of receiving coils, that are arranged inside a range defined by the plurality of through holes through which the string-shaped members are inserted.

10. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 9.

11. the processor sets a field of view (FOV) including an inside of a range defined by the plurality of through-holes through which the string-like member is inserted; 11. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 10.

12. The plurality of through holes each include a detection member that detects whether the string-like member is inserted through the through hole, the processor determines the plurality of through holes through which the string-like member is inserted based on the detection result of the detection member; 10. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 9.

13. Equipped with a camera, the processor identifies the plurality of through holes through which the string-like members are inserted from an image of the coil unit captured by the camera; 10. The magnetic resonance imaging system of claim 9.

14. Each of the plurality of through holes includes a light-emitting element that emits light when the string-shaped member is inserted therethrough, the processor detects the plurality of through holes through which the string-like member is inserted based on whether or not the light-emitting element emits light; 14. A magnetic resonance imaging system according to claim 13.

15. A string-like member; a coil unit fixed to a subject by the string-like member, the coil unit comprising: a plurality of receiving coils for receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals from the subject; and a flexible coil cover in which the plurality of receiving coils are two-dimensionally arranged, the coil cover having a plurality of through holes penetrating from one surface to the other surface, the string-like member being inserted into the through holes at positions corresponding to the size of the subject; a processor; A method for controlling a magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: The processor: Identifying a plurality of through holes through which the string-like member is inserted among the plurality of through holes; selecting a plurality of receiving coils to be used from the plurality of receiving coils based on the determined positions of the plurality of through holes; processing the nuclear magnetic resonance signals received by the selected plurality of receive coils; A method for controlling a magnetic resonance imaging system.

Images