Medical imaging support apparatus, method for operating medical imaging support apparatus, program, and medical imaging apparatus

Abstract

To provide a medical image capturing support device, an operation method of the medical image capturing support device, a program, and a medical image capturing device for achieving accurate and quick recognition of the body posture of a subject.SOLUTION: The medical imaging support apparatus includes a second memory in which a correspondence relationship between a type of a receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining a body posture of a subject is stored, acquires receiving coil information indicating the type of the receiving coil used for imaging a medical image of the subject, determines whether or not it is necessary to perform the plurality of steps according to the receiving coil information, and performs a step determined to be required to be performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical imaging support device, a method for operating a medical imaging support device, a program, and a medical imaging device. [Background technology]

[0002] In medical imaging devices such as MRI systems, a technician sets imaging conditions, such as the subject's position, in advance. The subject is placed on a bed in a posture that corresponds to the set conditions. The bed on which the subject is placed is inserted into the imaging space in an orientation that corresponds to the set conditions, and imaging of the subject begins.

[0003] When taking medical images, a subject may be intentionally placed in a position different from the pre-set position. Also, when taking medical images, a subject may be accidentally placed in a position different from the pre-set position. A subject's position different from the pre-set position may result in re-imaging.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a medical information processing device that performs image recognition on an image of a subject obtained using an optical imaging system and recognizes the subject's position, including the direction of insertion of the subject into a gantry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-88166 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when capturing medical images using an MRI device, parts of the subject's body are often hidden due to the attachment of a receiving coil, wearing a blanket, etc., and image recognition based solely on the captured image of the subject may result in insufficient subject recognition performance. To achieve highly accurate image recognition, it is necessary to use a computer with relatively high processing performance or to ensure a relatively long processing time.

[0007] The device described in Patent Document 1 has the above-mentioned problem of image recognition of the subject, but the document does not specifically disclose a solution to the above-mentioned problem.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a medical image capture support device, an operating method for a medical image capture support device, a program, and a medical image capture device that enable accurate and rapid recognition of a subject's posture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A medical image acquisition support device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a processor, a first memory in which a program to be executed by the processor is stored, and a second memory in which a correspondence between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining the body position of a subject is stored, and the processor is a medical image acquisition support device that acquires receiving coil information indicating the type of receiving coil used to acquire medical images of the subject, determines whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed based on the receiving coil information, and performs the steps that are determined to need to be performed.

[0010] According to the medical imaging support device of the first aspect, a step for determining the body position of a subject is determined according to the receiver coil information. This allows accurate and quick recognition of the body position of the subject according to the receiver coil used. Furthermore, high-precision image recognition is not required, and unnecessary operation of other devices is suppressed.

[0011] The first memory and the second memory may be configured using the same hardware or different hardware.

[0012] The subject's body position includes the subject's posture and the subject's orientation relative to the direction of travel of the bed.

[0013] The medical image may be a reconstructed image reconstructed from imaging data, and the reconstructed image may be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image.

[0014] A medical image capturing support device according to a second aspect is the medical image capturing support device of the first aspect, wherein the second memory stores a plurality of steps, including a first step of determining the subject's posture depending on the type of receiving coil, and a second step of determining the subject's posture depending on the position to which the receiving coil is connected on the bed, and the processor may perform the second step if the subject's posture cannot be determined in the first step.

[0015] A medical image acquisition support device according to a third aspect is the medical image acquisition support device of the second aspect, in which the processor acquires receiving coil connection position information indicating to which of a plurality of second terminals arranged at different positions on the bed a first terminal provided on the electrical wiring of the receiving coil is connected, and may perform the second step using the receiving coil connection position information.

[0016] A medical image pickup support device according to a fourth aspect is a medical image pickup support device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the second memory stores, as a plurality of steps, a third step of determining the body position of the subject based on at least one of subject characteristic information representing the characteristics of the subject and receiving coil characteristic information representing the structural characteristics of a receiving coil attached to the subject, and the processor acquires at least one of the subject characteristic information and the receiving coil characteristic information, and may perform the third step if the body position of the subject is not determined in the second step.

[0017] A medical imaging support device according to a fifth aspect is the medical imaging support device of the fourth aspect, wherein the subject characteristic information may include physical characteristics of the subject obtained by analyzing a captured image of the subject.

[0018] A medical imaging support device according to a sixth aspect is the medical imaging support device of the fourth aspect, wherein the subject characteristic information may include a result of face recognition on a captured image of the subject.

[0019] A medical imaging support device according to a seventh aspect is the medical imaging support device of the sixth aspect, wherein in the third step, the processor may determine the posture of the subject placed on the bed based on the result of the face recognition.

[0020] In the medical image acquisition support device according to the eighth aspect, in the medical image acquisition support device according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, the receiving coil feature information may be generated based on the analysis results of an image captured by a receiving coil attached to a subject.

[0021] A medical image acquisition support device according to a ninth aspect is a medical image acquisition support device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the processor may update the correspondence by adding a receiving coil of a type that is not stored in the second memory.

[0022] A medical imaging support device according to a tenth aspect is a medical imaging support device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, wherein the processor may update the correspondence based on information about a step of determining the subject's posture used in a facility where the medical imaging device is installed.

[0023] A medical image capturing support device according to an eleventh aspect is a medical image capturing support device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the second memory stores a correspondence relationship for each operator, and the processor acquires operator information and refers to the correspondence relationship based on the operator information.

[0024] A method for operating a medical image acquisition support device according to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a method for operating a medical image acquisition support device, which includes a second memory that stores a correspondence between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining the subject's posture, and in which a computer functioning as the medical image acquisition support device acquires receiving coil information indicating the type of receiving coil used to acquire medical images of the subject, determines whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed based on the receiving coil information, and performs the steps that are determined to need to be performed.

[0025] According to the operation method of the medical imaging support device according to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the same effects as the medical imaging support device according to the first aspect. The constituent elements of the medical imaging support devices according to the second to eleventh aspects can be applied as constituent elements of the operation method of the medical imaging support device according to the other aspects.

[0026] A program according to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a program that includes a second memory in which a correspondence relationship between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining the body position of a subject is stored, and that causes a computer functioning as a medical image acquisition support device to realize the functions of acquiring receiving coil information indicating the type of receiving coil used to acquire medical images of the subject, determining whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed based on the receiving coil information, and performing the steps that are determined to need to be performed.

[0027] According to the program according to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the same operational effects as those of the medical image capture support device according to the first aspect. The components of the medical image capture support device according to the second to eleventh aspects may be applied as components of the program according to the other aspects.

[0028] A medical imaging device according to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes an imaging unit that images a subject and generates imaging data of the subject, an image reconstruction unit that generates a reconstruction based on the imaging data, a processor, a first memory that stores a program to be executed by the processor, and a second memory that stores a correspondence between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps that determine the subject's posture, wherein the processor acquires receiving coil information that indicates the type of receiving coil used to capture medical images of the subject, determines whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed based on the receiving coil information, and performs the steps that are determined to need to be performed.

[0029] The medical imaging device according to the fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure can achieve the same effects as the medical imaging support device according to the first aspect. The components of the medical imaging support devices according to the second to eleventh aspects can be applied as the components of the medical imaging devices according to the other aspects. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the present disclosure, a step of determining the body position of a subject is determined according to receive coil information, thereby realizing accurate and prompt recognition of the body position of a subject according to the receive coil used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an exemplary magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the MRI apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device used in an MRI apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an imaging assistance method according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a table showing the correspondence between the type of receiving coil and the step of determining the body position of the subject. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a subject on which the Neuro Coil is used. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a subject using a foot ankle coil. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a subject using a Torso coil. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a subject on which the blanket is used. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a subject using a breast coil. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a subject when both eyes are recognized in face recognition of the subject. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a subject when one eye is recognized in face recognition of the subject. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the imaging support device according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] 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.

[0033] [MRI equipment overview] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior of an exemplary magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The MRI apparatus 10 includes a gantry 12, which is the main body of the imaging apparatus, and a bed 14. The gantry 12 has a cylindrical imaging space 18 called a bore. The gantry 12 is equipped with a static magnetic field generating magnet that generates a magnetic field in the imaging space 18, a gradient magnetic field coil, and various other coils. MRI is an abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

[0034] The bed 14 includes a top plate 15 and legs 16 that support the top plate 15. The bed 14 is disposed in front of the gantry 12. The top plate 15 can be advanced into and retreated from the imaging space 18 using a drive mechanism (not shown) provided on the legs 16. The bed 14 may be configured to be fixed to the gantry 12, or may be a mobile, dockable bed that can be attached to and detached from the gantry 12.

[0035] In the MRI apparatus 10, three apparatus axes are defined, which are three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate axes of a real space including an imaging space 18. The direction of each of the three apparatus axes is uniquely determined by the gantry 12 and the bed 14. In Fig. 1, the Z direction is the static magnetic field direction, the Y direction is the vertical direction, and the X direction is the direction perpendicular to the Y and Z directions.

[0036] Although not shown in Fig. 1, the MRI apparatus 10 includes a sensor that detects the subject placed on the bed 14. The sensor is placed at a position where it can detect the entire body of the subject, such as on the surface of the gantry 12 on the side of the bed 14 and on the ceiling of the examination room where the MRI apparatus 10 is placed. The sensor may be an optical camera that captures an image of the entire body of the subject. The sensor is denoted by reference numeral 228 and is illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0037] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of an MRI apparatus. The MRI apparatus 10 includes a static magnetic field generating magnet 102, a gradient magnetic field coil 104, an RF transmitting coil 106, a receiving coil 110, a receiver 112, a gradient magnetic field power supply 114, and a high frequency magnetic field generator 116. Note that RF is an abbreviation for Radio Frequency.

[0038] The static magnetic field generating magnet 102 generates a uniform static magnetic field in the imaging space 18. The static magnetic field generating magnet 102 includes a permanent magnet type, a resistive conducting type, or a superconducting type static magnetic field generating source. The gradient magnetic field coil 104 generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space 18. The gradient magnetic field coil 104 is composed of gradient magnetic field coils in the three axes of X, Y, and Z, which are a real space coordinate system. The real space coordinate system may be referred to as a stationary coordinate system. Each gradient magnetic field coil is connected to a gradient magnetic field power supply 114 and is supplied with current. This generates gradient magnetic fields in the three axes of X, Y, and Z.

[0039] The subject 130 is placed on the top board 15 of the bed 14. A receiving coil 110 corresponding to the examination region is attached to the subject 130. The top board 15 on which the subject 130 is placed is moved into the imaging space 18. As a result, the examination region of the subject 130 is positioned at the center of the static magnetic field within the imaging space 18.

[0040] The RF transmission coil 106 is a coil that irradiates RF pulses, which are high-frequency magnetic field pulses, to the subject 130. The RF transmission coil 106 is connected to a high-frequency magnetic field generator 116, and is supplied with a high-frequency pulse current from the high-frequency magnetic field generator 116.

[0041] The MRI apparatus 10 includes a sequencer 118, a control unit 120, and an operation unit 122. The sequencer 118 transmits commands to the high frequency magnetic field generator 116 and the gradient magnetic field power supply 114 in accordance with an imaging pulse sequence. As a result, appropriately amplified signals are sent to the RF transmit coil 106 and the gradient magnetic field coil 104, respectively.

[0042] The radio frequency magnetic field generator 116 is driven in accordance with instructions from the sequencer 118 to amplitude-modulate radio frequency pulses and supply the amplified radio frequency pulse current to the RF transmitting coil 106. The RF transmitting coil 106 applies a pulsed radio frequency magnetic field to the subject 130 as RF pulses in response to signals from the radio frequency magnetic field generator 116. Preferably, the sequencer 118 sends instructions to the receiving coil 110 in accordance with an imaging pulse sequence to turn off the receiving coil 110 during the period in which the RF pulses are applied.

[0043] Application of a radio frequency magnetic field induces a nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon in the spins of atoms constituting the biological tissue of the subject 130. The receiving coil 110 is a multi-channel RF coil unit including multiple coil elements for receiving nuclear magnetic resonance signals generated in the subject 130. Note that magnetic resonance may be referred to as NMR, which is an abbreviation for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance signals may be referred to as NMR signals.

[0044] The NMR signal generated from the subject 130 is detected using the receiving coil 110, amplified using a preamplifier (not shown) in the receiving coil 110, and transmitted to the receiver 112. In the receiver 112, the amplified NMR signal is subjected to analog-to-digital conversion and necessary signal processing to generate data. The generated data is transmitted to the control unit 120. This data is called a received signal or measurement data.

[0045] A receiving cable that outputs the NMR signal received by the receiving coil 110 is connected to the receiving coil 110. A receiving connector is connected to the end of this receiving cable. The receiving connector is connected to a bed-side connector of the bed-side cable. The bed-side cable is connected to the control unit 120. This allows the receiving coil 110 to communicate with the control unit 120 and the sequencer 118. Note that the receiving cable, receiving connector, and bed-side connector of the bed-side cable are not shown in Figure 2. The receiving cable, receiving connector, and bed-side connector of the bed-side cable are shown in Figure 6, etc.

[0046] The sequencer 118 controls the operation of each component according to preprogrammed timing and intensity. Of the programs, a program that describes the timing and intensity of RF pulses, gradient magnetic fields, and signal reception is called an imaging pulse sequence. An imaging pulse sequence may also be called a pulse sequence. Various imaging pulse sequences are known depending on the purpose, but detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0047] The control unit 120 receives various inputs sent from the operation unit 122 and controls each unit of the MRI apparatus 10 via the sequencer 118. The control unit 120 also performs processing such as converting the received signal in the spatial frequency domain sent from the receiver 112 into an image in real space by inverse Fourier transform, thereby generating an MRI image.

[0048] The operation unit 122 includes input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard. The operation unit 122 also includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 122 functions as a user interface that is used by a user such as a technician to start, stop, or pause the MRI apparatus 10, select a pulse sequence, and input imaging conditions and processing conditions. The user interface may be referred to as UI, which is an abbreviation of User Interface.

[0049] The sequencer 118 and the control unit 120 can be configured using a computer. Furthermore, the processing functions of the sequencer 118 and the control unit 120 may be implemented by a computer system including a plurality of computers.

[0050] The MRI apparatus 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is an example of a medical imaging apparatus that includes an imaging unit that generates imaging data of a subject according to the present disclosure, and an image reconstruction unit that generates a reconstruction based on the imaging data.

[0051] [Example of hardware configuration of information processing device] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device used in an MRI apparatus. The information processing device 200 can function as the control unit 120 and the operation unit 122 shown in Fig. 2. The information processing device 200 may also function as the sequencer 118.

[0052] The information processing device 200 may be a personal computer, a workstation, a server computer, or a virtual machine.

[0053] At least some of the functions of the information processing device 200 may be realized using cloud computing. At least some of the functions of the information processing device 200 may be provided as SaaS. SaaS is an abbreviation for Software as a Service.

[0054] The information processing device 200 includes a processor 202, a memory 204 serving as a main storage device, a storage 206 serving as an auxiliary storage device, an input / output interface 208, and a bus 210. The processor 202 is connected to the memory 204, the storage 206, the input / output interface 208, an input device 212, and a display device 214 via the bus 210.

[0055] The processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 84. The hardware structure of the processor 82 is one of the following various processors: The various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software and functions as various functional units, a GPU, which is a processor specialized for image processing, a PLD, which is a processor such as an FPGA whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, and a dedicated electrical circuit, such as an ASIC, which is a processor having a circuit configuration designed specifically for executing specific processing.

[0056] Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, GPU is an abbreviation for Graphics Processing Unit, FPGA is an abbreviation for Field Programmable Gate Array, PLD is an abbreviation for Programmable Logic Device, and ASIC is an abbreviation for Application Specific Integrated Circuit. Software is synonymous with program.

[0057] A 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, such as multiple FPGAs, a combination of a CPU and an FPGA, or a combination of a CPU and a GPU.

[0058] Furthermore, multiple processing units may be configured as one processor. As a first example of configuring multiple processing units as one processor, there is a form in which one processor is configured as a combination of one or more CPUs and software, as typified by a computer such as a client or server, and this processor acts as multiple processing units.

[0059] A second example of configuring multiple processing units with one processor is a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of an entire system including multiple functional units by applying a single IC chip, as typified by SoC, etc. In this way, the various processing units are configured as a hardware structure using one or more of the various processors described above.

[0060] Furthermore, the hardware structure of these various processors is, more specifically, an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor devices. Note that SoC is an abbreviation for System On Chip, and IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit.

[0061] The memory 204 includes RAM. The memory 204 may also include ROM. The storage 206 may be, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, or a combination thereof. The storage 206 may also include an external storage device such as removable media.

[0062] RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory, and ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. A hard disk drive can be abbreviated as HDD, which stands for Hard Disk Drive. A solid state drive can be abbreviated as SSD, which stands for Solid State Drive.

[0063] The storage device including the memory 204 and the storage 206 stores programs, data, etc. that realize various functions of the MRI apparatus 10. The processor 202 realizes various functions by executing the programs stored in the memory 204. The processor 202 comprehensively controls each part of the information processing device 200 and various devices and units provided in the MRI apparatus 10, and performs various processes.

[0064] The input / output interface 208 includes a communication interface connectable to a telecommunications line such as a local area network, and a connection interface connectable to an external device. Examples of a connection interface connectable to an external device include a universal serial bus and HDMI (HDMI is a registered trademark). HDMI is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface.

[0065] The processor 202 communicates with various devices of the MRI apparatus 10 via an input / output interface 208, and transmits and receives various information.

[0066] Examples of the input device 212 include pointing devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. The input device 212 may include a numeric keypad and various switch buttons. The input device 212 may include a voice input device. The input device 212 may be a touch panel input device that is integrated with the display screen of the display device 214.

[0067] The display device 214 may be a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or a projector. The display device 214 may be an appropriate combination of liquid crystal displays, etc. The display device 214 displays various information in addition to images captured by the MRI apparatus 10. The display device 214 is used as part of a UI when receiving input from the input device 212. The display device 214 is not limited to one, and a multi-display configuration including multiple display devices is also possible. Note that organic EL may be referred to as OEL, which is an abbreviation for organic electro-luminescence.

[0068] The memory 204 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of the first memory of the present disclosure.

[0069] [Outline of MRI imaging procedure] A typical imaging procedure applied to the MRI apparatus 10 is roughly as follows.

[0070] [Step 1] An operator such as a technician sets subject information, an examination protocol that specifies the imaging region corresponding to the target disease, the type of imaging, and other information required for the examination, using an input device 212 such as a mouse and a keyboard. The operator is synonymous with the user and the operator.

[0071] The subject information includes the subject's name, subject code, etc. Some or all of this information may be manually input by the operator via the input device 212, or information stored in advance in a recording medium or the like may be read. Note that the automatically set parameters or input parameters are ultimately checked by the operator, and are manually set via the input device 212 as necessary.

[0072] [Step 2] The subject 130 is placed on the top board 15 of the bed 14, and the receiving coil 110 is attached to the subject 130. The operator connects the receiving side connector of the receiving coil 110 to the nearest bed side connector.

[0073] When the receive coil 110 is connected to the bed-side connector, a determination is made of the body position of the subject 130. The body position of the subject 130 includes the posture of the subject 130 and the insertion direction of the subject 130 into the gantry 12.

[0074] Examples of the posture of the subject 130 include a supine position, a prone position, a right lateral position, and a left lateral position. Examples of the posture of the subject 130 and the insertion direction of the subject 130 into the gantry 12 include a head-first position and a feet-first position.

[0075] [Step 3] The tabletop 15 is moved into the imaging space 18 using a gantry operation panel or a foot switch, and the region to be examined of the subject 130 is moved to the center position of the static magnetic field of the gantry 12. Note that the gantry operation panel and the foot switch are not shown in FIGS.

[0076] [Step 4] Scanogram imaging is performed to obtain a positioning image. In scanogram imaging, imaging of multiple slices is performed on one or more of the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. In the case of a cardiac MRI examination, imaging is performed in synchronization with the electrocardiogram waveform in an imaging range covering a three-dimensional region including the heart of the subject 130, and a 3D scanogram image is obtained. Note that the slice thickness in scanogram imaging may be set to a value greater than the slice thickness in actual imaging.

[0077] [Step 5] After the scanogram imaging is completed, an image for positioning is reconstructed. The reconstructed 3D scanogram image is displayed on the display device 214 of the operation unit 122.

[0078] [Step 6] The operator sets the imaging position for the actual imaging based on the cross-sectional image generated from the 3D scanogram image. In the MRI apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, the imaging position including the slice position, which is the cross-sectional position to be measured in the actual imaging, is automatically calculated from the 3D scanogram image, and the recommended imaging position is presented to the operator. The operator checks the presented slice position and the like, and manually adjusts the imaging position using the input device 212 of the operation unit 122 as necessary.

[0079] The operator also sets imaging parameters to be applied to the actual imaging. Some or all of the imaging parameters may be input by a user such as a technician via the operation unit 122, or may be set or input automatically. The automatically set or input parameters are finally checked by the operator, and as necessary, are manually set via the input device 212 of the operation unit 122.

[0080] [Step 7] According to the imaging parameters and imaging position set in step 6, actual imaging is performed.

[0081] [Step 8] The actual imaging is performed, and an image is reconstructed. The reconstructed image is displayed on the display device 214 of the operation unit 122.

[0082] [Step 9] For the reconstructed image displayed on the display device 214, the operator sets a window value suitable for diagnosis using the input device 212 of the operation unit 122, and obtains an image to be used for diagnosis.

[0083] [Step 10] When the imaging is completed, the top board 15 is removed from the imaging space 18, and the subject 130 is removed from the gantry 12. The subject 130 is then removed from the bed 14, and the MRI examination is completed.

[0084] [Procedure of imaging support method according to embodiment] Fig. 4 is a flowchart of an imaging support method according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 illustrates a procedure applied to determining the body position of the subject 130 illustrated in Fig. 2 before the subject 130 is moved to the imaging space 18. The determination of the body position of the subject 130 is realized by the processor 202 included in the information processing device 200 illustrated in Fig. 3 reading a program from the memory 204 and executing instructions included in the program. The imaging support method whose procedure is illustrated in Fig. 4 is an example of a method of operating a medical image imaging support device.

[0085] In step S10, receiving coil information indicating the type of receiving coil 110 is acquired, and the body position of the subject 130 placed on the bed 14 is determined according to the type of receiving coil 110 connected to the bed 14.

[0086] In step S10, if the body position of the subject 130 is determined, the determination is Yes. If the determination is Yes, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the determination result is stored. In step S12, information indicating the body position of the subject 130 may be displayed on the display device 214.

[0087] On the other hand, if the body position of the subject 130 cannot be determined in step S10, the result is No. If the result is No, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, receive coil connection position information indicating the connection position of the receive coil 110 on the bed 14 is acquired. Note that step S10 is an example of the first step of the present disclosure.

[0088] In step S14, the posture of the subject 130 placed on the bed 14 is determined according to the receiving coil connection position information in addition to the receiving coil information acquired in step S10.

[0089] The cable of the receive coil 110 is designed to be as long as possible to reduce noise. The receive-side connector of the receive coil 110 is connected to the nearest connector on the bed side.

[0090] In step S14, if the body position of the subject 130 is determined, the determination is Yes. If the determination is Yes, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the determination result is stored. In step S14, information indicating the body position of the subject 130 may be displayed on the display device 214.

[0091] On the other hand, if the body position of the subject 130 cannot be determined in step S14, the result is No. If the result is No, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, at least one of the recognition results obtained by image recognition of the physical features of the subject 130 and the recognition results obtained by image recognition of the structural features of the receiving coil 110 is obtained. Note that step S12 is an example of the second step of the present disclosure.

[0092] In step S18, at least one of the physical characteristics of the subject 130 and the structural characteristics of the receive coil 110 is recognized from the captured image of the subject 130. In step S18, the posture of the subject 130 placed on the bed 14 is determined according to the image recognition result of the subject 130, in addition to the receive coil information and the receive coil connection position information.

[0093] If neither the physical features of the subject 130 nor the structural features of the receiving coil 110 can be recognized during image recognition of the subject 130, facial recognition of the subject 130 is performed, and the posture of the subject 130 is determined based on the results of the facial recognition of the subject 130.

[0094] In step S18, if the body position of the subject 130 is determined, the determination is Yes. If the determination is Yes, the process proceeds to step S20. In step S20, the determination result is stored. In step S20, information indicating the body position of the subject 130 may be displayed on the display device 214.

[0095] On the other hand, if the posture of the subject 130 cannot be determined in step S18, the determination is No. If the determination is No, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, error processing in determining the posture of the subject 130 is executed.

[0096] In step S22, an error may be reported, indicating that it is difficult to determine the body position of the subject 130. Examples of reporting an error include a mode in which a character expression indicating the error is displayed using the display device 214, and a mode in which sound information indicating the error, such as an alarm sound, is applied.

[0097] In step S18, the determination of the posture of the subject 130 based on the physical characteristics of the subject 130, the determination of the posture of the subject 130 based on the structural characteristics of the receiving coil 110, and the determination of the posture of the subject 130 based on facial recognition of the subject 130 may each be performed as a separate step.

[0098] Step S18 is an example of the third step of the present disclosure. The physical features of the subject 130 obtained by analyzing the captured image of the subject and the facial recognition result of the subject 130 are each an example of subject feature information of the present disclosure. The structural features of the receive coil 110 are an example of receive coil feature information generated based on the analysis result of the captured image of the receive coil attached to the subject.

[0099] [Example of the relationship between the type of receiving coil and the steps for determining body position] Fig. 5 is a table showing the correspondence relationship between the type of receiving coil and the step of determining the body position of the subject. The correspondence relationship between the type of receiving coil 110 and the step of determining the body position of the subject 130 shown in Fig. 5 is stored in the coil body position correspondence information storage unit 221 shown in Fig. 13.

[0100] 5 illustrates, as types of receiving coils, Neuro Coil, Spine coil, Flex coil, Torso coil, Foot Ankle coil, Hand coil, Shoulder coil, and Breast coil, but some of the receiving coils 110 illustrated in Fig. 5 may be stored, or other receiving coils 110 may be added. The type of receiving coil may be represented by an identifier assigned to each type of receiving coil.

[0101] Steps 1, 2, and 3 shown in Fig. 5 correspond to steps S10, S14, and S18 shown in Fig. 4, respectively. Y in Fig. 5 represents a Yes determination in each step. N in Fig. 5 represents a No determination in each step. NJ in Fig. 5 represents not proceeding to the next step and not making a determination in each subsequent step.

[0102] For example, when receiving coil information indicating that the Neuro Coil attached to the head of the subject 130 is connected to the bed 14 is acquired, the posture of the subject 130 is determined based on the receiving coil information in step 1.

[0103] When receiving coil information indicating that the foot ankle coil attached to the foot or the like of the subject 130 is connected to the bed 14 is acquired, in step 2, the posture of the subject 130 is determined based on the receiving coil information and the receiving coil connection position information.

[0104] When receiving coil information indicating that a Torso coil, which is a general-purpose receiving coil that can be used for multiple examination sites, is connected to the bed 14, in step 3, the posture of the subject 130 is determined based on the receiving coil information, receiving coil connection position information, and the physical characteristics of the subject 130.

[0105] When the subject 130 is covered with a blanket and the physical features of the subject 130 are difficult to recognize from an image of the entire body of the subject 130, the posture of the subject 130 is determined based on the results of facial recognition of the image of the subject 130.

[0106] As a step for determining the body position of the subject 130, a receiving coil 110 is used in which the body position of the subject 130 is determined by performing steps 1 and 2, and when a receiving coil 110 is used in which the body position of the subject 130 is determined without performing step 3, a correspondence that does not include step 3 may be stored.

[0107] [Specific examples of posture determination] [When Neuro Coil is used] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of a subject on which the Neuro Coil is used. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the bed 14 on which the subject 130 rests, viewed from the side on which the subject 130 rests.

[0108] The bed 14 is equipped with a plurality of bed-side connectors 20. The bed 14 shown in Fig. 6 has bed-side connectors 20A and 20B arranged at one end in the longitudinal direction, and bed-side connectors 20C and 20D arranged at the other end in the longitudinal direction. Fig. 6 shows an example in which the side of the gantry 12 in the bed movement direction, which is the direction in which the bed 14 moves, is one end in the longitudinal direction of the bed 14, and the side opposite to the gantry 12 in the bed movement direction is the other end in the longitudinal direction of the bed 14.

[0109] The bed-side connector 20A and the bed-side connector 20C are arranged at one end in the short direction of the bed 14. The bed-side connector 20B and the bed-side connector 20D are arranged at the other end in the short direction of the bed 14.

[0110] The bed-side connectors 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D have the same shape, and are connected to the receiving connector 152 of the receiving coil 110. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the receiving coil 110A, which is a Neuro Coil, is connected to the bed-side connector 20A via the receiving cable 150 and the receiving connector 152.

[0111] The receiving cable 150 is an example of the electrical wiring of the present disclosure, and the receiving connector 152 is an example of the first terminal of the present disclosure.

[0112] 6 illustrates an example in which the bed-side connectors 20 are arranged at each of the four corners of the bed 14, but the number and arrangement of the bed-side connectors are not limited to the example illustrated in Fig. 6. For example, the bed-side connectors may be arranged at the center in the longitudinal direction and the center in the lateral direction of the bed 14. The bed-side connectors 20 are an example of the second terminal of the present disclosure.

[0113] Here, the end of the bed 14 refers to a specified range from the end, including the end of the bed 14. The center of the bed 14 refers to a specified range from the center, including the center of the bed 14.

[0114] The Neuro Coil shown in Fig. 6 is a receive coil for the head, designed specifically for use in a supine position, and is fixed to a position on the bed 14 close to the gantry 12. When the Neuro Coil is connected to the bed-side connector 20A, it is determined that the insertion direction of the subject 130 into the imaging space 18 is head-first, and that the subject 130 is in a supine position. When the receive coil information acquired in step S10 represents the Neuro Coil, it can be determined that the body position of the subject 130 is head-first and in a supine position using the receive coil information. The same applies when the Neuro Coil is connected to the bed-side connector 20B.

[0115] [When foot ankle coils are used] 7 is a schematic diagram of a subject using a foot ankle coil. The figure shows a state in which a receiving coil 110B, which is a foot ankle coil, is connected to a bed-side connector 20B. The foot ankle coil is used in a supine position, but it is not known whether the subject 130 is inserted into the imaging space 18 head-first or feet-first.

[0116] That is, if the receiving coil information acquired in step S10 represents a foot ankle coil, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG. 5, and the receiving coil connection position information is used to determine whether the insertion direction of the subject 130 into the imaging space 18 is head-first or feet-first.

[0117] 7, the body position of the subject 130 is determined to be supine and feet-first based on the fact that the receiving connector 152 of the receiving coil 110B, which is a foot ankle coil, is connected to the bed-side connector 20B. The same applies when the receiving coil 110B is connected to the bed-side connector 20A.

[0118] [When a Torso coil is used] 8 is a schematic diagram of a subject using a Torso coil, showing a state in which a receiving coil 110C, which is a Torso coil, is connected to a bed-side connector 20B.

[0119] The torso coil is a general-purpose receiving coil that can be used for multiple different parts of the body. Furthermore, the torso coil is larger than other receiving coils and covers the body of the subject 130. Therefore, when a torso coil is used, it is difficult to determine the body position of the subject 130 based on the receiving coil information and the receiving coil connection position information.

[0120] When a torso coil is used and the physical characteristics of the subject 130 are recognized through image recognition, the posture of the subject 130 is determined based on the physical characteristics of the subject 130.

[0121] On the other hand, when a Torso coil is used and it is difficult to recognize the physical characteristics of the subject 130, the structural characteristics of the Torso coil are recognized, and the shape, size, etc. of the body parts of the subject 130 that protrude from the Torso coil are recognized, and the posture of the subject 130 is determined based on the recognition results.

[0122] If the receiving coil information acquired in step S10 indicates a Torso coil, the process proceeds to step S14, where receiving coil connection position information is acquired. Further, the process proceeds to the receiving coil connection position information, where information on the physical characteristics of the subject 130 and information on the structural characteristics of the receiving coil 110C are acquired.

[0123] In step S18, the receiving coil information and the receiving coil connection position information are used, and further, the body posture of the subject 130 is determined based on at least one of physical information derived from image recognition of the subject 130 and structural characteristics of the receiving coil 110. In step S18, the body posture of the subject 130 may be determined from the image recognition result of the subject 130 without using the receiving coil information and the receiving coil connection position information.

[0124] 8, if the face of the subject 130 is recognized in the captured image, the subject 130 is determined to be in a supine position. Also, if the camera capturing the image of the subject 130 is placed on the side of the gantry 12 and the head of the subject 130 is recognized on the front side in the captured image of the subject 130, the subject 130 is determined to be in a head-first position.

[0125] On the other hand, if the head of the subject 130 is recognized in the captured image but the face is not, the subject is determined to be in a prone position. Also, if the camera capturing the image of the subject 130 is placed on the side of the gantry 12 and the feet of the subject 130 are recognized on the front side in the captured image of the subject 130, the subject is determined to be in a feet-first position.

[0126] [When a blanket is used] 9 is a schematic diagram of a subject using a blanket, showing a state in which the parts of the subject 130 other than the head are covered with a blanket 160 when the receiving coil 110C shown in FIG.

[0127] When the subject 130 is covered with a blanket, it is difficult to recognize the physical features of the subject 130 by image recognition of the image of the subject 130 taken with a camera. Therefore, facial recognition of the subject 130 is performed, and the posture of the subject 130 is determined.

[0128] 9, the subject 130 is determined to be in a supine position when the subject's face is recognized in the captured image. In addition, if the camera capturing the image of the subject 130 is placed on the side of the gantry 12 and the subject's face is recognized on the near side in the captured image of the subject 130, the subject 130 is determined to be in a head-first position.

[0129] On the other hand, if the head of the subject 130 is recognized in the captured image but the face is not recognized, the subject is determined to be in a prone position. Also, if the camera capturing the image of the subject 130 is placed on the side of the gantry 12 and the head of the subject 130 is not recognized on the front side in the captured image of the subject 130, the subject is determined to be in a feet-first position.

[0130] [When a breast coil is used] 10 is a schematic diagram of a subject using a breast coil, showing a state in which a receiver coil 110D, which is a breast coil, is connected to a bed-side connector 20B.

[0131] The breast coil is a receiving coil for the breast and is used only in the prone position. If receiving coil information indicating that a breast coil is to be used is acquired in step S10 of Fig. 4, the prone position is determined in step S10. On the other hand, the breast coil can be used in either head-first or feet-first orientation, and the body position of the subject 130 is not determined in step S10, and the process proceeds to step S14.

[0132] In step S14, if receiving coil connection position information indicating that the receiving connector 152 is connected to the bed side connector 20B is acquired, it is determined to be head first, and the position of the subject 130 is determined to be prone and head first.

[0133] In step S14, if the receiving coil connection position information indicating that the receiving connector 152 is connected to the bed connector 20A is acquired, it is also determined to be head first.

[0134] On the other hand, if the receiving coil connection position information indicating that the receiving connector 152 is connected to the bed side connector 20C or the bed side connector 20D is acquired in step S14, it is also determined to be feet first.

[0135] [Example of posture determination based on face recognition] 11 is a schematic diagram of a subject when both eyes are recognized in face recognition of the subject. The figure shows a case where a receiving coil 110E is used, which makes it difficult to determine the supine posture of the subject 130 based on receiving coil information. Examples of the receiving coil 110E include a spine coil attached to the back of the subject 130 shown in FIG. 5, and a flex coil attached by wrapping around the examination area.

[0136] 11 illustrates a case where a face 131 is recognized on the head of the subject 130, and both a right eye 131A and a left eye 131B of the subject 130 are recognized. When both eyes of the subject 130 are recognized, the subject 130 is determined to be in a supine position in step S18 of FIG.

[0137] Facial recognition of the subject 130 is performed, and if neither the right eye 131A nor the left eye 131B of the subject 130 is recognized, the subject is determined to be in a prone position in step S18 of Fig. 4. Note that illustration of the case where neither eye is recognized in step S18 is omitted.

[0138] 12 is a schematic diagram of a subject when one eye is recognized in the face recognition of the subject. As in FIG. 11, this diagram also shows a case where the receiving coil 110E is used, which makes it difficult to determine the supine posture of the subject 130 based on the receiving coil information.

[0139] 12 illustrates a case where the face 131 is recognized on the head of the subject 130 and the left eye 131B of the subject 130 is recognized. When only the left eye 131B or only the right eye 131A of the subject 130 is recognized, the subject is determined to be in a lateral position in step S18 of FIG.

[0140] Furthermore, depending on the position of the eyes relative to the entire head or the position of the nose 131C relative to the entire head, it may be determined whether the position is a left-facing lateral position or a right-facing lateral position. An example of a left-facing lateral position is illustrated in FIG.

[0141] In the examples shown in Figures 11 and 12, whether the subject 130 is head-first or feet-first may be determined based on the position of the camera capturing the image of the subject 130 and the position of the subject's face in the captured image.

[0142] For example, if a camera capturing an image of the subject 130 is placed at a position on the side of the gantry 12 and the face 131 of the subject 130 is recognized in a position in front of the receiving coil 110 in the captured image of the subject 130, it may be determined as head-first. On the other hand, if the face 131 of the subject 130 is recognized in a position behind the receiving coil 110 in the captured image of the subject 130, it may be determined as feet-first.

[0143] [Configuration example of imaging support device according to embodiment] 13 is a functional block diagram showing the electrical configuration of an imaging support device according to an embodiment. The imaging support device 220 shown in the drawing is provided in an information processing device 200 provided in the MRI apparatus 10.

[0144] The imaging support device 220 includes a coil-position correspondence information storage unit 221. The coil-position correspondence information storage unit 221 stores the correspondence relationship between the types of receiving coils shown in Fig. 5 and the steps for determining the subject's position.

[0145] The imaging support device 220 includes a receiving coil information acquisition unit 222. The receiving coil information acquisition unit 222 acquires receiving coil information indicating the type of receiving coil 110. The receiving coil information may be specified for each type of receiving coil 110, and an assigned identifier may be applied to the receiving coil information. The receiving coil information acquisition unit 222 stores the acquired receiving coil information in a specified memory.

[0146] The receiving coil information acquisition unit 222 may acquire the receiving coil information when the receiving side connector 152 of the receiving coil 110 is connected to the bed side connector 20. The receiving coil information acquisition unit 222 may acquire the receiving coil information input by the operator using the operation unit 122.

[0147] The imaging support device 220 includes a receiving coil connection information acquisition unit 224. The receiving coil connection information acquisition unit 224 acquires information on the position of the bed-side connector 20 to which the receiving coil 110 is connected. That is, when the receiving-side connector 152 of the receiving coil 110 is connected to one of the multiple bed-side connectors 20, it is recognized which of the multiple bed-side connectors 20 it is connected to.

[0148] The receiving coil information acquisition unit 222 and the receiving coil connection information acquisition unit 224 acquire information regarding which type of receiving coil 110 is connected to which position of the bed-side connector 20, and store the acquired information in a specified memory. Note that the memory in which the receiving coil information and receiving coil connection information are stored is not shown in Fig. 13. The receiving coil information and receiving coil connection information may be stored in the memory 204 shown in Fig. 3.

[0149] The imaging support device 220 includes a sensor data acquisition unit 226. The sensor data acquisition unit 226 acquires sensor data that detects the subject 130 from a sensor 228 that is provided outside the imaging support device 220.

[0150] That is, the imaging support device 220 cooperates with an external information input device such as a sensor 228 to acquire information on the subject 130 placed on the bed 14 and information on the receiving coil 110 connected to the bed 14. Examples of the sensor 228 that functions as an external information input device include an optical camera, an infrared camera, and a millimeter-wave camera.

[0151] The imaging support device 220 includes a sensor data processing unit 230. The sensor data processing unit 230 performs specified signal processing on the sensor data acquired using the sensor data acquisition unit 226. The function of the sensor data processing unit 230 may be provided by the sensor 228 or the sensor data acquisition unit 226.

[0152] For example, when an optical camera is used as the sensor 228, the sensor data processing unit 230 can generate information representing physical characteristics of the subject 130 from a captured image of the entire body of the subject 130 wearing the receiving coil 110. The sensor data processing unit 230 can generate information representing structural characteristics of the receiving coil 110 from the captured image of the subject 130. The sensor data processing unit 230 can perform face recognition from the captured image of the subject 130.

[0153] The imaging support device 220 includes a body position determination unit 232. The body position determination unit 232 determines the body position of the subject 130 based on at least one of the receiving coil information, the receiving coil connection information, the physical characteristics of the subject 130, and the structural characteristics of the receiving coil 110. The body position of the subject 130 includes the supine posture of the subject 130 and the insertion direction of the subject 130 with respect to the imaging space 18.

[0154] The imaging support device 220 includes a display signal generation unit 234. The display signal generation unit 234 generates a display signal that represents subject body position information that indicates the body position of the subject 130 determined by the body position determination unit 232. The display signal generation unit 234 transmits the display signal to the display device 214. The display device 214 displays the subject body position information.

[0155] 13 is an example of the medical image pickup support device of the present disclosure. The coil position correspondence information storage unit 221 is an example of the second memory of the present disclosure.

[0156] [Example of rewriting correspondence relationships] Hereinafter, the correspondence between the types of receiving coils and the steps for determining the body position of the subject shown in Fig. 5 will be simply referred to as a correspondence. The correspondence shown in the figure can be rewritten by the operator.

[0157] For example, when a receiving coil 110 that is not stored as a correspondence is added, it is possible to determine the posture of the subject 130 corresponding to the newly added receiving coil 110 by rewriting the correspondence that is already stored.

[0158] In particular, the method of rewriting the correspondence relationship is unique, and by applying the identifier of the receiving coil 110 as the receiving coil information, it is possible to determine within the imaging support device 220 whether the position determination of the subject 130 is completed at step 1 in Figure 5, whether step 2 is required, or whether step 3 is required.

[0159] Specifically, the identifier of the receiving coil 110 may include information on the steps required to determine the posture of the subject 130. In addition, information on the newly added receiving coil 110 may be acquired from a remote service connected to the imaging support device 220 for maintenance purposes.

[0160] The correspondence relationship may be automatically updated. When the correspondence relationship is updated, information used in other facilities may be added. Other facilities include other hospitals and other testing institutions where the MRI apparatus 10 equipped with the imaging support device 220 is used.

[0161] Specifically, the imaging support device 220 provided in each facility stores, for a remote service connected for maintenance, the body position of the subject 130 determined by the imaging support device 220 for each step and the actual body position of the subject 130. If the remote service determines that the body position of the subject 130 can be determined in a number of steps that is fewer than the number of steps already specified, when the correspondence relationship at each facility is updated, the already specified number of steps is updated to the fewer number of steps.

[0162] The correspondence may be automatically learned based on the characteristics of each facility. Specifically, a system may be adopted in which frequently used body positions of the subject 130 are defined for each facility, and the frequently used body positions of the subject 130 are given priority in determining the positions.

[0163] A correspondence relationship may be prepared for each operator, and the correspondence relationship may be selectively switched depending on the operator information. Specifically, a body position of the subject 130 that is frequently used may be specified for each operator, and the body position of the subject 130 that is frequently used may be preferentially determined.

[0164] That is, the imaging support device 220 may be equipped with an operator information acquisition unit that acquires operator information such as the operator's name and operator identification number, and the posture determination unit 232 may determine the posture of the subject 130 using a correspondence relationship according to the operator information.

[0165] [Effects of the embodiment] The imaging support device and imaging support method according to the embodiment can achieve the following advantageous effects.

[0166] [1] By referring to the correspondence between the type of receiving coil and the multiple steps performed when detecting the body position of the subject 130, it is determined whether or not to perform the multiple steps for detecting the body position of the subject 130 based on receiving coil information indicating the type of receiving coil. As a result, the body position of the subject 130 is determined in a step appropriate for the type of receiving coil, thereby realizing accurate and quick recognition of the body position of the subject 130. In addition, the operation of other devices, such as devices that realize high-precision image recognition, is suppressed.

[0167] [2] The multiple steps include step 1 of determining the body position of the subject 130 based on the type of the receiving coil 110, and step 2 of determining the body position of the subject 130 based on the type of the receiving coil 110 and the bed-side connector 20 to which the receiving coil 110 is connected. As a result, when it is difficult to determine whether the position is head-first or feet-first based on the type of the receiving coil 110, it is possible to determine whether the position is head-first or feet-first based on the bed-side connector 20 to which the receiving coil 110 is connected.

[0168] [3] The receiving connector 152 connected to the receiving coil 110 is arranged at the end of the bed 14 on the gantry 12 side and at the end on the opposite side of the gantry 12. This makes it possible to determine whether the position is head-first or feet-first based on a combination of the part of the body where the receiving coil 110 is used and the position of the bed-side connector to which the receiving connector 152 is connected.

[0169] [4] The correspondence includes step 3 of determining the body posture of the subject 130 based on at least one of the physical characteristics of the subject 130 and the structural characteristics of the receive coil 110. If the body posture of the subject 130 cannot be determined in step 1 and step 2, step 3 is performed. This makes it possible to determine the body posture of the subject 130 even when it is difficult to determine the body posture of the subject 130 based on the receive coil information and the receive coil connection position information.

[0170] [5] The physical characteristics of the subject 130 include the results of facial recognition on the captured image of the subject 130. This makes it possible to determine the posture of the subject 130 even when the subject 130 is covered with a blanket except for the head and the entire body of the subject 130 cannot be grasped.

[0171] [6] In the facial recognition of the subject 130, if both the right eye 131A and the left eye 131B are recognized, the subject is determined to be in a supine position, and if neither eye is recognized, the subject is determined to be in a prone position. In the facial recognition of the subject 130, if the right eye 131A or the left eye 131B is recognized, the subject is determined to be in a lateral position. In this way, the posture of the subject 130 can be determined based on the result of the facial recognition of the subject 130.

[0172] [7] The structural characteristics of the receive coil 110 are ascertained based on the analysis results of an image captured by the receive coil 110 attached to the subject 130. As a result, even if the size of the receive coil 110 is large compared to the attachment position of the receive coil 110 on the subject 130 and the receive coil 110 covers the attachment position of the receive coil 110, the body position of the subject 130 can be determined based on the size, shape, etc. of the subject 130 that protrudes from the receive coil 110.

[0173] [8] When a new receive coil 110 that is not stored in the correspondence relationship is used, the correspondence relationship is updated to add the new receive coil 110 and the step applied to determining the body position of the subject 130. This makes it possible to customize the correspondence relationship according to the use history of the receive coil 110.

[0174] [9] The correspondence relationship is updated based on information about the step of determining the body position of the subject 130 in the facility where the MRI apparatus 10 is installed. This allows customization of the correspondence relationship according to the operation of each facility, such as a facility that determines the body position of the subject 130 without using step 3.

[0175]

[10] Correspondence relationships are prepared for each operator, and the correspondence relationships are selected according to the operator information, which allows customization of correspondence relationships according to the usage patterns of each operator.

[0176] [Examples of application to programs and program products] The imaging support method according to the embodiment may be configured as a program or a program product in which a processor or a computer including a processor realizes the functions of each step.

[0177] For example, a program or program product may be configured to cause a computer to realize the functions of acquiring receiving coil information, determining whether steps 1 to 3 need to be performed based on the receiving coil information, and performing steps that are determined to need to be performed.

[0178] The program or program product may be stored in a computer-readable medium that is a tangible, non-transitory information storage medium, or may be provided through an information storage medium.

[0179] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 10 MRI machine 12 Gantry 14 berths 15 Top plate 16 Legs 18 Imaging Space 20 Bed side connector 20A Bedside Connector 20B Bed side connector 20C Bedside Connector 20D Bed side connector 102 Static magnetic field generating magnet 104 Gradient magnetic field coil 106 RF transmit coil 110 receiving coil 110A receiving coil 110B receiving coil 110C receiving coil 110D receiving coil 110E receiving coil 112 Receiver 114 Gradient magnetic field power supply 116 High Frequency Magnetic Field Generator 118 Sequencer 120 control section 122 Operation section 130 subjects 131 Face 131A Right eye 131B Left eye 131C Nose 150 Receiver Cable 152 receiving connector 160 Blanket 200 Information processing device 202 processors 204 memory 206 Storage 208 Input / Output Interface 210 Bus 212 Input Device 214 Display device 220 Imaging support device 221 Coil position correspondence information storage unit 222 Receiving coil information acquisition unit 224 Receiving coil connection information acquisition unit 226 Sensor data acquisition unit 228 Sensors 230 Sensor data processing unit 232 Body position determination section 234 Display signal generation section S10 to S22: Each step of the imaging support method

Claims

1. a processor; a first memory in which a program to be executed by the processor is stored; a second memory that stores a correspondence relationship between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining the body position of the subject; Equipped with The processor: acquiring receiver coil information indicating the type of receiver coil used to capture a medical image of the subject; determining whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed according to the receiving coil information; performing the steps determined to need to be performed; Medical imaging support device.

2. the second memory stores, as the plurality of steps, a first step of determining a body position of the subject depending on a type of receiving coil, and a second step of determining a body position of the subject depending on a position on a bed to which the receiving coil is connected; the processor performs the second step when the body position of the subject is not determined in the first step. The medical image capture support device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: acquiring receive coil connection position information indicating to which of a plurality of second terminals arranged at different positions on the bed a first terminal provided on an electrical wiring of the receive coil is connected; performing the second step using the receiving coil connection position information; The medical image capture support device according to claim 2 .

4. the second memory stores, as the plurality of steps, a third step of determining a body position of the subject based on at least one of subject characteristic information representing characteristics of the subject and receiving coil characteristic information representing structural characteristics of a receiving coil attached to the subject; The processor: acquiring at least one of the subject characteristic information and the receiving coil characteristic information; If the posture of the subject is not determined in the second step, the third step is carried out. The medical image capture support device according to claim 2 .

5. The subject characteristic information includes physical characteristics of the subject obtained by analyzing a captured image of the subject. The medical image capture support device according to claim 4.

6. The subject characteristic information includes a result of face recognition on a captured image of the subject. The medical image capture support device according to claim 4.

7. In the third step, the processor determines a posture of the subject placed on the bed based on a result of the face recognition. The medical imaging support device according to claim 6.

8. the receiving coil feature information is generated based on an analysis result of an image captured by a receiving coil attached to the subject; The medical image capture support device according to claim 4.

9. the processor adds a receiving coil of a type not stored in the second memory, and updates the correspondence relationship. The medical image capture support device according to claim 1 .

10. the processor updates the correspondence based on information from a step of determining a body position of a subject used in a facility where the medical image capturing apparatus is installed. The medical image capture support device according to claim 1 .

11. the second memory stores the correspondence relationship for each operator; The processor: Obtain operator information, referencing the correspondence relationship based on the operator information; The medical image capture support device according to claim 1 .

12. a computer that functions as a medical image capture support device, the computer comprising: a second memory that stores a correspondence relationship between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining the body position of a subject; acquiring receiver coil information indicating the type of receiver coil used to capture a medical image of the subject; determining whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed according to the receiving coil information; performing the steps determined to need to be performed; A method for operating a medical imaging support device.

13. a second memory for storing a correspondence relationship between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining the body position of a subject, the computer functioning as a medical image acquisition support device; A function for acquiring receiver coil information indicating the type of receiver coil used to capture medical images of the subject; A function of determining whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed according to the receiving coil information; and Realizing the function of performing the steps determined to need to be performed; program.

14. an imaging unit that images a subject and generates imaging data of the subject; an image reconstruction unit for generating a reconstruction based on the imaging data; a processor; a first memory in which a program to be executed by the processor is stored; a second memory that stores a correspondence relationship between the type of receiving coil and a plurality of steps for determining the body position of the subject; Equipped with The processor: acquiring receiver coil information indicating the type of receiver coil used to capture a medical image of the subject; determining whether or not the plurality of steps need to be performed according to the receiving coil information; performing the steps determined to need to be performed; Medical imaging equipment.

Images