Information processing device

Abstract

To support coil connection.SOLUTION: An information processor comprises an acquisition unit and a notification unit. The acquisition unit acquires coil information showing a type of an RF coil to be used for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The notification unit, on the basis of the coil information, performs notification of a port to which the RF coil can be connected of a plurality of ports provided at the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an information processing device.

[0002] Conventionally, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus generates an MR image by receiving a magnetic resonance signal from a coil attached to a subject, and the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is connected to the coil via a port.

[0003] Here, the top panel of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is provided with different ports for each type of coil, and the user must connect the coil to the port that corresponds to the coil to be used. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-213371 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to support the connection of coils. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The information processing device according to the embodiment includes an acquisition unit and a notification unit. Captured by camera RF coil for use in magnetic resonance imaging equipment The RF coil Show the type No. 1 Coil Information and second coil information indicating a type of the RF coil based on imaging information for imaging a subject by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The notification unit acquires the No. 1 Coil Information and the second coil information Based on this, a port to which the RF coil can be connected is notified among a plurality of ports provided in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a connection support system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of connection information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a connection assistance process executed by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an information processing device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a connection assistance system 1 according to the first embodiment. The connection assistance system 1 includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device 10 (see FIG. 2), a local radio frequency (RF) coil 20, and a camera 30. The connection assistance system 1 shown in FIG. 1 shows a bed 105 of the magnetic resonance imaging device 10 (see FIG. 2), and omits a gantry device 11 (see FIG. 2) and the like. The magnetic resonance imaging device 10 and the camera 30 are connected to each other via a network such as an in-hospital local area network (LAN). The connection assistance system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes the magnetic resonance imaging device 10 and the camera 30. However, the connection assistance system 1 may include a plurality of cameras 30.

[0010] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 includes a bed 105 and a cylindrical gantry device 11 (see FIG. 2) having a cavity into which a subject P is inserted. The bed 105 includes a top board 105a on which the subject P is placed. The top board 105a includes a port A12a, a port B12b, a port C12c, a port D12d, a port E12e, a port F12f, a port G12g, a port H12h, and a port I12i. The port A12a, the port B12b, the port C12c, the port D12d, the port E12e, the port F12f, the port G12g, the port H12h, and the port I12i are components for connecting the connector 23 of the local RF coil 20. When there is no need to distinguish between the ports A12a, B12b, C12c, D12d, E12e, F12f, G12g, H12h, and I12i, they will be referred to as ports 12. These ports 12 are selected according to the local RF coil 20 to be used.

[0011] The local RF coil 20 is a coil used for imaging the subject P by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The local RF coil 20 receives MR signals generated from the subject P. The local RF coil 20 includes a coil section 21, a cable section 22, and a connector 23. The coil section 21 receives MR signals generated from the subject P. The cable section 22 is an electric wire that connects the coil section 21 and the connector 23. The connector 23 is a component for connecting the local RF coil 20 and the top board 105a.

[0012] A user such as a medical professional who operates the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 selects a type of local RF coil 20 according to the imaging region of the subject P. The local RF coil 20 is attached to the imaging region of the subject P. Here, when the subject P is inserted into the cavity of the gantry device 11, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 generates a high-frequency magnetic field to image the subject P. The local RF coil 20 receives an MR signal generated from the subject P by the high-frequency magnetic field. Then, the local RF coil 20 outputs the MR signal to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 via a port 12 connected to a connector 23.

[0013] The camera 30 is an imaging device that captures moving images or still images. The imaging area of ​​the camera 30 includes the room in which the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is placed. That is, the imaging area of ​​the camera 30 includes the periphery of the top plate 105a. This allows the camera 30 to capture an image of the local RF coil 20 held by the user for use in imaging the subject P by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The camera 30 then transmits the captured image data to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The camera 30 shown in FIG. 1 is disposed on the ceiling above the top plate 105a of the bed 105. However, the camera 30 may be disposed in another position.

[0014] In such a connection assistance system 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 acquires image data captured by the camera 30. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 identifies the local use RF coil 20 carried by the user from the image data captured by the camera 30. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 also identifies a port 12 to which the connector 23 of the identified local use RF coil 20 can be connected. Then, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 notifies the user of the port 12 to which the connector 23 of the identified local use RF coil 20 can be connected. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing apparatus.

[0015] Next, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 will be described.

[0016] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 includes a static magnetic field magnet 101, a static magnetic field power supply (not shown), a gradient magnetic field coil 103, a gradient magnetic field power supply 104, a bed 105, a bed control circuit 106, a transmission coil 107, a transmission circuit 108, a reception coil 109, a reception circuit 110, a sequence control circuit 120, and a computer system 130.

[0017] The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis shown in Fig. 2 constitute an apparatus coordinate system specific to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. For example, the Z-axis direction coincides with the axial direction of the cylinder of the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and is set along the magnetic flux of the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 101. The Z-axis direction is the same as the longitudinal direction of the bed 105, and is also the same as the head-to-tail direction of the subject P placed on the bed 105. The X-axis direction is set along the horizontal direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The Y-axis direction is set along the vertical direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

[0018] 2 is merely an example. For example, the sequence control circuit 120 and each unit in the computer system 130 may be appropriately integrated or separated. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not include a subject P (e.g., a human body).

[0019] The static magnetic field magnet 101 is a magnet formed in a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape, and generates a static magnetic field in the internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 101 is, for example, a superconducting magnet, and is excited by receiving a current from a static magnetic field power supply. The static magnetic field power supply supplies a current to the static magnetic field magnet 101. As another example, the static magnetic field magnet 101 may be a permanent magnet, in which case the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not need to include a static magnetic field power supply. Also, the static magnetic field power supply may be provided separately from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100.

[0020] The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a coil formed in a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape, and is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 101. The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z axes, and these three coils are individually supplied with current from a gradient magnetic field power supply 104 to generate a gradient magnetic field whose magnetic field strength changes along each of the X, Y, and Z axes. The gradient magnetic field power supply 104 also supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 103 under the control of a sequence control circuit 120.

[0021] The bed 105 includes a top board 105a on which a subject P is placed, and the top board 105a is inserted into the imaging aperture with the subject P, such as a patient, placed thereon under the control of a bed control circuit 106. The bed control circuit 106 drives the bed 105 to move the top board 105a in the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction under the control of a computer system 130.

[0022] The transmitting coil 107 excites an arbitrary region of the subject P by applying a high-frequency magnetic field. The transmitting coil 107 is, for example, a whole-body type coil that surrounds the entire body of the subject P. The transmitting coil 107 receives an RF pulse from a transmitting circuit 108, generates a high-frequency magnetic field, and applies the high-frequency magnetic field to the subject P. The transmitting circuit 108 supplies an RF pulse to the transmitting coil 107 under the control of a sequence control circuit 120.

[0023] The receiving coil 109 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and receives a magnetic resonance signal (hereinafter referred to as an MR (Magnetic Resonance) signal) emitted from the subject P due to the influence of a high frequency magnetic field. When the receiving coil 109 receives the MR signal, the receiving coil 109 outputs the received MR signal to the receiving circuit 110.

[0024] 2, the receiving coil 109 is provided separately from the transmitting coil 107, but this is only an example and is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration in which the receiving coil 109 also serves as the transmitting coil 107 may be adopted.

[0025] The receiving circuit 110 performs analog-to-digital (AD) conversion on the analog MR signal output from the receiving coil 109 to generate MR data. The receiving circuit 110 also transmits the generated MR data to the sequence control circuit 120. Note that the AD conversion may be performed within the receiving coil 109. The receiving circuit 110 is also capable of performing any signal processing other than AD conversion.

[0026] The sequence control circuit 120 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmission circuit 108, and the reception circuit 110 based on sequence information transmitted from the computer system 130, thereby imaging the subject P. The sequence information is information that defines a procedure for performing imaging. The sequence information includes, for example, the strength of the current supplied by the gradient magnetic field power supply 104 to the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and the timing of supplying the current, the strength of the RF pulse supplied by the transmission circuit 108 to the transmission coil 107 and the timing of applying the RF pulse, the timing of detecting the MR signal by the reception circuit 110, and the like. The sequence control circuit 120 may be realized by a processor, or may be realized by a combination of software and hardware.

[0027] When the sequence control circuit 120 receives MR data from the receiving circuit 110 as a result of driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmitting circuit 108, and the receiving circuit 110 to image the subject P, the sequence control circuit 120 transfers the received MR data to the computer system 130.

[0028] The computer system 130 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, generates MR images, etc. As shown in FIG.

[0029] The NW interface 131 communicates with the sequence control circuit 120 and the bed control circuit 106. For example, the NW interface 131 transmits sequence information to the sequence control circuit 120. In addition, the NW interface 131 receives MR data from the sequence control circuit 120.

[0030] The memory circuitry 132 stores the MR data received by the NW interface 131, the k-space data arranged in the k-space by the processing circuitry 135 described later, and the image data generated by the processing circuitry 135. The memory circuitry 132 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, a hard disk, or an optical disk.

[0031] The input interface 133 accepts various instructions and information input from an operator. The input interface 133 is realized by, for example, a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad that performs an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, a non-contact input circuit using an optical sensor, and a voice input circuit. The input interface 133 is connected to the processing circuit 135, and converts an input operation received from the operator into an electric signal and outputs it to the processing circuit 135. Note that in this specification, the input interface 133 is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the computer system 130 and outputs the electric signal to a control circuit is also included as an example of the input interface 133.

[0032] The display 134, under the control of the processing circuitry 135, displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving input of imaging conditions, a magnetic resonance image generated by the processing circuitry 135, and the like. The display 134 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0033] The processing circuitry 135 controls the operation of the entire magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The processing circuitry 135 has, for example, a receiving function 135a, a coil information acquiring function 135b, a port identifying function 135c, and a notification function 135d. In the embodiment, each processing function performed by the receiving function 135a, the coil information acquiring function 135b, the port identifying function 135c, and the notification function 135d is stored in the storage circuitry 132 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuitry 135 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading the program from the storage circuitry 132 and executing it. In other words, the processing circuitry 135 in a state in which each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 135 of FIG. 2.

[0034] 2, the receiving function 135a, the coil information acquisition function 135b, the port identification function 135c, and the notification function 135d are realized by a single processor, but the processing circuit 135 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the function. Also, in FIG. 2, the processing circuit 135 may be configured to store a program corresponding to each processing function, but multiple storage circuits may be distributed and the processing circuit 135 may read out the corresponding program from each storage circuit.

[0035] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 132. Note that instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 132, the processor may be configured to directly incorporate the program into its circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program incorporated in the circuit.

[0036] The receiving function 135a receives image data captured by the camera 30. That is, the receiving function 135a receives image data when the user holds the local RF coil 20 in the room where the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 is placed.

[0037] The receiving function 135a also receives imaging information from a hospital information system (HIS), a radiology information system (RIS), a terminal that operates the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10, or the like. The imaging information is information indicating the imaging contents of the subject P by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. For example, the imaging information includes information indicating the imaging part of the subject P that is to be imaged by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The imaging information also includes information indicating the orientation of the subject P on the tabletop 105a. That is, the imaging information includes information indicating whether the subject P is inserted into the gantry apparatus 11 head-first or feet-first as shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] The coil information acquisition function 135b acquires coil information indicating the type of the local RF coil 20 used in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. The coil information acquisition function 135b is an example of an acquisition unit. That is, the coil information acquisition function 135b acquires coil information indicating the type of the local RF coil 20 to be used.

[0039] For example, the coil information acquisition function 135b acquires coil information from image data including the local RF coil 20 captured by the camera 30. More specifically, the coil information acquisition function 135b identifies the type of the local RF coil 20 included in the image data received by the receiving function 135a by image recognition. The coil information acquisition function 135b identifies the type of the local RF coil 20 included in the image data by pattern matching. Then, the coil information acquisition function 135b acquires coil information by identifying the type of the local RF coil 20.

[0040] In addition, if a mark, letter, or the like for identifying the type of the local RF coil 20 is attached to the local RF coil 20, the coil information acquisition function 135b may acquire the coil information by reading the mark, letter, or the like.

[0041] Furthermore, the coil information acquiring function 135b may acquire the coil information based on imaging information for the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 to image the subject P. When the imaging information includes information indicating an imaging region of the subject P, the coil information acquiring function 135b acquires coil information indicating the type of the local RF coil 20 specified by the imaging region included in the imaging information.

[0042] The coil information acquisition function 135b may separately acquire coil information from image data including the local RF coil 20 and coil information from imaging information for the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 to image the subject P. That is, the coil information acquisition function 135b may acquire two pieces of coil information by these two methods. This allows the coil information acquisition function 135b to have redundancy in acquiring the coil information. In other words, the coil information acquisition function 135b can acquire the coil information more reliably. Furthermore, the coil information acquisition function 135b may compare whether the two pieces of acquired coil information match. This allows the coil information acquisition function 135b to improve the accuracy of the coil information.

[0043] The port specifying function 135c specifies ports 12 to which the connector 23 of the local RF coil 20 specified by the coil information acquired by the coil information acquisition function 135b can be connected. More specifically, the port specifying function 135c specifies the connectable ports 12 based on the connection information indicating the ports 12 to which the connector 23 can be connected for each type of local RF coil 20.

[0044] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of connection information according to the first embodiment. In the connection information shown in Fig. 3, coil information and one or more pieces of port identification information are associated with each other. The port identification information is identification information for identifying the port 12. In other words, the coil information is associated with one or more pieces of port identification information indicating the port 12 to which the connector 23 of the local RF coil 20 specified by the coil information can be connected.

[0045] The port identifying function 135c may narrow down the ports 12 based on the imaging information received by the receiving function 135a. Specifically, the port identifying function 135c narrows down the ports 12 based on the imaging site included in the imaging information. The port identifying function 135c also narrows down the ports 12 based on information indicating the orientation of the subject P included in the imaging information.

[0046] The following is an example to explain the narrowing down of the ports 12. For example, it is assumed that the imaging part is the right shoulder. It is also assumed that an imaging method is selected in which the subject P is inserted into the gantry device 11 head first. It is also assumed that there are ports 12 to which the local RF coil 20 for imaging the shoulder can be connected, one each on the left and right and on the top and bottom of the tabletop 105a. In other words, it is assumed that there are four ports 12 to which connections can be made.

[0047] In this case, the user carries the local RF coil 20 for the shoulder to be used. The coil information acquisition function 135b acquires coil information of the local RF coil 20 for the shoulder from the image data of the user carrying the local RF coil 20. There are four ports 12 to which the connector 23 of the local RF coil 20 for the shoulder can be connected. Therefore, the port identification function 135c identifies four ports 12 as the connectable ports 12. Since the imaging part included in the imaging information indicates the right shoulder, the port identification function 135c narrows down the ports 12 to the right side. That is, the port identification function 135c excludes the left side port 12 from the candidates. As a result, the port identification function 135c identifies two ports 12 on the right side as the connectable ports 12. Furthermore, since the information indicating the orientation of the subject P included in the imaging information indicates that the subject P is inserted into the gantry device 11 head first, the port identification function 135c excludes the port 12 on the foot side from the candidates. As a result, the port identifying function 135c identifies one port 12 on the head side as a connectable port 12. In this manner, the port identifying function 135c narrows down the ports 12.

[0048] The notification function 135d notifies a port 12 to which the local RF coil 20 can be connected, among a plurality of ports 12 provided in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10, based on the coil information. The notification function 135d is an example of a notification unit. More specifically, the notification function 135d notifies a port 12 identified by the port identification function 135c based on the coil information acquired by the coil information acquisition function 135b and the connection information.

[0049] The notification function 135d may notify the port 12 to which the local RF coil 20 can be connected based on the coil information and the orientation of the subject P placed on the top board 105a. More specifically, the notification function 135d notifies the port 12 identified by the port identifying function 135c based on the coil information, the connection information, and the information included in the imaging information and indicating the orientation of the subject P placed on the top board 105a.

[0050] The notification function 135d may also notify the port 12 to which the local RF coil 20 can be connected based on the coil information and the imaging region of the subject P. More specifically, the notification function 135d notifies the port 12 identified by the port identifying function 135c based on the coil information, the connection information, and the information indicating the imaging region of the subject P included in the imaging information. The notification function 135d may notify by any method. For example, the notification function 135d notifies by displaying information indicating the port 12 identified by the port identifying function 135c on the display 134.

[0051] The notification function 135d notifies a connectable port 12 by a light that identifies the port 12 or by opening a door that covers the port 12.

[0052] The following describes notification by light that identifies the port 12. When a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) is disposed near the port 12, the notification function 135d reports by illuminating the light-emitting unit disposed near the port 12 identified by the port identification function 135c. When there is an illumination unit such as a spotlight that irradiates light onto the port 12, the notification function 135d reports by irradiating light onto the port 12 identified by the port identification function 135c.

[0053] The following describes the notification by opening a door that shields the port 12. The notification function 135d issues a notification by opening a door that shields the port 12 identified by the port identification function 135c. In other words, the notification function 135d issues a notification by closing a door that shields a port 12 other than the port 12 identified by the port identification function 135c.

[0054] The notification function 135d may notify the local RF coil 20 to be used based on the coil information acquired by the coil information acquisition function 135b. That is, the notification function 135d may notify the local RF coil 20 to be used in imaging the subject P by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. Here, when acquiring the coil information based on the imaging information, the coil information acquisition function 135b does not need image data of the local RF coil 20 held by the user. In this case, the coil information acquisition function 135b acquires the coil information to be used before the user selects the local RF coil 20. The notification function 135d notifies the coil information indicating the local RF coil 20 to be used acquired by the coil information acquisition function 135b. In this way, the notification function 135d can support the selection of the local RF coil 20.

[0055] The notification function 135d may notify by any method. For example, the notification function 135d notifies by displaying the local RF coil 20 to be used on the display 134. The notification function 135d may also notify by irradiating light onto the local RF coil 20 to be used on a shelf where the local RF coil 20 is stored.

[0056] Next, a description will be given of a connection assistance process executed by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the connection assistance process executed by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0057] The receiving function 135a receives image data captured by the camera 30 and imaging information for the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 to image the subject P (step S1).

[0058] The coil information acquisition function 135b acquires coil information indicating the type of the local RF coil 20 used for imaging the subject P by the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 (step S2).

[0059] The port specifying function 135c specifies the port 12 to which the connector 23 of the local RF coil 20 specified by the coil information acquired by the coil information acquisition function 135b can be connected (step S3).

[0060] The port identifying function 135c narrows down the identified ports 12 based on the imaging information (step S4).

[0061] The reporting function 135d reports the port 12 identified by the port identifying function 135c (step S5).

[0062] With the above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 ends the connection assistance process.

[0063] As described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment acquires coil information indicating the type of the local RF coil 20 used in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. Then, based on the coil information, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 notifies the port 12 to which the local RF coil 20 can be connected, among the multiple ports 12 provided in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10. Thus, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 can assist in connecting the local RF coil 20.

[0064] (Variation 1) The coil information acquisition function 135b may acquire the coil information from an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip included in the local RF coil 20 through short-range wireless communication.

[0065] More specifically, the local RF coil 20 has an IC chip disposed in the connector 23 or the like. The IC chip has a storage unit that stores coil information indicating the type of the device itself. The IC chip performs communication according to a communication standard such as NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0066] The bed 105 also includes a reading device that reads the coil information stored in the IC chip by short-range wireless communication. An antenna of the reading device is disposed on the top board 105a. When the local RF coil 20 is placed on the top board 105a, the antenna of the reading device receives the coil information stored in the storage unit of the IC chip. The reading device also transmits the coil information to the computer system 130. The coil information acquisition function 135b then receives the coil information from the reading device. In this manner, the coil information acquisition function 135b may acquire the coil information from the storage unit of the IC chip included in the local RF coil 20 by short-range wireless communication.

[0067] (Variation 2) In the first embodiment, it has been described that the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 includes the receiving function 135a, the coil information acquiring function 135b, the port identifying function 135c, and the notifying function 135d. However, the receiving function 135a, the coil information acquiring function 135b, the port identifying function 135c, and the notifying function 135d are not limited to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10, and may be included in other devices. For example, the receiving function 135a, the coil information acquiring function 135b, the port identifying function 135c, and the notifying function 135d may be included in computer equipment such as a personal computer, a server, or a workstation.

[0068] Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1. Connection Support System 10. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Equipment 11 Mounting device 12 Ports 20 Local RF (Radio Frequency) Coil 21 Coil section 22 Cable section 23 Connector 30 Camera 100 Magnetic resonance imaging device 105 Bed 105a Tabletop 135 Processing Circuit 135a Receiving function 135b Coil information acquisition function 135c Port Specific Functions 135d Notification function P Subject

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires first coil information indicating a type of a radio frequency (RF) coil used in a magnetic resonance imaging device from an image including the RF coil captured by a camera, and second coil information indicating a type of the RF coil based on imaging information used by the magnetic resonance imaging device to image a subject; a notification unit that notifies a port to which the RF coil can be connected, among a plurality of ports provided in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, based on the first coil information and the second coil information; An information processing device comprising:

2. The notification unit notifies a port to which the RF coil can be connected based on the first coil information, the second coil information, and an orientation of a subject placed on a top board. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The notification unit notifies a port to which the RF coil can be connected based on the first coil information, the second coil information, and an imaging region of a subject.

3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the notification unit notifies of a connectable port by a light that identifies the port or by opening a door that covers the port. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The notification unit notifies the RF coil to be used based on the first coil information and the second coil information. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

Images