Display Control Device

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A display control device includes a display control section and an acquisition section. The display control section allows a display section to display an object having a width corresponding to an imaging time for each imaging protocol of an MRI. The acquisition section acquires information indicating whether the imaging protocol is completed. The display control section allows the display section to display the object with a width shorter than the width of the object displayed in the display section before completion when the imaging protocol is completed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to a display control device. [Background technology]

[0002] In MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), multiple imaging units called protocols are combined to perform the imaging. Therefore, by displaying the imaging progress of each protocol as an object corresponding to each protocol on a timeline, it becomes easier to manage the progress of the examination.

[0003] However, as the number of protocols increases, there are cases where it becomes impossible to display objects related to all protocols on the screen due to limitations on the screen width. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5686836 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 improve user convenience. 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 below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display control device according to an embodiment includes a display control unit and an acquisition unit. The display control unit causes a display unit to display an object having a width corresponding to an imaging time for each MRI imaging protocol. The acquisition unit acquires information indicating whether the imaging protocol has been completed. When the imaging protocol has been completed, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the object with a width shorter than the width of the object displayed on the display unit before completion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a display control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the display control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the processing performed by the display control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the display control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the display control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of processing performed by the display control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the display control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the display control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the display control device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, a display control device according to an embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 including a display control device 130 according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, 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 (sequence control unit), and a display control device 130 (also referred to as an "image processing device"). Note that the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100 does not include a subject P (e.g., a human body). The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is merely an example. For example, the respective units in the sequence control circuit 120 and the display control device 130 may be configured as integrated or separated as appropriate.

[0009] 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. As another example, the static magnetic field magnet 101 may be a permanent magnet.

[0010] The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a hollow, approximately cylindrical coil 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 gradient magnetic fields whose magnetic field strengths change along the X, Y, and Z axes. The gradient magnetic fields of the X, Y, and Z axes generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 103 are, for example, a slicing gradient magnetic field Gs, a phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and a readout gradient magnetic field Gr. The gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 103.

[0011] The bed 105 includes a top plate 105a on which the subject P is placed, and under the control of a bed control circuit 106, the top plate 105a is inserted into the cavity (imaging port) of the gradient magnetic field coil 103 with the subject P placed thereon. The bed 105 is usually installed so that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 101. Under the control of the display control device 130, the bed control circuit 106 drives the bed 105 to move the top plate 105a in the longitudinal direction and the up-down direction.

[0012] The transmitting coil 107 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and generates a high-frequency magnetic field upon receiving RF pulses from a transmitting circuit 108. The transmitting circuit 108 supplies the transmitting coil 107 with RF pulses corresponding to a Larmor frequency determined by the type of atom of interest and the magnetic field strength.

[0013] The receiving coil 109 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and receives magnetic resonance signals (hereinafter referred to as "MR signals" as necessary) emitted from the subject P due to the influence of the high frequency magnetic field. Upon receiving the magnetic resonance signals, the receiving coil 109 outputs the received magnetic resonance signals to the receiving circuit 110.

[0014] The above-described transmitting coil 107 and receiving coil 109 are merely examples. They may be configured by combining one or more of a coil having only a transmitting function, a coil having only a receiving function, or a coil having a transmitting and receiving function.

[0015] The receiving circuit 110 detects magnetic resonance signals output from the receiving coil 109 and generates magnetic resonance data based on the detected magnetic resonance signals. Specifically, the receiving circuit 110 generates magnetic resonance data by digitally converting the magnetic resonance signals output from the receiving coil 109. The receiving circuit 110 also transmits the generated magnetic resonance data to the sequence control circuit 120. The receiving circuit 110 may be provided on the gantry side that includes the static magnetic field magnet 101, the gradient magnetic field coil 103, etc. Furthermore, some of the functions of the receiving circuit 110, for example, digital conversion of magnetic resonance signals, may be provided in the receiving coil 109.

[0016] The sequence control circuit 120 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmission circuitry 108, and the reception circuitry 110 based on sequence information transmitted from the display control device 130, thereby imaging the subject P. Here, the sequence information is information that defines a procedure for performing imaging. The sequence information defines the strength of the current that the gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies to the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and the timing of supplying the current, the strength of the RF pulse that the transmission circuitry 108 supplies to the transmission coil 107 and the timing of applying the RF pulse, and the timing of detecting a magnetic resonance signal by the reception circuitry 110. For example, the sequence control circuit 120 is an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). Details of the pulse sequence executed by the sequence control circuit 120 will be described later.

[0017] Furthermore, when the sequence control circuit 120 receives magnetic resonance 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 magnetic resonance data to the display control device 130.

[0018] The display control device 130 performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, generates images, etc. The display control device 130 includes a memory 132, an input device 134, a display 135, and a processing circuit 150. The processing circuit 150 includes an acquisition function 150a, a display control function 150b, a reception function 150c, a control function 150d, and a generation function 150e.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the processing functions performed by the acquisition function 150a, display control function 150b, reception function 150c, control function 150d, and generation function 150e are stored in memory 132 in the form of computer-executable programs. The processing circuit 150 is a processor that reads and executes programs from memory 132 to realize the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 150 in a state in which each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuit 150 in FIG. 1. Note that FIG. 1 illustrates the processing functions performed by the acquisition function 150a, display control function 150b, reception function 150c, control function 150d, and generation function 150e being realized by a single processing circuit 150. However, the processing circuit 150 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize the function. In other words, each of the above functions may be configured as a program, and a single processing circuit 150 may execute each program. As another example, a specific function may be implemented in a dedicated, independent program execution circuit. 1, the acquisition function 150a, the display control function 150b, the reception function 150c, the control function 150d, and the generation function 150e are examples of an acquisition unit, a display control unit, a reception unit, a control unit, and a generation unit, respectively. Also, the sequence control circuit 120 is an example of a sequence control unit.

[0020] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits 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 functions by reading and executing programs stored in memory 132.

[0021] Furthermore, instead of storing the program in the memory 132, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuitry. In this case, the processor performs its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuitry. The bed control circuitry 106, the transmission circuitry 108, the reception circuitry 110, etc. are also similarly configured using electronic circuits such as the processor.

[0022] The processing circuit 150 acquires various pieces of information through the memory 132 or the input device 134 using the acquisition function 150a. The processing circuit 150 displays predetermined information on the display 135 as a display unit using the display control function 150b. The processing circuit 150 accepts input from the user using the acceptance function 150c. Details of the processing of the acquisition function 150a, display control function 150b, and acceptance function 150c will be described later.

[0023] The processing circuitry 150 transmits sequence information to the sequence control circuitry 120 using the control function 150d, and receives magnetic resonance data from the sequence control circuitry 120. Furthermore, upon receiving the magnetic resonance data, the processing circuitry 150 having the control function 150d stores the received magnetic resonance data in the memory 132.

[0024] The magnetic resonance data stored in the memory 132 is arranged in k-space by the control function 150d, so that the memory 132 stores the k-space data.

[0025] The memory 132 stores magnetic resonance data received by the processing circuitry 150 having the acquisition function 150a, k-space data arranged in k-space by the processing circuitry 150 having the control function 150d, image data generated by the processing circuitry 150 having the generation function 150e, etc. For example, the memory 132 is a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc.

[0026] The input device 134 accepts various instructions and information input from an operator. The input device 134 is, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball, a selection device such as a mode switch, or an input device such as a keyboard. The display 135 displays, under the control of the processing circuit 150 having the control function 150d, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting input of imaging conditions, an image generated by the processing circuit 150 having the generation function 150e, and the like. The display 135 is, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0027] The processing circuitry 150, using a control function 150d, performs overall control of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 100, and controls imaging, image generation, image display, and the like. For example, the processing circuitry 150 having the control function 150d accepts input of imaging conditions (imaging parameters, etc.) on a GUI and generates sequence information according to the accepted imaging conditions. The processing circuitry 150 having the control function 150d also transmits the generated sequence information to the sequence control circuit 120. The processing circuitry 150, using a generation function 150e, reads k-space data from the memory 132 and performs reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read k-space data to generate an image.

[0028] The display control device 130 may be, for example, a tablet terminal. In this case, a touch panel in the tablet terminal may function as the input device 134 and the display 135.

[0029] Next, the processing performed by the display control device 130 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0030] 2 shows an example of objects that the processing circuitry 150 of the display control device 130 according to the embodiment causes the display control function 150b to display on the display 135. As an example, the processing circuitry 150 causes the display control function 150b to display objects 1 to 5 for each protocol on the display 135. For example, the processing circuitry 150 causes the display control function 150b to display on the display 135 an object 1 relating to a protocol for capturing a locator image, an object 2 relating to a protocol for performing imaging using a DWI (Diffusion-weighted Imaging) method, an object 3 relating to a protocol for performing 3D MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography), an object 4 relating to a protocol for performing T2 imaging on an axial plane, and an object 5 relating to a protocol for performing FLAIR (Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery) imaging on an axial plane, while displaying them on the display 135 in a timeline, arranged from left to right in the order in which imaging is performed, for example.

[0031] Furthermore, the processing circuit 150 controls the display 135 to display, within each object, the imaging time required to execute the protocol associated with that object together with the imaging time required to execute the protocol associated with that object, using the display control function 150b. Furthermore, the processing circuit 150 controls the display 135 to display each object while changing the display width of each object according to the imaging time required to execute the protocol associated with that object, using the display control function 150b. As an example, the processing circuit 150 controls the display 135 to display an object associated with a protocol having a long imaging time, by increasing the display width of the object associated with a protocol having a short imaging time. As an example, the processing circuit 150 controls the display 135 to display an object 3, by increasing the display width of the object 3 compared to the display width of object 1, using the display control function 150b.

[0032] 4 will be explained before explaining Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display each object in a timeline on the display 135. Specifically, the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display objects 1, 2, and 3 on the display screen 10 of the display 135, while displaying them in a timeline, arranged from left to right in the order in which they are imaged.

[0033] It should be noted that the display positions of objects 4 and 5 are outside the display screen 10 of the display 135, and so they are not currently displayed on the display 135.

[0034] As the imaging progresses, the processing circuit 150 deletes the already imaged objects from the display screen 10, and then, using the display control function 150b, displays on the display 135 only the objects related to the protocols that have not yet been imaged, arranged from left to right in the order in which the imaging is performed, as a timeline.

[0035] In this way, by displaying the progress of the examination on a timeline, it becomes easier to manage the progress of the examination.

[0036] The protocol refers to a data processing unit that compiles multiple series of imaging data, which are multiple pieces of imaging data related to each other. That is, the protocol is a data processing unit that compiles multiple series of imaging data as a group. For example, a group of imaging data of multiple slices imaged under the same imaging conditions but at different slice positions constitutes imaging data related to one protocol.

[0037] In addition, in the embodiment, when a user selects an object, the processing circuitry 150 may receive a process related to the object through the reception function 150c. That is, these objects may be buttons. As an example, when a user selects an object, the processing circuitry 150 receives a change in the imaging conditions related to the object through the reception function 150c.

[0038] As an example, when a user selects an object, the processing circuit 150 uses the reception function 150c to receive a change in the imaging time for the protocol corresponding to the selected object. For example, when a user clicks on object 3, the processing circuit 150 uses the reception function 150c to receive a change in the imaging time for 3D MRA imaging. The processing circuit 150 also uses the display control function 150b to change the display width of the object for which the change in imaging time has been received. As an example, the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display object 3 on the display 135 with a display width corresponding to the changed imaging time.

[0039] If the display width of displayed objects changes frequently as the imaging conditions are edited, the positions of these objects will change frequently, which will interfere with operations such as editing the imaging conditions by clicking on the objects. Therefore, the processing circuit 150 may use the display control function 150b to limit the types of width values ​​that can be used as the display width of an object to N types (N is a predetermined natural number) so as to prevent the width of the object from changing frequently. In other words, the processing circuit 150 may use the display control function 150b to determine the width of the object to be displayed on the display 135 by selecting from among predetermined types of width candidates.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows an example of display widths when N=3. The processing circuit 150, using the display control function 150b, causes the display 135 to display objects of a protocol whose imaging time is shorter than a first threshold value at a first width, which is the shortest width. As an example, the first threshold value is 1:00, and the processing circuit 150, using the display control function 150b, causes the display 135 to display object 1 at the first width, which is the shortest width. Furthermore, the processing circuit 150, using the display control function 150b, causes the display 135 to display objects 2, 4, and 5, which are objects of protocols whose imaging time is longer than the first threshold value and shorter than the second threshold value, at a second width, which is longer than the first width. As an example, the second threshold value is 4:00. The processing circuit 150, using the display control function 150b, causes the display 135 to display object 3, which is an object of a protocol whose imaging time is longer than the second threshold value, at a third width, which is longer than the second width. In this way, by limiting the types of width values ​​that can be taken as the display width of an object, it is possible to prevent the position of the object from changing frequently, improving user convenience.

[0041] However, as shown in Fig. 4, if the number of protocols to be displayed on the display 135 increases, the processing circuit 150 will be unable to display all of the protocols on the screen. For example, in Fig. 4, the protocols related to objects 4 and 5, which exceed the width of the display screen 10, will be unable to be displayed on the display 135 as they are. Therefore, in order to display these protocols, processing such as screen scrolling will be required. In this way, if there are many protocols that are not displayed on the screen, it may be difficult to understand the entire examination.

[0042] Note that the degree to which the user wants to know the imaging time differs between unimaged protocols and imaged protocols. That is, since the user wants to know the imaging time of unexamined protocols, a user interface that allows the user to visually check the imaging time of the protocol is desirable. On the other hand, the user is less concerned about the imaging time of imaged protocols. Therefore, it is conceivable that the display control device 130 handles the width of the object to be displayed differently between unimaged protocols and imaged protocols.

[0043] Therefore, in the display control device 130 according to the embodiment, the processing circuitry 150 causes the display control function 150b to display an object having a width corresponding to the imaging time on the display 135 for each MRI imaging protocol, and the acquisition function 150a to acquire information indicating whether the imaging protocol has been completed. When the imaging protocol has been completed, the processing circuitry 150 causes the display control function 150b to display the object on the display 135 with a width shorter than the width of the object displayed on the display 135 before the completion. This allows protocols that have not yet been imaged to fit within the display screen 10, making it easier to understand the entire examination.

[0044] A specific example of such processing is shown in Fig. 5. During imaging, the processing circuit 150 acquires, by the acquisition function 150a, information indicating whether or not each imaging protocol has been completed via the sequence control circuit 120, etc. For example, if imaging has been completed for the protocols related to objects 1, 2, and 3, but not for the protocols related to objects 4 and 5, the processing circuit 150 acquires, by the acquisition function 150a, information indicating that the imaging protocols related to objects 1, 2, and 3 have been completed, but that the imaging protocols related to objects 4 and 5 have not been completed.

[0045] Furthermore, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display on the display 135 the object 1 related to the protocol for which imaging has been completed, with a width shorter than the width of the object 1 displayed on the display 135 before the imaging was completed. In other words, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to make the width of the object related to the protocol for which imaging has been completed smaller than the width of the object related to the protocol before the imaging was completed, and to display the object on the display 135. Similarly, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display on the display 135 the object 2 related to the protocol for which imaging has been completed, with a width shorter than the width of the object 2 displayed on the display 135 before the imaging was completed.

[0046] Note that, unlike protocols for which imaging has not been completed, there is no need to worry about the imaging time for protocols for which imaging has been completed, and therefore, the processing circuit 150 may use the display control function 150b to display objects for which imaging protocols have been completed with the same width on the display 135. As an example, the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display object 1 and object 2 related to protocols for which imaging has been completed with the same width on the display 135.

[0047] Furthermore, for objects related to protocols for which imaging has been completed, the display width may be the minimum value. That is, for example, processing circuit 150 causes display control function 150b to display on display 135 objects for which imaging protocols have been completed with widths that do not exceed the minimum width value of objects for which imaging protocols have not been completed. For example, processing circuit 150 causes display control function 150b to display on display 135 objects 1, 2, and 3 for which imaging protocols have been completed with widths that do not exceed the minimum width value of objects 4 and 5 for which imaging protocols have not been completed.

[0048] The processing circuit 150 may use the display control function 150b to automatically scroll the displayed position simultaneously with the completion of imaging so that the first unimaged protocol is displayed across the screen width. For example, FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen immediately after imaging of a protocol related to object 2 is completed. The processing circuit 150 may use the display control function 150b to scroll the displayed objects to the left simultaneously with the completion of imaging so that the top of object 3, which is an object related to the first protocol among the unimaged protocols, is displayed at the left edge of the display screen 10. This allows the user to focus their attention on the protocols for which imaging has not been completed.

[0049] As described above, in the first embodiment, the processing circuitry 150 uses the display control function 150b to display the width of an object of a protocol for which imaging has been completed with a width that is shorter than the width of the object when imaging has not been completed. This makes it easier to fit protocols for which imaging has not yet been completed within the display screen 10, making it easier to understand the entire examination and improving user convenience.

[0050] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display thumbnail images for a protocol for which imaging has been completed together with objects related to the protocol on the display 135. That is, when the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display objects on the display 135 as a display unit, the processing circuit 150 also displays images related to the imaging protocol.

[0051] 7, taking the example of a case where imaging has been completed up to the protocols related to objects 1, 2, and 3, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display on the display 135 thumbnails of representative images captured using the protocols for which imaging has been completed for the objects related to the protocols for which imaging has been completed. As an example, when the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display object 1 related to the protocol for which imaging has been completed on the display 135, it causes the processing circuit 150 to display thumbnail image 11, which is a representative image captured using the protocol for which imaging has been completed, as an image related to the imaging protocol. Similarly, when the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display objects 2 and 3 related to the protocols for which imaging has been completed on the display 135, it causes thumbnail images 12 and 13, which are representative images captured using the protocols for which imaging has been completed, as images related to the imaging protocols, respectively.

[0052] Processing circuit 150 uses display control function 150b to set the display width of an object to be displayed on display 135 so that the thumbnail image will be a size suitable for thumbnail display. For example, processing circuit 150 uses display control function 150b to set the display width of object 1 to be displayed on display 135 so that thumbnail image 11 related to object 1 will be a size suitable for thumbnail display. Here, a size suitable for thumbnail display means, for example, a size that is not too small so that the outline of the thumbnail image can be easily distinguished, and a size that is not too large so that all objects can fit within display screen 10 even when displayed.

[0053] As described above, in the second embodiment, the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display thumbnail images of the captured protocols on the display 135. This allows the user to easily understand the outline of the captured protocols, improving user convenience.

[0054] In the embodiment, the processing circuit 150 has been described as automatically displaying a thumbnail image of an imaged protocol on the display 135 using the display control function 150b. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuit 150 may use the display control function 150b to display a thumbnail image of the imaged protocol on the display 135 only when the user selects an object related to the imaged protocol.

[0055] Furthermore, in an embodiment, when an imaging protocol is completed, the processing circuitry 150 may cause the display control function 150b to create an image obtained by the imaging protocol on the spot and display the image obtained by the imaging protocol on the display 135 as a thumbnail image to be displayed together with an object related to the protocol that has been imaged on the display 135. In other words, when an imaging protocol is completed, the processing circuitry 150 may cause the display control function 150b to display on the display 135 an object indicating the imaging protocol, including the image obtained by the imaging protocol.

[0056] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display thumbnail images for an imaged protocol on the display 135, but in the third embodiment, when a user selects the thumbnail image, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display more detailed information, such as a predetermined image, on the display 135. As an example, when a user selects a thumbnail image for an imaging protocol, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display a plurality of series images that make up the imaging protocol on the display 135.

[0057] That is, when multiple images are generated by imaging using one protocol, typically when multiple images including post-processed images such as MIP images or MPR images are generated, as already described in the second embodiment, for example, the processing circuitry 150 causes the display control function 150b to display, on the display 135, a representative image captured using the protocol for which imaging has been performed, for an object related to the protocol for which imaging has been performed. Here, as shown in Fig. 8, when the user selects a thumbnail image, the processing circuitry 150 causes the display control function 150b to display, on the display 135, multiple images related to the protocol for which imaging has been performed.

[0058] As an example, when a user selects object 1 or thumbnail image 11 of object 1 related to a protocol for which an image has been captured, processing circuit 150 causes display control function 150b to display a plurality of series images constituting the imaging protocol for object 1 on display 135. As an example, when a user selects object 1 or thumbnail image 11 of object 1 related to a protocol for which an image has been captured, processing circuit 150 causes display control function 150b to make a pop-up window appear, and causes a plurality of series images constituting the imaging protocol for object 1 to be displayed on display screen 10 of display 135 as thumbnail images 21, 22, and 23.

[0059] As described above, in the third embodiment, when a user selects a thumbnail image related to an imaging protocol, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display more detailed information on the display 135. This allows the user to obtain more detailed information related to the selected imaging protocol as needed, improving user convenience.

[0060] In the embodiment, a case has been described in which, when a user selects a thumbnail image related to an imaging protocol, a plurality of series images constituting the imaging protocol are displayed, but the embodiment is not limited to this. When a user selects a thumbnail image related to an imaging protocol, the processing circuit 150 may cause the display control function 150b to display, on the display 135, other images captured using the same imaging protocol as the selected imaging protocol, for example, images captured using the same protocol in the past.

[0061] (Fourth embodiment) In the first to third embodiments, processing performed for a protocol for which imaging has already been performed has been described. In the fourth embodiment, an example of processing performed by the processing circuit 150 using the display control function 150b for an object for which the imaging protocol has not been completed when the imaging protocol has not been completed will be described. Specifically, when the imaging protocol has not been completed, the processing circuit 150 causes the display 135 to display another image captured using the same imaging protocol as the imaging protocol in question when displaying the object on the display 135 using the display control function 150b.

[0062] 9, when the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display an object 4 related to an incomplete imaging protocol on the display 135, the processing circuit 150 causes another image captured using the same imaging protocol as the incomplete imaging protocol to be displayed on the display 135 as a thumbnail image 14. Furthermore, when the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display an object 5 related to an incomplete imaging protocol on the display 135, the processing circuit 150 causes another image captured using the same imaging protocol as the incomplete imaging protocol to be displayed on the display 135 as a thumbnail image 15.

[0063] Examples of other images captured using the same imaging protocol as the imaging protocol include images captured in the past using the same imaging protocol as the imaging protocol using the same or a different subject.

[0064] Note that, when an imaging protocol is not completed, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display objects on the display 135 with a width corresponding to the imaging time of the imaging protocol. As an example, the processing circuit 150 causes the display control function 150b to display objects 4 and 5 related to protocols for which the imaging protocol is not completed with a width corresponding to the imaging time of the imaging protocol on the display 135. When the imaging protocol is not completed, unlike when the imaging protocol is completed, it is considered that the user is interested in the length of the imaging time. Therefore, by causing the processing circuit 150 to cause the display control function 150b to display objects on the display 135 with a width corresponding to the imaging time of the imaging protocol, the user can instantly visually grasp the imaging time of protocols for which imaging has not yet been completed, thereby improving user convenience.

[0065] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the processing circuit 150 uses the display control function 150b to display thumbnail images even for protocols for which the imaging protocol has not been completed. This makes it easier for the user to understand the outline of the imaging protocol, improving user convenience.

[0066] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve user convenience.

[0067] Although several 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 within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 130 Display control device 150 Processing Circuit 150a Acquisition Function 150b Display control function 150c Reception function 150d Control Functions 150e generation function

Claims

1. a display control unit that displays an object having a width corresponding to the imaging time on the display unit for each MRI imaging protocol; an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether the imaging protocol has been completed; when the imaging protocol is completed, the display control unit causes the display unit to display the object with a width shorter than a width of the object displayed on the display unit before the completion of the imaging protocol. Display control device.

2. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the object with the same width for which the imaging protocol has been completed.

3. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the object for which the imaging protocol has been completed with a width that does not exceed a minimum width value of the object for which the imaging protocol has not been completed.

4. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the object together with an image related to the imaging protocol.

5. The display control device according to claim 4 , wherein the display control unit causes a plurality of series images constituting the imaging protocol to be displayed on the display unit when the user selects the image.

6. The display control device according to claim 5 , wherein when the user selects the image, the display control unit causes another image captured using the same imaging protocol as the imaging protocol to be displayed on the display unit.

7. 2. The display control device according to claim 1, wherein, when the imaging protocol is not completed, the display control unit causes the display unit to display another image captured using the same imaging protocol as the imaging protocol when the object is displayed on the display unit.

8. The display control device according to claim 1 , wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display the object with a width according to an imaging time of the imaging protocol when the imaging protocol is not completed.

9. a display control unit that displays an object having a width corresponding to the imaging time on the display unit for each MRI imaging protocol; an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether the imaging protocol has been completed; The display control unit causes the display unit to display, when the imaging protocol is completed, an image obtained by the imaging protocol together with the object indicating the imaging protocol.

Images