Abstract:
A data acquisition system for use in conducting functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. fMRI studies can provide clues to the neurobiological basis of CNS disorders and reliable and quantifiable data relating to their symptoms. The data acquisition system includes a control station, a patient stimulus and response system and fMRI data acquisition software for controlling the operation of the system in response to operator input and acquiring fMRI data comprising MR images and associated behavioral response data. The stimulus and response system presents visual or auditory or other stimuli to the patient under direction of the control station while functional MRI scanning takes place. The MRI image data is collected from the MRI scanner and combined with the behavioral data generated as the patient responds to the stimuli and archived for later analysis and use. The system includes quality control measures for properly setting up the equipment and preparing and training the patient and for verifying data quality during the different steps in the process.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to systems for use in mapping the human brain and in detecting symptoms of neurological disorders and more specifically to the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in pre-surgical mapping and in detecting symptoms, determining severity and assessing therapeutic efficacy in cases of central nervous system disorders.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     fMRI is a neuroimaging technology which has been used in researching functional aspects of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. fMRI is an application of nuclear magnetic resonance technology in which functional brain activity is detected usually in response to a task specifically designed to evoke cognitive or motor behavior in a patient. fMRI is capable of detecting localized event-related brain activity and changes in this activity over time. Its principal advantages are its strong spatial and temporal resolution. Further, since no isotopes are used, a virtually unlimited number of scanning sessions that can be performed on a given subject, making within-subject studies feasible. fMRI operates by detecting increases in cerebral blood volume that occur locally in association with increased neuronal activity. A widely used fMRI method for detecting brain activity is based upon the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) response. The BOLD signal arises as a consequence of a ‘paradoxical’ increase in blood oxygenation, presumably due to increased local blood flow in excess of local metabolic demand and oxygen consumption following neuronal activity. An increase in blood oxygenation results in increased field homogeneity (increase in T 2  and T 2 *), less dephasing of spins, and increased MR signal intensity on susceptibility-weighted MRI images. fMRI systems can provide clues to the neurobiological basis of CNS disorders and reliable and quantifiable data relating to their symptoms. Accordingly, fMRI has been under increasing development as an instrument for assessing the neurobiological circuitry that underlies neurological disorders and for measuring the brain&#39;s response to therapeutic and especially pharmacological interventions. However, one of the main challenges of implementing fMRI technology has been the complexity associated with acquiring fMRI data and assembling, testing, configuring and maintaining the required fMRI equipment so that clinical evaluations of a variety of cognitive and sensorimotor functions can take place on an efficient and effective basis.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     The present invention comprises a data acquisition system for operating in conjunction with an MR scanner and acquiring fMRI data including MR images and associated behavioral response data. This system is comprised of two main components, a patient stimulus and response system, located in the MR scanner room, and a control station operating under control of a data acquisition software program, located in the MR control room. The stimulus and response system includes a presentation device for providing visual, auditory or other input to the patient such as a video projector and screen or a headphones and a patient response device for use by the patient in making responses such as a small keypad. The control station includes a workstation, the control application software and presentation, data collection and archiving software. The control station&#39;s software application program controls the operation of the patient stimulus and response system and coordinates the fMRI data acquisition process. Coordination of the data acquisition process includes the input of patient information, the selection of stimulation paradigms/activation tasks, the designation of scanning parameters, quality control mechanisms that track the function of all primary components in the system, data quality monitoring of patient responses, the collection of image data from the MR scanner and the formatting and archiving of all the data and information from the test session. The control station and its software guide the operator through the steps that make up an fMRI study and provide quality assurance procedures to assure that quality data is acquired.  
         [0004]     The system is used as a data acquisition tool in the MR environment to perform functional MRI (fMRI) procedures based on Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) contrast. The control station regulates the presentation of sets of stimuli to the patient by the stimulus and response system and the collection the patient&#39;s responses from a button (response) device in coordination with the operation of the MR scanner. Execution of specific cognitive or motor activation tasks by the patient in response to sets of specially selected stimuli that are synchronized in time with the acquisition of MR images creates the desired fMRI image data and behavioral data. The MR image data are obtained by the control station from the MR scanner console. The image and behavioral data are then combined and archived to a removable media.  
         [0005]     The fMRI examination process is comprised of several steps. After the fMRI software application is launched the operator is prompted to input patient identification information. The operator then selects an activation task or stimulation paradigm appropriate for the patient, the disorder affecting the patient and purposes of the examination. At this stage the operator may engage a training mode whereby the patient is exposed to an emulated activation task reflecting the selected stimulation paradigm in order to familiarize the patient with task procedures. Thereafter, the operator is prompted to prepare (e.g. provide vision correction if necessary) and properly position the patient in the scanner, and verify proper equipment alignment and equipment configurations within the MR scanner environment. These procedures assure that the patient is able to see or hear the stimuli from the stimulus presentation equipment. Since proper operation of the response device is critical to the value of the fMRI data, the operator is guided through the process of checking the functionality of the response device prior to onset of the study. If all requirements have been met, the scan procedure can begin. First, an anatomical MR image of the patient&#39;s brain is then acquired with the MR scanner. The scanner operator checks and specifies the scan specifications for pulse sequences associated with high resolution anatomical images and lower resolution functional images. A subprogram is invoked for presenting a series of stimuli to the patient while MR scanning takes place for generating the functional MR images in coordination with the presentation of the stimuli. During functional scanning the responses of the patient are tracked and tallied and real time patient performance measures are presented to the operator. Additionally, a warning may be provided if the patient is not performing at minimum task performance levels. The MR image data is transferred from the MR scanner console to the control station and the integrity of the image data is verified. Finally, the image and associated behavioral data are stored in a standard format and archived onto a removable medium for later analysis and review.  
         [0006]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated fMRI data acquisition system including all primary hardware and software components for use in fMRI clinical applications.  
         [0007]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated fMRI data acquisition system for that is easily managed by an MR technologist and/or radiologist for developing and carrying out clinical applications.  
         [0008]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated fMRI data acquisition system including capabilities for synchronizing image acquisition with stimulus presentation, accessing behavioral performance measures, controlling quality through initiatives to minimize and correct head movement and testing response device and stimulus presentation equipment prior to study onset.  
         [0009]     It is an object of the present invention to provide an integrated fMRI data acquisition system designed so that the MR technologist can be trained and guided through procedures for familiarizing the patient with activation tasks, positioning the patient so as to minimize head movement and monitoring the successful acquisition of behavioral and functional images for quality control purposes.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is an overall diagrammatic view of an fMRI system including the MR scanner and the data acquisition system of the present invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a pictorial view of the hardware for the control station components of the data acquisition system of the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a pictorial view of the hardware for the projection and display components of the stimulus and response system of the data acquisition system of the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a pictorial view of the patient response device component of the stimulus and response system of the data acquisition system of the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a software flowchart showing the basic steps in the data acquisition program of the present invention run on the control station of the present invention.  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a software flowchart showing sub-steps in the Prepare For MRI Scanning step of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a software flowchart showing sub-steps in the Perform MRI Imaging step of the present invention shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a screen image of the configuration window associated with the Presentation application subprogram and data acquisition program of the present invention shown in this instance as active for input device configuration purposes.  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a screen image of the Select Patient window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a screen image of the Select Task window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a screen image of the Patient Positioning window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0021]      FIGS. 12A  is an image of an equipment setup assistance graphic included in the instructions presented to system operators in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 12B  is an image of an alignment screen presented to patients for use in aligning the components of the stimulus presentation system of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 12C  is an image of the patient response device presented to patients to assist in interactive equipment setup and verification in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 12D  is an image of a patient response device test window presented to system operators to assist in interactive equipment setup and verification in accordance with the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a screen image of the Training window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a screen image of the Anatomical Imaging window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a screen image of the functional Imaging window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 16A  is a screen image of the main control window associated with the Presentation application subprogram and data acquisition program shown as active for initiating the running of a selected activation task.  
         [0029]      FIG. 16B  is a screen image of the activation task/stimulation paradigm/scenario selection window associated with the Presentation subprogram and data acquisition program that may be optionally used for making selecting new tasks or making changes to task selections.  
         [0030]      FIG. 16C  is a screen image of the activation task status and control windows associated with the Presentation application subprogram and data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 16D  is a screen image of a Data Integrity Failure window warning the operator that patient is not providing a minimum number of correct task responses provided for quality control purposes.  
         [0032]      FIG. 17A  is a screen image of the MR Image Transfer window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 17B  is a screen image of a Dicom Image Error window warning that fewer files were transferred than expected provided for quality control purposes.  
         [0034]      FIG. 18  is a screen image of the Study Comments window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 19  is a screen image of the Archive Patient Data window for the data acquisition program of the present invention.  
         [0036]      FIG. 20  is a screen image of the data archiving window associated with the NovaBACKUP application subprogram and with the data acquisition program of the present invention shown as active for data archiving to a removable media.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0037]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the data acquisition system  10  includes a control station  30  and a stimulus and response system  50 . The control station  30  is located in the MR control room  80  and includes a 15 inch LCD flat panel monitor  32 , input devices such as a keyboard  34  and mouse  35  and a control station computer (processor box)  36 . The control station  30  comprises a computer workstation adapted to run a main data acquisition software application program for performing fMRI studies in accordance with the present invention. The application software includes certain auxiliary software programs (subprograms) which are adapted for running in conjunction with the main application program to provide otherwise conventional functions useful as a part of the main program. Stimulus presentation and response collection functions may be provided by a program such as the Presentation software program by Neurobehavioral Systems, Inc., 828 San Pablo Avenue, Suite 216, Albany, Calif. 94706. Data archiving functions may be provided by the program such as the NovaBACKUP software program by Novastor Corporation, 80B West Cochran, Simi Valley, Calif., 93065. Together with the main data acquisition program these programs constitute the primary software for controlling the data acquisition system and for providing the primary functionality of the present invention.  
         [0038]     An Ethernet connection  38  is used to link the control station  30  to the MR scanner console  40  in the equipment room  84  for use collecting image data from the scanner. A timing, synchronization and interface device  42  is used to synchronize events related to the fMRI study including MR scanning, stimulus presentation and patient response collection and serves as an interface between the MR scanner system  44 , the control station  30  and response device  70 . The interface device  42  is connected to the control station computer  36  via an RS232 serial connection link. The interface device  42  provides a trigger pulse via an electrical or fiber optical connection  46  to the MR scanner system  44  and has a programmable feature to generate a triggered pulse train that has the same value as the TR (Repetition Time) for image acquisition, based on the values of the period, duration, and number of pulses needed for the fMRI study. The timing device  42  outputs the generated pulse train signal to the control station computer  36  via a RJ45 to parallel port computer link for use in stimulus timing. The control station software detects the rising edges of the pulse train and triggers stimulus presentation in accordance with the requirements for the fMRI study.  
         [0039]     The stimulus and response system  50  is located in the scan room  82  comprises a video projection assembly  52  including a video projector, an optical receiver enclosed in an RF enclosure  58  and a display screen  60 . The projection assembly  52  and screen  60  are both mounted on a mobile support cart  62  that allows vertical (or height) adjustment and horizontal movement to increase/decrease relative distance between the screen  60  and the projection assembly  52  and adjust the position of the screen  60  relative to the patient. A head coil (not shown) is preferably used with a mirror assembly designed to allow the patient to see the display screen  60  while reclined on the patient support table when inside the bore of the scanner magnet assembly  88 . Alternatively, prism glasses may also be employed for enabling the patient to view the screen  60 . The control station  30  controls the projection assembly  52  via an optical communications link comprising an electrical-to-optical converter and transmitter unit (not shown) connected to a video card installed on the control station computer  36 . This optical link passes through the waveguide  86  and transmits the video signals from the control station  30  to the video projection assembly  52  for projection on the screen  60 .  
         [0040]     The response device  70  operates using optical technology to avoid electromagnetic interference and includes optical switches designed specifically for use in the MRI environment. The response device  70  consists of a small metal-free keypad containing four elongated keys or buttons designed for easy use by the patient. In use the response device  70  is usually placed on the lap of the patient for the length of the fMRI procedure. The response device  70  is connected to an opto-electronic converter  85 , located in the control room  82 , via a fiber optic cable  74 . The converter  85  translates the optical signals into electrical signals and transmits these electrical signals to the electronic interface unit  42  on electrical signal line  75  which passes from the scanner room  82  into the control room  80  through a connector at the penetration panel  96 . The interface unit  42  includes a controller that may be programmed to map the keypad buttons to specific ascii characters that are furnished to the control station computer  36  via a serial port connection.  
         [0041]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the control station  30  is shown in greater detail. In this case the control station  30  includes the two LCD monitors  32 A and  32 B for simultaneously monitoring both the operation of the data acquisition software application and the stimulation paradigm (although two monitors are not required). The control station also includes the interface unit  42 , keyboard  34 , mouse  35  and processor box  36 . The control station  30  may comprise a 3 GHz microprocessor system running the Windows XP operating system by Microsoft and having 512 MB RAM, a 40 GB hard drive, a DVD+RW optical drive and a SVGA Video card such as a NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 4000 (in this case, a dual-display card).  
         [0042]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the projection and display components of stimulus and response system  50  are shown as supported on a specially designed adjustable cart  62  adapted for being easily moved into position over a reclining patient. The projector assembly  52  is housed in the enclosure  58  and for shielding from electromagnetic interference. Images are projected onto the screen  60  through a small optical port in the door  55 . The height of the projection components may be adjusted using a crank  65  operating a scissors jack supporting the table on which the system components are mounted.  
         [0043]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the patient response components of the stimulus and response system  50  are shown. The response device  70  includes a keypad  72  having four elongated buttons or keys featuring shallow depressions for guiding the patient&#39;s fingers onto the correct keys and a pad  75  on which the patient&#39;s hand can rest for comfort and to help align the hand with the keypad  72 . The optical-to-electrical interface unit  85  converts the optical signals generated by the response device  70  into standard electrical signals for use by the interface unit  42 .  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the flowchart  100  shows the operational process for the data acquisition system  10  as including seven basic steps: patient selection and patient information input  102 , activation task/stimulation paradigm selection  104 , execution of pre-scanning procedures  106 , engaging and running a task training mode with the patient  108 , execution of anatomical and functional imaging in conjunction with the performance of activation tasks by the patient  110 , transfer of imaging data from the MRI scanner system  40  to the data acquisition system  112  and archiving of all collected data and comments to a removable media  114 . These basic steps are performed through the use of and with the assistance of different interface screens: screen  150  in  FIG. 9 , screen  200  in  FIG. 10 , screen  250  in  FIG. 11  (and related screens and windows  270 ,  275 ,  280  and  285   FIGS. 12A-12D ), screen  300  in  FIG. 13 , screens  350  and  370  in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , screen  390  in  FIG. 16A  (and related screens  400 ,  420  and  430  in  FIGS. 16B, 16C  and  16 D), screen  450  in  FIG. 17A  (and related screen  470  in  FIG. 17B ), screen  500  in  FIG. 18  and screens  550  and  570  in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . The functions provided by the steps  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112  and  114  will be illustrated and described in conjunction with the interface screens shown in  FIGS. 9-20  by means of which the functionality of these steps is implemented.  
         [0045]     Referring now to  FIG. 6  and  7 , the flowcharts  125  and  135  expand on steps  106  and  110  in  FIG. 5  and include substeps  120 ,  122  and  124  and substeps  130 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 , respectively. These steps will be described in greater detail with respect to the screens and windows shown in  FIGS. 12A-12D  and  FIGS. 14 and 15  with respect to which the functionality of these substeps is implemented.  
         [0046]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the Presentation application provides a configuration and control screen  140  in conjunction with the main data acquisition application that serves as an interface for setting up the hardware associated with the data acquisition system  10  and configuring the hardware for operation with the software applications and other equipment. The configuration and control screen  140  can be invoked at any time by clicking the presentation icon on the screen  32  of control station  30  and selecting the Settings tab  147  from the file tab set  142 . Setup and configuration proceeds by selecting one of the buttons from the button bar  141  featuring a specific device or function and then entering information appropriate to the feature being configured on the settings panel  170 . The buttons on the button bar  141  provide convenient access to configuration functions for selecting and configuring input/response devices, communications ports, video display adapters, audio equipment, log files and other system features. Required information is entered by clicking buttons, selecting list entries and entering alphanumeric text in text boxes and fields where appropriate in accordance with configuration panels provided in response to individual button selections.  
         [0047]     Screen  140  specifically illustrates the set up process for a keypad input device (serial response box) such as the patient response device  70  having input buttons selected as a list entries in box  144  and configuring the keys of the device. Since response device configurations can be different for different types of tasks a task scenario must first be specified in box  145 . With the system running and the software program launched the keys on the input device are pressed and are highlighted on the list in entry box  148 . The keys may then be clicked on to enter them as active buttons on the list in entry box  146 . The buttons  172  are used in testing the configurations. Special commonly used devices may be selected for configuration by general category using the buttons provided on panel  143  and the properties of selected devices may be readily accessed using the buttons on panel  149 .  
         [0048]     In normal operation, the data acquisition application software is launched by clicking a main fMRI data acquisition system application icon located on display  32  of the control station  30 . After the data acquisition application software is first launched the operator is presented with a standard login screen and must provide a valid login name and password that must be authenticated for the operator to begin using the system  10 . Thereafter, the operator is presented with the interface screens associated with the main program (and subprograms when their functions are required) and controls the operation of the system  10  by interacting with these screens to undertake and complete fMRI scanning study sessions. The application provides three pull down menus that are universally available and appear in every main screen at the top left corner of the windows, namely the File, Tools and Help menus. The Tools pull down menu provides access to DICOM related communications parameters such as port number that can be configured for a particular site by selecting a Customize option. The help menu provides an index of help topics including commentary although certain Help menu options are keyed to certain process steps and may be presented to and made conveniently available to the operator at certain times or upon selected events during the fMRI procedure. Help information may be accessed in the conventional manner by selecting the Help Contents option on the Help menu, examining the available topics and selecting the topic with respect to which assistance is required. The Help menu also provides a link to a web site providing product support. The operator may log out or exit the program at any time by selecting the File menu and clicking the Logout or Exit selections. Additional menus providing added functional options are provided during different process steps.  
         [0049]     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the Select Patient screen  150  associated with step  102  includes a set of text entry fields  158  on the Patient information panel  159  for the operator to add or edit patient information such as name, address and patient ID, although these fields may be automatically by populated with the necessary data by clicking the names of patients which appear on the Patient List box  154  for patients whose information has previously been entered into the system. The fields  158  may be made active for editing existing information or adding new patient information by clicking buttons  156  or  157 . The screen  150  also includes a standard process steps box  155  common to most of the interface screens specifying the basic processing steps in the fMRI data acquisition process and highlighting the process step currently being performed so the operator has a visual cue as to the current step that is underway. The screen  150  further includes a standard text entry study comments box  165  common to most of the interface screens for use in entering miscellaneous information or commentary pertaining to the equipment, patient or procedure. After patient information is verified or new information is entered the operator proceeds to the next step in the procedure by clicking the OK button  151 .  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the Select Task screen  200  associated with step  104  includes a functional Assessment list box  202  providing a list of clinical assessments/indicated patient disorders that may be selected by the operator. In response to the selection of a particular assessment/disorder an adjacent Available Tasks list box  204  is populated with activation tasks/stimulation paradigms useful in fMRI studies related to the selected disorder. The operator may select one or more activation tasks/stimulation paradigms for the current patient and procedure by highlighting them in the box  204  and clicking the Add Task button  207  whereupon the tasks are listed in order of selection in the Task Order box  211 . The screen  150  also includes a standard process steps box  205  (similar to box  155  in  FIG. 9 ) listing the basic fMRI process steps and highlighting the current step to provide a visual cue as to the step currently underway and includes a standard text entry comment box  215  (similar to box  165  in  FIG. 9 ) for entering miscellaneous information or commentary. After the activation task or tasks are selected the operator proceeds to the next step in the procedure by clicking the OK button  206 .  
         [0051]     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the Patient Positioning screen  250  associated with step  106  includes a large Patient Positioning text box  252  for presenting a series of patient preparation and equipment setup instructions and graphics  257  to the operator in conjunction with the presentation of setup and instructional displays to the patient. The screen  250  also includes a standard process steps box  255  listing the basic fMRI process steps and highlighting the current step to provide a visual cue as to the step currently underway and includes a standard text entry comment box  265  for entering miscellaneous information or commentary. The instructions  257  provide for the operator to brief the patient on fMRI processes and advise the patient regarding risks associated with MRI scanning. The operator is also prompted to review with the patient the nature of the study, complexity of the tasks and explain the use of visual stimulation and patient response apparatus. The operator is then directed to prepare the patient for an MRI scan, help the patient in assuming a supine position, position any required head restraint system and instruct the patient to remain still. The operator is then directed to set up, position and align the visual stimulus device in front or behind the scanner table and patient response device under the patient&#39;s hand, and to complete setup verifications. A progress bar  260  (common to most of the interface screens) provides feedback to the operator as to degree to which the process step underway has been completed. As explained later a training procedure may be invoked as an optional procedure by clicking the Training button  251 . After patient positioning, patent instruction, equipment setup and alignment and any desired patient training is completed, the operator proceeds to the next step in the procedure by clicking the OK button  256 .  
         [0052]     Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , the graphical display image  270  is included within the instructions  257  provided to the operator and helps in directing the operator for proper setup and alignment of the projector assembly  54 , display screen  60 , response device  70  with respect to the patient  272  and scanner magnet  88 . The display image  275  is presented on the screen  60  to the patient to insure that the visual stimulus system  50  is properly functioning and a complete test pattern as outlined by the border  276  is visible to the patient and the text on the screen  60  is legible to the patient. The stimulus and response system  50  can be adjusted in the vertical direction to move the screen up/down and in the horizontal direction to increase/decrease the relative distance between the screen and the assembly and can be moved towards or away from the patient as needed to provide that the patient is able to view the entire test pattern.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIGS. 12C and 12D , the interactive display screen  280  is also presented to the patient while the window  285  is displayed to the operator. The display screen  280  includes a test image  282  of the response device  70  on which the buttons are highlighted when pressed by the patient while the window  285  includes a similar test image  286  on which the buttons are also highlighted when pressed. The window  285  also includes radio buttons  288  for setting the handedness of the device  70  and check boxes  290  for use in verifying the functionality of each button. The display screen  280  and window  285  allow the operation of the response device  70  to be tested. After the procedures associated with step  106  and screen  250  are completed the operator clicks the OK button  256  to proceed to the next process step.  
         [0054]     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , the Training screen  300  associated with step  108  includes a large text box  302  for presenting training instructions and graphics to the operator in conjunction with the presentation of a series of training displays and sample tasks and task elements to the patient on the patient display screen  60 . The selected training task file location and name are displayed at field  304 . The screen  300  also includes a standard process steps box  305  listing the basic fMRI process steps and highlighting the current step to provide a visual cue as to the step currently underway and includes a standard text entry comment box  315  for entering miscellaneous information or commentary. In operation it is critical to have the patient practice the activation task or tasks they will be performing in the scanner. Not only is it important for patient comfort and confidence in the context of the study, but it also ensures that the patient has a complete understanding of what they are expected to do and are able to perform at accuracy levels appropriate for the experiment. The training mode may be engaged from the Patient Positioning screen  250  by clicking the Training button  251 . At this time display screen  280  and window  285  shown in  FIGS. 12C and 12D  may again be displayed to patient and operator to verify the operation of the patient response device and help familiarize the patient with operation of the buttons. At this point when the operator clicks the OK button  306  the data acquisition application will launch the Presentation program in a training mode version using the task selected previously while instructions are providing in the box  302  for conducting patient training. This also gives the operator an opportunity to ascertain whether the patient is able to respond correctly and within the allocated time for proper responses.  
         [0055]     Following patient positioning, preparation and training, the data acquisition application displays a Pre-scan Operations screen (not shown in the Figures or referenced in flowchart  100 ) simply reminding the operator to perform your any unique pre-scan operations specific to the scanner equipment or required by the specific medical site and prompting the operator to click OK once these site-oriented pre-scan operations are complete.  
         [0056]     Referring now to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the Imaging screens  350  and  370  associated with process step  110  include sets of settings parameter fields  352  and  372  and timing parameter fields  374  for verifying scanning parameters for anatomical images and scanning and timing parameters for functional images according to the selected image (anatomical) or selected activation task indicating a functional image type. The screens  350  and  370  also include standard process steps boxes  355  and  375  and listing the basic fMRI process steps and highlighting the current step to provide a visual cue as to the step currently underway and include standard text entry comment boxes  365  and  385  for entering miscellaneous information or commentary. Available anatomical images and selected tasks representing functional images are shown on the list  359  in both box  355  and box  375  with the selected and highlighted image or task then also indicated in fields  357  and  377 . After the anatomical imaging parameters (e.g. anatomical image: “SPGR”) are verified or modified, the OK button  354  on screen  350  is clicked to engage anatomical imaging. After task determined functional imaging parameters (e.g. activation task: “SM”) are verified or modified the OK button  376  on screen  370  is clicked to engage functional imaging and the Presentation subprogram application is launched. In the case of multiple functional tasks as shown functional imaging proceeds task-by-task according to the list  359  showing the selected tasks and the order in which the tasks are selected by the operator. During imaging functional tasks may be repeated as necessary by clicking the Repeat Task button  378 .  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIGS. 16A-16D , the Presentation application screen  390  (see also screen  140  in  FIG. 8 ) appears after the Presentation subprogram for presenting stimuli to the patient is launched and includes a Main tab  386  in the file tab set  142  that provides information pertaining to the Presentation program and to the selected activation task on the main panel  397 . The experiment or activation task name, the experiment filename and file location, and the log-file directory location for the selected activation task are indicated at fields  391 ,  388  and  392 . Background information relating to the files is provided in text boxes  395 ,  396  and  398 . The operator may engage the selected activation task under the Presentation subprogram at any time by clicking the Run button  394 . Activation tasks are pre-configured for running under the Presentation sub-program, however, if the operator wishes to switch or change tasks, he or she may click the Scenarios tab  405  in file tab set  142  which opens a window for screen  400  ( FIG. 16B ) having a scenarios panel  417  including fields and text boxes enabling the selection different activation task files and folders. Panel  417  includes fields  402  and  404  indicating the data Logfile Directory and Stimulus (activation task) Directory. The Panel  417  also includes the Scenarios text box  412  indicating the file name and folder of the currently selected Scenario (or activation task) while the All Files text box  416  indicates the file names and folders of other selected data files pertaining to the current study. The directories, files and folders shown in fields  402  and  404  and text boxes  412  and  416  may be selected and changed by the operator by selecting from the files appearing in the file structure  406  shown in box  408  and the file list shown box  414  on the right side of the scenarios panel  417  using the selection buttons  418 . The files and folders of any newly selected task or tasks or data files then show up in the fields and text boxes on the main panel  397  (invoked by the main tab  386 ) to be run by the Presentation subprogram. When the Run button  394  is clicked the window for the Status screen  420  ( FIG. 16C ) is opened. The Status screen  420  includes the text box  421  and the fields  427  specifying the selected scenario (activation task) file, scenario file name and folder, data log file and scenario status and includes buttons  428  for initiating the execution of the scenario (activation task). The operator may initiate a scenario by clicking the button  429 . After a scenario (activation task) begins running the progress bar  425  provides a visual indication of the extent to which the scenario has been completed. Information about the actual task elements being presented to the patient and the nature of the patient&#39;s responses to those task elements is provided to the operator on a real time basis as a part of the task data listings  423  within the text box  424 . Likewise, compiled data  422  is provided in real time in text box  426  indicating the ongoing number of correct, incorrect, no and rest responses by the patient. The data listings  423  and compiled patient response information  422  provide the operator with valuable real time information about how well the study is going so changes can be effected if required to adjust study conditions or interact with the patient. In the event the number of correct responses by the patient falls below a minimum level the Data Integrity Failure screen  430  ( FIG. 16D ) is automatically invoked by the program to inform the operator that the quality of the study is not meeting minimum standards. The operator may click the Ignore button  432  to proceed regardless of the warning or click the Abort to end the execution of the current activation task. After all activation tasks have been run the operator may close the Presentation subprogram.  
         [0058]     Referring now to  FIG. 17A and 17B , the MR Image Transfer screen  450  associated with step  112  provides the interface for the image transfer process to the fDAD control station  30  from the MRI scanner console  40 . After stimulus presentation is complete, and all patient responses are collected and the Presentation subprogram is closed, the MR Image Transfer screen  450  is opened and the data acquisition application prompts the operator at the message field  456  to begin the upload the anatomical and the functional MRI image data. The operator highlights and clicks on the anatomical image (e.g. SPGR) file name or activation task name (e.g. SM) to initiate the transfer of anatomical or functional image data. Over the course of the transfer process information about the transfer is furnished to the operator in the message box  452  and the progress bar  458  tracks the extent to which the transfer process is complete. The screen  450  also includes a standard process steps box  475  listing the basic fMRI process steps and highlighting the current step to provide a visual cue as to the step currently underway and includes a standard text entry comment box  485  for entering miscellaneous information or commentary. After each set of anatomical and functional images is transferred the application will then check whether the expected number of image files have been transferred and if this is not the case a Dicom Image Error window  470  will appear providing a quality assurance warning and prompting the operator to click the yes button  472  to continue or the no button  474  to investigate or repeat the last image transfer procedure. After the final set of images is transferred the operator is prompted to confirm that the process is complete, and that the application program should move on to its next step by clicking the OK button  454 . Referring now to  FIG. 18 , the study comments screen  500  (not referenced in flowchart  100 ) facilitates the final entry of comments by the operator. Following successful transfer of all anatomical and functional MR image data, the application invokes the study comments screen  500  and the data acquisition application thereby prompts the operator to enter any further comments the operator may have concerning the current fMRI study in comment box  510 . The screen  500  also includes a standard process steps box  525  listing the basic fMRI process steps and highlighting the current step in order to provide a visual cue as to the step currently underway. When the operator is finished entering comments he or she clicks the OK button  502  to confirm that the comments are complete and the application passes on to the archiving step.  
         [0059]     Referring now to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , archive patient data screen  550  associated with step  114  provides the initial interface for archiving the collected data to a removable media such as a CDROM or DVD. The operator is prompted by the message field  552  to insert a blank recording media into a disk recording drive and by the message field  554  to click the OK button  556  after the archiving process is complete. After the media is inserted the NovaBACKUP application is launched bringing up the archiving status screen  570 . The anatomical and functional MR images along with the behavioral data and comments are compressed and archived onto the removable media inserted in the drive by operation of the NovaBACKUP application. Information relating to the archiving process is provided in the Selected fields  572 , Current Status fields  574  and Processed fields  576 . The progress bar  578  provides a visual indication to the operator of the extent to which the archiving process is complete. The control bar  580  allows the operator to control the recording process, if needed. The status fields  574  indicate when the transfer and verification process is complete. When the archiving process is complete the media tray is ejected from the drive, the NovaBACKUP application is terminated and the status screen  570  closed. When the operator clicks the OK button  556  on screen  550  the current fMRI study session is indicated as being over and the control station is returned to the Select Patient screen  150 . The removable media provides the results of the study session for later use and analysis.  
         [0060]     Although the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments for which many implementation details have been described, it should be recognized that there are other embodiments within the spirit and scope of the claims and the invention is not intended to be limited by the details described or limited to the embodiments specifically disclosed.