Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an embodiment can execute a plurality of kinds of protocols varying in image contrast, and includes a storage unit and an output unit. The storage unit stores imaging conditions about the plurality of kinds of protocols. The output unit outputs onto a display unit an edit screen for receiving edit of a parameter that is an element of the imaging conditions. The edit screen is output by being separated into a common part that receives edit of parameter common to a plurality of kinds of protocols varying in image contrast, and an individual part that individually receives edit of parameter with respect to each protocol.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-005325, filed on Jan. 3, 2010; and Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-257030, filed on Nov. 17, 2010, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Imaging by a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter, “MRI apparatus”) is performed in accordance with preset imaging conditions. The imaging conditions include parameters as elements, such as a Flip Angle (FA) of Radio Frequency (RF) pulse, a Field Of View (FOV) in a Phase Encoding (PE) direction, and a Repetition Time (TR).

Imaging conditions vary generally with respect to each protocol. Here, a protocol represents the type of imaging, for example, imaging for acquiring a longitudinal-relaxation weighted (T1-weighted (T1W)) image, imaging for acquiring a transverse-relaxation weighted (T2-weighted (T2W)) image, imaging for acquiring a Diffusion-weighted (DW) image, imaging for acquiring a Magnetic Resonance Angiographic (MRA) image using a flowing-in effect, imaging for acquiring a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) image using a Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) effect, imaging for acquiring an image using a contrast agent, or the like. For this reason, setting of imaging conditions including various parameters as elements is complicated for an operator, and conventionally, a technology of providing a screen on which a group of minimum required parameters are arranged in a concentrated manner is proposed (JP-A 2003-225222 (KOKAI)).

However, according to the above conventional technology, a heavy burden is still placed on an operator. In other words, when setting imaging conditions including various parameters as elements with respect to a plurality of protocols, for example, the operator has to open imaging-condition edit screens for respective protocols, and to set imaging conditions with respect to each protocol, thereby bearing a heavy burden.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus according to an embodiment of can execute a plurality of kinds of protocols varying in image contrast, and includes a storage unit and an output unit. The storage unit stores imaging conditions about the plurality of kinds of protocols. The output unit outputs onto a display unit an edit screen for receiving edit of a parameter that is an element of the imaging conditions. The edit screen is output by being separated into a common part that receives edit of parameter common to a plurality of kinds of protocols varying in image contrast, and an individual part that individually receives edit of parameter with respect to each protocol.

Exemplary embodiments of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) apparatus will be explained below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

A configuration of an MRI apparatus100according to a first embodiment is explained below with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1is a functional block diagram of a configuration of the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment includes a static magnetic-field magnet1, a gradient coil2, a gradient magnetic-field power source3, a couch4, a couch control unit5, a transmitting coil6, a transmitting unit7, a receiving coil8, a receiving unit9, a sequence control unit10, and a computer system20.

The static magnetic-field magnet1is formed in a hollow drum shape, and generates a uniform static magnetic field in a space in its inside. The static magnetic-field magnet1is, for example, a permanent magnet, or a super conducting magnet. The gradient coil2is formed in a hollow drum shape, and generates a gradient magnetic field in a space in its inside. Specifically, the gradient coil2is arranged on the inner side of the static magnetic-field magnet1, and generates a gradient magnetic field by receiving supply of a current from the gradient magnetic-field power source3. The gradient magnetic-field power source3supplies a current to the gradient coil2, in accordance with pulse-sequence execution data sent from the sequence control unit10.

The couch4includes a couchtop4aon which a subject P is to be placed, and inserts the couchtop4aon which the subject P is placed into a hole (a scanning space) of the gradient coil2. Usually, the couch4is placed such that the longitudinal direction of the couch4is to be parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic-field magnet1. The couch control unit5moves the couchtop4ain the longitudinal direction and upward and downward by driving the couch4.

The transmitting coil6generates a radio-frequency magnetic field. Specifically, the transmitting coil6is arranged on the inner side of the gradient coil2, and generates a radio-frequency magnetic field by receiving supply of a radio-frequency pulse from the transmitting unit7. The transmitting unit7transmits a radio-frequency pulse corresponding to a Larmor frequency to the transmitting coil6, in accordance with pulse-sequence execution data sent from the sequence control unit10.

The receiving coil8receives an MRI echo signal. The receiving coil8is arranged on the inner side of the gradient coil2, and receives an MRI echo signal emitted from the subject P owing to an influence of a radio-frequency magnetic field. Moreover, the receiving coil8outputs the received MRI echo signal to the receiving unit9. For example, the receiving coil8is a receiving coil for head, a receiving coil for spine, and a receiving coil for abdomen.

The receiving unit9creates MRI echo-signal data based on the MRI echo signal output from the receiving coil8, in accordance with pulse-sequence execution data sent from the sequence control unit10. Specifically, the receiving unit9creates MRI echo-signal data by converting an MRI echo signal output from the receiving coil8into digital, and transmits the created MRI echo-signal data to the computer system20via the sequence control unit10.

The sequence control unit10controls the gradient magnetic-field power source3, the transmitting unit7, and the receiving unit9. Specifically, the sequence control unit10transmits pulse-sequence execution data transmitted from the computer system20to the gradient magnetic-field power source3, the transmitting unit7, and the receiving unit9.

The computer system20particularly includes an interface unit21, an image reconstructing unit22, a storage unit23, an input unit24, a display unit25, and a control unit26. The interface unit21is connected to the sequence control unit10, and controls input and output of data transmitted and received between the sequence control unit10and the computer system20. The image reconstructing unit22reconstructs image data from MRI echo-signal data sent from the sequence control unit10, and stores the reconstructed image data into the storage unit23.

The storage unit23stores therein image data stored by the image reconstructing unit22, and other data to be used by the MRI apparatus100. For example, the storage unit23is a semiconductor memory device, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), or a flash memory, or a hard disk or an optical disk.

The input unit24receives an imaging instruction, edit of imaging conditions, and the like, from an operator. For example, the input unit24is a pointing device, such as a mouse or a trackball, a selecting device, such as a mode switch, and an input device, such as a keyboard. The display unit25displays image data, an imaging-condition edit screen, and the like. For example, the display unit25is a display device, such as a liquid crystal display.

The control unit26controls the MRI apparatus100overall by controlling each of the above units. For example, the control unit26is an integrated circuit, such as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or an electronic circuit, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or a Micro Processing Unit (MPU).

According to the MRI apparatus100of the first embodiment, with respect to not only a plurality of protocols having the same imaging conditions, but also a plurality of protocols having different imaging conditions, a parameter can be simultaneously edited. Moreover, according to the MRI apparatus100of the first embodiment, when a plurality of protocols is arbitrarily specified for imaging at the same station of which the imaging target is the same region of interest, imaging-condition edit screen dedicated for the specified protocols can be dynamically created, and can be output onto the display unit25. An overview of the MRI apparatus100is explained below.

FIG. 2is a schematic diagram for explaining an overview of the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, the MRI apparatus100includes a protocol-information storage unit. The protocol-information storage unit stores a group of set values set in respective parameters that are elements of the imaging conditions, with respect to each protocol.

Moreover, as shown inFIG. 2, the MRI apparatus100stores an imaging-condition edit-screen definition (E). The imaging-condition edit-screen definition (E) is definition information that defines with respect to each parameter a command to output an imaging-condition edit-screen for receiving edit of parameter onto the display unit25. InFIG. 2, definition information about each parameter is a combination of a part (A) and an identifier (B) that identifies a parameter. Assuming that a combination of a part (A) and an identifier (B) is denoted by (C), an imaging-condition edit-screen definition (E) is an aggregation of (C).

Under such configuration, when a plurality of protocol is specified, the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment refers to a protocol-information storage unit with respect to each of the specified protocols, and acquires a corresponding group of set values with respect to each protocol. For example, as shown in (F) inFIG. 2, when a ‘protocol #1’, and a ‘protocol #2’ are specified, the MRI apparatus100acquires a group of set values of the ‘protocol #1’ and a group of set values of the ‘protocol #2’. InFIG. 2, a set value is denoted by (D).

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 2, the MRI apparatus100associates the group of set values (D) acquired with respect to each protocol, with the imaging-condition edit-screen definition (E), in accordance with whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to common to a plurality of protocols. According to the first embodiment, the identifier (B) identifying a parameter includes information that identifies whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to common to a plurality of protocols. For this reason, the MRI apparatus100determines whether set values (D) of a plurality of protocols (for example, a set value (D) of the ‘protocol #1’ and a set value (D) of the ‘protocol #2’) are to be assigned one part (A), or a set value (D) of one protocol (for example, a set value (D) of the ‘protocol #1’ or a set value (D) of the ‘protocol #2’) is to be assigned one part (A).

The MRI apparatus100then creates an imaging-condition edit screen by using a group of associated set values and definition information about each parameter, and outputs the created imaging-condition edit screen onto the display unit25.

According to the first embodiment, such function of the MRI apparatus100is implemented mainly by the computer system20. Therefore, the computer system20according to the first embodiment is explained below in detail.

FIG. 3is a functional block diagram of a configuration of the computer system20according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 3, the storage unit23according to the first embodiment includes a protocol-information storage unit23a, an imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23b, and an edited-protocol information storage unit23c. Moreover, the control unit26according to the first embodiment includes a protocol-specification receiving unit26a, a protocol-information acquiring unit26b, a parameter associating unit26c, an imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26d, and a parameter-edit receiving unit26e.

The protocol-information storage unit23astores a group of set values that are set in respective parameters with respect to each protocol. The protocol-information storage unit23acorresponds to the ‘protocol-information storage unit’, which is explained with reference toFIG. 2. A group of set values stored by the protocol-information storage unit23ais used for processing by the protocol-information acquiring unit26b.

FIG. 4is a schematic diagram for explaining the protocol-information storage unit23a. As shown inFIG. 4, for example, the protocol-information storage unit23astores therein a parameter, a set value, and a settable range (a range of settable numeric values), in an associated manner. The ‘protocol #1’ shown inFIG. 4is a protocol for acquiring a T1W image, and the ‘protocol #2’ is a protocol for acquiring a T2W image. Parameters that are elements of the imaging conditions of the ‘protocol #1’ are, for example, parameters ‘Imaging Flip Angle’, ‘Acquisition Order’, ‘PE FOV’, ‘sequence identifier’, ‘TR’, ‘NAQ’, and ‘PE Matrix’.

For example, a row of the parameter ‘PE FOV’, a set value ‘24.0’, and a settable range ‘8.2, 50.0, 0.1’ indicates that the set value actually set in the parameter ‘PE FOV’ is ‘24.0’, the range of numeric values that can be set as a set value of the parameter ‘PE FOV’ is between ‘8.2’ and ‘50.0’ in units of ‘0.1’. Moreover, for example, a row of the parameter ‘TR’, a set value ‘540.0’, and a settable range ‘24.0, 10000.0, 0.1’ indicates that the set value set in the parameter ‘TR’ is ‘540.0’, the range of numeric values that can be set as a set value of the parameter ‘TR’ is between ‘24.0’ and ‘10000.0’ in units of ‘0.1’. A set value stored by the protocol-information storage unit23ais, for example, a set value that is preset for assisting an operator (preset value).

Although, for convenience of explanation, only the ‘protocol #1’ and the ‘protocol #2’ are shown inFIG. 4as protocol information stored by the protocol-information storage unit23a, the number of pieces of protocol information stored by the protocol-information storage unit23ais not limited. Generally, the protocol-information storage unit23astores a number of pieces of protocol information including other protocols. Moreover, the protocol-information storage unit23acan further store the type of a settable range, although it is omitted inFIG. 4. For example, it is a distinction of use, for example, when the type of a settable range is ‘R’ (Range type), a tool displayed on an imaging-condition edit screen can be displayed as a slider; or when the type is ‘E’ (Enumerate type), a tool is displayed in a pull down menu.

Returning toFIG. 3, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bstores definition information that defines a command with respect to each parameter to output an imaging-condition edit screen onto the display unit25. The imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bcorresponds to the imaging-condition edit-screen definition (E) that is explained above with reference toFIG. 2. Moreover, definition information stored by the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bis used for, for example, processing by the parameter associating unit26c.

FIG. 5is a schematic diagram for explaining the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23b. As shown inFIG. 5, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bstores therein definition information that is described by using the eXtensible Markup Language (XML). However, it is not limited to this, and, for example, can be definition information that is described in an original format. InFIG. 5, combinations of an arrow and a reference letter (an arrow a and an arrow b) are added for convenience of explainingFIG. 5, and they are not definition information.

For example, commands that are described between tags <ScanEditDic> and </ScanEditDic> denoted by the arrow a are definition information. Moreover, for example, commands described between tags <template name=“Core” class=“Board” rows=“8” cols=“2”> and </template> denoted by the arrow b are definition information for displaying an imaging-condition edit screen for a tab named ‘Core’, among imaging-condition edit screens.

Furthermore, definition information about each parameter is a command described by using a tag <portion>. Definition information about each parameter is explained below with reference toFIGS. 6A to 6C.FIGS. 6A to 6Care schematic diagrams for explaining definition information about each parameter. Any of definition information inFIGS. 6A to 6Cis definition information about each parameter.

FIG. 6Adepicts definition information for outputting an imaging-condition edit screen for the parameter ‘PE FOV’ onto the display unit25, and corresponds to ‘(C)’ that is explained above with reference toFIG. 2. ‘label=“PE FOV”’ means to output the parameter ‘PE FOV’ onto the display unit25. Moreover, ‘class=“Scale”’ expresses to output a tool defined by ‘Scale’ onto the display unit25, in order to receive edit of imaging conditions. Furthermore, ‘plif=“PEFOV”’ is an identifier that identifies a parameter, and corresponds to ‘(B)’ that is explained above with reference toFIG. 2.

FIG. 6Bdepicts definition information for outputting an imaging-condition edit screen for the parameter ‘TR’ onto the display unit25, and corresponds ‘(C)’ that is explained above with reference toFIG. 2. ‘label=“TR#1”’ means to output the ‘TR#1’ onto the display unit25. Moreover, ‘class=“Scale”’ expresses to output the tool defined by ‘Scale’ onto the display unit25, in order to receive edit of imaging conditions. Furthermore, ‘plif=“#1.TR”’ is an identifier that identifies a parameter, and corresponds to ‘(B)’ that is explained above with reference toFIG. 2.

FIG. 6Cdepicts definition information for outputting an imaging-condition edit screen for the parameter ‘TR’ onto the display unit25, and corresponds ‘(C)’ that is explained above with reference toFIG. 2. ‘label=“TR#2”’ means to output the ‘TR#2’ onto the display unit25. Moreover, ‘class=“Scale”’ expresses to output the tool defined by ‘Scale’ onto the display unit25, in order to receive edit of imaging conditions. Furthermore, ‘plif=“#2.TR”’ is an identifier that identifies a parameter, and corresponds to ‘(B)’ that is explained above with reference toFIG. 2.

Here, again focusing on the identifiers that identify the parameters described inFIGS. 6A to 6C, the identifier ‘plif=“PEFOV”’ is an identifier that includes only a variable name, on the other hand, the identifiers ‘plif=“#1.TR” and ‘plif=“#2.TR” ofFIGS. 6B and 6Care an identifier that includes a combination of a protocol name and a variable name.

In other words, an identifier that includes only a variable name is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols, and an identifier that includes a combination of a protocol name and a variable name is a parameter of which reception of edit is not to be common to a plurality of protocols. In this way, according to the first embodiment, an identifier that identifies a parameter includes information that identifies whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols.

Returning toFIG. 3, the edited-protocol information storage unit23cstores edited protocol information. Specifically, when edit of parameter is received by the parameter-edit receiving unit26eand set values are changed, the edited-protocol information storage unit23cstores a group of changed set values that are set in respective parameters. The edited protocol information stored by the edited-protocol information storage unit23cis sent to the sequence control unit10via the interface unit21, and used for a main scan by the MRI apparatus100. Edited protocol information stored by the edited-protocol information storage unit23cis stored similarly to the protocol-information storage unit23a, for example, as information shown inFIG. 4.

Returning toFIG. 3, the protocol-specification receiving unit26areceives a specification of protocols of which edit of parameters is to be received. Specifically, the protocol-specification receiving unit26areceives a specification of protocols via the input unit24, and notifies the protocol-information acquiring unit26bof the received specification information about the protocols.

For example, the protocol-specification receiving unit26aoutputs protocol information stored by the protocol-information storage unit23ato the display unit25, and receives a specification of protocols as an operator inputs a check into a check box. Moreover, for example, the protocol-specification receiving unit26aoutputs an input screen for receiving a specification of protocols to the display unit25, and receives a specification of protocols as an operator inputs a name of protocol. The method of receiving a specification of protocols is not limited to the above method, and can be another method as long as a specification can be received by using a known technology.

When a plurality of protocols is specified, the protocol-information acquiring unit26brefers to the protocol-information storage unit23awith respect to each of the specified protocols, and acquires a corresponding group of set values with respect to each protocol. Specifically, when the protocol-information acquiring unit26bis notified of specification information about protocols from the protocol-specification receiving unit26a, the protocol-information acquiring unit26brefers the protocol-information storage unit23aby using the notified specification information, and acquires protocol information that is stored by being associated with the specification information. Moreover, the protocol-information acquiring unit26bsends the acquired protocol information to the parameter associating unit26c.

For example, when specification information about the ‘protocol #1’ and the ‘protocol #2’ is notified from the protocol-specification receiving unit26a, the protocol-information acquiring unit26brefers to the protocol-information storage unit23aby using the ‘protocol #1’ and the ‘protocol #2’, and acquires, for example, protocol information shown inFIG. 4. The protocol-information acquiring unit26bsends the protocol information shown inFIG. 4to the parameter associating unit26c.

The parameter associating unit26cassociates a group of set values acquired by the protocol-information acquiring unit26bwith respect to each protocol, with definition information about each parameter stored by the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23b, in accordance with whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols. Specifically, when protocol information is sent from the protocol-information acquiring unit26b, the parameter associating unit26cassociates the sent protocol information with definition information about each parameter stored by the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23b, and sends a result of the association to the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26d.

For example, the parameter associating unit26creads the definition information shown inFIG. 5from the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23b. The parameter associating unit26cthen performs association with definition information about each parameter, i.e., with respect to each command described by using a tag <portion>.

For example, explaining with reference toFIG. 6A, because ‘plif=“PEFOV”’ is an identifier that includes only a variable name, and it denotes a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols, the parameter associating unit26cassociates it with all of the protocol information sent from the protocol-information acquiring unit26b. In other words, assuming the protocol information sent from the protocol-information acquiring unit26bis the protocol information shown inFIG. 4, the parameter associating unit26cassociates the both of the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #1’ and the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #2’ with the definition information shown inFIG. 6A.

Moreover, for example, explaining with reference toFIG. 6B, because ‘plif=“#1.TR”’ is an identifier that includes a combination of a protocol name and a variable name, it denotes a parameter of which reception of edit is not to be common to a plurality of protocols, the parameter associating unit26cassociates it with one of the protocol information sent from the protocol-information acquiring unit26b. For example, when ‘#1’ means associating with the protocol that is specified at first, the parameter associating unit26cassociates the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #1’ with definition information shown inFIG. 6B.

Moreover, for example, explaining with reference toFIG. 6C, because ‘plif=“#2.TR”’ is an identifier that includes a combination of a protocol name and a variable name, it denotes a parameter of which reception of edit is not to be common to a plurality of protocols, the parameter associating unit26cassociates it with one of the protocol information sent from the protocol-information acquiring unit26b. For example, when ‘#2’ means associating with the protocol that is specified at second, the parameter associating unit26cassociates the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #2’ with definition information shown inFIG. 6C.

In this way, by using an identifier included in definition information about each parameter, the parameter associating unit26cdetermines whether set values of a plurality of protocols (for example, a set value of the ‘protocol #1’ and a set value of the ‘protocol #2’) are to be assigned one piece of definition information, or a set value of one protocol (for example, a set value of the ‘protocol #1’ or a set value of the ‘protocol #2’) is to be assigned one piece of definition information. If, for example, three pieces of protocol information are specified, a rule can be separately made, for example, so as to associate first two pieces of protocol information.

The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates an imaging-condition edit screen by using a group of set values associated by the parameter associating unit26cand definition information about each parameter, and outputs the created imaging-condition edit screen to the display unit25. Specifically, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates an imaging-condition edit screen by using a result of association sent from the parameter associating unit26c, and outputs the created imaging-condition edit screen to the display unit25.

FIG. 7is a schematic diagram for explaining an imaging-condition edit screen. For example, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26doutputs an imaging-condition edit screen shown inFIG. 7to the display unit25. InFIG. 7, a tab named ‘Core’ is selected by an operator, and an imaging-condition edit screen of the tab named ‘Core’ is output on the display unit25.

On the imaging-condition edit screen shown inFIG. 7, for example, a tool for receiving edit of the parameter ‘PE FOV’, a tool for receiving edit of the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #1’, and a tool for receiving edit of the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #2’ are output. On the imaging-condition edit screen shown inFIG. 7, parameters of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols are arranged in the upper part of the screen, and parameters of which reception of edit is not to be common to a plurality of protocols are arranged in the lower part of the screen.

For example, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dreceives from the parameter associating unit26ca result that the definition information inFIG. 6Ais associated with the both of the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #1’ and the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #2’. The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dthen acquires respective set values and settable ranges of the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #1’ and the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #2’ from the protocol information shown inFIG. 4.

For example, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dacquires a set value ‘24.0’ and a settable range ‘8.2, 50.0, 0.1’ with respect to the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #1’. Moreover, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dacquires a set value ‘24.0’ and a settable range ‘8.2, 50.0, 0.1’ with respect to the parameter ‘PE FOV’ of the ‘protocol #2’.

The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dthen determines whether the set values are the same between the ‘protocol #1’ and the ‘protocol #2’; and if they are the same, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates the imaging-condition edit screen so as to output the same set value to the display unit25. By contrast, if the set values are not the same; the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates the imaging-condition edit screen not to output set value to the display unit25. According to the example inFIG. 4, the set value ‘24.0’ is the same, therefore the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates the imaging-condition edit screen so as to output the set value ‘24.0’ to the display unit25.

Moreover, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcompares the settable range of the ‘protocol #1’ and the settable range of the ‘protocol #2’, and creates the imaging-condition edit screen so as to output a common settable range the display unit25. According to the example inFIG. 4, the settable range ‘8.2, 50.0, 0.1’ is also the same, therefore the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates the imaging-condition edit screen so as to output ‘8.2, 50.0, 0.1’ as a common settable range to the display unit25.

Although the settable ranges are common in the above example, for example, the same parameter sometimes has a different settable range with respect to each protocol in some cases. In such case, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26daccording to the first embodiment obtains the minimum value and the maximum value in a settable range common to the all protocols as a common settable range, and creates an imaging-condition edit screen so as to output a range from the obtained minimum value to the obtained maximum value as a settable range to the display unit25. For example, when a settable range of one protocol is ‘1 to 10’, and a settable range of the other protocol is ‘3 to 12’, a settable range common to the all protocol is ‘3 to 10’. Accordingly, it can avoid that a set value in an unavailable range is set. If there is no common part between settable ranges, for example, it is in a not-editable state.

In this way, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26doutputs a scale of which the settable range is from ‘8.2’ to ‘50.0’, and the actually-set set value is ‘24.0’, as shown inFIG. 7. An operator can edit the set value of the parameter ‘PE FOV’ by operating a box denoted by the reference letter a displayed on the bar and moving it to the right or left. Alternatively, the operator can edit the set value of the parameter ‘PE FOV’ also by clicking an arrow denoted by the reference letter b displayed beside the set value.

The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26d, for example, then receives from the parameter associating unit26ca result that the definition information inFIG. 6Bis associated with the parameter ‘TR#1’ of the ‘protocol #1’. The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dthen acquires a set value and a settable range of the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #1’ from, for example, the protocol information shown inFIG. 4. For example, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dacquires a set value ‘540.0’ and a settable range ‘24.0, 10000.0, 0.1’ with respect to the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #1’.

The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dthen creates an imaging-condition edit screen so as to output the set value ‘540.0’ to the display unit25. Moreover, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates the imaging-condition edit screen so as to output ‘24.0, 10000.0, 0.1’ as a settable range to the display unit25. In this way, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26doutputs a scale of which the settable range is from ‘24.0’ to ‘10000.0’, with respect to ‘TR#1’, and the actually-set set value is ‘540.0’, as shown inFIG. 7.

Subsequently, for example, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dreceives from the parameter associating unit26ca result that the definition information inFIG. 6Cis associated with the parameter ‘TR#2’ of the ‘protocol #2’. The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dthen acquires a set value and a settable range of the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #2’ from, for example, the protocol information shown inFIG. 4. For example, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dacquires a set value ‘20000.0’ and a settable range ‘214.0, 20000.0, 0.1’ with respect to the parameter ‘TR’ of the ‘protocol #2’.

The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dthen creates the imaging-condition edit screen so as to output the set value ‘20000.0’ to the display unit25. Moreover, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates the imaging-condition edit screen so as to output ‘214.0, 20000.0, 0.1’ as a settable range to the display unit25. In this way, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26doutputs a scale of which the settable range is from ‘214.0’ to ‘20000.0’, with respect to ‘TR#2’, and the actually-set set value is ‘20000.0’, as shown inFIG. 7.

The parameter-edit receiving unit26ereceives edit of a parameter that is input onto an imaging-condition edit screen. Specifically, the parameter-edit receiving unit26ereceives edit of a parameter that is input onto an imaging-condition edit screen via the input unit24, and stores the received contents into the edited-protocol information storage unit23cas edited protocol information.

A process procedure by the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment is then explained below.FIGS. 8 and 9are a flowchart that depicts a process procedure by the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 8, the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment determines whether a specification of a protocol is received, with the protocol-specification receiving unit26a(Step S1). If it is determined that a specification of protocols is received (Yes at Step S1); the protocol-information acquiring unit26brefers to the protocol-information storage unit23awith respect to each of the specified protocols, and acquires a corresponding group of set values with respect to each protocol (Step S2).

Subsequently, the parameter associating unit26creads the imaging-condition edit-screen definition from the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23b(Step S3); and the parameter associating unit26cand the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates an imaging-condition edit screen, and outputs it onto the display unit25(Step S4).

Step S4is explained below in more detail. As shown inFIG. 9, to begin with, the parameter associating unit26cdetermines whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is common to the protocols, by using a parameter identifier (Step S4-1).

If it is the parameter of which reception of edit is common to the protocols (Yes at Step S4-2); the parameter associating unit26cnotifies so to the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26d, and the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dextracts a common part in settable ranges from the protocols (Step S4-3).

Moreover, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26ddetermines whether set values that are actually set are the same across the all protocols (Step S4-4); and then if they are the same (Yes at Step S4-4), the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates an imaging-condition edit screen so as to output the same set value with the common settable range extracted at Step S4-3onto the display unit25(Step S4-5).

By contrast, if the set values that are actually set are not the same (No at Step S4-4); the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates an imaging-condition edit screen so as to output only the common settable range extracted at Step S4-3onto the display unit25(not to output set value) (Step S4-6).

At Step S4-2, if it is not the parameter of which reception of edit is common to the protocols (No at Step S4-2); the parameter associating unit26cnotifies so to the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26d, and the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcreates an imaging-condition edit screen so as to output a set value with a settable range (individual range) that is preliminarily specified in each individual protocol onto the display unit25(Step S4-8).

The parameter associating unit26cand the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26drepeatedly performs processing from Step S4-1to Step S4-8until the processing is finished on all of the parameter described in the imaging-condition edit-screen definition, then displays the created imaging-condition edit screen onto the display unit25, and terminates the processing (Step S4-7).

As described above, the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment includes the protocol-information storage unit23athat stores a group of set values set in respective parameters that are elements of imaging conditions, with respect to each protocol. Moreover, the MRI apparatus100includes the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bthat stores definition information that defines with respect to each parameter a command to output an imaging-condition edit screen for receiving edit of parameter onto the display unit25. When a plurality of protocols is specified, the protocol-information acquiring unit26bof the MRI apparatus100refers to the protocol-information storage unit23awith respect to each of the specified protocols, and acquires a group of corresponding set values with respect to each protocol. Furthermore, the parameter associating unit26cassociates a group of set values acquired with respect to each protocol by the protocol-information acquiring unit26b, with definition information about each parameter stored by the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23b, in accordance with whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols. The imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dthen creates an imaging-condition edit screen by using a group of set values associated by the parameter associating unit26cand definition information about each parameter, and outputs the created imaging-condition edit screen onto the display unit25.

In this way, according to the first embodiment, a parameter can be edited simultaneously with respect to a plurality of protocols having different imaging conditions, so that a burden on an operator can be reduced even when setting imaging conditions with respect to a plurality of protocols.

Here, imaging conditions include various parameters as elements, so that a parameter of which reception of edit can be common to a plurality of protocols and a parameter that is not so are present in a mixed manner. For example, between a protocol for acquiring a T1W image and a protocol for acquiring T2W image, the parameter ‘PE FOV’ is a parameter of which reception of edit can be common, and the parameter ‘TR’ is not a parameter of which reception of edit can be common.

At this point, the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment makes commands to output an imaging-condition edit screen in parts by defining them with respect to each parameter, and distinguishes between ‘parameter to be common’ and ‘parameter not to be common’. Moreover, the MRI apparatus100separates commands in parts from actual set values. In this way, imaging-condition edit screens dedicated for a plurality of arbitrarily specified protocols can be dynamically created.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, a parameter in which a numeric value is set as a set value is included. When a parameter is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dchecks whether set values that are actually set in respective parameters are the same; and creates an imaging-condition edit screen so as to output the actually-set set value if they are the same, and not to output the set values if they are not the same. According to the first embodiment, when set values of a parameter are not numeric value, an imaging-condition edit screen is created by controlling whether to output a set value in accordance with whether set values are the same (for example, parameter ‘Acquisition Order’).

In this way, according to the first embodiment, a set value for edit can be appropriately output with respect to a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, a range of settable numeric values of a parameter is preliminarily specified with respect to each protocol. For this reason, when a parameter is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols, the imaging-condition edit-screen output unit26dcompares ranges of predetermined numeric values with respect to each of parameters, and creates an imaging-condition edit screen so as to output a range common to all of the protocols as a range of numeric values that are settable among the protocols.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, regarding a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols, a settable range for edit of it can be appropriately output.

Although the MRI apparatus100according to the first embodiment has been explained above, the MRI apparatus100can receive edit of imaging-condition edit-screen definition itself as an external file. The MRI apparatus100according to a second embodiment is configured to receive also edit of imaging-condition edit-screen definition itself.

FIG. 10is a functional block diagram of a configuration of the computer system20according to the second embodiment. As shown inFIG. 10, the computer system20according to the second embodiment further includes a definition-edit receiving unit26fin the control unit26. The definition-edit receiving unit26freceives edit to be input into an imaging-condition edit-screen definition via the input unit24, and stores the received contents into the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bas an edited imaging-condition edit-screen definition.

FIGS. 11A and 11Bare schematic diagrams for explaining edit of imaging-condition edit-screen definitions. For example, the definition-edit receiving unit26freads an imaging-condition edit-screen definition from the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bfor receiving edit of the imaging-condition edit-screen definition, and outputs the imaging-condition edit-screen definition to the display unit25, for example, as shown inFIG. 5. The definition-edit receiving unit26fthen receives edit of the imaging-condition edit-screen definition, for example, as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B.

FIG. 11Bdepicts an example that an edit of adding definition information (underlined part) is received toFIG. 11A. For example, an operator copies definition information about one sentence starting from the third rows from among four rows of definition information shown inFIG. 11A, and pastes it to the fifth row and afterward. The operator then changes, for example, from ‘#2’ to ‘#3’, only two points, among the definition information about the pasted sentence. Only through such operation, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition turns applicable to three protocols with respect to the parameter ‘TR’.

In this way, according to the second embodiment, the MRI apparatus100can flexibly change imaging-condition edit-screen definition itself, and can create a different imaging-condition edit screen, for example, in accordance with a request from an operator.

The embodiments described above can be implemented by various different embodiments.

For example, according to the first and the second embodiments, it is assumed a case where an imaging-condition edit screen is one type; however, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bcan store a plurality of kinds of imaging-condition edit-screen definitions. In such case, the parameter associating unit26cselects an appropriate imaging-condition edit screen, in accordance with a plurality of specified protocols. A third embodiment is explained below.

At first, a modification 1 of the third embodiment is explained below. According to the first embodiment, as protocol information stored by the protocol-information storage unit23a, a protocol for acquiring a T1W image (hereinafter, ‘T1W protocol’), and a protocol for acquiring a T2W image (hereinafter, ‘T2W protocol’) are listed as examples.

However, as described in the first embodiment, pieces of protocol information stored by the protocol-information storage unit23aare not limited in number. The protocol-information storage unit23astores protocol information about a plurality of kinds of protocols varying in image contrast (difference in brightness).

According to the third embodiment, it is assumed that the protocol-information storage unit23afurther stores protocol information about a protocol for acquiring a Diffusion-weighted (DW) image (hereinafter, ‘DW protocol’), and a protocol for acquiring a Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery (FLAIR) image (hereinafter, ‘FLAIR protocol’).

Under such configuration, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23baccording to the third embodiment stores a plurality of imaging-condition edit-screen definitions. Moreover, the parameter associating unit26cselects an appropriate imaging-condition edit-screen definition in accordance with a plurality of specified protocol.

As specification of a plurality of protocols, various patters can be assumed, for example, when the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘T2W protocol’ are specified; when the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘FLAIR protocol’ are specified; the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘T1W protocol’ are specified, and the ‘T2W protocol’ and the ‘FLAIR protocol’ are specified. Cases are not limited to those two protocols are specified, and a case where three or more protocols are to be specified can be assumed.

Here, a condition whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols sometimes varies in accordance with a combination of specified protocols, in some cases. Therefore, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bstores an imaging-condition edit-screen definition with respect to each of such combinations of a plurality of protocols.

It is explained below with examples. The following description only explains simply an example of relation between a combination of protocols and a set value set in a parameter, and a set value explained below is not necessarily to be set.

For example, when the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘T2W protocol’ are specified as a plurality of protocols, a parameter ‘Interleaving’ that is an element of imaging conditions is defined as “a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols”. The reason for this is because the parameter ‘Interleaving’ is a parameter in which set values ‘ON’ and ‘OFF’ are set in accordance with whether to take slices alternately (discretely) or to take them continuously, and ‘ON’ is to be set as a set value in any case of the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘T2W protocol’.

Consequently, as explained above with reference toFIG. 6A, definition information for outputting an imaging-condition edit screen of the parameter ‘Interleaving’ to the display unit25is an identifier including only a variable name.

On the other hand, for example, when the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘FLAIR protocol’ are specified as a plurality of protocols, even the same parameter ‘Interleaving’ is defined, in turn, as “a parameter of which reception of edit is not to be common to a plurality of protocols”. The reason for this is because in a case of the ‘DW protocol’, ‘ON’ is set as a set value as described above; however, ‘OFF’ is set as a set value in a case of the ‘FLAIR protocol’.

Consequently, as explained above with reference toFIGS. 6B and 6C, definition information for outputting the imaging-condition edit screen of the parameter ‘Interleaving’ to the display unit25is an identifier including a combination of a protocol name and a variable name.

In this way, depending on a parameter, conditions “whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols” vary in accordance with a combination of specified protocols. For this reason, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23baccording to the third embodiment defines and stores an imaging-condition edit-screen definition as shown inFIG. 5with respect to each of such combinations of a plurality of protocols.

In such case, the parameter associating unit26crefers to the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bby using a combination of the protocols received by the protocol-specification receiving unit26a, and selects an appropriate imaging-condition edit-screen definition in accordance with the combination.

A modification 2 of the third embodiment is explained below. The modification 1 explains that there is a case where a condition whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols varies in accordance with a combination of specified protocols, the disclosed technology is not limited to this.

A condition whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols sometimes varies in accordance with a combination with an imaging target portion in some cases, in additions to a combination of specified protocols.

This means that, for example, when the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘T2W protocol’ are specified as a plurality of protocols, there is a parameter of which a condition whether it is a parameter of which reception of edit is to be common to a plurality of protocols varies, further in accordance with whether an imaging target portion is ‘head’ or ‘abdomen’.

In order to cope with such situation, the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23baccording to the modification 2 individually defines and stores an imaging-condition edit-screen definition shown inFIG. 5, with respect to each of combinations of ‘a combination of a plurality of protocols’ and ‘an imaging target portion’.

In such case, the parameter associating unit26crefers to the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bby using a combination of ‘a combination of a plurality of protocols’ received by the protocol-specification receiving unit26aand an ‘imaging target portion’, and selects an appropriate imaging-condition edit-screen definition in accordance with the combination.

A concrete method by which the parameter associating unit26cacquires information about ‘an imaging target portion’ is explained below in a modification 3 of the third embodiment.

The modification 3 is explained below. As described above, when the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bstores a plurality of imaging-condition edit-screen definitions, the parameter associating unit26cis assumed to select an imaging-condition edit-screen definition based on some information.

As such selection, for example, “a method of selection based on information obtained by the MRI apparatus100as a single apparatus”, or “a method of selection based on information obtained from a Laboratory Information System (LIS) or a Hospital Information System (HIS) connected to the MRI apparatus100” is assumed.

At first, ‘the method of selection based on information obtained by the MRI apparatus100as a single apparatus’ is explained below.

In the case of the modification 1, the parameter associating unit26crefers to the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bby using a combination of a plurality of protocols received by the protocol-specification receiving unit26a, and selects an appropriate imaging-condition edit screen in accordance with the combination. In other words, in the case of the modification 1, the parameter associating unit26cneeds only ‘information about protocols of which specification is received’ as information for selecting an imaging-condition edit-screen definition.

On the other hand, in a case of the modification 2, the parameter associating unit26cneeds to refer to the imaging-condition edit-screen definition storage unit23bby using a combination of the ‘combination of a plurality of protocols’ received by the protocol-specification receiving unit26aand a ‘imaging target portion’, and to select an appropriate imaging-condition edit screen in accordance with the combination. In other words, in the case of the modification 2, the parameter associating unit26cneeds ‘information about an imaging target portion’ in addition to ‘information about protocols of which specification is received’ as information for selecting an imaging-condition edit-screen definition.

Regarding how to acquire ‘information about an imaging target portion’, for example, the parameter associating unit26cuses ‘information about an imaging target portion’ that is already input into the MRI apparatus100before outputting an imaging-condition edit screen. In other words, the MRI apparatus100outputs an imaging-condition edit screen, for example, as shown inFIG. 7, to the display unit25in a stage of imaging planning; however, in an earlier stage, the MRI apparatus100sometimes outputs, for example, a screen for receiving specification of an imaging target portion to the display unit25, and receives input by an operator in some cases. In such case, the parameter associating unit26ccan use the ‘information about an imaging target portion’ of which input is already received.

Alternatively, for example, the parameter associating unit26cidentifies an imaging target portion from information which coil is to be used for imaging, and uses a result of the identification as ‘information about an imaging target portion’ for selecting an imaging-condition edit-screen definition. In other words, the MRI apparatus100sometimes receives a connection of a coil to be used for imaging, prior to outputting the imaging-condition edit screen as shown inFIG. 7to the display unit25. In such case, for example, from information that a coil to be used for imaging is a ‘head coil’, the parameter associating unit26cspecifies that the imaging target is ‘head’, and uses the information as ‘information about the imaging target portion’ for selecting an imaging-condition edit-screen definition.

The latter, the “method of selection based on information obtained from a Laboratory Information System (LIS) or a Hospital Information System (HIS) connected to the MRI apparatus100”, is then explained below.

The MRI apparatus100can also acquire ‘information about protocols of which specification is received’ and/or ‘information about an imaging target portion’ that are needed for selecting an imaging-condition edit-screen definition from a Laboratory Information System or a Hospital Information System.

For example, suppose the MRI apparatus100acquires order information that ‘imaging of “head” by MRI is needed.’ about a patient, from a Laboratory Information System. In such case, the parameter associating unit26cuses the order information as ‘information about an imaging target portion’.

Moreover, for example, suppose the MRI apparatus100acquires order information that ‘imaging of “head” by MRI is needed. A symptom of “dizziness” is observed.’ about a patient, from a Laboratory Information System.

Moreover, the parameter associating unit26cis assumed to preliminarily store a predetermined algorithm of selecting protocols and an imaging target portion based on the order information.

In such case, when order information about “head” and “dizziness” is received, the parameter associating unit26cinputs the order information into a predetermined algorithm, and obtains a result such that imaging should be performed by using the ‘DW protocol’ and the ‘T2W protocol’, and the imaging target portion is “head”.

The parameter associating unit26ccan then select an imaging-condition edit-screen definition by using the result.

The example described above is only an example. Not limited to the example described above, the parameter associating unit26ccan specify ‘information about protocols of which specification is received’ and ‘information about the imaging target portion’ from information obtained from a medical information system, such as a Laboratory Information System or a Hospital Information System, and can select an imaging-condition edit-screen definition by using the specified information. Moreover, the parameter associating unit26ccan specify ‘information about protocols of which specification is received’ and ‘information about the imaging target portion’, by combining the various kinds of methods described above.

According to the MRI apparatus of an embodiment can reduce a burden on an operator.