Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

Disclosed herein is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a table disposed in a cavity which is formed in a bore, a head support having a support hole through which an upper surface of the table is visible to an object disposed on the table, and a display configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) image, the display being disposed between the table and the head support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0090804, filed on Jul. 18, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments relate to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus displaying an image in a bore.

2. Description of the Related Art

In general, a medical imaging apparatus refers to an apparatus that provides an image with respect to a patient by acquiring information of the patient. Examples of the medical imaging apparatus include X-ray imaging apparatuses, ultrasonic diagnostic apparatuses, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatuses, and the like.

Among these apparatuses, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus holds a very important position in diagnosis using medical images due to relatively easy image capturing conditions, excellent contrast in soft tissue, and ability to provide various diagnosis information images thereof.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) causes a nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon to occur in hydrogen atomic nuclei in a human body by using a magnetic field which is harmless to the human body and a radio frequency (RF), which is non-ionizing radiation, to obtain density and physicochemical properties of the atomic nuclei which are illustrated in images.

In particular, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus acquires an image of an inner portion of an object by converting energy, which is emitted from atomic nuclei in response to a supply of a constant frequency and energy while a constant magnetic field is applied to the inside of a gantry, into a signal.

In this case, an RF reception coil is used to receive the energy emitted from the atomic nuclei. The RF reception coil may be separated from a patient table. In general, the RF reception coil may be stored separately from the patient table while a magnetic resonance imaging process is not performed, and may be connected to the patient table while a magnetic resonance imaging process is being performed.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it is an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which facilitates an ability of an object to see a displayed image while the object is lying prone facing the table.

In accordance with one aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a table disposed in a cavity which is formed in a bore, a head support having a support hole through which an upper surface of the table is visible to an object disposed on the table, and a display configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) image, the display being disposed between the table and the head support.

The display may include a projector configured to project the GUI image and a screen on which the GUI image projected by the projector is displayed.

The projector may be further configured to project the GUI image onto a back surface or a front surface of the screen.

The display may further include a mirror configured to reflect the GUI image projected by the projector toward the screen, and the projector may be further configured to project the GUI image onto the mirror such that the GUI image is reflected by the mirror onto the screen.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus may further include a guide configured to facilitate a vertical movement of the projector, and the screen may be configured to vertically move in accordance with a changing position of the projector. The guide may also have a curved shape.

The projector may be disposed on the table or off of the table, and the projector may be detachably disposed on the head support.

The display may include a display device on which the GUI image is displayed and a mirror configured to reflect the displayed image toward eyes of the object.

The display may include a projector configured to project the GUI image and a pair of glasses on which the image projected by the projector is formed.

The display may include a display on which the GUI image is displayed and a pair of glasses configured to reflect the image displayed on the display toward eyes of the object.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus may further include a darkroom housing configured to control a brightness between the table and the head support.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus may further include an input device configured to facilitate a control of the displayed GUI image.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. However, known functions associated with the exemplary embodiments or detailed descriptions on the configuration and other matters which would unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure will be omitted.

Further, the following terms, which are defined in consideration of functions of the exemplary embodiments, may be altered depending on the user's intentions or judicial precedents. Therefore, the meaning of each term should be interpreted based on the content of the entire disclosure of the specification. If there is no specific definition, the terms should be interpreted as generally interpreted by one of ordinary skill in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all constituent elements according to aspects of the present disclosure and exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other, if it is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that combinations thereof are not technically contradictory, although a single integrated configuration thereof is illustrated in the drawings.

Hereinafter, magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

Hereinafter, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100.

Referring toFIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100includes a bore150, a controller120, a gradient application unit (also referred to herein as a “gradient application device”)130, an RF application unit (also referred to herein as an “RF application device”)140, an image processor160, and a support.

The bore150forms a magnetic field and generates a resonance phenomenon with respect to atomic nuclei.

In particular, the bore150includes a static field coil unit (also referred to herein as a “static field coil device”)151configured to generate a static magnetic field in an inner space thereof, a gradient coil unit (also referred to herein as a “gradient coil device”)152configured to form a gradient magnetic field by generating a gradient in the static magnetic field, and a radio frequency (RF) coil unit (also referred to herein as an “RF coil device”)155configured to excite the atomic nuclei by applying RF pulses and to receive echo signals from the atomic nuclei.

When an object ob is located in an inner space of the bore150of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, a static magnetic field, a gradient magnetic field, and RF pulses may be applied to the object ob. In addition, the atomic nuclei which are contained in the object ob are excited by the applied RF pulses, and echo signals are generated therefrom.

The RF coil unit155may include an RF transmission coil156configured to excite atomic nuclei by applying RF pulses and an RF reception coil157configured to receive echo signals generated by the bore150and to transmit the received echo signals to the image processor160.

The RF reception coil157may receive electromagnetic waves emitted from the excited atomic nuclei, i.e., magnetic resonance signals. The RF reception coil157is generally used in a state of being attached to a human body. Thus, the RF reception coil157may have any of various shapes in accordance with parts of the human body, such as, for example, a head coil, a neck coil, and a waste coil.

As an example of the RF reception coil157that may be separated from the bore150, a surface coil receives magnetic resonance signals which are excited in a part of the object ob. Since the surface coil is smaller than a volume coil and has a two-dimensional sheet shape, the surface coil has a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio with respect to an adjacent portion.

In addition, as another example of the RF reception coil157, an array coil has a wide reception area which results from an alignment of a plurality of surface coils in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional space. The array coil has a respective alignment shape in accordance with body parts to be examined, and may be classified into array coils for head, array coils for head and neck, array coils for chest, array coils for spine, array coils for abdomen, and array coils for leg. Since the surface coils constituting the array coil have different relative positions, signals received by the surface coils have different phases. Thus, an image having a relatively high signal-to-noise ratio may be acquired by considering a receive phase of each of the surface coils while reconstructing an image by combining the signals received by respective surface coils.

The controller120includes a static field controller121configured to control an intensity and a direction of the static magnetic field formed by the static field coil unit151, a pulse sequence controller122configured to design a pulse sequence and to control the gradient coil unit152and the RF coil unit155in accordance with the pulse sequence, a display controller123configured to control a graphical user interface (GUI) image displayed on a display unit (also referred to herein as a “display” and/or as a “display device”)400, and a table controller124configured to control a position of a table180.

The controller120may function as a central processing unit (CPU), and the CPU may include a microprocessor. The microprocessor is a processing device which includes an arithmetic logic unit, a register, a program counter, an instruction decoder, and/or a control circuit, and the like integrated in at least one silicon chip.

Further, the microprocessor may include a graphic processing unit (GPU) configured for graphical processing of an image and/or video. The microprocessor may be implemented in a System-on-Chip (SoC) which includes a core and a GPU. The microprocessor may include any of a single core processor, a dual core processor, a triple core processor, a quad core processor, and a multi core processor.

In addition, the controller120may include any of a graphic processing board fabricated by disposing a GPU, a random access memory (RAM), and/or a read-only memory (ROM) in a separate circuit board which is electrically connected to the microprocessor.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100includes a gradient application unit (also referred to herein as a “gradient application device)130configured to apply a gradient signal to the gradient coil unit152and an RF application unit (also referred to herein as an “RF application device”)140configured to apply an RF signal to the RF transmission coil156. The pulse sequence controller122controls the gradient application unit130and the RF application unit140to control the gradient magnetic field formed in the inner space of the bore150and RF signals applied to the atomic nuclei.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100includes the image processor160which is configured to generate a magnetic resonance image based on the echo signals generated in the atomic nuclei, i.e., magnetic resonance signals.

The RF reception coil157is connected to the image processor160. The image processor160may include a data collection unit (also referred to herein as a “data collector”)161configured to generate a magnetic resonance image by receiving data regarding spin echo signals, i.e., magnetic resonance signals generated in the atomic nuclei, and processing the received data, a data storage unit (also referred to herein as a “data storage” and/or as a “data storage device”)162configured to store the data received by the data collection unit161, and a data processing unit (also referred to herein as a “data processor”)163configured to generate a magnetic resonance image by processing the stored data.

The data collection unit161may include a preamplifier configured to amplify magnetic resonance signals received by the RF coil unit155, a phase detector configured to detect a phase upon receiving the magnetic resonance signals from the preamplifier, and an A/D converter configured to convert analog signals acquired by the phase detection into digital signals. In addition, the data collection unit161transmits the magnetic resonance signals, which are converted into the digital signals, to the data storage unit162.

In the data storage unit162, a data space constituting a two-dimensional Fourier space is formed. When the scanned entire data is completely stored, the data processing unit163reconstructs an image of the object ob by performing a two-dimensional inverse Fourier transform of the data within the two-dimensional Fourier space. The reconstructed image is transmitted to the display controller123, and the display controller123displays the reconstructed image on the display unit400.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100may include a user interface200configured to receive control instructions regarding the overall operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100which are inputted by the user. In particular, a pulse sequence may be generated in accordance with an instruction regarding a scan sequence received from the user.

In particular, the user interface200may include an input unit (also referred to herein as an “input device”)300configured to enable the user to manipulate a system and a display unit (also referred to herein as a “display” and/or as a “display device”)400configured to enable the user to diagnose the health condition of the object ob by displaying a control state and an image generated by the image processor160.

The input unit300will be described in detail below with reference toFIG. 16.

The display unit400may include a projector410, a display420, a mirror430, a screen440, and glasses450.

The display unit400will be described in detail below with reference toFIGS. 4 to 14B.

The support supports the body of the object ob when the object ob is located on the table180for magnetic resonance imaging.

In addition, the support may include a head support500, a chest support510, and an abdomen support520.

The support will be described in detail below with reference toFIG. 3.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100may also include a memory. The memory may store any one or more of a magnetic resonance image of the object ob, an echo signal received from the object ob, and/or a particular value with respect to soft tissues. The memory may also store any of various data used to control the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100. For example, the memory may store data regarding the control of performing a magnetic resonance imaging for a biopsy, moving the table180out of the bore150for an invasive procedure with respect to soft tissues of the object ob, and moving the table180into the bore150after the invasive procedure.

The memory may include non-volatile memory such as any of a read-only memory (ROM), a high-speed random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk storage device, and a flash memory, and/or any other non-volatile semiconductor memory devices.

For example, the memory may include semiconductor memory devices such as any one or more of a secure digital (SD) memory card, a secure digital high capacity (SDHC) memory card, a mini SD memory card, a mini SDHC memory card, a trans flash (TF) memory card, a micro SD memory card, a micro SDHC memory card, a memory stick, a compact flash (CF) memory card, a multi-media card (MMC), an MMC micro card, and/or an extreme digital (XD) card.

In addition, the memory may include a network-attached storage device which is configured to access files via a network.

FIG. 2illustrates an external appearance of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

Referring toFIG. 2, the bore150is formed in the shape of a cylinder having a hollow inner space, and may also be referred to as a gantry. The inner space is referred to as a cavity, and an object ob lying on the table180is brought into the cavity in order to obtain a magnetic resonance signal.

The bore150may include the static field coil unit151, the gradient coil unit152, and the RF coil unit155.

The static field coil unit151may be configured by winding a coil around the cavity. When current is supplied to the static field coil unit151, a static magnetic field is formed in the inner space of the bore150, i.e., the cavity.

Generally, a direction of the static magnetic field is parallel to an axis of the bore150.

When the static magnetic field is formed in the cavity, nuclei of atoms constituting the object ob, most particularly including nuclei of hydrogen atoms, are arranged in the direction of the static magnetic field, and perform a procession about the direction of the static magnetic field. Procession speed of the atomic nuclei may be expressed by precession frequency. The precession frequency is referred to as Larmor frequency, which is represented by Equation 1.
ω=γB0  Equation 1

In Equation 1, ω is a Larmor frequency, γ is a proportional constant, and B0 is intensity of an external magnetic field. The proportional constant varies according to the type of atomic nuclei. A unit of the intensity of the external magnetic field is tesla (T) or gauss (G), and a unit of the precession frequency is Hz.

For example, a hydrogen proton has a precession frequency of 42.58 MHZ in an external magnetic field of 1 T. Since hydrogen occupies the greatest proportion among atoms constituting the human body, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100obtains magnetic resonance signals by using procession of hydrogen protons.

The gradient coil unit152generates a gradient magnetic field by causing a gradient in the static magnetic field formed in the cavity.

Hereinafter, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 3.

FIG. 3illustrates external appearances of an RF coil unit155, a head support500, and a projector410.

The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100may include a projector410, an RF reception coil157, and a support.

The projector410and the RF reception coil157may be the same as or different from the projector410and the RF reception coil157ofFIG. 1.

The support provides a supporting space such that the object ob is supported in a position adjacent to the RF reception coil157for magnetic resonance imaging.

In particular, the support provides the supporting space such that the object ob lies prone facing the table180. In addition, the support may include a head support500, a chest support510, and an abdomen support520.

The head support500supports the face of the object ob. In particular, the head support500has a supporting hole505at the center where the face of the object ob is positioned and a supporting structure at a circumferential area of the supporting hole505to support the face of the object ob. The supporting structure may include a cushion which is intended to relieve pain of the object ob.

In addition, the object ob may be able to see a GUI image displayed below the head support500through the supporting hole505of the head support500.

The chest support510is disposed near the RF reception coil157and is configured to provide spaces for accommodating breasts of the object ob. In particular, the chest support510includes a barrier wall and has spaces allowing breasts to hang at both sides of the barrier wall. In addition, supporting frames may be disposed at outer portions thereof. The supporting frames may press the breasts from the outside while imaging the breasts of the object ob so as to reduce movement of regions to be diagnosed.

The abdomen support520, which is disposed at a position adjacent to the chest support510and opposite to the head support500, supports the abdomen of the object ob. In particular, the abdomen support520may have a slope which is configured to support the abdomen of the object ob when the object ob positions the breasts in the chest support510and the head in the head support500in a state of lying prone. In addition, the abdomen support520may have a slightly curved surface in correspondence to a shape of the body of the object ob. In addition, the abdomen support520may include a cushion formed of a soft material in order to relieve pain of the object ob in the same manner as the head support500.

Hereinafter, a method for displaying a GUI image by using a projector according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 4, 5A, and5B.

FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of displaying a GUI image.

An image processor160generates a magnetic resonance image based on echo signals and transmits the generated magnetic resonance image to a display controller123, and the display controller123transmits a control signal to a display unit400and controls the display unit400to display an image such that the object ob is able to see a GUI image.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the display unit400may include a projector410and a screen440. In addition, the display unit400may display a GUI image between the head support500and the table180. The GUI image may show not only the magnetic resonance image, but also any one or more of a remaining time of the magnetic resonance imaging process, an image which provides a caution against movement, an image or text regarding the current status, and/or the like.

The projector410, as a projection device, is a device which is configured to display a slide or video image by using light. The projector410may project light beams onto a screen440in a state of being disposed on the table180or from outside of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

The screen440is a place where the GUI image is formed by the light beams projected by the projector410and diffused and/or reflected. The screen440may include an opaque screen444and a transparent screen448.

In particular, the screen440may be classified into the opaque screen444and the transparent screen448. When the opaque screen444is used, the object ob cannot see the table180through the supporting hole505of the head support500. However, when the transparent screen448is used, the object ob may see the table180through the supporting hole505of the head support500.

The opaque screen444has a non-uniform surface which causes a diffused reflection of light beams projected by the projector410and may include a material having a brightness and a chroma similar to those of white color in order to improve visibility.

Conversely, the transparent screen448includes a plastic film therein which is configured for diffused reflection and regular reflection, and the plastic film may be a wedge type. In addition, plate glasses may be disposed on both external sides of the plastic film.

The screen440may be formed of any of various materials according to the type of light beams projected by the projector410. For example, when an image is displayed via front projection, the opaque screen444may be a Matt White screen, a Glass-beaded screen, a Ultra-Beaded screen, and/or a Lenticular screen. Conversely, when an image is displayed by backward projection, Cineflex may be used.

Hereinafter, external appearances of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatuses according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4will be described with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 5Aillustrates an example of displaying an image by using a projector disposed on a table.FIG. 5Billustrates an example of displaying an image by using a projector disposed on a head support.

As illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5B, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, the abdomen support520, the chest support510, and the head support500are sequentially disposed, and the table180is disposed below the bottom surface of the support. A GUI image is displayed between the head support500and the table180.

In particular, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the screen440is disposed between the head support500and the table180for backward projection, and the GUI image may be formed on the screen440.

The image displayed on the screen440is formed by light beams projected by the projector410. In the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4, the projector410may be disposed at a position which is different from that of the screen440.

In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 5A, the projector410may project light beams onto a back surface of the screen440in a state of being disposed on the table180. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, the projector410may project light beams onto the back surface of the screen440in a state of being connected to a connection arm disposed on the head support500.

In addition, if required, the projector410may be detachable for image capturing. In particular, the connection arm ofFIG. 5Bmay include a detachable arm502and a fixing arm501. In this regard, the detachable arm502, which functions as a connector, may be detachably connected to the head support500, and the fixing arm501may fix and support the projector410in a state of being connected to the detachable arm502.

Hereinafter, a method for displaying a GUI image by using a projector according to another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 10.

FIG. 6is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of displaying a GUI image.

An image processor160generates a magnetic resonance image based on echo signals and transmits the generated magnetic resonance image to a display controller123, and the display controller123transmits a control signal to a display unit400and controls the display unit400to display an image such that a GUI image is visible to the object ob.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the display unit400may include a projector410, a screen440, a mirror430, and a pair of glasses450. In addition, the display unit400according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6may be the same as or different from the display unit400according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4.

The projector410and the screen440according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6may be the same or different from the projector410and the screen440according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 4.

The mirror430may change a path of light beams projected by the projector410and transmit the light beams to the screen440. In addition, the mirror430may have a flat surface or a curved surface. The mirror430may also have a convex shape, a concave shape, or a flat shape, in accordance with a width of incident light beams, a distance to the screen440, and a width of the screen440.

The glasses450are supported by the head of the object ob, and a GUI image may be formed near eyes of the object ob. The glasses450will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 13A and 13B.

Hereinafter, external appearances of display units according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6respectively transmitting light beams, which are projected in a direction which is parallel to a surface of a table, to a screen by using a mirror will be described with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B.

FIG. 7Aillustrates an example of displaying an image by using a projector disposed on a table and a mirror.FIG. 7Billustrates an example of displaying an image by using a projector disposed on a head support and a mirror.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, the abdomen support520, the chest support510, and the head support500are sequentially disposed, and the mirror430and the table180are disposed below the bottom surface of the support. A GUI image is displayed between the head support500and the table180.

In particular, light beams incident on the mirror430in a direction parallel to the table180is regular-reflected and transmitted to the screen440, and the light beams transmitted to the screen440are diffused-reflected on the screen440, thereby forming the GUI image.

In addition, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the projector410may be disposed at a position which is different from that of the screen440.

In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 7A, the projector410may project light beams onto the mirror430in a state of being disposed on the table180. Alternatively, the projector410may project light beams onto the mirror430in a state of being connected to the connection arm which is disposed on the head support500, as illustrated inFIG. 7B.

The projector410may also be detachable for image capturing, if required. In particular, the connection arm ofFIG. 7Bmay include a detachable arm502and a fixing arm501. In this regard, the detachable arm502functioning as a connector may be detachably connected to the head support500, and the fixing arm501may fix and support the projector410in a state of being connected to the detachable arm502.

Hereinafter, external appearances of display units according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6respectively transmitting light beams, which are projected in a direction parallel to a table, to a screen without using a mirror will be described with reference toFIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 8Aillustrates an example of displaying an image by horizontally projecting light beams by using a projector disposed on a table.FIG. 8Billustrates an example of displaying an image by horizontally projecting light beams by using a projector disposed on a head support.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, the abdomen support520, the chest support510, and the head support500are sequentially disposed, and the table180is disposed below the bottom surface of the support. A GUI image is displayed between the head support500and the table180.

In particular, the screen440is disposed so as to be nonparallel to the table180and has a slope toward the projector410. Light beams incident on the screen440parallel to table180from the projector410are diffused-reflected on the screen440to form a GUI image.

In addition, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the projector410may be disposed at a position which is different from that of the screen440.

In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 8A, the projector410may project light beams onto a front surface of the screen440in a state of being disposed on the table180. Alternatively, as illustrated inFIG. 8B, the projector410may project light beams onto the front surface of the screen440in a state of being connected to the connection arm which is disposed on the head support500.

In addition, if required, the projector410may be detachable for image capturing. Particularly, the connection arm ofFIG. 8Bmay include a detachable arm502and a fixing arm501. In this regard, the detachable arm502which functions as a connector may be detachably connected to the head support500, and the fixing arm501may fix and support the projector410in a state of being connected to the detachable arm502.

Hereinafter, external appearances of display units according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6respectively directly transmitting light beams, which are projected downward in an oblique direction from a position above a table, to a screen will be described with reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B.

FIG. 9Aillustrates an example of displaying an image by projecting light beams downward by using a projector disposed on a table.FIG. 9Billustrates an example of displaying an image by projecting light beams downward by using a projector disposed on a head support.

As illustrated inFIGS. 9A and 9B, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, the abdomen support520, the chest support510, and the head support500are sequentially disposed, and the table180is disposed below the bottom surface of the support. A GUI image is displayed between the head support500and the table180.

In particular, the screen440is disposed near the table180, so that light beams projected in an oblique direction toward the screen440are diffused-reflected on the screen440, thereby forming the GUI image.

In addition, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6, the projector410may be disposed at a position which is different from that of the screen440.

In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 9A, the projector410may project light beams onto a front surface of the screen440in a state of being disposed on the table180. Alternatively, the projector410may project light beams onto the front surface of the screen440in a state of being connected to the connection arm which is disposed on the head support500as illustrated inFIG. 7B.

The projector410may also be detachable for image capturing, if required. In particular, referring toFIG. 9B, the connection arm may include a detachable arm502and a fixing arm501. In this regard, the detachable arm502which functions as a connector may be detachably connected to the head support500, and the fixing arm501may fix and support the projector410in a state of being connected to the detachable arm502.

FIG. 10illustrates an example of displaying an image by vertically moving a projector by using a guide unit (also referred to herein as a “guide”)550.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10, the method for displaying an image by backward projection, the method for displaying an image by transmitting light beams incident in a direction parallel to the table180to the screen440by using the mirror430, and the method for displaying an image by front projection of light beams in an oblique direction toward the table180as described above are performed by moving the projector410and the screen440.

In particular, the screen440may vertically move between the table180and the head support500, and the projector410may vertically move along the guide unit550as illustrated inFIG. 10.

The guide unit550may have a curved shape such that the center of curvature of the guide unit550is disposed at a screen440side. In addition, the guide unit550is disposed on the table180such that light beams projected by the projector410are incident onto the screen440. In addition, the screen440may move in accordance with a position where the image is formed by light beams projected by the projector410moving along the guide unit550.

In this aspect, in order to implement the method for displaying an image by backward projection, the screen440amay be moved to be adjacent to the head support500, and the projector410amay be moved to a lower portion of the guide unit550in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, as illustrated inFIG. 10.

In order to implement the method for displaying an image by transmitting light beams incident in the direction parallel to the table180to the screen440bby using the mirror430, the screen440bmay be moved to be adjacent to the table180, and the projector410bmay be moved to a middle portion of the guide unit550in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, as illustrated inFIG. 10.

In order to implement the method for displaying an image by front projection of light beams in an oblique direction toward the table, the screen440cmay be moved to be adjacent to the table180, and the projector410cmay be moved to an upper portion of the guide unit550in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, as illustrated inFIG. 10.

Hereinafter, a method for displaying a GUI image by using a projector according to still another exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 11, 12A, and 12B.

FIG. 11is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of displaying a GUI image by reflection without forming an image.

An image processor160generates a magnetic resonance image based on echo signals and transmits the generated magnetic resonance image to a display controller123, and the display controller123transmits a control signal to a display unit400and controls the display unit400to display an image such that the object ob is able to see a GUI image.

According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11, the display unit400may include a display420, a transparent screen448, a mirror430, and glasses450. In addition, the display unit400according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11may be the same as or different from the display unit400according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6.

The transparent screen448, the mirror430, and the glasses450according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11may be the same as or different from the transparent screen448, the mirror430, and the glasses450according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6.

The mirror430may change a propagation path of light beams displayed on the display420and redirect the light beams to the screen440. In addition, the mirror430may have a flat surface or a curved surface. The mirror430may also have a convex shape, a concave shape, or a flat shape, in accordance with a width of the display420, a distance to the display420, and/or a width of the display420.

The glasses450are supported by the head of the object ob, and a GUI image displayed on the display420may be reflected by the glasses450and incident onto eyes of the object ob. The glasses450will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 13A and 13B.

The display420displays the GUI image via light emission. In addition, in the display420, any of light emitting diode (LED) technology, liquid crystal display (LCD) technology, and/or light emitting polymer display (LPD) technology may be used. Any other of various display technologies may also be applied to the display420.

Hereinafter, external appearances of display units according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11respectively displaying an image to an object ob by using a mirror will be described with reference toFIGS. 12A and 12B.

FIG. 12Aillustrates an example of displaying an image by using a display unit disposed on a table and a mirror.FIG. 12Billustrates an example of displaying an image by using a display unit disposed on a head support and a mirror430.

As illustrated inFIGS. 12A and 12B, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100, the abdomen support520, the chest support510, and the head support500are sequentially disposed, and the table180is disposed below the bottom surface of the support. A GUI image is displayed between the head support500and the table180.

In particular, the mirror430is disposed not to be parallel to the table180, but instead to be inclined toward the display420such that an image displayed on the display420is visible via the supporting hole505.

In addition, the display420may be disposed to be spaced apart from the head support500by a predetermined distance.

In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 12A, the display420may enable the displayed image to be seen through the supporting hole505via regular reflection by the mirror430in a state of being disposed on the table180. As illustrated inFIG. 12B, the display420may enable the displayed image to be seen through the supporting hole505in a state of being connected to the connection arm which is disposed on the head support500.

The screen440may also be detachable for image capturing, if required. In particular, referring toFIG. 12B, the connection arm may include a detachable arm502and a fixing arm501. In this regard, the detachable arm502which functions as a connector may be detachably connected to the head support500, and the fixing arm501may fix and support the display420in a state of being connected to the detachable arm502.

Hereinafter, a method for displaying a GUI image by using glasses according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 13A and 13B.

FIG. 13Aillustrates an example of displaying an image by using a projector and projection glasses.

As illustrated inFIG. 13A, a face of an object ob wearing a pair of projection glasses450ais supported by the supporting hole505, so that the projection glasses450aare located at a lower portion of the head support500.

A screen is disposed at a frame of the projection glasses450a, and an image to be displayed via diffused reflection of light beams projected by the projector410is formed on the screen of the projection glasses450a. In addition, the screen may be disposed at respective positions adjacent to both eyes of the object ob, or at one position adjacent to one eye of the object ob.

In addition, the projector410disposed on the table180may project light beams to the screen of the projection glasses450adisposed in the supporting hole505. The projector410may also project a plurality of light beams in accordance with the number of screens disposed at the projection glasses450a, or a plurality of screens may be used.

In addition, the image to be displayed on the screen by using the light beams projected by the projector410may be formed by backward projection.

FIG. 13Billustrates an example of displaying an image by using a display unit and reflection glasses.

A mirror455is disposed on a frame of a pair of reflection glasses450b, so that an image displayed on a display420may be introduced into the supporting hole505.

In particular, the display420is disposed to be spaced apart from the head support500by a predetermined distance, and an image is displayed on the display420. The image displayed on the display420is introduced onto the mirror455via an inlet453of the mirror455, and the introduced image is redirected to eyes of the object ob via regular reflection.

In addition, the display420may be disposed to be spaced apart from the head support500by a predetermined distance, and one display or a plurality of displays may be used in accordance with an angle of the mirror455disposed at the reflection glasses450b.

Hereinafter, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which includes a darkroom housing according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 14A and 14B.

FIG. 14Ais a cross-sectional view of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which includes a darkroom housing.FIG. 14Billustrates an external appearance of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which includes the darkroom housing.

Visibility of a display unit400of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100may be determined by an ambient environment.

In particular, as a brightness of the ambient environment increases, a corresponding visibility of an image displayed on the display unit400may decrease. This is because, in the image transmitted by the projector410or display420, an intensity of light transmitted by a light source may be reduced in accordance with the brightness of the ambient environment. Thus, as illustrated inFIGS. 14A and 14B, a brightness of a visible region of the object ob may be controlled independently from the ambient lighting of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus100by using a darkroom housing600.

In this aspect, light beams projected by the projector410are introduced into the darkroom housing600via the inlet610of the darkroom housing600and transmitted to the screen440, so that the image is displayed on the screen440.

Hereinafter, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which is usable for performing a biopsy according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 15.

FIG. 15illustrates a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which is configured to be used for performing a biopsy.

A biopsy is performed by removing a target soft tissue based on an acquisition of an image of the soft tissue via magnetic resonance imaging, and then confirming whether the soft tissue has been successfully removed by acquiring a magnetic resonance image thereof.

For example, in a soft tissue biopsy of a breast of an object ob, a magnetic resonance image of the breast is acquired, and then the table180is moved out of the cavity. Then, an insertion member is inserted into the breast tissue based on the acquired image. In this case, grids515may be disposed at both sides of the chest support510in order to guide the insertion member to a desired position based on the acquired image. Then, after the table180is moved into the cavity and a magnetic resonance image thereof is acquired, the table180is moved out of the cavity again to confirm whether the insertion member is located near the target tissue, and the target tissue is removed. Then, a determination is made as to whether the specific tissue has been successfully removed by moving the table180into the cavity and acquiring a magnetic resonance image thereof.

Hereinafter, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which includes an input unit according to an exemplary embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 16.

FIG. 16illustrates an external appearance of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus which includes an input unit.

The object ob may transmit an input signal to a controller via an input unit (also referred to herein as an “input device”)300such that a GUI image which relates to the current status, remaining time, and the like is selected and controlled during a magnetic resonance imaging process.

The input unit300may be a button type input unit disposed at a side of the table180as illustrated inFIG. 16, or may be a slide type input unit disposed at a side of the table180. Alternatively, the input unit300may be a remote control type input unit which is usable by the object ob in the cavity. Any other of various types of input units may also be used as the input unit300.

As is apparent from the above description, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to one or more exemplary embodiments may display an image between a head support and a table while an object is lying prone facing the table.

Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.