Patent Description:
A large static magnetic field is used by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners to align the nuclear spins of atoms as part of the procedure for producing images within the body of a patient. This large static magnetic field is referred to as the B0 field or the main magnetic field. The magnetic spins of material tend to align in the B0 field. Radiofrequency signals can be used to manipulate the orientation of the spins and cause them to precess which results in them emitting their own radio frequency signals. To send and receive these radio frequency signals magnetic resonance imaging antennas (or coils) are used. Large fixed coils may be used, or smaller coils which are placed on or about a subject may also be used.

United States patent application publication <CIT> discloses a patient couch for a magnetic resonance tomography system and a magnetic resonance tomography system are provided. The patient couch includes a feed facility for radiofrequency energy having a plurality of conduction paths for feeding radiofrequency energy. The patient couch also includes a plurality of plug-in connectors for local coils having a transmit coil, and a distribution structure for the distribution of radiofrequency energy from the feed facility to the plug-in connectors.

United States patent application publication <CIT>discloses a coil support unit to an MRI apparatus. This known coil support includes a port to connect the RF coil to a signal cable. The port is slideable along the body axis of the top board (of the patient bed) by a moving unit to remain at the centre of the static magnetic field.

International patent application publication <CIT> discloses a subject support assembly for a magnetic resonance imaging system. The subject support is operable for supporting a subject within an imaging zone of a magnet of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The subject support is operable for supporting at least one radio frequency amplifier outside of the imaging zone. The subject support is operable for supplying DC electrical power to the at least one radio frequency amplifier.

United States patent publication <CIT> discloses a cable guide for use in a nuclear magnetic resonance tomography apparatus is provided for cable for making electrical connections between devices secured to a patient bed and devices disposed outside of the examination space. The cable guide is a grounded, electrical cable channel disposed beneath the patient bed and above the lower sub-antenna of a whole-body antenna and above at least one wall of the examination space. The cable channel has a V-shape, and is rounded at an edge facing the examination space, this edge projecting beyond the height of the lower sub-antenna. The cable guide substantially protects the cable against coupling with other components. The examination space remains free of built-in units.

International patent application publication <CIT> discloses a magnetic resonance (MR) system including a main magnet having a bore and producing a substantially homogenous magnetic field within a scanning volume; a mobile radio-frequency (RF) coil (MRF) including at least one transmit antenna for transmitting a wireless location signal within the bore of the magnet; at least one receive antenna situated substantially at a known location (e.g. at the isocentre plane of the bore of the magnet), the receive antenna configured to receive the transmitted location signal; and a controller configured to align the transmit antenna of the MRF with reference to the known location of the receive antenna based upon an analysis of the received location signal.

The invention provides for a medical instrument, a computer program product, and a method in the independent claims. Embodiments are given in the dependent claims.

Embodiments may facilitate the use of magnetic resonance imaging antennas that can be placed on or about subjects by having a remotely controllable actuator that positions an antenna connector along a path of a subject support. A processor controlling a medical instrument that comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system receives a connector position and then controls the remotely controllable actuator to move the antenna connector to this connector position. This may provide several advantages. It may possibly reduce the chance that a magnetic resonance imaging antenna is used incorrectly. Positioning the antenna connector at a particular connector position may reduce the chance that a unskilled operator places the antenna incorrectly. It may also possibly provide for more convenient use of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. The need for cable management may be reduced and placement of the antenna connector may in some examples be performed automatically.

In one aspect the invention provides for a medical instrument as defined in claim <NUM> comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system. The medical instrument further comprises a radio-frequency system configured for acquiring magnetic resonance imaging data from an imaging zone of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The radio-frequency system is configured for sending and receiving radio-frequency signals to acquire magnetic resonance imaging data. The radio-frequency system is configured for connecting to a magnetic resonance imaging antenna. In some examples the magnetic resonance imaging antenna is a surface coil or other coil which may be attached or placed on a subject. The medical instrument further comprises a subject support configured for supporting at least a portion of the subject in an imaging zone of the magnetic resonance imaging system. The subject support comprises an antenna connector configured for connecting to the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. In some examples, the antenna connector may additionally provide connections for other devices such as, but is not limited to: ECG sensors, respiration sensors, motion sensor, patient feedback sensors, or others.

The radio-frequency system is configured for connecting to the magnetic resonance imaging antenna via the antenna connector. The subject support comprises a remotely controllable actuator configured for translating the antenna connector to a connector position along a path. The remotely controllable actuator may take different forms in different examples. For example, the remotely controllable actuator may be a system with pulleys, gears, stepper motors, pneumatics or hydraulics which is used to move the antenna connector along the path. The medical instrument further comprises a memory comprising machine-executable instructions. The medical instrument further comprises a processor configured for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system. Execution of the machine-executable instructions causes the processor to determine a connector position. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further causes the processor to control the remotely controllable actuator to move the antenna connector along the path to the connector position.

The medical instrument further comprises a camera configured for providing a camera image comprising the subject support and the position of the patient on the support. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further causes the processor to determine the connector position using the camera image. This may be beneficial because it provides a means for determining the connector position using a contactless means.

This is advantageous because a connector position can be chosen and then the remotely controllable actuator can be remotely moved to this position. This enables a variety of things such as ensuring that the connector is placed in the optimal position with respect to the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. This for example enables reducing the length of cables or connectors for the magnetic resonance imaging antenna, it may also help to eliminate the possibility of falsely placing the magnetic resonance imaging antenna or placing it in the wrong position.

In an embodiment the subject support comprises an NFC detector configured for receiving an NFC signal from the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to determine the connection position partially using the NFC signal. NFC stands for near field communication. This embodiment may be beneficial because it may enable an efficient and cost effective means of identifying the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna after it has been placed on or about a subject.

In another embodiment the magnetic resonance imaging antenna comprises an NFC transmitter and/or receiver that enables the NFC detector to pick up the NFC signal.

In another embodiment the processor is configured for registering an antenna location model to the camera image. For example, if a surface coil or other coil has been placed on or about the subject the antenna location model may be used to determine the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. The determination of the connector position using the camera image is at least partially performed using the registration of the antenna location model. For example, the antenna location model may have a mapping that indicates what the connector position should be for various positions of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. The antenna location model may be used to locate the magnetic resonance imaging antenna in the image and then determine the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna.

In another embodiment, the processor is configured for registering a subject model to the camera image. The determination of the connector position using the camera image is at least partially performed using the registration of the subject model. In this example the camera may be used to detect a subject who is placed on the subject support. The subject model may then be registered and the location of the subject is then known with respect to the subject support. This may be used for determining the connector position before the magnetic resonance imaging antenna has been placed on or about the subject. This may be beneficial because it may enable placing the connector position in a location which helps the operator to place the magnetic resonance imaging antenna in the correct position. For example, if the magnetic resonance imaging antenna has a short cable the pre-placement of the connector position may eliminate the possibility of placing the magnetic resonance imaging antenna in a false position.

In another embodiment execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to receive a magnetic resonance imaging region of interest selection. The connector position is partially determined using the MRI region of interest selection and the registration of the subject model. For example, for a particular location of the subject the MRI region of interest can be superimposed on the registered subject model. This can then be used to infer where the magnetic resonance imaging antenna can be placed. This may further aid in placing the magnetic resonance imaging antenna properly on a subject.

In another embodiment the subject support further comprises a linear position selector distributed along the path. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to receive a selected location from the linear position selector. The connector position is partially determined using the selected position. This embodiment may be beneficial because the operator can indicate where a preferred location of the antenna connector is.

In another embodiment the linear position selector is a linear array of buttons. This is a collection of buttons located along the path one after the other and pushing one of the buttons indicates a possible or preferred connector position. The linear array of buttons may also be known by the term as a radio buttons.

In another embodiment the linear position selector is a touch sensor. For example, there may be one or more touch sensors distributed along the path and the operator need only touch the touch sensor in the appropriate location to indicate the connector position.

In another embodiment the medical instrument further comprises a radiotherapy system configured for irradiating a target zone. The target zone is within the imaging zone. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to receive radiotherapy instructions configured for controlling the radiotherapy system to irradiate the target zone. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to determine a beam path using the radiotherapy instructions. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to modify the connector position to avoid the beam path. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to control the radiotherapy system to irradiate the target zone using the radiotherapy instructions. This embodiment may be beneficial because it may provide for a means to help improve the quality of the radiotherapy.

During the radiotherapy a magnetic resonance image acquired by the magnetic resonance imaging system may be used to guide the radiotherapy. The magnetic resonance imaging may also be used to register the radiotherapy instructions to the position of the subject.

The radiotherapy system may for example be a LINAC system, a gamma ray system, an X-ray beam system, or other radiotherapy system. In some examples, the radiotherapy system may also be a nuclear medical imaging system. For example a radiological source or tracer has been placed in the target zone. The beam path can be radiation emitted by the radiological source or tracer and the antenna connector can then be placed to reduce obstruction of the emitted radiation. Nuclear medical imaging systems may include positron emission tomography (PET) systems and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).

In another embodiment the medical instrument comprises the magnetic resonance imaging antenna.

In another embodiment the magnetic resonance imaging antenna comprises an RF cable with an antenna plug. The antenna plug is configured for coupling with the antenna connector. The antenna plug comprises any one of the following: an MRI antenna preamplifier, a digital-to-analogue converter, an analogue-to-digital converter, and combinations thereof. This may be beneficial because the components of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna which may add bulk and weight to the antenna are moved to the antenna plug.

The antenna connector may provide a standard interface for using with the antenna plug, for example it may provide DC power and a digital transmission path. For example, the antenna plug may communicate with the rest of the magnetic resonance imaging system via an optical digital telecommunication path or a wireless one. The antenna connector may also provide a DC power for powering the various electronic components contained within the antenna plug.

In another embodiment the radio-frequency system comprises coil electronics within the subject support. The coil electronics are configured to move with the antenna connector. The coil electronics comprise any one of the following: an MRI antenna preamplifier, a digital-to-analogue converter, an analogue-to-digital converter, and combinations thereof. In this embodiment the active components which are typically placed on a magnetic resonance imaging antenna are placed within the subject support. This may be enabled by the fact that the moving connector enables a very short cable to be used.

In another embodiment the antenna connector comprises an RF system transceiver configured for forming a wireless connection with the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to determine a location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna at least partially using the RF system transceiver. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to determine the connector location using the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. This embodiment may be beneficial because it may provide for a cost effective means of implementing the automatic connector positioning.

In another embodiment the medical instrument further comprises the magnetic resonance imaging antenna. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna further comprises an antenna transceiver configured for forming the wireless connection with the RF system transceiver. The antenna transceiver could provide a localization by signal strength as the antenna connector is moved or for example by functioning as a transponder.

The magnetic resonance imaging antenna in this embodiment could for example have a battery. In this case the magnetic resonance antenna may comprise the analog to digital, digital to analog converter and/or preamplifier.

In another embodiment the subject support is detachable from the magnetic resonance imaging system.

In another embodiment the memory further contains pulse sequence instructions configured for acquiring magnetic resonance imaging data according to a magnetic resonance imaging protocol. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to control the magnetic resonance imaging system with the pulse sequence commands to acquire the magnetic resonance imaging data. Execution of the machine-executable instructions further cause the processor to reconstruct a magnetic resonance image from the magnetic resonance imaging data.

In another embodiment the connection between the magnetic resonance imaging antenna and the magnetic resonance imaging system comprises an optical connection.

In another aspect the invention provides for a method of operating the medical instrument as defined in claim <NUM>.

In another embodiment the path is a linear path.

In another embodiment the path is aligned with a z-axis of a magnet of the magnetic resonance imaging system.

In another embodiment at least a portion of the path follows a curve. This may be beneficial when connecting a head coil or other coil dedicated to a particular anatomical region.

In another embodiment a first portion of the path follows the z-axis and at least a second portion of the path moves perpendicular to the z-axis. This may be beneficial when connecting a head coil or other coil dedicated to a particular anatomical region.

In another aspect the invention provides for a computer program product as defined in claim <NUM>.

It is understood that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments of the invention may be combined as long as the combined embodiments are not mutually exclusive and the resulting subject-matter falls within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present invention may be embodied as an apparatus, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system. " Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer executable code embodied thereon.

A 'computer-readable storage medium' as used herein encompasses any tangible storage medium which may store instructions which are executable by a processor of a computing device. The computer-readable storage medium may be referred to as a computer-readable non-transitory storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may also be referred to as a tangible computer readable medium. In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium may also be able to store data which is able to be accessed by the processor of the computing device. Examples of computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: a floppy disk, a magnetic hard disk drive, a solid state hard disk, flash memory, a USB thumb drive, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the register file of the processor. Examples of optical disks include Compact Disks (CD) and Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), for example CD-ROM, CD-RW, CD-R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, or DVD-R disks. The term computer readable-storage medium also refers to various types of recording media capable of being accessed by the computer device via a network or communication link. For example, a data may be retrieved over a modem, over the internet, or over a local area network. Computer executable code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wire line, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

'Computer memory' or 'memory' is an example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer memory is any memory which is directly accessible to a processor. 'Computer storage' or 'storage' is a further example of a computer-readable storage medium. Computer storage is any non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments computer storage may also be computer memory or vice versa.

A 'processor' as used herein encompasses an electronic component which is able to execute a program or machine executable instruction or computer executable code. References to the computing device comprising "a processor" should be interpreted as possibly containing more than one processor or processing core. The processor may for instance be a multi-core processor. A processor may also refer to a collection of processors within a single computer system or distributed amongst multiple computer systems. The term computing device should also be interpreted to possibly refer to a collection or network of computing devices each comprising a processor or processors. The computer executable code may be executed by multiple processors that may be within the same computing device or which may even be distributed across multiple computing devices.

Computer executable code may comprise machine executable instructions or a program which causes a processor to perform an aspect of the present invention. Computer executable code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object-oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages and compiled into machine executable instructions. In some instances, the computer executable code may be in the form of a high-level language or in a pre-compiled form and be used in conjunction with an interpreter which generates the machine executable instructions on the fly.

Aspects of the present invention are described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It is understood that each block or a portion of the blocks of the flowchart, illustrations, and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions in form of computer executable code when applicable. It is further under stood that, when not mutually exclusive, combinations of blocks in different flowcharts, illustrations, and/or block diagrams may be combined. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

A `user interface' as used herein is an interface which allows a user or operator to interact with a computer or computer system. A 'user interface' may also be referred to as a 'human interface device. ' A user interface may provide information or data to the operator and/or receive information or data from the operator. A user interface may enable input from an operator to be received by the computer and may provide output to the user from the computer. In other words, the user interface may allow an operator to control or manipulate a computer and the interface may allow the computer indicate the effects of the operator's control or manipulation. The display of data or information on a display or a graphical user interface is an example of providing information to an operator. The receiving of data through a keyboard, mouse, trackball, touchpad, pointing stick, graphics tablet, joystick, gamepad, webcam, headset, pedals, wired glove, remote control, and accelerometer are all examples of user interface components which enable the receiving of information or data from an operator.

A 'hardware interface' as used herein encompasses an interface which enables the processor of a computer system to interact with and/or control an external computing device and/or apparatus. A hardware interface may allow a processor to send control signals or instructions to an external computing device and/or apparatus. A hardware interface may also enable a processor to exchange data with an external computing device and/or apparatus. Examples of a hardware interface include, but are not limited to: a universal serial bus, IEEE <NUM> port, parallel port, IEEE <NUM> port, serial port, RS-<NUM> port, IEEE-<NUM> port, Bluetooth connection, Wireless local area network connection, TCP/IP connection, Ethernet connection, control voltage interface, MIDI interface, analog input interface, and digital input interface.

A 'display' or `display device' as used herein encompasses an output device or a user interface adapted for displaying images or data. A display may output visual, audio, and or tactile data. Examples of a display include, but are not limited to: a computer monitor, a television screen, a touch screen, tactile electronic display, Braille screen, Cathode ray tube (CRT), Storage tube, Bi-stable display, Electronic paper, Vector display, Flat panel display, Vacuum fluorescent display (VF), Light-emitting diode (LED) displays, Electroluminescent display (ELD), Plasma display panels (PDP), Liquid crystal display (LCD), Organic light-emitting diode displays (OLED), a projector, and Head-mounted display.

Magnetic Resonance (MR) data is defined herein as being the recorded measurements of radio frequency signals emitted by atomic spins using the antenna of a Magnetic resonance apparatus during a magnetic resonance imaging scan. MRF magnetic resonance data is magnetic resonance data. Magnetic resonance data is an example of medical image data. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) image or MR image is defined herein as being the reconstructed two or three-dimensional visualization of anatomic data contained within the magnetic resonance imaging data. This visualization can be performed using a computer.

In the following preferred embodiments of the invention and examples outside the scope of the invention will be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings in which:.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a medical imaging system <NUM>. The medical imaging system <NUM> comprises a magnetic resonance imaging system <NUM>. The magnetic resonance imaging system <NUM> comprises a magnet <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> is a superconducting cylindrical type magnet with a bore <NUM> through it. The use of different types of magnets is also possible; for instance it is also possible to use both a split cylindrical magnet and a so called open magnet. A split cylindrical magnet is similar to a standard cylindrical magnet, except that the cryostat has been split into two sections to allow access to the iso-plane of the magnet, such magnets may for instance be used in conjunction with charged particle beam therapy. An open magnet has two magnet sections, one above the other with a space in-between that is large enough to receive a subject: the arrangement of the two sections area similar to that of a Helmholtz coil. Open magnets are popular, because the subject is less confined. Inside the cryostat of the cylindrical magnet there is a collection of superconducting coils. Within the bore <NUM> of the cylindrical magnet <NUM> there is an imaging zone <NUM> where the magnetic field is strong and uniform enough to perform magnetic resonance imaging. A region of interest <NUM> is shown within the imaging zone <NUM>. The magnetic resonance data that is acquired typically acquried for the region of interest. A subject <NUM> is shown as being supported by a subject support <NUM> such that at least a portion of the subject <NUM> is within the imaging zone <NUM> and the region of interest <NUM>.

Within the bore <NUM> of the magnet there is also a set of magnetic field gradient coils <NUM> which is used for acquisition of preliminary magnetic resonance data to spatially encode magnetic spins within the imaging zone <NUM> of the magnet <NUM>. The magnetic field gradient coils <NUM> connected to a magnetic field gradient coil power supply <NUM>. The magnetic field gradient coils <NUM> are intended to be representative. Typically magnetic field gradient coils <NUM> contain three separate sets of coils for spatially encoding in three orthogonal spatial directions. A magnetic field gradient power supply supplies current to the magnetic field gradient coils. The current supplied to the magnetic field gradient coils <NUM> is controlled as a function of time and may be ramped or pulsed.

Adjacent to the imaging zone <NUM> is a magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> for manipulating the orientations of magnetic spins within the imaging zone <NUM> and for receiving radio transmissions from spins also within the imaging zone <NUM>. The radio frequency antenna may contain multiple coil elements. The radio frequency antenna may also be referred to as a channel, coil, or antenna. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> is connected to a radio frequency system <NUM>. In some cases the radio frequency system <NUM> may be a transceiver that connects with a magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM>. In other cases the radio frequency sytem <NUM> may be a system that controlls and/or communicates with a preamplifier, transmitter, and/or reciever on the magnetic resonance imaging coil.

The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> and radio frequency system116 may be replaced by separate transmit and receive coils and a separate transmitter and receiver. It is understood that the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> and the radio frequency system <NUM> are representative. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> and the radio frequency system <NUM> may have multiple receive/transmit channels. For example if a parallel imaging technique such as SENSE is performed, the magnetic resoancne imaging antenna could <NUM> will have multiple coil elements.

The subject support <NUM> is configured for supporting the subject <NUM> at least partially within the imaging zone <NUM>. The subject support <NUM> is shown as having been withdrawn or not been placed yet into the bore <NUM> of the magnet <NUM>. The subject support <NUM> comprises an antenna connector <NUM> that can be moved along a path <NUM> by a remotely controllable actuator <NUM>. The arrow <NUM> indicates both an actuator and the path <NUM> that it can make the antenna connector <NUM> travel. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> has a cable <NUM> that can be connected to the antenna connector <NUM>. In this example the cable <NUM> is relatively short so the antenna connector <NUM> needs to be optimally moved to the physical location <NUM> of a connector position. In this example the transceiver <NUM> is connected to the antenna connector <NUM> using a cable management system <NUM>. In different examples the cable <NUM> could take different forms. In some forms the cable <NUM> is a radio-frequency cable. In other examples the cable may also include optical or other digital transmission elements. In yet other examples the cable <NUM> may be replaced with a wireless connection.

The radio frequency system <NUM> and the gradient controller <NUM> are shown as being connected to a hardware interface <NUM> of a computer system <NUM>. The computer system further comprises a processor <NUM> that is in communication with the hardware interface <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a user interface <NUM>. The memory <NUM> may be any combination of memory which is accessible to the processor <NUM>. This may include such things as main memory, cached memory, and also non-volatile memory such as flash RAM, hard drives, or other storage devices. In some examples the memory <NUM> may be considered to be a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

The memory <NUM> is shown as containing machine-executable instructions <NUM>. The machine-executable instructions <NUM> enable the processor <NUM> to control the operation and function of the medical instrument <NUM>. The machine-executable instructions <NUM> may also enable the processor <NUM> to perform various data analysis and calculation functions. The computer memory <NUM> could also containing pulse sequence commands. The pulse sequence commands could be configured for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system <NUM> to acquire magnetic resonance imaging data from the subject <NUM> according to a magnetic resonance imaging protocol.

The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing a connector position <NUM> that has been received by the computer system <NUM>. The connector position <NUM> corresponds to the physical location <NUM>. The processor <NUM> can then control the actuator <NUM> to move the antenna connector <NUM> to the physical location <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further view of the medical instrument <NUM>. In the view shown in <FIG> the actuator <NUM> has been used to move the antenna connector <NUM> to the connector position <NUM>. This has brought the antenna connector <NUM> close enough that the cable <NUM> could be connected to the antenna connector <NUM>. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> is now able to be used.

<FIG> shows a further view of the medical imaging system <NUM>. In this example the subject support <NUM> has been moved into the bore <NUM> of the magnet <NUM>. The subject <NUM> is now positioned such that the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> is within the imaging zone <NUM> and is able to image a region of interest <NUM>.

The computer memory <NUM> is further shown as containing magnetic resonance imaging data <NUM> that has been acquired from the imaging zone <NUM> by controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system <NUM> with the pulse sequence commands <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing a magnetic resonance image <NUM> that has been reconstructed from the magnetic resonance imaging data <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart which illustrates a method of operating the medical imaging system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. First in step <NUM> the connector position <NUM> is received. Next in step <NUM> the remotely controllable actuator <NUM> is controlled to move the connector <NUM> to the connector position <NUM>.

In <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> the connector position <NUM> is shown as being in the memory <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate additions that can be made to the medical imaging system <NUM> such that the connector position <NUM> is either received manually from the operator or is obtained automatically. The examples shown in <FIG> may be freely combined with the example illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a further example of a medical imaging system <NUM>. The medical imaging system <NUM> of <FIG> is similar to the medical imaging system <NUM> of <FIG> except there is an additional camera system <NUM>. The camera system <NUM> may be formed by one or more cameras. The one or more cameras may be inside and/or outside of the bore <NUM> of the magnet <NUM>. The camera system is pointed at and is able to image a surface of the subject support <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing a camera image <NUM> acquired using the camera system <NUM>. The image <NUM> shows an image of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> on the subject <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing an antenna location model <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing a registration <NUM> of the antenna location model <NUM> to the camera image <NUM>. The registration <NUM> is equivalent to knowing the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM>. The registration <NUM> may then be used to compute the connector position <NUM>.

The connector position <NUM> may for example be part of the antenna location model <NUM> or there may be a look-up table or other data which can be used to infer or calculate the position of the connector position <NUM>. The medical imaging system <NUM> of <FIG> is able to automatically detect the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> and move the antenna connector <NUM> to the proper location.

<FIG> illustrates a further example of a medical imaging system <NUM>. The medical imaging system <NUM> in <FIG> is similar to that depicted in <FIG>. The medical imaging system <NUM> still comprises the camera system <NUM>. However, as is noted in <FIG>, the magnetic resonance imaging antenna has not yet been placed on the subject <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing the camera image <NUM>. However, in this example the camera image <NUM> only contains an image of the subject <NUM> reposing on the subject support <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing a subject model <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing a registration <NUM> of the subject model <NUM> to the camera image <NUM>. This is equivalent to indicating the position of the subject <NUM>. The registration <NUM> may then be used to compute the connector position <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing an optional MRI region of interest selection <NUM>. This for example may be a region of interest relative to the subject model <NUM>. This may then be used to locate a desired region of interest to be imaged in the actual subject <NUM>. The MRI region of interest selection <NUM> and the registration <NUM> may also be used to compute the connector position <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a further example of a medical imaging system <NUM>. The example illustrated in <FIG> is similar to that illustrated in <FIG>. The medical instrument <NUM> in <FIG> is shown as additionally comprising a near field communication or NFC detector <NUM>. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> comprises an NFC transmitter or transceiver which is configured for emitting an NFC signal <NUM>. The emission of the NFC signals <NUM> enables the NFC detector <NUM> to receive NFC signals <NUM> and determine an antenna position.

The determination of the antenna position enables the processor <NUM> to calculate the connector position <NUM>. For example, the memory <NUM> may contain the received NFC signals <NUM>. The NFC detector <NUM> may actually comprise multiple NFC detectors and may enable triangulation of the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM>. Alternatively, the NFC detector <NUM> may be mounted on the antenna connector <NUM> and the location of the antenna <NUM> may be learned by noting how the NFC signals <NUM> change as the antenna connector <NUM> is moved along the path <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a subject support <NUM> that may be integrated into the medical instrument <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The subject <NUM> can be shown as reposing on the subject support <NUM>. The antenna connector <NUM> is visible and is able to travel along the path <NUM>. Parallel to the path <NUM> is a linear array of buttons <NUM>. An operator can depress one of the buttons and this may be recorded as the connector position <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a further example of a subject support <NUM> that may be integrated into the medical instrument <NUM> of <FIG>. The example in <FIG> is similar to the example in <FIG> except the linear array of buttons has been replaced with one or more touch sensors <NUM>. The operator need only touch a position on the touch sensor <NUM> and this may be registered as the connector position <NUM>.

<FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate different ways in which the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> can connect to the antenna connector <NUM>. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> do not illustrate how the connector position <NUM> is determined. <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> can therefore each be combined with <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> to combine different embodiments and examples outside the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

<FIG> illustrates a further example of a medical instrument <NUM>. The medical instrument <NUM> is shown as comprising an RF system transceiver <NUM> that is integrated into the antenna connector <NUM>. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> is shown as comprising an antenna transceiver <NUM>. The RF system transceiver <NUM> and the antenna transceiver <NUM> are configured for forming a wireless connection <NUM>. The magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> therefore does not have any wired connections during acquisition of magnetic resonance imaging data.

The performance of such a system may depend heavily on the location that the RF system transceiver <NUM> is positioned. A model can be used to choose the connector position <NUM> once the location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> is determined. The location of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna may for example be performed by moving the antenna connector <NUM> and noting a change in the signal strength of the wireless connection <NUM> or it may be performed by any one of the means that was illustrated in one of the previous Figs.

<FIG> illustrates a further example of a medical instrument <NUM>. The medical instrument <NUM> is similar to the examples illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, except the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> has been modified such that the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> comprises an antenna plug <NUM> at the end of the cable <NUM>. The antenna plug <NUM> comprises the coil electronics. The preamplifiers, digitizers and other active components have been moved off of the magnetic resonance imaging antenna and are placed in the antenna plug <NUM>. This has the advantage of making the magnetic resonance imaging antenna lighter and more transparent wrt. e.g. radiation. This may be possible because the cable length <NUM> is kept short. The antenna connector <NUM> then provides power and a digital connection to the antenna plug <NUM>. This example may be beneficial because the antenna plug <NUM> can be designed with a standard interface that can interface with many different magnetic resonance imaging antennas <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a further example of a medical instrument <NUM>. The medical instrument <NUM> in <FIG> illustrates an antenna connector <NUM> that contains coil electronics <NUM>. The coil electronics may include the preamplifier for the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> and/or various digitizers and other active electronics. This may enable the magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> to be lighter and have fewer components on its surface. The features of <FIG> may be further combined with the examples illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a further example of a medical instrument <NUM>. In this example the medical instrument <NUM> further comprises a radiotherapy system <NUM>. The example shown in <FIG> is a combination of the example of <FIG> combined with a radiotherapy system <NUM>. The subject support <NUM> of <FIG> is depicted in <FIG>.

In this particular example, the radiotherapy system is a linear accelerator (LINAC). However, the depiction of the LINAC is intended to be representative. Other types of radiotherapy systems that can be guided by magnetic resonance imaging may be substituted. The radiotherapy system <NUM> comprises a gantry <NUM> and a radiotherapy source <NUM>. The gantry <NUM> is for rotating the radiotherapy source <NUM> about an axis of gantry rotation <NUM>. Adjacent to the radiotherapy source <NUM> is a collimator <NUM>.

The magnet <NUM> shown in this embodiment is a standard cylindrical superconducting magnet. The magnet <NUM> has a cryostat <NUM> with superconducting coils within it <NUM>. There are also superconducting shield coils <NUM> within the cryostat also. The magnet <NUM> has a bore <NUM>.

Within the bore <NUM> of the magnet <NUM>, the subject support <NUM> supports the subject <NUM>. The subject support <NUM> may be positioned by a mechanical positioning system. Within the subject <NUM> there is a target zone <NUM>. The axis of gantry rotation <NUM> is coaxial in this particular embodiment with the cylindrical axis of the magnet <NUM>. The subject support <NUM> has been positioned such that the target zone <NUM> lies on the axis <NUM> of the gantry's rotation. The radiation source <NUM> is shown as generating a radiation beam <NUM> which passes through the collimator <NUM> and through the target zone <NUM>. As the radiation source <NUM> is rotated about the axis <NUM> the target zone <NUM> will always be targeted by the radiation beam <NUM>. The radiation beam <NUM> passes through the cryostat <NUM> of the magnet <NUM>. The magnetic field gradient coil <NUM> may have a gap which separate the magnetic field gradient coil into two sections. If present, this gap reduces attenuation of the radiation beam <NUM> by the magnetic field gradient coil <NUM>.

It can be seen that within the bore <NUM> of the magnet <NUM> there is an optional body coil <NUM> connected to the radio frequency system <NUM>. The radio therapy system <NUM> is shown as additionally be connected to the hardware interface <NUM>.

The computer memory <NUM> is shown as containing machine-executable instructions <NUM> which enable the processor <NUM> to control the operation and function of the various components of the medical instrument <NUM>. The computer memory <NUM> is further shown as containing pulse sequence commands <NUM>, which enable the processor <NUM> to control the magnetic resonance imaging system <NUM> to acquire magnetic resonance data. The memory <NUM> is further shown as containing radio therapy instructions <NUM>. The radiotherapy instructions <NUM> can be used to determine a calculated beam path <NUM>. The calculated beam path <NUM> can be used to modify the vector position <NUM>. It can be seen in <FIG> that the antenna connector <NUM> is safely out of the beam path <NUM>. By presetting a connector position <NUM> and then modifying it with the calculated beam path <NUM> the quality of the radiotherapy may be improved.

The computer memory <NUM> is further shown as containing the magnetic resonance image <NUM> that was reconstructed from the magnetic resonance data <NUM>. The magnetic resonance image <NUM> may for example be used to guide radiotherapy using the radiotherapy system <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a flowchart which illustrates a method of operating the medical instrument <NUM> of <FIG>. First in step <NUM> the connector position <NUM> is received. Next in step <NUM> the radiotherapy instructions <NUM> are received. Then in step <NUM>, a beam path <NUM> is determined. Next in step <NUM>, the connector position <NUM> is modified to avoid the beam path <NUM>. Then in step <NUM>, the remotely controllable actuator is controlled to move the antenna connector <NUM> along the path to the connector position <NUM>. Finally, in step <NUM>, the radiotherapy system <NUM> is controlled with the radiotherapy instructions <NUM> to irradiate the target zone <NUM> using the radiotherapy system <NUM>. It is not shown in <FIG> but also the magnetic resonance imaging data <NUM> can be acquired and used to create a magnetic resonance image <NUM> which may be used for guiding the radiotherapy.

In typical MR system setups, RF coils are connected with a RF/supply cable via a connector to the RF interface of the MR scanner. The connection points for RF coils are at fixed on the patient bed. Due to the limited length of the coil cable, the freedom in positioning of the RF coil is limited and not optimal for the clinical workflow. The RF cables of the coils are short for reasons of RF safety.

Fully wireless RF coils would allow free positioning of the RF coils. A lot of digital hardware and power transmission or batteries would need to be additionally integrated in this case, which makes the coils thick and relatively heavy. Examples may provide for lightweight coils that are thin and have more freedom in positioning. In clinical situation is may be beneficial to have thin and lightweight RF coils, which can be positioned freely.

Examples may do away with long cables and constraints of fixed connectors at the end of the cable bed. Moreover, it may increase safety by avoiding long cables.

Examples may use a travelling connector (antenna connector), which use an RF safe cable management integrated in the patient bed/support. The proposed system consists of a dedicated connector travelling along the patient bed.

When the coil is positioned on the patient, a relatively short cable is connected to the moving plug.

In some examples, the plug may be automatically moved via a optical/NFC detection to the corresponding coil.

Examples may allow for more freedom for the connection of the RF coil and increases RF-safety.

<FIG> illustrates a further example of a medical instrument <NUM>. The medical instrument is shown as having an MRI system <NUM> that has a magnet <NUM> and a subject support <NUM>. A subject <NUM> is shown as reposing on the subject support <NUM>. There is a magnetic resonance imaging antenna <NUM> that has two cables <NUM> connecting to an antenna connector <NUM>. Both antenna connectors <NUM> are able to move on paths <NUM> on either side of the subject <NUM>. The system is controlled by a computer system <NUM> and there is an app on a user interface <NUM>. The computer system <NUM> provides processor and control functionality.

<FIG> shows a possible example medical instrument: moving plugs are located right and left of the patient bed and travels along a sliding rail system. The travelling plug/connector is electrically connected to a flexible cable located in/under the patient bed. The traveler interface (user interface) <NUM> can also be wireless/optical connection.

The travelling connectors may move on a sliding system. Flexible connecting cables are integrated in the patient bed/support. The flexible cable can be an optical cable, thus no RF traps are required.

A different embodiment is a wireless connecting traveler plug (antenna connector). Here the coil is connected, but the travelling connector contains a wireless transceiver device, so only a supply cable is required.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is defined by the claims and not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

Claim 1:
A medical instrument (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the medical instrument comprises:
- a radio frequency system (<NUM>) configured for sending and receiving radio frequency signals to acquire magnetic resonance imaging data (<NUM>), wherein the radio frequency system is configured for connecting to a magnetic resonance imaging antenna (<NUM>);
- a subject support (<NUM>) configured for supporting at least a portion of a subject (<NUM>) in an imaging zone (<NUM>) of the magnetic resonance imaging system, wherein the subject support comprises an antenna connector (<NUM>) configured for connecting to the magnetic resonance imaging antenna, wherein the radiofrequency system is configured for connecting to the magnetic resonance imaging antenna via the antenna connector, wherein the subject support comprises a remotely controllable actuator (<NUM>) configured for translating the antenna connector to a connector position (<NUM>, <NUM>) along a path (<NUM>);
- a camera (<NUM>) configured for providing a camera image (<NUM>) comprising the subject support;
- a memory (<NUM>) comprising machine executable instructions (<NUM>);
- a processor (<NUM>) configured for controlling the magnetic resonance imaging system,
wherein execution of the machine executable instructions causes the processor to:
- determine (<NUM>) the connector position (<NUM>) using the camera image; and
- control (<NUM>) the remotely controllable actuator to move the antenna connector along the path to the connector position (<NUM>).