JP2009045274A - Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve positioning efficiency using a three-dimensional ROI (Region Of Interest) and to improve the accuracy of a diagnostic imaging in an MRI apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: This MRI apparatus 10 is provided with: a cross-sectional image generation section 61 for executing a positioning scan and generating cross-sectional images; a reference image selection section 62 for selecting a reference image from the cross-sectional images; a three-dimensional ROI generation section 63 for generating the three-dimensional ROI; a movement control section 65 for controlling the movement of the three-dimensional ROI; a first three-dimensional ROI setting section 66 for setting the three-dimensional ROI after the movement by the movement control section 65, as a first three-dimensional ROI; an intersection face generation section 67 for generating an intersection face between the first three-dimensional ROI and the cross-sectional face of the reference image; and a display control section 64 for controlling the display of the reference image, the first three-dimensional ROI and the intersection face. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a positioning scan technique, and in particular, prepares image data composed of a plurality of tomographic images taken at different slice positions of a subject, and a three-dimensional ROI at the time of positioning generated based on the image data. The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that calculates and displays a portion that intersects an image with respect to (region of interest) and determines the next imaging position by operating the intersecting portion.

  Magnetic resonance imaging is an imaging method in which a nuclear spin of an object placed in a static magnetic field is magnetically excited with a high-frequency signal of its Larmor frequency, and an image is reconstructed from MR signals generated by this excitation. .

  Conventionally, for positioning in magnetic resonance imaging, a method of setting an imaging position by displaying a positioning ROI (two-dimensional ROI or three-dimensional ROI) on a positioning reference image and moving / setting the ROI It has been known. A plurality of reference images can be displayed simultaneously, and an ROI is displayed on each reference image.

  When a plurality of reference images are displayed at the same time, the reference images are not limited to be in a parallel or vertical relationship with each other. Therefore, even if the ROI is displayed vertically on a certain reference image, it is not always parallel or vertical on other reference images.

  When a three-dimensional ROI is employed as the positioning ROI, it is difficult to determine at which position on the reference image the ROI after movement by the operator's operation intersects. For this reason, an intersecting plane indicating where the three-dimensional ROI intersects the standard image is displayed for reference.

The following patent documents are disclosed as prior art relating to the present invention.
JP-A-6-189935

  However, in the case of adopting a three-dimensional ROI for stereoscopic display, there is no technique for moving the intersection plane indicating the actual imaging position, so three-dimensional is repeated until the region of interest is specified to be included in the intersection plane. I had to reset the ROI. Therefore, a situation has occurred in which the working efficiency of operators such as doctors and engineers is reduced. Further, in order to prevent such a decrease in work efficiency, considerable experience and skill are required for the operator's positioning skill.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that can improve the work efficiency of positioning using a three-dimensional ROI and improve the accuracy of image diagnosis. .

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention executes a positioning scan on a subject to generate a cross-sectional image, and generates a cross-sectional image according to the subject from the cross-sectional image. A reference image selection unit that selects a reference image, a three-dimensional ROI generation unit that generates a three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the subject, a first movement control unit that controls movement of the three-dimensional ROI on the display, A first three-dimensional ROI setting unit that sets a three-dimensional ROI after movement by the first movement control unit as a first three-dimensional ROI, and a cross section of the first three-dimensional ROI and the cross section of the reference image On the display of the intersection plane generation section for generating the intersection plane, the display control section for controlling the display of the reference image, the first three-dimensional ROI and the intersection plane, and the display of the first three-dimensional ROI or the intersection plane To control the movement of A second three-dimensional ROI setting unit for setting a second three-dimensional ROI based on the three-dimensional ROI after movement by the second movement control unit or the crossing plane after movement; A main image generating unit that generates a main image by executing a main scan on the subject according to a second three-dimensional ROI.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the present invention executes a positioning scan on a subject to generate a cross-sectional image, and generates a cross-sectional image according to the subject from the cross-sectional image. A reference image selection unit that selects a reference image, a three-dimensional ROI generation unit that generates a three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the subject, a first movement control unit that controls movement of the three-dimensional ROI on the display, A first three-dimensional ROI setting unit that sets a three-dimensional ROI after movement by the first movement control unit as a first three-dimensional ROI, and a cross section of the first three-dimensional ROI and the cross section of the reference image A cross plane generating section for generating a cross plane; a display control section for controlling display of the reference image and the cross plane; a third movement control section for controlling movement of the cross plane on display; After movement by the movement controller Based on the intersection plane, a second three-dimensional ROI setting unit that sets a second three-dimensional ROI, and a main scan is performed on the subject according to the second three-dimensional ROI to generate a main image. A main image generation unit.

  According to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to improve the working efficiency of positioning using a three-dimensional ROI and improve the accuracy of image diagnosis.

  An embodiment of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of an embodiment of an MRI apparatus according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 shows an MRI apparatus 10 of the present embodiment. The MRI apparatus 10 mainly includes an imaging system 11 and a control system 12.

  The imaging system 11 of the MRI apparatus 10 is provided with a gantry (not shown), a static magnetic field magnet 21 in the gantry, and a cylindrical shape coaxially with the static magnetic field magnet 21 inside the static magnetic field magnet 21. The shim coil 22 and the gradient magnetic field coil unit 23 formed in a cylindrical shape inside the static magnetic field magnet 21 are accommodated. Further, the imaging system 11 is provided with an RF coil 24 that transmits a radio frequency (RF) signal having a Larmor frequency (resonance frequency) and a bed mechanism 25 that moves the patient P back and forth in the gantry.

  On the other hand, the control system 12 of the MRI apparatus 10 is provided with a static magnetic field power supply 31, a gradient magnetic field power supply 33, a shim coil power supply 32, a transmitter 34, a receiver 35, a sequence controller (sequencer) 36, and a computer 37.

  The static magnetic field magnet 21 is connected to a static magnetic field power supply 31. A static magnetic field is formed in the imaging region (FOV: field of view) by the current supplied from the static magnetic field power supply 31.

  The shim coil 22 is connected to a shim coil power supply 32 and supplies current from the shim coil power supply 32 to the shim coil 22 to make the static magnetic field uniform.

  The gradient coil unit 23 includes an X-axis gradient coil 23x, a Y-axis gradient coil 23y, and a Z-axis gradient coil 23z. Further, a top plate 26 of the bed mechanism 25 is provided inside the gradient magnetic field coil unit 23, and the patient P is placed on the top plate 26. The top plate 26 is moved by the bed mechanism 25.

  The gradient magnetic field coil unit 23 is connected to a gradient magnetic field power source 33. The X axis gradient magnetic field coil 23x, the Y axis gradient magnetic field coil 23y, and the Z axis gradient magnetic field coil 23z of the gradient magnetic field coil unit 23 are respectively an X axis gradient magnetic field power source 33x, a Y axis gradient magnetic field power source 33y, and a Z axis. Each is connected to a gradient magnetic field power supply 33z.

  The X-axis gradient magnetic field power supply 33x, the Y-axis gradient magnetic field power supply 33y, and the Z-axis gradient magnetic field power supply 33z are supplied with currents supplied to the X-axis gradient magnetic field coil 23x, the Y-axis gradient magnetic field coil 23y, and the Z-axis gradient magnetic field coil 23z, respectively. A gradient magnetic field Gx in the X-axis direction, a gradient magnetic field Gy in the Y-axis direction, and a gradient magnetic field Gz in the Z-axis direction are formed in the imaging region, respectively.

  The RF coil 24 is a multi-coil and is connected to the transmitter 34 and the receiver 35. The RF coil 24 receives a high-frequency signal from the transmitter 34 and transmits a high-frequency magnetic field pulse to the imaging region (subject) of the patient P, and an NMR generated due to excitation by the high-frequency signal of the nuclear spin inside the imaging region. It has a function of receiving a signal and giving it to the receiver 35. The transmission / reception system of the RF coil 24 can be classified into a system in which the transmission coil and the reception coil are combined with one coil, and a system in which separate coils are used for the transmission coil and the reception coil. In addition, although the RF coil 24 is provided in the MRI apparatus 10, only the head coil as an example of the RF coil 24 is illustrated in FIG.

  On the other hand, the sequence controller 36 of the control system 12 is connected to the bed mechanism 25, the gradient magnetic field power supply 33, the transmitter 34 and the receiver 35. The sequence controller 36 includes a processor (not shown) such as a CPU (central processing unit) and a memory, and control information necessary for driving the bed mechanism 25, the gradient magnetic field power source 33, the transmitter 34, and the receiver 35, for example, Sequence information describing operation control information such as the intensity, application time, and application timing of the pulse current to be applied to the gradient magnetic field power supply 33 is stored.

  The sequence controller 36 drives the bed mechanism 25 in accordance with the stored predetermined sequence, thereby moving the table 26 forward and backward with respect to the gantry in the Z-axis direction. Further, the sequence controller 36 drives the gradient magnetic field power source 33, the transmitter 34, and the receiver 35 in accordance with the stored predetermined sequence, so that the X-axis gradient magnetic field Gx, the Y-axis gradient magnetic field Gy, and the Z-axis gradient magnetic field in the gantry. Gz and RF signals are generated.

  The transmitter 34 provides an RF signal to the RF coil 24 based on the control information received from the sequence controller 36. On the other hand, the receiver 30 performs necessary signal processing on the NMR signal received from the RF coil 24 and performs A / D (analog to digital) conversion, thereby obtaining a raw NMR signal digitized from the receiver 35. Data (raw data) is generated. The generated raw data is given to the sequence controller 36. The sequence controller 36 receives the raw data from the receiver 35 and gives it to the computer 37.

  The computer 37 is composed of basic hardware as a computer, such as a CPU 51 as a processor, a memory 52, an HD (hard disk) 53, an IF (interface) 54, a display device 55 and an input device 56. The CPU 51 is interconnected to each hardware component 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56 constituting the computer 37 via a bus B as a common signal transmission path. Further, the computer 37 is connected to a network N such as a hospital backbone LAN (local area network) via the IF 54 so as to be able to communicate with each other. Images can be acquired.

  The computer 37 may include a drive for reading various application programs and data from a medium storing various application programs and data.

  The CPU 51 executes a program stored in the memory 52. Alternatively, the CPU 51 loads the program stored in the HD 53, the program transferred from the network N, received by the IF 54 and installed in the HD 53 into the memory 52 and executes it.

  The memory 52 combines elements such as a ROM (read only memory) and a RAM (random access memory), and stores a basic input / output system (BIOS), an initial program loading (IPL), and an image. This is a storage device used for temporary storage of data.

  The HD 53 is composed of a metal disk coated or vapor-deposited with a magnetic material, and is incorporated in a reading device (not shown) in a non-detachable manner. The HD 53 is a storage device that stores programs installed in the computer 37 (including an OS (operating system) in addition to application programs) and images. In addition, the OS can be provided with a graphical user interface (GUI) that can use the graphics for displaying information to the user and perform basic operations with the input device 56.

  The IF 54 is a communication control device that performs communication control according to each standard. The computer 37 can be connected to the network N through the IF 54.

  The display device 55 includes an image synthesis circuit, a D / A conversion circuit, a two-dimensional monitor, and the like, and displays an MRI image via the monitor.

  Examples of the input device 56 include a keyboard and a mouse that can be operated by an operator such as a technician, and an input signal according to the operation is sent to the CPU 51.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions of the MRI apparatus 10 of the present embodiment.

  As the CPU 51 (or the CPU of the sequence controller 36) shown in FIG. 1 executes the program, as shown in FIG. 2, the MRI apparatus 10 has a cross-sectional image generator 61, a reference image selector 62, and a three-dimensional ROI generator Unit 63, display control unit 64, movement control unit 65, first three-dimensional ROI (region of interest) setting unit 66, intersection plane generation unit 67, second three-dimensional ROI setting unit 68, and main image generation unit 69 Function. In addition, although the case where the components 61 to 69 of the MRI apparatus 10 are functioned by software will be described, the present invention is not limited to this case. It may be a case where all or part of the components 61 to 69 of the MRI apparatus 10 are provided in the MRI apparatus 10 in hardware.

  The cross-sectional image generation unit 61 has a function of generating a cross-sectional image by controlling the sequence controller 36 to execute a positioning scan on the imaging region of the patient P placed on the top plate 26. The cross-sectional image generation unit 61 executes, for example, a two-dimensional positioning scan (Encode-prep scan) with a short imaging time. Note that the cross-sectional image generation unit 61 may generate one or a plurality of cross-sectional images in one direction, or may generate a single or a plurality of cross-sectional images in each of multi-directional directions. .

  The reference image selection unit 62 has a function of selecting a reference image (parent image) for positioning according to the imaging region from the cross-sectional image related to the imaging region of the patient P generated by the cross-sectional image generation unit 61. The reference image selection unit 62 selects, for example, a reference image of a designated cross section that clinically matches a preset imaging region.

  The three-dimensional ROI generation unit 63 has a function of generating a default three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the imaging region. For example, the three-dimensional ROI generation unit 63 generates a default three-dimensional ROI that clinically matches a preset imaging region.

  The display control unit 64 displays the reference image selected by the reference image selection unit 62 and the default three-dimensional ROI generated by the three-dimensional ROI generation unit 63 based on the reference image on the monitor of the display device 55. It has a function to control display.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a reference image and a default three-dimensional ROI.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image is displayed as a reference image of a designated cross section that clinically matches a previously set imaging region. For example, the upper part of FIG. 3 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. Further, for each reference image displayed as shown in FIG. 3, a default three-dimensional ROI relating to the slices S1 to S3 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 3, the default three-dimensional ROI relating to the slices S1 to S3 has a width in the front and rear directions of the monitor with respect to the reference image displayed two-dimensionally on the monitor of the display device 55. Will be displayed three-dimensionally.

  FIG. 3 shows two-direction reference images selected by the reference image selection unit 62 and two default three-dimensional ROIs corresponding to the respective reference images. However, the reference image selected by the reference image selection unit 62 is not limited to two directions.

  The movement control unit 65 shown in FIG. 2 has a function of controlling movement of the default three-dimensional ROI reference image displayed on the monitor of the display device 55 as shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with an input signal from the input device 56. (A movement operation example is shown in FIG. 4). Note that the movement of the default three-dimensional ROI by the movement control unit 65 is controlled by at least one of, for example, rotation, slide, division, number change, FOV change, and inter-slice gap change of the three-dimensional ROI.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a default three-dimensional ROI moving operation based on the display example shown in FIG.

  The upper part of FIG. 4 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. In addition, a default three-dimensional ROI related to the slices S1 to S3 is displayed for each reference image.

  When the operator slides an arbitrary point Po1 on the frame of the default three-dimensional ROI related to the slice S1 in the direction S11 using the input device 56, the default three-dimensional ROI related only to the slice S1 can be moved. Also, the operator rotates the arbitrary point Po1 on the frame of the default three-dimensional ROI relating to slice 1 using the input device 56 in the direction Ro1 about the arbitrary point Po1, thereby moving the default three-dimensional ROI relating only to slice S1. Can be performed. Further, the operator moves the default three-dimensional ROI regarding the entire slices S1 to S3 by sliding the arbitrary point Po2 on the frame of the default three-dimensional ROI regarding the slice S1 in the direction S12 using the input device 56. Can do. In addition, the operator rotates the arbitrary point Po2 on the frame of the default three-dimensional ROI relating to the slice S1 with the input device 56 in the direction Ro2 around the arbitrary point Po2, so that the default three-dimensional ROI relating to the entire slices S1 to S3 is obtained. Can be moved.

  Here, in FIG. 4, only the configuration for moving the default three-dimensional ROI based on the arbitrary point Po1 or Po2 on the frame of the default three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the axial image as the reference image has been described. The default three-dimensional ROI may be moved based on an arbitrary point on the default three-dimensional ROI frame corresponding to the coronal image.

  In the example of the moving operation illustrated in FIG. 4, when a multidirectional reference image including two directions is selected by the reference image selection unit 62, a default three-dimensional ROI corresponding to an axial image among the multidirectional reference images is selected. When a movement input signal is input from the input device 56, the movement control unit 65 moves the default three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the axial image and corresponds to a coronal image in a direction different from the axial image according to the movement. The default three-dimensional ROI is moved. And the display control part 64 is set as the structure which each displays the three-dimensional ROI after a movement on an axial image and a coronal image.

  In the example of the moving operation shown in FIG. 4, when the default three-dimensional ROI displayed on the monitor of the display device 55 as shown in FIG. 3 is appropriately moved via the movement control unit 65, the appropriate movement is performed. Accordingly, the moved three-dimensional ROI is appropriately displayed on the monitor of the display device 55 via the display control unit 64.

  The first three-dimensional ROI setting unit 66 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the monitor of the display device 55, and has a function of setting the three-dimensional ROI after movement by the movement control unit 65 as the first three-dimensional ROI. When a multidirectional reference image including two directions is selected by the reference image selection unit 62, the first three-dimensional ROI setting unit 66 sets a first three-dimensional ROI for each multidirectional reference image. It becomes the composition to do. According to the first three-dimensional ROI setting unit 66, the operator operates the input device 56 while viewing the reference image and the three-dimensional ROI that are appropriately displayed on the monitor of the display device 55, thereby setting the first three-dimensional ROI. can do.

  The intersection plane generation unit 67 has a function of generating, as a default intersection plane, an intersection plane between the first three-dimensional ROI set by the first three-dimensional ROI setting unit 66 and the cross section of the reference image. In addition, when the multidirectional reference image is selected by the reference image selection unit 62, the cross plane generation unit 67 generates a cross plane with the cross section of the reference image as a default cross plane for each reference image. Since the position where the first three-dimensional ROI actually intersects on each reference image cannot be determined on the two-dimensional screen, the intersecting plane generation unit 67 determines whether the first three-dimensional ROI and each reference image In order to display the crossing surface with the cross section, the crossing surface is calculated and generated.

  The display control unit 64 has a function of displaying the reference image selected by the reference image selection unit 62, the first three-dimensional ROI, and the default intersection plane on the monitor of the display device 55 (shown in FIG. 5). An example is shown). Alternatively, the display control unit 64 has a function of displaying the reference image selected by the reference image selection unit 62 and the default intersection plane on the monitor of the display device 55 (a display example is shown in FIG. 6).

  Here, the default intersection plane generated by the intersection plane generation unit 67 is a plane where the first three-dimensional ROI and the cross section of each reference image actually intersect. In some cases, only a portion intersects), or a 5 or hexagon (when there are many intersecting sides). Furthermore, not all slices corresponding to the first three-dimensional ROI intersect. Therefore, the display control unit 64 performs control so as to acquire and display only the slices that actually intersect the cross section of the reference image among all the slices corresponding to the first three-dimensional ROI for each reference image. A configuration is preferable. In this case, the display control unit 64 is configured to control the display of the slice number assigned to the slice that actually intersects the cross section of the reference image, thereby clearly indicating which slice intersects the reference image. Thus, it is configured so that the operator can visually recognize it. For example, when 10 slices intersect with the reference image, S1 to S10 are attached to the slices intersecting with the reference image and displayed. However, for example, when only the third slice to the sixth slice out of 10 slices intersect the reference image, S3 to S6 are attached to the slices intersecting the reference image, respectively. Let

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a reference image, a first three-dimensional ROI, and a default intersection plane.

The upper part of FIG. 5 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. Further, for each reference image displayed as shown in FIG. 5, the first three-dimensional ROI and the default intersection planes F _{S1 to} F _S3 (one-dot broken lines) relating to the slices S1 to S3 are displayed. Although the default intersection planes F _{S1 to} F _S3 are displayed as one-dot broken lines so as to be visible, the display is not limited to one-dot broken lines.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a reference image and a default intersection plane.

The upper part of FIG. 6 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. Further, for each reference image displayed as shown in FIG. 6, default intersection planes F _{S1 to} F S3 related to the slices S1 to _S3 are displayed, respectively.

  The movement control unit 65 shown in FIG. 2 has a function of controlling the movement of the first three-dimensional ROI displayed on the monitor of the display device 55 as shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with an input signal from the input device 56 ( FIG. 7 shows an example of the movement operation. The movement of the first three-dimensional ROI by the movement control unit 65 is controlled by at least one of, for example, rotation, slide, division, number change, FOV change, and inter-slice gap change of the first three-dimensional ROI. The Alternatively, the movement control unit 65 has a function of controlling the movement of the default intersection plane displayed as shown in FIG. 5 on the monitor of the display device 55 according to the input signal from the input device 56 (see FIG. 8). An example of operation is shown). The movement of the default intersection plane by the movement control unit 65 is controlled by at least one of rotation, slide, division, number change, FOV change and slice thickness (interslice gap) change of the default intersection plane, for example. The Alternatively, the movement control unit 65 has a function of controlling the movement of the default intersection plane displayed on the monitor of the display device 55 as shown in FIG. 6 in accordance with the input signal from the input device 56 (see FIG. 9). An example of operation is shown).

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the moving operation of the first three-dimensional ROI based on the display example shown in FIG.

The upper part of FIG. 7 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. Further, for each reference image displayed as shown in FIG. 7, the first three-dimensional ROI and the default intersection planes F _{S1 to} F _S3 related to the slices S1 to _S3 are displayed.

  The operator can move the first three-dimensional ROI related only to the slice S1 by sliding the arbitrary point Po3 on the frame of the first three-dimensional ROI related to the slice S1 in the direction S13 using the input device 56. . Further, the operator rotates the arbitrary point Po3 on the frame of the first three-dimensional ROI related to the slice S1 using the input device 56 in the direction Ro3 about the arbitrary point Po3, so that the first three-dimensional ROI related only to the slice S1. Can be moved. Further, the operator slides an arbitrary point Po4 on the frame of the first three-dimensional ROI relating to the slice S1 in the direction S14 using the input device 56, thereby moving the first three-dimensional ROI relating to the entire slices S1 to S3. Can be done. In addition, the operator uses the input device 56 to rotate the arbitrary point Po4 on the frame of the first three-dimensional ROI related to the slice S1 in the direction Ro4 about the arbitrary point Po4, so that the first tertiary related to the entire slices S1 to S3. The original ROI can be moved.

  Here, in FIG. 7, only the configuration in which the first three-dimensional ROI is moved based on the arbitrary point Po3 or Po4 on the first three-dimensional ROI frame corresponding to the axial image as the reference image has been described. The first three-dimensional ROI may be moved based on an arbitrary point on the first three-dimensional ROI frame corresponding to the coronal image as the reference image.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the operation of moving the default intersection plane based on the display example shown in FIG.

The upper part of FIG. 8 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. In addition, the first three-dimensional ROI and the default intersection planes F _{S1 to} F _S3 are displayed on each reference image displayed as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the operator uses the input device 56 to slide an arbitrary point Po5 on the frame of the default intersection plane F _S1 related to the slice S1 in the direction S15, whereby the default intersection plane F _S1 related only to the slice _S1. Can be moved. Further, by rotating in the direction Ro5 any point Po5 about an arbitrary point Po5 on the frame of the default cross plane F _S1 Slice S1 using operator input device 56, the default off plane about only the slice S1 F _S1 Can be moved. Further, by sliding in the direction Sl6 any point Po6 on the frame of the default cross plane _{F S1} Slice S1 using operator input device 56, the default off plane for the entire slice S1 to S3 _{F S1} to _{F S3} Can be moved. Further, by rotating in the direction Ro6 any point Po6 about an arbitrary point Po6 on the frame of the default cross plane F _S1 Slice S1 using operator input device 56, the default off plane for the entire slice S1 to S3 Movement of F _{S1 to} F _S3 can be performed.

  Here, in FIG. 8, only the configuration in which the default intersection plane is moved based on the arbitrary point Po5 or Po6 on the frame of the default intersection plane corresponding to the axial image as the reference image has been described. The default intersection plane may be moved based on an arbitrary point on the frame of the default intersection plane corresponding to the coronal image.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a default intersection moving operation based on the display example shown in FIG. 6.

The upper part of FIG. 9 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. Further, default intersection planes F _{S1 to} F _S3 are displayed on each reference image displayed as shown in FIG.

By the operator slides the arbitrary point Po7 direction Sl7 on the frame of the default cross plane F _S1 Slice S1 by using the input device 56, it is possible to perform the movement of the default cross plane F _S1 relates only slices S1 . Further, by rotating in the direction Ro7 any point Po7 about an arbitrary point Po7 on the frame of the default cross plane F _S1 Slice S1 using operator input device 56, the default off plane about only the slice S1 F _S1 Can be moved. Further, by sliding in the direction Sl8 any point Po8 on the frame of the default cross plane _{F S1} Slice S1 using operator input device 56, the default off plane for the entire slice S1 to S3 _{F S1} to _{F S3} Can be moved. Further, by rotating in the direction Ro8 any point Po8 about an arbitrary point Po8 on the frame of the default cross plane F _S1 Slice S1 using operator input device 56, the default off plane for the entire slice S1 to S3 Movement of F _{S1 to} F _S3 can be performed.

  Here, in FIG. 9, only the configuration for moving the default intersection plane based on the arbitrary point Po7 or Po8 on the frame of the default intersection plane corresponding to the axial image as the reference image has been described. The default intersection plane may be moved based on an arbitrary point on the frame of the default intersection plane corresponding to the coronal image.

  7 to 9, when the reference image selection unit 62 selects a multi-directional reference image including two directions, the first one corresponding to the axial image among the multi-directional reference images. When an input signal for movement of the three-dimensional ROI is input from the input device 56, the movement control unit 65 moves the first three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the axial image, and moves in a direction different from the axial image according to the movement. The first three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the coronal image is moved. And the display control part 64 is set as the structure which each displays the three-dimensional ROI after a movement on an axial image and a coronal image.

  7 to 9, when the first three-dimensional ROI displayed as shown in FIG. 5 on the monitor of the display device 55 is appropriately moved via the movement control unit 65, Along with the appropriate movement, the intersection plane generation unit 67 appropriately calculates and generates the intersection plane based on the moved three-dimensional ROI, thereby displaying the three-dimensional ROI after the movement and the generated intersection plane. The information is appropriately displayed on the monitor of the display device 55 via the control unit 64. Alternatively, when the default intersection plane displayed on the monitor of the display device 55 as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is appropriately moved via the movement control unit 65, after the movement, The three-dimensional ROI is appropriately calculated and generated by the three-dimensional ROI generation unit 63 based on the intersection plane, so that the intersection plane after movement and the generated three-dimensional ROI are displayed on the display device 55 via the display control unit 64. Appropriately displayed on the monitor.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of the crossing plane and the reference image after movement according to the default crossing plane moving operation example illustrated in FIG. 9 based on the display example illustrated in FIG. 6.

The upper part of FIG. 10 shows an axial image as a reference image, and the lower part shows a coronal image as a reference image. In addition, the crossing surfaces F _S1 ′ to F _S3 ′ after the movement are displayed on each reference image displayed as shown in FIG.

  The second three-dimensional ROI setting unit 68 shown in FIG. 2 is displayed on the monitor of the display device 55, and is based on the three-dimensional ROI after movement by the movement control unit 65 or the intersection plane after movement by the movement control unit 65. The three-dimensional ROI generated by the three-dimensional ROI generating unit 63 has a function of setting as a second three-dimensional ROI. When a multidirectional reference image including two directions is selected by the reference image selection unit 62, the second three-dimensional ROI setting unit 68 sets a second three-dimensional ROI for each multidirectional reference image. It becomes the composition to do. According to the second three-dimensional ROI setting unit 68, the operator operates the input device 56 while viewing the reference image and the three-dimensional ROI that are appropriately displayed on the monitor of the display device 55, thereby setting the second three-dimensional ROI. can do.

  The image generation unit 69 controls the sequence controller 36 to set the second three-dimensional ROI setting unit 68 in a state (within the same examination) with the patient P placed on the top plate 26. It has a function of generating a main image (child image) by executing a main scan according to the three-dimensional ROI. When imaging is performed using another pulse sequence that is within the same examination as the pulse sequence (series) in which the second three-dimensional ROI is set while the patient P is placed on the top plate 26, this image The generation unit 69 may be configured to generate the main image by applying the second three-dimensional ROI set by the second three-dimensional ROI setting unit 68 to another pulse sequence.

  In the MRI apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, at the time of positioning, the first three-dimensional ROI is set by a general method based on the default three-dimensional ROI, and the intersection plane between the first three-dimensional ROI and the reference image is set. The second three-dimensional ROI can be set by generating / displaying and adjusting the first three-dimensional ROI or the crossing plane. Therefore, the operator can visually determine which part on the reference image is actually positioned based on the displayed intersection plane.

  As described above, according to the MRI apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the work efficiency of positioning using the three-dimensional ROI and improve the accuracy of image diagnosis.

Schematic which shows the hardware constitutions of embodiment of the MRI apparatus which concerns on this invention. The block diagram which shows the function of the MRI apparatus of this embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of a reference | standard image and default three-dimensional ROI. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an example of a movement of default three-dimensional ROI based on the display example shown in FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of a reference | standard image, 1st three-dimensional ROI, and a default intersection. The schematic diagram which shows the example of a display of a reference | standard image and a default intersection. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an example of a movement of 1st three-dimensional ROI based on the example of a display shown in FIG. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an example of a movement of a default crossing surface based on the display example shown in FIG. The schematic diagram for demonstrating an example of a movement of a default intersection plane based on the display example shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display example of a crossing plane and a reference image after movement according to the default crossing plane moving operation example illustrated in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10 MRI apparatus 36 Sequence controller 51 CPU
55 Display device 56 Input device 61 Cross-sectional image generation unit 62 Reference image selection unit 63 Three-dimensional ROI generation unit 64 Display control unit 65 Movement control unit 66 First three-dimensional ROI setting unit 67 Cross plane generation unit 68 Second three-dimensional ROI setting unit 69 This image generation unit

Claims (12)

A cross-sectional image generation unit that generates a cross-sectional image by performing a positioning scan on the subject; and
A reference image selection unit that selects a reference image corresponding to the subject from the cross-sectional image;
A three-dimensional ROI generator that generates a three-dimensional ROI (region of interest) corresponding to the subject;
A first movement control unit for controlling movement on the display of the three-dimensional ROI;
A first three-dimensional ROI setting unit that sets a three-dimensional ROI after movement by the first movement control unit as a first three-dimensional ROI;
An intersecting surface generating unit that generates an intersecting surface between the first three-dimensional ROI and a cross section of the reference image;
A display control unit for controlling display of the reference image, the first three-dimensional ROI, and the intersection plane;
A second movement control unit for controlling movement on the display of the first three-dimensional ROI or the intersection plane;
A second three-dimensional ROI setting unit for setting a second three-dimensional ROI based on the three-dimensional ROI after movement by the second movement control unit or the crossing plane after movement;
A main image generation unit that generates a main image by executing a main scan on the subject according to the second three-dimensional ROI;
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: The display control unit is configured to control to acquire and display only a slice that intersects a cross section of the reference image among all slices corresponding to the first three-dimensional ROI. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display control unit is configured to control display of a slice number assigned to a slice that intersects a cross section of the reference image. The second three-dimensional ROI setting unit sets the moved three-dimensional ROI as the second three-dimensional ROI when the first three-dimensional ROI is moved by the second movement control unit. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is configured. When the first three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the reference image in the required direction among the reference images is moved by the second movement control unit, the display control unit moves the reference image in the required direction and the movement Controlling the display of the later first three-dimensional ROI and the intersection plane corresponding to the reference image in the required direction generated by calculation based on the first three-dimensional ROI after movement, and the required A reference image in another direction different from the direction, a three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the reference image in the other direction generated by calculation based on the first three-dimensional ROI after movement, and the first after movement The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display with the intersection plane corresponding to the reference image in the other direction calculated and generated based on the three-dimensional ROI is controlled. When the second movement control unit moves the intersection plane corresponding to the reference image in the required direction among the reference images, the display control unit displays the reference image in the required direction and the moved intersection plane. And a display with a three-dimensional ROI corresponding to the reference image in the required direction calculated and generated based on the crossing plane after the movement, and a reference image in another direction different from the required direction, Corresponding to the reference image in the other direction generated by calculation based on the crossing surface after movement, and the reference image in the other direction calculated and generated based on the crossing surface after movement The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display with the three-dimensional ROI is controlled. A cross-sectional image generation unit that generates a cross-sectional image by performing a positioning scan on the subject; and
A reference image selection unit that selects a reference image corresponding to the subject from the cross-sectional image;
A three-dimensional ROI generator that generates a three-dimensional ROI according to the subject;
A first movement control unit for controlling movement on the display of the three-dimensional ROI;
A first three-dimensional ROI setting unit that sets a three-dimensional ROI after movement by the first movement control unit as a first three-dimensional ROI;
An intersecting surface generating unit that generates an intersecting surface between the first three-dimensional ROI and a cross section of the reference image;
A display control unit for controlling display of the reference image and the crossing plane;
A second movement control unit for controlling movement of the intersection plane on the display;
A second three-dimensional ROI setting unit configured to set a second three-dimensional ROI based on the intersecting plane after movement by the second movement control unit;
A main image generation unit that generates a main image by executing a main scan on the subject according to the second three-dimensional ROI;
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising: When the second movement control unit moves the intersection plane corresponding to the reference image in the required direction among the reference images, the display control unit displays the reference image in the required direction and the moved intersection plane. And a display of a reference image in another direction different from the required direction and a cross plane corresponding to the reference image in the other direction generated by calculation based on the cross plane after movement. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is configured to be controlled. The second movement control unit may perform the first three-dimensional ROI or the intersection plane by at least one of rotation, slide, division, number change, FOV (field of view) change, and slice thickness change. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional ROI or the movement of the intersection plane is controlled. The first three-dimensional ROI setting unit sets a first three-dimensional ROI corresponding to each multi-directional reference image, and the cross-plane generating unit sets the cross-plane for each multi-directional reference image. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is configured to generate each of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. The second three-dimensional ROI setting unit calculates a second three-dimensional ROI that is calculated and generated based on the crossing surface after the movement when the crossing surface is moved by the second movement control unit. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus is configured as a three-dimensional ROI. When performing imaging using another pulse sequence within the same examination as the pulse sequence in which the second three-dimensional ROI is set, the main image generation unit uses the second three-dimensional ROI as the other pulse sequence. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main image is generated by application.

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