TW201701829A - Automatic configuration of a low field magnetic resonance imaging system - Google Patents
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Abstract
Description
磁共振成像(MRI)提供用於許多應用之一重要成像模態且廣泛用於臨床及研究設定中以產生人體內部之影像。一般言之,MRI係基於偵測磁共振(MR)信號,MR信號係回應於源自施加之電磁場之狀態改變而由原子發射之電磁波。舉例而言,核磁共振(NMR)技術涉及在經成像之一物件中之原子(例如,人體組織中之原子)之核自旋之重新對準或鬆弛時偵測自經激發原子之核發射之MR信號。可處理經偵測MR信號以產生影像,在醫療應用之背景內容中,該等影像容許調查身體內之內部結構及/或生物程序以用於診斷、治療及/或研究目的。 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides an important imaging modality for many applications and is widely used in clinical and research settings to produce images of the interior of the human body. In general, MRI is based on a detected magnetic resonance (MR) signal, which is an electromagnetic wave emitted by an atom in response to a change in state from an applied electromagnetic field. For example, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques involve detecting nuclear emissions from excited atoms when realigning or relaxing nuclear spins of atoms in one of the objects (eg, atoms in human tissue). MR signal. The detected MR signals can be processed to produce images that, in the context of medical applications, allow for the investigation of internal structures and/or biological procedures within the body for diagnostic, therapeutic, and/or research purposes.
歸因於產生具有相對高解析度及對比度之非侵入性影像而無其他模態之安全問題(例如,不需要將對象曝露至離子化輻射(例如,x射線)或將放射性材料引入至身體)之能力,MRI提供用於生物成像之一具吸引力的成像模態。另外,MRI尤其非常適合於提供軟組織對比,可利用軟組織對比以使其他成像模態無法令人滿意地成像之標的物成像。再者,MR技術能夠獲取其他模態無法擷取之關於結構及/或生物程序之資訊。然而,MIR存在若干缺點,針對一給定成像應用,該等缺點可涉及裝備之相對高成本、有限可用性及/或難以存取臨床MRI掃描器及/或影像擷取程序之長度。 Attributable to safety issues that produce non-invasive images with relatively high resolution and contrast without other modalities (eg, no need to expose objects to ionizing radiation (eg, x-rays) or to introduce radioactive materials into the body) The ability of MRI to provide an attractive imaging modality for bioimaging. In addition, MRI is particularly well suited for providing soft tissue contrast, which can be visualized using soft tissue contrast to target other imaging modalities that are not satisfactorily imaged. Furthermore, MR technology is capable of obtaining information about structural and/or biological procedures that other modalities cannot extract. However, MIR has several drawbacks that may address the relatively high cost of equipment, limited availability, and/or difficulty in accessing the length of clinical MRI scanners and/or image capture programs for a given imaging application.
臨床MRI之趨勢係增加MRI掃描器之場強度以改良掃描時間、影 像解析度及影像對比度之一或多者,其等繼而繼續抬高成本。絕大多數經安裝MRI掃描器以1.5或3特斯拉(T)(其係指主磁場B0之場強度)操作。對於一臨床MRI掃描器之一粗略成本估計為約每特斯拉一百萬美元,此未納入操作此等MRI掃描器涉及之實質操作、服務及維護成本。 The trend in clinical MRI is to increase the field strength of the MRI scanner to improve one or more of scan time, image resolution, and image contrast, which in turn continue to increase costs. Most installed MRI scanners operate at 1.5 or 3 Tesla (T), which refers to the field strength of the main magnetic field B 0 . A rough cost estimate for one of the clinical MRI scanners is approximately one million dollars per tesla, which is not included in the actual operational, service and maintenance costs involved in operating such MRI scanners.
另外,習知高場MRI系統通常需要大超導磁體及相關聯之電子器件以產生其中使一物件(例如,病患)成像之一強均勻靜磁場(B0)。此等系統之大小相當大,其中一典型MRI裝置包含用於磁體、電子器件、熱管理系統及主控台區域之多個室。MRI系統之大小及費用通常將其等之使用限於具有足夠空間及資源以購買且維護其等之設施(諸如醫院及學術研究中心)。高場MRI系統之高成本及實質空間需要導致MRI掃描器之有限可用性。因而,經常存在其中一MRI掃描將係有利的但歸因於上文論述之一或多個限制而不實用或不可行之臨床情境,如下文中進一步詳細論述。 Further, conventional high-field MRI systems typically require a large superconducting magnet and associated electronics to generate where the pair of object (e.g., patient), one forming a strong uniform static magnetic field (B 0). The size of such systems is quite large, with a typical MRI device containing multiple chambers for magnets, electronics, thermal management systems, and console areas. The size and cost of an MRI system typically limits its use to facilities that have sufficient space and resources to purchase and maintain it (such as hospitals and academic research centers). The high cost and substantial space of high field MRI systems requires limited availability of MRI scanners. Thus, there are often clinical contexts in which one MRI scan would be advantageous but attributable to one or more of the limitations discussed above, which is not practical or feasible, as discussed in further detail below.
低場MRI呈現一具吸引力的成像解析度,提供對高場MRI之一相對低成本、高可用性替代物。發明者已認知,低場MRI之特性促進可部署於廣泛多種境況及設施中之實質上更小及/或更靈活裝置之實施,且進一步容許可攜式或可載運低場MRI系統之開發。因為此等系統可在不同環境中在不同時間操作及/或因為此等系統可在通常未經控制之環境中操作(例如,低場MRI系統可在其中高場MRI系統通常操作之特殊屏蔽室外部操作),因此提供MRI系統之一或多個組件之「場內」及/或動態校準以針對系統所處之環境調整或最佳化系統可係有利的。根據一些實施例,提供自動化技術以基於一MRI系統之環境及/或操作條件修改或調整該系統之一或多項態樣,如下文中進一步詳細論述。根據一些實施例,提供促進容易使用該低場MRI系統因 此能夠由具有較廣範圍之訓練及/或專長(包含完全無專業訓練或專長)之使用者/操作者使用之自動化技術。 Low field MRI presents an attractive imaging resolution that provides a relatively low cost, high availability alternative to high field MRI. The inventors have recognized that the characteristics of low field MRI facilitate the implementation of substantially smaller and/or more flexible devices that can be deployed in a wide variety of situations and facilities, and further allow for the development of portable or portable low field MRI systems. Because such systems can operate at different times in different environments and/or because such systems can operate in a generally uncontrolled environment (eg, low field MRI systems can be used in special shielded rooms where high field MRI systems typically operate) External operation), thus providing "in-field" and/or dynamic calibration of one or more components of the MRI system to facilitate adjustment or optimization of the system for the environment in which the system is located. In accordance with some embodiments, an automation technique is provided to modify or adjust one or more aspects of the system based on the environment and/or operating conditions of an MRI system, as discussed in further detail below. According to some embodiments, providing facilitates easy use of the low field MRI system due to This can be automated by a user/operator with a wide range of training and/or expertise (including no professional training or expertise at all).
一些實施例包含一種操作一磁共振成像系統之方法,該磁共振成像系統包括一B0磁體及經組態以在操作期間傳遞熱遠離該B0磁體之至少一個熱管理組件,該方法包括將操作電力提供至該B0磁體;監測該B0磁體之一溫度以判定該B0磁體之一當前溫度;及回應於至少一個事件之一發生而以小於操作能力操作該至少一個熱管理組件。 Some embodiments include a method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging systems, magnetic resonance imaging system which comprises a magnet B 0 and was configured to transfer heat away from the magnet B 0 of the at least one thermal management component during operation, the method comprising providing operating power to the magnet B 0; B 0 to monitor one of the magnet temperature to determine the current temperature of one magnet B 0; and occurs in response to one of the at least one event to the at least one component less than the operating thermal management ability to operate.
一些實施例包含一種磁共振成像系統,其包括:一B0磁體,其經組態以提供一B0場之至少一個部分;至少一個熱管理組件,其經組態以在操作期間傳遞熱遠離該B0磁體;及至少一個處理器,其經程式化以監測該B0磁體之一溫度以判定該B0磁體之一當前溫度且回應於至少一個事件之一發生而以小於操作能力操作該至少一個熱管理組件。 Some embodiments include a magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B 0, which was configured to provide at least a portion of a field B 0; at least one thermal management component, which is configured to transfer heat away during operation by the magnet B 0; and at least one processor that is programmable to monitor the temperature of one of the magnet B 0 to determine the current temperature of one magnet B 0 and a response to at least one event occurred and the ability to operate at less than the operating At least one thermal management component.
一些實施例包含一種動態調整由一磁共振成像系統產生之一B0場之方法,該方法包括:偵測由一B0磁體產生之促成該B0場之一第一磁場;及選擇性操作至少一個勻場線圈以基於該經偵測之第一磁場產生一第二磁場以調整由該磁共振成像系統產生之該B0場。 Some embodiments include one of the methods of the B 0 field for dynamically adjusting is produced by a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising: detecting contribute to generating one of the B 0 field by a first magnetic field B 0 magnetic; and selective operation at least one shim coil based on the detection by the first magnetic field generating a second magnetic field B is generated in the adjustment of the field 0 of the magnetic resonance imaging system.
一些實施例包含一種磁共振成像系統,其包括:一B0磁體,其經組態以提供促成一B0場之一第一磁場;複數個勻場線圈;至少一個感測器,其經配置以當操作該B0磁體時偵測該第一磁場;及至少一個控制器,其經組態以選擇性操作該複數個勻場線圈之至少一個者以基於由該至少一個感測器偵測之該第一磁場產生一第二磁場以調整由該磁共振成像系統產生之該B0場。 Some embodiments include a magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B 0, which was configured to facilitate providing a first one of the B 0 field a magnetic field; a plurality of shim coils; at least one sensor, configured Detecting the first magnetic field when operating the B 0 magnet; and at least one controller configured to selectively operate at least one of the plurality of shim coils to detect based on the at least one sensor of the first magnetic field generating a second magnetic field B is generated in the adjustment of the field 0 of the magnetic resonance imaging system.
一些實施例包含一種使接近包括經組態以至少部分提供一B0場之一B0磁體之一磁共振成像系統之標的物消磁之方法,該方法包括:使用一第一極性操作該B0磁體;及使用與該第一極性相反之一第二極性週期性操作該B0磁體。 Some embodiments include a method comprising the proximity configured by providing a method for a target field B 0 magnetic resonance imaging system of one of the B 0 magnetic one thing at least partially demagnetized, the method comprising: operating the first polarity using a B 0 a magnet; and periodically operating the B 0 magnet using a second polarity opposite the first polarity.
一些實施例包含一種經組態以使接近之標的物消磁之磁共振成像系統,該磁共振成像系統包括:一B0磁體,其經組態以至少部分提供一B0場;及一控制器,其經組態以使用一第一極性操作該B0磁體且使用與該第一極性相反之一第二極性週期性操作該B0磁體。 Some embodiments include a configured by the magnetic resonance imaging system such that the proximity of the subject matter of degaussing, the magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: a magnet B 0, which is provided at least partially by a configuration the B 0 field; and a controller And configured to operate the B 0 magnet using a first polarity and periodically operate the B 0 magnet using a second polarity opposite the first polarity.
一些實施例包含一種動態組態用於一任意環境中之一磁共振成像系統之方法,該方法包括:識別對執行磁共振成像之至少一個障礙;及至少部分基於該經識別之至少一個障礙自動執行至少一個補救行動。 Some embodiments include a method of dynamically configuring a magnetic resonance imaging system for use in an arbitrary environment, the method comprising: identifying at least one obstacle to performing magnetic resonance imaging; and automatically based at least in part on the identified at least one obstacle Perform at least one remedial action.
一些實施例包含一種組態具有可操作性耦合不同類型之射頻線圈之一組件之一磁共振成像系統之方法,該方法包括:偵測一射頻線圈是否操作性耦合至該磁共振成像系統之該組件;回應於判定該射頻線圈操作性耦合至該磁共振成像系統而判定關於該射頻線圈之資訊;及至少部分基於關於該射頻線圈之該資訊而自動執行至少一個行動以組態該磁共振成像系統以使用該射頻線圈操作。 Some embodiments include a method of configuring a magnetic resonance imaging system operatively coupled to one of a plurality of types of radio frequency coils, the method comprising: detecting whether a radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system a component responsive to determining that the radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system to determine information about the radio frequency coil; and automatically performing at least one action to configure the magnetic resonance imaging based at least in part on the information about the radio frequency coil The system operates with this RF coil.
一些實施例包含一種磁共振成像系統,其包括:一B0磁體,其經組態以提供一B0場之至少一個部分;一組件,其可操作性耦合至不同類型之射頻線圈;及至少一個控制器,其經組態以:偵測一射頻線圈是否操作性耦合至該磁共振成像系統之該組件;回應於判定該射頻線圈操作性耦合至該磁共振成像系統而判定關於該射頻線圈之資訊;及至少部分基於關於該射頻線圈之該資訊而自動執行至少一個行動以組態該磁共振成像系統以使用該射頻線圈操作。 Some embodiments include a magnetic resonance imaging system, comprising: a magnet B 0, which was configured to provide at least a portion of the B 0 field a; a component, which may be operatively coupled to different types of radio frequency coils; and at least a controller configured to: detect whether a radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the component of the magnetic resonance imaging system; and determine the radio frequency coil in response to determining that the radio frequency coil is operatively coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system And automatically performing at least one action based at least in part on the information about the radio frequency coil to configure the magnetic resonance imaging system to operate using the radio frequency coil.
一些實施例包含一種操作一低場磁共振成像系統之方法,該磁共振成像系統包括容許該磁共振成像系統與一或多個外部運算器件通信之至少一個通信介面,該方法包括:藉由該低場磁共振成像系統之至少一個處理器起始與至少一個外部運算器件之一連接;及使用該至少一個處理器與該至少一個外部運算器件交換資訊。 Some embodiments include a method of operating a low field magnetic resonance imaging system, the magnetic resonance imaging system including at least one communication interface that allows the magnetic resonance imaging system to communicate with one or more external computing devices, the method comprising: At least one processor of the low field magnetic resonance imaging system is initially coupled to one of the at least one external computing device; and the at least one external computing device is used to exchange information with the at least one processor.
一些實施例包含一種低場磁共振成像系統,其包括:至少一個磁組件,其經組態用於在低場下操作;至少一個通信介面,其容許該低場磁共振成像系統與一或多個外部運算器件通信;及至少一個處理器,其經組態以起始與至少一個外部運算器件之一連接且使用該至少一個處理器與該至少一個外部運算器件交換資訊。 Some embodiments comprise a low field magnetic resonance imaging system comprising: at least one magnetic component configured to operate at a low field; at least one communication interface that allows the low field magnetic resonance imaging system to be associated with one or more And an at least one processor configured to initially connect to one of the at least one external computing device and to exchange information with the at least one external computing device using the at least one processor.
一些實施例包含一種協助一磁共振成像系統之自動設定之方法,該方法包括:偵測連接至該磁共振成像系統之射頻線圈之一類型及/或一病患支架之一位置;及至少部分基於經偵測之射頻線圈之該類型及/或該病患支架之該位置自動執行至少一個設定程序。 Some embodiments include a method of assisting in automatic setting of a magnetic resonance imaging system, the method comprising: detecting a type of a radio frequency coil coupled to the magnetic resonance imaging system and/or a location of a patient support; and at least a portion At least one setting procedure is automatically performed based on the type of detected RF coil and/or the location of the patient support.
100‧‧‧低場磁共振成像(MRI)系統 100‧‧‧Low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system
102‧‧‧使用者 102‧‧‧Users
104‧‧‧工作站/運算器件 104‧‧‧Workstation/Operating Device
106‧‧‧控制器 106‧‧‧ Controller
108‧‧‧脈衝序列儲存庫 108‧‧‧pulse sequence repository
110‧‧‧電力管理系統 110‧‧‧Power Management System
112‧‧‧電源供應器 112‧‧‧Power supply
114‧‧‧放大器 114‧‧‧Amplifier
116‧‧‧傳輸/接收開關 116‧‧‧Transmission/reception switch
118‧‧‧熱管理組件 118‧‧‧ Thermal Management Components
120‧‧‧磁組件 120‧‧‧ Magnetic components
122‧‧‧磁體 122‧‧‧ magnet
124‧‧‧勻場線圈 124‧‧‧shimmed coil
126‧‧‧RF傳輸/接收線圈 126‧‧‧RF transmission/reception coil
128‧‧‧梯度線圈 128‧‧‧ gradient coil
200‧‧‧可攜式或可載運低場磁共振成像(MRI)系統 200‧‧‧Portable or portable low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system
205a‧‧‧B0線圈 205a‧‧‧B 0 coil
205b‧‧‧B0線圈 205b‧‧‧B 0 coil
210A‧‧‧積層板 210A‧‧‧Laminated board
210b‧‧‧積層板 210b‧‧‧Laminated board
210B‧‧‧積層板 210B‧‧‧Laminated board
230‧‧‧熱管理組件 230‧‧‧ Thermal Management Components
265‧‧‧可滑動表面 265‧‧‧Slidable surface
280‧‧‧可轉換低場磁共振成像(MRI)系統 280‧‧‧ Convertible low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system
281‧‧‧箭頭 281‧‧‧ arrow
284‧‧‧可滑動床 284‧‧‧slidable bed
286A‧‧‧外殼 286A‧‧‧shell
286B‧‧‧外殼 286B‧‧‧ Shell
290A‧‧‧部分 Section 290A‧‧‧
290B‧‧‧部分 Section 290B‧‧‧
310‧‧‧動作 310‧‧‧ action
312‧‧‧動作 312‧‧‧ action
314‧‧‧動作 314‧‧‧ action
316‧‧‧動作 316‧‧‧ action
318‧‧‧動作 318‧‧‧ action
320‧‧‧動作 320‧‧‧ action
322‧‧‧動作 322‧‧‧ action
410‧‧‧動作 410‧‧‧ action
412‧‧‧動作 412‧‧‧ action
414‧‧‧動作 414‧‧‧ action
416‧‧‧動作 416‧‧‧ action
418‧‧‧動作 418‧‧‧ action
420‧‧‧動作 420‧‧‧ action
422‧‧‧動作 422‧‧‧ action
500‧‧‧網路環境 500‧‧‧Network environment
510‧‧‧第一低場磁共振成像(MRI)系統 510‧‧‧First Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System
520‧‧‧第二低場磁共振成像(MRI)系統 520‧‧‧ second low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system
530‧‧‧第三低場磁共振成像(MRI)系統 530‧‧‧ Third Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System
540‧‧‧網路 540‧‧‧Network
550‧‧‧資料庫 550‧‧‧Database
560‧‧‧圖像歸檔與通信系統(PACS) 560‧‧•Image Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
565‧‧‧行動運算器件 565‧‧‧Mobile computing device
585‧‧‧伺服器 585‧‧‧Server
將參考以下圖描述所揭示技術之各種態樣及實施例。應瞭解,該等圖不需要按比例繪製。 Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosed technology will be described with reference to the following figures. It should be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale.
圖1係可根據本文中描述之技術自動組態之一低場MRI系統之一示意性圖解;圖2A及圖2B係根據一些實施例之一可攜式低場MRI系統之一圖解;圖2C及圖2D係根據一些實施例之一可運送低場MRI系統之一圖解;圖3係根據一些實施例之用於自動組態一低場MRI系統之一程序之一流程圖;圖4係根據一些實施例之用於開啟一低場MRI系統電力之一程序之一流程圖;及圖5係其中可執行本文中描述之一些技術之一網路環境之一示意圖。 1 is a schematic illustration of one of the low field MRI systems that can be automatically configured in accordance with the techniques described herein; FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams of one of the portable low field MRI systems in accordance with some embodiments; FIG. 2C And Figure 2D is an illustration of one of the low field MRI systems that can be transported according to one of the embodiments; Figure 3 is a flow diagram of one of the procedures for automatically configuring a low field MRI system in accordance with some embodiments; A flow chart of one of the procedures for powering up a low field MRI system of some embodiments; and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of one of the network environments in which some of the techniques described herein may be performed.
MRI掃描器市場由高場系統佔據絕對優勢且尤其用於醫療或臨床 MRI應用。如上文中論述,醫療成像之一般趨勢係產生具有愈來愈大之場強度之MRI掃描器,其中絕大多數臨床MRI掃描器以1.5 T或3 T操作,其中在研究設定中使用7 T及9 T之更高場強度。如本文中使用,「高場」通常係指當前在一臨床設定中使用之MRI系統且更特定言之,係指使用處於或高於1.5 T之一主磁場(即,一B0場)操作之MRI系統,但在0.5 T與1.5 T之間操作之臨床系統通常亦特性化為「高場」。相比之下,「低場」通常係指使用小於或等於大約0.2 T之一B0場操作之MRI系統,但因高場療法中之場強度增加,具有在0.2 T與大約0.3 T之間之一B0場之系統有時特性化為低場。高場MRI系統之吸引力包含相較於較低場系統之改良之解析度及/或減少之掃描時間,激勵對於用於臨床及醫療MRI應用之愈來愈高之場強度之推動。 The MRI scanner market is dominated by high field systems and is especially used for medical or clinical MRI applications. As discussed above, the general trend in medical imaging is to produce an MRI scanner with increasing field strength, with the vast majority of clinical MRI scanners operating at 1.5 T or 3 T, with 7 T and 9 used in the study setup. The higher field strength of T. As used herein, "high-field" generally refers to the use of MRI systems currently in a clinical setting and more specific words, one of the means used at or above 1.5 T main magnetic field (i.e., the B 0 field a) Operation The MRI system, but the clinical system operating between 0.5 T and 1.5 T is usually characterized as a "high field." In contrast, "low field" generally refers to the use of less than or equal to about 0.2 T B 0 one-field operation of the MRI system, but the field strength increases in the high-field therapy, having between about 0.3 T and 0.2 T at one of the characteristics of the B 0 field into a low field systems sometimes. The appeal of high field MRI systems includes improved resolution and/or reduced scan time compared to lower field systems, stimulating the drive for ever-increasing field strength for clinical and medical MRI applications.
發明者已開發用於產生改良品質、可攜式及/或較低成本之低場MRI系統之技術,該等技術可改良MRI技術在各種環境(包含(但亦超過)醫院及研究設施處之裝置)中之大規模部署能力。舉例而言,除了醫院及研究設施之外,低場MRI系統亦可部署於辦公室、診療所、一醫院內之多個科(例如,急診室、手術室、放射科等)中作為永久或半永久裝置或部署為可運送至所要位置之行動/可攜式/可載運系統。 The inventors have developed techniques for producing improved quality, portable and/or lower cost low field MRI systems that can improve MRI technology in a variety of environments including but not exceeding hospitals and research facilities. Large-scale deployment capability in the device). For example, in addition to hospitals and research facilities, low-field MRI systems can also be deployed in offices, clinics, and multiple departments within a hospital (eg, emergency room, operating room, radiology, etc.) as permanent or semi-permanent The device or deployment is a mobile/portable/portable system that can be transported to a desired location.
發明者已認知,此等低場MRI系統之廣泛部署提出確保MRI系統在操作系統之任何環境中適當執行之挑戰。針對一特定環境及/或應用手動組態低場MRI系統之參數係麻煩的且通常需要低場MRI系統之典型使用者可能不具有之技術專長。另外,可對於系統之操作重要之環境之性質可能不可由一人類操作者確定或以其他方式獲得。 The inventors have recognized that the widespread deployment of such low field MRI systems presents the challenge of ensuring that MRI systems are properly implemented in any environment of the operating system. Manually configuring the parameters of the low field MRI system for a particular environment and/or application is technically cumbersome and typically does not require the typical user of the low field MRI system. In addition, the nature of the environment that may be important to the operation of the system may not be determined by a human operator or otherwise obtained.
因此,一些實施例係關於用於至少部分基於一低場MRI系統之環境及/或操作條件自動組態該低場MRI系統之技術。可在回應於偵測環境及/或操作條件之一或多個改變而使系統通電時或在任何其他適合時間執行用於自動組態之技術,如下文中更詳細論述。一些態樣係 關於一種用於一低場MRI系統之自動設定程序,其中至少部分基於操作低場MRI系統之環境及/或操作條件自動組態系統之(若干)組件。一些態樣係關於鑑於改變之環境及/或操作條件而動態組態一MRI系統。一些態樣係關於用於基於系統之一操作模式(例如,低電力模式、暖機、閒置等)調整系統之操作之自動技術。 Accordingly, some embodiments are directed to techniques for automatically configuring the low field MRI system based at least in part on the environmental and/or operating conditions of a low field MRI system. Techniques for automatic configuration may be performed when the system is powered up in response to one or more changes in the detection environment and/or operating conditions, as discussed in more detail below. Some patterns An automatic setting procedure for a low field MRI system wherein the component(s) of the system are automatically configured based, at least in part, on the environmental and/or operating conditions of the operating low field MRI system. Some aspects relate to dynamically configuring an MRI system in view of changing environmental and/or operating conditions. Some aspects relate to automated techniques for adjusting the operation of a system based on one of the operating modes of the system (eg, low power mode, warm up, idle, etc.).
另外,如上文中論述,增加MRI系統之場強度產生愈來愈昂貴且複雜的MRI掃描器,因此限制可用性且防止其等用作一通用及/或通常可用之成像解決方案。高場MRI之相對高成本、複雜性及大小將其等主要限於用於專用設施。再者,習知高場MRI系統通常由已具有對系統之大量訓練以能夠產生所要影像之技術員操作。需要高度訓練之技術員存在以操作高場MRI系統進一步促成高場MRI之有限可用性及高場MRI無法用作一廣泛可用及/或通用的成像解決方案。 Additionally, as discussed above, increasing the field strength of the MRI system results in increasingly expensive and complex MRI scanners, thus limiting availability and preventing them from being used as a general and/or commonly available imaging solution. The relatively high cost, complexity, and size of high field MRIs are primarily limited to dedicated facilities. Moreover, conventional high field MRI systems are typically operated by technicians who already have extensive training in the system to be able to produce the desired image. The need for highly trained technicians to operate the high field MRI system to further facilitate the limited availability of high field MRI and high field MRI cannot be used as a widely available and/or versatile imaging solution.
發明者已認知,容易使用可係容許低場MRI系統廣泛可用、部署及/或用於各種境況及環境中之一實質促成因素。為此,發明者已開發促進簡單且直觀地使用低場MRI系統之自動、半自動及/或輔助設定技術。因此,操作此一低場MRI系統所需之訓練量可實質上減少,從而增加其中可採用低場MRI系統以執行所要成像應用之情境。 The inventors have recognized that ease of use may allow a low field MRI system to be widely available, deployed, and/or used in one of a variety of circumstances and environments. To this end, the inventors have developed automatic, semi-automatic and/or auxiliary setting techniques that facilitate the simple and intuitive use of low field MRI systems. Thus, the amount of training required to operate such a low field MRI system can be substantially reduced, thereby increasing the context in which a low field MRI system can be employed to perform the desired imaging application.
下文係與用於低場磁共振應用(包含低場MRI)之方法及設備相關之各種概念及該等方法及設備之實施例之更詳細描述。應瞭解,可以許多方式之任何方式實施本文中描述之各種態樣。僅為了闡釋性目的在本文中提供特定實施方案之實例。另外,在下文實施例中描述之各種態樣可單獨或以任何組合使用且不限於本文中明確描述之組合。雖然本文中描述之一些技術至少部分經設計以解決與低場及/或可攜式MRI相關聯之挑戰,但此等技術在此方面不受限制且可應用至高場MRI系統,此係因為態樣不限於與任何特定類型之MRI系統一起使用。 The following are a more detailed description of various concepts related to methods and apparatus for low field magnetic resonance applications (including low field MRI) and embodiments of such methods and apparatus. It will be appreciated that the various aspects described herein can be implemented in any number of ways. Examples of specific embodiments are provided herein for illustrative purposes only. Additionally, the various aspects described in the examples below may be used alone or in any combination and are not limited to the combinations explicitly described herein. While some of the techniques described herein are at least partially designed to address the challenges associated with low field and/or portable MRI, such techniques are not limited in this respect and can be applied to high field MRI systems, This is not limited to use with any particular type of MRI system.
圖1係一低場MRI系統100之例示性組件之一方塊圖。在圖1之闡釋性實例中,低場MRI系統100包括工作站104、控制器106、脈衝序列儲存庫108、電力管理系統110及磁組件120。應瞭解,系統100係闡釋性且除了圖1中繪示之組件之外或代替圖1中繪示之組件,一低場MRI系統亦可具有任何適合類型之一或多個其他組件。 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary component of a low field MRI system 100. In the illustrative example of FIG. 1, low field MRI system 100 includes workstation 104, controller 106, pulse sequence repository 108, power management system 110, and magnetic component 120. It will be appreciated that system 100 is illustrative and that in addition to or in lieu of the components illustrated in FIG. 1, a low field MRI system can have one or more other components of any suitable type.
如圖1中繪示,磁組件120包括磁體122、勻場線圈124、RF傳輸/接收線圈126及梯度線圈128。磁體122可用於產生主磁場B0。磁體122可係可產生具有低場強度之一主磁場(即,具有0.2特斯拉或更小之一強度之一磁場)之任何適合類型之磁體。勻場線圈124可用於促成(若干)磁場以改良由磁體122產生之B0場之均勻性。梯度線圈128可經配置以提供梯度場且(例如)可經配置以沿著三個實質上正交方向(X、Y、Z)在磁場中產生梯度。 As shown in FIG. 1 , the magnetic assembly 120 includes a magnet 122 , a shim coil 124 , an RF transmit/receive coil 126 , and a gradient coil 128 . Magnet 122 may be used to generate a main magnetic field B 0. Magnet 122 can be any suitable type of magnet that can produce one of the main fields of low field strength (i.e., one of the fields having a strength of 0.2 Tesla or less). Shim coil 124 may be used to facilitate (s) the magnetic field B to produce improved homogeneity of the magnet 122 field of 0. Gradient coils 128 may be configured to provide a gradient field and, for example, may be configured to create a gradient in the magnetic field along three substantially orthogonal directions (X, Y, Z).
RF傳輸/接收線圈126包括可用於產生RF脈衝以引發一振盪磁場B1之一或多個傳輸線圈。(若干)傳輸線圈可經組態以產生用於執行低場MR成像之任何適合類型之RF脈衝。在一些實施例中,可至少部分基於環境條件選擇用於執行低場MR成像之適合類型之RF脈衝,如下文中更詳細論述。 RF transmit / receive coil 126 for generating RF pulses comprise an oscillating magnetic field B to initiate a one or more transmission coils. The transmission coil(s) can be configured to generate any suitable type of RF pulse for performing low field MR imaging. In some embodiments, a suitable type of RF pulse for performing low field MR imaging can be selected based at least in part on environmental conditions, as discussed in more detail below.
可以任何適合方式建構磁組件120之各者。舉例而言,在一些實施例中,可使用在2015年9月4日申請之標題為「Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods and Apparatus」之具有代理人檔案號碼O0354.70000US01之共同申請之美國申請案中描述的技術製造磁組件120之一或多者,該案之全文以引用的方式併入本文中。 Each of the magnetic components 120 can be constructed in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, a U.S. application filed on September 4, 2015, entitled "Low Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods and Apparatus", with a co-file of the assignee file number O0354.70000US01, may be used. The described technology makes one or more of the magnetic components 120, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
電力管理系統110包含用以將操作電力提供至低場MRI系統100之一或多個組件之電子器件。舉例而言,如下文中更詳細論述,電力管理系統110可包含一或多個電源供應器、梯度電力放大器、傳輸線圈放大器及/或提供適合操作電力以供能給低場MRI系統100之組件且操 作該等組件所需之任何其他適合電力電子器件。 The power management system 110 includes electronics to provide operational power to one or more components of the low field MRI system 100. For example, as discussed in more detail below, power management system 110 can include one or more power supplies, gradient power amplifiers, transmission coil amplifiers, and/or provide components suitable for operating power to power low field MRI system 100 and Fuck Any other suitable power electronics required for these components.
如圖1中繪示,電力管理系統110包括電源供應器112、(若干)放大器114、傳輸/接收開關116及熱管理組件118。電源供應器112包含用以將操作電力提供至低場MRI系統100之磁組件120之電子器件。舉例而言,電源供應器112可包含用以將操作電力提供至一或多個B0線圈(例如,B0磁體122)以產生用於低場MRI系統之主磁場之電子器件。在一些實施例中,電源供應器112係一單極連續波(CW)電源供應器,然而,可使用任何適合電源供應器。傳輸/接收開關116可用於選擇是否操作RF傳輸線圈或RF接收線圈。 As depicted in FIG. 1, power management system 110 includes a power supply 112, an amplifier(s) 114, a transmit/receive switch 116, and a thermal management component 118. Power supply 112 includes electronics to provide operating power to magnetic assembly 120 of low field MRI system 100. For example, the power supply 112 may include operating power to be provided to one or more of B 0 coils (e.g., magnet 122 B 0) to an electronic device for generating a main magnetic field of low field MRI systems. In some embodiments, power supply 112 is a single pole continuous wave (CW) power supply, however, any suitable power supply can be used. The transmit/receive switch 116 can be used to select whether to operate the RF transmit coil or the RF receive coil.
(若干)放大器114可包含:一或多個RF接收(Rx)前置放大器,其等放大由一或多個RF接收線圈(例如,線圈126)偵測之MR信號;一或多個RF傳輸(Tx)放大器,其等經組態以將電力提供至一或多個RF傳輸線圈(例如,線圈126);一或多個梯度電力放大器,其等經組態以將電力提供至一或多個梯度線圈(例如,梯度線圈128);勻場放大器,其等經組態以將電力提供至一或多個勻場線圈(例如,勻場線圈124)。 The amplifier(s) 114 can include one or more RF receive (Rx) preamplifiers that amplify MR signals detected by one or more RF receive coils (eg, coil 126); one or more RF transmissions (Tx) amplifiers, etc. configured to provide power to one or more RF transmit coils (eg, coil 126); one or more gradient power amplifiers, etc. configured to provide power to one or more Gradient coils (eg, gradient coils 128); shim amplifiers, etc., are configured to provide power to one or more shim coils (eg, shim coils 124).
熱管理組件118提供用於低場MRI系統100之組件之冷卻且可經組態以藉由促進傳遞由低場MRI系統100之一或多個組件產生之熱能遠離該等組件而提供冷卻。熱管理組件118可包含(但不限於)用以執行基於水或基於空氣之冷卻之組件,該等組件可與產生熱之MRI組件(包含(但不限於)B0線圈、梯度線圈、勻場線圈及/或傳輸/接收線圈)整合或經配置緊密接近該等MRI組件。熱管理組件118可包含任何適合熱傳遞介質(包含(但不限於)空氣及水)以傳遞熱遠離低場MRI系統100之組件。熱管理組件可(例如)係2015年9月4日申請之標題為「Thermal Management Methods and Apparatus」之具有代理人檔案號碼O0354.70004US01之共同申請之美國申請案中描述的任何熱管理組 件及/或技術,該案之全文以引用的方式併入本文中。 Thermal management component 118 provides cooling for components of low field MRI system 100 and can be configured to provide cooling by facilitating delivery of thermal energy generated by one or more components of low field MRI system 100 away from such components. Thermal management component 118 can include, but is not limited to, components for performing water-based or air-based cooling, and such components can be combined with heat generating MRI components (including but not limited to B 0 coils, gradient coils, shimming) The coils and/or transmission/reception coils are integrated or configured to be in close proximity to the MRI components. Thermal management component 118 can include any component suitable for heat transfer media (including but not limited to air and water) to transfer heat away from low field MRI system 100. The thermal management component can be, for example, any of the thermal management components described in the U.S. Application Serial No. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. Or the technology, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.
如圖1中繪示,低場MRI系統100包含控制器106(本文中亦稱為一「主控台」),控制器106具有用以將指令發送至電力管理系統110且自電力管理系統110接收資訊之控制電子器件。控制器106可經組態以實施用於判定發送至電力管理系統110之指令以依一所要序列操作一或多個磁組件120之一或多個脈衝序列。控制器106可實施為硬體、軟體或硬體及軟體之任何適合組合,此係因為本文中提供之揭示內容之態樣在此方面不受限制。 As depicted in FIG. 1, low field MRI system 100 includes a controller 106 (also referred to herein as a "master station") having controllers for transmitting commands to power management system 110 and from power management system 110. Control electronics that receive information. The controller 106 can be configured to implement instructions for determining transmission to the power management system 110 to operate one or more of the one or more magnetic components 120 in a desired sequence. Controller 106 can be implemented as any suitable combination of hardware, software, or hardware and software, as the aspects of the disclosure provided herein are not limited in this respect.
在一些實施例中,控制器106可經組態以藉由自儲存一或多個脈衝序列之各者之資訊之脈衝序列儲存庫108獲得關於脈衝序列之資訊而實施一脈衝序列。由脈衝序列儲存庫108針對一特定脈衝序列儲存之資訊可係容許控制器106實施特定脈衝序列之任何適合資訊。舉例而言,針對一脈衝序列儲存於脈衝序列儲存庫108中之資訊可包含:用於根據脈衝序列操作磁組件120之一或多個參數(例如,用於操作RF傳輸/接收線圈126之參數、用於操作梯度線圈128之參數等);用於根據脈衝序列操作電力管理系統110之一或多個參數;包括當由控制器106實行時引起控制器106控制系統100以根據脈衝序列操作之指令之一或多個程式;及/或任何其他適合資訊。儲存於脈衝序列儲存庫108中之資訊可儲存於一或多個非暫時性儲存媒體中。 In some embodiments, controller 106 can be configured to implement a pulse sequence by obtaining information about the pulse sequence from pulse sequence repository 108 that stores information for each of the one or more pulse sequences. The information stored by pulse sequence repository 108 for a particular pulse sequence may allow controller 106 to implement any suitable information for a particular pulse sequence. For example, the information stored in the pulse sequence repository 108 for a pulse sequence can include: one or more parameters for operating the magnetic component 120 in accordance with the pulse sequence (eg, parameters for operating the RF transmit/receive coil 126) The parameters for operating the gradient coil 128, etc.; for operating one or more parameters of the power management system 110 in accordance with the pulse sequence; including causing the controller 106 to control the system 100 to operate in accordance with the pulse sequence when executed by the controller 106 One or more programs of instructions; and/or any other suitable information. The information stored in the pulse sequence repository 108 can be stored in one or more non-transitory storage media.
如圖1中繪示,控制器106亦與經程式化以處理經接收MR資料之運算器件104互動。舉例而言,運算器件104可處理經接收MR資料以使用(若干)任何適合影像重建程序產生一或多個MR影像。控制器106可將關於一或多個脈衝序列之資訊提供至運算器件104以促進運算器件處理MR資料。舉例而言,控制器106可將關於一或多個脈衝序列之資訊提供至運算器件104且運算器件可至少部分基於經提供資訊執行一影像重建程序。 As depicted in FIG. 1, controller 106 also interacts with computing device 104 that is programmed to process received MR data. For example, computing device 104 can process the received MR data to generate one or more MR images using any suitable image reconstruction program(s). Controller 106 can provide information about one or more pulse sequences to computing device 104 to facilitate processing of the MR data by the computing device. For example, controller 106 can provide information regarding one or more pulse sequences to computing device 104 and the computing device can perform an image reconstruction process based at least in part on the provided information.
運算器件104可係經組態以處理經擷取MR資料且產生經成像之一對象之一或多個影像之任何電子器件。在一些實施例中,運算器件104可係一固定電子器件,諸如一桌上型電腦、一伺服器、一機架安裝電腦或可經組態以處理MR資料且產生經成像之對象之一或多個影像之任何其他適合固定電子器件。替代地,運算器件104可係一可攜式器件,諸如一智慧型電話、一個人數位助理、一膝上型電腦、一平板電腦或可經組態以處理MR資料且產生經成像之對象之一或多個影像之任何其他可攜式器件。在一些實施例中,運算器件104可包括任何適合類型之多個運算器件,此係因為本文中提供之揭示內容之態樣在此方面不受限制。一使用者102可與運算器件104互動以控制低場MRI系統100之態樣(例如,程式化系統100以根據一特定脈衝序列操作,調整系統100之一或多個參數等)及/或觀看由低場MRI系統100獲得之影像。 The computing device 104 can be configured to process any electronic device that retrieves MR data and produces one or more images of one of the imaged objects. In some embodiments, computing device 104 can be a fixed electronic device, such as a desktop computer, a server, a rack mounted computer, or can be configured to process MR data and produce one of the imaged objects or Any other of the multiple images is suitable for securing the electronic device. Alternatively, computing device 104 can be a portable device, such as a smart phone, a number of digit assistants, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, or can be configured to process MR data and produce an imaged object Or any other portable device of multiple images. In some embodiments, computing device 104 may comprise a plurality of computing devices of any suitable type, as the aspects of the disclosure provided herein are not limited in this respect. A user 102 can interact with the computing device 104 to control aspects of the low field MRI system 100 (e.g., the stylizing system 100 operates to operate according to a particular pulse sequence, adjust one or more parameters of the system 100, etc.) and/or view Images obtained by the low field MRI system 100.
圖2A及圖2B繪示根據一些實施例之一可攜式或可載運低場MRI系統200。系統200可包含結合圖1在上文中描述之一或多個組件。舉例而言,系統200可包含磁及電力組件及潛在的一起配置於一單一通常可運送及可變換結構上之其他組件(例如,熱管理、主控台等)。系統200可經設計以具有至少兩個組態:經調適用於運送且儲存之一組態及經調適用於操作之一組態。圖2A展示當經固定用於運送及/或儲存之系統200且圖2B展示當經變換用於操作之系統200。系統200包括一部分290A,該部分290A可滑動至一部分290B中且當使系統自其運送組態變換至其操作組態時自該部分290B撤回(如由圖2B中展示之箭頭指示)。部分290A可容置電力電子器件110、主控台106(其可包括一介面器件,諸如圖2A及圖2B中繪示之觸控面板顯示器)及熱管理118。部分290A亦可視需要包含用於操作系統200之其他組件。 2A and 2B illustrate a portable or loadable low field MRI system 200 in accordance with some embodiments. System 200 can include one or more of the components described above in connection with FIG. For example, system 200 can include magnetic and electrical components and other components (eg, thermal management, consoles, etc.) that are potentially disposed together on a single generally transportable and switchable structure. System 200 can be designed to have at least two configurations: one that is adapted for shipping and one configuration and one that is adapted for operation. 2A shows system 200 when fixed for shipping and/or storage and FIG. 2B shows system 200 when converted for operation. System 200 includes a portion 290A that is slidable into portion 290B and withdrawn from that portion 290B when the system is changed from its shipping configuration to its operational configuration (as indicated by the arrows shown in Figure 2B). Portion 290A can house power electronics 110, host station 106 (which can include an interface device, such as the touch panel display depicted in Figures 2A and 2B), and thermal management 118. Portion 290A may also include other components for operating system 200 as desired.
部分290B包含低場MRI系統200之磁組件120,包含一或多個磁組 件(例如,磁體122、勻場線圈124、RF傳輸/接收線圈126、梯度線圈128)以任何組合整合在其上之積層板210A及210B。當變換至經調適用於操作系統以執行MRI之組態(如圖2B中展示)時,部分290A及290B之支撐表面提供待成像之一對象可躺於其上之一表面。可提供一可滑動表面265以促進將對象滑動至適當位置中使得對象之一部分在提供對應低場MRI磁體之積層板之視場內。系統200提供促進在其中習知MRI成像不可用之境況中(例如,在一急診室中)存取MRI成像之一低場MRI系統之一可攜式緊密組態。 Portion 290B includes magnetic component 120 of low field MRI system 200, including one or more magnetic groups The pieces (for example, the magnet 122, the shim coil 124, the RF transmission/reception coil 126, the gradient coil 128) are integrated on the laminate boards 210A and 210B thereon in any combination. When transitioned to a configuration adapted to the operating system to perform MRI (as shown in Figure 2B), the support surfaces of portions 290A and 290B provide a surface on which one of the objects to be imaged can lie. A slidable surface 265 can be provided to facilitate sliding the object into position such that one of the objects is within the field of view of the laminate providing the corresponding low field MRI magnet. System 200 provides a portable, compact configuration that facilitates access to one of the low field MRI systems in which MRI imaging is accessed in situations where conventional MRI imaging is not available (eg, in an emergency room).
圖2C及圖2D繪示根據一些實施例之另一通常可運送低場MRI系統。圖2C繪示根據一些實施例之利用一雙平面混合磁體之一可轉換低場MRI系統280之一實例。在圖2C中,可轉換系統在其未投入使用時呈方便運送系統或儲存系統之一折疊組態。可轉換系統280包含經組態以支撐一人類病患且容許病患沿箭頭281之方向在外殼286A與286B之間滑動至成像區域中並自成像區域滑動出之一可滑動床284。外殼286A及286B容置使可轉換系統280產生用於執行MRI之磁場之磁組件。根據一些實施例,可僅僅使用積層技術、僅僅使用傳統技術或使用兩者之一組合(例如,使用混合技術)產生、製造且配置磁組件。 2C and 2D illustrate another generally transportable low field MRI system in accordance with some embodiments. 2C illustrates an example of a convertible low field MRI system 280 utilizing a biplane hybrid magnet in accordance with some embodiments. In Figure 2C, the convertible system is in a folded configuration of one of the convenient transport systems or storage systems when it is not in use. The convertible system 280 includes a slidable bed 284 that is configured to support a human patient and that allows the patient to slide into the imaging region between the housings 286A and 286B in the direction of arrow 281 and slide out of the imaging region. The housings 286A and 286B house magnetic components that cause the convertible system 280 to generate a magnetic field for performing MRI. According to some embodiments, the magnetic component may be produced, fabricated, and configured using only a laminate technique, using only conventional techniques, or using a combination of both (eg, using hybrid techniques).
圖2D繪示經延伸且其中在***於外殼286A與286B之間以成像之前一病患定位於可滑動床284上之可轉換系統280。根據一些實施例,外殼286A及286B之各者容置耦合至一熱管理組件以汲取熱遠離磁組件之一混合磁體。具體言之,在成像區域之相對側上之外殼286A及286B之各者在其中包含B0線圈205a及205b、積層板210(其中210b以面朝上配置在外殼286B內可見)及提供於B0線圈之間之熱管理組件230。容置於286A及286B中之磁組件可實質上相同以形成一對稱雙平面混合磁體或容置於286A及286B中之磁組件可不同以形成一非對稱雙平面混合磁體,此係因為態樣不限於與一混合磁體之任何特定設計 或構造一起使用。 2D illustrates a convertible system 280 that is extended and wherein a patient is positioned on the slidable bed 284 prior to insertion between the housings 286A and 286B for imaging. According to some embodiments, each of the outer casings 286A and 286B is accommodating coupled to a thermal management assembly to draw heat away from one of the hybrid magnets of the magnetic assembly. Specifically, each of the outer casings 286A and 286B on the opposite side of the image forming area includes B 0 coils 205a and 205b therein, a laminate 210 (where 210b is disposed face up in the outer casing 286B) and is provided in B thermal management assembly 230 0 between the coils. The magnetic components housed in 286A and 286B may be substantially identical to form a symmetrical biplanar hybrid magnet or the magnetic components housed in 286A and 286B may be different to form an asymmetric biplanar hybrid magnet because of the aspect It is not limited to use with any particular design or construction of a hybrid magnet.
根據本文中描述之技術,低場MRI系統(例如,系統100、200及/或280)之一或多個組件自動經組態以確保系統在操作期間將恰當執行或正恰當執行。如上文中論述,此一MRI系統可在需要調整系統之一或多個參數之各種環境中操作以確保一給定環境中之令人滿意的操作。亦如上文中論述,一低場MRI系統之組件之手動組態係麻煩的且需要MRI系統之許多使用者可能不具有之專長。在許多例項中,一人類操作者(甚至一專家)可能不確定一系統需要根據其調整或調適之環境及/或操作條件(例如,射頻雜訊或其他電磁干擾(EMI)、無意短路或開路、未對準組件等)使得對系統之適當調整不可行。因此,一些實施例經組態以回應於一特定事件(例如,使低場MRI系統通電、自一睡眠模式或一低電力模式喚醒、偵測改變之環境條件等)之發生而自動執行一組組態及/或設定操作。 In accordance with the techniques described herein, one or more components of a low field MRI system (eg, systems 100, 200, and/or 280) are automatically configured to ensure that the system will perform properly or properly during operation. As discussed above, such an MRI system can operate in a variety of environments where one or more parameters of the system need to be adjusted to ensure satisfactory operation in a given environment. As also discussed above, the manual configuration of components of a low field MRI system is cumbersome and requires many users of the MRI system that may not have the expertise. In many instances, a human operator (or even an expert) may be unsure of the environment and/or operating conditions that a system needs to adjust or adapt to (eg, radio frequency noise or other electromagnetic interference (EMI), unintentional short circuits, or Open circuits, misaligned components, etc.) make proper adjustments to the system infeasible. Accordingly, some embodiments are configured to automatically execute a set in response to the occurrence of a particular event (eg, powering up a low field MRI system, waking up from a sleep mode or a low power mode, detecting a changed environmental condition, etc.) Configure and / or set the operation.
圖3繪示根據一些實施例可回應於一事件之發生而執行之一自動組態程序。應瞭解,雖然圖3繪示可執行之若干組態或設定操作,但可執行操作之任一者或組合,此係因為態樣在此方面不受限制。另外,雖然將圖3中展示之例示性組態操作展示為串列執行,但應瞭解,可部分或完全並列執行一或多個組態操作,且對執行哪些特定組態操作及/或何時執行特定組態操作無限制。 3 illustrates an automatic configuration procedure that can be performed in response to the occurrence of an event in accordance with some embodiments. It should be understood that although FIG. 3 illustrates several configuration or setting operations that may be performed, any one or combination of the operations may be performed, as this aspect is not limited in this respect. Additionally, while the exemplary configuration operations shown in FIG. 3 are shown as being performed in tandem, it should be understood that one or more configuration operations may be performed partially or completely in parallel, and which specific configuration operations are performed and/or when There are no restrictions on performing specific configuration operations.
在動作310中,使低場MRI系統通電。圖4繪示根據一些實施例可在動作310中執行之一通電程序。應瞭解,雖然圖4繪示可執行之若干電力開啟操作,但可執行操作之任一者或組合,此係因為態樣在此方面不受限制。另外,雖然將在圖4中展示之例示性組態操作展示為串列執行,但應瞭解,可部分或完全並列執行一或多個組態操作,且對執行哪些特定組態操作及/或何時執行特定組態操作無限制。 In act 310, the low field MRI system is energized. FIG. 4 illustrates one of the energization procedures that may be performed in act 310 in accordance with some embodiments. It should be understood that although FIG. 4 illustrates a number of power-on operations that may be performed, any one or combination of operations may be performed, as this aspect is not limited in this respect. Additionally, while the exemplary configuration operations shown in FIG. 4 are shown as being performed in tandem, it should be appreciated that one or more configuration operations may be performed partially or completely in parallel, and which particular configuration operations are performed and/or There is no limit when to perform a specific configuration operation.
在動作410中,將低場MRI系統連接至一電源。舉例而言,可將 低場MRI系統連接至一標準壁式插座、連接至諸如一發電機之一外部電源供應器或連接至用於將操作電力提供至低場MRI系統之組件之任何其他適合類型。在動作412中,驗證緊急電源切斷係可操作的。病患安全係在設計醫療器件時之一主要考量。因此,根據本文中描述之技術使用之一些低場MRI系統包含可在其中病患安全可係一問題之情境(例如,磁體過熱)中手動或自動觸發一緊急電源切斷。因此,為了確保安全操作,系統可檢查以確認任何及全部電源切斷(或其他安全機制)啟用及/或可操作。 In act 410, the low field MRI system is coupled to a power source. For example, The low field MRI system is connected to a standard wall outlet, to an external power supply such as one of the generators, or to any other suitable type for providing operational power to the components of the low field MRI system. In act 412, it is verified that the emergency power cutoff is operational. Patient safety is one of the main considerations when designing medical devices. Accordingly, some low field MRI systems used in accordance with the techniques described herein include an emergency power cut that can be manually or automatically triggered in situations where patient safety can be a problem (eg, magnet overheating). Therefore, to ensure safe operation, the system can check to confirm that any and all power cuts (or other safety mechanisms) are enabled and/or operational.
在動作414中,例如藉由一使用者按壓一電源開關、按鈕或主控台上之其他機構而使主控台104通電。回應於經通電,主控台可在啟動(launching)用以控制低場MRI系統之一或多個操作之一控制應用程式之前實行若干起動程序。在實行任何起動程序之後或期間,在主控台上啟動經組態以控制低場MRI系統之一或多個操作之一控制應用程式(動作416)。可在使主控台通電時或回應於與主控台或經組態以與主控台互動之一外部電子器件之一使用者互動而自動啟動控制應用。回應於啟動控制應用程式,該應用程式可指示主控台執行一或多個操作,包含(但不限於)指示電源供應器112開啟系統DC電力。 In act 414, the console 104 is powered up, for example, by a user pressing a power switch, button, or other mechanism on the console. In response to being powered on, the console can perform a number of launch procedures prior to launching one of the one or more operations of the low field MRI system to control the application. After or during any start-up procedure, one of the one or more operations configured to control the low field MRI system is initiated on the console to control the application (act 416). The control application can be automatically launched when the console is powered up or in response to interaction with a user of the console or one of the external electronics configured to interact with the console. In response to the launch control application, the application can instruct the console to perform one or more operations including, but not limited to, instructing the power supply 112 to turn on system DC power.
在啟動控制應用程式之後或期間,可啟用及/或組態低場MRI系統之其他組件。舉例而言,在動作418中,控制應用程式可指示電源供應器112藉由對磁體122暖機至其中所得B0場適合於成像(例如)之一溫度而開啟磁體電力以執行低場MRI。在一些實施方案中,使磁體暖機之程序可花費大量時間(例如,30分鐘)以提供適合於成像之一穩定B0場。為了減少對磁體122暖機所需之時間量,一些實施例執行一或多個「預熱」操作。舉例而言,可調低或關斷在低場MRI系統之操作期間傳遞熱遠離低場MRI系統之磁組件120之一或多個熱管理組件118以容許磁體暖機快於熱管理組件正常操作之情況。在一些實施方案 中,熱管理組件118包含空氣或水冷卻系統(例如,風扇及/或泵)以提供低場MRI系統之磁組件之冷卻。在磁體之預熱期間,可(例如,藉由減小冷卻能力或強度)關斷或調低風扇及/或泵以加快磁體暖機程序。以小於操作能力操作一或多個熱管理組件在本文中係指有意調整一或多個熱管理組件(包含藉由完全不操作一或多個熱管理組件)使得移除熱之能力自其正常操作減小。 Other components of the low field MRI system can be enabled and/or configured after or during the start of the control application. For example, in act 418, the control application 112 may indicate that power supply to the magnet 122 by warming the resulting wherein the B 0 field suitable for imaging (e.g.) the temperature of one power turned on to perform a low-field magnet to MRI. In some embodiments, the warming of the magnet program may take a lot of time (e.g., 30 minutes) to provide one suitable for image stabilization the B 0 field. In order to reduce the amount of time required to warm the magnet 122, some embodiments perform one or more "preheat" operations. For example, one or more of the magnetic components 120 or the plurality of thermal management components 118 that transfer heat away from the low field MRI system during operation of the low field MRI system can be adjusted to allow the magnets to warm up faster than the thermal management components. The situation. In some embodiments, the thermal management assembly 118 includes an air or water cooling system (eg, a fan and/or a pump) to provide cooling of the magnetic components of the low field MRI system. During warm-up of the magnet, the fan and/or pump can be turned off or turned down (eg, by reducing cooling capacity or strength) to speed up the magnet warm-up procedure. Operating one or more thermal management components with less than operational capability herein means intentionally adjusting one or more thermal management components (including by not operating one or more thermal management components at all) such that the ability to remove heat is normal. The operation is reduced.
在修改熱管理組件118之操作之實施例中,應緊密監測磁體之溫度以確保磁體不過熱及/或判定何時開啟熱管理組件或增加熱管理組件之能力/強度。可以包含(但不限於)以下各者之任何適合方式判定磁體之溫度:使用一溫度感測器;至少部分基於磁體之一經量測電壓判定磁體之溫度等。根據一些實施例,提供溫度感測(例如,經由感測器及/或電壓量測)以使熱管理之控制自動化以加快暖機且在磁體接近熱平衡或適合B0場穩定性時接合及/或增加冷卻強度。 In embodiments in which the operation of the thermal management assembly 118 is modified, the temperature of the magnet should be closely monitored to ensure that the magnet is not too hot and/or to determine when to turn on the thermal management component or increase the capability/strength of the thermal management component. The temperature of the magnet can be determined by any suitable means including, but not limited to, using a temperature sensor; determining the temperature of the magnet, etc., based at least in part on one of the magnets by measuring the voltage. According to some embodiments engaged embodiment, there is provided a temperature sensing (e.g., via a sensor and / or a voltage measurement) so that the thermal management control automation to speed up the warm-up and near thermal equilibrium or stability for the B 0 field magnet and / Or increase the cooling intensity.
一些實施例包含在系統閒置(例如,未用於成像)時使用以使磁體保持溫之一低電力模式。舉例而言,在一低電力模式中,可將較少電流提供至磁體,同時仍容許磁體122保持於可接受用於成像之一溫度。可以使磁體能夠保持於一所要溫度之任何適合方式實施低電力模式。舉例而言,亦可使用上文中描述之用於減少磁體之暖機時間之一或多個技術(例如,關斷或調低一或多個熱管理組件)以將低場MRI系統放置於低電力模式中。因此,雖然未投入使用,但磁體可以較少電力保持溫使得當需要時,磁體準備好而不需要一暖機週期。在一些實施例中,當低場MRI系統100不在操作中達一特定時間量時自動起始低電力模式中之操作及/或可經由一開關、按鈕或由系統提供之其他介面機構手動起始低電力模式。 Some embodiments include a low power mode that is used to keep the magnet warm when the system is idle (eg, not used for imaging). For example, in a low power mode, less current can be supplied to the magnet while still allowing the magnet 122 to remain at a temperature acceptable for imaging. The low power mode can be implemented in any suitable manner that enables the magnet to remain at a desired temperature. For example, one or more techniques for reducing the warm-up time of the magnets described above (eg, turning off or lowering one or more thermal management components) may also be used to place the low field MRI system at a low level. In power mode. Thus, although not in use, the magnets can be kept warm with less power so that when needed, the magnets are ready without a warm-up period. In some embodiments, the operation in the low power mode is automatically initiated when the low field MRI system 100 is not in operation for a certain amount of time and/or can be manually initiated via a switch, button, or other interface mechanism provided by the system. Low power mode.
替代地,可回應於判定其中低場MRI系統100操作之環境之一周圍溫度高於一特定溫度而使用低電力模式。舉例而言,若低場MRI系 統經部署在一高溫環境(例如,一沙漠)中,則歸因於磁體過熱之可能性而無法在一正常操作模式中操作磁體。然而,在此等情境中,MRI系統100可仍能夠藉由使用少於具有較低溫度之環境中將使用之電流驅動磁體而在低電力模式中操作。因此,此一低電力模式實現在通常將不適合MRI系統操作之具挑戰性環境中使用低場MRI系統。 Alternatively, the low power mode can be used in response to determining that the ambient temperature of one of the environments in which the low field MRI system 100 is operating is above a certain temperature. For example, if the low field MRI system When deployed in a high temperature environment (eg, a desert), the magnet cannot be operated in a normal operating mode due to the possibility of overheating of the magnet. However, in such scenarios, the MRI system 100 can still operate in a low power mode by using a current that is less than the current to be used in an environment having a lower temperature. Thus, this low power mode enables the use of low field MRI systems in challenging environments that would normally not be suitable for MRI system operation.
在一些實施例中,可藉由判定且補償在暖機程序期間低場MRI參數之波動以實現在波動已穩定之前成像而減少成像之前執行磁體之暖機所需之時間。舉例而言,B0磁體之拉莫(Larmor)頻率通常隨著磁體暖機而波動且變得穩定。一些實施例特性化拉莫頻率如何追蹤磁體之電壓(或溫度)且補償頻率之改變以容許在磁體達到其正常操作溫度之前成像。B0場之均勻性係已知在磁體之暖機期間波動之另一參數。因此,一些實施例特性化B0場均勻性如何追蹤磁體之電壓(或溫度)且(例如,使用一或多個勻場線圈)補償場均勻性之改變以實現在場均勻性達到正常操作位準之前成像。假若可藉由量測磁體之一電壓(或溫度)或低場MRI系統之某個其他參數而特性化在磁體122之暖機期間波動之其他低場MRI參數之波動,則亦可追蹤且補償此等參數以提供在磁體達到熱平衡及/或場穩定性之前使用低場MRI系統成像。 In some embodiments, the time required to perform the warm-up of the magnet prior to imaging can be reduced by determining and compensating for fluctuations in the low field MRI parameters during the warm-up procedure to achieve imaging prior to the fluctuations being stabilized. For example, the magnet Ramo B 0 (Larmor) frequency as the magnet warm generally fluctuate and becomes stable. Some embodiments characterize how the ramo frequency tracks the voltage (or temperature) of the magnet and compensates for changes in frequency to allow imaging before the magnet reaches its normal operating temperature. The uniformity of the B 0 field is another parameter known to fluctuate during warm-up of the magnet. Thus, some embodiments characterize how Bo 0 field uniformity tracks the voltage (or temperature) of the magnet and (eg, using one or more shim coils) compensate for changes in field uniformity to achieve field uniformity to normal operating levels Imaging before quasi. It is also possible to track and compensate for fluctuations in other low field MRI parameters that fluctuate during warm-up of magnet 122 by measuring one of the magnet's voltage (or temperature) or some other parameter of the low field MRI system. These parameters are provided to provide imaging using a low field MRI system before the magnets reach thermal equilibrium and/or field stability.
重新參考圖4之程序,在動作420中,啟用梯度線圈。發明者已認知,在一些實施例中,可延遲啟用梯度線圈之程序直至準備好進行成像前不久以減少低場MRI系統之電力消耗。在低場MRI系統係可操作之後,可執行動作422以監測磁體之一或多個性質以確保磁體保持於適合於操作之一狀態中。若偵測到磁體之一或多個性質已漂移或以其他方式改變使得影響擷取令人滿意的影像之能力,則可執行一或多個補救行動。 Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 4, in act 420, the gradient coils are enabled. The inventors have recognized that in some embodiments, the process of enabling the gradient coils may be delayed until the imaging is ready to be performed shortly to reduce the power consumption of the low field MRI system. After the low field MRI system is operational, act 422 can be performed to monitor one or more properties of the magnet to ensure that the magnet remains in one of the states suitable for operation. One or more remedial actions may be performed if one or more of the properties of the magnet have been detected to have drifted or otherwise altered to affect the ability to capture a satisfactory image.
重新參考圖3之程序,在動作312中,執行一或多個一般系統檢查以確保低場MRI系統100之恰當操作。舉例而言,一般系統檢查可 包含檢查磁體122是否短路或開路。磁體122之短路可由於若干原因之任何者而發生。例如在正常操作使用期間及/或由於不同環境中之操作,低場MRI系統之各種組件之熱收縮及膨脹(熱循環)可導致磁體122或其之一部分或MRI系統之各種其他電路、線圈等之任何者之短路。舉例而言,熱循環可引起以其他方式隔離之導電材料接觸以使系統之電路(例如,一線圈中之繞組)短路。舉例而言,在一些情況中,作為熱管理系統118之一組件而包含之一冷板之一導電(例如,鋁)表面可接觸經冷卻之一或多個線圈之導電材料以引起線圈之短路。一些實施例測試系統(例如,磁體122)以判定是否存在一短路,且若存在一短路,則可將系統不可操作且需要維護之一警示提供至使用者。可藉由監測源自供電給一或多個組件之電流-電壓(IV)曲線以評估IV曲線是否如預期般作出回應或藉由使用任何其他適合技術而偵測一短路。 Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 312, one or more general system checks are performed to ensure proper operation of the low field MRI system 100. For example, a general system check can It includes checking whether the magnet 122 is shorted or open. Shorting of the magnet 122 can occur for any of a number of reasons. For example, during normal operational use and/or due to operation in different environments, thermal contraction and expansion (thermal cycling) of various components of the low field MRI system may result in magnet 122 or a portion thereof or various other circuits, coils, etc. of the MRI system. Any one of them is shorted. For example, thermal cycling can cause contact with otherwise isolated conductive materials to short circuit the circuitry of the system (eg, windings in a coil). For example, in some cases, one of the cold plates, one of the components of the thermal management system 118, includes a conductive (eg, aluminum) surface that can contact the conductive material that cools one or more of the coils to cause a short circuit of the coil. . Some embodiments test the system (eg, magnet 122) to determine if there is a short circuit, and if there is a short circuit, the system can be rendered inoperable and one of the maintenance alerts is provided to the user. The current-voltage (IV) curve derived from powering one or more components can be monitored to assess whether the IV curve responds as expected or to detect a short circuit by using any other suitable technique.
根據一些實施例,系統偵測一開路。舉例而言,任何數目個因素可引起一磁體122(或任何其他系統電路)斷開,藉此不容許電流流動。開路可由熱循環及/或透過系統之使用(例如,藉由分離電連接或藉由使組件鬆散(例如,用於連接低場MRI系統100之組件之變位螺栓或螺釘))引起。舉例而言,磁體之熱循環可促成磁體總成中之螺栓/螺釘之鬆散,此可引起磁體具有一開路。一些實施例測試磁體122以(例如,藉由觀察施加一電壓是否汲取一電流)判定其是否斷開,且若是,則可將磁體不可操作且需要維護之一警示提供至使用者。 According to some embodiments, the system detects an open circuit. For example, any number of factors can cause a magnet 122 (or any other system circuit) to open, thereby not allowing current to flow. The open circuit can be caused by thermal cycling and/or through the system (eg, by separating the electrical connections or by loosening the components (eg, the displacement bolts or screws used to connect the components of the low field MRI system 100). For example, thermal cycling of the magnets can cause loose bolts/screws in the magnet assembly, which can cause the magnet to have an open circuit. Some embodiments test the magnet 122 to determine if it is open (eg, by observing whether a voltage is applied to draw a current), and if so, provide a warning that the magnet is inoperable and requires maintenance to be provided to the user.
可根據一些實施例執行之其他一般系統檢查包含判定電源供應器112之穩定性。發明者已認知,在一些實施方案中,電源供應器112可在穩定性裕度附近操作,且此範圍外部之小偏差可引起電源供應器變得不穩定且振盪。電源供應器112亦可因其他原因而振盪,包含(但不限於)電源供應器內部之一電路故障。可以任何適合方式判定電源供應器之穩定性,包含(但不限於)量測自電源供應器汲取之電流以確 保所汲取之電流如所預期。 Other general system checks that may be performed in accordance with some embodiments include determining the stability of the power supply 112. The inventors have recognized that in some embodiments, the power supply 112 can operate near a stability margin, and small deviations outside of this range can cause the power supply to become unstable and oscillate. The power supply 112 can also oscillate for other reasons including, but not limited to, one of the circuit faults within the power supply. The stability of the power supply can be determined in any suitable manner, including (but not limited to) measuring the current drawn from the power supply to determine The current drawn by the company was as expected.
發明者已認知,用於供電給低場MRI系統100之電源之品質可取決於其中部署低場MRI系統之環境而變動。舉例而言,在場中操作之一低場MRI系統可由(例如)一發電機供電,該發電機可提出在使用一醫院中之一標準電源插座供電給低場MRI系統時不存在之電源挑戰。作為另一實例,電源供應器品質可隨著相同本地電網上之其他器件之操作而變動。作為又一實例,可需要經由一電池及轉換器供電給部署在一行動背景內容中(諸如在一救護車中)之一低場MRI系統。為了解決此等問題,一些實施例執行一般系統檢查以依任何適合方式評估電源之特性以確定電源是否具有足以操作系統之品質。 The inventors have recognized that the quality of the power source used to power the low field MRI system 100 may vary depending on the environment in which the low field MRI system is deployed. For example, one of the low field MRI systems operating in the field can be powered by, for example, a generator that can present a power challenge that does not exist when using a standard power outlet in a hospital to power a low field MRI system. . As another example, power supply quality can vary with the operation of other devices on the same local power grid. As yet another example, a low field MRI system deployed in a mobile background content, such as in an ambulance, may need to be powered via a battery and converter. To address these issues, some embodiments perform a general system check to evaluate the characteristics of the power supply in any suitable manner to determine if the power supply has sufficient quality for the operating system.
作為另一實例,低場MRI系統可部署於其中可能未知電源接線(hook-up)之品質及/或標準之非標準環境中。為了解決此,一些實施例包含在信任電源以供電給系統之前檢查電源插座之佈線以判定插座是否經恰當佈線以避免電源損害系統之組件。檢查電源插座之佈線可包含(但不限於)量測來自電源插座之電壓;量測由電源插座提供之電流中之雜訊位準及/或判定電源插座是否經正確佈線(例如,火線、中性線及接地全部為適當值)。發明者已瞭解,由一些電源(例如,一發電機或電力變換器)產生之電力可具有雜訊。若判定電源插座未經恰當佈線或具有一不可接受之雜訊位準,則可通知系統之使用者且可在使低場MRI系統通電之前定位一替代電源。 As another example, a low field MRI system can be deployed in a non-standard environment where quality and/or standards of power supply hooks may not be known. To address this, some embodiments include checking the wiring of the power outlet before trusting the power supply to power the system to determine if the outlet is properly routed to avoid power damage to the components of the system. Checking the power outlet wiring can include, but is not limited to, measuring the voltage from the power outlet; measuring the noise level in the current supplied by the power outlet and/or determining if the power outlet is properly routed (eg, FireWire, Medium) The line and ground are all appropriate values). The inventors have appreciated that power generated by some power sources (e.g., a generator or power converter) can have noise. If it is determined that the power outlet is not properly routed or has an unacceptable level of noise, the user of the system can be notified and an alternate power source can be located prior to energizing the low field MRI system.
發明者已認知,電磁雜訊之外部源可影響一低場MRI系統在可部署該系統之各種環境中恰當操作之能力。重新參考圖3之程序,在動作314中,評估外部雜訊源以判定:是否可藉由修改低場MRI系統之一或多個操作參數而適當處置(若干)經偵測雜訊源;是否可使用雜訊補償技術補償雜訊源;或在存在一或多個經偵測雜訊源之情況下低場MRI系統是否將無法適當操作,在該情況中,低場MRI系統將警示一 操作者系統應移動至較少受雜訊影響之另一位置。 The inventors have recognized that external sources of electromagnetic noise can affect the ability of a low field MRI system to operate properly in the various environments in which the system can be deployed. Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 314, the external noise source is evaluated to determine whether the detected noise source(s) can be appropriately disposed by modifying one or more operational parameters of the low field MRI system; The noise compensation technique can be used to compensate for the noise source; or if the low field MRI system will not operate properly in the presence of one or more detected noise sources, in which case the low field MRI system will alert one The operator system should move to another location that is less affected by noise.
根據一些實施例,可偵測及/或監測包含(但不限於)外部溫度漂移及/或系統溫度漂移之環境條件,且可修改用於由低場MRI系統執行成像之一或多個脈衝序列之載波頻率(拉莫頻率)以補償環境條件之改變。可另外或替代地調整或修改除了脈衝序列參數之外之低場MRI系統之態樣以補償環境條件之改變。舉例而言,亦可至少部分基於經偵測環境條件而判定梯度電流或勻場電流。 According to some embodiments, environmental conditions including, but not limited to, external temperature drift and/or system temperature drift may be detected and/or monitored, and may be modified for performing one or more pulse sequences for imaging by the low field MRI system. The carrier frequency (Lamo frequency) to compensate for changes in environmental conditions. The aspect of the low field MRI system other than the pulse sequence parameters may be additionally or alternatively adjusted or modified to compensate for changes in environmental conditions. For example, the gradient current or shim current can also be determined based at least in part on the detected environmental conditions.
用於根據一些實施例使用之一些低場MRI系統可包含經組態以偵測且至少部分補償外部雜訊源之一雜訊消除系統。舉例而言,可藉由提供一輔助接收頻道以偵測周圍射頻干擾(RFI)而執行雜訊消除。舉例而言,一或多個接收線圈可經定位接近B0場之視場但在B0場之視場外部以取樣RFI但不偵測由經成像之一物件發射之MR信號。可自由經定位以偵測經發射MR信號之一或多個接收線圈接收之信號減去由一或多個輔助接收線圈取樣之RFI。此一配置具有動態處理且抑制RFI以促進提供取決於其中操作低場MRI系統之環境而可能經受不同及/或變動位準之RFI之一通常可運送及/或可載運低場MRI系統之能力。在2015年9月4日申請之標題為「Noise Suppression Methods and Apparatus」之具有代理人檔案號碼O0354.70001US01之共同申請之美國申請案中描述可與一低場MRI系統一起使用之適合雜訊消除技術之一些實例,該案之全文以引用的方式併入本文中。 Some low field MRI systems for use in accordance with some embodiments may include a noise cancellation system configured to detect and at least partially compensate for an external noise source. For example, noise cancellation can be performed by providing an auxiliary receive channel to detect ambient radio frequency interference (RFI). For example, one or more receiver coils may be positioned close to the field B 0 field but outside the field of view of the B 0 field, but not to detect RFI sampling MR signals emitted by one of the imaged object. The RFI can be freely positioned to detect a signal received by one or more of the transmit MR signals minus the RFI sampled by the one or more auxiliary receive coils. This configuration has the ability to dynamically process and suppress RFI to facilitate providing one of the RFIs that may be subject to different and/or varying levels depending on the environment in which the low field MRI system is operating, typically capable of transporting and/or carrying low field MRI systems. . A suitable application for noise cancellation that can be used with a low field MRI system is described in the U.S. Application Serial No. U.S. Patent Application Serial No. Some examples of techniques are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
一些實施例可使用一多頻道接收線圈陣列偵測且補償雜訊源,該多頻道接收線圈陣列經組態以將經接收信號之空間位置偵測為在陣列內或在陣列外部。經判定為來自陣列外部之信號可視為雜訊且可自經判定為來自陣列內之信號減去。根據一些實施例之雜訊消除技術包含採用一多頻道接收線圈陣列及用於執行雜訊消除之一或多個輔助線圈兩者。 Some embodiments may detect and compensate for a noise source using a multi-channel receive coil array configured to detect the spatial position of the received signal as being within the array or external to the array. Signals determined to be external to the array may be considered as noise and may be determined to be subtracted from signals within the array. The noise cancellation technique according to some embodiments includes employing a multi-channel receive coil array and performing one or more of the noise cancellation.
作為另一實例,雜訊消除系統可偵測是否存在產生將影響低場MRI系統之操作之電磁雜訊之一附近器件,此將使低場MRI系統之一操作者能夠判定是否可在操作之前拔出或移除有雜訊之器件及/或是否可使用各種雜訊消除技術之任何者補償由經偵測之有雜訊之器件引入之雜訊。外部雜訊可由干擾一低場MRI系統產生具有一可接受品質之影像之能力之若干不同類型之源產生。舉例而言,低場MRI系統可偵測一特定頻帶中之雜訊且組態低場MRI系統以在一不同頻率範圍中操作以避免干擾。作為另一實例,低場MRI系統可偵測足夠雜訊使得系統無法避免及/或充分抑制雜訊。舉例而言,若將低場MRI系統部署在一AM廣播站附近,則可判定雜訊消除系統可能無法消除廣播雜訊,且可通知低場MRI系統之使用者系統應移動至遠離AM廣播站之另一位置以確保低場MRI系統之恰當操作。 As another example, the noise cancellation system can detect the presence of a device near one of the electromagnetic noises that would affect the operation of the low field MRI system, which will enable an operator of the low field MRI system to determine if it is operational. Unplug or remove the device with noise and/or whether any of the various noise cancellation techniques can be used to compensate for noise introduced by the detected noise device. External noise can be generated by a number of different types of sources that interfere with a low field MRI system to produce an image of an acceptable quality. For example, a low field MRI system can detect noise in a particular frequency band and configure a low field MRI system to operate in a different frequency range to avoid interference. As another example, a low field MRI system can detect enough noise to make the system unavoidable and/or adequately suppress noise. For example, if the low field MRI system is deployed near an AM broadcast station, it can be determined that the noise cancellation system may not be able to eliminate broadcast noise, and the user system of the low field MRI system may be notified to move away from the AM broadcast station. Another location to ensure proper operation of the low field MRI system.
發明者已認知,可促成一低場MRI系統之降低效能之外部信號可包含通常不視為傳統雜訊源之信號。舉例而言,在經組態之一給定低場MRI系統附近操作之其他低場MRI系統亦可產生可干擾且負面影響該低場MRI系統之效能之信號。根據一些實施例,低場MRI系統經組態以偵測足夠緊密接近以干擾操作之其他系統且可與任何此系統通信以避免彼此相互干擾。舉例而言,多個低場MRI系統可經組態以使用一網路協定(例如,藍芽、WiFi等)彼此通信且在經組態之低場MRI系統附近操作之其他低場MRI系統可藉由嘗試自動連接至在使用網路協定之範圍內之其他低場MRI系統而識別。 The inventors have recognized that external signals that can contribute to the performance reduction of a low field MRI system can include signals that are not normally considered to be conventional sources of noise. For example, other low field MRI systems operating near a given low field MRI system configured may also generate signals that can interfere with and adversely affect the performance of the low field MRI system. According to some embodiments, the low field MRI system is configured to detect other systems that are close enough to interfere with operation and can communicate with any such system to avoid mutual interference with each other. For example, multiple low field MRI systems can be configured to communicate with one another using a network protocol (eg, Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) and other low field MRI systems operating near the configured low field MRI system. It is identified by attempting to automatically connect to other low field MRI systems that are within the scope of the network protocol.
高場MRI系統經部署於專用屏蔽室中以防止電磁干擾影響MRI系統之操作。因此,高場MRI系統亦與外部通信隔離。另外,由於高場強度,電子器件通常無法在相同於MRI系統之B0磁體之室中操作。另一方面,低場MRI系統通常可組態為可攜式且在除了專用屏蔽室以外之位置中操作。因此,低場MRI系統可以高場MRI系統無法實現之方 式通信耦合至其他器件(包含其他低場MRI系統),從而促進若干益處,在下文中進一步詳細論述一些益處。 The high field MRI system is deployed in a dedicated shielded room to prevent electromagnetic interference from affecting the operation of the MRI system. Therefore, high field MRI systems are also isolated from external communications. In addition, due to the high field strength, electronic devices typically cannot operate in the same chamber as the B 0 magnet of the MRI system. On the other hand, low field MRI systems are typically configurable to be portable and operate in locations other than dedicated shielded rooms. Thus, low field MRI systems can be communicatively coupled to other devices (including other low field MRI systems) in ways that are not possible with high field MRI systems, thereby facilitating several benefits, some of which are discussed in further detail below.
圖5繪示其中可操作一或多個低場MRI系統之一網路環境500。舉例而言,多個低場MRI系統可部署於一診療所或醫院之不同室中或可部署於遠端定位之不同設施中。系統可經組態以經由網路通信以識別其他系統之存在且自動組態具有偵測能力之一或多個低場MRI系統之操作條件以減少系統之間之干擾。如展示,網路環境500包含一第一低場MRI系統510、一第二低場MRI系統520及一第三低場MRI系統530。各低場MRI系統經組態具有經由網路或使用任何其他適合機構(例如,經由器件間通信、作為一雜訊源之另一低場MRI系統之偵測等)發現其他低場MRI系統之存在之偵測能力。 FIG. 5 illustrates one of the network environments 500 in which one or more low field MRI systems are operational. For example, multiple low field MRI systems can be deployed in different rooms of a clinic or hospital or can be deployed in different facilities located remotely. The system can be configured to communicate via the network to identify the presence of other systems and automatically configure operating conditions with one or more low field MRI systems with detection capabilities to reduce interference between the systems. As shown, the network environment 500 includes a first low field MRI system 510, a second low field MRI system 520, and a third low field MRI system 530. Each low field MRI system is configured to discover other low field MRI systems via the network or using any other suitable mechanism (eg, via inter-device communication, detection of another low field MRI system as a source of noise, etc.) The ability to detect.
在一些實施例中,一低場MRI系統可經組態以藉由直接與其他操作低場MRI系統通信而自動偵測另一操作低場MRI系統之存在。舉例而言,低場MRI系統可經組態以使用一短程無線協定(例如,藍芽、WiFi、Zigbee)彼此通信,且在起動時,一低場MRI系統可嘗試發現任何其他低場MRI系統是否在附近使用短程無線協定操作。 In some embodiments, a low field MRI system can be configured to automatically detect the presence of another operational low field MRI system by communicating directly with other operating low field MRI systems. For example, a low field MRI system can be configured to communicate with each other using a short range wireless protocol (eg, Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee), and at startup, a low field MRI system can attempt to discover any other low field MRI system Whether to use short-range wireless protocol operations nearby.
在一些實施例中,一低場MRI系統可經組態以使用一間接技術(例如,藉由不直接與另一低場MRI系統通信)(諸如藉由與經組態以追蹤連接至網路之系統之位置之一中央電腦、伺服器(例如,伺服器585)或中間器件通信)自動偵測另一操作低場MRI系統之存在。可使用任何適合間接技術。舉例而言,在一些實施例中,在起動時及/或有時此後在操作期間,一低場MRI系統可經由網路540而將一或多個訊息發送至資料庫550以在資料庫中註冊其自身。在資料庫550中註冊一低場MRI系統可包含提供用於儲存於資料庫中之任何適合資訊,包含(但不限於)低場MRI系統之一識別符、系統之一操作(例如,拉莫)頻率、系統之一位置及系統是否處於作用中或一待用模式中之一指示。 In some embodiments, a low field MRI system can be configured to use an indirect technique (eg, by not directly communicating with another low field MRI system) (such as by being configured to track connections to the network) One of the locations of the system, the central computer, the server (e.g., server 585) or the intermediate device communicates, automatically detects the presence of another operating low field MRI system. Any suitable indirect technique can be used. For example, in some embodiments, a low field MRI system can send one or more messages to the repository 550 via the network 540 for activation in the database during startup and/or sometimes thereafter. Register yourself. Registering a low field MRI system in database 550 can include providing any suitable information for storage in a database, including but not limited to one of the low field MRI systems identifiers, one of the system operations (eg, Ramo) The frequency, one of the locations of the system, and whether the system is active or indicated by one of the standby modes.
在以下情況中更新儲存於資料庫550中之資訊:當一低場MRI系統第一次起動時;當一低場MRI系統改變其操作狀態(例如,自作用中模式轉變至待用模式)時;當系統改變一或多個參數(例如,操作頻率)等。在起動時及/或有時此後,一低場MRI系統可將一查詢發送至與資料庫相關聯之一電腦(例如,伺服器585)以判定額外低場MRI系統是否在附近操作且獲得關於任何經偵測之低場MRI系統之資訊。查詢可包含能夠搜尋資料庫550之任何適合資訊,包含(但不限於)發出查詢之低場MRI系統之一識別符及低場MRI系統之一位置。低場MRI系統隨後可直接或經由電腦與其他接近系統協商以建立操作參數使得系統不干擾。 The information stored in the database 550 is updated in the following cases: when a low field MRI system is first started; when a low field MRI system changes its operational state (eg, from an active mode to a standby mode) When the system changes one or more parameters (eg, operating frequency), etc. At startup and/or sometimes thereafter, a low field MRI system can send a query to a computer associated with the repository (eg, server 585) to determine if the additional low field MRI system is operating nearby and obtains information about Information on any detected low field MRI system. The query may include any suitable information capable of searching the database 550, including but not limited to one of the low field MRI system identifiers that issued the query and one of the low field MRI systems. The low field MRI system can then negotiate with other proximity systems directly or via a computer to establish operational parameters such that the system does not interfere.
在其他實施例中,可透過MR資料之量測而完成偵測其他附近低場MRI系統之存在。舉例而言,可分析回應於RF脈衝而偵測之信號以識別特性化一附近低場MRI系統之存在之信號中之雜訊之存在。此等實施例不需要多個低場MRI系統之間之網路(直接或間接)通信。然而,需要資料擷取及資料分析以用於偵測程序,此可延遲附近系統之識別。 In other embodiments, the detection of the presence of other nearby low field MRI systems can be accomplished by measurement of MR data. For example, the signal detected in response to the RF pulse can be analyzed to identify the presence of noise in the signal characterizing the presence of a nearby low field MRI system. These embodiments do not require network (direct or indirect) communication between multiple low field MRI systems. However, data capture and data analysis are required for the detection process, which delays the identification of nearby systems.
發明者已認知,在其中多個低場MRI系統緊密接近操作之實施方案中,系統可經組態以減少系統之間之干擾或減少任何其他雜訊源(例如,一AM無線電站)對一低場MRI系統之效能之影響。舉例而言,可調整一第一低場MRI系統之B0場以使系統之拉曼頻率偏移遠離在近旁操作之一第二低場MRI系統之拉曼頻率或遠離其中已偵測雜訊之任何其他頻率範圍。可藉由在多個低場MRI系統之間直接協商或透過與負責解決系統之間之衝突之一中央伺服器通信而建立待使用之適當操作頻率及/或場強度(或任何其他適合組態參數)。舉例而言,與資料庫550相關聯之一電腦可負責將操作組態參數指派至緊密定位之低場MRI系統。 The inventors have recognized that in embodiments where multiple low field MRI systems are in close proximity to operation, the system can be configured to reduce interference between systems or reduce any other noise source (eg, an AM radio station) to one. The impact of the performance of low field MRI systems. For example, a first adjustable low-field B of the MRI system so that the system of field 0 Raman frequency shift away from the vicinity of one of the operation of the second low field MRI systems wherein the Raman frequency or away from the noise has been detected in Any other frequency range. The appropriate operating frequency and/or field strength to be used (or any other suitable configuration) may be established by direct negotiation between multiple low field MRI systems or by communication with a central server that is responsible for resolving the conflict between the systems. parameter). For example, one of the computers associated with repository 550 can be responsible for assigning operational configuration parameters to a closely positioned low field MRI system.
發明者已認知,多個低場MRI系統亦可藉由共用包含(但不限於)以下各者之資訊而自使用一或多個網路彼此連接獲益:脈衝序列、波形表、脈衝時序排程或任何其他適合資訊。在一些實施例中,可藉由系統之時間切片操作而管理多個低場MRI系統之間之一潛在衝突以減少系統之間之干擾之效應。舉例而言,可在至少兩個低場MRI系統之間建立一時間共用配置以交替或以其他方式協調脈衝序列使得適當交錯傳輸及/或接收循環以減少系統之間之干擾。 The inventors have recognized that multiple low-field MRI systems can also benefit from using one or more networks to connect to one another by sharing information including, but not limited to, the following: pulse sequences, waveform tables, pulse timing rows Cheng or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, one of the potential conflicts between the plurality of low field MRI systems can be managed by a time slicing operation of the system to reduce the effects of interference between the systems. For example, a time sharing configuration can be established between at least two low field MRI systems to alternate or otherwise coordinate the pulse sequences such that appropriate interleaved transmissions and/or reception cycles are employed to reduce interference between the systems.
如展示,網路環境亦可包含一或多個圖像歸檔與通信系統(PACS)560且一低場MRI系統可經組態以自動偵測且連接至PACS 560以:實現使用低場MRI系統獲取之影像之儲存;獲得由PACS 560儲存之一或多個影像(或來自其之資訊);或以其他方式利用儲存於其中之資訊。網路環境亦可包含一伺服器585,該伺服器585可協調連接至網路之低場MRI系統之活動及/或該等低場MRI系統之間之活動。伺服器585亦可用於將資料(例如,磁共振指紋辨識資料)提供至低場MRI系統以促進使用MR指紋進行MRI。伺服器585在其他方面亦可操作為一資訊源。 As shown, the network environment can also include one or more image archiving and communication systems (PACS) 560 and a low field MRI system can be configured to automatically detect and connect to the PACS 560 to: implement a low field MRI system The storage of the acquired images; obtaining one or more images (or information from them) stored by the PACS 560; or otherwise utilizing the information stored therein. The network environment can also include a server 585 that can coordinate activities between the low field MRI system connected to the network and/or activities between the low field MRI systems. Server 585 can also be used to provide data (eg, magnetic resonance fingerprinting data) to a low field MRI system to facilitate MRI using MR fingerprints. Server 585 can also operate as an information source in other aspects.
重新參考圖3中繪示之程序,在動作316中,檢查低場MRI系統之機械組態。舉例而言,低場MRI系統之一或多個機械組件可包括一微型開關、一感測器或用於判定一或多個機械組件是否在恰當位置中之任何其他適合器件。可採用措施以確保其等恰當接合之一低場MRI系統之機械組件之實例包含(但不限於)一或多個RF線圈(例如,頭部線圈)、在成像期間病患放置於其上之一床或桌及當實施為一可攜式系統時用於低場MRI系統之一斷路器件。 Referring back to the procedure illustrated in Figure 3, in act 316, the mechanical configuration of the low field MRI system is examined. For example, one or more of the mechanical components of the low field MRI system can include a microswitch, a sensor, or any other suitable device for determining whether one or more mechanical components are in place. Examples of mechanical components that may be employed to ensure that they are properly joined to a low field MRI system include, but are not limited to, one or more RF coils (eg, head coils) on which the patient is placed during imaging. A bed or table and a circuit breaker for a low field MRI system when implemented as a portable system.
根據一些實施例,圖2中繪示之例示性系統可包含容許不同類型之傳輸/接收線圈按扣至適當位置中至(例如)經組態以使解剖構造(anatomy)之不同部分成像之傳輸/接收線圈之一組件。以此方式,一 頭部線圈、一胸部線圈、一臂部線圈、一腿部線圈或經組態用於解剖構造之一特定部分之任何其他線圈可按扣至系統中以執行一對應成像操作。可互換線圈所連接(例如,按扣至適當位置中)之介面可包含用於偵測何時已將一線圈正確附接之一機構,且可將此資訊傳達至系統之一操作者。替代地或另外,傳輸/接收線圈可經組態具有能夠偵測何時已將線圈正確定位且耦合至系統(例如,按扣進入至位置中)之任何適合類型之一感測器。根據一些實施例,各種傳輸/接收線圈可包含儲存關於線圈之資訊之一儲存器件及/或微控制器,該資訊包含(例如)線圈類型、操作要求、視場、頻道數目及/或可用於系統之任何其他資訊之任一者或組合,如下文中進一步詳細論述。傳輸/接收線圈可經組態以在正確附接至系統時將資訊(例如,廣播資訊)自動提供至系統及/或傳輸/接收線圈可經組態以回應於來自系統之一查詢而提供任何經請求資訊。可檢查任何其他組件以確保正確製成全部相關機械連接,此係因為態樣在此方面不受限制。 According to some embodiments, the illustrative system illustrated in FIG. 2 may include transmissions that allow different types of transmission/reception coils to be snapped into position to, for example, be configured to image different portions of an anatomy / Receive one of the components of the coil. In this way, one A head coil, a chest coil, an arm coil, a leg coil, or any other coil configured for a particular portion of the anatomy can be snapped into the system to perform a corresponding imaging operation. The interface to which the interchangeable coils are attached (e.g., snapped into place) may include a mechanism for detecting when a coil has been properly attached, and this information may be communicated to one of the operators of the system. Alternatively or additionally, the transmit/receive coil may be configured with one of any suitable type of sensor capable of detecting when the coil has been properly positioned and coupled to the system (eg, the snap into position). According to some embodiments, various transmit/receive coils may include a storage device and/or a microcontroller that stores information about the coil, including, for example, coil type, operational requirements, field of view, number of channels, and/or available Any or any combination of any other information of the system is discussed in further detail below. The transmit/receive coil can be configured to automatically provide information (eg, broadcast information) to the system when properly attached to the system and/or the transmit/receive coil can be configured to provide any response in response to a query from one of the systems Requested information. Any other components can be inspected to ensure that all relevant mechanical connections are made correctly, as this aspect is not limited in this respect.
根據一些實施例,系統可基於連接至系統之傳輸/接收線圈之類型自動選擇一掃描協定。舉例而言,若偵測到連接一頭部線圈,則系統可自動選擇適合頭部成像協定。系統可提供一可用頭部成像協定清單,接著將該清單呈現給使用者以用於選擇。替代地,若系統具有進一步資訊(例如,自與病患相關聯之一RFID標籤獲得之資訊,如下文中進一步詳細論述)或來自一病患排程系統之資訊,則系統可選擇一特定頭部成像協定且設定系統以執行對應成像程序(例如,用以檢查中風之一成像程序)。類似地,當呈現多個協定且一使用者自選項選擇時,系統可設定系統以執行對應成像程序。作為實例,系統可獲得(例如,載入或產生)(若干)適當脈衝序列,選擇適當對比度類型,選擇適當視場,準備擷取一或多個偵察影像等。應瞭解,不管經偵測之傳輸/接收線圈之類型為何,系統可呈現可用協定及/或準備且設定系 統以執行一選定或自動識別之掃描協定。 According to some embodiments, the system can automatically select a scan protocol based on the type of transmit/receive coils connected to the system. For example, if a head coil is detected, the system can automatically select a suitable head imaging protocol. The system can provide a list of available head imaging protocols that are then presented to the user for selection. Alternatively, if the system has further information (eg, information obtained from an RFID tag associated with the patient, as discussed in further detail below) or information from a patient scheduling system, the system may select a particular head. The protocol is imaged and the system is set up to perform a corresponding imaging procedure (eg, to check one of the stroke imaging procedures). Similarly, when multiple protocols are presented and a user selects an option, the system can set up the system to perform the corresponding imaging procedure. As an example, the system may obtain (eg, load or generate) (several) appropriate pulse sequences, select an appropriate contrast type, select an appropriate field of view, prepare to retrieve one or more reconnaissance images, and the like. It should be appreciated that regardless of the type of transmission/reception coil being detected, the system can present available protocols and/or preparations and settings. A scan protocol that performs a selected or automatic identification.
根據一些實施例,系統可基於系統之一或多個組件之位置自動選擇一掃描協定。舉例而言,系統可偵測病患支架(例如,床、桌或椅子)之位置且自動選擇一適合成像協定或呈現適合於病患支架之當前位置之一可用成像協定清單及/或設定系統以執行一適當成像程序。應瞭解,可基於偵測系統之其他組件之位置及/或組態執行自動選擇(若干)適當成像協定及/或執行其他自動設定活動,此係因為態樣在此方面不受限制。 According to some embodiments, the system can automatically select a scan agreement based on the location of one or more components of the system. For example, the system can detect the location of a patient support (eg, a bed, table, or chair) and automatically select an imaging protocol list and/or setting system that is suitable for imaging protocols or presenting one of the current locations suitable for the patient support. To perform an appropriate imaging procedure. It will be appreciated that automatic selection of (several) appropriate imaging protocols and/or execution of other automatic setting activities may be performed based on the location and/or configuration of other components of the detection system, as this aspect is not limited in this respect.
在動作318中,可執行RF線圈之自動調諧。一些實施例可包含用於自動偵測經連接RF線圈之類型之功能性,且可至少部分基於所偵測之經連接RF線圈之特定類型之資訊執行RF線圈之自動調諧。其他實施例可不包含用於自動偵測經連接RF線圈之一類型之功能性且可至少部分基於關於當前連接之線圈之類型之手動鍵入資訊而執行RF線圈之自動調諧。 In act 318, automatic tuning of the RF coils can be performed. Some embodiments may include functionality for automatically detecting the type of connected RF coils, and the automatic tuning of the RF coils may be performed based at least in part on the particular type of information of the detected connected RF coils. Other embodiments may not include automatic tuning of the RF coil for automatically detecting the functionality of one of the types of connected RF coils and may be based at least in part on manual keying information regarding the type of coil currently connected.
可以任何適合方式實施經連接RF線圈之一類型之自動偵測。舉例而言,經連接RF線圈之類型可至少部分基於線圈之一連接器中之佈線。作為另一實例,可包含經程式化具有線圈之組態資訊之一可程式化儲存器件(例如,一EPROM)作為線圈之一部分,且當連接線圈時或在此後之某個其他時間可將組態資訊下載至低場MRI系統。組態資訊可包含識別RF線圈之資訊及任何其他適合資訊以促進RF線圈之組態及/或校準。舉例而言,如上文中論述,關於線圈之視場(FOV)、線圈之頻率範圍、線圈之電力按比例調整、線圈之校準資料之資訊或任何其他適合資訊可儲存於儲存器件上且在傳遞至低場MRI系統時可用於自動調諧RF線圈。作為又一實例,經連接RF線圈可包含將RF線圈識別為一特定類型之一RFID標籤,且可由低場MRI系統至少部分基於RFID標籤識別線圈之類型。RFID標籤可儲存且提供關於對應線圈之 其他資訊,例如在上文中描述之任何資訊。應瞭解,可利用可儲存可主動或被動存取之資訊之任何類型之器件,此係因為態樣在此方面不受限制。 Automatic detection of one of the types of connected RF coils can be implemented in any suitable manner. For example, the type of connected RF coils can be based, at least in part, on the wiring in one of the coil connectors. As another example, a stylized storage device (eg, an EPROM) that is programmed with coil configuration information may be included as part of the coil, and may be grouped when the coil is connected or at some other time thereafter. Information is downloaded to the low field MRI system. The configuration information may include information identifying the RF coil and any other suitable information to facilitate configuration and/or calibration of the RF coil. For example, as discussed above, information about the field of view (FOV) of the coil, the frequency range of the coil, the power scaling of the coil, the calibration data for the coil, or any other suitable information can be stored on the storage device and passed to The low field MRI system can be used to automatically tune the RF coil. As yet another example, connecting the RF coils can include identifying the RF coil as one of a particular type of RFID tag, and the low field MRI system can identify the type of coil based at least in part on the RFID tag. RFID tags can be stored and provided with respect to the corresponding coil Other information, such as any of the information described above. It will be appreciated that any type of device that can store information that can be actively or passively accessed can be utilized, as this aspect is not limited in this respect.
可至少部分基於在組態程序期間收集之資料執行自動RF線圈組態之各種態樣。舉例而言,一些實施例可經組態以藉由執行一測試***脈衝序列且分析MR回應而在成像之前自動偵測視場及/或病患之位置。在一些實施方案中,為了加速組態程序,可在磁體完全暖機之前執行此一***脈衝序列,如上文中論述。接著可在磁體暖機時對病患及/或低場MRI系統之組件進行適當調整。然而,可在磁體暖機之後施加此等脈衝序列,此係因為此技術未經限制而用於任何特定時間點。 Various aspects of the automatic RF coil configuration can be performed based, at least in part, on the data collected during the configuration process. For example, some embodiments may be configured to automatically detect the field of view and/or the location of a patient prior to imaging by performing a test locator pulse sequence and analyzing the MR response. In some embodiments, to speed up the configuration process, this locator pulse sequence can be performed before the magnet is fully warmed up, as discussed above. The components of the patient and/or low field MRI system can then be appropriately adjusted while the magnet is warming up. However, such pulse sequences can be applied after the magnet is warmed up, as this technique is used at any particular point in time without limitation.
根據一些實施例,藉由擷取一低解析度影像而判定視場及/或中心位置以發現對象之空間範圍。替代地,可藉由透過對象擷取信號投影而獲得空間範圍。可基於偵測對象在視場內所處之位置對系統進行調整或在對象處於視場外部至不可調整或補償之一範圍之情況下提供一警告訊息。可使用視場及/或中心位置獲得一或多個快速偵察影像。可以若干方式利用此偵察影像以促進成像程序。舉例而言,使用者可藉由在掃描影像之一所要部分上方拖曳一框或以其他方式註解偵察影像以指示執行影像擷取之一所要區域而選擇一掃描量。替代地,使用者可放大或縮小(例如,使用一縮放工具、使用一觸控螢幕上之手勢等)以選擇執行一較高或全解析度掃描之掃描量。根據一些實施例,可顯示一偵察影像,其中一或多個接收線圈之位置疊加於影像上。可利用此資訊以判定一病患是否定位於視場內以使解剖構造之目標部分令人滿意地成像。 According to some embodiments, the field of view and/or the center position is determined by capturing a low resolution image to find the spatial extent of the object. Alternatively, the spatial extent can be obtained by capturing the signal projection through the object. The warning message can be provided based on the location of the detected object at the location within the field of view or if the object is outside the field of view to a range that is not adjustable or compensated. One or more fast reconnaissance images can be obtained using the field of view and/or the center position. This scout image can be utilized in several ways to facilitate the imaging process. For example, the user may select a scan amount by dragging a frame over a desired portion of one of the scanned images or otherwise annotating the scout image to indicate that one of the desired regions of the image capture is performed. Alternatively, the user can zoom in or out (eg, using a zoom tool, using a gesture on a touch screen, etc.) to select a scan amount to perform a higher or full resolution scan. According to some embodiments, a reconnaissance image may be displayed in which the position of one or more receiving coils is superimposed on the image. This information can be utilized to determine if a patient is positioned within the field of view to image the target portion of the anatomy satisfactorily.
根據一些實施例,可使用其他技術(例如,使用一或多個光學相機)判定空間範圍。可使用自一或多個光學相機獲得之資訊以評估一 病患所處之位置及病患是否以適合於成像之一方式定位。 According to some embodiments, other techniques (eg, using one or more optical cameras) may be used to determine the spatial extent. Information obtained from one or more optical cameras can be used to evaluate one The location of the patient and whether the patient is positioned in one of the ways suitable for imaging.
重新參考圖3之程序,在動作320中,執行自動勻場。如上文中論述,用於與本文中描述之技術一起使用之一些低場MRI系統包含可經供能以調整B0場以解決場之不均勻性之一或多個勻場線圈。在包含勻場線圈之一些實施例中,可以一類似方式藉由選擇性啟動勻場線圈而執行B0場之校準以改良B0場之均勻性。根據一些實施例,使用一或多個感測器以判定系統特性(例如,一磁場之均勻性、系統之穩定性)及/或環境雜訊之特性,且可使用來自感測器之資訊以藉由調整磁性元件之操作參數(包含(但不限於)調整B0磁體、選擇待操作之一或多個勻場線圈及/或選擇一或多個勻場線圈之操作參數)而調諧磁場。 Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 320, automatic shimming is performed. As discussed herein, some of the low field MRI system with the techniques described herein used may be included for the B 0 field can be adjusted in order to solve one of the field inhomogeneities or more shim coils. In some embodiments of the embodiments comprising shim coils may be selectively started by a manner similar to the shim coil calibration B is performed to the modified B 0 field homogeneity of the field 0. In accordance with some embodiments, one or more sensors are used to determine system characteristics (eg, uniformity of a magnetic field, stability of the system) and/or characteristics of environmental noise, and information from the sensors can be used to by adjusting the operating parameters of the magnetic element (including (but not limited to) adjusting magnet B 0, the operation to be selected one or more shim coils, and / or select one or more operating parameters of the shim coils) tuned magnetic field.
在一些實施例中,僅在磁體已完全暖機之後執行自動勻場。在其他實施例中,視需要在暖機程序期間執行自動勻場以在磁體已完全暖機之前擷取影像。可使用一預定義序列或回應於B0場之量測執行自動勻場,此係因為本發明之態樣在此方面不受限制。另外,可在起動時及/或以低場MRI系統投入使用時之任何其他適合時間間隔執行自動勻場。藉由在操作期間週期性或連續使用自動勻場而動態調整B0場可促進在具有改變之性質、雜訊位準之環境中及/或在其中磁體溫度在操作期間或因磁體未達到熱平衡而波動之境況下擷取較高品質之影像。 In some embodiments, automatic shimming is performed only after the magnet has been fully warmed up. In other embodiments, automatic shimming is performed during the warm-up procedure as needed to capture images before the magnets have fully warmed up. Using a predefined sequence or in response to the measured amount B 0 field of automatic shimming system because this aspect of the present invention is not limited in this respect comp. Additionally, automatic shimming can be performed at startup and/or at any other suitable time interval when the low field MRI system is put into service. Dynamically adjusting the B 0 field by periodically or continuously using automatic shimming during operation can facilitate thermal degradation in environments with altered properties, noise levels, and/or in which the magnet temperature is during operation or because the magnet does not reach thermal equilibrium. In the case of volatility, higher quality images are captured.
根據一些實施例,一低場MRI系統可包含經配置以結合由一低場MRI系統產生之磁場及/或環境中之磁場獲得局部磁場量測之場感測器。此等磁場量測可用於動態調整低場MRI系統之各種性質、特性及/或參數以改良系統之效能。舉例而言,可將空間分佈之場感測器之一網路配置在空間中之已知位置處以實現由一低場MRI系統產生之磁場之即時特性化。感測器之網路能夠量測低場MRI系統之局部磁場以提供促進對系統之任何數目個調整或修改之資訊,在下文中進一步詳 細描述其等之一些實例。可利用可量測所關注磁場之任何類型之感測器。此等感測器可整合在一或多個積層板內或可單獨提供,此係因為與使用磁場量測相關之概念不限於提供感測器之類型、數目或方法。 In accordance with some embodiments, a low field MRI system can include a field sensor configured to obtain local magnetic field measurements in conjunction with a magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system and/or a magnetic field in an environment. These magnetic field measurements can be used to dynamically adjust various properties, characteristics, and/or parameters of the low field MRI system to improve system performance. For example, a network of spatially distributed field sensors can be placed at known locations in space to effect immediate characterization of the magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system. The network of sensors can measure the local magnetic field of the low field MRI system to provide information that facilitates any number of adjustments or modifications to the system, as further detailed below. Describe some examples of them. Any type of sensor that can measure the magnetic field of interest can be utilized. Such sensors may be integrated into one or more laminates or may be provided separately, as the concepts associated with the use of magnetic field measurements are not limited to providing the type, number, or method of sensors.
根據一些實施例,由一感測器網路提供之量測提供促進建立適合勻場以提供具有所要強度及均勻性之一B0場之資訊。如上文中論述,具有任何幾何形狀及配置之任何所要數目個勻場線圈可單獨或與其他磁組件組合地整合在一積層板中使得可選擇性操作及/或在所要電力位準下操作勻場線圈之不同組合。因而,當一低場MRI系統在一特定環境中操作時,可使用來自場感測器之網路之量測以特性化由(例如)一B0磁體及/或梯度線圈產生之磁場以判定應選擇勻場線圈之何組合以用於操作及/或在何電力位準下操作選定勻場線圈以影響磁場使得低場MRI系統以所要強度及均勻性產生一B0場。此能力促進通常可攜式、可運送及/或可載運系統之部署,此係因為可針對利用系統之一給定位置校準B0場。 According to some embodiments, the amount provided by a measuring sensor network provides information to promote the establishment of field 0 having desired strength and uniformity of one shim B adapted to provide. As discussed above, any desired number of shim coils of any geometry and configuration can be integrated into a laminate alone or in combination with other magnetic components to enable selective operation and/or operation of shims at desired power levels. Different combinations of coils. Accordingly, when a low field MRI system operating in a particular environment, the amount of use of the web from the field sensors to measure the properties of the (e.g.), and / or magnetic field B 0 a gradient coils to determine the shim coils should be selected for operation of any combination and / or in any operating power level selected to affect the shim coil such that the low magnetic field MRI system to the desired strength and uniformity of a the B 0 field. This ability to promote generally portable, transportable, and / or may carry deployment systems, because this system can use the system for a given position of one of the B 0 field calibration.
根據一些實施例,可利用來自場感測器網路之量測以在系統之操作期間執行動態勻場。舉例而言,感測器網路可量測在操作期間由一低場MRI系統產生之磁場以提供資訊,該資訊可用於(例如,即時、近即時或以其他方式結合操作系統)動態調整一或多個勻場線圈及/或操作勻場線圈之一不同組合(例如,藉由操作一或多個額外勻場線圈或停止操作一或多個勻場線圈)使得由低場MRI系統產生之磁場具有或更接近於具有所要或預期特性(例如,以或更接近於所要場強度及均勻性產生所得B0場)。來自一場感測器網路之量測亦可用於通知一操作者磁場品質(例如,B0場、梯度場等)未能滿足一所要準則或度量。舉例而言,若所產生之B0場未能滿足關於場強度及/或均勻性之特定要求,則可警示一操作者。 According to some embodiments, measurements from the field sensor network may be utilized to perform dynamic shimming during operation of the system. For example, the sensor network can measure the magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system during operation to provide information that can be used to dynamically adjust (eg, instantly, near instantaneously, or otherwise in conjunction with an operating system) Different combinations of one or more shim coils and/or operating shim coils (eg, by operating one or more additional shim coils or stopping operation of one or more shim coils) to be produced by a low field MRI system having a magnetic field with or closer to the desired or expected characteristics (e.g., at or closer to the desired field strength and uniformity of the resulting the B 0 field). Amount from a network of sensors can measure magnetic field for informing an operator quality (e.g., B 0 field, the gradient fields, etc.) fails to meet a desired criterion or measure. For example, an operator may be alerted if the generated Bo field fails to meet specific requirements regarding field strength and/or uniformity.
根據一些實施例,可使用來自一感測器網路之量測以導引及/或 校正自操作低場MRI掃描器獲得之MR資料之重建及/或處理。特定言之,由感測器網路獲得之實際空間-時間磁場型樣可用作何時自經擷取MR資料重建影像之知識。因此,即使在存在原本將對於擷取資料及/或產生影像令人不滿意之場不均勻性之情況下,仍重建適合影像。因此,用於使用場感測器資料以協助影像重建之技術促進在一些境況中獲得改良之影像且實現在其中場強度及/或均勻性降級之環境及/或境況中低場MRI之效能。 According to some embodiments, measurements from a sensor network may be used to guide and/or Correction and/or processing of MR data obtained from an operational low field MRI scanner. In particular, the actual space-time magnetic field pattern obtained by the sensor network can be used as knowledge of when to retrieve an image from the MR data. Thus, suitable image reconstruction is reconstructed even in the presence of field inhomogeneities that would otherwise be unsatisfactory for capturing data and/or producing images. Thus, techniques for using field sensor data to assist in image reconstruction facilitate improved image quality in some situations and achieve low field MRI performance in environments and/or conditions where field strength and/or uniformity degradation.
根據一些實施例,可使用一場感測器網路以量測且量化系統效能(例如,渦流、系統延遲、時序等)及/或以基於經量測之局部磁場促進梯度波形設計等。應瞭解,可以任何其他方式利用自一場感測器網路獲得之量測以促進執行低場MRI,此係因為態樣在此方面不受限制。在通常可攜式、可運送或可載運系統中,其中部署MRI系統之環境通常可未知、未屏蔽且通常未經控制。因而,在一特定環境(磁性及其他)之情況下特性化由一低場MRI系統產生之磁場之能力促進在廣泛範圍之環境及境況中部署此等系統之能力,從而容許針對一給定環境最佳化系統。 According to some embodiments, a field sensor network may be used to measure and quantify system performance (eg, eddy currents, system delays, timing, etc.) and/or to facilitate gradient waveform design based on measured local magnetic fields, and the like. It will be appreciated that the measurements obtained from a field of sensor networks may be utilized in any other manner to facilitate the implementation of low field MRI, as this aspect is not limited in this respect. In a typical portable, transportable or haulable system, the environment in which the MRI system is deployed is typically unknown, unshielded, and often uncontrolled. Thus, the ability to characterize a magnetic field generated by a low field MRI system in a particular environment (magnetic and otherwise) facilitates the ability to deploy such systems over a wide range of environments and situations, allowing for a given environment Optimize the system.
根據一些實施例,除了一場感測器網路以外或作為一場感測器網路之替代,可使用由低場MRI系統進行之一或多個量測。用由低場MRI系統進行之基於MR之量測之使用替代由一場感測器網路進行之量測可簡化低場MRI系統之設計且實現具有一降低成本之低場MRI系統之產生。 According to some embodiments, one or more measurements by the low field MRI system may be used in addition to or instead of a field of sensor networks. Replacing the measurement by a field of sensor networks with MR-based measurements by low field MRI systems simplifies the design of low field MRI systems and enables the generation of low field MRI systems with a reduced cost.
在一些實施例中,一低場MRI系統可在判定系統準備好使一病患成像之前將診斷資訊發送至一集中位置(例如,與資料庫550相關聯之一或多個網路連接之電腦)。以此方式,低場MRI系統可連接至雲端以在成像之前或在設定、組態及/或操作期間之任何時間交換資訊。可在集中位置處分析經傳輸之診斷資訊且若判定低場MRI系統恰當起 作用,則可將一訊息發送回至系統以通知使用者系統準備好成像。然而,若回應於分析經傳輸之資訊而偵測一問題,則可將指示系統可具有一操作問題之資訊發送回至系統。傳回至低場MRI系統之資訊可呈任何形式,包含(但不限於)一簡單的準備好/未準備好指示及經偵測問題之一詳細分析(若發現)。在一些實施例中,傳輸回至低場MRI系統之資訊僅僅指示低場MRI系統需要維護。 In some embodiments, a low field MRI system can send diagnostic information to a centralized location (eg, a computer connected to one or more networks associated with repository 550) prior to determining that the system is ready to image a patient ). In this manner, the low field MRI system can be connected to the cloud to exchange information at any time prior to imaging or during setup, configuration, and/or operation. The transmitted diagnostic information can be analyzed at a centralized location and if the low field MRI system is determined to be appropriate In effect, a message can be sent back to the system to inform the user that the system is ready for imaging. However, if a problem is detected in response to analyzing the transmitted information, information indicating that the system can have an operational problem can be sent back to the system. The information returned to the low field MRI system can be in any form, including (but not limited to) a simple prepared/not prepared indication and a detailed analysis of the detected problem (if found). In some embodiments, the information transmitted back to the low field MRI system merely indicates that the low field MRI system requires maintenance.
根據一些實施例,經提供之診斷資訊可包含安裝於低場MRI系統上之軟體之一當前版本。自此資訊可判定MRI系統正使用軟體之一最新版本操作。若判定安裝於低場MRI系統上之軟體之當前版本並非最新,則發送回至MRI系統之資訊可包含應更新軟體之一指示。在一些實施例中,可基於軟件更新之重要性限制操作低場MRI系統之能力。根據一些實施例,可自一連接雲端之電腦下載軟體之一最新版本以在偵測系統未使用軟體之最新版本及/或以其他方式使用舊及/或過時軟體操作時動態更新系統。 According to some embodiments, the provided diagnostic information may include a current version of one of the software installed on the low field MRI system. From this information, it can be determined that the MRI system is operating with the latest version of the software. If it is determined that the current version of the software installed on the low field MRI system is not up to date, the information sent back to the MRI system may include an indication that one of the software should be updated. In some embodiments, the ability to operate a low field MRI system can be limited based on the importance of software updates. According to some embodiments, the latest version of one of the software can be downloaded from a computer connected to the cloud to dynamically update the system when the system is not operating with the latest version of the software and/or otherwise using old and/or obsolete software.
一些實施例可經組態以藉由啟用主控台以調整使用MRI序列產生具有一所要品質及解析度之影像之方式而提供MRI系統之動態組態。習知MRI主控台通常藉由使一使用者選擇一預程式化MRI脈衝序列而操作,接著使用該預程式化MRI脈衝序列以擷取經處理以重建一或多個影像之MR資料。接著,一醫師可解譯所得之一或多個影像。發明者已認知且瞭解,使用預程式化MRI脈衝序列操作MRI系統未必有效產生具有一所要品質之一影像。因此,在一些實施例中,一使用者可規定待擷取之影像之類型,且主控台可被分派以下任務:決定初始成像參數,隨著掃描進展視情況更新參數以基於分析經接收之MR資料提供所要類型之影像。基於計算回饋動態調整成像參數促進開發一「按鈕」MRI系統,其中一使用者可選擇一所要影像或應用且MRI系統可決定用於擷取所要影像之一組成像參數,可基於在擷取期間獲得 之MR資料動態最佳化該組成像參數。 Some embodiments may be configured to provide a dynamic configuration of the MRI system by enabling the console to adjust the manner in which the MRI sequence is used to produce an image having a desired quality and resolution. Conventional MRI consoles typically operate by having a user select a pre-programmed MRI pulse sequence, and then use the pre-programmed MRI pulse sequence to retrieve MR data processed to reconstruct one or more images. Next, a physician can interpret the resulting image or images. The inventors have recognized and appreciated that operating an MRI system using a pre-programmed MRI pulse sequence does not necessarily produce an image of a desired quality. Thus, in some embodiments, a user can specify the type of image to be captured, and the console can be assigned the task of determining an initial imaging parameter that is updated as the scan progresses as needed to be received based on the analysis. The MR data provides the image of the desired type. Dynamically adjusting imaging parameters based on computational feedback facilitates the development of a "button" MRI system in which a user can select a desired image or application and the MRI system can determine the image parameters used to capture one of the desired images, based on the duration of the capture obtain The MR data dynamically optimizes the composition like parameters.
重新參考圖3之程序,在動作322中,可偵測外部電子器件(例如,圖5中繪示之外部電子器件565)。發明者已認知,使用低場MRI系統允許病患、醫療執業人員及其他人具有且使用緊密接近MRI系統之電子器件而無在此等器件定位成緊密接近高場MRI系統時產生之安全問題。一此類別之外部電子器件係可在低場環境中安全使用之穿戴式電子器件(例如,智慧型錶、感測器、監測器等)。穿戴式電子器件可儲存及/或偵測可促進使用低場MRI系統擷取影像之病患資料。因此,一些實施例自動偵測此等電子器件之存在且將病患資料(例如,心率、呼吸速率、身高、體重、年齡、病患識別符等)下載至低場MRI系統以用於擷取成像資料。舉例而言,病患資料可用於閘控或修改一或多個資料擷取參數(例如,脈衝序列)以基於一特定個體之病患特定資料客製化資料擷取程序。 Referring back to the procedure of FIG. 3, in act 322, external electronics (eg, external electronics 565 depicted in FIG. 5) can be detected. The inventors have recognized that the use of low field MRI systems allows patients, medical practitioners, and others to have and use electronic devices that are in close proximity to the MRI system without the safety issues that arise when such devices are positioned in close proximity to high field MRI systems. One such category of external electronics is wearable electronics (eg, smart meters, sensors, monitors, etc.) that can be safely used in low field environments. Wearable electronics store and/or detect patient data that facilitates the use of low-field MRI systems to capture images. Accordingly, some embodiments automatically detect the presence of such electronic devices and download patient data (eg, heart rate, respiration rate, height, weight, age, patient identifier, etc.) to a low field MRI system for retrieval Imaging data. For example, patient data can be used to gate or modify one or more data retrieval parameters (eg, pulse sequences) to customize a data retrieval procedure based on patient-specific data for a particular individual.
亦可使用病患資料以自一組可能脈衝序列或操作參數選擇低場MRI系統之適當脈衝序列或其他操作參數。替代地,可針對任何其他目的使用病患資料以改良藉由低場MRI系統之成像。舉例而言,可使用自一穿戴式電子器件接收之心率資料及/或呼吸速率資料以減輕及/或校正由病患運動引起之運動假影。另外,可使用諸如心率或呼吸速率之生理資料以提供用於一成像程序之同步資訊。可以任何適合方式使用任何適合無線發現技術(已知無線發現技術之實例)偵測穿戴式電子器件。 Patient data can also be used to select an appropriate pulse sequence or other operational parameter for a low field MRI system from a set of possible pulse sequences or operational parameters. Alternatively, patient data can be used for any other purpose to improve imaging by a low field MRI system. For example, heart rate data and/or respiratory rate data received from a wearable electronic device can be used to mitigate and/or correct motion artifacts caused by patient motion. Additionally, physiological data such as heart rate or respiration rate can be used to provide synchronized information for an imaging procedure. The wearable electronic device can be detected using any suitable wireless discovery technology (an example of known wireless discovery techniques) in any suitable manner.
一穿戴式器件可包含一RFID標籤,該RFID標籤包含諸如人口統計資訊、關於病患之健康資訊(例如,病患是否具有一心律調節器、植入物等)、關於針對病患之成像協定之資訊等之病患資料。此資訊可由系統使用以自動準備及/或設定系統以根據適當協定執行成像。舉例而言,系統可執行一或多個檢查以確保系統經適當組態(例如, 一正確傳輸/接收線圈經連接至系統、床處在一適當位置中等)用於所要成像程序;可選擇適當脈衝序列;適當組態系統之一或多個參數;準備擷取一或多個偵察影像及/或自動執行任何其他適合程序以準備根據所要協定擷取(若干)影像。自RFID標籤獲得之資訊可包含任何其他資訊(包含(但不限於)對比劑類型、量等)、所擷取影像之目的地(例如,PACS、雲端、遠程放射學家、集中式伺服器等)及/或促進成像程序之任何其他資訊。 A wearable device can include an RFID tag containing information such as demographic information, health information about the patient (eg, whether the patient has a heart rhythm regulator, implant, etc.), an imaging protocol for the patient Patient information such as information. This information can be used by the system to automatically prepare and/or set up the system to perform imaging according to appropriate agreements. For example, the system can perform one or more checks to ensure that the system is properly configured (eg, A correct transmission/reception coil is connected to the system, at a suitable position in the bed, for the desired imaging procedure; an appropriate pulse sequence can be selected; one or more parameters of the system are properly configured; and one or more reconnaissances are prepared Image and/or automatically execute any other suitable program to prepare for capturing (several) images according to the desired agreement. The information obtained from the RFID tag may contain any other information (including (but not limited to) contrast agent type, amount, etc.), the destination of the captured image (eg, PACS, cloud, teleradiologist, centralized server, etc.) And/or any other information that facilitates the imaging process.
應瞭解,任何上述資訊可由系統使用諸如以下各者之其他技術獲得:掃描一條碼或醫院標籤或獲得在病患的行動器件(諸如一智慧型電話或穿戴式器件)上可用之資訊,此係因為自動獲得關於病患及/或所要成像程序之資訊未經限制而用於任何特定技術。舉例而言,一病患的行動器件(例如,一智慧型電話、穿戴式器件等)可包含健康資訊、診斷資訊或可經存取且利用以獲得可通知自動設定一成像協定及/或成像程序之態樣之資訊之其他資訊。 It should be appreciated that any of the above information may be obtained by the system using other techniques such as scanning a code or hospital tag or obtaining information available on the patient's mobile device (such as a smart phone or wearable device). Because any information about the patient and/or the desired imaging procedure is automatically obtained without limitation, it is used for any particular technology. For example, a patient's mobile device (eg, a smart phone, wearable device, etc.) may contain health information, diagnostic information, or may be accessed and utilized to obtain a notification that automatically sets an imaging protocol and/or imaging Additional information on the information of the program.
發明者亦已認知,可使用一些外部電子器件(例如,一行動運算器件565)以控制低場MRI系統之各種操作態樣。舉例而言,一些實施例容許一外部電子器件(諸如一智慧型電話或一平板電腦)控制低場MRI系統之操作而無需一保健專業人員自一專用主控台控制低場MRI系統。可使用控制指令(例如,使用一控制應用程式)程式化電子器件,當控制指令在一低場MRI系統之範圍內時,其等使電子器件之一使用者能夠控制系統之至少一些操作。因此,根據本文中描述之一些技術使用之一些低場MRI系統可經組態以自動偵測可用於遠端控制低場MRI系統之至少一些操作之外部電子器件之存在。另外,安裝於外部電子器件上之一或多個應用程式亦可包含使使用器件之保健專業人員能夠存取且觀看儲存於PACS 560上之一或多個影像之指令。 The inventors have also recognized that some external electronics (e.g., a mobile computing device 565) can be used to control various aspects of operation of the low field MRI system. For example, some embodiments allow an external electronic device (such as a smart phone or a tablet) to control the operation of the low field MRI system without requiring a healthcare professional to control the low field MRI system from a dedicated console. The control device can be programmed (e.g., using a control application) to enable the user of one of the electronic devices to control at least some of the operation of the system when the control command is within range of a low field MRI system. Accordingly, some low field MRI systems used in accordance with some of the techniques described herein can be configured to automatically detect the presence of external electronics that can be used to remotely control at least some of the operations of the low field MRI system. Additionally, one or more applications installed on the external electronic device can also include instructions for a healthcare professional using the device to access and view one or more images stored on the PACS 560.
如上文中論述,一成像程序可使用任何數目個本地或遠端器件 加以控制,包含一使用者的行動器件、在一遠程放射學家本地之一電腦、在系統處之一本地及/或整合電腦等。發明者已瞭解,不管利用哪一器件,可實施使用者介面功能性以促進檢查程序。舉例而言,在一檢驗程序期間,可經由一或多個偵察影像或經由一或多個較高解析度影像選擇所關注區域且可自動執行額外掃描以擷取對應於選定所關注區域之進一步影像。根據一些實施例,為了協助一本地使用者及/或遠程放射學家,可顯示對象之先前獲得之影像及/或可顯示預期或健康解剖構造/組織之參考影像。先前獲得之影像可用作一比較以識別異常區域、監測病患之改變(例如,以判定一治療之療效)或以其他方式提供診斷協助。參考影像可用於協助識別反常身體結構、異常組織及/或識別偏離如由參考影像特性化之預期之任何其他條件。 As discussed above, an imaging program can use any number of local or remote devices. Controlled, including a user's mobile device, a local computer at a remote radiologist, local and/or integrated computer at one of the systems. The inventors have appreciated that user interface functionality can be implemented to facilitate inspection procedures regardless of which device is utilized. For example, during an inspection procedure, the region of interest may be selected via one or more reconnaissance images or via one or more higher resolution images and additional scans may be automatically performed to retrieve further regions corresponding to the selected region of interest image. In accordance with some embodiments, to assist a local user and/or a remote radiologist, a previously acquired image of the subject and/or a reference image that may display an expected or healthy anatomy/tissue may be displayed. Previously obtained images can be used as a comparison to identify abnormal areas, monitor changes in the patient (eg, to determine the efficacy of a treatment), or otherwise provide diagnostic assistance. The reference image can be used to assist in identifying abnormal body structures, abnormal tissue, and/or identifying any other conditions that deviate as expected from the characterization of the reference image.
發明者已進一步瞭解,可執行對經獲得影像之自動分析以偵測各種事件、發生或條件。舉例而言,可偵測一或多個區域中之不良影像品質且獲得適當脈衝序列以擷取進一步影像資料以填入間隙,增加信雜比及/或以其他方式獲得較高品質影像資料及/或改良選定區域中之影像品質。作為另一實例,可分析經擷取影像以偵測何時在經擷取影像中未充分獲取目標解剖構造且警告使用者可需要執行進一步成像。 The inventors have further appreciated that automated analysis of acquired images can be performed to detect various events, occurrences or conditions. For example, detecting poor image quality in one or more regions and obtaining an appropriate pulse sequence to capture further image data to fill gaps, increase signal-to-noise ratio, and/or otherwise obtain higher quality image data and / or improve the image quality in selected areas. As another example, the captured image can be analyzed to detect when the target anatomy is not adequately captured in the captured image and warn the user that further imaging may be required.
主要在初始系統起動期間組態一低場MRI系統之背景內容中描述上文中論述之圖3之組態操作。然而,應瞭解,可另外或替代地在低場MRI系統之操作期間自動執行一或多個組態操作。作為一實例,可在系統操作期間使用一溫度感測器或藉由量測磁體之電壓而監測磁體之溫度,如上文中描述。亦可在操作期間監測磁體電壓/溫度以評估熱管理系統(例如,泵、風扇等)之組件是否恰當工作。另外,可在低場MRI系統之操作期間直接監測熱管理系統之一或多個組件以確保視需要恰當冷卻低場MRI系統之組件。 The configuration operations of Figure 3 discussed above are described primarily in the context of configuring a low field MRI system during initial system startup. However, it should be appreciated that one or more configuration operations may be performed automatically or alternatively during operation of the low field MRI system. As an example, the temperature of the magnet can be monitored during system operation using a temperature sensor or by measuring the voltage of the magnet, as described above. The magnet voltage/temperature can also be monitored during operation to assess whether components of the thermal management system (eg, pumps, fans, etc.) are functioning properly. In addition, one or more components of the thermal management system can be directly monitored during operation of the low field MRI system to ensure proper cooling of components of the low field MRI system as needed.
為了減少低場MRI系統在操作期間之電力消耗,在系統之主控台上實行之一控制應用程式可監測使用者活動。當未偵測使用者活動達一特定時間量(例如,30分鐘、1小時)時,低場MRI系統可自動進入一低電力模式以減少電力消耗及/或對組件之操作負擔(其可縮短裝備之有效壽命)。根據一些實施例,一低場MRI系統可具有表示使用者無活動之不同狀態之多個低電力模式且低場MRI系統可在不同低電力模式之間轉變而非在未偵測使用者活動時完全停機。舉例而言,低場MRI系統可經組態以具有三個低電力模式,其等之各者對應於將磁體維持於一所要電力及溫度之一不同狀態。在偵測使用者無活動達一短時間段(例如,30分鐘)時,磁體可自動進入一「淺」低電力模式,其中稍微減小提供至磁體之電流以減少電力消耗。若偵測使用者無活動達一較長時間段(例如,1小時),則磁體可自動轉變成一「中等」低電力模式,其中進一步減小提供至磁體之電流以消耗更少電力。若偵測使用者無活動達一更長時間段(例如,4小時),則磁體可自動轉變成一「深」低電力模式,其中更進一步減小提供至磁體之電流以消耗更少電力資源。 In order to reduce the power consumption of the low field MRI system during operation, a control application is implemented on the main console of the system to monitor user activity. When the user activity is not detected for a certain amount of time (for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour), the low field MRI system can automatically enter a low power mode to reduce power consumption and/or operational burden on the component (which can be shortened) The effective life of the equipment). According to some embodiments, a low field MRI system may have multiple low power modes representing different states of user inactivity and a low field MRI system may transition between different low power modes rather than when no user activity is detected Complete shutdown. For example, a low field MRI system can be configured to have three low power modes, each of which corresponds to maintaining a magnet in a different state of one of desired power and temperature. When detecting that the user is inactive for a short period of time (eg, 30 minutes), the magnet can automatically enter a "shallow" low power mode in which the current supplied to the magnet is slightly reduced to reduce power consumption. If the user is detected to be inactive for a longer period of time (eg, 1 hour), the magnet can automatically transition to a "medium" low power mode in which the current supplied to the magnet is further reduced to consume less power. If the user is detected to be inactive for a longer period of time (eg, 4 hours), the magnet can be automatically converted to a "deep" low power mode in which the current supplied to the magnet is further reduced to consume less power.
當磁體在不同低電力模式中冷卻時,可相應地調整熱管理系統(例如,風扇、泵)之組件。雖然在上文中描述三個不同低電力模式,但應瞭解,可替代地使用任何適合數目個低電力模式(包含零或一個低電力模式)。另外,上文中給定之時間段僅僅係例示性且任何時間段可充當用於觸發至一低電力模式之一轉變之一基礎。再者,可監測系統之其他態樣及/或可使用其他事件以觸發至一低電力模式之一轉變,此係因為至一低電力模式之自動轉變不限於任何特定類型之觸發。 When the magnets are cooled in different low power modes, the components of the thermal management system (eg, fans, pumps) can be adjusted accordingly. While three different low power modes are described above, it should be appreciated that any suitable number of low power modes (including zero or one low power mode) may alternatively be used. Additionally, the time period given above is merely illustrative and any time period may serve as a basis for triggering a transition to one of the low power modes. Furthermore, other aspects of the system can be monitored and/or other events can be used to trigger a transition to a low power mode because the automatic transition to a low power mode is not limited to any particular type of trigger.
根據一些實施例,一使用者可與一控制應用程式互動以將磁體放置於一低電力模式中而非依靠自動化程序(例如,使用者無活動之 偵測)。可回應於偵測使用者活動(諸如經由主控台上之一控制應用程式(例如,從事主控台上之一使用者介面控制之一使用者)、經由與低場MRI系統通信之外部電子器件或以任何其他適合方式接收控制指令)而起始自一低電力模式返回至低場MRI系統之正常操作。 According to some embodiments, a user can interact with a control application to place the magnet in a low power mode rather than relying on an automated program (eg, the user is inactive) Detection). Responsive to detecting user activity (such as via an application on one of the consoles (eg, one of the user interface controls on one of the consoles), via external electronics communicating with the low field MRI system The device or the control command is received in any other suitable manner to initiate normal operation from a low power mode to the low field MRI system.
發明者已認知,若B0場之極性保持恆定,則在低場MRI系統附近之環境中之物件隨著時間可變得磁化,且環境中之物件之磁化可引起B0場之失真(例如,一偏移),從而導致較不良影像品質。使環境物件消磁可包括執行其中減少物件中之磁化之一消磁程序。一些實施例係關於減少磁化源而非處理其之效應。舉例而言,一些低場MRI系統可經組態以偶爾(例如,一天一次)切換B0場之極性以防止周圍環境中之物件之磁化。在其中週期性切換B0場之極性之實施例中,上文中描述之自動勻場程序可考量B0場之當前極性以執行正確勻場。 The inventors have cognition, if the polarity of the field B 0 is kept constant, the environment in the vicinity of the object low field MRI system over time may become magnetized and the magnetization of the object in the environment can cause field B 0 of the distortion (e.g. , an offset), resulting in poor image quality. Degaussing an environmental object can include performing a degaussing procedure in which magnetization in the object is reduced. Some embodiments are concerned with reducing the source of magnetization rather than treating it. For example, some low field MRI system may occasionally (e.g., once a day) configured to switch over the polarity of the field B 0 in order to prevent the magnetization of the surrounding environment of the object. Wherein periodically switching the polarity of the field B 0 of the embodiment, the automatic shimming procedure described above may be considerations B 0 field polarity of the current to perform correctly shimming.
根據一些實施例,使用鐵磁組件以增加一B0磁體之場強度而不需要額外電力或使用減少的電量產生一相同B0場。此等鐵磁組件可由於操作低場MRI系統而變得磁化且可相對快速地完成磁化,藉此以非所要(即,與預期不同)之方式擾亂B0場。因此,可使用上文描述之消磁技術(例如,切換B0磁體之極性)以防止鐵磁組件之磁化不利地影響B0場及因此低場MRI系統之操作。如上文中論述,低場MRI促進在高場MRI之背景內容中通常不可行之MRI系統(例如,相對低成本、減少的佔據面積及/或通常可攜式或可運送之MRI系統)之設計及開發。 According to some embodiments, the use of ferromagnetic components to increase the magnetic field strength B 0 of an additional power without requiring the use of a reduced amount of power generated or the same as the B 0 field a. These ferromagnetic component due to the operation may be a low field MRI system to become magnetized and the magnetization can be accomplished relatively quickly, whereby the non-desired (i.e., different than expected) in such manner as to disturb the B 0 field. Thus, using the techniques described above degaussing (e.g., switching the polarity of the magnet B 0) in order to prevent the magnetization of the ferromagnetic components and therefore adversely affect the operation of B 0 field low field MRI systems. As discussed above, low field MRI facilitates the design of MRI systems that are generally not feasible in the context of high field MRI (eg, relatively low cost, reduced footprint, and/or generally portable or transportable MRI systems) and Development.
已因此描述本揭示內容中闡述之技術之若干態樣及實施例,應瞭解,熟習此項技術者將容易想到各種更改、修改及改良。此等更改、修改及改良意欲在本文中描述之技術之精神及範疇內。舉例而言,一般技術者將容易設想用於執行功能及/或獲得本文中描述之結果及/或一或多個優點之各種其他構件及/或結構,且此等變動及/或修改之各者被視為在本文中描述之實施例之範疇內。熟習此項技術者將 認知或能夠確定僅使用常規實驗、本文中描述之特定實施例之許多等效物。因此,應理解,前述實施例僅藉由實例呈現且在隨附申請專利範圍及其等效物之範疇內,可以不同於如具體描述之方式實踐本發明實施例。另外,本文中描述之兩個或兩個以上特徵、系統、物品、材料、套組及/或方法之任何組合(若此等特徵、系統、物品、材料、套組及/或方法並非互相不一致)包含於本發明之範疇內。 Having thus described a number of aspects and embodiments of the techniques disclosed in the present disclosure, it will be appreciated that various changes, modifications and improvements are readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the technology described herein. For example, a variety of other components and/or structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more advantages described herein will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and such changes and/or modifications. It is considered to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Those skilled in the art will Cognition or ability to determine many equivalents of the specific embodiments described herein using only routine experimentation. Therefore, the present invention is to be construed as being limited by the embodiments of the inventions In addition, any combination of two or more of the features, systems, articles, materials, kits and/or methods described herein (if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits and/or methods are not inconsistent with each other) ) is included within the scope of the invention.
可以許多方式之任何者實施上述實施例。涉及程序或方法之效能之本發明之一或多項態樣及實施例可利用程式指令,該等程式指令可由一器件(例如,一電腦、一處理器或其他器件)實行以執行程序或方法或控制程序或方法之效能。在此方面,各種發明概念可體現為使用一或多個程式編碼之一電腦可讀儲存媒體(或多個電腦可讀儲存媒體)(例如,一電腦記憶體、一或多個軟碟、光碟、光學碟片、磁帶、快閃記憶體、場可程式化閘陣列中之電路組態或其他半導體器件或其他有形電腦儲存媒體),當在一或多個電腦或其他處理器上實行該一或多個程式時,其等執行實施上文中描述之各項實施例之一或多者之方法。(若干)電腦可讀媒體可係可運送使得儲存於其上之(若干)程式可載入至一或多個不同電腦或其他處理器上以實施上文中描述之各種態樣。在一些實施例中,電腦可讀媒體可係非暫時性媒體。 The above embodiments can be implemented in any of a number of ways. One or more aspects and embodiments of the present invention relating to the performance of a program or method may utilize program instructions, which may be executed by a device (eg, a computer, a processor, or other device) to perform a program or method or Control the effectiveness of a program or method. In this regard, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more computer-readable storage media (or a plurality of computer-readable storage media) encoded by one or more programs (eg, a computer memory, one or more floppy disks, optical disks) , optical discs, magnetic tapes, flash memory, circuit configurations in field programmable gate arrays or other semiconductor devices or other tangible computer storage media), when implemented on one or more computers or other processors Or a plurality of programs, which, etc., perform a method of implementing one or more of the various embodiments described above. The computer readable medium(s) can be transported such that the program(s) stored thereon can be loaded onto one or more different computers or other processors to implement the various aspects described above. In some embodiments, the computer readable medium can be non-transitory.
本文中使用之術語「程式」或「軟體」在一般意義上係指可經採用以程式化一電腦或其他處理器以實施如上文中描述之各種態樣之任何類型之電腦程式碼或電腦可執行指令集。另外,應瞭解,根據一項態樣,當實行時執行本揭示內容之方法之一或多個電腦程式不必駐留於一單一電腦或處理器上,而可以一模組化方式分配於若干不同電腦或處理器之間以實施本揭示內容之各種態樣。 The term "program" or "software" as used herein refers to any type of computer code or computer executable that can be employed to program a computer or other processor to implement various aspects as described above. Instruction Set. In addition, it should be understood that, according to one aspect, one or more computer programs that perform the methods of the present disclosure, when executed, do not have to reside on a single computer or processor, but can be distributed to a number of different computers in a modular fashion. The various aspects of the disclosure are implemented between processors or processors.
電腦可實行指令可呈由一或多個電腦或其他器件實行之許多形式,諸如程式模組。一般言之,程式模組包含執行特定任務或實施特 定抽象資料類型之常式、程式、物件、組件、資料結構等。在各項實施例中通常可視需要組合或分配程式模組之功能性。 Computer-executable instructions can be in many forms, such as program modules, implemented by one or more computers or other devices. In general, program modules contain specific tasks or implementations. The formula, program, object, component, data structure, etc. of the abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of the program modules can generally be combined or distributed as desired.
又,資料結構可以任何適合形式儲存於電腦可讀媒體中。為了圖解簡潔起見,可將資料結構展示為具有透過資料結構中之位置相關之欄位。此等關係同樣可藉由針對在一電腦可讀媒體中具有位置的欄位指派儲存器而達成,該等位置傳達欄位之間之關係。然而,可使用任何適合機構以建立一資料結構之欄位中之資訊之間之關係,包含透過使用指標、標籤或建立資料元素之間之關係之其他機構。 Also, the data structure can be stored in a computer readable medium in any suitable form. For the sake of brevity, the data structure can be displayed as having a position related to the position in the data structure. Such relationships can also be achieved by assigning a memory to a field having a location in a computer readable medium that conveys the relationship between the fields. However, any suitable mechanism may be used to establish the relationship between the information in a field of a data structure, including other institutions that use indicators, tags, or relationships between data elements.
當以軟體實施時,軟體碼可實行於任何適合處理器或處理器集合中(無論是提供於一單一電腦中或分配於多個電腦之間)。 When implemented in software, the software code can be implemented in any suitable processor or collection of processors (whether provided in a single computer or distributed among multiple computers).
此外,應瞭解,作為非限制性實例,一電腦可以若干形式之任何者體現,諸如一機架安裝電腦、一桌上型電腦、一膝上型電腦或一平板電腦。另外,一電腦可嵌入通常不被視為一電腦但具有適合處理能力之一器件中,包含一個人數位助理(PDA)、一智慧型電話或任何其他適合可攜式或固定電子器件。 Moreover, it should be appreciated that as a non-limiting example, a computer can be embodied in any of several forms, such as a rack mounted computer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a tablet computer. In addition, a computer can be embedded in a device that is generally not considered a computer but has suitable processing capabilities, including a PDA, a smart phone, or any other suitable portable or fixed electronic device.
又,一電腦可具有一或多個輸入及輸出器件。此等器件尤其可用於呈現一使用者介面。可用於提供一使用者介面之輸出器件之實例包含用於輸出之視覺呈現之印表機或顯示螢幕及用於輸出之聲訊呈現之揚聲器或其他聲音產生器件。可用於一使用者介面之輸入器件之實例包含鍵盤及指標器件(諸如滑鼠、觸控墊及數位化輸入板)。作為另一實例,一電腦可透過語音辨識或以其他聲訊格式接收輸入資訊。 Also, a computer can have one or more input and output devices. These devices are especially useful for presenting a user interface. Examples of output devices that can be used to provide a user interface include a printer or display screen for the visual presentation of the output and a speaker or other sound producing device for the audio presentation of the output. Examples of input devices that can be used for a user interface include keyboards and indicator devices (such as mice, touch pads, and digitizing tablets). As another example, a computer can receive input information via voice recognition or in other voice formats.
此等電腦可由一或多個網路以任何適合形式互連,包含一區域網路或一廣域網路(諸如一企業網路及智慧型網路(IN)或網際網路)。此等網路可係基於任何適合技術且可根據任何適合協定操作且可包含無線網路、有線網路或光纖網路。 Such computers may be interconnected by one or more networks in any suitable form, including a regional network or a wide area network (such as a corporate network and an intelligent network (IN) or the Internet). Such networks may be based on any suitable technology and may operate in accordance with any suitable protocol and may include a wireless network, a wired network, or a fiber optic network.
又,如描述,一些態樣可體現為一或多個方法。作為方法之部 分而執行之動作可以任何適合方式排序。因此,可建構以不同於所繪示之一順序執行動作之實施例,該等實施例可包含同時執行一些動作,雖然該等動作在闡釋性實施例中展示為循序動作。 Again, as described, some aspects may be embodied in one or more methods. As part of the method The actions performed in a separate manner can be ordered in any suitable manner. Thus, embodiments may be constructed in a different order than the one illustrated, and the embodiments may include some acts being performed simultaneously, although such acts are shown as sequential actions in the illustrative embodiments.
應理解本文中定義且使用之全部定義應理解為支配所定義術語之字典定義、在以引用方式併入之文獻中的定義及/或常規意義。 It is to be understood that all definitions defined and used herein are to be understood as a dictionary definition that governs the defined terms, the definitions in the documents incorporated by reference, and/or the ordinary meaning.
除非明確指示相反,否則如本文在說明書及申請專利範圍中使用之不定冠詞「一」應理解為意謂「至少一個」。 The indefinite article "a" or "an" or "an"
如本文在本說明書及申請專利範圍中所使用的片語「及/或」應理解為意味如此結合的元件之「任一者或兩者」,亦即,在一些情況中結合存在且在其他情況中分開存在的元件。運用「及/或」列出的多個元件應以相同方式建構,亦即,如此結合的元件之「一或多個」。除由「及/或」子句明確識別的元件之外,其他元件可視需要存在,該等元件與明確識別的彼等元件相關或不相關。因而,作為非限制性實例,對「A及/或B」之引用在與諸如「包括」之開放式語言結合使用時,在一項實施例中,可僅係指A(視需要包含除B之外的元件);在另一實施例中,僅係指B(視需要包含除A之外的元件);在又一實施例中,係指A及B兩者(視需要包含其他元件);等等。 The phrase "and/or" as used herein in the specification and claims is to be understood to mean "any or both" of the elements so combined, that is, in some cases the combination exists and Components that exist separately in the case. Multiple elements listed using "and/or" should be constructed in the same manner, that is, "one or more" of the elements so combined. In addition to the elements that are explicitly identified by the "and/or" clause, other elements may be present as needed, and such elements may or may not be associated with those elements that are specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, references to "A and/or B" when used in conjunction with an open language such as "include" may, in one embodiment, refer only to A (including B as needed) In other embodiments, only B (including elements other than A as needed); in yet another embodiment, both A and B (including other components as needed) ;and many more.
如本文在本說明書及申請專利範圍中所使用,在引用一或多個元件之列表時,片語「至少一個」應理解為意味選自該元件列表中之元件之任何一或多者的至少一個元件,但未必包含該元件列表內明確列出的每一元件之至少一者,且不排除該元件列表中之元件的任何組合。此定義亦容許除了片語「至少一個」所指的元件列表內明確識別的元件之外,元件可視需要存在,該等元件與明確識別的彼等元件相關或不相關。因而,作為非限制性實例,「A及B之至少一者」(或等效地,「A或B之至少一者」,或等效地,「A及/或B之至少一者」)在一項實施例中可係指至少一個A,視需要包含一個以上A,但不存在 B(且視需要包含除B之外的元件);在另一實施例中,係指至少一個B,視需要包含一個以上B,但不存在A(且視需要包含除A之外的元件);在又一實施例中,係指至少一個A(視需要包含一個以上A)及至少一個B(視需要包含一個以上B)(且視需要包含其他元件);等等。 As used herein in the specification and claims, the <RTI ID=0.0> </ RTI> </ RTI> <RTI ID=0.0> </ RTI> </ RTI> <RTIgt; An element, but does not necessarily include at least one of the elements that are specifically listed in the list of elements, and does not exclude any combination of elements in the list of elements. This definition also permits that elements behave as needed, except for those elements that are specifically identified in the list of elements referred to in the phrase "at least one", which are or are not related to the elements that are specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently, "at least one of A or B", or equivalently, "at least one of A and / or B") In one embodiment, it may mean at least one A, including more than one A as needed, but not present B (and optionally include elements other than B); in another embodiment, means at least one B, optionally containing more than one B, but no A (and optionally including elements other than A) In yet another embodiment, it refers to at least one A (including more than one A as needed) and at least one B (including more than one B as needed) (and other components as needed);
又,本文中使用之片語及術語係為了描述之目的且不應視為限制性。使用「包含」、「包括」或「具有」、「含有」、「涉及」及本文中其等之變動意欲涵蓋其後列出之品項及其等效物以及額外品項。 Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description The use of "including", "including" or "having", "including", "involving" and variations herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items.
在申請專利範圍中以及在上文之說明書中,諸如「包括」、「包含」、「帶有」、「具有」、「含有」、「涉及」、「持有」、「由...構成」及類似者之全部過渡片語應理解為開放式,即,意謂包含但不限於。僅過渡片語「由...組成」及「基本上由...組成」應分別為封閉式或半封閉式過渡片語。 In the scope of the patent application and the above description, such as "including", "including", "having", "having", "including", "involving", "holding", "consisting of" All transitional phrases of the same and similar should be understood as open, ie, meaning including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" should be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases respectively.
280‧‧‧可轉換低場磁共振成像(MRI)系統 280‧‧‧ Convertible low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system
281‧‧‧箭頭 281‧‧‧ arrow
284‧‧‧可滑動床 284‧‧‧slidable bed
286A‧‧‧外殼 286A‧‧‧shell
286B‧‧‧外殼 286B‧‧‧ Shell
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