U.S. patent application number 09/788321 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for in-room mri display terminal and remote control system.
Invention is credited to Kormos, Donald W., Richard, Mark A..
Application Number | 20010035752 09/788321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22072977 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kormos, Donald W. ; et
al. |
November 1, 2001 |
In-room MRI display terminal and remote control system
Abstract
An MRI control system for controlling the operation of an MRI
scanner from within an RF shielded MRI exam room in which the MRI
scanner is located includes an MRI compatible infrared remote
control device located within the MRI exam room for producing
infrared control signals within the MRI exam room. An infrared
receiver is positioned for receiving infrared control signals
emitted by the infrared remote control device and producing
electrical control signals in response thereto. An MRI controller
located outside the MRI exam room is operatively connected to the
infrared receiver for receiving control information. The MRI
controller is operatively connected to the MRI scanner for
controlling the MRI scanner and receiving scan information and the
MRI controller operable to control operation of the MRI scanner in
response to control signals emitted by the infrared remote control
device based upon control information received from the infrared
receiver. The system enables a physician or technician to control
the operation of the MRI scanner and the images produced from
within the MRI exam room as needed, for example, during
interventional procedures.
Inventors: |
Kormos, Donald W.; (Parma,
OH) ; Richard, Mark A.; (South Euclid, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMPSON HINE L.L.P.
2000 COURTHOUSE PLAZA , N.E.
10 WEST SECOND STREET
DAYTON
OH
45402
US
|
Family ID: |
22072977 |
Appl. No.: |
09/788321 |
Filed: |
February 16, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09788321 |
Feb 16, 2001 |
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09200382 |
Nov 24, 1998 |
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6198285 |
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60066981 |
Nov 28, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
324/307 ;
324/309; 324/318 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/7445 20130101;
A61B 5/0017 20130101; G01R 33/283 20130101; A61B 5/055
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
324/307 ;
324/309; 324/318 |
International
Class: |
G01V 003/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An MRI control system for controlling the operation of an MRI
scanner from within an RF shielded MRI exam room in which the MRI
scanner is located, said control system comprising: an MRI
compatible infrared remote control device located within the MRI
exam room for producing infrared control signals within the MRI
exam room, said infrared remote control device adapted for use by a
doctor or technician within the MRI exam room; an infrared receiver
positioned for receiving infrared control signals emitted by said
infrared remote control device and producing electrical control
signals in response thereto; an MRI controller located outside the
MRI exam room, said MRI controller operatively connected to said
infrared receiver for receiving control information, said MRI
controller operatively connected to the MRI scanner for controlling
the MRI scanner and receiving scan information, said MRI controller
operable to control operation of the MRI scanner in response to
infrared signals emitted by said infrared remote control based upon
control information received from said infrared receiver.
2. The MRI control system of claim 1 further comprising a further
RF shielded space located within the MRI exam room, wherein said
infrared receiver is positioned within said further RF shielded
space of the MRI exam room.
3. The MRI control system of claim 2, further comprising a first
fiber optic transmitter located within said further RF shielded
space of the MRI exam room and at least one fiber optic cable
connected to said first fiber optic transmitter and extending from
said further RF shielded space of the MRI exam room, through the
MRI exam room and out of the MRI exam room to a first fiber optic
receiver connected to said MRI controller, said infrared receiver
operatively connected to said first fiber optic transmitter for
providing signals to said first fiber optic transmitter.
4. The MRI control system of claim 3 further comprising a first
waveguide positioned between said further RF shielded space and the
MRI exam room and a second waveguide positioned between the MRI
exam room and said controller, wherein said at least one fiber
optic cable extends through each of said first and second
waveguides.
5. The MRI control system of claim 3 further comprising a display
device located within said further RF shielded space of the MRI
exam room.
6. The MRI control system of claim 5 further comprising a second
fiber optic transmitter located outside the MRI exam room and
operatively connected to said MRI controller for receiving MR image
signals therefrom, a second fiber optic receiver located within
said further RF shielded space of the MRI exam room, and at least
one fiber optic video line connected between said second fiber
optic transmitter and said second fiber optic receiver, said
display device operatively connected to said second fiber optic
receiver for display of MR images.
7. The MRI control system of claim 6 wherein said MRI controller is
operable to produce signals which effect display of MRI scanner
control graphics on said display device, and wherein said infrared
remote control device enables control of the MRI scanner via
selection and adjustment of said displayed MRI control
graphics.
8. The MRI control system of claim 6 further comprising a video
switching box located outside the MRI exam room and connected to an
input of said second fiber optic transmitter, a first video device
located within the MRI exam room and operatively connected to a
first video input of said video switching box, wherein said MRI
controller is connected to said second fiber optic transmitter
through a second video input of said video switching box, and
wherein said video switching box is controllable by said infrared
remote control device.
9. The MRI control system of claim 8 wherein said MRI controller
includes a video selection output connected to said video switching
box for selecting the video input provided to said second fiber
optic transmitter, said MRI controller operable to establish such
selection based upon received control information.
10. The MRI control system of claim 8 wherein said video switching
box comprises an infrared-controlled video switching box including
an infrared receiver, said MRI control system further comprising an
RF shielded infrared signal path extending through a boundary of
the MRI exam room, said infrared-controlled video switching box
positioned relative to said path so as to receive infrared signals
generated within the MRI exam room and along said path.
11. The MRI control system of claim 8 wherein said first video
device comprises a surgical microscope video device.
12. The MRI control system of claim 8 wherein said first video
device comprises an endoscopic video device.
13. The MRI control system of claim 8 further comprising at least
one other video source connected to a third video input of said
video switching device.
14. The MRI control system of claim 13 wherein said at least one
other video source comprises a computer display output source.
15. The MRI control system of claim 13 wherein said at least one
other video source comprises one of a television tuner or a video
recorder.
16. The MRI control system of claim 5 wherein said further RF
shielded space is defined by a housing of said display device.
17. The MRI control system of claim 1 wherein said infrared remote
control device includes substantially no ferromagnetic material
such that substantially no attractive force is exerted on said
infrared remote control device by large magnetic fields produced
within the MRI exam room.
18. The MRI control system of claim 1 wherein said infrared
receiver is located outside the MRI exam room, and wherein said MRI
control system further comprises an RF shielded infrared signal
path extending through a boundary of the MRI exam room, said
infrared receiver positioned relative to said path so as to receive
infrared signals generated within the MRI exam room and along said
path.
19. The MRI control system of claim 1 wherein said infrared remote
control device comprises a hand-held remote control device.
20. The MRI control system of claim 1 wherein said infrared remote
control device comprises a track ball operated remote control
device.
21. The MRI control system of claim 1 wherein said infrared remote
control device comprises a keyboard type remote control device.
22. An MRI display system for selectively displaying images within
an RF shielded MRI exam room in which an MRI scanner is located,
said display system comprising: an MRI compatible infrared remote
control device located within the MRI exam room for producing
infrared selection signals within the MRI exam room, said infrared
remote control device adapted for use by a doctor or technician
within the MRI exam room; an infrared receiver positioned for
receiving infrared selection signals emitted by said infrared
remote control device and producing electrical control signals in
response thereto; a display device located within the MRI exam room
for displaying images; a video switching box located outside the
MRI exam room and having an output operatively connected to said
display device within the MRI exam room for providing image signals
thereto; an MR image video signal source located outside the MRI
exam room and connected to a first input of said video switching
box; a first video device located within the MRI exam room and
operatively connected to a second input of said video switching
box; and wherein said video switching box is controllable by said
infrared remote control device for selecting one of the inputs of
said video switching box to be displayed by said display
device.
23. The MRI display system of claim 22 further comprising a first
fiber optic transmitter connected to said output of said video
switching box, at least one fiber optic video line extending from
said first fiber optic transmitter into the MRI exam room to a
first fiber optic receiver, a further RF shielded space within the
MRI exam room, wherein said display device and said first fiber
optic receiver are located within said further RF shielded space
and wherein said first fiber optic receiver is operatively
connected to said display device.
24. The MRI display system of claim 23 wherein said infrared
receiver is located within said further RF shielded space, said
display system further comprising a second fiber optic transmitter
operatively connected to said infrared receiver and located within
said further RF shielded space, at least one fiber optic cable
extending from said second fiber optic transmitter to a switch
controller located outside of the MRI exam room, said switch
controller connected to said video switching box for controlling
switching thereof.
25. The MRI display system of claim 22 wherein said video switching
box comprises an infrared-controlled video switching box including
said infrared receiver, said MRI display system further comprising
an RF shielded infrared signal path extending through a boundary of
the MRI exam room, said infrared-controlled video switching box
positioned relative to said path so as to receive infrared signals
generated within the MRI exam room and along said path.
26. The MRI control system of claim 22 wherein said first video
device comprises a surgical microscope video device.
27. The MRI control system of claim 22 wherein said first video
device comprises an endoscopic video device.
28. The MRI control system of claim 22 further comprising at least
one other video source connected to a third input of said video
switching box.
29. The MRI control system of claim 28 wherein said at least one
other video source comprises a computer display output source.
30. The MRI control system of claim 28 wherein said at least one
other video source comprises one of a television tuner or a video
recorder.
31. The MRI control system of claim 22 wherein said display device
comprises an LCD display monitor.
32. The MRI control system of claim 22 wherein said display device
comprises a field emission display device.
33. The MRI control system of claim 22 wherein said display device
comprises a plasma display device.
34. A control system for controlling one or more devices from
within an MRI exam room in which an MRI scanner is located, said
control system comprising: an MRI compatible infrared remote
control device located within the MRI exam room for producing
infrared control signals within the MRI exam room, said infrared
remote control device adapted for use by a doctor or technician
within the MRI exam room, said infrared remote control device
including substantially no ferromagnetic material such that
substantially no attractive force is exerted on said infrared
remote control device by large magnetic fields produced within the
MRI exam room; and an infrared receiver positioned for receiving
infrared control signals emitted by said infrared remote control
device and producing electrical control signals in response
thereto.
35. The control system of claim 34 further comprising an RF
shielded infrared signal path extending through a boundary of the
MRI exam room, said infrared receiver positioned relative to said
path so as to receive infrared signals generated within the MRI
exam room and along said path.
36. The control system of claim 35 wherein said RF shielded
infrared signal path comprises a wire mesh screen at said boundary
of the MRI exam room.
37. The control system of claim 35 wherein said infrared receiver
is operatively connected to enable control of equipment outside the
MRI exam room.
38. The control system of claim 37 wherein said infrared receiver
is associated with a video switching box and said system further
includes an MRI compatible display device located within a further
shielded RF space of the MRI exam room, said MRI compatible display
device operatively connected to an output of said video switching
box.
39. The control system of claim 34 wherein said infrared receiver
positioned within a further RF shielded space of the MRI exam room
and is operatively connected to an MRI controller located outside
the MRI exam room.
40. The control system of claim 39 further comprising a fiber optic
transmitter located within said further RF shielded space and at
least one fiber optic line connected to said fiber optic
transmitter and extending out of the MRI exam room to a fiber optic
receiver associated with said MRI controller.
41. The control system of claim 40 wherein said MRI controller is
connected to a control input of a video switching box and said
system further includes an MRI compatible display device located
within said further RF shielded space, said MRI compatible display
device operatively connected to an output of said video switching
box.
42. The control system of claim 41 wherein said video switching box
is located outside the MRI exam room and said MRI compatible
display device is operatively connected to said output of said
video switching box through a fiber optic connection.
43. A method for controlling one or more devices from within an RF
shielded MRI exam room during a scanning operation of an MRI
scanner, said method comprising the steps of: providing an MRI
compatible infrared remote control device within the MRI exam room;
providing an infrared receiver at a location to receive infrared
signals emitted by said infrared remote control device; operatively
connecting said infrared receiver to at least one device to be
controlled; operating the MRI scanner; and producing an infrared
control signal with said infrared remote control device during
operation of the MRI scanner.
44. The method of claim 43 comprising the further step of:
providing a further RF shielded space within the MRI exam room and
locating said infrared receiver within said further RF shielded
space.
45. The method of claim 44 wherein said operatively connecting step
includes utilizing a fiber optic system to convey control
information from said infrared receiver to said device to be
controlled.
46. The method of claim 43 wherein said infrared receiver is
provided outside the MRI exam room, said method comprising the
further step of: providing an RF shielded infrared signal path
through a boundary of the MRI exam room; and wherein said step of
producing said infrared control signal includes directing said
signal along said infrared signal path.
47. An MRI control system for controlling the operation of an MRI
scanner from within an RF shielded MRI exam room in which the MRI
scanner is located, said control system comprising: an MRI
compatible remote control device located within the MRI exam room
for producing control signals within the MRI exam room, said remote
control device adapted for use by a doctor or technician within the
MRI exam room; a receiver positioned for receiving control signals
emitted by said infrared remote control device and producing
electrical control signals in response thereto; an MRI controller
located outside the MRI exam room, said MRI controller operatively
connected to said receiver for receiving control information, said
MRI controller operatively connected to the MRI scanner for
controlling the MRI scanner and receiving scan information, said
MRI controller operable to control operation of the MRI scanner in
response to control signals emitted by said remote control based
upon control information received from said receiver; a further RF
shielded space located within the MRI exam room, wherein said
receiver is positioned within said further RF shielded space of the
MRI exam room; a first fiber optic transmitter located within said
further RF shielded space of the MRI exam room and at least one
fiber optic cable connected to said first fiber optic transmitter
and extending from said further RF shielded space of the MRI exam
room, through the MRI exam room and out of the MRI exam room to a
first fiber optic receiver connected to said MRI controller, said
receiver operatively connected to said first fiber optic
transmitter for providing signals to said first fiber optic
transmitter; and a display device located within said further RF
shielded space of the MRI exam room.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional
application Serial No. 60/066,981, Filed Nov. 28, 1997.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to Magnetic Resonance Imaging
control systems, and more particularly, to an in-room MRI display
terminal and remote control system which enables control of the MRI
scanner and the images displayed from within the MRI exam room.
[0003] Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") is a well-known procedure
for obtaining detailed, two- and three-dimensional images of a
patient based upon nuclear magnetic resonance ("NMR") principles.
MRI is well suited for the imaging of soft tissues, and has been
used primarily for diagnosing internal injuries or other medical
ailments. A typical MRI system will generally include a magnet
capable of producing a very strong homogenous magnetic field, sized
to cover or surround a portion of a patient's anatomy; a radio
frequency ("RF") transmitter and receiver system, including a
receiver coil which surrounds the portion of the patient's anatomy
under study; a magnetic gradient system to localize in space a
particular portion of the patient's anatomy under study; and a
computer processing/imaging system for receiving the signals from
the receiver coil and for processing the signals into interpretable
data, such as visual images for viewing by the physician or MRI
attendant. Additional information regarding MRI technology and
equipment can be found in Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia,
Eighth Edition, pp. 2198-2201 and U.S. Department. of Heath and
Human Services, "A Primer on Medical Device Interactions with
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Systems," Feb. 7, 1997. The general
principles and associated equipment used in MRI is well-known, and
as such, additional disclosure is not necessary.
[0004] Conventionally, an MRI system will include two rooms: an RF
shielded room (Faraday cage) primarily occupied by the MRI magnet
and patient table (the "exam room"), and a control room where the
other equipment is typically located and where the MRI technologist
typically controls the MRI process. The magnet and patient table
are located in the shielded exam room. Other equipment is located
outside the shielded exam room because, due to the nature of MRI,
any device or object transmitting or leaking RF signals can
potentially negatively interfere with the imaging process.
[0005] The advent of "open" MRI systems provided patients with a
more comfortable examination process and also provided the MRI
attendants and physicians access to the patient while a portion of
that patient is being viewed or scanned by the MRI system. An
example of such an open MRI system is the AIRIS.RTM. II system,
commercially available from Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.
Open MRI systems enable physicians and other MRI attendants to
perform interventional surgery or other therapeutic procedures on
the patient while the MRI system is scanning and producing
images.
[0006] Open MRI systems also facilitate "MR fluoroscopy" which
combines near real-time signal acquisition, image reconstitution
and image display with such interventional procedures. Accordingly,
when utilizing MR fluoroscopy the physician monitors, substantially
in real-time (approximately one image per second), a two- or
three-dimensional image of the anatomy while performing a medical
procedure on that anatomy. For example, if the physician wishes to
insert an MR compatible tool, such as a needle or endoscope for
example, into a particular organ, while missing other organs, the
physician monitors the path of the needle or tool, internally, by
viewing the MRI image on a viewing screen. During the MR
fluoroscopy procedure, therefore, it is desirable (if not
imperative) that a display/control terminal be positioned in close
proximity to the physician performing the fluoroscopy procedure;
and additionally, it would also be beneficial that this physician
be able to easily control the MRI system during the fluoroscopy
procedure.
[0007] In other intra-operative uses of the MRI machine not
necessarily involving the use of MR fluoroscopy, it is often
desirable for the image review of just-sequenced patients images to
be done inside the MRI exam room since the physician may be unable
to leave the MRI exam room due to the desire to maintain as sterile
an environment as possible. This problem can arise even in MRI
systems in which the scanner is not as "open" as in the AIRIS.RTM.
II system mentioned above.
[0008] A disadvantage with MRI systems is that, due to the high
magnetic fields and the susceptibility to RF interference inherent
in the MRI process, it is very difficult to locate control/display
terminals within the exam room. Video signals transmitted by the
remote signal processing systems into the exam room over conductive
cables will tend to leak RF interference into the exam room due to
the RF frequencies of the video signals. Additionally, in the past
the control of the functions and operation of the MRI scanner and
displays from within the exam room is limited to function-specific
switches (button) and, in the case of graphical user interfaces for
in-room control terminals, tethered cursor-control devices (mouse,
trackball, joystick, etc.) and/or keyboards. Such cursor-control
devices require horizontal surface space, which is at a premium in
an interventional setting, and tethered devices may severely
restrict the physician's location within the exam room.
[0009] Accordingly, it would advantageous to allow the physicians
or attendants within the exam room to easily view the MRI images
and to directly control the MRI system during the fluoroscopy
process. It would also be advantageous to provide an MRI system in
which images from a number of sources can be displayed selectively
under control of the physician or attendant within the exam room.
An MRI compatible control system for controlling any piece of
equipment from within the MRI exam room would also be advantageous
for the medical industry and field.
SUMMARY
[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, an MRI control
system for controlling the operation of an MRI scanner from within
an RF shielded MRI exam room in which the MRI scanner is located
includes an MRI compatible infrared remote control device located
within the MRI exam room for producing infrared control signals
within the MRI exam room. An infrared receiver is positioned for
receiving infrared control signals emitted by the infrared remote
control device and producing electrical control signals in response
thereto. An MRI controller located outside the MRI exam room is
operatively connected to the infrared receiver for receiving
control information. The MRI controller is operatively connected to
the MRI scanner for controlling the MRI scanner and receiving scan
information and the MRI controller operable to control operation of
the MRI scanner in response to control signals emitted by the
infrared remote control device based upon control information
received from the infrared receiver. The system enables a physician
or technician to control the operation of the MRI scanner and the
images produced from within the MRI exam room as needed during
interventional procedures.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment the display device is an in-room
LCD control/display terminal and the infrared remote control is a
cordless, hand-held remote for controlling the terminal's
operations as well as controlling the examination functions and
operation (such as any one or more of start, stop, display images,
image review, image selection, enlarge image, reduce image etc.) of
the MRI scanner from within the exam room. Preferably, the infrared
remote control is adapted for use with MRI applications. In
particular, the remote does not emit any significant RF signals,
and does not include any significant amounts of ferromagnetic
materials. The LCD terminal includes an MRI compatible LCD module
mounted within a separate RF shielded space or enclosure, which is
also positioned within the exam room. Video signals are transmitted
from the MRI controller into the exam room and control signals are
transmitted out from the exam room to the computer processors and
controls via fiber optic cables. Also, within the separate RF
shielded space or enclosure is an IR receiver and the necessary
fiber optic transceivers coupled to the LCD display and to the
infrared receiver. The fiber optic cables extend from the RF
shielded enclosure into the exam room and exit the exam room
through a wave guide, which is a shielded connector or other
suitable penetration through the exam room shield.
[0012] The LCD module preferably displays a graphical user
interface which is controlled by the hand-held remote control
device. Accordingly, by using the hand-held remote control device,
the physician or in-room attendant will be able to initiate
sequences, change sequence parameters, photograph, archive, perform
post-processing, review images, and transmit images to other areas
of the facility via network connections.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention an MRI display
system for selectively displaying images within an RF shielded MRI
exam room in which an MRI scanner is located includes an MRI
compatible infrared remote control device located within the MRI
exam room for producing infrared selection signals within the MRI
exam room. An infrared receiver is positioned for receiving
infrared selection signals emitted by the infrared remote control
device and producing electrical control signals in response
thereto. A display device is located within the MRI exam room for
displaying images. A video switching box is located outside the MRI
exam room and has an output operatively connected to the display
device within the MRI exam room for providing image signals to the
display device. An MR image video signal source located outside or
inside the MRI exam room is connected to a first input of the video
switching box and a first video device located within the MRI exam
room is operatively connected to a second input of the video
switching box. The video switching box is controllable by the
infrared remote control device for selecting one of the inputs of
the video switching box to be displayed by the display device. The
system enables video images from multiple sources to be selectively
displayed in the MRI exam room, with selection conveniently
facilitated from within the MRI exam room.
[0014] A further aspect of the present invention provides a control
system for controlling one or more devices from within an MRI exam
room in which an MRI scanner is located includes an MRI compatible
infrared remote control device located within the MRI exam room for
producing infrared control signals within the MRI exam room. The
infrared remote control device includes substantially no
ferromagnetic material such that substantially no attractive force
is exerted on the infrared remote control device by large magnetic
fields produced within the MRI exam room. An infrared receiver is
positioned for receiving infrared control signals emitted by said
infrared remote control device and producing electrical control
signals in response thereto. The infrared receiver may be connected
to any device, within the MRI exam room or outside the MRI exam
room, for which control by the infrared remote control device is
desired.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a magnetic resonance imaging ("MRI")
system 10 includes an MRI scanner 12 located within an RF shielded
(Faraday cage) exam room 14. The MRI scanner 12 includes high
strength magnets enclosed within a gantry 15 and a motorized
patient table 16. A separate room 18 contains the operator's
console 20 and the necessary processing/control computer systems,
the MRI scanner 12 being connected to MRI controller 22, which term
is intended to encompass the assembly of computer and electronic
systems utilized to run the MRI scanner and operator's console, or
any portion of such assembly, and in the illustrated embodiment
includes a host CPU and the electronics (typically an RF pulse
sequencer and three magnetic gradient amplifiers for the x, y, and
z gradients) for producing the RF pulses and magnetic gradients, to
provide scan information to the MRI controller 22 and for receiving
scan instructions from the MRI controller 22.
[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, in one embodiment the present
invention includes an in-room display/control station which
includes a display/control terminal 24 and a hand-held remote
control device 26, which is operable by the in-room physician or
attendant 27. Preferably, the remote control device 26 is an
infrared remote control and the display/control terminal 22 is
mounted to an arm 28 extending from the gantry 15. However, the
display/control terminal 22 could also be separately positioned
within the MRI exam room 14, on a separate mount or stand for
example.
[0017] The remote control device 26 must be MRI compatible, i.e.,
it must not emit any significant RF signals therefrom and it must
not contain any significant amounts of ferromagnetic materials (for
the purposes of this disclosure, a "significant" RF signal is any
RF signal that will undesirably degrade the performance of the MRI
process and a "significant" amount of ferromagnetic material is any
amount of ferromagnetic material that will undesirably degrade the
performance of the MRI process or will result in a potentially
unsafe condition within the exam room--in many cases a
"significant" amount will be any amount above zero, however, it is
not intended that the present invention be so limited). Generally,
if the remote control device 26 contains a sufficiently small
amount of ferromagnetic material such that substantially no
attractive force is exerted on the device by large magnetic fields
within the exam room 14, the remote control device 26 will be
suitable for the present invention.
[0018] In one embodiment, the remote control device 26 is a
RemotePoint or RemotePoint PLUS cordless programmable infrared
mouse (commercially available from Interlink Electronics of
Camario, Calif.) that has been modified be MR compatible. For
example, the three ferromagnetic screws have been replaced with
screws of non-ferromagnetic material, the three battery contact
terminals have been eliminated, and the batteries have been
replaced with a lithium cell battery such as an Ultralife
U3VL-NM-TS battery with a plastic case and stainless steel
components. Due to the size of the MR compatible battery, the
battery compartment was also redesigned as necessary. The remote
control device 26 of the present invention has the advantage in
that it can be used safely within the exam room 14 and that it can
transmit the infrared signal through the magnetic field to the
display/control terminal 24 without degrading the performance of
the MRI system.
[0019] The display/control terminal 24, modified to be MR
compatible, includes an internal LCD module, containing a liquid
crystal "glass," fluorescent back lighting and associated interface
circuitry. Power is transmitted to the module from a remote power
source 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the display/control terminal 24 also
includes an infrared receiver 30, a fiber optic transmitter 34 and
a fiber optic receiver 36. All of these components are housed
within a further RF shielded (Faraday cage) casing or space 38
within the MRI exam room 14. Although RF shielded space 38 is shown
as one shielded space enclosing display 24, infrared receiver 30,
fiber optic transmitter 34, and fiber optic receiver 36, it is
recognized that the use of multiple, separate RF shielded spaces
containing individual components is possible. Accordingly, as used
herein the terminology further RF shielded space is intended to
encompass the use of one or more separate RF shielded spaces to
enclose any of components 24, 30, 34 and 36. The casing defining
further RF shielded space 38 includes a lining of appropriate RF
shielding material such as a stainless steel mesh coated with
silver, blackened and placed in plastic as available from DONTECH
of Doylestown, Pa. Other RF shielding materials might also be used.
The casing is coupled to the arm 28 by a cast aluminum support
structure 40. The casing also includes a small port 42 optically
coupled to the infrared receiver 30 for receiving infrared signals
from the remote control device 26. The infrared receiver 30 is
operatively coupled to the fiber optic transmitter 34 so that the
physician or in-room attendant can transmit control information,
using the remote control device 26, out to the MRI controller 22.
As will be described below, these control signals are transmitted
out of the exam room 14 over a discrete fiber optic cable 72.
Coupled to the fiber optic receiver 36 are three fiber optic video
input lines 44a, 44b and 44c, corresponding to the three video
lines of a conventional RGB cable. Wave guide 46a is provided for
the entry of fiber optic video lines 44a-44c, as well as the fiber
optic line 72, into the shielded space 38 and wave guide 46b is
provided for the entry of the fiber optic lines through the exam
room RF boundary or shield 14. Fiber optic receiver 36 may be a
standard fiber optic video receiver adapted for use in MRI exam
room 14. For example, where the fiber optic receiver 36 includes
one or more iron core transformers, such as a DC to DC transformer
to provide a negative synch voltage, the iron core transformers are
preferably removed and replaced with air core transformers or a
separate input line to space 38 may be necessary to provide the DC
voltage. It is likewise recognized that other components may need
to be similarly modified.
[0020] The LCD module portion of the display/control terminal 24 is
preferably a modified LCD 2000 monitor, commercially available from
NEC Technology. To modify the LCD 2000 monitor for use as the LCD
module for the present invention, the plastic casing of the LCD
2000 monitor is removed and replaced with an RF shielding housing
or casing such as described above, the power supply is removed (the
power supply includes large iron-core transformers there within)
and replaced with a shielded wire coupled to the remote power
source 32, the transformers in the fluorescent back-light power
supply are replaced with air-core transformers, any other
ferromagnetic components are replaced with non-ferromagnetic
components, and the fiber optic receiver interface 36 is
incorporated into the RGB receiver. It should be apparent to those
of ordinary skill that the display/control terminal 24 (not
emitting significant RF signals, including fiber optic transmitters
and receivers, including an infrared receiver for remote operation,
and housed within a shielded casing) will have many alternate uses
outside of the MRI technology. Such a display/control terminal will
have use in various environments where radio interference may pose
a problem. Additionally, the fiber optic lines allow for the
transmission of the video and control signals over very long
distances without significant degradation of the data.
[0021] As is further shown in FIG. 4, the control room 18
preferably includes a Sun Microsystems workstation 48; a Network
Technologies Vopex 2K-Sun peripheral splitter 50, operatively
coupled to the workstation 48 by an RGB cable 52 and a keyboard
cable 54; an operator's console 20 operatively coupled to the
peripheral splitter 50 by an RGB cable 56 and a keyboard cable 58,
where the operator's console includes a monitor 60, a keyboard 62
and a cursor control device such as a mouse 64; a fiber optic
transmitter 66 (such as model 3652T available from Optelcom of
Gaithersburg, Md.) for converting the video signals on an RGB cable
68, extending from the peripheral splitter 50, into fiber optic
signals transmitted over the fiber optic lines 44a-44c into the
exam room 14; and a fiber optic receiver 70 (such as model 3652R
available from Optelcom of Gaithersburg, Md.) for receiving control
signals over a fiber optic line 72 which is coupled to the fiber
optic transmitter 34. The fiber optic receiver 70 converts the
fiber optic signals into electrical signals which are transferred
back to the workstation 48 through splitter 50. As noted above any
such components placed within the MRI exam room 14 may require
modifications for MRI compatibility such as removing ferromagnetic
materials and replacing them with non-ferromagnetic materials and
removing iron core transformers and replacing them or providing a
separate input line to provide DC voltages.
[0022] Accordingly, the physician or attendant within the exam room
14 can control the operation of the MRI device as well as the
operation of the display/control terminal 24 by using the hand-held
remote 26. The IR receiver 30 receives control signals from the IR
remote 26, and the control signals are converted into fiber optic
signals by the fiber optic transmitter 34 which are then sent over
the fiber optic line 72 to the fiber optic receiver 70 in the
operator station. The workstation 48 processes these control
signals, generates display signals, and then transmits these
display signals over the RGB cables 52, 68, to the fiber optic
transmitter 66, which converts these display signals into fiber
optic signals and transmits them into the exam room 14 over fiber
optic lines 44a-44c. These fiber optic signals are received by the
fiber optic receiver 36 and the internal video circuitry processes
these signals received on the fiber optic receiver into a video
display which is displayed on the display 24. The remote control
system can be utilized to control the functions and operation of
the MRI scanner using a graphical user interface in much the same
manner as a technician within the control room 18 might using the
operator's console 20 including mouse 64 and monitor 60, except
that the present invention facilitates such control from within the
exam room 14.
[0023] It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that
in another aspect of the invention, fiber optic interfaces may be
included for other MR compatible video devices (other than the
display terminal) and other MR compatible equipment used within the
examination suite. Additionally, it is within the scope of the
invention to utilize fiber optics to convey video signals sourced
inside the MR examination suite, out of the RF shielded exam room
14 using an RF shielded fiber optic transmitter located within the
suite. It is also within the scope of the invention to utilize a
display module utilizing display technologies other than LCD
display technology. For example, it is within the scope of the
invention that the display/control terminal utilizes field emission
display ("FED") technology (such as available from PixTech of Santa
Clara, Calif.) or plasma display technology (such as available from
NEC Technology). The use of the fiber optic technology with the
present invention provides for the safe and RF free transmission of
video and other signals to and from the exam room. Once inside the
exam room, the fiber optic signals are reconverted, preferably
within a separately shielded casing or space, into electric signals
that are used by a component within the exam room. RF wave guides
are preferably employed as a means to pass the fiber optic cables
through the RF shielded room and into the RF shielded equipment
within the room.
[0024] It is also within the scope of the invention that remote
control devices, other than the hand-held remote 26, are utilized,
such as infrared computer keyboards, cordless infrared track ball
devices, infrared cordless switches, and the like. Of course, all
of these alternate control devices must be MR compatible as
described above. Such remote control devices may have function
specific buttons thereon for activating/deactivating individual
processes or actions of the MRI system, such as "start," "stop" or
"scan" or may be utilized in connection with a graphical user
interface.
[0025] Furthermore, although the preferred embodiment locates the
infrared receiver 30 within the shielded casing or space 38 with
the display terminal 24, it is within the scope of the present
invention to provide a separately shielded housing for the infrared
receiver 30 and associated fiber optic transmitter 34 as previously
mentioned. Also, it is within the scope of the invention that an
infrared receiver be located outside of the examination suite,
which would receive IR signals from the hand-held remote through a
wire mesh RF window. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the
invention that the hand-held remote be used to control other
devices and machines within the examination suite. These devices
include patient monitoring devices, audio video equipment, computer
work stations, etc.
[0026] Accordingly, another aspect of the invention incorporating
various of the above modifications is depicted in FIG. 5 for
selectively displaying images from multiple video devices or
sources. The video sources include MRI scan images from MRI
controller 22 (shown in simplified form), an in-room video device
80 such as a surgical microscope or endoscopic camera, a T.V. tuner
or video recorder 82, or a stereotactic computer display 84. Other
known video devices may also be incorporated into such a system.
The output of each video device is connected to an input of video
switching box 86 (such as model SE-SC-4-IR available from Network
Technologies of Aurora, Ohio) which in turn is connected to fiber
optic transmitter 66 which in turn is connected to fiber optic
receiver 36 as previously described. Video scan converters may be
utilized as necessary between the video devices and the video
switching box 86. Video switching box 86 includes an associated
infrared receiver 30 for receiving infrared control signals from
infrared remote control device 26 within exam room 14. In this
regard, an infrared path 90 is provided through a wire mesh RF
window 92 to video switching box 86 such that the box is responsive
to infrared control signals. As shown video switching box 86 is a
four input-one output device with the output being selectable by
infrared remote control device 26. The connection between video
devices 80 within exam room 14 and the video switching box 86 could
include fiber optic links as previously described. It is recognized
that such video selection could also be incorporated into a system
such as that of FIG. 4 where the infrared receiver 30 is located
within further RF shielded space 38 in which case the infrared
receiver 30 would be connected to a fiber optic transmitter which
in turn connects to fiber optic receiver 70 (shown in dashed lines)
with the fiber optic receiver 70 connected to the MRI controller
22. The MRI controller 22 could then include a selection output
connected to a control input of video switching box 86 as indicated
by dashed line 94, with the MRI controller programmed to act as a
switch controller in response to infrared control signals.
Likewise, a separate switch controller could be utilized or the
switch controller might be in incorporated into the video switching
box 86.
[0027] While the forms of apparatus herein described constitute
preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited to these precise forms of
apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing
from the scope of the invention. In this regard, although use of an
infrared remote control device is preferred it is recognized that
in some applications a properly filtered RF remote control might be
used where the RF control signal produced is established outside a
range which might effect the MRI scanner. For example, for the
AIRIS.RTM. II system operating at 12.7 MHZ RF remote control
signals below about 12.3 MHZ or above about 13.1 MHZ would have
little or no effect on operation of the MRI scanner. Further,
although an operator's console 20 is shown in separate room 18, it
is recognized that with the in-room control system of the present
invention the operator's console could be eliminated if necessary
or desirable, and the separate control room 18 could effectively be
reduced to a control closet for housing the controller 22.
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