By using a multiple receiving coil composed of receiving coils, an imaging portion of a subject is subjected to a first pulse sequence to create n sensitivity images (701 to 703) fewer than the examination images. When these sensitivity images are created, an NMR signal is measured for only the low-frequency region of the k space. A second pulse sequence from which a phase encode step is removed is conducted to create m (m>n) examination images (704, 705) of the subject by using the receiving coils. When sensitivity distributions (707, 708) of the receiving coils are determined for the sensitivity images (701 to 703), and if there are no sensitivity distributions corresponding to the slice positions of the examination images (704, 705), they are determined by slice interpolation using the sensitivity distributions (701 to 703), and the aliasing artifacts of the examination images (704, 705) are removed by matrix operation by using the sensitivity distributions (707, 708).

Magnetic resonance imaging device

An electronic program schedule system with access to both stored television program schedule information and data feeds containing status information for live programs such as sporting events. The system includes a data processor for receiving program schedule information for a plurality of programs and data feeds containing status information for certain of the programs, and a video display generator for generating a display signal simultaneously comprising information from both the stored schedule information and the received data feed. The system is further provided with user control means such as a remote controller for generating user control commands and transmitting signals to the data processor in response thereto so as to control the content of the display signal. The display signal may be displayed on a display apparatus such as a television receiver. In addition, the program schedule system of the present invention utilizes category-specific user interfaces providing access to multiple services including television programs, received data feeds, home shopping services, and video games as well as the stored program schedule information.

Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access

The present invention provides systems and methods for providing television schedule information to a viewer, and for allowing the viewer to link, search, select and interact with information in a remote database, e.g., a database on the internet. The television schedule information can be displayed on a variety of viewer interfaces, such as televisions screens, computer monitors, PCTV screens and the like. The television schedule information may be stored on the viewer's computer, television, PCTV, or a remote server (e.g., a website), or the television schedule information may be downloaded from a remote database to the viewer's computer, television or PCTV.

Systems and methods for linking television viewers with advertisers and broadcasters

An electronic program schedule system which includes a receiver for receiving broadcast, satellite or cablecast television programs for a plurality of television channels and a tuner for tuning a television receiver to a selected one of the plurality of channels. A data processor receives and stores in a memory television program schedule information for a plurality of television programs to appear on the plurality of television channels. A user control apparatus, such as a remote controller, is utilized by a viewer to choose user control commands and transmit signals in response to the data processor which receives the signals in response to user control commands. A television receiver is used to display the television programs and television program schedule information. A video display generator receives video control commands from the data processor and program schedule information from the memory and displays a portion of the program schedule information in overlaying relationship with a television program appearing on a television channel in at least one mode of operation of the television programming guide. The data processor controls the video display generator with video control commands, issued in response to the user control commands, to display program schedule information for any chosen one of the plurality of television programs in overlaying relationship with at least one television program then appearing on any chosen one of the plurality of channels on the television receiver.

Electronic television program guide schedule system and method

Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

NMR apparatus for achieving construction of improved patient access. Facilities and methods of mobile and fixed site scanning.

Nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus and methods of use and facilities for incorporating the same

A medical nuclear magnetic resonance system is provided with a primary field magnet assembly having a ferromagnetic frame. The system resists field variations caused by coil movement and confines the field within the frame.

Nuclear magnetic resonance scanners

The scanner includes a ferromagnetic frame (122) defining a patient-receiving space (158) adapted to receive a human body. It also includes a pair of opposed polar regions (163, 169) aligned on a polar axis (134). The polar regions are disposed on opposite sides of the patient-receiving space. Structure including either electrical windings (180, 190) or a permanent magnet is provided proximate each of the polar regions for producing a magnetic field within the patient-receiving space. Windings (120) positioned in proximity to each of the polar regions (163, 169) are provided for producing gradients in the magnetic field, when energized. A layer (326) of an electrically resistive but magnetically permeable material such as a ferrite, a sintered metal or a metal containing composite, is positioned in each of the polar regions for limiting eddy current generation in the polar regions when the gradient producing windings (120) are energized. Each of the layers (326) is oriented generally perpendicular to the polar axis.

Eddy current control in magnetic resonance imaging

A medical NMR scanner having a primary field magnet assembly is disclosed. The scanner includes a ferromagnetic frame defining a patient-receiving space adapted to receive a human body. It also includes a pair of opposed polar regions aligned on a polar axis. The polar regions are disposed on opposite sides of the patient-receiving space. Structure including either electrical windings or a permanent magnet is provided in each of the polar regions for producing a magnetic field within the patient-receiving space. Windings positioned in proximity to each of the polar regions are provided for producing gradients in the magnetic field, when energized. A plurality of ferromagnetic elements positioned in side-by-side relation to one another in each of the polar regions is provided for limiting eddy current generation in the polar regions when the gradient producing auxiliary coils are energized. Each of the ferromagnetic elements has its shortest dimension oriented generally perpendicular to the polar axis. The ferromagnetic elements comprise rods which are positioned generally parallel to one another and to the polar axis in one form of the invention. In another form of the invention the ferromagnetic elements comprise generally rectangular, planar laminations the planes of which are positioned generally parallel to the polar axis.

Nuclear magnetic resonance scanners with composite pole facings

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) magnet in combination with a mobile patient-positioning device, including a patient support and a method of using same for positioning patients for MRI scanning. The patient support is rotatable through a range of orientations from a horizontal to a vertical position, including being lockable at any oblique angle with respect to the horizontal. The patient disposed on the patient-positioning device in a predetermined orientation can then be moved horizontally into and out of a patient-receiving space in the MRI magnet at the predetermined angle or orientation. A preferred embodiment includes a plurality of patient-positioning devices in which a series of patients can be placed in a ready state while one patient is within the patient-receiving space. As an alternative embodiment, the patient may be moved vertically into position for MRI scanning by way of an elevator which is actuatable from the floor below the patient receiving space. This elevator also may be used in combination with the patient-positioning device. Preferred embodiments facilitate MRI guided surgery and other procedures performed while the patient is being imaged.

Gordon T. Danby

Papers

Nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus and methods of use and facilities for incorporating the same

Nuclear magnetic resonance scanners

Eddy current control in magnetic resonance imaging

Nuclear magnetic resonance scanners with composite pole facings

MRI magnet with enhanced patient entry and positioning