Abstract: An imaging unit producing images, and a control unit controlling the imaging unit. The imaging device further comprises: a reference clock unit generating a reference clock; and a signal input/output unit provided between the imaging unit and the control unit and inputting and outputting signals in synchronization with the reference clock generated by the reference clock unit. The control unit comprises: generating unit generating a plurality of control signals; transmitting unit transmitting the plural control signals; receiving unit receiving measurement signals; and extraction unit extracting the measurement signal when the reception times of the measurement signals received by the receiving unit agrees with the extraction timing generated by the generating unit.

Abstract: Multiple RF coils and multiple gradient coils are used together in a large-volume homogeneous static magnetic field with multiple transmitters and receivers to simultaneously measure MRI images of multiple samples. The RF coils are stored in electromagnetically shielded boxes to remove the electromagnetic coupling among the RF coils. Each gradient coil subsystem is attached to each electromagnetically shielded box to produce intense magnetic field gradients at each sample zone. By using the multiple gradient coils, the electric power to drive the gradient coils can be drastically reduced than that using a single gradient coil system.

Abstract: A compact magnet and an RF probe which can accommodate a human extremity such as a heel are used to construct a compact MRI system for diagnosis and follow-up of osteoporosis and other diseases. Methods for measuring and calculating proton density in inhomogeneous static magnetic field, magnetic field gradients, and RF magnetic field are provided using 2D spin-echo image acquisitions with external reference materials and image analyses. The measured proton density of bone marrow is used for computation of trabecular bone volume fraction, which can be used for diagnosis of osteoporosis and other diseases.