Setting up for scanning, outline
Prepare a brief outline of protocols and scanning
parameters
Start up MRI system and register subject
Display the stimuli computer's video output onto
the rear projection screen
Activate the Sound System
Activate Eye Tracker System
Subject Preparation
Select pulse sequence and scanning parameters
Prepare a brief outline of protocols and scanning parameters
The MR Technologist is available to provide a broad range of support to the
researcher. Discuss your plans for implementing your experiment with the
MR Technologist. The time that subjects spend in the magnet bore can be significantly
reduced if the scanning procedures and parameters are reviewed and tested
before subjects arrive.
Start up MRI system and register subject
Display the stimuli computer's video output onto the rear projection screen
Power up the stimulus computer. Press the green button on left side of the
projector (the projector is located in the equipment room adjacent to a waveguide
along the magnet's axis). When the projector bulb is on, select the video
source by pressing the "Source" button located on top of projector and wait
several seconds. Check to see what the subject will be viewing by peeking
through the waveguide. If the projector is not detecting a source,
a blue image with an InFocus logo will be displayed: push the "Source" button
again.
The projector will automatically show whatever appears on the stimulus
computer monitor, be it the experimental stimuli, an eye tracker calibration
bitmap or a video played from the stimulus computer's DVD player.
You may also hook up your own computer to feed images to the projector through
the video hub, a standard video cable, or an S-video cable.
See
projection instructions
for more detailed instructions.
See visual stimuli equipment
for descriptions of currently available equipment.
Activate the Sound System
The stimuli computer's sound output will be heard by the subject if the
auditory stimuli system is powered and the "Game" button on the left-hand
side of the Sony amplifier is pressed.
Turn on the investigator microphone switch (the On/Off switch is on the
base of the microphone), and activate the microphone control pad (MCP) by
pressing the green "Power" button in the upper right hand corner. When
the MCP screen reads Stand-By, it is NOT activated.
Turn up the volume knob on the Siemens intercom so you can hear the subject
(and the machine noises). Check that the green button beside the image of
an ear is illuminated, indicating that you will be able to hear the patient.
When the subject is properly inside the magnet, check the intercom to make
sure you can hear each other. Speak into the investigator microphone while
pressing the MIC button on the MCP (blue, at lower left). As soon
as you release the MIC botton, the patient can no longer hear you.
You, however, can hear the patient continuously through the Siemens intercom.
If you turn down the volume while a sequence is running, remember to restore
the volume afterward so the subject can communicate with you.
When you are finished using the investigator microphone, switch it off
to conserve its batteries.
Activate Eye Tracker System
Power up the eye tracker system components and computer. Run
the Loadnt and e5win programs. Display a calibration image on the stimulus
computer. To switch between display of the calibration image and the
experimental stimulus, use Alt+Tab key combination on the stimulus
computer. Turn on power to the eye tracker illuminator.
It is helpful to show the subject the calibration image and describe the
calibration procedure briefly before entering the scan room.
See
eye tracker instructions
for more detailed instructions.
See
eye tracker equipment
for descriptions of currently available equipment.
Subject Preparation
Subject preparation includes acquisition of informed consent, several safety
checks and procedures, informing the subject of the relevant experimental
details, making the subject comfortable, establishing intercom communication
between the subject and operator, and other preparations particular to the
experiment.
See subject preparation instructions
for more details.
Select pulse sequence and scanning parameters