JP5510289B2 - X-ray diagnostic equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an X-ray diagnostic apparatus having a plurality of imaging functions.

  In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus used in the medical field, an imaging condition and an operator's operation procedure corresponding to the imaging condition are different depending on an examination site of a patient to be examined. For this reason, the operator is required to accurately and quickly execute different operation procedures depending on the patient. In order to reduce such an operation burden on the operator, an apparatus has been proposed in which an examination part registered in advance corresponding to a patient is searched and a scanning technique corresponding to the examination part is presented to the operator as a default value ( Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, such an X-ray diagnostic apparatus is required for simple imaging, contrast imaging, tomography, dual energy imaging, and three-dimensional reconstruction in one apparatus so that it can handle various examinations and treatments. Various functions that enable execution of 3D imaging for collecting various image data are installed. However, it has been pointed out that, among these functions, the functions that are used infrequently cannot be remembered by the operator, and it takes time to master the operation of the apparatus. A system that improves the operability of the device based on past operation history by extracting information necessary for operation from the operation history and managing it in units of inspection work as operation support for the operator in such a case Has been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-225872 JP 2008-26939 A

  By the way, in the field of diagnosis and treatment using an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, in order to enable accurate diagnosis and treatment for various cases, application usage examples of each function mounted on the apparatus are introduced. . On the other hand, even if an example of using the functions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus for a new case is introduced, the information is often not utilized. The reason is that such information is distributed in a form printed on paper as document material, and thus there is a heavy burden on the operator in that necessary information must be searched from a large amount of document material. Further, in diagnosis and treatment for a specific case, it may be difficult to operate the apparatus smoothly unless explanation of how to use it is received by a visitor. For this reason, a situation has arisen in which all the functions of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus cannot be used effectively. And if the distribution of document materials and the visits of explainers are delayed, the spread of useful usage will be delayed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that supports the operation of an operator so that a function effective for treatment / diagnosis can be used appropriately.

The invention according to claim 1 performs image processing on an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through the subject, and data obtained from the X-ray detector. In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that performs imaging by selecting a target imaging condition from a plurality of imaging conditions in accordance with the imaging purpose, in order to assist the operator in operating the apparatus with respect to use of the apparatus A storage means for storing a plurality of support information, an input means for receiving various selections by an operator, a search means for retrieving target support information by a search by an operator, and a plurality of search guides according to a plurality of search conditions The support information that is called from the storage unit by creating a screen and selecting a condition corresponding item searched by the search unit and a specific item from the condition corresponding item The and a display control means for displaying on said display unit, said display control means, as a first search condition, at least the diagnostic region, the first search that allows selecting a search from either the function name If a search screen is created and search from the diagnosis part is selected, each name of the diagnosis part is displayed in a selectable manner as a second search condition, and if search from the function name is selected , Creating a second search guidance screen for displaying a list of function names provided in the apparatus so that the function name can be selected as a second search condition, and searching by the search means based on the first search condition and the second search condition conditions applicable item, characterized that you create a third search guidance screen of said storage means to the display list to be selected in association with the stored support information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the display control means includes, on the third search guidance screen, an indication of an associated case associated with each condition corresponding item, together with the condition corresponding item. The function usage items are selectable.

The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 2 , further comprising external communication connection means for obtaining update information of support information through a communication network, wherein the display control means is the third search guidance screen. In addition to the condition applicable items, the latest support information item acquired by the external communication connection means associated with each condition applicable item is selectably provided.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the display control unit is called from the storage unit based on a selection on a third search guidance screen. A parameter editing screen capable of changing various parameters related to execution of shooting in the support information is created and displayed on the display unit.

  According to the invention described in claim 1, by creating a plurality of search guidance screens and performing search guidance, the operator does not need to search for necessary information from a huge amount of information printed on paper. The support information required by the operator can be easily reached, and a plurality of imaging functions provided in the apparatus can be effectively used.

In addition , since the display control means creates a first search guidance screen that enables selection from at least a diagnosis part or a function name as the first search condition, the operator can easily search for information. Can start.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the display control means selects, in the third search guidance screen, the item of the adaptation case associated with each condition applicable item and the function usage method together with the condition applicable item. Since it is provided as possible, the operator can efficiently and easily acquire information related to photographing.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, since the external communication connection unit that acquires the update information of the support information through the communication network is provided, the information stored in the storage unit can be kept in the latest state. Support information can be provided to the operator.

According to the invention described in claim 4 , since the display control unit creates a parameter editing screen and displays it on the display unit, from the selection of the imaging function according to the imaging purpose, various parameters according to the subject. The operation process up to the change can be provided to the operator as a series of information.

It is a schematic diagram of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the main electrical structures of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of this invention. 10 is a screen transition diagram displayed on the display unit 9. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 9. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 9. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 9. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 9. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 9. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention. This X-ray diagnostic apparatus is compatible with various examinations / treatments, etc., so that simple imaging, contrast imaging, tomography, dual energy imaging, and 3D imaging for collecting image data necessary for three-dimensional reconstruction. Various functions that can execute the above are installed.

  This X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a table 5 on which a subject 1 is placed, an X-ray tube 2 that emits X-rays toward the subject 1, and an X-ray that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject 1. And a flat panel detector (FPD) 4 as a line detector. The FPD 4 and the X-ray tube 2 are arranged to face each other, and are configured to move in synchronization with each other with respect to the subject 1 by a moving mechanism (not shown). In FIG. 1, the FPD 4 and the X-ray tube 2 are configured to move in the horizontal direction in synchronization with each other. However, when the FPD 4 and the X-ray tube 2 are disposed in a so-called C-arm, In synchronization with each other, a predetermined angle range is moved while drawing an arc-shaped locus. The table 5 is not limited to a horizontally arranged table, and can be configured such that the angle with the floor surface can be changed while the subject 1 is placed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the X-ray diagnostic apparatus of the present invention. This X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes a control unit 6 that controls the entire apparatus. The control unit 6 includes an X-ray tube control unit 3 that controls a tube current and a tube voltage supplied to the X-ray tube 2, an FPD 4, a network 11 for obtaining the latest update information of support information described later, a mouse, It is connected to an input unit 8 composed of a keyboard and a display unit 9 composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. The signal detected by the FPD 4 is subjected to image processing by the control unit 6 and can be displayed on the display unit 9 as a still photographed image or a perspective image.

  The control unit 6 includes a storage unit 7 such as a hard disk, an external communication connection unit 10, a management module 21, and a display control unit 22. The management module 21 receives an input signal from the input unit 8 and is stored in the storage unit 7, and is optimal for target imaging from a plurality of pieces of support information associated with a diagnosis part, function name, indication case, and the like. It functions as a search means for searching for and calling support information. Further, the management module 21 manages whether or not communication connection to the network 11 is possible via the external communication connection unit 10. Thus, in this X-ray diagnostic apparatus, support information such as the latest X-ray imaging conditions and indication cases can be acquired from an external server on the network 11 as needed.

  The input signal is transmitted to the management module 21 when the operator moves the cursor to a character string to be selected from among the character strings displayed on the display unit 9 so as to be selectable and presses a mouse button or the like. When a touch panel monitor is used for the display unit 9, an input signal is sent to the management module 21 when the operator presses a character string or the like displayed on the touch panel monitor with a finger or the like.

  In response to an input signal to the management module 21, that is, a search query, the display control unit 22 creates various screens to be described later for operation support for the operator, and sequentially displays these screens on the display unit 9. Execute display control. The support information retrieved and extracted from the storage unit 7 by the management module 21 is incorporated at a predetermined position on the screen by the display control unit 22 and displayed on the display unit 9.

  Next, screen display for operation support for an operator in the X-ray diagnostic apparatus will be described. Operation support by providing support information to an operator is performed by starting an application program for executing operation support. FIG. 3 is a screen transition diagram displayed on the display unit 9. 4 to 8 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the display unit 9.

  When the program is executed, a first search guidance screen D31 shown in FIG. In the first search guide screen D31, the character strings “search from the diagnosis part” and “search from the function name” are displayed so as to be selectable. Here, when the operator selects an image button displayed as “Search from a diagnostic region”, a second search guidance screen D32 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. In the second search guidance screen D32, diagnostic sites such as “head”, “chest”, “heart”, “abdomen”, “limbs”, and the like are displayed in a selectable list.

  When “limbs” is selected as a diagnostic part from the list on the second search guide screen D32 shown in FIG. 5, a third search guide screen D33 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. In the third search guide screen D33 shown in FIG. 6, the condition “search from the diagnosis part” selected on the first search guide screen D31 and the “limbs” selected on the second search guide screen D32 are displayed. The items that satisfy the condition “” are listed as “functions effective for limbs”. As shown in FIG. 6, the condition applicable items are displayed as imaging function names such as “tomosynthesis” and “long shooting”, and support such as “usage” and “effective cases” corresponding to these functions. Items that guide the operator to the information are displayed in a selectable manner. In the third search guidance screen D33, the operator can see all of the contents displayed in a list on the screen by operating the mouse or the like to move the scroll bar 41.

  When “Usage method” of “Tomosynthesis” is selected on the third search guide screen D33 shown in FIG. 6, various parameters related to execution of imaging are read from the storage unit 7 via the management module 21. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, a parameter editing screen D35 is displayed on which parameters to be set by tomosynthesis for the limbs can be edited. The parameter editing screen D35 includes a parameter box 42 in which parameters can be input / changed, support information such as parameter descriptions and default values, and buttons for shifting the screen to the parameter editing screen to be set next. 43 etc. are displayed. When the operator presses the button 43 with a mouse or the like, the screen sequentially shifts to an editing screen created for each parameter. The button 43 is configured so that the screen can be shifted to either the previous screen or the next screen.

  As a parameter to be set on the parameter editing screen D35, since tomosynthesis is a tomographic function that provides an arbitrary tomographic plane using FPD, in the tomosynthesis in the limb examination, for example, from the surface of the table 5 to the tomographic plane There are heights. The operator refers to the parameter default value information displayed on the parameter editing screen D35, and inputs an appropriate value for each subject 1 using the input unit 8 in the parameter box 42. A default value is displayed in advance in the parameter box. The operator can complete the setting of all the parameters by repeatedly changing and confirming the numerical values in the parameter box 42 and moving the editing screen.

  Further, when “effective case” of “tomosynthesis” is selected on the third search guide screen D33 shown in FIG. 6, effective cases for the extremities are read from the storage unit 7 via the management module 21. A case explanation screen D34 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. In this case explanation screen D34, for example, items classified from the viewpoint of what part of the limb is photographed in what posture, such as “observation of both knees in a standing position”, and each item The text of “Apply parameters for this case” is displayed so that the operator can set the parameters by applying the parameters for the cases described and the reference image and the case description. Displayed as selectable. Note that the case explanation screen D34 of FIG. 8 shows only the display of support information for “observation of both knees in a standing position”, but the operator operates the mouse or the like to move the scroll bar 41. Assistance information when photographing in other postures (for example, lying position or reverse tilted position), and assisting information when photographing other parts of the extremities other than both knees can also be seen. .

  When the operator selects “Apply parameters in this case” on this case explanation screen D34, various parameters related to the execution of imaging associated with this case are read from the storage unit 7, and those parameters are read out. A parameter editing screen D35 in which information about parameters is reflected is displayed. As a result, the parameters corresponding to the subject 1 can be easily optimized by the operator using the parameters in this case as default values.

  Further, when “latest news” of “tomosynthesis” is selected on the third search guide screen D33 shown in FIG. 6, for example, a new case in which imaging by tomosynthesis updated within three months is effective is displayed. As in the case explanation screen D34 shown in FIG. By providing the item “Latest News” separately from “Usage” and “Effective cases” on the third search guide screen D33, the operator can quickly provide information on functions and applied cases that the operator has no experience with. be able to.

  When the setting of all parameters is completed on the parameter editing screen D35, it becomes possible to execute imaging with this X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The numerical values of the set parameters are sent to the control unit 6, and if an imaging execution command is input to the control unit 6, the movement of the X-ray tube 2 and the FPD 4 and X-ray irradiation are performed based on those settings. Etc. will be executed.

  In addition, in the first search guide screen D31 shown in FIG. 4, when the character string “search from function name” is selected, “tomosynthesis”, “long shooting”, “road map perspective”, etc. A list of executable function names installed in the apparatus is displayed as in the second search guidance screen D32. When the operator selects one of the displayed function names, a list of parts such as “limbs” and “chest” that can be imaged by the function is “applicable as in the third search guide screen D33. As a “diagnostic part” together with items such as “usage method” and “effective case”.

  Further, in this embodiment, the selection items for starting selection on the first search guidance screen D31 are “search from diagnostic part” and “search from function name”, but the first search guidance screen D31. In addition, an item enabling a search from a disease name or a past use history may be added.

1 Subject 2 X-ray tube 3 X-ray tube control unit 4 FPD
5 Table 6 Control Unit 7 Storage Unit 8 Input Unit 9 Display Unit 10 External Communication Connection Unit 11 Network 21 Management Module 22 Display Control Unit

Claims (4)

An X-ray tube, an X-ray detector that detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube and passed through the subject, and a display unit that performs image processing and displays data obtained from the X-ray detector, In an X-ray diagnostic apparatus that performs imaging by selecting a desired imaging condition from a plurality of imaging conditions according to the imaging purpose,
Storage means for storing a plurality of support information for assisting the operation of the device by the operator with respect to use of the device;
Input means for accepting various selections by the operator;
A search means for retrieving target support information by a search by an operator's selection;
The support invoked by creating a plurality of search guidance screens according to a plurality of search conditions, selecting a condition corresponding item searched by the search means, and selecting a specific item from the condition corresponding items. Display control means for displaying information on the display unit;
Equipped with a,
The display control means includes
As a first search condition, create a first search guidance screen that enables selection from at least a diagnostic part or a function name,
When the search from the diagnosis part is selected, each name of the diagnosis part is displayed in a list so as to be selectable as the second search condition. When the search from the function name is selected, the function name provided in the apparatus Create a second search guidance screen that displays a list that can be selected as the second search condition,
A condition corresponding item searched by the search means based on the first search condition and the second search condition is displayed in a selectable manner in association with the support information stored in the storage means. X-ray diagnostic apparatus characterized that you create a search guidance screen. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The display control means is an X-ray diagnostic apparatus provided on a third search guidance screen so as to be able to select, in addition to the condition applicable item, an adaptive case associated with each condition applicable item and a function usage item. The X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2 ,
An external communication connection means for obtaining support information update information through a communication network;
The display control means includes
An X-ray diagnostic apparatus provided on the third search guidance screen so that the item of the latest support information acquired by the external communication connection means associated with each condition applicable item can be selected together with the condition applicable item. In the X-ray diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
The display control means creates a parameter editing screen capable of changing various parameters related to execution of photographing in the support information called from the storage means based on the selection on the third search guidance screen, and the display section X-ray diagnostic device to display.

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