JP2007181723A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus the apparatus by which labor on an operator is reduced and image examination and diagnosis may be performed in a short time focusing on functions and advantages of a recently noticed PHD recording system. <P>SOLUTION: An X-ray CT scanner is equipped with a rack 1, a bed 2, and a computer system 3. The computer system 3 includes a computer 11 to bear total control, an operation console 10 to perform processes designated by instruction of the computer 11, an image display device 14, a high speed operation device 6, and a recording device 16. The computer 11 preliminarily holds instruction performing algorithm 11a and image processing algorithm 11b in its memory. The computer 11 follows both of the algorithm to set an imaging condition from data in a storing medium 15 inserted into the recording device 16, output the control signal S1 to the rack or a bed control part 9, and make the image display device 14 display past data on the screen when reading the image. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a medical image diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to an image inspection and image processing such as a mass examination using an X-ray CT scanner, which incorporates the advantages and functions of a PHD recording system.

In recent years, mass screening has been actively conducted to reflect the growing interest in personal health. Conventionally, a relatively simple examination centered on X-ray photography or the like occupies most of the examination contents of this mass examination.

However, reflecting recent advances in medical equipment technology, such as CT technology, there has been a demand from the medical field, for example, to incorporate a more accurate test using an X-ray CT scanner into the examination items for mass screening. Yes.

By the way, on the other hand, literature (for example, monthly new medical 1988.10 Vol.15 No.
. 12 P101-106) PHD recording system (Personal
Health Data Recording System, PHDRS
A system related to personal health management called “electronic health notebook system” has been announced and is in the spotlight.

This PHD recording system is a high-capacity, portable storage medium (for example, almost all medical information consisting of health management data at the time of regular examinations, clinical findings data at the time of illness, and image data) regarding personal health. IC card, magneto-optical disk, optical disk, etc.), and this storage medium is stored and managed by an individual, for example, and then the past medical care stored in the recording medium at the time of regular medical examination or illness, etc. It is characterized by the effective use of information.

However, when performing a mass examination using a conventional X-ray CT scanner, it is usually necessary to input imaging conditions for each person at the time of the examination, which places an excessive burden on the operator and There is a problem that the examination time increases in proportion to the number of people, and as a result, the examination efficiency of the entire group examination decreases.

On the other hand, although the PHD recording system described above is already known, the PHD recording system is not particularly conscious of mass screening.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems of the prior art, and has been focused on the functions and advantages of a PHD recording system that has been attracting attention in recent years. The main object is to provide a diagnostic medical image diagnostic apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a medical image in which image data is collected under imaging conditions adapted to each subject and desired image reconstruction is performed using the collected image data. In the diagnostic apparatus, when a portable recording medium capable of recording the image data of each subject is inserted, reading means for reading imaging condition data and diagnostic data relating to the examination of the subject from the recording medium; Determining whether or not there is an imaging condition instruction at the time of the previous examination in the diagnostic data, and when there is this imaging condition instruction, an imaging condition setting means for setting an imaging condition based on support of the imaging condition; and the imaging Inspection execution means for executing the inspection and collecting image data based on the imaging conditions set by the condition setting means; and data obtained by the inspection executed by the inspection execution means. The features and recording means for automatically recording on said recording medium, further comprising.

As described above, in the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention, the imaging condition data relating to the inspection of the portable recording medium is read at the time of inspection, the inspection is executed based on the imaging condition data, and obtained by the inspection Since the data is automatically recorded on the recording medium, it is possible to automatically set the optimum imaging conditions of the subject simply by inserting the storage medium into the recording apparatus, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and the X-ray CT. The inspection time of the scanner or the like is greatly shortened, and the detection rate of abnormal sites such as cancer is improved. In particular, in the case of mass screening, the efficiency of examination and interpretation / diagnosis is greatly improved, which can contribute to early detection of diseases such as cancer.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention is applied to an X-ray CT scanner, and the medical image according to the fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention is applied to the X-ray CT scanner. This is implemented by mounting the processing apparatus integrally.

The X-ray CT scanner shown in FIG. 1 is a device that includes a gantry 1 and a bed 2 in a scanner body, and is driven by, for example, the RR method based on a control signal from a computer system 3.

The gantry 1 includes X-ray tubes 3a and X that are opposed to each other with the subject P inserted into the diagnostic opening.
A line detector 4 is provided. The X-ray tube 3a is provided with an X-ray high voltage device 12 that operates in response to a drive signal from the gantry / bed control section 9 on the input side, and a high voltage generated by the X-ray high voltage device 12 is supplied to the X-ray tube 3a. Upon receipt, X-rays are generated, and the subject P is irradiated with the X-rays via a collimator or a filter. A weak current signal corresponding to the transmitted X-ray detected by the X-ray detector 4 is converted into a digital quantity by the data acquisition unit 5 and supplied to a high-speed arithmetic unit 6 of the computer system 3 to be described later. Yes. In FIG. 1, the code | symbol 7 shows the collimator and filter in a mount, and the code | symbol 8 has shown the fan-shaped X-ray beam.

The couch 2 has a top plate 2a disposed on the top surface of the couch 2 so as to be slidable in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis (body axis) direction). The subject P is placed on the top surface of the couch 2a. It is done. Top plate 2a
Is inserted into the diagnostic opening of the gantry 1 so as to advance and retract by driving a slide mechanism (not shown) represented by an electric motor.

The gantry 1 and the couch 2 each include a drive mechanism (not shown) that operates in response to a drive signal from the gantry / couch control unit 9, and performs a required operation by the drive mechanism.

The gantry / bed control unit 9 supplies drive signals to the X-ray high-voltage device 12 and the drive mechanisms built in the gantry 1 and the bed 2, respectively, in response to a control signal S 1 from the computer 11 of the computer system 3. It is supposed to be.

The computer system 3 includes a computer 11 that controls the control of the X-ray CT scanner, and a plurality of processing devices that perform processes assigned under the instructions of the computer.

Each of the plurality of processing devices includes a high-speed calculation device 6 that reconstructs image data in response to a collection signal from the data collection unit, and an image storage device 13 that stores image data and the like (magnetic that temporarily stores data). A disk device 13a, an optical disk device 13b for storing data in the future, a floppy disk device 13c, etc.), an image display device 14 for displaying a reconstructed image, and an operator for giving a command to the computer 11 Operation console 10
(Consisting of a keyboard, a touch panel, etc.) and a portable data recording device 16 (hereinafter simply referred to as “recording device”) capable of accessing data of a portable recording medium 15 (hereinafter simply referred to as “recording medium”). Has been.

Each of the computer 11 and the plurality of processing devices is integrally incorporated in, for example, one console unit C. Among them, the image display device 14, the operation console 10, and the recording device 16 are the operators of the console unit C. It arrange | positions in the appropriate position of the front part by the side of operation (refer FIG. 2).

The recording device 16 has a mechanism capable of inserting or removing the recording medium 15, automatically reads the data of the recording medium 15 in the inserted state, and supplies the read data to the computer 11. In addition, the recording device 16 is responsive to an instruction from the computer 11 to record the recording medium 1.
5 data is sent to the image display device. Furthermore, data obtained by inspection is automatically recorded on a recording medium via the computer 11.

The recording medium 15 is composed of a large-capacity storage medium such as an IC card, a magneto-optical disk, or an optical disk for storing at least image data. As shown in FIG. 3, the data stored in the recording medium 15 is related to patient data including patient name and physique, imaging condition data, and interpretation / diagnosis results in addition to image data necessary for interpretation processing for the next examination. Data, etc.

In this embodiment, each recording medium is individually assigned to each individual, and the recording system 15 is managed by whether the recording medium 15 is brought by the person at the time of inspection or sent from the previous inspection organization, for example. Is adopted.

The computer 11 previously stores a predetermined program for consistently controlling from image acquisition to image processing in the memory, and performs processing according to the program.

In addition, the computer 11 incorporates, in advance, the main parts of the functions of the conventional PHD recording system in addition to the predetermined program. That is, the inspection execution algorithm 11a (see FIGS. 4 and 6) which forms the main part of the inventions according to claims 1 to 4 and the image processing algorithm 11b which forms the main part of the inventions of claims 5 and 6 (FIG. 5). 7) and the imaging conditions of the X-ray CT scanner are automatically set according to both algorithms 11a and 11b, and the imaging conditions are output to the gantry / bed control section 9 as a control signal S1. With
It is designed to support interpretation processing by an operator.

Next, the overall operation will be described focusing on the processing along both algorithms 11a and 11b (see FIGS. 4 to 7).

First, since data related to the examination is not recorded on the recording medium at the time of the first examination, the recording status of data such as the patient name and physique data is read in advance, and processing corresponding to the contents is performed.

That is, after waiting for insertion of the recording medium 15 into the recording device 16 in step S1 shown in FIG. 4, the data of the recording medium 15 is read out in step S2.

Next, in step S3, it is determined whether or not there is data such as patient name and physique in advance. If YES in this step S3 (data is present), the patient name is registered in step S5, and the optimum imaging condition corresponding to this physique is set based on the physique data.
In this case, since the optimum imaging conditions suitable for the physique of the new patient are automatically set, the burden on the operator is reduced and the examination time can be shortened.

On the other hand, if NO (no data) is determined in step S4, the process waits for input of data such as a patient name by the operator's manual operation in step S5, and then proceeds to step S4.

Next, in step S6, the operator waits for the final confirmation of the imaging conditions such as the X-ray exposure conditions (input by manual operation from the operation console 10), and then in step 7, the computer 11 sends the gantry / bed control unit 9 to the platform. A control signal S1 is output. Based on the control signal S1, the gantry 1 and the couch 2 operate toward acquisition of a CT image of the subject P, thereby collecting image data.

Next, shooting condition data is recorded on the recording medium 15 in step S8, and image data is recorded on the recording medium 15 in step S9.

Thereafter, interpretation / diagnosis is performed based on the image data obtained in the first examination (FIG. 5).
reference).

First, in step S11 shown in FIG. 5, the image data obtained in the current examination is displayed on the screen of the image display device 10, and interpretation / diagnosis by an operator (doctor) is performed. The interpretation / diagnosis is performed until it is determined that the process has been completed (YES) in step S12. After waiting for the end of the interpretation / diagnosis (input by manual operation from the operation console 10), diagnostic data of the current interpretation / diagnosis result is recorded in step S13.

This diagnostic data includes, for example, contents for changing the imaging conditions at the next examination to an optimal one when abnormality such as cancer is suspected in the current diagnosis result. However, if there is no possibility of an abnormality, the next examination may be performed under the same imaging conditions as the current examination, so that the imaging conditions for the next examination need not be instructed.

In step S13, separately from the diagnosis data, step S9 (see FIG. 4).
The image data obtained in (1) is selected by manual input by an operator or automatic processing. That is, only the image data determined to be necessary for the subsequent inspection is stored in the recording medium 15.

Next, the second and subsequent inspections and interpretation / diagnosis will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second and subsequent inspections, the processes in steps S3 to S5 (see FIG. 4) are changed.

First, in step S21 shown in FIG. 6, the recording medium 15 is inserted into the recording device 16 (YE
If determined as S), the data of the recording medium 15 (previous shooting condition data, diagnostic data, etc.) is read out in step S22.

Next, in step S23, it is determined whether or not there is an imaging condition instruction in the previous diagnosis data. If it is determined as YES (with an instruction) in step S23, the photographing condition according to the instruction is set in step S24. On the other hand, if NO (no instruction) is determined in step S23, the same shooting conditions as the previous time are set in step S25. As a result, the optimum imaging conditions taking into account the previous diagnosis result are automatically set, so that the burden on the operator is reduced and a more precise inspection can be performed. In the case of a CT scanner different from the previous CT scanner, the imaging conditions are appropriately converted by an experiment table or the like.

Next, after waiting for the safety confirmation of the X-ray exposure conditions by the operator in step S26 (
In step 27, a control signal S 1 is output from the computer 11 to the gantry / bed control section 9. As a result, the gantry 1 and the couch 2 operate to acquire a CT image of the subject P, and image data is collected. Next, shooting condition data is recorded on the recording medium 15 in step S28, and image data is recorded on the recording medium 15 in step S29.

Thereafter, interpretation / diagnosis is performed based on the image data obtained in the second and subsequent examinations (see FIG. 7). In the second and subsequent interpretation / diagnosis, steps S32 and S33 relating to past data reference are performed during steps S11 and S12 (see FIG. 5) in the first case.
Is inserted.

First, when the image data obtained in the current examination is displayed on the image display device 14 in step S31 shown in FIG. 7, it is determined in step S32 whether there is a request for referring to past data. . If YES (requested) is determined in step S32, the past data requested in step S33 is displayed on the screen of the image display device 14. As a result, the previous image data and the current image data can be easily compared, and for example, cancer detection or the like can be detected more reliably. In addition, since the diagnosis data up to the previous time is also displayed, more accurate diagnosis based on the diagnosis data over time can be quickly performed. On the other hand, if NO (no request) is determined in step S32, the process proceeds to step S34.

In the processes of S32 and S33, the interpretation / diagnosis is not completed in step S34 (N
O) is repeated while it is determined. After waiting for the end of the interpretation / diagnosis (input by manual operation from the operation console 10), diagnostic data of the current interpretation / diagnosis result is recorded in step S35. As in the first case, the diagnostic data includes instruction contents of imaging conditions for the next examination according to the possibility of abnormality. In step S35, apart from the diagnostic data, the image data obtained in step S29 (see FIG. 6) is selected by manual input or automatic processing by the operator. That is, only the image data determined to be necessary for the subsequent inspection is stored in the recording medium 15.

As described above, simply by inserting the storage medium into the recording device at the time of image inspection, the optimal imaging conditions for the patient are automatically set, reducing the burden on the operator, greatly reducing the inspection time, cancer, etc. The detection rate of abnormal sites is improved.

In addition, since past data up to the previous time can be easily compared and referenced during interpretation / diagnosis, the burden on the operator is reduced, interpretation / diagnosis time is greatly reduced, and the accuracy of diagnosis of abnormal parts such as cancer is improved. become.

In particular, when the X-ray CT scanner of this embodiment is applied during mass screening, the above effects are further enhanced, the efficiency of examination and interpretation / diagnosis is greatly improved, and it can contribute to early detection of diseases such as cancer. .

In this embodiment, the medical image diagnostic apparatus is applied to an X-ray CT scanner. However, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to an X-ray CT scanner. For example, X-ray diagnostic equipment, M
You may employ | adopt for another medical image diagnostic apparatus, such as RI apparatus or ultrasonic examination.

In this embodiment, the past image data can be referred to by the processing of steps S31 and S32 shown in FIG. 7, but in addition to this processing, the comparison between the past image data and the current image data is supported. Another image processing program may be added. Furthermore, the past image data is not necessarily limited to the same modality, and for example, a past X-ray diagnostic image may be referred to at the time of CT interpretation.

Then, the 1st modification of a present Example is demonstrated based on FIG. In the first modification, the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an independent diagnostic apparatus. Here, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is simplified.

The independent diagnostic apparatus shown in FIG. 8 reads image data and diagnostic data (see FIG. 3) obtained by a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT scanner from the recording medium 15 and performs interpretation / diagnosis processing. The computer 11 that manages the entire apparatus and a plurality of processing devices that perform processes assigned under the instruction of the computer 11 as in the above-described embodiment.

Each of the computer and the plurality of processing devices is integrally incorporated in, for example, one console unit C. Among them, the image display device 14, the operation console 10, and the recording device 1 are included.
6 is arranged at an appropriate position on the front side of the console unit C on the operator operation side (see FIG. 2).

In addition to a predetermined program for controlling image processing, the computer 11 integrally incorporates an image processing algorithm 11b (see FIGS. 5 and 7) that constitutes a main part of the inventions according to claims 5 and 6. According to the algorithm 11b, the interpretation process by the operator is supported in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

Therefore, as in the above embodiment, past data up to the previous time can be easily compared and referenced.
The burden on the operator is reduced, the interpretation / diagnosis time is greatly shortened, and the diagnostic accuracy of abnormal sites such as cancer is improved.

In addition, since the independent diagnostic apparatus is independent from the medical image diagnostic apparatus, the degree of freedom of installation location is increased, and image processing for interpretation / diagnosis can be easily performed regardless of the operation status of the medical image diagnostic apparatus. can do.

Subsequently, a second modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second modification, the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the medical image processing apparatus according to the present invention are applied to a dedicated input device. Here, the same or equivalent components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is simplified.

The dedicated input device shown in FIG. 9 is a computer 1 that manages the entire device for recording the minimum necessary data (see FIG. 3) obtained from image acquisition to image processing for subsequent inspections.
1 and an operation console 1 for inputting a command from an operator to the computer 11
0 and a recording device 16 that records input data from the operation console 10 on the recording medium 15
And.

As shown in FIG. 10, the plurality of constituent elements are integrally incorporated in, for example, one compact console unit C. Among them, the operation console 10 and the recording device 16 include:
The console unit C is disposed at an appropriate position on the front portion of the operator operation side.

Therefore, the dedicated input device can input only the necessary minimum data to the recording medium 15. In addition, by taking advantage of its compactness, this dedicated input device is appropriately arranged around related systems such as an image diagnostic device and an image processing device, so that it can be used according to the operating status, failure status, etc. of the related system. Since data can be input in response, the operability of the entire related system is improved.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram showing a main configuration of an X-ray CT scanner (equipped with medical information management of the present invention) according to an embodiment. The figure explaining an example of the console unit of an Example. The figure explaining the data content of the portable recording medium of an Example. The schematic flowchart explaining the process (algorithm for test | inspection execution) at the time of the first test | inspection. The schematic flowchart explaining the process (algorithm for image processing) at the time of the first interpretation and diagnosis. The schematic flowchart explaining the process (inspection execution algorithm) at the time of the test | inspection after the 2nd time. The schematic flowchart explaining the process (algorithm for image processing) at the time of image interpretation and diagnosis after the 2nd time. The schematic block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a 1st modification. The schematic block diagram which shows the principal part structure of a 2nd modification. The figure explaining an example of the console unit of a 2nd modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Stand 2 Sleeper 3 Computer system 6 High-speed arithmetic device 9 Base and bed control part 10 Operation console 11 Computer 11a Algorithm for execution of inspection
11b Image processing algorithm (forms the main part of the inventions of claims 5 and 6)
13 Image storage device 14 Image display device 15 Portable recording medium 16 Portable data recording device

Claims (3)

In a medical image diagnostic apparatus that collects image data under imaging conditions adapted to each subject and performs desired image reconstruction using the collected image data,
Reading means for reading imaging condition data and diagnostic data relating to examination of the subject from the recording medium when a portable recording medium capable of recording the image data of each subject is inserted;
It is determined whether or not there is an imaging condition instruction at the time of the previous examination in the diagnostic data, and when there is this imaging condition instruction, an imaging condition setting unit that sets the imaging condition based on the imaging condition support;
Inspection execution means for executing the inspection and collecting image data based on the imaging conditions set by the imaging condition setting means;
Recording means for automatically recording data obtained by the inspection executed by the inspection execution means on the recording medium;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging condition data recorded in the recording unit includes at least one of an X-ray exposure condition and a slice width. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the medical image diagnostic apparatus is an X-ray CT scanner.