JP2007312960A - Composite medical image diagnostic apparatus, or treatment apparatus with medical image diagnostic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a composite medical diagnosis apparatus or a treatment apparatus with a medical image diagnostic apparatus suited to executing image diagnostic and/or treatment by a plurality of modalities by operating a plurality of different types of measurement and/or treatment modalities by a single common operation apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: The common operation apparatus for operating a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses in common is connected to an information communication network. The common operation apparatus is provided with a specific operation means generating image reconstruction data specific to the different types of image diagnostic apparatuses respectively, and a common operation means for executing posttreatment of an image formation and analysis process from the image reconstruction data, an image display control process, an image archive process, and an image network communication process (software). The common operation apparatus selects a medical image diagnostic apparatus to be used, selects a specific operation means corresponding to the selected medical image diagnostic apparatus and operates the selected medical image diagnostic apparatus using the common operation means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a complex medical image diagnostic apparatus or a therapeutic apparatus including a medical image diagnostic apparatus, and more particularly, to operate a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses or medical image diagnostic apparatuses and therapeutic apparatuses with one common operation apparatus. The present invention relates to a combined medical diagnostic apparatus suitable for performing image diagnosis and / or treatment, or a treatment apparatus including a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

  Conventionally, comprehensive diagnosis is performed by comparing images taken by a plurality of medical image diagnostic apparatuses, and treatment and surgery are performed based on the results. In recent years, medical image diagnostic apparatuses have not only been diagnosed. It is also used for treatment and surgery.

  This is, for example, an IVR (Interventional Radiology) or a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an MRI) that performs diagnosis and / or surgery with an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus based on an image captured by an X-ray CT apparatus. IMR (Interventional MRI) that operates on the basis of the diagnosis result, X-ray fluoroscopy device, X-ray CT device, MRI device, ultrasound diagnostic imaging device, nuclear medicine diagnostic device Diagnosis by comparing images acquired by a plurality of medical image diagnostic devices such as (Comprehensive Image Diagnosis), refer to the real-time image in the medical image diagnostic device and perform treatment or surgery with the medical image diagnostic device or treatment device To do.

  Under such circumstances, operations of the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the treatment apparatus at the time of comprehensive image diagnosis and treatment and / or surgery performed using the plurality of medical image diagnostic apparatuses are provided for each measurement and treatment modality. Had been done in the operation console.

  The operation console is configured to set shooting conditions and shooting control parameters specific to the measurement modality, detect image data that is an image forming source corresponding to the set conditions and parameters, and a scanner for detecting the data. Control, preprocessing such as performing various correction processes on the detected data to generate reconstructed image data, and image forming processing using the image data obtained by this preprocessing (two-dimensional reconstruction, three-dimensional Reconfiguration etc.), image analysis processing, image display control processing for controlling display of image data processed by these on the image display device, archiving processing for recording the processing results on various media, and communication processing for transmitting to other departments Has a function of performing post-processing.

  In such an operation, for example, in the case of an IVR in which an X-ray CT apparatus and a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus are combined, the operation consoles of the X-ray CT apparatus and the X-ray fluoroscopic imaging apparatus are arranged in the imaging room. Located in a separate operation room that is isolated from the device, the operator in the vicinity of the patient sends various instructions to the operation room, and the operator operates the operation console according to the instructions to take a picture. .

  However, since the operator and the operator are separated from each other, it is difficult to communicate, and the operator must operate using the operation console of each modality, so that the operation is troublesome and time-consuming. There was a problem that the surgeon's instructions could not be handled instantly.

Therefore, in order to solve this problem, Patent Document 1 discloses a combined medical diagnostic apparatus operated by an operation console common to two measurement modalities and a shared operation apparatus therefor.
This is a combination of a plurality of measurement devices having different measurement modalities, for example, in a combined medical diagnostic apparatus combining an X-ray CT apparatus and an X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus, and the X-ray CT apparatus and the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus are An operation device capable of measuring captured image data and controlling image display and a measurement image display device are arranged in the arranged imaging room, enabling image observation and measurement operations of different types of imaging devices in the imaging room, The console for the X-ray CT device has a means to selectively change the function of each operation device as an operation device for different kinds of measurement devices arranged in combination, and it can be shared by this Is.
JP-A-8-280666

As described above, comprehensive image diagnosis and treatment and / or operation at the time of surgery using two or more medical image diagnostic apparatuses are performed with one common operation console, imaging operation, image analysis, image display control, It is desired to improve operability by enabling image recording and communication with an external device.
In this case, if a plurality of modalities can be operated from any shooting room or any operation room in which the modalities are installed using a common operation console, the operability is further improved.

  In response to such needs, the composite medical diagnostic apparatus of Patent Document 1 is provided with an operation device for measurement and image display control in an imaging room, and an operation device for each modality in an operation room. Since the measurement and image display control operation device cannot perform shooting operation, image analysis, and image recording, it is necessary to provide these functions in each modality operation device installed in the operation room. The shared operation device cannot perform shooting operation, measurement, image analysis, image display control and display, image recording, and the like.

  In addition, since the console for the X-ray CT apparatus is not equipped with means for operating other apparatuses, it is impossible to operate other modalities. Therefore, it is said that all modalities are operated with one operation console. It cannot meet the above needs.

  In addition, a modular structure that can divide only the cylinder place related to the operation in the operation console of the X-ray CT apparatus is provided, and the module structure portion and the operation console are used for the measurement and image display control operations in the imaging room. By connecting to the connector with the same shape as the control connector of the device or having a structure that can be incorporated, the module structure part can be used to operate the X-ray CT device in the operation room when operation in the radiography room is required. Although it is disclosed that it is detached from the desk and used by connecting it to a connection connector of an appropriate device in the photographing room, a module structure and means for connecting it are required, the device becomes complicated, and the connection can be changed. Since it takes time, even if such measures are taken, the above needs cannot be met.

  Furthermore, it is also disclosed that different types of modalities can be operated with the same operating device by incorporating an operation control menu program of multiple modalities into the operating device of the modality arranged in the operation room. It is necessary to incorporate a menu program into all modalities, and it is wasteful because functions common to each modality must be provided in each modality, and it is also clarified how to select the modality to be used. Not.

  Still further, for example, a digital image signal is sent to any one of a plurality of operating devices including the operating device for the photographing room via a LAN device, and an external storage device such as a magnetic disk or a memory Temporarily store it in the device and load it into the display device to switch the display screen between the screens of different modalities, or use the superimpose function to display captured images of different modalities on the same display screen. Although it is also disclosed that the display device is shared with the display device, an operation device having a display function for displaying such an image is specified, and thus, for example, a plurality of operation devices are separated from each other. In some cases, the image cannot be observed only at the place where the operating device including the display device is arranged. It becomes very inconvenient has been constant.

As described above, the technique of Patent Document 1 cannot meet the above needs.
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and operates a plurality of different types of measurement and / or treatment modalities with a single shared operation device to perform image diagnosis and / or by the plurality of modalities. It is an object of the present invention to provide a combined medical diagnostic apparatus or a therapeutic apparatus equipped with a medical image diagnostic apparatus suitable for performing treatment.

  The object is to connect a plurality of different types of medical image diagnosis apparatuses and / or treatment apparatuses and a common operation apparatus for operating them to an information communication network, and to connect the medical image diagnosis apparatus and / or treatment apparatus connected to the network. This is achieved by selecting and operating the selected medical image diagnostic apparatus and / or treatment apparatus with the common operation apparatus, and specifically, achieved by the following means.

  (1) A composite medical image diagnostic apparatus including a shared operation device that operates by sharing a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic devices, wherein information is transmitted between the different types of medical image diagnostic devices and the shared operation device. An information communication network means for transmitting and receiving; and a device selection means for selecting a medical image diagnostic device to be used from among the different types of medical image diagnostic devices, and the shared operation device is configured to each of the different types of medical image diagnostic devices. A unique operation means that is a unique operation, a common operation means that is a common operation, a unique operation selection means that selects the unique operation means corresponding to the medical image diagnostic apparatus selected by the apparatus selection means, and this unique operation And operating means for operating the selected medical image diagnostic apparatus using the specific operating means selected by the selecting means and the common operating means.

  (2) The apparatus selecting means confirms whether the ID information of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to be selected exists on the information communication network means, and opens a TCP port for the ID information confirmed by the means. And means for requesting the ID information from a medical image diagnostic apparatus connected via the TCP and confirming the presence of the ID information.

  (3) The specific operation means is a preprocessing means until image reconstruction data is generated, and the common operation means is an image that performs image formation and analysis from the image reconstruction data obtained by the preprocessing means. Communication through the formation analysis means, the display control means for controlling the display of the image formed by the image formation analysis means and the analysis result on the display means, the image archive means for storing the processing result, and the information communication network means Image network communication means to be performed.

  As described above, the different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses include specific operation means for performing operation processes specific to different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and common operation means for performing operation processes common to the different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses. A common operating device for operating the medical device, connecting the common operating device and the heterogeneous medical image diagnostic apparatus to an information communication network means, and using the medical image diagnostic apparatus used by the device selecting means from the heterogeneous medical image diagnostic apparatus Since an apparatus is selected and the selected medical image diagnostic apparatus is operated by the common operation apparatus, different medical image diagnosis apparatuses can be operated by a single operation apparatus, and the common operation apparatus is provided by the network. For example, the operation can be performed from any imaging room in which the medical image diagnostic apparatus is installed or any operation room in which the medical image diagnostic apparatus is operated. Create resistance is improved and also becomes simple system configuration.

  In addition, the operator has been conventionally required to be able to operate each dedicated operation device of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses. However, in the present invention, it is only necessary to operate one common operation device. Is alleviated.

Further, since different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses can be operated with a common operating device, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, it has a modular structure that can divide only the cylinder place related to the operation in the operating device. It is not necessary to configure the operating device by connecting the device to another medical image diagnostic apparatus. Therefore, the apparatus is simplified and the labor for changing the connection is not required.
Furthermore, since it is not necessary for each medical image diagnostic apparatus to have software common to different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses, the combined medical image diagnostic apparatus can have a system configuration with little waste.
Furthermore, since images captured by different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses can be displayed simultaneously on the display screen of the common operation apparatus or displayed by switching the images, the images captured by different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses are captured. This also contributes to the improvement of the diagnostic ability of comprehensive diagnosis by comparing images.
In this case, diagnosis can be performed at any location where the network means is provided.

(4) Further, the treatment apparatus is connected to the information communication network means, and the shared operation apparatus is provided with operation means for the treatment apparatus.
In this way, by connecting the treatment apparatus to the network means, a medical image diagnosis apparatus for acquiring an image necessary for treatment is selected from the different types of medical image diagnosis apparatuses, and the selected medical image diagnosis apparatus Treatment can be performed by operating means of the treatment device provided in the shared operation device with reference to the captured image.

(5) One medical image diagnostic apparatus and one therapeutic apparatus, an imaging operation unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, a therapeutic operation unit of the therapeutic apparatus, and an image captured by the medical image diagnostic apparatus are reference images of the therapeutic apparatus A shared operation device that operates the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the treatment apparatus, each of which includes a reference image operation means that operates as information, and information that transmits and receives information between the medical image diagnosis apparatus and the treatment apparatus and the shared operation apparatus Communication network means.
Thereby, the treatment apparatus provided with the medical image diagnostic apparatus which refers to the image imaged with the medical image diagnostic apparatus and treats with the therapeutic apparatus can be configured.

  According to the present invention, the common operation unit that performs the operation process unique to each of the different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and the common operation unit that performs the common operation process are used as the common operation apparatus for operating the different types of medical image diagnosis apparatuses. The common operation device and the different types of medical image diagnosis devices are connected to the information communication network means, and the device selection means selects a medical image diagnosis device to be used from among the different types of medical image diagnosis devices, and this selection Since the medical image diagnostic apparatus is operated by the common operation apparatus, different medical image diagnosis apparatuses can be operated by a single operation apparatus, and the common operation apparatus can be operated from any place where a network is provided. Operation becomes possible and operability is improved. Further, medical image diagnosis for acquiring an image necessary for treatment from among the different types of medical image diagnosis apparatuses by connecting a treatment apparatus to the information communication network means and providing the common operation apparatus with operation means of the treatment apparatus A device can be selected, and treatment can be performed with reference to an image captured by the selected medical image diagnostic device.

  As described above, a composite medical diagnostic apparatus suitable for performing image diagnosis and / or treatment by the plurality of modalities by operating a plurality of different types of measurement and / or treatment modalities with a single common operation apparatus, or medical image diagnosis A treatment device comprising the device can be provided.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a composite medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention in which two different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses are operated by one common operation console (common operation apparatus).
The composite medical image diagnostic apparatus of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes two different types of measurement modalities 1 of an MRI apparatus 1a and an X-ray CT apparatus 1b, and a single operation console 2 common to these modalities, An information communication network 3 that connects the multiple measurement modalities 1 and the operation console 2 is configured.

  The different modalities 1 include an imaging operation process for inputting an operation menu to perform an imaging operation, an image data collection process for detecting and collecting image data by performing an imaging operation in the imaging operation process, Reconstruction data generation processing for generating reconstruction data by performing correction processing, etc., and image formation analysis processing for performing analysis of blood flow and the like by using the processed reconstruction data to form a three-dimensional or two-dimensional image, Image display control processing for performing control for displaying the image formed and / or analyzed by the image formation analysis processing on the image display device, image archiving processing for recording these processed images, and communication with external devices And an image network communication processing function for performing the diagnosis, and taking the configuration for displaying an image according to the purpose of diagnosis on the image display device.

  Among the various processes, the pre-processing up to the imaging operation process, the image data collection process, and the reconstruction data generation process is a process specific to each modality. In contrast, the image formation analysis process, the image display control process, and the image archive The process and the post-process of the image network communication process are processes common to the modalities.

  Therefore, the composite medical image diagnostic system of the present invention divides pre-processing specific to each modality and post-processing common to all modalities, and includes processing functions related to imaging operations and functions of the post-processing in the pre-processing. Are provided in a common operation console 2 and each modality has a processing function related to scanner control which is image data collection processing and reconstruction data generation processing as pre-processing, and the operation console 2 operates a plurality of different types of measurement modalities. To do.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the software provided in the operation console 2.
The software of the operation console 2 includes software 2a specific to each modality, software 2b common to all modalities, and console framework software 2c. The software 2a for performing the operation specific to the modality is an MRI apparatus 1a. The MRI control software 2a1 for performing the operation and the X-ray CT control software 2a2 for operating the X-ray CT apparatus 1b. The software 2b for executing processing common to the modalities includes the image formation analysis software 2b1 and the image display control. Software 2b2, image archive software 2b3, and image network communication software 2b4 are included.

FIG. 3 shows a hardware configuration for executing the operation console 2 software.
In FIG. 3, the operation console 2 includes a main CPU (central control) that controls software 2a that executes operations specific to each modality and software 2b that executes processing common to all modalities using the software shown in FIG. (Processing device) 3a, main memory 3b composed of ROM and RAM, hard disk 3c for storing the programs of software 2a and 2b and data necessary for execution of these software, and graphic for selecting the operation menu of the software A card 3d, a keyboard 3e and a mouse 3f, which are external input devices for inputting information necessary for operation according to the operation menu selected on the graphic card 3d, and an input information controller for controlling input information input from these external input devices 3g, input from the operation menu selected with the graphic card 3d and external input device In order to connect the operation console 2 to the network 3, a liquid crystal display 3h that is a display device that displays the input information and the formed and analyzed image, a removable medium 3i that stores the formed and analyzed image, and the like Interface 3j and a control bus 3k for exchanging data or exchanging control signals between the elements.

  The measurement modality to be used in the operation console 2 configured as described above is selected, the selected modality is connected to the network 3, and the selected modality is operated in the operation console 2. Here, the measurement modality is selected. An example of selecting and operating the MRI apparatus 1a will be described.

  First, before describing the operation of the MRI apparatus 1a selected using the operation console 2, pre-processing and post-processing of the MRI apparatus 1a will be described.

  The MRI apparatus uses the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) phenomenon to measure the nuclear spin density distribution, relaxation time distribution, etc. at the desired examination site in the subject, and from the measured values, the arbitrary cross section of the subject is measured. As shown in FIG. 4, a static magnetic field magnet 402 that generates a uniform static magnetic field around the subject 401 and a gradient magnetic field coil that applies a gradient magnetic field to the subject 401, as shown in FIG. 403, a gradient magnetic field power supply 404 for supplying a gradient magnetic field current to the gradient magnetic field coil 403, and a high frequency magnetic field for causing an NMR phenomenon in an atomic nucleus constituting an ecological tissue of the subject 401. An RF irradiation coil 405 repeatedly generated in a pulse sequence, a transmission unit 406 that transmits a high-frequency pulse for generating the high-frequency magnetic field in the RF irradiation coil 405, and an RF probe that detects an echo signal emitted by the NMR phenomenon 407 and signal The output unit 408 and the echo signal detected by the signal detection unit 408 are processed to generate reconstructed image data. Using the reconstructed image data, formation of an image such as a three-dimensional image or a two-dimensional image and blood flow An image processing unit 409 that performs analysis processing such as analysis, a display unit 410 that performs display control on the image formation and analysis data processed by the image processing unit 409, and displays the desired image and analysis results; A bed 411 on which the person 401 can be placed and moved in the body axis direction of the subject, a bed control unit 412 for controlling the movement of the bed 411, an imaging sequence, parameters necessary for imaging, an imaging section, etc. And a control unit 413 that controls the entire system based on the set operation signal.

  In the MRI apparatus configured as described above, in the present invention, the reconstructed image data processed by the image processing unit 409 is used to form a three-dimensional image, a two-dimensional image, a blood flow image, and various types of analysis. Analysis processing, display control processing for displaying the image formed by the image formation analysis processing and the analysis result on the display means, image archiving processing for storing the processing result, and communication processing with an external device via the network The post-processing of the image network communication processing for performing is not specific to the MRI apparatus, but is common to other medical image diagnostic apparatuses, and the other processes are pre-processing specific to the MRI apparatus.

  Therefore, the MRI control software-specific pre-processing software is MRI control software 2a1, software for image formation analysis processing (image formation analysis software 2b1), which is post-processing common to other modalities, and image display control processing. The operation console includes software (image display control software 2b2) to be performed, software to perform image archive processing (image archive software 2b3), and image network communication software 2b4 to perform communication processing with an external device via a network. The pre-processing hardware, that is, the scanner of the MRI apparatus is configured as shown in FIG. 4, and the pre-processing operation processing and post-processing of the MRI apparatus are performed using the operation console hardware shown in FIG. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the MRI control software 2a1 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) component 2a11, an MRI imaging parameter calculation component 2a12, and an MRI imaging control component 2a13, and software control 2c1 as console framework software 2c And a database 2c1.

  The graphical user interface (GUI) component 2a11 is a component that controls the positioning control screen of the imaging section, the screen drawing control of the imaging parameter input screen, and the event input from the GUI, and the MRI imaging parameter calculation component 2a12 is the MRI imaging parameter A component having logical calculation logic such as an imaging position confirmation and an imaging position, and an MRI imaging component 2a13 transmit an MRI imaging parameter to an MRI scanner and acquire image data captured with the imaging parameter, and Components that are updated and stored in the database 2c2, which are controlled by the software control 2c1.

It is confirmed that the MRI apparatus 1a is connected to the network 3 with the software configured as described above, and the MRI apparatus 1a is operated with the operation console 2.
FIG. 6 is a processing flow for monitoring whether the MRI apparatus 1a is connected to the network 3 with this software.

First, the MRI apparatus 1a includes software that opens a TCP port designated when the apparatus is activated and returns a unique apparatus ID as the MR apparatus 1a.
(1) The console frame software 2c in FIG. 2 is a measurement modality that may be connected to the network 3, that is, in this embodiment, the IP address, port number, device ID, and software module file that controls the device of the MRI apparatus 1a. The name list is read from the setting file stored in the hard disk 3c (step S601).
(2) It is checked whether the IP address and port number described in the read list exist on the network 3 (step S602).
If the IP address and port number exist on the network 3, the process proceeds to step 603. If not, the process proceeds to step S608 and waits for 10 seconds, for example.
(3) If the IP address and port number exist on the network 3, open a TCP port for the IP address and port number used by the modality (MRI apparatus 1a in this example) connected to the network 3 ( Step S603).
(4) The modality (MRI apparatus 1a) connected via the TCP is requested for the ID of the modality (MRI apparatus 1a) (step S604).
(5) It is checked whether the ID of the modality (MRI apparatus 1a) acquired via the TCP exists on the list (step S605). If the ID of the modality (MRI apparatus 1a) exists on the list, the process proceeds to step S606. If not, the process proceeds to step S608 and waits for 10 seconds.
(6) When the ID of the modality (MRI apparatus 1a) exists on the list, the software module that matches the acquired ID of the modality (MRI apparatus 1a) is loaded from the hard disk 3c to the main memory 3b (step S606).
(7) The software module checks whether the loading to the main memory 3b is completed. If the loading is completed, the operation console preparation process ends.

  In this way, the operation console 2 and the MRI apparatus 1a are connected to the network 3, and the operation console 2 can operate the MRI apparatus 1a.

Next, an operation of operating the MRI apparatus 1a with the operation console 2 connected to the network 3 to acquire an image will be described.
First, from the operation menu displayed on the liquid crystal display 3h, MRI control software 2a1 for controlling the MRI apparatus 1a is loaded from the hard disk 3c to the main memory 3b as a modality used by the external input device (keyboard 3e, mouse 3f). .
This MRI control software 2a1 is provided with the imaging control software of FIG. 5, and the MRI imaging control component 2a13 sets operation information necessary for imaging such as parameters necessary for imaging, imaging cross-section and imaging sequence, and these The validity of the imaging parameter is confirmed by the imaging parameter calculation component 2a12 and the logical calculation of the imaging position is performed on the setting input information, and these results are sent to the scanner of the MRI apparatus 1a via the network 3.
Then, additional information such as patient information is added to the reconstructed data acquired by imaging with this scanner, and this is stored in the hard disk 3c for preprocessing.

Image formation analysis software as image processing analysis processing, image display control processing, image archiving processing, and image network communication processing as post-processing that is processed using the reconstruction data acquired in the pre-processing is software corresponding to each of the above. 2b1, image display control software 2b2, image archive software 2b3, image network communication software 2b4, the GUI component software 2a11 and the reconfiguration data acquired in the preprocessing are loaded from the hard disk 3c to the main memory 3b, 3D image, 2D image formation and blood flow analysis result etc. are displayed on the liquid crystal display 3h by the software, and the formed image data and analysis data are stored in the removable media 3i or transmitted to an external device as necessary To do.

FIG. 7 is a display example of the liquid crystal display 3h when the MR control software 2b is loaded into the main memory 3b.
In this embodiment, the image formation analysis software 2b1, the image display control software 2b2, the image archive software 2b3, the image network communication software 2b4, and the MRI control software 2a1 have respective windows, and the operator switches between the windows.
Each software process is executed as a parallel process using the parallel processing function of the OS.

  As described above, when using the MRI apparatus 1a, the MRI apparatus 1a on the network 3 is identified, the MRI apparatus 1a is selected, and the MRI control software 2a1 that performs imaging operation control of the selected MRI apparatus 1a is operated in common. The common operation console 2 is loaded into the main memory 3b of the console 2 and used as the console of the MRI apparatus 1a.

  On the other hand, in the case of the X-ray CT apparatus 1b, an X-ray signal transmitted from the X-ray tube to the subject and transmitted through the subject is detected by an X-ray detector, and the detected X-ray signal is converted into the detected X-ray signal. The various processes, such as sensitivity correction and LOG conversion, that are performed until the reconstructed image data is generated using the corrected data are pre-processes specific to the X-ray CT apparatus 1b. Image formation analysis that processes imaging operation control including X-ray CT control software 2a2 and uses the reconstructed image data obtained by the pre-processing to form 3D images, 2D images, blood flow images, and various analyzes Processing, display control processing for displaying the image formed in the image formation analysis processing and the analysis result on the display means, image archiving processing for storing the processing result, and communication processing with an external device via the network Post-processing of image network communication processing Is processed using a common software 2b since those common to the MRI apparatus 1a in each modality.

  Similarly to the above, when using the X-ray CT apparatus 1b, the X-ray CT apparatus 1b on the network 3 is identified and selected, and the selected X-ray CT apparatus 1b is imaged. The X-ray CT control software 2a2 for operation control is loaded into the main memory 3b of the common operation console 2, and the common operation console 2 is used as an operation console of the X-ray CT apparatus 1b.

  By adopting the first embodiment described above, a single operation console (common operation console) includes processing unique to each modality of the MRI apparatus and X-ray CT apparatus and processing common to both modalities. Since the operation console and two different types of measurement modalities are connected to the network, the modality used by the common operation console connected to the network is selected and the modality is operated by the common operation console. By operating the MRI apparatus and the X-ray CT apparatus with the operation console and connecting the common operation console to any location where the network is deployed, for example, any imaging room in which the modality is installed or their The system can be operated from any operating room that operates the modality, improving operability and system Formed also becomes simple. In addition, the operator is conventionally required to be able to operate with both the operation console of the dedicated operation console of the MRI apparatus and the dedicated operation console of the X-ray CT apparatus, but in this embodiment, only one common operation console can be operated. Since it is good, the burden on the operator is reduced.

In addition, since different types of measurement modalities can be operated with a common operation console, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, only a cylinder place related to operation in the operation console can be divided into a modular structure. Therefore, it is not necessary to configure the operation console by connecting to the above modality, thereby simplifying the apparatus and eliminating the need to change the connection.
Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide software common to each modality for each modality, the composite medical image diagnostic apparatus can have a system configuration with little waste.

Furthermore, since images taken with different modalities can be displayed simultaneously on the display screen (liquid crystal display) of the common operation console, or the images can be switched and displayed, the images taken with different modalities are compared. It will also contribute to the improvement of the diagnostic ability of all comprehensive diagnosis.
In this case, the diagnosis can be performed at any place where the network is provided.

<< Second Embodiment >>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention in which a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and treatment apparatuses are operated with one common operation console.
The second embodiment shown in FIG. 2 diagnoses with a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses, and treats with a therapeutic apparatus based on the diagnosis results. The MRI apparatus 1a, the X-ray CT apparatus 1b, and the X-ray A plurality of different measurement and treatment modalities 1 ′ of the fluoroscopic imaging apparatus 1c, PET apparatus (positron emission tomography) 1d and proton therapy apparatus 1e, one operation console 2 ′ common to these modalities 1 ′, and the plurality The network 3 is configured to connect the modality 1 ′ and the operation console 2 ′.

  The medical image diagnostic apparatus of the different modalities 1 ′ includes an imaging operation process for inputting an operation menu to perform an imaging operation, an image data collecting process for detecting and collecting image data by performing an imaging operation in the imaging operation process, Reconstruction data generation processing that performs various correction processes on the collected data to generate reconstruction data, 3D and 2D image formation and blood flow analysis using the processed reconstruction data Image formation analysis processing to be performed, image display control processing to perform control for displaying an image formed and / or analyzed by the image formation analysis processing on the image display device, and image archiving processing to record these processed images And an image network communication processing function for communicating with an external device, and in the same manner as in the first embodiment, among the various types of processing, the imaging operation processing is performed. The pre-processing up to the image data collection processing and reconstruction data generation processing is processing specific to each modality, and on the other hand, post-processing of image formation analysis processing, image display control processing, image archiving processing, and image network communication processing Is a process common to each modality.

  Therefore, also in the second embodiment of the present invention, as in the first embodiment, a pre-process specific to each modality of a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and a post-process common to all modalities are classified, In addition to the divided pre-processing and post-processing, a function for operating and controlling the proton therapy device 1e is added to the common operation console 2 ', and each modality has a function related to the scanner control of the pre-processing. The console 2 'operates a plurality of different modalities.

FIG. 9 shows a block diagram of the software provided in the common operation console 2 ′.
This operation console 2 'software includes software 2a' specific to each modality, software 2b common to all modalities of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, and console framework software 2c for performing operations specific to the modality. The software 2a ′ includes an MRI control software 2a1 for operating the MRI apparatus 1a, an X-ray CT control software 2a2 for operating the X-ray CT apparatus 1b, and an X-ray fluoroscopic control software 2a3 and a PET apparatus for operating the X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus 1c. The software 2b, which comprises the PET control software 2a4 for operating 1d and the proton therapy control software 2a5 for operating the proton therapy device 1e, and executes the processing common to the modality, is shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment. Similarly, image formation analysis software 2b1, image display control software 2b2, image archive software 2b3, and image network The communication software 2b4 and the hardware for executing these software are the same as in FIG.

  Select the modality to be used in the operation console 2 ′ configured as described above, connect the selected modality to the network 3, and select the modality in the operation console 2 ′, that is, the combined medical image diagnostic apparatus and Treatment of a subject by operating a treatment apparatus using a common operation console 2 ′ and performing an overall diagnosis combining medical images taken by the composite medical image diagnostic apparatus or an image diagnosed by a single medical image diagnostic apparatus A site is positioned, and the treatment site is treated by irradiating the positioned site with a proton beam by a proton beam therapy apparatus.

  In the second embodiment, in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, the treatment apparatus is also operated by the common operation console, so that operability from diagnosis to treatment is improved and medical image diagnosis is performed. It is possible to arbitrarily combine the device and the treatment device, and this makes it possible to flexibly construct a consistent system from diagnosis to treatment.

<< Third Embodiment >>
The first embodiment is an example in which a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses are operated with a common operation console, and the second embodiment is an example in which a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and a treatment apparatus are operated with a common operation console. However, there is also a system that includes one medical image diagnostic apparatus and one therapeutic apparatus, captures an image necessary for treatment with the medical image diagnostic apparatus, and treats with the therapeutic apparatus with reference to the captured image. Can be configured.
FIG. 10 shows an example of such a system configuration in which an X-ray CT apparatus 1b is used as a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a proton beam therapy apparatus 1e is used as a treatment apparatus. The X-ray CT apparatus 1b and the proton beam therapy apparatus 1e And a shared operation console 2 ″ for operating them are connected to the network 3, and the treatment site of the subject is positioned with reference to the image captured by the X-ray CT apparatus 1b, and the proton is placed at the positioned site. The treatment site is treated by irradiating a proton beam with the radiation therapy apparatus 1e.

  Although the three embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. “A composite medical diagnostic apparatus that operates two or more different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses using a single operation console, that is, a common operation console. The common imaging processing (pre-processing) specific to each modality and processing common to all modalities (post-processing) such as forming an image from image data obtained by the pre-processing In preparation for the operation console, the common operation console and a plurality of different modalities are connected to a network, and the modality used by the common operation console connected to the network is selected, and the modality is operated by the common operation console. Alternatively, a treatment device is connected to the network, and a treatment operation control unit of the treatment device is connected to the common operation controller. Various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, “in preparation for a console, referring to an image taken by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and treating with the treatment apparatus”.

  For example, although not shown in the figure, a medical treatment plan is made using an image diagnosis performed by a combination of an MRI apparatus and an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging apparatus, and an image captured by an X-ray CT apparatus. The effects described above can be obtained by operating various types of diagnostic imaging systems and diagnostic and therapeutic systems with a single operation console (common operation console), such as treatment by irradiating radiation. it can.

The figure which shows 1st Embodiment of the composite medical image diagnostic apparatus by this invention which operates two different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses with one common operation console. The block diagram of the software provided for the common operation console. The figure which shows the hardware structure of a common operation console. The figure which shows the structure of an MRI apparatus. The block diagram of the configuration of MRI control software. The processing flow figure which monitors whether the MRI apparatus was connected to the network. Example of liquid crystal display when MR control software is loaded into main memory. The figure which shows the 2nd Embodiment of this invention which operates several different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and treatment apparatuses with one common operation console. FIG. 10 is a configuration block diagram of software included in a common operation console according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows the 3rd Embodiment of this invention which operates one medical image diagnostic apparatus and one treatment apparatus with one common operation console.

Explanation of symbols

1 heterogeneous measurement modality, 1 'heterogeneous measurement and treatment modality, 1a MRI apparatus, 1b X-ray CT apparatus, 1c X-ray fluoroscopy apparatus, 1d PET apparatus, 1e proton therapy apparatus, 2, 2', 2 "common Operation console, 2a measurement modality specific software, 2a 'measurement and treatment modality specific software, 2a1 MRI control software, 2a2 X-ray CT control software, 2a3 X-ray fluoroscopy control software, 2a4 PET control software, 2a5 proton therapy control Software, 2a11 graphical user interface component, 2a12 MRI
Imaging parameter calculation component, 2a13 MRI imaging control component, 2b Software common to all measurement modalities, 2b1 Image formation analysis software, 2b2 Image display control software, 2b3 Image archive software, 2b 4 Image network communication software, 2c Console framework software, 2c1 Software control, 2c2 database, 3 information communication network, 3a main CPU (central processing unit), 3b main memory, 3c hard disk, 3d graphics card, 3e keyboard, 3f mouse, 3g input information controller, 3h LCD display, 3i removable media , 3j interface, 3k control bus

Claims (5)

  A composite medical image diagnostic apparatus including a shared operation device that operates by sharing a plurality of different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses, and transmits and receives information between the different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses and the shared operation apparatus A communication network means; and a device selection means for selecting a medical image diagnostic apparatus to be used from among the different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses, and the shared operation device is unique to each of the different types of medical image diagnostic apparatuses. A specific operation means that is an operation, a common operation means that is a common operation, a specific operation selection means that selects the specific operation means corresponding to the medical image diagnostic apparatus selected by the apparatus selection means, and the specific operation selection means. A composite medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: an operating means for operating the selected medical image diagnostic apparatus using the selected specific operating means and the common operating means.   The apparatus selecting means confirms whether the ID information of the medical image diagnostic apparatus to be selected exists on the information communication network means, and opens the TCP port for the ID information confirmed by the means And a means for requesting the ID information from a medical image diagnostic apparatus connected via the TCP and confirming the presence of the ID information.   The specific operation means is pre-processing means for generating image reconstruction data, and the common operation means is image formation analysis means for performing image formation and analysis from the image reconstruction data obtained by the pre-processing means. An image network that communicates via the display control means for controlling the display of the image formed by the image formation analysis means and the analysis result on the display means, the image archive means for storing the processing result, and the information communication network means The composite medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the composite medical image diagnostic apparatus is a communication unit.   4. The composite medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a treatment device connected to the information communication network means and the shared operation device including operation means of the treatment device.   One medical image diagnostic apparatus and one therapeutic apparatus, an imaging operation unit of the medical image diagnostic apparatus, a therapeutic operation unit of the therapeutic apparatus, and an image captured by the medical image diagnostic apparatus are operated as a reference image of the therapeutic apparatus A shared operation device for operating the medical image diagnostic apparatus and the treatment apparatus provided with a reference image operation means, and an information communication network means for transmitting and receiving information between the medical image diagnosis apparatus and the treatment apparatus and the shared operation apparatus A treatment apparatus comprising a medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising:

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