JP2008259543A - Diagnostic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve an imaging efficiency for capturing an image of a subject by allowing an operator to efficiently execute an input operation. <P>SOLUTION: A voice output section 322 outputs voice to provide an operator with input guide information for guiding input items in which the operator inputs operation data in a plurality of input items. A storage section 34 stores an input sequence for inputting the operation data in the plurality of input items and the voice output section 322 sequentially provides the input guide information so as to correspond to the input sequence stored by the storage section 34. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image diagnostic apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an image diagnostic apparatus that captures an image of a subject by operating data input to a plurality of input items by an operator and operating based on the input operation data.

  An image diagnostic apparatus such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus images a slice surface of a subject and generates a slice image. Such an image diagnostic apparatus is used in various fields such as medical use and industrial use.

  For example, when imaging a slice image using a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, first, the subject is accommodated in a space where a static magnetic field is formed, and the direction of spin of protons in the subject that is a living body Are aligned in the direction of the static magnetic field to obtain a magnetization vector. Thereafter, an RF pulse, which is an electromagnetic wave having a resonance frequency, is transmitted from the RF coil to the subject, thereby causing a nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon to change the proton magnetization vector of the subject. The magnetic resonance signal generated when the magnetization vector returns to the original magnetization vector is received, and a slice image is generated based on the received magnetic resonance signal. Then, this slice image is displayed, and the displayed slice image is observed to perform diagnosis.

  This diagnostic imaging apparatus is operated by an operating device. For example, the operation device is a graphical interface, and displays a plurality of input items on which operation data is input by an operator on a display screen. Then, by using an input device such as a keyboard or a pointing device, the operator sequentially inputs operation data according to a plurality of input items displayed on the display screen. Thereafter, the diagnostic imaging apparatus is operated based on the input operation data (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-2448096 A

  However, in such an operation device, a plurality of input items are displayed on the display screen, and an operator may input operation data to the plurality of input items in order, so that the input operation may take a long time. . For example, when the operator is not accustomed to the input operation, the input operation takes time, so that the imaging efficiency for imaging the subject may be reduced. In particular, in the case of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus or the like, since there are many input items and the input operation is more complicated, the above problem may occur remarkably.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image diagnostic apparatus capable of improving operability and improving imaging efficiency.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image diagnostic apparatus of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images a subject, and an operation unit that operates the operation of the imaging unit when operation data is input to a plurality of input items by an operator. The operation unit includes an audio output unit that outputs an audio, and the audio output unit guides an input item for an operator to input the operation data in the plurality of input items. The input guide information is provided to the operator by outputting by voice.

  Preferably, the plurality of input items includes a storage unit that stores an input order in which the operation data is input, and the audio output unit corresponds to the input order stored in the storage unit. The input guide information is sequentially provided.

  Preferably, the voice output unit provides the operator with information indicating that one input item to be input with the plurality of input items is input to the operator as the input guide information in the input order stored from the storage unit. provide.

  Preferably, after the operation data corresponding to the one input item is input in the plurality of input items, the voice output unit is configured to succeed the one input item in the input order stored in the storage unit. Information to input the operation data into other input items is provided to the operator as the input guide information.

  Preferably, the operation unit includes a setting unit that sets setting data so as to correspond to a setting item based on operation data input to the input item, and the setting unit includes the plurality of input items. After the operation data is input to the one input item, when the operation data input to the one input item is changed, based on the operation data changed in the one input item, The setting data set so as to correspond to the setting item is changed, and when the setting data is changed by the setting unit, the audio output unit changes the setting change information indicating that the setting data is changed, Provide to the operator by voice.

  Preferably, the operation unit includes a voice recognition unit that generates voice recognition data by recognizing voice, and the voice recognition unit uses the operation data as the input item based on the voice recognition data. Enter.

  Preferably, the imaging unit collects raw data by performing scanning on the subject, and image generation for generating an image of the subject based on the raw data collected by the scanning unit Part.

  Preferably, the scan unit performs the scan so as to collect magnetic resonance signals from the subject in the static magnetic field space as the raw data, and the image generation unit performs the scan by the scan unit. The image of the subject is generated based on the magnetic resonance signal collected by doing so.

  Preferably, the operation unit uses a scan parameter of the scan executed by the scan unit as the input item, and the operation data is input so as to correspond to the scan parameter.

  Preferably, the operation unit uses the subject information of the subject to be scanned by the scan unit as the input item, and the operation data is input so as to correspond to the subject information. The

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image diagnostic apparatus that can improve operability and improve imaging efficiency.

<Embodiment 1>
(Device configuration)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 includes a scanning unit 2 and an operation console unit 3.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the scanning unit 2 includes a static magnetic field magnet unit 12, a gradient coil unit 13, an RF coil unit 14, a subject moving unit 15, an RF drive unit 22, and a gradient drive unit. 23 and a data collection unit 24. As shown in FIG. 1, the operation console unit 3 includes a control unit 30, an image reconstruction unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, and a storage unit 34.

  The scanning unit 2 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the scanning unit 2 is formed with a static magnetic field, and an imaging space B in which an imaging region to be imaged in the subject SU is accommodated. Then, based on the control signal from the operation console unit 3, the scanning unit 2 irradiates the imaging region of the subject SU accommodated in the imaging space B where the static magnetic field is formed, and is generated from the imaging region. A scan is performed on the subject SU by collecting magnetic resonance signals. In this way, the scanning unit 2 collects magnetic resonance signals as raw data by scanning the subject.

  Each component of the scanning unit 2 will be described sequentially.

  The static magnetic field magnet unit 12 is, for example, a horizontal magnetic field type, and is a superconducting magnet so as to be along the body axis direction (z direction) of the subject SU placed in the imaging space B in which the subject SU is accommodated. (Not shown) forms a static magnetic field. The static magnetic field magnet unit 12 may be a vertical magnetic field type in addition to a horizontal magnetic field type, and may form a static magnetic field along a direction in which a pair of permanent magnets face each other.

  The gradient coil unit 13 forms a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space B in which a static magnetic field is formed, and adds spatial position information to the magnetic resonance signal received by the RF coil unit 14. Here, the gradient coil unit 13 includes three systems so as to form gradient magnetic fields corresponding to three axial directions orthogonal to each other in the x direction, the y direction, and the z direction. These transmit gradient pulses as a frequency encoding direction, a phase encoding direction, and a slice selection direction based on a control signal from the control unit 30, respectively. Specifically, the gradient coil unit 13 applies a gradient magnetic field in the slice selection direction of the subject SU, and selects a slice of the subject SU to be excited when the RF coil unit 14 transmits an RF pulse. The gradient coil unit 13 applies a gradient magnetic field in the phase encoding direction of the subject SU, and phase encodes the magnetic resonance signal from the slice excited by the RF pulse. The gradient coil unit 13 applies a gradient magnetic field in the frequency encoding direction of the subject SU, and frequency encodes the magnetic resonance signal from the slice excited by the RF pulse.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the RF coil unit 14 is disposed so as to surround the imaging region of the subject SU. The RF coil unit 14 transmits an RF pulse, which is an electromagnetic wave, to the subject SU based on a control signal from the control unit 30 in the imaging space B in which a static magnetic field is formed by the static magnetic field magnet unit 12, thereby generating a high-frequency magnetic field. Form. This excites proton spins in the imaging region of the subject SU. The RF coil unit 14 receives an electromagnetic wave generated when the spin of protons in the imaging region of the excited subject SU returns to the original magnetization vector as a magnetic resonance signal.

  The subject moving unit 15 includes a cradle 15a and a cradle moving unit 15b, and the cradle 15a is moved between the inside and the outside of the imaging space B based on a control signal from the control unit 30. 15b moves. Here, the cradle 15a is a table having a placement surface on which the subject SU is placed. As shown in FIG. 1, the cradle 15a is moved in the horizontal direction xz and the up / down direction y by the cradle moving unit 15b. To the imaging space B where a static magnetic field is formed. The cradle moving unit 15b moves the cradle 15a and accommodates it inside the imaging space B from the outside. The cradle moving unit 15b includes, for example, a roller type driving mechanism, and drives the roller by an actuator to move the cradle unit 15a in the horizontal direction xz. The cradle moving unit 15b includes, for example, an arm-type drive mechanism, and moves the cradle 15a in the vertical direction y by changing the angle between the two intersecting arms.

  The RF drive unit 22 drives the RF coil unit 14 to transmit RF pulses in the imaging space B to form a high-frequency magnetic field. Based on the control signal from the control unit 30, the RF drive unit 22 modulates the signal from the RF oscillator to a signal having a predetermined timing and a predetermined envelope using a gate modulator, and then modulates the signal by the gate modulator. The signal thus amplified is amplified by an RF power amplifier and output to the RF coil unit 14 to transmit an RF pulse.

  The gradient driving unit 23 generates a gradient magnetic field in the imaging space B where a static magnetic field is formed by driving the gradient coil unit 13 based on a control signal from the control unit 30. The gradient drive unit 23 includes three systems of drive circuits (not shown) corresponding to the three systems of gradient coil units 13.

  The data collection unit 24 collects magnetic resonance signals received by the RF coil unit 14 based on the control signal from the control unit 30. Here, in the data collecting unit 24, the phase detector detects the magnetic resonance signal received by the RF coil unit 14 using the output of the RF oscillator of the RF driving unit 22 as a reference signal. Thereafter, the magnetic resonance signal, which is an analog signal, is converted into a digital signal using an A / D converter and output.

  The operation console unit 3 will be described.

  The operation console unit 3 controls the scan unit 2 to scan the subject, generates an image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained by the scan performed by the scan unit 2, and The generated image is displayed.

  Each part which comprises the operation console part 3 is demonstrated sequentially.

  The control unit 30 includes a computer and a memory that stores a program that causes the computer to execute predetermined data processing, and controls each unit. Here, the control unit 30 receives operation data from the operation unit 32, and generates a control signal based on the operation data input from the operation unit 32. For example, the control unit 30 generates a control signal for controlling the scanning unit 2 based on the operation data. Thereafter, the generated control signal is output to the scanning unit 2 to control the scanning unit 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, a control signal is output to each of the RF drive unit 22, the gradient drive unit 23, and the data collection unit 24, and the operation of each unit is controlled so as to correspond to the set scan condition. At the same time, a control signal is output to the image reconstruction unit 31, the display unit 33, and the storage unit 34 to perform control.

  The image reconstruction unit 31 includes a computer and a memory that stores a program that executes predetermined data processing using the computer, and performs image reconstruction processing based on a control signal from the control unit 30. And reconstruct an image of the subject. Here, the image reconstruction processing is performed by performing Fourier transform processing on the magnetic resonance signals collected so as to correspond to the k-space by the scanning unit 2 scanning the imaging region, and this imaging Reconstruct the image of the region. That is, the image reconstruction unit 31 generates an image of the subject using the magnetic resonance signals collected by the scanning unit 2 as raw data. Then, the image reconstruction unit 31 outputs the reconstructed image data to the display unit 33.

  The operation unit 32 operates the operation of each unit when operation data is input to a plurality of input items by the operator. Here, the operation unit 32 is a so-called graphical user interface, displays an image indicating an input item on the display unit 33, and operation data is input by an operator who observes the displayed image. Then, the operation is operated by outputting the operation data to the control unit 30. Specifically, the operation unit 32 uses scan parameters of the scan performed by the scan unit 2 as input items, and operation data is input so as to correspond to the scan parameters. The operation unit 32 uses the subject information of the subject to be scanned by the scanning unit 2 as an input item, and operation data is input so as to correspond to the subject information.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 32 in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation unit 32 includes an operation data input unit 321, an audio output unit 322, and a setting unit 323.

  In the operation data input unit 321, operation data is input to a plurality of input items by an operator. For example, the operation data input unit 321 includes an operation device such as a keyboard or a pointing device, and an operator inputs operation data to a plurality of input items using the operation device. Specifically, for example, a pair of an image indicating an input item and an image indicating a dialog box into which operation data is input are displayed side by side on the display screen of the display unit 33. The display screen Operation data is input to a dialog box on the display screen by the operator who observes the above. Then, the input operation data is output to the control unit 30. For example, in the operation data input unit 321, the scan parameter of the scan performed by the scan unit 2 is this input item, and operation data corresponding to the scan parameter is input. In the operation data input unit 321, the subject information of the subject to be scanned by the scan unit 2 is an input item, and operation data corresponding to the subject information is input.

  The audio output unit 322 is configured to include a speaker and outputs audio. As will be described in detail later, when the operation data is input by the operator, the audio output unit 322 outputs the input guide information for guiding the input items for the operator to input the operation data in a plurality of input items. To provide to the operator. Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the storage unit 34 stores input order data in which operation data is input in a plurality of input items, and the audio output unit 322 is stored in the storage unit 34. The input guide information is sequentially provided so as to correspond to the stored input order. Here, the audio output unit 322 provides information to the operator as input guide information that indicates that the input order stored in the storage unit 34 is input to one input item to be input using a plurality of input items. Then, after the operation data corresponding to one input item is input in the plurality of input items, the voice output unit 322 outputs the operation data next to the one input item in the input order stored in the storage unit 34. Information to input to other input items to be input is provided to the operator as input guide information.

  The setting unit 323 includes a computer and a memory that stores a program that executes predetermined data processing using the computer, and corresponds to the setting item based on operation data input to the input item. Set the setting data. In the present embodiment, the setting unit 323 calculates and sets setting data corresponding to the scan time for setting items such as the scan time based on the operation data input to the input item.

  The display unit 33 is configured by a display device such as a CRT, and displays an image on the display screen based on a control signal from the control unit 30. The display unit 33 receives the image data of the imaging area reconstructed by the image reconstruction unit 31 and displays the image on the display screen. Further, the display unit 33 displays a plurality of images indicating input items for which operation data is input to the operation unit 32 by the operator and images indicating a dialog box for inputting the operation data side by side on the display screen. Specifically, the display unit 33 is a dialog box in which scan parameters such as the number of slices, number of echoes, echo time, repetition time, and bandwidth, and subject information such as a subject's name and weight are input. A button for inputting an instruction to move the cradle, an instruction to start scanning, and the like are displayed, and each input item is displayed on the display screen as character information so as to correspond thereto.

  The storage unit 34 is configured by a storage device such as a memory, and stores various data. The storage unit 34 is accessed by the control unit 30 as necessary for the stored data. In the present embodiment, the storage unit 34 stores data of an input order in which operation data is input in a plurality of input items, and is accessed by the operation unit 32, and the input order data is stored in the operation unit 32. Output. For example, the storage unit 34 sequentially inputs object information such as the name and weight of the object, and scan parameters such as the number of slices, the number of echoes, the echo time, the repetition time, and the bandwidth, and then moves the cradle. Input order data is stored in advance so as to input an instruction to start scanning. In addition, after the execution of the scan is completed, the data of the input order is stored in advance so as to indicate that the scan is completed. In addition to this, for example, data of this input procedure may be stored so as to include an input procedure such as selection of a scan sequence and selection of an option.

(Operation)
Hereinafter, an operation for imaging a subject using the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation when imaging a subject in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of input items to which operation data is input are displayed (ST11).

  Here, the display unit 33 displays an image showing a plurality of input items whose operation data is input to the operation unit 32 by the operator on the display screen.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an image of input items displayed on the display screen by the display unit 33 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the display unit 33 displays the subject information such as the subject's name and the subject's body weight as input items on the display screen using the character information. For example, input items such as the number of slices (# of slice), the number of echoes (# of TE per Scan), the echo time (TE), the repetition time (TR), the scan parameter of the bandwidth (BW), etc. The display unit 33 displays on the display screen. Along with this, a dialog box for inputting operation data corresponding to the input items such as the subject information and the scan parameters is displayed on the display screen so as to be arranged corresponding to the character information of each input item. Then, a setting item such as a scan time (Scan Time) calculated based on operation data input to an input item such as a scan parameter is displayed as character information. Further, input items for inputting a cradle movement (Cradle In) instruction and a scan start (Scan) instruction are displayed on the display screen by the character information, and a button image for inputting this instruction is displayed. Is displayed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, information on scan parameters to be input is provided by voice (ST21).

  Here, in a plurality of input items displayed on the display screen by the display unit 33, the input guide information for guiding the input items for the operator to input the operation data so as to correspond to the input order stored in the storage unit 34. Is output by voice by the voice output unit 322.

  For example, a subject's name (name), subject's weight (weight), number of slices (# of slice), number of echoes (# of TE per Scan), echo time (TE), repetition time (TR), bandwidth In the case where the storage unit 34 stores an input order for sequentially inputting scan parameters such as (BW), first of all, among the plurality of scan parameters shown in FIG. The voice output unit 322 outputs the input guide information to be input by voice. Specifically, in order to provide the operator with the fact that the name (name) of the subject is to be input as operation data, for example, input guide information such as the phrase “Please enter your name.” Is output by voice.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, operation data corresponding to the scan parameter is input (S31).

  Here, in the input items indicating the plurality of scan parameters displayed on the display unit 33, the operator outputs the operation data corresponding to the input item for which the voice output unit 322 provided the input guide information by voice, and the operator operates the operation data input unit 321. Input using the keyboard. Then, the operation unit 32 outputs operation data input by the operator to the control unit 30. Thereafter, the control unit 30 outputs the character information corresponding to the input operation data to the display unit 33, and the display unit 33 corresponds to the operation data in the scan parameter dialog box corresponding to the input item. Displays character information to be used.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an image in which the display unit 33 displays character information corresponding to input operation data in the first embodiment according to the present invention.

  For example, when the operator inputs operation data indicating that the name of the subject is “ABCD” using the keyboard of the operation unit 32, as shown in FIG. The display unit 33 displays the character information corresponding to the character information in the dialog box corresponding to the character information.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the presence / absence of a scan parameter for which no operation data is input is confirmed (S41).

  Here, in the scan parameters corresponding to the input order stored in the storage unit 34, the control unit 30 checks whether there is a scan parameter for which no operation data is input. When there is a scan parameter for which no operation data is input, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator inputs operation data corresponding to the scan parameter corresponding to the input order stored in the storage unit 34. The voice output unit 322 outputs the input guide information by voice (S21). Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, operation data is input to the scan parameters (S31).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, after the operation data about the name of the subject is input, for example, according to the input procedure stored in the storage unit 34 as described above, for example, The voice output unit 322 outputs, by voice, input guide information that allows the operator to input operation data corresponding to the weight of the subject. For example, input guide information of a phrase such as “Please input your weight” is output by voice. Then, as described above, operation data is input to the dialog box corresponding to the input item.

  Similarly to the above, an input guide that allows the operator to input operation data corresponding to the number of slices (# of slice), the number of echoes (# of TE per Scan), and the repetition time (TR) bandwidth (BW). Information is sequentially output by voice by the voice output unit 322, and the operation data is sequentially input.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in the input order stored in the storage unit 34, information to input to one input item to be input with a plurality of input items is provided as voice to the operator as input guide information. To do. Then, after the operation data corresponding to the one input item is input in the plurality of input items, the operation data is input next to the one input item in the input order stored in the storage unit 34. Information to input to other input items is provided to the operator by voice as input guide information. Then, operation data is sequentially input for each input item.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image in which the display unit 33 displays character information corresponding to input operation data in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 6, for example, the weight of the subject is “60”, the number of slices (# of slice) is “10”, the number of echoes (# of TE per Scan) is “1”, and the echo time (TE) is When operation data indicating “15”, repetition time (TR) “500”, and bandwidth (BW) “19.5” are sequentially input, the input operation data corresponds to the input operation data. The display unit 33 displays the character information to be displayed as character information in a dialog box of a scan parameter corresponding to the character information.

  Then, based on the operation data input to the input item, the setting unit 323 sets the setting data so as to correspond to the setting item. In the present embodiment, setting data corresponding to a scan time is calculated and set for a setting item such as a scan time based on operation data input to the input item. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the dialog box corresponding to the setting item such as the scan time (Scan Time) corresponds to the scan time calculated based on the operation data input to the input item such as the scan parameter. The setting data to be displayed is displayed as character information. For example, “10:00” is displayed.

  Thereafter, when there is no scan parameter for which operation data is not input in the scan parameters corresponding to the input order stored in the storage unit 34, an instruction to move the cradle is provided by voice as shown in FIG. (S51).

  Here, the control unit 30 determines whether or not operation data has been input to all the object information and scan parameters, thereby specifying that there is no object information and scan parameters for which operation data has not been input. In the present embodiment, as described above, data of a predetermined input procedure is provided so as to present that an instruction to move the cradle 15a is input after all subject information and scan parameters are sequentially input. Is stored in the storage unit 34. For this reason, when the control unit 30 specifies that there is no subject information and scan parameters for which operation data has not been input, the cradle 15a is stored on the basis of the input procedure data stored in the storage unit 34. The voice output unit 322 outputs the input guide information for guiding the operator to input the operation data to be moved by voice. Specifically, the voice output unit 322 outputs the input guide information of a phrase such as “Please move the cradle” by voice.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, an instruction to move the cradle is input (S52).

  Here, the operator clicks the button for moving the cradle 15 a displayed on the display unit 33 using the pointing device of the operation unit 32, so that the cradle 15 a on which the subject is placed is moved to the imaging space B. Enter the operation data to be moved. Thus, the control unit 30 controls the operation of the subject moving unit 15, and the cradle 15a is moved to the imaging space B.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, an instruction to start scanning is provided by voice (S60).

  Here, the control unit 30 determines that the cradle 15a has been moved to the imaging space B. In the present embodiment, as described above, after the cradle 15a is moved to the imaging space B, the data of a predetermined input procedure is stored in the storage unit so as to indicate that an instruction to perform scanning is input. 34 is memorized. Therefore, when the cradle 15a is moved to the imaging space B as described above, the operator inputs the operation data for starting the scan based on the input procedure data stored in the storage unit 34. The voice output unit 322 outputs the input guide information for guiding the voice by voice. Specifically, the voice output unit 322 sequentially outputs the input guide information of a phrase such as “Please start scanning” by voice.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, an instruction to start scanning is input (S61).

  Here, when the operator clicks the scan start button displayed on the display unit 33 by using the pointing device of the operation unit 32, operation data for starting the scan is input.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, scanning is started (S71).

  Here, the control unit 30 sets scan conditions based on the input scan parameters, and the scan unit 2 scans the subject so as to correspond to the set scan conditions. Then, in the imaging space B where the static magnetic field is formed, the magnetic resonance signals of the subject SU are collected as raw data.

  When the scan is completed, the audio output unit 322 outputs information to that effect by voice. For example, input guide information of a word such as “Scanning is completed” is provided to the operator by voice.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3, a slice image is displayed (S81).

  Here, the image reconstruction unit 31 reconstructs a slice image of the subject SU based on the magnetic resonance signal obtained by performing the scan. Then, the image reconstruction unit 31 outputs the reconstructed slice image to the display unit 33, and the display unit 33 displays the slice image on the display screen.

  As described above, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the voice output unit 322 outputs the input guide information for guiding the input items for the operator to input the operation data in the plurality of input items by voice, Provide to the operator. Here, in the plurality of input items, the input order in which operation data is input is stored in the storage unit 34, and the audio output unit 322 corresponds to the input order stored in the storage unit 34. However, the input guide information is sequentially provided. In the present embodiment, the voice output unit 322 uses the input order stored in the storage unit 34 from the input sequence to be input to one input item as a plurality of input items as input guide information. To provide. Then, the voice output unit 322 inputs the operation data next to the one input item in the input order stored in the storage unit 34 after the operation data corresponding to the one input item is input in the plurality of input items. Information to input to other input items is provided to the operator as input guide information.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when a plurality of input items are displayed on the display screen and the operator sequentially inputs operation data to the plurality of input items, the voice output unit 322 provides the input guide information by voice. Even when the input operation is complicated, the input operation can be performed accurately, so that the input operation can be executed efficiently and the imaging efficiency for imaging the subject can be improved.

<Embodiment 2>
Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 according to the present invention will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the operations of the audio output unit 322 and the setting unit 323 are different from those in the first embodiment. Except for this point, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. For this reason, description is abbreviate | omitted about the overlapping part.

  In the present embodiment, the setting unit 323, when the operation data input to the one input item is changed after the operation data is input to the one input item among the plurality of input items, The setting data set to correspond to the setting item is changed based on the operation data changed in the input item. When the setting data is changed by the setting unit 323, the voice output unit 322 provides the operator with setting change information indicating that the setting data has been changed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an image in which the display unit 33 displays character information corresponding to input operation data in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6 in the first embodiment, the operation is performed so that the repetition time (TR) is changed from “500” that is the previously input operation data to “300” as shown in FIG. When the data is input, the setting unit 323 changes “1:00”, which is the setting data of the scan time (Scan Time) set previously, to “2:00”. Here, by performing a calculation process so as to correspond to a predetermined calculation formula, the setting data set in the setting item such as the scan time is changed, and the setting data corresponding to the changed setting data is changed. indicate.

  As described above, when the setting unit 323 changes the setting data, the voice output unit 322 provides the operator with setting change information indicating that the setting data input to the setting item has been changed to the operator. To do. Specifically, the voice output unit 322 outputs the input guide information of a phrase such as “scan time has been extended” by voice.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the operation data of one input item is changed after the operation data is input to one input item among the plurality of input items, the changed operation data is changed. Based on the above, the setting unit 323 changes the setting data set in the setting item. When the setting unit 323 changes the setting data, the voice output unit 322 provides information to the operator that the setting data has been changed as input guide information to the operator.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, since the operator can easily recognize that the operation data has been changed and the input operation can be performed accurately, the input operation can be executed efficiently, and the imaging efficiency for imaging the subject. Can be improved.

<Embodiment 3>
Hereinafter, Embodiment 3 according to the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 32 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 32 includes a voice recognition unit 324 in addition to the operation data input unit 321, the voice output unit 322, and the setting unit 323. Except for this point, the present embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. For this reason, description is abbreviate | omitted about the location which overlaps.

  The speech recognition unit 324 includes a speech recognition device, and generates speech recognition data by recognizing speech. Then, the voice recognition unit 324 inputs operation data to the input items based on the voice recognition data.

  Specifically, in order to provide the operator with the fact that the name (name) of the subject is input as the operation data, for example, input guide information such as “Please enter your name” is provided. After the voice output unit 322 outputs the voice, the name of the subject is spoken by the operator. At this time, the voice recognition unit 324 receives the voice of the name of the subject uttered by the operator with a microphone, acquires voice data, and performs data processing for analyzing the voice data using a voice recognition program. . Thus, after generating the voice recognition data, the operation data of the name of the subject is input to the input item based on the voice recognition data. In this embodiment, operation data relating to each input item is input by recognizing the voice in this way.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since voice is recognized and operation data is input, the input operation can be executed efficiently, and the imaging efficiency for imaging the subject can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 corresponds to the diagnostic imaging apparatus of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the scanning unit 2 and the image reconstruction unit 31 correspond to the imaging unit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the scanning unit 2 corresponds to the scanning unit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the image reconstruction unit 31 corresponds to the image generation unit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the operation unit 32 corresponds to the operation unit of the present invention. Moreover, in said embodiment, the memory | storage part 34 is corresponded to the memory | storage part of this invention. In the above embodiment, the audio output unit 322 corresponds to the audio output unit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the setting unit 323 corresponds to the setting unit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the voice recognition unit 324 corresponds to the voice recognition unit of the present invention.

  In implementing the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be employed.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus has been described as the diagnostic imaging apparatus. For example, the present invention can also be applied to an X-ray CT apparatus, an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and the like.

  Further, for example, in the above embodiment, after the operation data corresponding to one object information or scan parameter is input in a plurality of input items, the one object is stored in the input order stored in the storage unit 34. Although a case has been described where information to be input to other subject information or scan parameters to which operation data is input next to sample information or scan parameters is provided to the operator as input guide information, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, you may comprise so that input guide information may be provided with an audio | voice for every group containing a some input item. Specifically, first, input guide information is provided to the operator so that operation data is input to each of the input items related to the subject information. For example, the voice of the phrase “Please input subject information” is output. Then, after the operation data is input to each of the input items related to the subject information, input guide information is provided to the operator so that the operation data is input to each of the input items related to the scan parameter. For example, a voice message such as “Please input scan parameters” is output.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the input guide information is provided by voice so as to present the input item to be input next has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when there is an input item in which operation data is not input in a plurality of input items, it may be configured to provide voice as input guide information that the input item is not input. .

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 32 in the first embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation when imaging a subject in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an image of input items displayed on the display screen by the display unit 33 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an image in which the display unit 33 displays character information corresponding to input operation data in the first embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image in which the display unit 33 displays character information corresponding to input operation data in the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an image in which the display unit 33 displays character information corresponding to input operation data in the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 32 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1: Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus,
2: Scan section,
3: Operation console part,
12: Static magnetic field magnet section,
13: Gradient coil part,
14: RF coil section,
15: Subject moving part,
15a: Cradle,
15b: Cradle moving part,
22: RF drive unit,
23: Gradient drive unit,
24: Data collection unit,
30: control unit,
31: Image reconstruction unit
32: Operation unit,
33: display unit,
34: Storage unit
321: operation data input unit,
322: Audio output unit,
323: Setting unit,
324: Voice recognition unit

Claims (10)

An imaging unit for imaging a subject;
An operation unit that operates an operation of the imaging unit when operation data is input to a plurality of input items by an operator;
The operation unit is
Including an audio output unit that outputs audio,
The audio output unit provides an operator with voice by outputting input guide information for guiding an input item for the operator to input the operation data in the plurality of input items. A storage unit for storing an input order in which the operation data is input in the plurality of input items;
The audio output unit sequentially provides the input guide information so as to correspond to the input order stored in the storage unit.
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The voice output unit provides information to the operator as input guide information to the effect that the voice output unit inputs to one input item to be input by the plurality of input items in the input order stored from the storage unit;
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 2. The voice output unit receives operation data next to the one input item in the input order stored in the storage unit after operation data corresponding to the one input item is input in the plurality of input items. Providing information to the operator as input guide information to the effect that other input items to be input are input;
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 3. The operation unit is
A setting unit configured to set the setting data so as to correspond to the setting item based on the operation data input to the input item;
When the operation data input to the one input item is changed after the operation data is input to the one input item in the plurality of input items, the setting unit is configured to input the one input item. Based on the operation data changed in, change the setting data set to correspond to the setting item,
The voice output unit, when the setting data is changed by the setting unit, provides the operator with setting change information indicating that the setting data has been changed by voice.
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The operation unit is
It has a voice recognition unit that generates voice recognition data by recognizing voice,
The voice recognition unit inputs the operation data to the input item based on the voice recognition data.
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 1. The imaging unit
A scan unit that collects raw data by performing a scan on the subject; and
The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an image generation unit configured to generate an image of the subject based on raw data collected by the scanning unit. The scan unit performs the scan so as to collect magnetic resonance signals from the subject in the static magnetic field space as the raw data,
The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image generation unit generates an image of the subject based on the magnetic resonance signals collected by the scan unit performing the scan. The operation unit uses a scan parameter of the scan performed by the scan unit as the input item, and the operation data is input so as to correspond to the scan parameter.
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 8. The operation unit uses the subject information of the subject to be scanned by the scan unit as the input item, and the operation data is input so as to correspond to the subject information.
The diagnostic imaging apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

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