JP2009254665A - Control unit for diagnostic imaging equipment and diagnostic imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an engineer performing IVR to control diagnostic imaging equipment himself without performing complicated operations such as sterilization. <P>SOLUTION: An image recognition section 33 recognizes conditions such as a position P and a shape S of a hand H inserted into a room A between a light emission section 32 and a light detection section 31 based on the output of the light detection section 31, and an operation control section 34 performs an operation corresponding to the condition of the image on an operation panel C for controlling diagnostic imaging equipment 2. An image on the operation panel C appears on a monitor 352. Consequently, the user interface of the diagnostic imaging equipment 2 is structured in a non-contact manner. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for an image diagnostic apparatus and an image diagnostic system (system) using the control device.

  In the medical field, an image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus is used to display a fluoroscopic image of a subject on a monitor in the examination room, and the subject is diagnosed and treated while viewing the fluoroscopic image. Alternatively, interventional radiology (interventional radiology, hereinafter referred to as IVR) is performed.

  On the other hand, control of the diagnostic imaging apparatus and control of switching of a fluoroscopic image displayed on the monitor in the examination room are generally performed by an operation console provided in an operation room different from the examination room. Therefore, in the IVR, an operator in the examination room can verbally convey desired conditions to the operator in the operation room regarding the setting of the diagnostic imaging apparatus and the setting of the fluoroscopic image to be displayed, and the operator can perform these controls. Many.

  However, the above method in which the surgeon requests the operator to control the diagnostic imaging apparatus and control the switching of the fluoroscopic image is not only a very complicated and time-consuming operation, but also sets the conditions desired by the surgeon. Because it is difficult, the surgeon himself may want to perform these controls.

  Therefore, various systems have been proposed in which the operator himself / herself in the examination room can execute control of the diagnostic imaging apparatus, control for switching the fluoroscopic image, and the like.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a joystick having a lever slidably attached is provided in the vicinity of a bed on which a subject is placed, and the control for switching a fluoroscopic image is performed by operating the joystick. There has been proposed a photographing apparatus that enables the above.

Also, for example, in Patent Document 2, a position sensor is attached to a part of the operator's body, and a switch on the virtual control panel of the diagnostic imaging apparatus is selected based on the position indicated by the sensor. Control devices that enable this have been proposed.
JP-A-6-165774 JP-A-8-173411

  However, according to the method of Patent Document 1, since the operator directly touches the joystick, pre- and post-operative sterilization treatment and management of the joystick are necessary, and these operations are very complicated.

  Further, according to the method of Patent Document 2, the operator is forced to attach the position sensor, and further, it is necessary to initialize the correspondence between the position indicated by the position sensor and the position on the virtual control panel. There is complicated work.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a diagnostic apparatus control apparatus that allows an operator who performs IVR to control the diagnostic imaging apparatus without complicated work, and diagnostic imaging using the control apparatus. The purpose is to provide a system.

  In a first aspect, the present invention is based on detection means for detecting an image of a part of a body of an operator inserted in a predetermined space, and an image of the part of the body detected by the detection means. An image diagnostic apparatus control device comprising: an operation control means for operating a designation means for designating a control condition of the image diagnostic apparatus.

  In a second aspect, the present invention provides the photodetection surface, wherein the detection means has a photodetection surface in which a plurality of photodetection elements are two-dimensionally arranged, and based on an output signal of the photodetection element. A light detection unit that outputs light detection position information representing a position where light is detected above, and the light detection unit and the predetermined space are arranged, and the light is emitted toward the light detection surface. Based on the light emission part and the light detection position information output from the light detection part, the one of the bodies appearing on the light detection surface when the operator inserts a part of the body into the predetermined space. There is provided a control device for an image diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect, comprising image recognition means for recognizing a state of an image of a part.

  In a third aspect, the present invention provides the control apparatus for an image diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the light emitting unit emits parallel light.

  In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the control device for an image diagnostic apparatus according to the second aspect or the third aspect, wherein the light detection element is a photodiode.

  In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides the diagnostic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the state of the image of the part of the body includes the shape and position of the image. A control device is provided.

  In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides the specifying means, comprising: a plurality of buttons (buttons) provided on the operation panel (panel); and a pointer (pointer) indicating a position on the operation panel; There is provided the control apparatus for an image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the operation includes movement of the pointer on the operation panel and selection of the button by the pointer.

  In a seventh aspect, the present invention provides the control device for an image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the body part is a hand.

  In an eighth aspect, the present invention is based on the image diagnostic apparatus control device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and a control condition specified by the image diagnostic apparatus control device. An image diagnostic system including an image diagnostic apparatus controlled in this manner is provided.

  In a ninth aspect, the present invention provides the diagnostic imaging system according to the eighth aspect, wherein the diagnostic imaging apparatus has an X-ray contrast imaging system or an X-ray CT gantry.

  According to the present invention, the detection means detects an image of the body part of the surgeon inserted into the predetermined space, and the operation control means is based on the image of the body part detected by the detection means. In addition, since the operation of the designation means for designating the control conditions of the diagnostic imaging device is performed, it is possible to construct a non-contact user interface (user interface) of the diagnostic imaging device without attaching a position sensor or the like to the operator. The operator who performs the IVR can control the image diagnostic apparatus without complicated operations.

  Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the diagnostic imaging system 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 includes an image diagnostic apparatus 2 and an image diagnostic apparatus control apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as a control apparatus) 3 for controlling the image diagnostic apparatus 2.

  The diagnostic imaging apparatus 2 includes an X-ray CT gantry 21, a bed 22, and an operation console 23.

  The X-ray CT gantry 21, the bed 22, and the control device 3 are arranged in the examination room, and the operation console 23 is arranged in an operation room different from the examination room.

  The X-ray CT gantry 21 has a data collection system (not shown) having an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector that are provided opposite to each other with the cavity therebetween. The projection data of the subject is collected by rotating the data collection system around the subject conveyed in the cavity and scanning.

  The bed 22 has a top plate on which the subject is placed. The top plate is movable in the z direction and the vertical direction, and the subject is moved to the optimum position for imaging or surgery by moving the top plate on which the subject is placed.

  The operation console 23 sends control signals to the X-ray CT gantry 21 and the bed 22 according to the operation by the operator, controls the spatial arrangement and setting conditions thereof, and controls the switching of the fluoroscopic image displayed on the monitor. I do. The operation console 23 generates image data based on the projection data sent from the X-ray CT gantry 21, and the image is displayed on the display screen of the operation console 23 or the monitor screen of the control device 3 in the examination room. Displays the image represented by the data. In addition, the operation console 23 exchanges signals with the control device 3 to enable remote operation of the operation console 23 from the control device 3.

  The control device 3 includes a light detection unit 31, a light emission unit 32, an image recognition unit 33, an operation control unit 34, and a display unit 35.

  The light detection unit 31 includes a light detection surface 31s and a light detection position data generation unit (not shown). The light detection surface 31s is arranged at an appropriate position where an operator who performs an operation or the like can easily hold his / her hand with the surface facing upward. The light detection surface 31s has, for example, a rectangular shape of about A3 size, and is configured by arranging photodiodes (light detection elements) 31a in a matrix (two-dimensional). The light detection position data generator generates light detection position data (light detection position) indicating the coordinate position at which light is detected on the light detection surface 31s based on a bundle of output signals of the photodiodes 31a constituting the light detection surface 31s. Position information) is generated and output.

  For example, a CCD (charge-coupled device memory) or a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensor element can be used as the photodetecting element constituting the photodetecting surface 31s, but the response speed is fast and inexpensive. A suitable photodiode is preferred.

The light emitting unit 32 is arranged with a predetermined space from the light detecting unit 21, and has a light emitting surface 32s. The light emission surface 32s is arranged at a position facing the light detection surface 31s across the space A. The light emission surface 32s has, for example, a rectangular shape of about A3 size, and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED;
Light-Emitting Diode) 32a is arranged in a matrix. Each light emitting diode emits light having high directivity toward the light detection surface 31s. Accordingly, the parallel light L is emitted from the light emission surface 32s toward the light detection surface 31s.

  For example, an incandescent bulb, a fluorescent lamp, or the like can be used as the light emitting unit 32. However, a light emitting diode that has a long life, has high directivity, and is inexpensive is preferable.

  The image recognition unit 33 recognizes the state of the hand image S that appears on the light detection surface 31 s when the surgeon inserts the hand H into the space A based on the light detection position data output from the light detection unit 31. . The state of the hand image S includes the shape and position of the hand image S.

  For example, the image recognition unit 33 recognizes various hand shapes as shown in FIG. That is, the first shape S1 corresponding to the state in which only the index finger is raised after tying the hand, the second shape S2 corresponding to the state in which the index finger and middle finger are erected after tying the hand (Janken choki), the hand is opened 3rd shape S3 etc. corresponding to the state (Janken par) are recognized. For shape recognition, for example, template matching is used. Further, the image recognition unit 33 determines which position on the light detection surface 31 s corresponds to the reference position of the recognized shape, for example, the position corresponding to the tip of the index finger of the hand, and recognizes that position as the position t of the image. To do. Further, the image recognition unit 33 recognizes the moving direction D and the speed V of the image position t based on the temporal change of the image position t.

  The operation control unit 34 performs an operation associated with the state of the hand image S recognized by the image recognition unit 33 on the operation panel C for controlling the diagnostic imaging apparatus 2. Here, the operation panel C is substantially the same as the operation panel displayed on the display device of the operation console 23, and is virtually generated based on information obtained from the operation console 23.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hand image S and the operation panel C appearing on the light detection surface 31s. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel C includes a plurality of buttons B and a pointer P (designating means) for designating control conditions for the diagnostic imaging apparatus 2. The operation panel C has a plurality of types of panels, and the panel that can be operated is switched according to need as the buttons are selected. Depending on the type of panel, as shown in FIG. The fluoroscopic image K is a fluoroscopic image of the subject obtained by CT imaging using the X-ray CT gantry 21. The pointer P indicates a position on the operation panel C where an action should be taken. The plurality of buttons B are function buttons corresponding to predetermined processing such as panel switching, condition confirmation, numerical value change, and the like. When a button is selected, processing corresponding to the button is executed on the operation console 23. .

  The operation control unit 34 moves the pointer P on the operation panel C or causes a predetermined action at the position indicated by the pointer P according to the state of the hand image S recognized by the image recognition unit 33. For example, the operation control unit 34 enables the pointer P to move when the first shape S1 is recognized by the image recognition unit 33. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the pointer P moves on the operation panel C at a direction D ′ and a speed V ′ corresponding to the moving direction D and the speed V of the image position t recognized by the image recognition unit 33. Let Further, when the second shape S2 is recognized by the image recognition unit 33, the pointer P can be moved similarly to the first shape S1, and the left button of the mouse on the operation console 23 is pressed. Causes an action that corresponds to the condition. When the third shape S3 is recognized, the pointer P can be moved similarly to the first shape S1, and an action corresponding to the state in which the right button of the mouse is pressed is generated.

  Information on operations performed on the operation panel C is sent to the display unit 35 and the operation console 23. Based on this operation information, the operation console 23 executes various processes including control of the X-ray CT gantry 21 and the bed 22 and switching control of the fluoroscopic image K inserted into the operation panel C.

  The display unit 35 includes a display control unit 351 and a monitor 352. The display control unit 351 sends an image signal representing the operation panel C reflecting the operation performed by the operation control unit 34 to the monitor 352, and the monitor 352 displays the image of the operation panel C on the screen based on the image signal. indicate. For example, when the operation control unit 351 performs an operation of moving the pointer P, the monitor 352 displays, for example, how the pointer P moves. Further, for example, when an operation for selecting a predetermined button on the operation panel C is performed by the operation control unit 351, an image representing a state in which the button is selected is displayed.

  With the control device 3 configured as described above, a general GUI (Graphical User Interface) can be realized without contact.

  The operation of the diagnostic imaging system 1 will now be described with a focus on the control device 3.

  When the operator wants to change the arrangement of the X-ray CT gantry 21 and the bed 22 or switch the fluoroscopic image K inserted in the operation panel C and displayed on the monitor 352 during the IVR operation, for example, the control device 3 To control these. Specifically, the surgeon inserts the hand H into the space A while looking at the image of the operation panel C displayed on the monitor 352, and changes the shape and position of the hand to move the pointer on the operation panel C. P is operated and the operation console 23 is remotely operated. At this time, the control device 3 operates as follows.

  The light emitting unit 32 continuously emits the parallel light L from the light emitting surface 32s toward the light detecting surface 31s. Part of the emitted light is blocked by the operator's hand H, the remaining light reaches the light detection surface 31s, and an image S of the hand appears on the light detection surface 31s. Of the photodiodes constituting the light detection surface 31s, only the photodiode that detects light outputs a detection signal, for example, an electrical signal exceeding a certain level. The light detection position data generation unit of the light detection unit 31 generates and outputs light detection position data representing a position where light is detected on the light detection surface 31 s based on the position of the photodiode that has output this detection signal. . The light detection position data is sequentially generated and output at predetermined time intervals, for example, 0.1 second intervals. The image recognizing unit 33 receives the light detection position data that is sequentially generated, and the shape S, the position P, and the position P of the hand image appearing on the light detection surface 31s at a predetermined interval, for example, an interval of 0.1 second. The moving direction D and moving speed V are recognized. The operation control unit 34 performs an operation corresponding to the state of the image on the operation panel C based on the recognized shape S, position P, moving direction D and moving speed V of the position P. For example, when the image recognition unit 33 recognizes that the image of the first shape S1 is moving in the direction D1 at the speed V1, the operation control unit 34 moves the pointer P on the operation panel C in the direction D1. An operation of moving at substantially the same speed V1 ′ as V1 is executed. Further, for example, when the image of the second shape S2 is recognized, an operation equivalent to that when the left button of the mouse is pressed is executed at the position indicated by the pointer P on the operation panel C. Such operation information is sent to the display control unit 351 and also to the operation console 23.

  Based on the operation information, the operation console 23 sends a control signal to the X-ray CT gantry 21 and the bed 22 to control the placement and on / off of the scan, or insert the operation control unit 34 into the operation panel C. The image data of the fluoroscopic image K is sent, and the fluoroscopic image K displayed on the monitor 352 is switched and controlled. The display control unit 351 causes the monitor 352 to display an image of the operation panel C in which the operation represented by the operation information sent from the operation control unit 34 is reflected. By viewing the screen of the monitor 352, the surgeon can confirm the executed operation or observe a desired fluoroscopic image K.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image recognizing unit 33 changes the position P, the shape S, and the like of the image of the hand H inserted in the space A between the light emitting unit 32 and the light detecting unit 31 into the light. Recognizing based on the output of the detection unit 31, the operation control unit 34 performs an operation corresponding to the state of the image on the operation panel C for controlling the diagnostic imaging apparatus 2. It is possible to construct a non-contact user interface of the diagnostic imaging apparatus 2 without attaching it to the operator, and the operator who performs the IVR himself performs diagnostic imaging without complicated work such as sensor installation and management of the sterilization processing of the operation equipment. The device 2 can be controlled.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention, various embodiment and its modification can be considered.

  For example, in the present embodiment, the control conditions of the image diagnostic apparatus can be specified based on the image of the operator's hand, but a part of another body such as a foot or an elbow may be used.

  In this embodiment, the operation is performed based on both the shape and the position of the image. However, the operation may be performed based on either the shape or the position of the image.

  In addition to the apparatus having the X-ray CT gantry 21, the image diagnostic apparatus 2 may be an apparatus having a simple X-ray imaging system, an angiography imaging system, or a combination of these.

  The control device 3 can control not only the image diagnostic device 2 but also devices connected to the image diagnostic device 2, such as an injector for injecting a contrast medium into the subject. Also good.

  Further, the light is not limited to visible light, but may be invisible light such as infrared rays.

  Further, the frequency band of the electromagnetic wave of the light emitted by the light emitting unit 32 and the light detected by the light detecting unit may be limited to a band having a predetermined frequency width using an optical filter or the like. As a result, the rate at which light emitted from a light source other than the light emitting unit 32 is detected by the light detecting unit 31 is reduced, and the noise component of the light detection position data that becomes an obstacle when recognizing the state of the hand image is suppressed. can do.

  Further, the light emitting unit 32 may emit the parallel light L using an optical system such as a lens instead of using the directivity of the light emitting diode.

  The light emitting unit 32 may be a light source that emits light radially, such as an incandescent bulb. However, in this case, when the position of the hand H inserted in the space A from the light source changes, the size of the image of the hand H that appears on the light detection surface 31s also changes. Need to be considered.

  Further, the shape and size of the light detection surface 31s and the light emission surface 32s, and the direction of the surface are arbitrary.

  In addition, information on operations performed on the operation panel C may be sent directly to the X-ray CT gantry 21, the bed 22 or the like instead of being sent to the operation console 23 to control them.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the image diagnostic system by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the shape of the image of the hand which should be recognized. It is a figure which shows an example of the virtual space containing the operation panel for controlling an image diagnostic apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image diagnostic system 2 Image diagnostic apparatus 3 Control apparatus (control apparatus for image diagnostic apparatuses)
21 X-ray CT gantry 22 Bed 23 Operation console 31 Light detection unit 31s Light detection surface 32 Light emission unit 32s Light emission surface 33 Image recognition unit (image recognition means)
34 Operation control unit (operation control means)
35 Display unit 351 Display control unit 352 Monitor

Claims (9)

Detection means for detecting an image of a part of the operator's body inserted in a predetermined space;
An image diagnostic apparatus control device comprising: an operation control unit configured to operate a designation unit for designating a control condition of the image diagnostic apparatus based on an image of the part of the body detected by the detection unit. The detection means includes
Photodetection position information indicating a position where light is detected on the photodetection surface based on an output signal of the photodetection element, having a photodetection surface in which a plurality of photodetection elements are two-dimensionally arranged. An optical detection unit for output;
A light emitting portion that is disposed across the light detection portion and the predetermined space, and emits light toward the light detection surface;
Based on the light detection position information output from the light detection unit, a state of an image of the body part that appears on the light detection surface when the operator inserts the body part into the predetermined space The image diagnostic apparatus control device according to claim 1, further comprising: an image recognition unit that recognizes the image.   The control apparatus for an image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light emitting unit emits parallel light.   The control device for an image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light detection element is a photodiode.   The control apparatus for an image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the state of the image of the part of the body includes a shape and a position of the image. The designation means includes a plurality of buttons provided on the operation panel and a pointer indicating a position on the operation panel,
The control apparatus for an image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the operation includes movement of the pointer on the operation panel and selection of the button by the pointer.   The control apparatus for an image diagnosis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the part of the body is a hand.   An image diagnosis comprising: the image diagnostic device control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and an image diagnostic device controlled based on a control condition specified by the image diagnostic device control device. system.   The diagnostic imaging system according to claim 8, wherein the diagnostic imaging apparatus includes an X-ray contrast imaging system or an X-ray CT gantry.

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