JP2011239911A - X-ray ct imaging system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a common UI according to the purposes among a plurality of different X-ray CT apparatuses to control the operations of the respective X-ray CT apparatuses by using this UI.SOLUTION: The X-ray CT imaging system includes a server including a UI control unit for transmitting guidance information for inputting image acquiring conditions according to purposes to a request source X-ray CT apparatus and causing the apparatus to display the information, and a parameter converting unit for converting the image acquiring conditions into an imaging protocol for operating the X-ray CT apparatus so as to generate an image based on the image acquiring conditions on the basis of the conversion information corresponding to the purposes and the X-ray CT apparatus upon receiving the image acquiring conditions inputted in accordance with the guidance information, wherein the server controls the operations of the plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses via a network. The request source X-ray CT apparatus performs imaging on the basis of the imaging protocol per apparatus received from the server as a response to the image acquiring conditions inputted in accordance with the guidance information corresponding to the purposes, and outputs an X-ray CT image.

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to a technique for generating an image inside a subject based on projection data obtained by irradiating the subject with X-rays.

  An X-ray computed tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an “X-ray CT apparatus”) irradiates a subject with X-rays and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject to thereby detect X-rays within the subject. Projection data corresponding to the absorption coefficient is obtained.

  Such an X-ray CT apparatus captures a medical image according to the determined imaging protocol when the imaging protocol is determined. The imaging protocol includes, for example, patient information including the height, weight, body shape, and age of the subject, and voltage, current, tube voltage, tube current, gantry rotation speed, slice thickness if the medical diagnostic imaging device is an X-ray CT device. , Information including beam width, helical pitch, imaging region, and presence / absence of contrast medium. These parameters are entered after being sequentially determined. Also, the information representing the imaging protocol for which the parameter is determined is read and the imaging protocol is input.

  For imaging by the X-ray CT apparatus, parameters necessary for imaging and processing at the time of imaging differ depending on, for example, the imaging region. Therefore, shooting protocols are prepared according to the application. For example, when imaging the heart, an imaging protocol for the heart is used. In addition, when photographing a child, the photographing protocol for the child is used.

  Further, there are many X-ray CT apparatuses having different performances depending on the purpose. For example, even with the same manufacturer's X-ray CT apparatus, there are high-end machines specialized for the heart and general-purpose machines suitable for normal imaging. In recent years, there are not a few hospitals that install a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses and use them according to their use.

JP-A-3-284249

  In a hospital where a plurality of different X-ray CT apparatuses are used depending on the application, the X-ray CT apparatus used for a certain application cannot be temporarily used (for example, when it is in use or when the system is down). In some cases, an X-ray CT apparatus used for a different purpose is substituted. In such a case, it is necessary to perform an inspection using an unfamiliar UI (User Interface), which may cause a reduction in work efficiency and human error.

  In addition, between devices having different performances, when trying to obtain an image of the same quality for the same application, processing parameters for operating the components of each device differ depending on the performance difference. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare an imaging protocol for each apparatus even when used for the same purpose. Therefore, when substituting with an X-ray CT apparatus for a different application, it is necessary to input an imaging protocol corresponding to the application to the X-ray CT apparatus to be used.

  As a countermeasure to the above, a method of registering a photographing protocol for each application in each apparatus can be considered. However, since the storage area of each device is limited, the number of imaging protocols that can be registered is limited. Even if the imaging protocol can be registered for each application, the management becomes complicated and it becomes difficult to use. Specifically, when a part of the imaging protocol of an X-ray CT apparatus is changed, the imaging protocol must be changed according to each apparatus for other X-ray CT apparatuses as well. For this reason, it takes a lot of time to change the imaging protocol, and there is a possibility that a human error such as forgetting to change the imaging protocol for some apparatuses may occur.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problem, and to provide a common UI corresponding to an application to a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses having different performances. It is another object of the present invention to control the operations of a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses having different performances based on common imaging conditions and image processing conditions input using a common UI.

In order to achieve the above object, the first embodiment of the present invention provides guidance information for inputting image acquisition conditions for each application in order to cause the X-ray CT apparatus to perform imaging and image processing according to the application. And a conversion for converting the image acquisition condition corresponding to the application into an imaging protocol for operating the X-ray CT apparatus so as to generate an image based on the image acquisition condition. A second storage unit that stores information for each X-ray CT apparatus and a designation of a use from the requesting X-ray CT apparatus, and the guidance information corresponding to the use is stored in the first storage. A UI control unit that extracts the information from the unit and sends the guidance information to the requesting X-ray CT apparatus for display; and an image acquisition condition input according to the guidance information displayed on the requesting X-ray CT apparatus. Receiving, said use and said X-ray The conversion information corresponding to the combination with the T device is extracted from the second storage unit, and based on the extracted conversion information, the image acquisition condition is converted into a photographing protocol for each device, and the photographing for each device is performed. A parameter conversion unit that transmits a protocol to the requesting X-ray CT apparatus, and a server that controls operations of the plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses via a network. The requesting X-ray CT apparatus includes: X-ray CT images are output as a response to the image acquisition conditions input according to the guidance information corresponding to the application, based on the imaging protocol for each device received from the server, and output X-ray CT images It is a line CT image imaging system.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray CT image in an X-ray CT imaging system including a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses and a server that controls operations of the plurality of X-ray apparatuses via a network. The X-ray CT apparatus receives a use designated by an operator and transmits the use to the server, and the server responds to the use according to the use. Guide information display function for transmitting and displaying guide information for inputting image acquisition conditions for imaging and image processing to the X-ray CT apparatus which is the transmission source of the application, and the guide displayed on the X-ray CT apparatus In accordance with the information, the image acquisition condition input by the operator is received by the server from the X-ray CT apparatus, and the server receives the image acquisition condition input from the X-ray CT apparatus. When the image acquisition condition is received, the X-ray CT apparatus is operated so as to generate an image based on the image acquisition condition, is converted into an imaging protocol for each apparatus, and the imaging protocol for each apparatus is converted to the request source X A program that executes a conversion function to be transmitted to a line CT apparatus and an image output function in which the X-ray CT apparatus performs imaging based on an imaging protocol for each apparatus received from a server and outputs an X-ray CT image. is there.

1 is a block diagram of an X-ray CT image imaging system according to an embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which converts the image acquisition conditions into the imaging | photography protocol for every apparatus using conversion information for the case where the use is a child. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which converts the image acquisition conditions into the imaging | photography protocol for every apparatus using the conversion information as an example in case the use is for the heart. It is a figure for demonstrating the correspondence of a use, an X-ray CT apparatus, UI, a plan, and conversion information. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing until displaying a UI based on a designated application in the X-ray CT image capturing system according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing until an X-ray CT apparatus is displayed by controlling an X-ray CT apparatus based on an image acquisition condition input to a UI in the X-ray CT image capturing system according to the embodiment.

(Embodiment)
The configuration of the X-ray CT image capturing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The X-ray CT imaging system according to the present embodiment includes a server 10 and a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C connected to the server 10 via a network.

  The server 10 includes a plan storage unit 13, a UI storage unit 14, a conversion information storage unit 15, a transmission / reception unit 12, and a control unit 11. The control unit 11 includes a UI control unit 111 and a parameter conversion unit 112. Each of the X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C includes an image acquisition unit 25, a reconstruction processing unit 26, a UI control unit 21, a control unit 22, a transmission / reception unit 23, and a UI 24. The UI 24 includes an operation unit 241 and a display unit 242. Details of each component will be described below.

  First, details of each component of the server 10 will be described.

  The plan storage unit 13 sets, as a plan for performing imaging, setting items such as imaging conditions and image processing conditions (hereinafter referred to as “image acquisition conditions”) set when imaging with the X-ray CT apparatus. I remember it. The setting items of the image acquisition conditions include, for example, those related to image quality such as “imaging range”, “scan type”, “imaging range”, “image quality standard”, “dose guideline”, etc. Contains setting items for specifying a guideline for exposure. The setting items of these image acquisition conditions that need to be set at the time of shooting differ depending on the application. An application refers to an application such as imaging of the heart, imaging of a child, imaging using a contrast medium, and so on. Therefore, the plan storage unit 13 stores a plan for each use. For example, in FIG. 1, the plan storage unit 13 stores plan 1, plan 2, and plan 3 for each usage.

  In the UI storage unit 14, display control information for generating and displaying a UI for inputting an image acquisition condition to a plan associated with a use is stored for each use. For example, in FIG. 1, the UI storage unit 14 stores UI1, UI2, and UI3 for each application. These UI1 to UI3 are associated with the plan 1 to plan 3 corresponding to each application. A UI for inputting image acquisition conditions to the plan corresponds to guidance information.

  The display control information may be an application that displays a UI by installing and operating the X-ray CT apparatus. Further, it may be a Web page for displaying a UI using a browser or the like with an X-ray CT apparatus, or an application that operates on the server side to output the Web page. Hereinafter, including such display control information, it is simply referred to as “UI”.

  It should be noted that a method for displaying the UI on the X-ray CT apparatus in accordance with the format of the display control information as described above is well known and will not be described in detail. In the following description, when “display UI” is described, the UI is displayed by any one of the methods described above.

  By using the UI corresponding to the application, the operator can input parameters to the setting items of the image acquisition conditions necessary for the application without excess or deficiency. The UI storage unit 14 corresponds to a first storage unit.

  In the conversion information storage unit 15, conversion information for converting the image acquisition condition created based on the plan into an imaging protocol for each apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as “imaging protocol”) is stored for each X-ray CT apparatus. It is remembered. Based on this conversion information, it is possible to control the operation of each component of the X-ray CT apparatus so that an image based on the image acquisition condition is output by an imaging protocol in which the image acquisition condition is converted. . Each component of the X-ray CT apparatus refers to an image processing unit 25 including a gantry having an X-ray detector, an X-ray source, an X-ray filter, and the like, and image processing is performed on projection data output from the image acquisition unit 25 This refers to the reconstruction processing unit 26 to be applied (details of the image collection unit 25 and the reconstruction processing unit 26 will be described later). The conversion information storage unit 15 corresponds to a second storage unit.

  The content of conversion information that differs for each X-ray CT apparatus will be specifically described below. For example, an X-ray CT apparatus 20A that has 320 rows of X-ray detectors and can capture a wide range at a time is equivalent to an X-ray CT apparatus 20B that has 16 rows of X-ray detectors and has a narrow imaging range. When obtaining an image of the quality of the X-ray CT, the parameters set in the items constituting the imaging protocol, such as slice thickness, tube current, and tube voltage for controlling the operation of the X-ray CT device, Varies depending on performance. Therefore, in the conversion information storage unit 15, conversion information for converting to an imaging protocol including the parameters corresponding to each X-ray CT apparatus is stored in association with each application.

  For example, in FIG. 1, the conversion information storage unit 15 includes conversion information corresponding to each of the X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C for each application, conversion information 1A to 1C, conversion information 2A to 2C, and conversion information. 3A-3C are stored. The conversion information 1A to 1C is associated with the plan 1. Similarly, the conversion information 2A to 2C is associated with the plan 2, and the conversion information 3A to 3C is associated with the plan 3. In the following description, when the conversion information 1A is described, the use is the use 1, and the conversion information when the X-ray CT apparatus 20A is used as the X-ray CT apparatus is shown.

  Examples of imaging protocols include those related to scan types such as helical scan and normal linear scan (hereinafter referred to as “scan type”), “slice thickness”, “tube voltage”, “tube current”, etc. As described above, operations related to image processing (controlling the operation of the image collecting unit 25 described later), “image slice thickness”, “image processing (image processing method)”, and the like (described later) For controlling the operation of the reconstruction processing unit 26). A specific example of processing for converting the image acquisition condition into the imaging protocol based on the conversion information will be described later.

  The plan storage unit 13, the UI storage unit 14, and the conversion information storage unit 15 need only be configured as different storage areas as long as the plan, UI, and conversion information can be extracted independently of each other. There is no. For example, one storage area may be divided and allocated as the plan storage unit 13, UI storage unit 14, and conversion information storage unit 15.

  The transmission / reception unit 12 receives a use from the X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C, and transmits the received use to the UI control unit 111 (the UI control unit 111 will be described later). In addition, when receiving image acquisition conditions from the X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C, the transmission / reception unit 12 transmits the received image acquisition conditions to the parameter conversion unit 112 (the parameter conversion unit 112 will be described later).

  At this time, the transmission / reception unit 12 configures the control unit 11 by adding information (hereinafter referred to as “device ID”) for specifying the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source to the received application or image acquisition condition. May be transmitted to the UI control unit 111 and the parameter conversion unit 112 (hereinafter, they may be collectively referred to as “components of the control unit 11” if they are not distinguished). The apparatus ID may be transmitted to the X-ray CT apparatus, or the transmission source address of the application or image acquisition condition is associated with the apparatus ID and managed in a list, and the apparatus ID is specified from the transmission source address. It may be. Thereby, each component of the control unit 11 can specify the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source of the received application or the image acquisition condition.

  In addition, the transmission / reception unit 12 transmits a plan and UI that the I control unit 111 transmits to the transmission source X-ray CT apparatus, or the parameter conversion unit 112 transmits the transmission source X-ray CT apparatus to the transmission source X-ray CT apparatus as a response to the usage or image acquisition condition. The shooting protocol to be received is received. The transmission / reception unit 12 transmits the received plan and UI or imaging protocol to the X-ray CT apparatus (X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C) that is the transmission source of the application or the image acquisition condition. At this time, each component of the control unit 11 may designate an X-ray CT apparatus that transmits a plan and UI or an imaging protocol.

  Next, the UI control unit 111 and the parameter conversion unit 112 constituting the control unit 11 will be described.

  The UI control unit 111 receives the application input from the X-ray CT apparatuses 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> C via the network and the transmission / reception unit 12. Next, the UI control unit 111 extracts a plan corresponding to the received application from the plan storage unit 13.

  Next, the UI control unit 111 extracts a UI corresponding to the extracted plan from the UI storage unit 14. When the UI is extracted from the UI storage unit 14, the UI control unit 111 transmits the extracted UI and plan to the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source of the application via the transmission / reception unit 12 and the network, and the UI is transmitted to the X-ray CT apparatus. Display on line CT system. At this time, the UI control unit 111 may identify the transmission source X-ray CT apparatus by receiving from the transmission / reception unit 12 a device ID corresponding to the transmission source X-ray CT apparatus together with the application.

  The UI transmitted by the UI control unit 111 is displayed on the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source of the application. Thus, the operator can input a parameter (hereinafter referred to as “image acquisition condition parameter”) to the setting item of the image acquisition condition based on the plan corresponding to the designated application. The X-ray CT apparatus generates an image acquisition condition based on the parameter of the image acquisition condition designated by the operator and the plan received from the UI control unit 111. The X-ray CT apparatus transmits the generated image acquisition condition to the parameter conversion unit 112 described later together with the usage corresponding to the image acquisition condition. Details of the processing of the X-ray CT apparatus described above will be described later.

  The parameter conversion unit 112 receives the image acquisition conditions and uses corresponding to the image acquisition conditions input from the X-ray CT apparatuses 20 </ b> A to 20 </ b> C via the network and the transmission / reception unit 12. At this time, the parameter conversion unit 112 receives from the transmission / reception unit 12 together with a device ID for identifying the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source of the application and the image acquisition condition. The parameter conversion unit 112 extracts corresponding conversion information from the conversion information storage unit 15 based on the received application and device ID. Referring to FIG. 4 as an example, when the application is application 1 and the X-ray CT apparatus 20A as the transmission source is the X-ray CT apparatus 20A, the parameter conversion unit 112 extracts the conversion information 1A.

  Next, the parameter conversion unit 112 converts the image acquisition condition received from the X-ray CT apparatus into an imaging protocol for operating the X-ray CT apparatus based on the extracted conversion information.

  Next, when the image conversion condition is converted into an imaging protocol, the parameter conversion unit 112 transmits the imaging protocol to the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source of the image acquisition condition via the transmission / reception unit 12. The X-ray CT apparatus operates based on this imaging protocol, and can output an image based on the image acquisition condition.

  The processing described above is stored as a program in a storage area in the server 1. The control unit 11 is mainly configured as a CPU, and realizes the above-described processing by executing the program. The contents of processing realized by the program are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Specific processing contents shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described later.

  Next, details of each configuration of the X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C will be described.

  The image acquisition unit 25 mainly includes a gantry that accommodates a rotating ring, an X-ray source that generates a conical X-ray beam, and an X-ray filter. The gantry has an array type X-ray detector including detection elements arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. The image acquisition unit 25 controls the operation of these components (gantry, X-ray source, X-ray filter, and X-ray detector) based on the imaging protocol transmitted from the control unit 22 (for the control unit 22). Will be described later). Note that the gantry, the X-ray source, the X-ray filter, and the X-ray detector constituting the image acquisition unit 25 are not illustrated.

  Based on the imaging protocol from the control unit 22, the image acquisition unit 25 bombards the subject with an X-ray and detects the bombarded X-ray with an X-ray detector (for the control unit 22). Will be described later). For example, the tube current and tube voltage included in the imaging protocol described above correspond to parameters for controlling an X-ray tube that is an X-ray source. The image acquisition unit 25 measures the X-ray intensity detected by the X-ray detector, performs sensitivity correction and X-ray intensity correction on the measurement result, and outputs the result to the reconstruction processing unit 26 as X-ray projection data. The operation of the image acquisition unit 25 is generally well known as the operation of the gantry, the X-ray source, the X-ray filter, and the X-ray detector constituting the X-ray CT apparatus, and detailed description thereof is omitted. .

  Based on the imaging protocol transmitted from the control unit 22, the reconstruction processing unit 26 performs backprojection processing on the input X-ray projection data using a reconstruction algorithm such as the Feldkamp method, thereby obtaining tomographic image data. Reconfigure. At this time, the reconstruction processing unit 26 operates. The reconstruction processing unit 26 displays the reconstructed tomographic image data on the display unit 242 (the display unit 242 will be described later).

  The UI 24 includes an operation unit 241 and a display unit 242. The UI 24 displays a UI for specifying a use immediately after the X-ray CT apparatus is activated. Further, after the usage is designated, the UI is switched to the corresponding UI according to the usage by the control from the UI control unit 21 (the UI control unit 21 will be described later).

  The operation unit 241 is an input unit for setting usages and image acquisition conditions. Since the plan differs depending on the application, the parameters that can be input as the image acquisition condition from the operation unit 241 differ depending on the application. Therefore, when the UI control unit 21 switches to the UI transmitted from the server, the parameters of the image acquisition conditions corresponding to the plan transmitted from the server together with the UI can be input from the operation unit 241.

  The display unit 242 is a display unit for displaying an input screen for inputting a use or an image acquisition condition. The input screen varies depending on the application, and the control unit 22 switches to the input screen corresponding to the UI when the UI is switched. The display unit 242 is also a display unit for displaying a CT image. At this time, the display unit 242 displays the tomographic image data output from the reconstruction processing unit 26 as a CT image.

  The transmission / reception unit 23 transmits the usage or the image acquisition condition to the server 10 based on an instruction from the control unit 22. At this time, the transmission / reception unit 23 may transmit a device ID for identifying the X-ray CT apparatus together with the server 10. Further, the transmission / reception unit 23 receives a plan and UI, or a photographing protocol from the server 10. The transmission / reception unit 23 transmits the received plan and UI or imaging protocol to the control unit 22.

  The UI control unit 21 provides an interface for the operator to input image acquisition conditions based on the operator's instruction from the operation unit 241.

  When receiving a use as an input from the operation unit 241, the UI control unit 21 transmits the use to the server 10 via the transmission / reception unit 23 and the network. Next, the UI control unit 21 receives a plan and UI corresponding to the application from the server 10 via the transmission / reception unit 23 and the network as a response to the application. Next, the UI control unit 21 displays the UI received from the server 10 on the UI 24. Thus, the operator can specify the image acquisition condition corresponding to the application by inputting the parameter of the image acquisition condition to the plan corresponding to the specified application via the operation unit 241.

  The UI control unit 21 receives parameters of image acquisition conditions input by the operator via the operation unit 241 of the UI (UI 24) displayed corresponding to the application. The UI control unit 21 generates an image acquisition condition based on the image acquisition condition parameter input by the operator and the plan received from the server 10. The UI control unit 21 transmits the generated image acquisition condition to the server 10 via the transmission / reception unit 23 and the network together with the usage corresponding to the image acquisition condition.

  In the above, the UI control unit 21 receives the UI and the plan from the UI control unit 111, and generates the image acquisition condition based on the parameter of the image acquisition condition input to the operator based on the UI and the plan. The example of transmitting to the server 10 has been described. However, the UI control unit 21 is not necessarily configured to generate the image acquisition condition. For example, the UI control unit 21 may be configured to receive a UI from the UI control unit 111 and transmit parameters of image acquisition conditions input by the operator based on the UI to the server 10. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 may be configured to generate the image acquisition condition based on the parameter of the image acquisition condition received from the X-ray CT apparatus and the plan corresponding to the application.

  The control unit 22 controls the operations of the image collection unit 25 and the reconstruction processing unit 26 based on the imaging protocol generated based on the image acquisition condition specified by the operator.

  As a response to the image acquisition condition, the control unit 22 receives an imaging protocol for controlling operations of the image collection unit 25 and the reconstruction processing unit 26 based on the image acquisition condition from the server 10 via the transmission / reception unit 23 and the network. To do. The control unit 22 transmits the received imaging protocol to the image collection unit 25 and the reconstruction processing unit 26, and controls the operations of the image collection unit 25 and the reconstruction processing unit 26.

  The processing described above is stored as a program in a storage area in the X-ray CT apparatus 20A. The UI control unit 21 and the control unit 22 are mainly configured as a CPU, and realize the above-described processing by executing the program. The contents of processing realized by the program are shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Specific processing contents shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described later.

  Next, a specific example of the process of converting the image acquisition condition into the imaging protocol based on the conversion information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining processing for converting an image acquisition condition into an imaging protocol using conversion information, taking an example of a case where the use is for a child.

  In this description, the use for children in FIG. In addition, the plan corresponding to the use 1 is set as the plan 1, and the setting items of the image acquisition condition in the plan 1 are “imaging range”, “scan type”, “scan type priority flag”, “dose guideline”, “image quality standard”. ".

  The shooting range is a setting item for setting the shooting range. The scan type is a setting item for setting the type of scan. Examples of parameters that can be set for the scan type include “helical scan” and “volume scan”. In the setting item of the scan type priority flag, whether to give priority to the scan type specified in the “scan type” setting item is specified. When “no priority” is designated in the scan type priority flag, the X-ray CT apparatus changes the scan type according to the performance. For example, in the case of a high-performance X-ray CT apparatus, even when a helical scan is designated as the scan type, the scan type is changed to volume scan in order to shorten the imaging time. The setting item for the guideline of the dose is a setting item for setting the guideline for the exposure dose. In the setting item of the image quality standard, an SD (Standard Deviation) value that is an index of image noise that serves as an index of image quality is designated.

  At this time, the image acquisition condition PL1 includes an imaging range of “80 mm”, a scan type of “helical scan”, a scan type priority flag of “no priority”, a dose standard of “100 mGy · cm”, and an image quality standard of “SD value”. It is assumed that “10.0” is designated. The X-ray CT apparatus 20A is a high-grade machine having 320 rows of X-ray detectors and capable of imaging a wide range at once, and the X-ray CT apparatus 20B is an imaging range having 16 rows of X-ray detectors. A narrow general-purpose machine.

  For example, in the conversion information 1A, a process for converting the image acquisition condition PL1 into an imaging protocol (hereinafter referred to as “imaging protocol PR1A”) for operating the X-ray CT apparatus 20A based on the image acquisition condition PL1 is registered. ing. The following is an example of processing for converting the image acquisition condition PL1 into the imaging protocol PR1A based on the conversion information 1A.

  First, “no priority” is specified for the scan type priority flag of the image acquisition condition PL1, and “helical scan” is specified for the scan type. Since the X-ray CT apparatus 20A can capture a wide range at a time, the conversion information 1A includes a process for changing the scan type to a volume scan when “priority” is specified in the scan type priority flag. It is registered. Specifically, helical scan is specified as the scan type in the image acquisition condition PL1, but in the imaging protocol PR1A, the scan is changed to volume scanning in order to shorten the imaging time. When “priority” is designated in the scan type priority flag, the scan type designated by the operator is given priority, and the above-described conversion processing is not performed.

  In the conversion information 1A, a dose standard and an image quality standard are input, and slice thickness, tube voltage, tube current, image slice thickness, and processing for converting to an imaging protocol indicated by image processing and outputting are registered. Thereby, the dose standard (100 mGy · cm) and the image quality standard (SD value 10.0) in the image acquisition condition PL1 are converted by the conversion information 1A, the slice thickness is “0.5 mm × 160”, and the tube voltage is “120 kV”. ”,“ 200 mA ”is output as the tube current, and“ 0.5 mm ”is output as the image slice thickness.

  Further, in the conversion information 1A, a process that operates so as to improve the image quality by image processing is registered when the standard of dose is as relatively small as 100 mGy · cm. Specifically, when the dose standard is small, a “strong smoothing filter” is output as image processing. Note that when the dose standard is relatively large, a high-resolution tomographic image can be obtained, so that it is not necessary to improve the image quality by image processing compared to the case where the dose standard is low. In such a case, processing for outputting a “smoothing filter” as image processing may be registered in the conversion information 1A. It should be noted that the threshold value for the standard dose for switching the image processing is preferably set in advance based on empirically accumulated information.

  As described above, the conversion information 1A is necessary for calculating the imaging protocol PR1A for controlling the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 20A so that an X-ray CT image based on the image acquisition condition PL1 can be obtained. Register such processing. As a specific example, there is a method in which the above-described series of processes is functionalized and stored as conversion information 1A.

  In the conversion information 1B, a process for converting the image acquisition condition PL1 into an imaging protocol PR1B for operating the X-ray CT apparatus 20B based on the image acquisition condition PL1 is registered.

  In this case, the X-ray CT apparatus 20B is a general-purpose machine with a narrow imaging range having 16 rows of X-ray detectors. Therefore, in the conversion information 1B, a process of outputting the scan type as “helical scan” is registered in the imaging protocol PR1B without converting the scan type.

  In the conversion information 1B, processing for converting and outputting other imaging protocols according to the performance of the X-ray CT apparatus 20B is registered. Specifically, according to the conversion information 1B, the imaging protocol PR1B has a slice thickness of “0.5 mm × 16”, a tube voltage of “120 kV”, a tube current of “150 mA”, and an image slice thickness of “1.0 mm”. The “strong smoothing filter” is output as the image processing.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of processing for converting an image acquisition condition into an imaging protocol using conversion information, taking an example in which the application is for the heart. In the following description, it is assumed that the image acquisition condition PL2 shown in FIG. 3 is designated as the image acquisition condition.

  In this description, the use for the heart in FIG. In addition, the plan corresponding to the usage 2 is set as the plan 2, and the setting items of the image acquisition conditions in the plan 2 are “imaging range”, “scan type”, “scan type priority flag”, “dose guideline”, “image quality standard”. ".

  At this time, the image acquisition condition PL2 includes an imaging range of “300 mm”, a scan type of “helical scan”, a scan type priority flag of “no priority”, a dose guideline of “300 mGy · cm”, and an image quality standard of “SD value”. It is assumed that “10.0” is designated.

  For example, in the case of the heart, since a high-quality image is required, the dose standard is relatively large at 300 mGy · cm. In such an application, a parameter for controlling whether or not to use the exposure reduction function may be set in the imaging protocol output based on the image acquisition condition. The exposure reduction function is a function of adjusting an imaging protocol for operating the components of the X-ray CT apparatus based on image quality standards and dose guidelines. Since the exposure reduction function is well known as a conventional technique, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  For example, when using an X-ray CT apparatus capable of imaging a wide range at a time, such as the X-ray CT apparatus 20A, the X-ray exposure time can be kept short. In the case of using an X-ray CT apparatus capable of imaging a wide range at a time, when a relatively large value is set as a guideline of dose, the parameter conversion unit 112 uses a tube as an imaging protocol PR2A of the X-ray CT apparatus 20A. Set the current as high as “300 mA” and set the exposure reduction function to “use”. As a result, the operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 20A is controlled so as to keep the exposure time of X-rays short while satisfying the conditions of dose standard and image quality standard specified by the image acquisition condition PL2.

  Further, when an X-ray CT apparatus having a narrow imaging range such as the X-ray CT apparatus 20B is used, the X-ray exposure time becomes long. In such a case, it is necessary to reliably reduce the exposure amount per unit time. Therefore, the parameter conversion unit 112 sets the tube current as low as “150 mA” and sets the exposure reduction function as “not used” as the imaging protocol PR2B of the X-ray CT apparatus 20B. It should be noted that the threshold value for the standard dose, which serves as a reference for switching the presence / absence of the use of the above-described exposure reduction function, may be set in advance based on empirically accumulated information.

  In addition, in the example of FIG. 3, since the standard of dose is relatively large as 300 mGy · cm, “smoothing filter” is set for image processing in both cases of the imaging protocols PR2A and PR2B.

  The conversion information including the processing contents as described above is created as a series of processes for each combination of the application and the X-ray CT apparatus based on the information accumulated empirically and stored in advance in the conversion information storage unit 15. Keep it.

  Note that a reference image is associated with a certain image acquisition condition, and the image acquisition condition is converted into an imaging protocol for operating each X-ray CT apparatus so that the reference image is output. In addition, the conversion information of each X-ray CT apparatus may be adjusted in advance. As a result, the operator can obtain an image having an image quality corresponding to the image acquisition condition by designating the same image acquisition condition regardless of which X-ray CT apparatus is used.

  Next, an example of association of a plan, UI, and conversion information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 shows a correspondence relationship between the application and the X-ray CT apparatus, the plan, the UI, and the conversion information. Here, applications 1 to 3 can be specified as applications, and the case where the X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C can be used as X-ray CT apparatuses will be specifically described as an example. At this time, the plan storage unit 13 stores plans 1 to 3 corresponding to applications 1 to 3.

  The UI storage unit 14 stores UI1 to UI3 for inputting image acquisition conditions for each of the plans 1 to 3. At this time, the UI 1 corresponding to the usage 1 is associated with the plan 1 corresponding to the usage 1. Similarly, UI2 corresponding to the usage 2 is associated with the plan 2, and UI3 corresponding to the usage 3 is associated with the plan 3.

  In the conversion information storage unit 15, conversion information corresponding to each of the X-ray CT apparatuses 20A to 20C for each application is converted into conversion information 1A to 1C, conversion information 2A to 2C, and conversion information 3A to 3C. It is remembered. At this time, the conversion information 1A to 1C corresponding to the usage 1 is associated with the plan 1 corresponding to the usage 1. Similarly, the conversion information 2A to 2C corresponding to the usage 2 is associated with the plan 2, and the conversion information 3A to 3C corresponding to the usage 3 is associated with the plan 3.

(processing)
Next, the operation of the X-ray CT image capturing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, an example in which the X-ray CT apparatus 20A is used as the X-ray CT apparatus and the application 1 is designated as the application will be described.

  First, in response to designation of the usage (use 1) from the operator, the plan (plan 1) corresponding to the designated usage 1 and the UI (UI1) corresponding to the plan 1 are specified, and the UI1 specified as the UI 24 is specified. The operation until the display is displayed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing until the UI is displayed based on the designated application in the X-ray CT imaging system according to the present embodiment.

(Step S11)
First, when the X-ray CT apparatus 20 </ b> A is activated, a UI for designating a use is displayed on the UI 24. The UI control unit 21 of the X-ray CT apparatus 20A receives the use 1 as the use designated by the operator from the operation unit 241.

(Step S12)
The UI control unit 21 transmits the usage (use 1) received from the operation unit 241 to the server 10 via the transmission / reception unit 23 and the network. Note that the processing in steps S11 and S12 corresponds to an application selection function.

(Step S21, Step S22)
The usage transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 23 is received by the transmission / reception unit 12 of the server 10 (step S21). The transmission / reception unit 12 transmits the received usage to the UI control unit 111. The UI control unit 111 extracts a plan corresponding to the received application from the plan storage unit 13. In this case, the plan 1 corresponding to the usage 1 is extracted from the plan storage unit 13. (Step S22).

(Step S23)
Next, the UI control unit 111 extracts a UI corresponding to the extracted plan from the UI storage unit 14. In this case, the UI 1 corresponding to the plan 1 extracted based on the usage 1 is extracted from the UI storage unit 14. As a result, the plan 1 indicating the setting items of the image acquisition conditions corresponding to the usage 1 and the UI 1 for inputting the parameters of the image acquisition conditions to the various setting items of the plan 1 are extracted.

(Step S24)
The UI1 extracted by the UI control unit 111 is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 12 to the X-ray CT apparatus 20A that is the transmission source of the application (application 1). At this time, the UI control unit 111 may transmit the plan 1 to the transmission / reception unit 12 together with the UI 1 to the X-ray CT apparatus 20A. In the following description, it is assumed that UI1 and plan 1 have been transmitted.

(Step S13)
The UI1 and the plan 1 transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 12 are received by the transmission / reception unit 23 of the X-ray CT apparatus 20A. The transmission / reception unit 23 outputs the received plan 1 and UI1 to the UI control unit 21. The UI control unit 21 switches to the UI 1 that has received the UI 24. As a result, the operator can input parameters of the image acquisition condition to each setting item of the plan 1 corresponding to the usage 1 via the operation unit 241 of the switched UI 24. In addition, the process of step S21-24 and S13 is corresponded to a guidance information display function.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an operation until the X-ray CT apparatus is controlled by receiving an image acquisition condition designated by the operator via the UI displayed on the UI 24 and displaying the photographed CT image is described. explain. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the processing until the CT image is displayed by controlling the X-ray CT apparatus based on the image acquisition condition input to the UI in the X-ray CT imaging system according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart.

(Step S14)
The UI control unit 21 of the X-ray CT apparatus 20A receives the parameters of the image acquisition conditions corresponding to the setting items of the plan 1 specified by the operator from the operation unit 241 after switching the UI 24 to UI1.

(Step S15, Step S25)
The UI control unit 21 inputs the image acquisition condition parameters input from the operation unit 241 to the plan, and sends the image acquisition condition (in this description, the image acquisition condition PL1) to the server 10 via the transmission / reception unit 23 and the network. Send. At this time, the UI control unit 21 transmits a use (use 1) corresponding to the image acquisition condition (image acquisition condition PL1) to the server 10 together with the image acquisition condition (step S15). The image acquisition condition transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 23 and the usage corresponding to the image acquisition condition are received by the transmission / reception unit 12 of the server 10 (step S25). Note that the processing in steps S14, S15, and S25 corresponds to an image acquisition condition input function.

(Step S26)
The transmission / reception unit 12 outputs the received image acquisition condition and application to the parameter conversion unit 112 together with a device ID for specifying the transmission source X-ray CT apparatus. The parameter conversion unit 112 extracts conversion information corresponding to both the received use and the device ID from the conversion information storage unit 15. In this case, the parameter conversion unit 112 extracts conversion information 1A corresponding to both the application 1 and the X-ray CT apparatus 20A from the conversion information storage unit 15.

(Step S27)
Next, the parameter conversion unit 112 converts the received image acquisition condition into an imaging protocol for operating the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source of the image acquisition condition based on the image acquisition condition based on the extracted conversion information. To do. In this case, the parameter conversion unit 112 converts the image acquisition condition PL1 into an imaging protocol PR1A for operating the X-ray CT apparatus 20A based on the image acquisition condition PL1 based on the conversion information 1A.

(Step S28)
The imaging protocol PR1A converted by the parameter conversion unit 112 is transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 12 to the X-ray CT apparatus 20A that is the transmission source of the image acquisition condition (image acquisition condition PL1) and the application (use 1). Note that the processing in steps S26, S27, and S28 corresponds to a conversion function.

(Step S16, Step S17)
The imaging protocol PR1A transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 12 is received by the transmission / reception unit 23 of the X-ray CT apparatus 20A (step S16). The transmission / reception unit 23 outputs the imaging protocol PR1A to the control unit 22. The control unit 22 controls the operations of the image collection unit 25 and the reconstruction processing unit 26 based on the received imaging protocol PR1A. As a result, the X-ray CT image is taken by the image acquisition unit 25 and the reconstruction processing unit 26 based on the image acquisition condition PL1 designated by the operator, and tomographic image data is output to the display unit 242. The display unit 242 displays the tomographic image data output from the reconstruction processing unit 26 as an X-ray CT image (step S17). Note that the processing in steps S16 and S17 corresponds to an image output function.

  As described above, according to the X-ray CT imaging system according to the present embodiment, a common image acquisition condition is specified using a common UI according to applications among a plurality of different X-ray CT apparatuses, and the X-ray CT is performed. The device can be operated. As a result, even when an X-ray CT apparatus with different performance is used for different purposes, such as when an X-ray CT apparatus normally used for imaging of the head is used for imaging of children, it is possible to operate with the same UI. It becomes possible to do. For this reason, it is possible to suppress a reduction in work efficiency due to using an unfamiliar UI and occurrence of human error.

  Further, according to the X-ray CT imaging system according to the present embodiment, it is possible to control the operations of the X-ray CT apparatuses having different performances based on the image acquisition conditions specified using a common UI. Become. At this time, if the conversion information corresponding to each X-ray CT apparatus is generated so that X-ray CT images of the same quality can be obtained between X-ray CT apparatuses having different performances with respect to predetermined image acquisition conditions. Good. Thereby, when a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses having different performances can be used, the operator can use the same parameters as image acquisition conditions in any X-ray CT apparatus without being conscious of the performance of the X-ray CT apparatus to be used. By designating, it is possible to obtain an X-ray CT image of equivalent quality.

  In addition, according to the X-ray CT imaging system according to the present embodiment, data related to imaging acquisition conditions and imaging protocols, such as a plan, UI, and conversion information, can be collectively managed by a server. As a result, for example, the UI and conversion information change operation associated with the plan change can be collectively performed by the server.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Server 11 Control part 12 Transmission / reception part 13 Plan storage part 14 UI storage part 15 Conversion information storage part 111 UI control part 112 Parameter conversion part 20A, 20B, 20C X-ray CT apparatus 21 UI control part 22 Control part 23 Transmission / reception part 24 UI
25 Image collection unit 26 Reconstruction processing unit 231 Operation unit 232 Display unit

Claims (4)

A first storage unit that stores, for each application, guidance information for inputting image acquisition conditions in order to cause the X-ray CT apparatus to perform imaging and image processing according to the application;
Conversion information for converting the image acquisition condition corresponding to the application to an imaging protocol for operating the X-ray CT apparatus so as to generate an image based on the image acquisition condition is provided for each X-ray CT apparatus. A second storage unit stored;
In response to designation of a use from the request source X-ray CT apparatus, the guide information corresponding to the use is extracted from the first storage unit, and the guide information is sent to the request source X-ray CT apparatus. A UI control unit to be displayed;
The conversion information corresponding to the combination of the application and the X-ray CT apparatus is received from the second storage unit in response to an image acquisition condition input according to the guidance information displayed on the requesting X-ray CT apparatus. A parameter conversion unit that extracts and converts the image acquisition condition into an imaging protocol for each apparatus based on the extracted conversion information, and transmits the imaging protocol for each apparatus to the requesting X-ray CT apparatus; A server for controlling operations of the plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses via a network;
The requesting X-ray CT apparatus performs imaging based on the imaging protocol for each apparatus received from the server as a response to the image acquisition condition input according to the guidance information corresponding to the application, and generates an X-ray CT image X-ray CT image capturing system characterized in that   The parameter conversion unit receives apparatus identification information for identifying the X-ray CT apparatus from the request source X-ray CT apparatus, and corresponds to the request source X-ray CT apparatus based on the apparatus identification information The X-ray CT image capturing system according to claim 1, wherein the conversion information is extracted from the second storage unit. The first storage unit stores display control information for displaying the guidance information for each use.
The UI control unit extracts the display control information from the first storage unit, transmits the extracted display control information to the X-ray CT apparatus,
The X-ray CT imaging system according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray CT apparatus displays the guidance information based on the display control information received from the UI control unit. A program having a function of causing an X-ray CT image capturing system configured by a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses and a server that controls operations of the plurality of X-ray apparatuses via a network to capture an X-ray CT image,
The X-ray CT apparatus receives an application designated by an operator, and transmits an application selection function to the server;
A guidance information display function for causing the server to send and display guidance information for inputting image acquisition conditions for imaging and image processing according to the application to the X-ray CT apparatus that is the transmission source of the application;
In accordance with the guidance information displayed on the X-ray CT apparatus, an image acquisition condition input function for the server to receive an image acquisition condition input by an operator from the X-ray CT apparatus;
When the server receives the image acquisition conditions from the X-ray CT apparatus, the server converts the imaging protocol for each apparatus to operate the X-ray CT apparatus so as to generate an image based on the image acquisition conditions. A conversion function for transmitting an imaging protocol for each apparatus to the requesting X-ray CT apparatus;
The X-ray CT apparatus executes an image based on an imaging protocol for each apparatus received from a server, and executes an image output function for outputting an X-ray CT image.

Images