JP2017064125A - X-ray CT apparatus and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a burden of image reading.SOLUTION: An X-ray CT apparatus according to an embodiment comprises a construction part, an image generation part, and a display control part. The construction part constructs a reconstitution condition on the basis of the image reading tendency of a CT image. The image generation part generates a CT image on the basis of the reconstitution condition constructed by the construction part. The display control part performs control to display the CT image generated by the image generation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an X-ray CT apparatus and an image processing apparatus.

  Usually, the type and number of CT images generated by the X-ray CT apparatus are determined by a reconstruction condition input by a user or a preset reconstruction condition. When the CT image to be interpreted is not generated, the user needs to input the reconstruction condition again. Further, recent X-ray CT apparatuses have multi-row detectors and can generate CT images with high resolution. For this reason, recent X-ray CT apparatuses can generate a large number of various types of CT images based on projection data collected in one imaging. When interpreting a CT image, the user needs to select a necessary CT image from these CT images. However, the number of examinations using the X-ray CT apparatus, the number of CT images, and the types of CT images are increasing. For this reason, the burden on the user is increasing. Note that the conventional X-ray CT apparatus has a function of generating a CT image based on the same conditions as the reconstruction conditions in the past examination for a subject that has been examined in the past in order to reduce the burden on the user. May have.

JP 2006-271541 A JP 2006-61278 A JP 2010-264230 A

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an X-ray CT apparatus and an image processing apparatus that can reduce the burden of interpretation.

  The X-ray CT apparatus according to the embodiment includes a construction unit, an image generation unit, and a display control unit. The construction unit constructs reconstruction conditions based on the interpretation tendency of CT images. The image generation unit generates a CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed by the construction unit. The display control unit controls to display the CT image generated by the image generation unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the collection of interpretation information performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of preset reconstruction conditions. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reconstruction condition constructed by the construction unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the reconstruction conditions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining reconstruction conditions used by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of displaying a CT image by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an X-ray CT apparatus and an image processing apparatus according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, overlapping description will be omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
The configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a includes a gantry 10, a bed 20, and a console 30a. Note that the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a is not limited to the following configuration.

  The gantry 10 includes a high voltage generation circuit 11, a collimator adjustment circuit 12, a gantry driving circuit 13, an X-ray irradiation device 14, a detector 15, a data collection circuit 16, and a rotating frame 17.

  The high voltage generation circuit 11 supplies a tube voltage to an X-ray tube 141 described later. The high voltage generation circuit 11 realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 35 described later.

  The collimator adjustment circuit 12 adjusts the opening degree and position of a collimator 143 described later. Thereby, the collimator adjustment circuit 12 adjusts the X-ray irradiation range that the X-ray tube 141 irradiates the subject P. The collimator adjustment circuit 12 realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 35 described later.

  The gantry drive circuit 13 drives the rotary frame 17 to rotate. As a result, the gantry driving circuit 13 rotates the X-ray irradiation device 14 and the detector 15 on a circular orbit around the subject P. The gantry driving circuit 13 realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit 35 described later.

  The X-ray irradiation device 14 irradiates the subject P with X-rays. The X-ray irradiation device 14 includes an X-ray tube 141, a wedge 142, and a collimator 143. The X-ray tube 141 generates beam-shaped X-rays that irradiate the subject P with the tube voltage supplied by the high voltage generation circuit 11. The X-ray tube 141 is a vacuum tube that generates beam-shaped X-rays having a spread along the body axis direction of the subject P. This beam-shaped X-ray is also called a cone beam. The wedge 142 is an X-ray filter for adjusting the dose of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 141. The collimator 143 is a slit for adjusting the X-ray irradiation range. The opening degree and position of the collimator 143 are adjusted by the collimator adjustment circuit 12. By adjusting the aperture of the collimator 143, for example, the fan angle and cone angle of the cone beam are adjusted.

  The detector 15 is, for example, a multi-row detector including a plurality of detection elements arranged in the channel direction and the slice direction. The detection element is generated by the X-ray tube 141 and detects the intensity of the X-ray irradiated to the subject P. The channel direction is the circumferential direction of the rotating frame 17, and the slice direction is the body axis direction of the subject P.

  The detector 15 has, for example, detection elements arranged on a matrix in the channel direction and the slice direction. The number of detection elements included in the detector 15 is not particularly limited. For example, when the X-ray CT apparatus 1a generates a three-dimensional CT image of the entire heart, the detector 15 collects projection data from the upper end to the lower end of the heart in the body axis direction of the subject P in one conventional scan. It suffices to have as many detection elements as possible to achieve a possible scan range. When the length of the detection element in the channel direction and the length in the slice direction are long, the detector 15 can realize the above-described scan range with a smaller number of detection elements.

  The detection element included in the detector 15 includes a scintillator, a photodiode, and a detection circuit. For example, the detection element detects the intensity of X-rays by the following method. First, the detection element converts incident X-rays into light by a scintillator. Next, the detection element converts the light into a charge by a photodiode. Then, the detection element converts this electric charge into an electric signal by the detection circuit, and outputs it to the data collection circuit 16 described later. A detector whose detection element includes a scintillator and a photodiode is called a solid state detector.

  The detector 15 may be a direct conversion type detector. A direct conversion type detector is a detector that directly converts X-rays incident on a detection element into electric charges. The charge output from the detection element is such that electrons generated by the incidence of X-rays move toward the collector electrode having a positive potential and holes generated by the incidence of X-rays toward the collector electrode having a negative potential. Output by at least one of movement.

  The data collection circuit 16 generates projection data based on the electrical signal output from the detection element. The projection data is, for example, a sinogram. The sinogram is data in which signals detected by the detector 15 at each position of the X-ray tube 141 are arranged. Here, the position of the X-ray tube 141 is called a view. The sinogram is data in which the X-ray intensity detected by the detector 15 is assigned to a two-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system in which the first direction is the view direction and the second direction orthogonal to the first direction is the channel direction of the detector 15. It is. The data acquisition circuit 16 generates a sinogram in units of columns in the slice direction. The data acquisition circuit 16 is also called DAS (Data Acquisition System). The data collection circuit 16 realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 35 described later.

  The rotating frame 17 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray irradiation device 14 and the detector 15 so as to face each other with the subject P interposed therebetween. The rotating frame 17 is driven by the gantry driving circuit 13 and rotates at a high speed on a circular orbit around the subject P.

  The bed 20 includes a top plate 21 and a bed driving circuit 22. The top plate 21 is a plate-like member on which the subject P is placed. The couch drive circuit 22 moves the subject P within the imaging port of the gantry 10 by moving the top plate 21 on which the subject P is placed in the body axis direction. The bed driving circuit 22 realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a storage circuit 35 described later.

  The console 30a includes an input circuit 31, a display 32, a projection data storage circuit 33, an image storage circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, and a processing circuit 36a.

  The input circuit 31 is used by a user who inputs instructions and settings. The input circuit 31 is included in, for example, a mouse and a keyboard. The input circuit 31 transfers instructions and settings input by the user to the processing circuit 36a. The input circuit 31 is realized by a processor, for example.

  The display 32 is a monitor that is referred to by the user. The display 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display. The display 32 receives an instruction from the processing circuit 36a to display, for example, a CT image and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) used when the user inputs instructions and settings. The display 32 displays a CT image and a GUI based on this instruction.

  The projection data storage circuit 33 stores raw data (Raw Data) generated by a preprocessing function 362 described later. The image storage circuit 34 stores a CT image generated by an image generation function 363 described later.

  The storage circuit 35 stores a program for the high voltage generation circuit 11, the collimator adjustment circuit 12, the gantry drive circuit 13, and the data collection circuit 16 to realize the functions described above. The storage circuit 35 stores a program for the bed driving circuit 22 to realize the functions described above. The storage circuit 35 includes a scan control function 361, a preprocessing function 362, an image generation function 363, a display control function 364, an interpretation information collection function 365, an interpretation tendency extraction function 366, a construction function 367, and a control function 368, which will be described later. A program for realizing each is stored. The storage circuit 35 stores interpretation information collected by the interpretation information collection function 365 described later by the processing circuit 36a.

  The projection data storage circuit 33, the image storage circuit 34, and the storage circuit 35 have a storage medium from which stored information can be read out by a computer. The storage medium is, for example, a hard disk.

  The processing circuit 36a includes a scan control function 361, a preprocessing function 362, an image generation function 363, a display control function 364, an interpretation information collection function 365, an interpretation tendency extraction function 366, a construction function 367, and a control function 368. Details of these functions will be described later. The processing circuit 36a is realized by a processor, for example.

  An example of processing of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the processing circuit 36a executes a scan and collects projection data (step S1). The process of step S1 is as follows, for example.

  The processing circuit 36a reads a program corresponding to the scan control function 361 from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The scan control function 361 is a function for controlling the X-ray CT apparatus 1a in order to execute scanning. For example, the processing circuit 36a controls the X-ray CT apparatus 1a as follows by executing the scan control function 361.

  The processing circuit 36 a moves the subject P into the imaging port of the gantry 10 by controlling the couch driving circuit 22. The processing circuit 36 a controls the gantry driving circuit 13 to execute scanning of the subject P. Specifically, the processing circuit 36 a controls the high voltage generation circuit 11 to supply a tube voltage to the X-ray tube 141. The processing circuit 36 a adjusts the opening degree and position of the collimator 143 by controlling the collimator adjustment circuit 12. Further, the processing circuit 36 a controls the gantry driving circuit 13 to rotate the rotating frame 17. Then, the processing circuit 36 a controls the data collection circuit 16 to cause the data collection circuit 16 to collect projection data.

  The scan executed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1a is, for example, a conventional scan, a helical scan, or a step and shoot. The conventional scan is a method of scanning the subject P in a state where the position of the subject P placed on the top 21 is fixed. The helical scan is a method of scanning the subject P while moving the subject P placed on the top plate 21 in the body axis direction. The step-and-shoot is a method in which a conventional scan is performed in a plurality of scan areas by moving the position of the subject P placed on the top plate 21 at regular intervals.

  The processing circuit 36a performs preprocessing on the projection data as shown in FIG. 2 (step S2). The process of step S2 is as follows, for example.

  The processing circuit 36a reads a program corresponding to the preprocessing function 362 from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The preprocessing function 362 is a function for correcting the projection data generated by the data collection circuit 16. This correction is, for example, logarithmic conversion, offset correction, sensitivity correction, beam hardening correction, and scattered ray correction. The projection data corrected by the preprocessing function 362 is stored in the projection data storage circuit 33. Note that the projection data corrected by the preprocessing function 362 is also called raw data.

  The processing circuit 36a generates and displays a CT image as shown in FIG. 2 (step S3). The process of step S3 is as follows, for example.

  The processing circuit 36a reads a program corresponding to the image generation function 363 from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The image generation function 363 is a function for reconstructing raw data stored in the projection data storage circuit 33 and generating a CT image. The image generation function 363 is an example of an image generation unit described in the claims. The reconstruction method is, for example, a back projection process or a successive approximation method. A specific example of the back projection process is an FBP (Filtered Back Projection) method.

  The processing circuit 36a reads a program corresponding to the display control function 364 from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The display control function 364 is a function for displaying the generated CT image on the display 32 in an arbitrary manner. The display control function 364 is an example of a display control unit described in the claims.

  Further, in step S3 of FIG. 2, the processing circuit 36a constructs a reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency of the CT image, and generates and displays a CT image based on the constructed reconstruction condition. Next, these processes will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the collection of interpretation information performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of preset reconstruction conditions. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a reconstruction condition constructed by the construction unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the reconstruction conditions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not the interpretation tendency has been extracted (step S10). The process of step S10 is as follows, for example.

  The process of step S10 is based on the premise that interpretation information is collected before a scan is executed. The interpretation information is collected by the processing circuit 36a. The processing circuit 36a reads a program corresponding to the interpretation information collection function 365 from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The interpretation information collection function 365 is a function that collects interpretation information, which is information relating to interpretation of CT images. The interpretation information collection function 365 is an example of the interpretation information collection unit described in the claims. The interpretation information includes, for example, information related to operations performed on the CT image, time or number of times the CT image or a part of the CT image is interpreted, and information related to a change in reconstruction conditions.

  The information related to the operation performed on the CT image is, for example, enlargement or reduction of the CT image, movement of the center of the CT image, and change of display conditions, as shown in FIG. Further, the information related to the operation performed on the CT image includes movement to another CT image. The movement to another CT image is, for example, when a plurality of CT images having different positions in the body axis direction of the subject P are generated and a CT image at a certain position in the body axis direction is displayed. It is to display CT images at other positions. Furthermore, the information regarding the operation performed on the CT image includes information regarding the mouse operation and the keyboard operation performed by the user.

  The information related to the operation performed on the CT image includes information related to the operation for measuring the length and shape of the target to be interpreted on the CT image. When measuring the length of the target to be interpreted on the CT image, the user measures the distance between two points displayed on the display 32, for example. When measuring the shape of an object to be interpreted on the CT image, the user adjusts the lengths of the major and minor axes of the ellipse displayed on the display 32, for example, and interprets the ellipse shape on the CT image. Match the shape of Thereby, the user can estimate the rough shape of the object to be interpreted on the CT image.

  The time or number of times that the CT image or part thereof has been interpreted is, for example, the display time or the number of times of display of the CT image or part thereof, as shown in FIG. Further, the time or number of times that a CT image or a part thereof is interpreted may be the time or number of times displayed on a page for displaying the CT image to be interpreted. A page for displaying a CT image to be interpreted is also called a viewer page or an interpretation page. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the time or number of times that a CT image or a part thereof is interpreted may be collected for each display condition of the CT image. Furthermore, the time or number of times that the CT image or a part of the CT image has been read includes at least one of the read area, the time, and the number of times obtained from information related to the mouse operation or keyboard operation performed by the user.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the information regarding the change of the reconstruction condition includes an image thickness, a reconstruction interval, a reconstruction matrix, a reconstruction function, a reconstruction process, a reconstruction range, a reconstruction process type, an enlargement ratio, and an image. Contains information about center changes. The reconstruction condition is changed by, for example, a mouse operation or a keyboard operation. Note that the reconstruction condition here is also called a reconstruction retry condition.

  The image thickness is the length in the body axis direction of projection data used when generating a CT image. The reconstruction interval is an interval for generating a CT image in the body axis direction. A CT image having a large image thickness is suitable for roughly reading the entire image. A CT image having a small image thickness is suitable for reading the structure in detail. The reconstruction matrix is a matrix in which each component represents the CT value of each pixel of the CT image. The reconstruction function is a filter used when applying the FBP method. The reconstruction process includes a reconstruction method such as the FBP method and the successive approximation reconstruction method described above. The reconstruction process is a process that removes noise and artifacts, for example. The reconstruction range is a range for generating a CT image. The reconstruction range is not limited to the range of the subject P in the body axis direction. The enlargement ratio is a magnification necessary for enlarging a part of the displayed CT image to a predetermined size. The image center is a point displayed at the center of the display 32 in the CT image.

  The reconstruction processing type includes, for example, an imaging protocol corresponding to the imaging part of the subject P. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the imaging protocol corresponding to the imaging region of the subject P is a head plan, a chest plan, an abdominal plan, a lower limb plan, and a whole body plan. The head plan, the chest plan, the abdominal plan, and the lower limb plan are specialized for imaging each imaging region of the subject P. In these imaging protocols, for example, the image thickness, the reconstruction interval, the reconstruction matrix, the reconstruction function, the reconstruction process, and the reconstruction range are set to conditions suitable for photographing each imaging region.

  The reconstruction processing type includes an imaging protocol corresponding to the subject P. The imaging protocol corresponding to the subject P includes, for example, an image thickness, a reconstruction interval, a reconstruction matrix, a reconstruction function, a reconstruction process, and a reconstruction range that are set according to the age and sex of the subject P. The imaging protocol corresponding to the subject P is, for example, the infant plan shown in FIG. The pediatric plan specializes in taking pediatric CT images.

  The reconstruction processing type includes a shooting protocol corresponding to the shooting scene. The imaging protocol according to the imaging scene is set, for example, an image thickness, a reconstruction interval, a reconstruction matrix, a reconstruction function, a reconstruction process, and a reconstruction range suitable for photographing a wide range of the subject P in an emergency. Has been. This photographing protocol is the emergency plan shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 36 a stores the collected interpretation information in the storage circuit 35. Further, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the processing circuit 36 a may collect interpretation information for each user or team that uses the X-ray CT apparatus 1 a. For example, when the interpretation information is collected for each of four users, the four interpretation information is stored in the storage area 351, the storage area 352, the storage area 353, and the storage area 354 of the storage circuit 35, respectively. Alternatively, the processing circuit 36a may store interpretation information collected from the entire hospital in a storage medium installed outside the X-ray CT apparatus 1a. Further, the processing circuit 36a may collect the interpretation information of each team or the entire hospital by combining the interpretation information collected for each user who uses the X-ray CT apparatus. Alternatively, the interpretation information may be collected from each team or the entire hospital.

  The processing circuit 36a determines whether or not the interpretation tendency can be extracted by executing the interpretation tendency extraction function 366. The interpretation tendency extraction function 366 is a function that extracts an interpretation tendency from the interpretation information when the interpretation information collected by the interpretation information collection function 365 satisfies a predetermined condition. The interpretation tendency extraction function 366 is an example of an interpretation tendency extraction unit described in claims. Note that the processing circuit 36a can extract the interpretation tendency from any of the user, the team, and the entire hospital.

  For example, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not an interpretation tendency can be extracted from information related to an operation performed on the CT image. In this case, the predetermined condition is a threshold set for the number of specific operations performed on the CT image. For example, when the number of specific operations performed on the CT image is equal to or greater than the threshold, the processing circuit 36a determines that the interpretation tendency can be extracted. For example, in the case of interpretation of a CT image including the heart, when the user performs an operation of enlarging the heart over a predetermined threshold, the processing circuit 36a determines that there is a tendency to gaze at the heart, and extracts the interpretation tendency.

  It should be noted that the specific operation performed on the CT image may include a plurality of similar operations. For example, when enlarging a heart portion in a CT image including the heart, the specific operation performed on the CT image may include an operation of enlarging the heart portion with a predetermined range of magnification. Alternatively, the specific operation performed on the CT image may include an operation for enlarging the heart portion by a mouse operation and an operation for enlarging the heart portion by a keyboard operation.

  For example, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not the interpretation tendency can be extracted from the time or the number of times that the CT image or a part thereof is interpreted. In this case, the predetermined condition is a threshold set for the time or the number of times that the CT image or a part thereof is read. For example, the processing circuit 36a determines that the interpretation tendency can be extracted when the time or number of times that the CT image or a part thereof is interpreted is equal to or greater than the threshold value. For example, if the time or number of times that the user interprets the lung field in the interpretation of the CT image including the lung field exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the processing circuit 36a determines that there is a tendency to gaze at the lung field, and the interpretation tendency To extract. It should be noted that the time or number of times that the CT image or a part thereof is read may be the time or number of times for the unit time.

  For example, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not the interpretation tendency can be extracted from the information related to the change of the reconstruction condition. In this case, the predetermined condition is, for example, a threshold set for the number of times that the reconstruction condition shown in FIG. 4 is within a specific range. For example, when the number of times that the reconstruction condition in which the image thickness and the reconstruction interval are within a predetermined range is set to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, the processing circuit 36a determines that the interpretation tendency can be extracted.

  Note that the information related to the change of the reconstruction condition may include information related to the change to the similar reconstruction condition. For example, the information related to the change of the reconstruction condition may include information related to the change to the reconstruction condition in which the image thickness, the reconstruction interval, and the enlargement ratio are in a predetermined range.

  Returning to FIG. 3, when it is determined that the interpretation tendency cannot be extracted (No at Step S10), the processing circuit 36a advances the processing to Step S11. The processing circuit 36a executes the image generation function 363 to generate a CT image based on preset reconstruction conditions (step S11). When the process of step S11 is completed, the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S20. If it is determined that the interpretation tendency can be extracted (Yes at Step S10), the processing circuit 36a advances the processing to Step S12. For example, the processing circuit 36a extracts the interpretation tendency for each photographing protocol, for each user, and for each team.

  The preset reconstruction conditions are stored in, for example, the storage circuit 35 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a and the storage medium of the workstation that manages the X-ray CT apparatus 1a. In addition, when a workstation manages a plurality of X-ray CT apparatuses, preset reconstruction conditions are often unified within a hospital.

  The processing circuit 36a constructs a reconstruction condition as shown in FIG. 3 (step S12). The process of step S12 is as follows, for example.

  The processing circuit 36a reads a program corresponding to the construction function 367 from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The construction function 367 is a function for constructing reconstruction conditions based on the interpretation tendency of CT images. The construction function 367 is an example of a construction unit described in the claims. The processing circuit 36a executes the construction function 367 to construct the reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency after the interpretation tendency extraction function 366 completes the extraction of the interpretation tendency.

  The reconstruction condition shown in FIG. 5 is the reconstruction condition input from the user before the reconstruction condition is constructed based on the interpretation tendency of the CT image or the reconstruction condition set from the beginning. The reconstruction condition shown in FIG. 5 includes a reconstruction condition represented by a reconstruction number “1” and a reconstruction condition represented by a reconstruction number “2”. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “1” is to generate 1000 CT images having an image thickness of 0.5 mm and an enlargement ratio of 1.0 in the reconstruction range of 0.0 mm to 500.0 mm. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2” is to generate 320 CT images with an image thickness of 0.5 mm and an enlargement ratio of 2.5 in the reconstruction range of 160.0 mm to 320.0 mm.

  The reconstruction conditions shown in FIG. 6 are reconstruction conditions constructed based on the interpretation tendency of a CT image by the processing circuit 36a executing the construction function 367. The reconstruction condition shown in FIG. 6 includes a reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “1”, a reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2”, and a reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “3”. Includes conditions. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “1” is a CT image having an image thickness of 5.0 mm and an enlargement ratio of 1.0 in the reconstruction ranges of 0.0 mm to 150.0 mm and 350.0 mm to 500.0 mm. 60 sheets are generated. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2” is to generate 200 CT images with an image thickness of 1.0 mm and an enlargement ratio of 1.0 in the reconstruction range of 150.0 mm to 350.0 mm. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “3” is to generate 320 CT images with an image thickness of 0.5 mm and an enlargement ratio of 2.5 in the reconstruction range of 160.0 mm to 320.0 mm. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “3” shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2” shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 summarizes the reconstruction conditions shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. A region of interest R1 and a region of interest R2 are set in the central CT image Im of FIG. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “1” shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to all regions of the CT image Im, as indicated by the graphic RB1 on the left side of FIG. Here, the region other than the region of interest R2 in the CT image Im is not interpreted in more detail than the region of interest R2. Accordingly, the image thickness of the CT image may be increased in the region other than the region of interest R2. For this reason, the processing circuit 36a sets the image thickness of the reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “1” shown in FIG. 6 to 5.0 mm. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “1” shown in FIG. 6 is indicated by the graphic RA1 on the right side of FIG.

  The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2” shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the region of interest R2, as indicated by the graphic RB2 on the left side of FIG. Here, since the periphery of the region of interest R2 is close to the region of interest R2, it is necessary to interpret in more detail than regions other than the region of interest R1 and the region of interest R2. Therefore, in the region of interest R1, it is necessary to reduce the image thickness of the CT image to some extent. For this reason, the processing circuit 36a sets the image thickness of the reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2” shown in FIG. 6 to 1.0 mm. The reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2” shown in FIG. 6 is indicated by the graphic RA2 on the right side of FIG. Further, the reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “3” illustrated in FIG. 6 is indicated by the graphic RA3 on the right side of FIG.

  When a CT image is generated based on the reconstruction conditions shown in FIG. 5, the user must bear the burden of selecting a necessary CT image from a total of 1320 CT images. However, when a CT image is generated based on the reconstruction conditions shown in FIG. 6, the user may select a necessary CT image from a total of 580 CT images. In addition, when a CT image is generated based on the reconstruction condition illustrated in FIG. 6, CT images suitable for the region other than the region of interest R1 and the region of interest R2, the region of interest R1 and the region of interest R2 are generated.

  It should be noted that the reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “2” shown in FIG. 5 and the reconstruction condition represented by the reconstruction number “3” shown in FIG. Instead of 0.5 mm, enlargement reconstruction may be performed. Enlargement reconstruction is a process for reconstructing only raw data corresponding to a region to be interpreted in detail in the CT image and generating a CT image of only the region to be interpreted. The CT image generated by the enlargement reconstruction captures the structure of the region to be interpreted in more detail than the CT image enlarged by bilinear interpolation or the like.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the processing circuit 36a executes the control function 368 to determine whether or not the preset reconstruction condition should be replaced with the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 (step S13). .

  When it is determined that the preset reconstruction condition should be replaced with the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 (Yes in step S13), the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S15. For example, the processing circuit 36a determines that the number of CT images generated based on the reconstruction condition reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 is smaller than the number of CT images generated based on a preset reconstruction condition. Then, the process proceeds to step S15.

  If it is determined that the preset reconstruction condition should not be replaced with the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 (No in step S13), the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S14. For example, the processing circuit 36a determines that the number of CT images generated based on the reconstruction condition reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 is larger than the number of CT images generated based on a preset reconstruction condition. Then, the process proceeds to step S14. The processing circuit 36a executes the image generation function 363 to generate a CT image based on preset reconstruction conditions (step S14). When the process of step S14 is completed, the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S20.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 36a executes the control function 368 to replace the preset reconstruction condition with the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 (step S15).

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 36a executes the control function 368 to determine whether or not an instruction to approve the replacement in step S15 has been received (step S16). When receiving an instruction to approve the replacement in step S15 (Yes in step S16), the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S18. When the instruction to approve the replacement in step S15 is not received (No in step S16), the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S17. The processing circuit 36a executes the image generation function 363 to generate a CT image based on preset reconstruction conditions (step S17). When the process of step S17 is completed, the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S20.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 36a executes the control function 368 to apply the reconfiguration condition constructed in step S12 (step S18). The process in step S18 is to overwrite the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 on the reconstruction condition set in advance.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the processing circuit 36a generates a CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 (step S19). The processing circuit 36a reconstructs the raw data based on the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 and generates a CT image.

  The processing circuit 36a registers a CT image (step S20). Specifically, the processing circuit 36a registers the CT image generated in step S11, step S14, step S17, and step S19. The processing circuit 36a appropriately displays the CT image registered in step S20 on the display 32 by executing the display control function 364.

  Note that the processing circuit 36a appropriately reads and executes a program corresponding to the control function 368 from the storage circuit 35 when executing the above-described processing. The control function 368 includes a function for operating each component of the gantry 10, the bed 20, and the console 30a at an appropriate timing according to the purpose and other functions.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment has been described above. As described above, the processing circuit 36a according to the first embodiment constructs the reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency of the CT image, and generates the CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed by the construction function. For this reason, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment can match the number of CT images and the type of CT images with the interpretation tendency of the user. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment applies the reconstruction condition constructed in step S12 after accepting that the replacement in step S15 is approved in step S16. For this reason, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment can more reliably generate a CT image that matches the interpretation tendency of the user. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment can reduce the burden of interpretation. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment can save the storage area of the storage medium for storing the CT image and the communication path capacity of the network for transferring the CT image.

(Second Embodiment)
An X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment are used. Detailed description of the same contents as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  An example of the process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment in step S3 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining reconstruction conditions used by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not the interpretation tendency can be extracted by executing the interpretation tendency extraction function 366 (step S21). The processing in step S21 is based on the premise that interpretation information is collected before the scan is executed, as in the processing in step S10. The method by which the processing circuit 36a collects interpretation information is the same as in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined that the interpretation tendency can be extracted (Yes at Step S21), the processing circuit 36a advances the processing to Step S23. If it is determined that the interpretation tendency cannot be extracted (No at Step S21), the processing circuit 36a advances the processing to Step S22. The processing circuit 36a executes the image generation function 363 to generate a CT image based on preset reconstruction conditions (step S22). When the process of step S22 is completed, the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S25. The method for determining whether or not the processing circuit 36a according to the second embodiment has been able to extract an interpretation tendency determines whether or not the processing circuit 36a according to the first embodiment has been able to extract an interpretation tendency. It is the same as the method to do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 8, the processing circuit 36a executes the construction function 367 to construct a reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency (step S23). The processing circuit 36a executes the construction function 367 to construct the reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency after the interpretation tendency extraction function 366 completes the extraction of the interpretation tendency. The process in step S23 is as follows, for example.

  In the CT image Im0 on the right side of FIG. 9, a region of interest R10 and a region of interest R20 are set. The reconstruction conditions used for generating the CT image in step S3 of FIG. 2 are the regions other than the region of interest R10 and the region of interest R20, the region of interest R10, and the region of interest R20, as shown by the graphic RB10 shown in FIG. All CT images have an image thickness of 5.0 mm.

  However, it is known from the interpretation tendency extracted in step S21 that the region of interest R10 and the region of interest R20 are interpreted in detail. Therefore, the processing circuit 36a constructs a reconstruction condition for generating a CT image with an image thickness of 1.0 mm for the region of interest R10, as indicated by the graphic RA20 in FIG. Further, as shown by the graphic RA30 in FIG. 9, the processing circuit 36a has a CT image with an image thickness of 0.5 mm, a CT image with an image thickness of 0.25 mm, or a CT image by the above-described enlargement reconstruction with respect to the region of interest R10. Construct a reconstruction condition that generates

  As shown in FIG. 8, the processing circuit 36a executes the image generation function 363 to generate a CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed in step S23 (step S24).

  Unlike the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment changes a preset reconstruction condition into a reconstruction condition constructed by the construction function 367. Do not replace. Further, unlike the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment is constructed by the construction function 367 on a preset reconstruction condition. Do not overwrite reconfiguration conditions.

  The processing circuit 36a registers the CT image by executing the control function 368 as shown in FIG. 8 (step S25). Specifically, the processing circuit 36a registers the CT image generated in step S22 and step S24. The processing circuit 36a appropriately displays the registered CT image on the display 32 by executing the display control function 364.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment has been described above. Similar to the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment, the processing circuit 36a according to the second embodiment can match the number of CT images and the type of CT images with the interpretation tendency of the user. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment, like the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment, is a storage area of a storage medium for storing CT images and network communication for transferring CT images. Road capacity can be saved.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment does not replace the preset reconstruction condition with the reconstruction condition constructed by the construction function 367. Moreover, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment does not overwrite the reconstruction condition constructed by the construction function 367 on the reconstruction condition set in advance. For this reason, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment can also provide a CT image generated based on reconstruction conditions preset for the user.

(Third embodiment)
An X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the above description of the embodiments are used. Detailed description of the same contents as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment extracts the interpretation tendency in parallel with the collection of the interpretation information, constructs a reconstruction condition, and generates a CT image. In addition, when the CT image generated in this way is not referred to, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment extracts an interpretation tendency again, constructs a reconstruction condition, and creates a CT image. Generate.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment always collects interpretation information by the same method as that of the above-described embodiment regardless of the processing shown in FIG. Then, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment executes the process shown in FIG. 10 in parallel with the collection of the interpretation information.

  With reference to FIG. 10, an example of the process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment in step S3 of FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment in step S3 of FIG. The configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment is the same as the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not the interpretation tendency can be extracted by executing the interpretation tendency extraction function 366 (step S31). If it is determined that the interpretation tendency can be extracted (Yes at Step S31), the processing circuit 36a advances the processing to Step S33. If it is determined that the interpretation tendency cannot be extracted (No at Step S31), the processing circuit 36a advances the processing to Step S32. The processing circuit 36a executes the image generation function 363 to generate a CT image based on preset reconstruction conditions (step S32). When the process of step S32 is completed, the processing circuit 36a advances the process to step S35. The method for determining whether or not the processing circuit 36a according to the third embodiment has been able to extract an interpretation tendency determines whether or not the processing circuit 36a according to the first embodiment has been able to extract an interpretation tendency. It is the same as the method to do.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the processing circuit 36a executes a construction function 367 to construct a reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency (step S33). For example, the processing circuit 36a constructs the reconstruction condition described with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the processing circuit 36a executes the image generation function 363 to generate a CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed in step S33 (step S34).

  As shown in FIG. 10, the processing circuit 36a executes the control function 368 to register the CT image (step S35). Specifically, the processing circuit 36a registers the CT image generated in step S32 and step S34. The processing circuit 36a appropriately displays the registered CT image on the display 32 by executing the display control function 364.

  As illustrated in FIG. 10, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not the CT image registered in step S35 has been referred to by the user (step S36). For example, the processing circuit 36a determines whether or not all CT images registered in step S35 have been referred to by the user. When it is determined that the CT image registered in step S35 is not referenced by the user (No in step S36), the processing circuit 36a returns the process to step S31. When it is determined that the CT image registered in step S35 is referred to by the user (Yes in step S36), the processing circuit 36a ends the process of step S3 in FIG.

  The X-ray CT apparatus according to the third embodiment has been described above. Similar to the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment, the processing circuit 36a according to the third embodiment can match the number of CT images and the type of CT image with the interpretation tendency of the user. Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment, like the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the first embodiment, has a storage area of a storage medium for storing CT images and network communication for transferring CT images. Road capacity can be saved.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment extracts the interpretation tendency in parallel with the collection of the interpretation information, constructs a reconstruction condition, and generates a CT image. For this reason, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment can quickly generate and display a CT image according to the interpretation tendency of the user. In addition, when the CT image generated in this way is not referred to, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment extracts an interpretation tendency again, constructs a reconstruction condition, and creates a CT image. Generate. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a according to the third embodiment quickly generates and displays a CT image that matches the interpretation tendency of the user even if the CT image once generated does not match the interpretation tendency of the user. can do.

(Fourth embodiment)
An X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the above-described embodiment are used for the same constituent elements as those in the above-described embodiment. Detailed description of the same contents as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

  The X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment selects a CT image satisfying a predetermined condition from CT images generated based on a preset reconstruction condition or a reconstruction condition constructed by the construction function 367. Then, the selected CT image is displayed.

  The configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1b according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the X-ray CT apparatus 1b includes a gantry 10, a bed 20, and a console 30b. Note that the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1b is not limited to the following configuration.

  The console 30b includes an input circuit 31, a display 32, a projection data storage circuit 33, an image storage circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, and a processing circuit 36b.

  The processing circuit 36b has a scan control function 361, a preprocessing function 362, an image generation function 363, a display control function 364, an interpretation information collection function 365, an interpretation tendency extraction function 366, a construction function 367, a control function 368, and a selection function 369b. . Details of the function of the selection function 369b will be described later. The processing circuit 36b is realized by a processor, for example.

  A process performed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1b according to the fourth embodiment in step S3 in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment in step S3 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of displaying a CT image by the X-ray CT apparatus according to the fourth embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the processing circuit 36b displays the CT image by executing the display control function 364 (step S41). The CT image displayed in step S41 is generated based on a preset reconstruction condition or a reconstruction condition constructed by the construction function 367. For example, the processing circuit 36b displays the CT image ImA shown in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the processing circuit 36b executes the selection function 369b to determine whether an operation is performed on the CT image (step S42). The process of step S42 is as follows, for example.

  The processing circuit 36b reads a program corresponding to the selection function 369b from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The selection function 369b includes a function for determining whether an operation is performed on a CT image. The operation on the CT image is, for example, an operation of enlarging the portion of the region of interest R of the CT image ImA shown in FIG. A CT image obtained by enlarging the region of interest R of the CT image ImA by bilinear interpolation or the like may become an unclear CT image like the CT image ImB shown in FIG.

  Further, the operation on the CT image may be movement to another CT image described above. Alternatively, the operation for the CT image may be an operation for changing the window condition of the CT image being interpreted. Here, the window condition specifically means a window width and a window level. The window width is a display range of CT values in a CT image. The window level is the center value of the window width.

  When it determines with operation with respect to CT image being performed (step S42 affirmation), the processing circuit 36b advances a process to step S43. If it is determined that no operation has been performed on the CT image (No at Step S42), the processing circuit 36b ends the process at Step S3 in FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the processing circuit 36b executes the selection function 369b to determine whether there is a CT image that satisfies a predetermined condition (step S43). The process in step S43 is, for example, as follows.

  The processing circuit 36b reads a program corresponding to the selection function 369b from the storage circuit 35 and executes it. The selection function 369b includes a function of determining whether there is a CT image that satisfies a predetermined condition. If it is determined that there is a CT image that satisfies the predetermined condition (Yes at step S43), the processing circuit 36b advances the process to step S44. When it is determined that there is no CT image satisfying the predetermined condition (No at Step S43), the processing circuit 36b ends the process at Step S3 in FIG.

  Here, the predetermined condition is a condition related to an operation on the CT image. For example, when the user enlarges the portion of the region of interest R of the CT image ImA to a predetermined magnification or more, the processing circuit 36b has a CT image that can read in detail the structure in the region of interest R of the CT image ImA. It is determined whether or not. For example, the processing circuit 36b displays the CT image ImC shown in FIG. The CT image ImC is a CT image capable of interpreting the same region as the CT image ImB in more detail.

  Further, for example, when the user reduces the portion of the region of interest R of the CT image ImA to a predetermined magnification or more, the processing circuit 36b can roughly interpret the structure in the region of interest R of the CT image ImA. It is determined whether or not there is. Alternatively, when the user moves the CT image in a specific direction, the processing circuit 36b determines whether there is a moved CT image.

  Alternatively, when the window condition of the CT image being interpreted by the user is changed, the processing circuit 36b determines whether there is a target CT image to be interpreted according to the changed window condition. For example, when the user lowers the window level, the processing circuit 36b determines that the user interprets the lung field, and determines whether there is a CT image including the lung field. In this case, the processing circuit 36b may determine whether there is a CT image including the lung field generated using the reconstruction function suitable for the lung field.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, the processing circuit 36b executes a display control function 364 to display a CT image that satisfies a predetermined condition (step S44).

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1b according to the fourth embodiment has been described above. As described above, the processing circuit 36b according to the fourth embodiment selects and displays a CT image satisfying a predetermined condition from the generated CT image. For this reason, the X-ray CT apparatus 1b according to the fourth embodiment can provide only the CT image that needs to be interpreted to the user.

  In the fourth embodiment, it is assumed that a CT image is generated based on a preset reconstruction condition or a reconstruction condition constructed by the construction function 367, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of determining whether or not there is a CT image satisfying a predetermined condition in step S43, the X-ray CT apparatus 1b constructs a reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency, and based on the constructed reconstruction condition A CT image may be generated.

(Fifth embodiment)
An X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the above-described embodiment are used for the same constituent elements as those in the above-described embodiment. Detailed description of the same contents as those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

  The configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1c according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the X-ray CT apparatus 1c includes a gantry 10, a bed 20, and a console 30c. Note that the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1c is not limited to the following configuration.

  The console 30c includes an input circuit 31, a display 32, a projection data storage circuit 33, an image storage circuit 34, a storage circuit 35, and a processing circuit 36c.

  The processing circuit 36c has a scan control function 361, a preprocessing function 362, an image generation function 363, a display control function 364, an interpretation information collection function 365, an interpretation tendency extraction function 366, a construction function 367, a control function 368, and a transfer function 369c. . The processing circuit 36c is realized by a processor, for example.

  By executing the transfer function 369c, the processing circuit 36c transfers only the CT image generated based on the interpretation tendency by the above-described method. The transfer destination of these CT images is, for example, a storage medium installed outside the X-ray CT apparatus 1c. The storage medium installed outside the X-ray CT apparatus 1c is, for example, a server for storing CT images.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1c according to the fifth embodiment has been described above. Only the CT image generated based on the interpretation tendency of the processing circuit 36c according to the fifth embodiment is transferred. For this reason, the X-ray CT apparatus 1c according to the fifth embodiment can save the storage area of the storage medium for storing the CT image and the communication path capacity of the network for transferring the CT image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the X-ray CT apparatus 1a, the X-ray CT apparatus 1b, or the X-ray CT apparatus 1c collects the interpretation information and extracts the interpretation tendency. However, the present invention is not limited to this. An image processing apparatus installed separately from the X-ray CT apparatus 1a, X-ray CT apparatus 1b, or X-ray CT apparatus 1c may collect interpretation information and extract interpretation tendency.

  The method described above can also be applied to medical image diagnostic apparatuses other than X-ray CT apparatuses. The method described above can also be used for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, for example.

  The above-described processor includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array. (Field Programmable Gate Array: FPGA). The programmable logic device (PLD) is, for example, a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD).

  In the above-described embodiment, the high voltage generation circuit 11, the collimator adjustment circuit 12, the gantry driving circuit 13, the data collection circuit 16, the couch driving circuit 22, the processing circuit 36 a, the processing circuit 36 b, and the processing circuit 36 c are stored in the storage circuit 35. The function is realized by reading and executing the programmed program, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 35, the program may be directly incorporated in each of these circuits. In this case, these circuits realize their functions by reading and executing directly incorporated programs.

  The circuits shown in FIGS. 1, 11, and 14 may be distributed or integrated as appropriate. For example, the processing circuit 36 a has functions of a scan control function 361, a preprocessing function 362, an image generation function 363, a display control function 364, an interpretation information collection function 365, an interpretation tendency extraction function 366, a construction function 367, and a control function 368. The scan control circuit, the preprocessing circuit, the image generation circuit, the display control circuit, the interpretation information collection circuit, the interpretation tendency extraction circuit, the construction circuit, and the control circuit may be distributed. For example, the high voltage generation circuit 11, the collimator adjustment circuit 12, the gantry driving circuit 13, the data collection circuit 16, the couch driving circuit 22, and the processing circuit 36a may be arbitrarily integrated.

  According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a CT image having an image quality suitable for the user.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

367 Construction function 363 Image generation function 364 Display control function

Claims (8)

A construction unit that constructs reconstruction conditions based on the interpretation tendency of CT images;
An image generation unit that generates a CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed by the construction unit;
A display control unit that controls to display the CT image generated by the image generation unit;
An X-ray CT apparatus comprising: An interpretation information collecting unit for collecting interpretation information including at least one of information related to operations performed on the CT image, time or number of times the CT image or part of the CT image is interpreted, and information relating to a change in reconstruction conditions;
An interpretation tendency extraction unit that extracts the interpretation tendency from the interpretation information when the interpretation information collected by the interpretation information collection unit satisfies a predetermined condition;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the construction unit constructs a reconstruction condition based on the interpretation tendency after the interpretation tendency extraction by the interpretation tendency extraction unit is completed.   In parallel with the collection of the interpretation information by the interpretation information collection unit, the interpretation tendency extraction unit extracts the interpretation tendency, the construction unit constructs a reconstruction condition, and the image generation unit generates a CT image. The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 2. A selection unit that selects a CT image that satisfies a predetermined condition from the CT images generated by the image generation unit;
The X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display control unit controls to display the CT image selected by the selection unit.   The X-ray CT apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer unit that transfers only a CT image generated by the image generation unit based on the interpretation tendency.   When receiving an instruction to replace a preset reconstruction condition with a reconstruction condition constructed by the construction unit, the image generation unit creates a CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed by the construction unit An X-ray CT apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A construction unit that constructs reconstruction conditions based on the interpretation tendency of CT images;
An image generation unit that generates a CT image based on the reconstruction condition constructed by the construction unit;
A display control unit that controls to display the CT image generated by the image generation unit;
An image processing apparatus comprising: