JP2022023836A - Evaluation device, evaluation program, and evaluation system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an evaluation device that obtains a more appropriate photography plan.SOLUTION: In an evaluation server 10 that is a kind of an evaluation device, an evaluation function 15a evaluates a first photography plan used by a medical image diagnostic device based on numerical information on at least one evaluation item that conforms to performance information on the performance of the medical image diagnostic device and guidelines for the photography plan. A creation function 15b creates a second photography plan that further conforms to the guidelines than the first photography plan based on an evaluation result. An output function 15c outputs the second photography plan.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings relate to evaluation devices, evaluation programs and evaluation systems.

The imaging plan (imaging plan) of the X-ray CT apparatus is generally determined by the administrator of the X-ray CT apparatus, a radiological technologist, etc. for each facility (for example, a hospital) where the X-ray CT apparatus or the X-ray CT apparatus is installed. Managed by the user of. The user determines and manages an imaging plan according to the function of the X-ray CT apparatus and the situation of the facility. Therefore, the control of the X-ray dose received by the subject and the control of the image quality of the image generated by the X-ray CT apparatus depend on the skill and experience of the user.

International Publication No. 2015/198680

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings is to obtain a more appropriate photographing plan. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in the present specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problem corresponding to each effect by each configuration shown in the embodiment described later can be positioned as another problem.

The evaluation device according to the embodiment includes an evaluation unit, a generation unit, and an output unit. The evaluation unit determines the first imaging plan used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus based on the performance information regarding the performance of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and the numerical information regarding at least one evaluation item in accordance with the guidelines for the imaging plan. evaluate. The generation unit generates a second shooting plan according to the guideline from the first shooting plan based on the evaluation result. The output unit outputs the second shooting plan.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the evaluation system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the photographing plan database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation request function according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the evaluation server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the guideline database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8A is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the evaluation server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8B is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the evaluation server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8C is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the evaluation server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow of processing executed by the terminal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation server according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the guideline database according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display according to a third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the guideline database according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the photographing plan database according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database according to the eighth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a part of the evaluation system according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 20A is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a program database according to a tenth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the program database according to the eleventh modification of the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the evaluation device, evaluation program, and evaluation system will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Further, the evaluation device, evaluation program and evaluation system according to the present application are not limited to the embodiments shown below. Further, the embodiment can be combined with other embodiments or conventional techniques as long as the contents do not conflict with each other. Further, in the following description, common reference numerals may be given to similar components, and duplicate description may be omitted.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the evaluation system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the evaluation system 1 includes an evaluation server 10, two terminal devices 4a and 4b, and three X-ray CT devices 5a to 5c. The evaluation server 10 is an example of an evaluation device. The number of each device included in the evaluation system 1 is not limited to this. The evaluation server 10 and the terminal devices 4a and 4b are communicably connected to each other via the network 2. Further, the terminal device 4a and the X-ray CT device 5a are communicably connected via a network. Further, the terminal device 4b and the X-ray CT devices 5b, 5c are communicably connected via a network.

The terminal device 4a and the X-ray CT device 5a are installed in the hospital 3a. The terminal device 4b and the X-ray CT devices 5b and 5c are installed in a hospital 3b different from the hospital 3a. Hereinafter, when hospital 3a and hospital 3b are not distinguished, they are referred to as "hospital 3". When the terminal device 4a and the terminal device 4b are not distinguished, the term "terminal device 4" is used. When the X-ray CT device 5a, the X-ray CT device 5b, and the X-ray CT device 5c are not distinguished, the term "X-ray CT device 5" is used. The X-ray CT apparatus 5 is an example of a medical diagnostic imaging apparatus.

The X-ray CT apparatus 5 captures a subject, generates CT image data showing a CT image, and generates image data (post-processed image data) showing an image (post-processed image) from the CT image data. For example, the X-ray CT device 5 includes a gantry device, a processing circuit, an input interface, a memory, and a display. The gantry device includes an X-ray tube, an X-ray detector, a rotating frame, and a DAS (Data Acquisition System).

For example, an X-ray tube generates X-rays that irradiate a subject. The X-ray detector detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the detected X-ray dose to the DAS. The rotating frame is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector so as to face each other and rotates the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector.

The DAS amplifies the electric signal output from the X-ray detector and converts the amplified electric signal, which is an analog signal, into a digital signal to generate detection data. Then, the DAS outputs the generated detection data to the processing circuit. The processing circuit performs preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and beam hardening correction processing on the detected data. Preprocessed detection data is referred to as raw data. Then, the processing circuit performs reconstruction processing using a filter correction back projection method, a successive approximation reconstruction method, or the like on the raw data to generate three-dimensional CT image data. Then, the processing circuit performs various image processing (post-processing) on the CT image data to generate the image data. For example, the processing circuit obtains CT image data by a known method based on an input operation received from a user such as an administrator or a medical X-ray technician via an input interface, and MPR (multi planar reconstruction) of an arbitrary cross section. It is converted into image data, three-dimensional image data, or MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection) image data. That is, the processing circuit generates various image data such as MPR image data, three-dimensional image data, and MIP image data based on the CT image data. Then, the processing circuit displays an image based on the image data on the display. The processing circuit is realized by, for example, a processor.

Here, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 performs imaging based on the imaging plan, and generates CT image data and image data based on the imaging plan. For example, in the memory of the X-ray CT apparatus 5, each of the plurality of imaging plans associated with each of the plurality of inspection purposes is stored. For example, the memory is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory is an example of a storage unit. Then, the processing circuit of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 acquires an imaging plan corresponding to the inspection purpose received from the user via the input interface from the memory. Then, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 performs imaging based on the acquired imaging plan.

Here, the imaging plan includes imaging conditions, reconstruction conditions, and post-processing conditions. The imaging plan is, for example, information necessary for the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to operate in a series of inspection flows. The imaging plan is the information used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. When contrast imaging is performed, the imaging plan may include time information indicating the contrast condition and the timing of imaging in addition to these imaging conditions, reconstruction conditions, and post-processing conditions. The shooting conditions include a shooting mode, a tube voltage, a tube current, a shooting range, and a rotation speed. The shooting mode is a scanning method such as a helical scan, a conventional scan, and a step-and-shoot method. The rotation speed is the time required for the rotating frame to make one rotation. When the X-ray CT apparatus 5 performs AEC (Auto Exposure Control), the imaging conditions include performing AEC.

The reconstruction condition includes a type of reconstruction process (reconstruction algorithm) used when reconstructing CT image data. The post-processing condition includes the type of post-processing used when generating the image data.

The processing circuit of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 according to the present embodiment will be described later, but under the control of the terminal apparatus 4, the imaging plan is stored in the memory, and the imaging plan already stored in the memory is modified or updated. To do.

The terminal device 4 is a device that manages an imaging plan used when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 performs imaging. For example, the terminal device 4a manages the imaging plan of the X-ray CT device 5a, and the terminal device 4b manages the imaging plan of the X-ray CT devices 5b, 5c. That is, the X-ray CT device 5a is the management target (management target) for the terminal device 4a, and the X-ray CT devices 5b and 5c are the management targets for the terminal device 4b.

For example, the terminal device 4 is realized by a computer such as a server, a workstation, a personal computer, or a tablet terminal. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the terminal device 4 according to the first embodiment. The terminal device 4 includes a communication interface 41, a memory 42, an input interface 43, a display 44, and a processing circuit 45.

The communication interface 41 is connected to the processing circuit 45 and controls the communication performed between the terminal device 4 and the X-ray CT device 5 and the communication performed between the terminal device 4 and the evaluation server 10. .. For example, the communication interface 41 receives various data and information from the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the evaluation server 10, and transmits the received data and information to the processing circuit 45. Further, for example, the communication interface 41 transmits various data and information to the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the evaluation server 10. For example, the communication interface 41 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC (Network Interface Controller), or the like.

The memory 42 is connected to the processing circuit 45 and stores various data and information. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the photographing plan database 42a according to the first embodiment. For example, the memory 42 stores the photographing plan database 42a shown in FIG. The latest imaging plan of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is registered in the imaging plan database 42a for each type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to be managed by the terminal apparatus 4. Further, the latest imaging plan of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is registered in the imaging plan database 42a for each inspection purpose. As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of records having an item of "model ID (Identification)", an item of "inspection purpose", and an item of "shooting plan" are registered in the shooting plan database 42a.

In the item of "model ID", an identifier (model ID) indicating the type of the X-ray CT device 5 to be managed is registered. The inspection purpose is registered in the item of "inspection purpose". In the item of "shooting plan", the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID and the shooting plan corresponding to the inspection purpose are registered. The model ID, inspection purpose, and imaging plan are associated and registered in the imaging plan database 42a by the registration function 45a described later. Further, the shooting plan registered in the shooting plan database 42a is corrected by the correction function 45b described later.

Further, the memory 42 stores a program for the processing circuit 45 to realize various functions. For example, the memory 42 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 42 is an example of a storage unit.

The input interface 43 is connected to the processing circuit 45 and receives various instructions, requests, and information input operations from the user. For example, the input interface 43 converts an input operation received from the user into an electric signal, and transmits the electric signal to the processing circuit 45. For example, the input interface 43 includes a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, and a non-optical sensor. It is realized by a contact input circuit, a voice input circuit, and the like. In the present specification, the input interface 43 is not limited to the one provided with physical operating parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the terminal device 4 and transmits the electric signal to the processing circuit 45 is also an example of the input interface 43. included.

The display 44 is connected to the processing circuit 45 and displays various information and images. For example, the display 44 converts the information and data transmitted from the processing circuit 45 into an electric signal for display and outputs it. For example, the display 44 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

The processing circuit 45 controls the operation of the terminal device 4 in response to an input operation received from the user via the input interface 43. For example, the processing circuit 45 is realized by a processor.

The processing circuit 45 executes the registration function 45a, the correction function 45b, the evaluation request function 45c, the display control function 45d, and the setting function 45e. The registration function 45a is an example of a registration unit. Further, the correction function 45b is an example of a correction unit. Further, the evaluation request function 45c is an example of the evaluation request unit. Further, the display control function 45d is an example of the display control unit. Further, the setting function 45e is an example of the setting unit.

Here, for example, each processing function of the processing circuit 45 is stored in the memory 42 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. That is, each processing function of the registration function 45a, the correction function 45b, the evaluation request function 45c, the display control function 45d, and the setting function 45e, which are the components of the processing circuit 45 shown in FIG. 2, is in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. It is stored in the memory 42. The processing circuit 45 reads each program from the memory 42 and executes each read program to realize each function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 45 in the state where each program is read out has each function shown in the processing circuit 45 of FIG.

The registration function 45a registers the shooting plan in the shooting plan database 42a. For example, the registration function 45a registers the model ID, the inspection purpose, and the shooting plan received from the user via the input interface 43 in the shooting plan database 42a in association with each other. As a result, the model ID, inspection purpose, and shooting plan are added to the shooting plan database 42a.

Then, the registration function 45a transmits the received inspection purpose and imaging plan to the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the received model ID. When the processing circuit of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 receives the inspection purpose and the imaging plan, the processing circuit stores the received inspection purpose and the imaging plan in the memory of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 in association with each other. As a result, the inspection purpose and the imaging plan added to the imaging plan database 42a and the inspection purpose and the imaging plan stored in the memory of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 become the same.

The correction function 45b corrects the shooting plan. For example, the correction function 45b receives a correction instruction of the shooting plan from the user via the input interface 43. The correction instruction includes the shooting plan to be corrected, the model ID corresponding to the shooting plan to be corrected, the inspection purpose corresponding to the shooting plan to be corrected, and how to correct the shooting plan to be corrected. .. Then, the correction function 45b corrects the shooting plan to be corrected registered in the shooting plan database 42a based on the correction instruction.

Then, in order to correct the imaging plan of the correction target stored in the memory of the X-ray CT device 5, the correction function 45b gives the correction instruction to the X-ray CT device 5 indicated by the model ID corresponding to the imaging plan of the correction target. Send to. Upon receiving the correction instruction, the processing circuit of the X-ray CT device 5 corrects the imaging plan to be corrected stored in the memory of the X-ray CT device 5 according to the correction instruction. As a result, the imaging plan of the correction target registered and modified in the imaging plan database 42a and the imaging plan of the correction target stored in the memory of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and modified are the same. ..

As described above, the registered or modified imaging plan is synchronized between the imaging plan database 42a of the terminal device 4 and the memory of the X-ray CT device 5. Therefore, the latest imaging plan of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is registered in the imaging plan database 42a for each inspection purpose.

Here, the registration and modification of the shooting plan is performed by the user operating the terminal device 4. For example, the user manages an imaging plan according to the function of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the situation of facilities such as the hospital 3 (emphasis on image quality, emphasis on dose reduction, etc.). For example, even if the recommended imaging plan (recommended imaging plan) is stored in the X-ray CT apparatus 5 at the time of shipment of the X-ray CT apparatus 5, as described above, the user can use the functions of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the functions of the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Manage the shooting plan according to the situation of the facility. Then, the user manages the shooting plan in the closed world of the facility. That is, there is a user who manages the shooting plan for each facility, and the user manages the shooting plan for each facility.

Therefore, if the X-ray CT apparatus 5 executes imaging using the imaging plan registered or modified by the user as it is and generates CT image data and image data, the dose of X-rays received by the subject. And the control of the image quality of the image data generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 depends on the skill and experience of the user.

In addition, there are guidelines that define the recommended dose range for each test purpose. However, even if the user manages the shooting plan to comply with the guideline, it may not be possible to quickly adopt the new guideline. For example, some users may not be aware of the existence of new guidelines. Also, some users may not be able to quickly adapt their shooting plans to the new guidelines, even if they are aware of the existence of the new guidelines. In this case, since the imaging plan does not conform to the new guideline, the examination will continue with the same dose and image quality as before. Therefore, there is a disadvantage for the subject. Considering the ability of the user to be able to notice the existence of the new guideline and the ability to quickly adapt the shooting plan to the new guideline when the existence of the new guideline is noticed, the shooting plan is also from this point of view. It can be said that it depends on the skill of the user.

Therefore, the evaluation server 10 and the evaluation system 1 according to the first embodiment execute the processes described below so that a shooting plan that does not depend on the skill or experience of the user can be generated. That is, the evaluation server 10 and the evaluation system 1 execute the processes described below so that a more appropriate shooting plan can be generated.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation request function 45c according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the evaluation request function 45c transmits the shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to be evaluated to the evaluation server 10, and causes the evaluation server 10 to evaluate the shooting plan 6. The shooting plan 6 is an example of the first shooting plan. The shooting conditions included in the shooting plan 6 are an example of the first shooting condition. The reconstruction condition included in the photographing plan 6 is an example of the first reconstruction condition. The post-processing condition included in the photographing plan 6 is an example of the first post-processing condition.

For example, the evaluation request function 45c accepts the designation of the shooting plan 6 to be evaluated from the user via the input interface 43. For example, the user operates the input interface 43 to specify the shooting plan 6 to be evaluated from all the shooting plans registered in the shooting plan database 42a. Then, the evaluation request function 45c refers to the shooting plan database 42a and identifies the model ID 7 and the inspection purpose 8 corresponding to the designated shooting plan 6 to be evaluated. Then, the evaluation request function 45c controls the communication interface 41 so as to transmit the designated shooting plan 6 to be evaluated, the specified model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to the evaluation server 10. As a result, the communication interface 41 transmits the shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to the evaluation server 10 via the network 2. In this way, the evaluation request function 45c transmits the shooting plan 6 and the like to the evaluation server 10 at the timing when the user specifies the shooting plan 6 to be evaluated. Therefore, the evaluation request function 45c can transmit the photographing plan 6 and the like to the evaluation server 10 at any timing.

When the evaluation request function 45c receives the designation of a plurality of shooting plans to be evaluated by the user, the evaluation request function 45c may transmit a plurality of shooting plans and the like to the evaluation server 10. Further, the evaluation request function 45c may automatically transmit the photographing plan 6 and the like to the evaluation server 10 at predetermined time intervals.

The display control function 45d and the setting function 45e will be described later.

The evaluation server 10 evaluates the shooting plan 6 and generates a shooting plan that does not depend on the skill or experience of the user. The evaluation server 10 is realized by, for example, a computer such as a server. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the evaluation server 10 according to the first embodiment. The evaluation server 10 includes a communication interface 11, a memory 12, an input interface 13, a display 14, and a processing circuit 15.

The communication interface 11 is connected to the processing circuit 15 and controls the communication performed between the evaluation server 10 and the terminal device 4. The communication interface 11 receives various data and information from the terminal device 4, and transmits the received data and information to the processing circuit 15. For example, when the communication interface 11 receives the shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 transmitted by the terminal device 4, the communication interface 11 transmits the received shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to the processing circuit 15. When the processing circuit 15 receives the shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 transmitted by the communication interface 11, the processing circuit 15 stores the received shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 in the memory 12. Thereby, the photographing plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 can be used for various processes described below. Further, the communication interface 11 transmits various data and information to the terminal device 4. For example, the communication interface 11 is realized by a network card, a network adapter, a NIC, or the like.

The memory 12 is connected to the processing circuit 15 and stores various data and information. For example, the memory 12 stores the guideline database 12a and the performance information database 12b.

In the guideline database 12a, the range of the X-ray dose received by the subject for each examination purpose and the range of the dose recommended in various guidelines are registered. The range of such a dose includes a range in which an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the dose are set, and a range in which only the upper limit value of the dose is set. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the guideline database 12a according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of records having an item of "inspection purpose" and an item of "dose range" are registered in the guideline database 12a.

The inspection purpose is registered in the item of "inspection purpose". In the item of "dose range", the range of dose corresponding to the purpose of examination and the range of dose recommended in various guidelines are registered. The dose range registered in the guideline database 12a is based on various guidelines indicating recommended dose ranges such as "Diagnostic Reference Level" and "Medical Exposure Guideline". Further, the latest dose range based on the latest guideline is registered in the guideline database 12a. The registered contents of the guideline database 12a are used in the process described below. As described above, the dose range recommended in various guidelines is stored in the memory 12 in a form that can be used by a computer.

In the performance information database 12b, performance information (latest performance information) regarding the latest performance of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to be managed is registered for each type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database 12b according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of records having an item of "model ID" and an item of "performance information" are registered in the performance information database 12b.

In the item of "model ID", the model ID of the X-ray CT device 5 to be managed is registered. In the item of "performance information", the latest performance information of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID is registered. For example, the performance information includes the maximum number of rows of X-ray detection elements that can be used by the X-ray detector included in the X-ray CT apparatus 5, the maximum rotation speed of the rotating frame included in the X-ray CT apparatus 5, and X-rays. Maximum value of tube voltage that can be used by CT device 5, maximum value of tube current that can be used by X-ray CT device 5, type of imaging mode that can be used by X-ray CT device 5, X-ray CT device 5 sets AEC Information indicating whether or not it can be performed (AEC information), types of reconstruction processing that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5, and types of post-processing that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 are included.

That is, the performance information includes imaging conditions, reconstruction conditions, and post-processing conditions that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Specifically, the maximum number of rows of X-ray detection elements, the maximum rotation speed, the maximum value of the tube voltage, the maximum value of the tube current, the type of shooting mode, and the AEC information are the shooting conditions included in the performance information. be. Further, the type of reconstruction processing that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is the reconstruction condition included in the performance information. The type of post-processing that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is the post-processing conditions included in the performance information.

Here, the shooting condition included in the performance information is an example of the second shooting condition. Further, the reconstruction condition included in the performance information is an example of the second reconstruction condition. The post-processing condition included in the performance information is an example of the second post-processing condition.

The registered contents of the performance information database 12b are used in the processes described below. In this way, the performance information of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is stored in the memory 12 in a form that can be used by a computer.

As described above, the guideline database 12a registers the latest dose ranges based on the latest guidelines. Further, the latest performance information of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to be managed is registered in the performance information database 12b. In this way, an example of the procedure for registering the latest dose range and the latest performance information will be described.

For example, when a new guideline with a newly defined recommended dose range is developed, there is an external server that sends the latest recommended dose range registered in the guideline to the evaluation server 10. .. For example, the external server transmits the latest recommended dose range and the inspection purpose corresponding to the latest recommended dose range to the evaluation server 10. The evaluation server 10 receives the latest recommended dose range and test purpose transmitted by an external server. The processing circuit 15 of the evaluation server 10 updates the dose range registered in the guideline database 12a to the latest recommended dose range using the received latest recommended dose range and inspection purpose. .. For example, the processing circuit 15 identifies a record whose received inspection purpose is registered in the "inspection purpose" item from all the records registered in the guideline database 12a. Then, the processing circuit 15 rewrites the dose range registered in the "dose range" item of the specified record to the latest recommended dose range received.

Further, for example, there is an external server that transmits the latest imaging conditions, the latest reconstruction conditions, or the latest post-processing conditions that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to the evaluation server 10. For example, the external server transmits the latest imaging conditions, the latest reconstruction conditions or the latest post-processing conditions, and the model ID that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to the evaluation server 10 in association with each other. The evaluation server 10 receives the latest shooting conditions, the latest reconstruction conditions, the latest post-processing conditions, and the model ID transmitted by the external server. The processing circuit 15 updates the performance information registered in the performance information database 12b to the latest performance information by using the latest received shooting conditions, the latest reconstruction conditions, the latest post-processing conditions, and the model ID. .. For example, the processing circuit 15 identifies a record in which the received model ID is registered in the item of "model ID" from all the records registered in the performance information database 12b. Then, the processing circuit 15 sets the shooting conditions, reconstruction conditions, or post-processing conditions included in the performance information registered in the "performance information" item of the specified record to the latest received shooting conditions and the latest. Rewrite to the reconstruction condition or the latest post-processing condition.

By updating the contents registered in the guideline database 12a and the performance information database 12b to the latest contents in this way, the latest contents are always registered in the guideline database 12a and the performance information database 12b. As a result, the evaluation server 10 according to the first embodiment evaluates based on the latest contents, and transmits the evaluation result based on the latest contents to the terminal device 4.

Further, the memory 12 stores a subject model, which is a model of the subject used in the process described below. Further, the memory 12 stores a program for the processing circuit 15 to realize various functions. For example, the memory 12 is realized by a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like. The memory 12 is an example of a storage unit.

The input interface 13 is connected to the processing circuit 15 and receives various instructions, requests, and information input operations from the user. For example, the input interface 13 converts an input operation received from the user into an electric signal, and transmits the electric signal to the processing circuit 15. For example, the input interface 13 includes a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch pad for performing an input operation by touching an operation surface, a touch screen in which a display screen and a touch pad are integrated, and a non-optical sensor. It is realized by a contact input circuit, a voice input circuit, and the like. In the present specification, the input interface 13 is not limited to the one provided with physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 13 includes an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and transmits the electric signal to the processing circuit 15. ..

The display 14 is connected to the processing circuit 15 and displays various information and images. For example, the display 14 converts the information and data transmitted from the processing circuit 15 into an electric signal for display and outputs it. For example, the display 14 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

The processing circuit 15 controls the operation of the evaluation server 10 in response to an input operation received from the user via the input interface 13. For example, the processing circuit 15 is realized by a processor. The processing circuit 15 executes the evaluation function 15a, the generation function 15b, and the transmission function 15c. The evaluation function 15a is an example of an evaluation unit. The generation function 15b is an example of a generation unit. The transmission function 15c is an example of an output unit.

Here, for example, each processing function of the processing circuit 15 is stored in the memory 12 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. That is, each processing function of the evaluation function 15a, the generation function 15b, and the transmission function 15c, which are the components of the processing circuit 15 shown in FIG. 5, is stored in the memory 12 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 15 reads each program from the memory 12 and executes each read program to realize each function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 15 in the state where each program is read out has each function shown in the processing circuit 15 of FIG.

The evaluation function 15a evaluates the shooting plan 6 transmitted from the terminal device 4, and transmits the evaluation result to the terminal device 4. The evaluation function 15a evaluates the imaging plan 6 for the dose based on the imaging plan 6, the dose range registered in the guideline database 12a, and the performance information registered in the performance information database 12b. For example, the evaluation function 15a evaluates whether or not the dose based on the imaging plan 6 is an appropriate dose. To give a specific example, the evaluation function 15a evaluates whether or not the dose based on the imaging plan 6 is within the recommended dose range. The X-ray dose received by the subject is an example of an evaluation item. The recommended dose range is an example of numerical information on evaluation items in line with the guidelines for imaging plan 6. In the following description, the case where the number of evaluation items is one (X-ray dose) will be described, but the number of evaluation items may be plural. That is, the number of evaluation items may be at least one.

The generation function 15b generates an improved imaging plan 50 by changing (correcting) the imaging plan 6 so that the dose is reduced. The shooting plan 50 is an example of the second shooting plan.

The transmission function 15c transmits the shooting plan 50 and the evaluation result to the terminal device 4.

8A, 8B, and 8C are flowcharts showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the evaluation server 10 according to the first embodiment. The processing shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C is, for example, when the evaluation function 15a of the processing circuit 15 of the evaluation server 10 receives the photographing plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 transmitted by the terminal device 4. Will be executed.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the generation function 15b generates a copy of the shooting plan 6 as the shooting plan 50, and stores the shooting plan 50 in the memory 12 (step S101). The shooting plan 50 is the same digital data as the shooting plan 6. The photographing plan 50 is improved by various processes described later, and is finally transmitted to the terminal device 4.

Then, the evaluation function 15a acquires the performance information corresponding to the model ID 7 from the performance information database 12b in which the latest performance information is registered (step S102). Then, the evaluation function 15a specifies the number of rows of X-ray detection elements and the photographing mode included in the acquired performance information (step S103). Here, the number of rows of the specified X-ray detection elements is the maximum number of rows of X-ray detection elements that can be used by the X-ray detector included in the X-ray CT device 5 indicated by the model ID 7. Further, the type of the specified shooting mode is the type of the shooting mode in which the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7 can be used. Hereinafter, a case where the number of rows of the X-ray detection element specified in step S103 is "80" and the type of shooting mode specified in step S103 includes "helical scan" and "conventional scan" will be taken as an example. explain.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the number of rows of the detection elements specified in step S103 is larger than the number of rows of the X-ray detection elements included in the photographing plan 6 (step S104). Hereinafter, the case where the number of rows of the X-ray detection elements included in the photographing plan 6 is “16” will be described as an example. In this case, for example, it is considered that the X-ray CT apparatus 5 uses only 16 rows of X-ray detection elements even though 80 rows of X-ray detection elements can be used. In this case, in step S104, the evaluation function 15a determines that the number of rows of the specified detection elements "80" is larger than the number of rows of the X-ray detection elements "16" included in the photographing plan 6.

When the evaluation function 15a determines that the number of rows of detection elements specified in step S103 is equal to or less than the number of rows of X-ray detection elements included in the photographing plan 6 (step S104: No), the evaluation function 15a proceeds to step S107.

On the other hand, when the evaluation function 15a determines that the number of rows of detection elements specified in step S103 is larger than the number of rows of X-ray detection elements included in the photographing plan 6 (step S104: Yes), the evaluation function proceeds to step S105. ..

The evaluation function 15a determines whether or not there is a type of shooting mode in which the dose is reduced more than the type of shooting mode included in the shooting plan 6 among the types of shooting modes specified in step S103. (Step S105). Hereinafter, a case where the type of the shooting mode included in the shooting plan 6 is “helical scan” will be described as an example.

Here, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 sets the number of rows larger than the number of rows of the X-ray detection element included in the shooting plan 6 as the shooting condition, and changes the shooting mode from "helical scan" to "conventional scan". In some cases, the dose can be reduced. The reason for this will be explained. For example, in "helical scan", there are many parts where X-rays overlap and irradiate the subject. On the other hand, in the "conventional scan" using an X-ray detection element having a larger number of columns, the portion where the X-rays overlap and irradiate the subject is smaller than in the "helical scan". In the "conventional scan" using an X-ray detection element having a larger number of columns, the utilization efficiency of X-rays is high. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 can reduce the dose.

Therefore, for example, in step S105, the evaluation function 15a includes the shooting mode “helical scan” included in the shooting plan 6 in the “helical scan” and the “conventional scan” included in the shooting mode types specified in step S103. It is determined that there is an imaging mode "conventional scan" in which the dose is reduced.

When the evaluation function 15a determines that there is no imaging mode in which the dose is reduced as compared with the imaging mode included in the imaging plan 6 among the types of imaging modes specified in step S103 (step S105: No). The process proceeds to step S107.

On the other hand, when the evaluation function 15a determines that among the types of shooting modes specified in step S103, there is a shooting mode in which the dose is reduced as compared with the shooting mode included in the shooting plan 6 (step S105: Yes). , Step S106.

The generation function 15b reduces the number of rows of X-ray detection elements included in the imaging plan 50 and the imaging mode, the number of rows of X-ray detection elements specified in step S103, and the dose determined to exist in step S105. Change to the shooting mode (step S106). Thus, in step S106, the generation function 15b modifies the imaging plan 50 so that the dose is reduced.

Then, the evaluation function 15a specifies the rotation speed included in the acquired performance information (step S107). Here, the specified rotation speed is the maximum rotation speed of the rotation speed of the rotation frame included in the X-ray CT device 5 indicated by the model ID 7. Hereinafter, a case where the rotation speed specified in step S107 is "0.5" seconds / rotation will be described as an example.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the rotation speed specified in step S107 is faster than the rotation speed included in the photographing plan 6 (step S108). Hereinafter, a case where the rotation speed included in the photographing plan 6 is “1.0” seconds / rotation will be described as an example. In this case, although the rotation speed of the rotation frame of the X-ray CT device 5 indicated by the model ID 7 is a maximum of "0.5" seconds / rotation, the rotation speed of "1.0" seconds / rotation is the shooting plan 6. It is set to the shooting conditions of. In this case, in step S108, the evaluation function 15a determines that the specified rotation speed "0.5" seconds / rotation is faster than the rotation speed "1.0" seconds / rotation included in the photographing plan 6. do.

When the evaluation function 15a determines that the rotation speed specified in step S107 is equal to or less than the rotation speed included in the photographing plan 6 (step S108: No), the evaluation function 15a proceeds to step S110.

On the other hand, when the evaluation function 15a determines that the rotation speed specified in step S107 is faster than the rotation speed included in the photographing plan 6 (step S108: Yes), the evaluation function 15a proceeds to step S109.

The generation function 15b changes the rotation speed included in the shooting plan 50 to the rotation speed specified in step S107 (step S109). When the rotation speed is increased, the time for irradiating the subject with X-rays is shortened, so that the dose is reduced. Therefore, in step S109, the generation function 15b modifies the imaging plan 50 so that the dose is reduced.

In step S109, the generation function 15b also corrects the time information included in the shooting plan 50 as the shooting time becomes shorter.

In steps S106 and S109 described above, the generation function 15b includes imaging conditions included in the performance information that are not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 even though the dose can be reduced. In this case, the imaging plan 50 is generated by changing the imaging conditions included in the copy of the imaging plan 6 (imaging plan 50) to the imaging conditions not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. That is, the generation function 15b generates the imaging plan 50 by changing the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 50 to the imaging conditions capable of reducing the dose.

Then, as shown in FIG. 8B, the evaluation function 15a specifies the type of the reconstruction process included in the acquired performance information (step S110). Here, the type of the reconstructed process specified is the type of the reconstructed process that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7. Hereinafter, a case where the specified types of reconstruction processing are three types of “A”, “B”, and “C” will be described as an example.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not there is a type of reconstruction processing other than the type of reconstruction processing included in the photographing plan 6 among the types of reconstruction processing specified in step S110 ((). Step S111). Hereinafter, a case where the type of the reconstruction process included in the photographing plan 6 is “A” will be described as an example. In this case, in step S111, the evaluation function 15a is included in the imaging plan 6 among the types of reconstruction processing “A”, “B”, and “C” that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. It is determined that the types of reconstruction processing "B" and "C" other than the type of configuration processing "A" exist.

When the evaluation function 15a determines that there is no type of reconstruction processing other than the type of reconstruction processing included in the shooting plan 6 (step S111: No), the process proceeds to step S122.

On the other hand, when the evaluation function 15a determines that there is a type of reconstruction processing other than the type of reconstruction processing included in the shooting plan 6 (step S111: Yes), the evaluation function 15a performs the following processing. For example, the evaluation function 15a reduces the X-ray dose received by the subject as compared with the type of the reconstruction process included in the imaging plan 6 among the types of the reconstruction process determined to exist in step S111. It is determined whether or not there is a type of reconstruction process that can be caused (step S112).

Hereinafter, when the image is reconstructed based on the same raw data (projection data), when the reconstruction process of the type "C" is used, the CT is compared with the case of using the reconstruction process of the type "A". The image quality of the image data shall be improved. That is, an image equivalent to an image obtained by performing a type "A" reconstruction process on raw data collected by a relatively high dose of X-rays uses the type "C" reconstruction process. And can be generated based on raw data collected with relatively low doses of X-rays. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the dose of X-rays received by the subject by using the type "C" reconstruction process. In this case, in step S112, the evaluation function 15a determines that there is a type "C" of the reconstruction process capable of reducing the dose of X-rays received by the subject.

Here, the processing of step S111 and step S112 will be described. If affirmative judgments are made in steps S111 and S112, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 uses the type "C" reconstruction process even though the type "C" reconstruction process can be used. There will be no. That is, when affirmative judgments are made in steps S111 and S112, the reconstruction processing conditions are not properly set even though the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is in a state where imaging at a lower dose is possible. become. As a cause of such a situation, for example, a user can reconstruct the type "C" even though the reconstruction process of the type "C" capable of reducing the dose has newly appeared. You can say that you don't know that. As described above, if the user does not know the existence of the type "C" reconstruction process, the type "C" reconstruction process is not installed in the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 cannot use the type "C" reconstruction process.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 does not use the type "C" reconstruction process, although the dose can be reduced by using the type "C" reconstruction process. Since the reconstruction process of type "C" is not used, the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 6 are set so that the dose is higher than that in the case of using the reconstruction process of type "C". Has been done. Therefore, when the affirmative judgment is made in steps S111 and S112, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is in a state where it is possible to reconstruct the CT image data of the image quality required for the diagnosis with a smaller dose. The shooting conditions are not set properly.

When the evaluation function 15a determines that there is no type of reconstruction process capable of reducing the X-ray dose received by the subject (step S112: No), the evaluation function 15a proceeds to step S122.

On the other hand, when the evaluation function 15a determines that there is a type of reconstruction process capable of reducing the dose of X-rays received by the subject (step S112: Yes), the evaluation function 15a proceeds to step S113.

The generation function 15b changes the type of the reconstruction process included in the imaging plan 50 to the type of the reconstruction process capable of reducing the dose of X-rays received by the subject (step S113). Thus, in step S113, the generation function 15b modifies the imaging plan 50 so that the dose can be reduced.

In step S113, when the generation function 15b includes reconstruction conditions included in the performance information that are not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 even though the dose can be reduced. Generates the imaging plan 50 by changing the reconstruction conditions included in the copy of the imaging plan 6 (imaging plan 50) to the reconstruction conditions not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5.

Then, the evaluation function 15a specifies the type of post-processing included in the acquired performance information (step S114). Here, the type of post-processing specified is the type of post-processing that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7. Hereinafter, the case where the specified post-processing types are three types of “D”, “E”, and “F” will be described as an example.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the type of post-processing specified in step S114 includes a type of post-processing other than the type of post-processing included in the photographing plan 6 (step S115). .. Hereinafter, a case where the type of post-processing included in the photographing plan 6 is “D” will be described as an example. In this case, in step S115, the evaluation function 15a is included in the post-processing included in the imaging plan 6 among the post-processing types “D”, “E” and “F” that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. It is determined that there are post-processing types "E" and "F" other than the type "D" of.

When the evaluation function 15a determines that there is no post-processing type other than the post-processing type included in the shooting plan 6 (step S115: No), the process proceeds to step S122.

On the other hand, when the evaluation function 15a determines that there is a type of post-processing other than the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 6 (step S115: Yes), the evaluation function 15a performs the following processing. For example, the evaluation function 15a reduces the dose of X-rays received by the subject as compared with the type of post-treatment included in the imaging plan 6 among the types of post-treatment determined to be present in step S115. It is determined whether or not there is a type of post-processing that can be performed (step S116).

Hereinafter, when performing post-processing on the same CT image data, if the post-processing of the type "F" is used, the image quality of the image data is improved as compared with the case of using the post-processing of the type "D". It shall be. That is, the image data equivalent to the image data obtained by performing the post-processing of the type "D" on the CT image data collected by the relatively high dose of X-rays performs the post-processing of the type "F". When used, it can be generated based on CT image data collected by relatively low dose X-rays. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the dose of X-rays received by the subject by using the post-treatment of type "F". In this case, in step S116, the evaluation function 15a determines that there is a post-treatment type "F" capable of reducing the dose of X-rays received by the subject.

Here, the processing of step S115 and step S116 will be described. If the affirmative judgment is made in steps S115 and S116, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 does not use the post-processing of the type "F" even though the post-processing of the type "F" can be used. become. That is, when affirmative judgments are made in steps S115 and S116, the post-processing conditions are not properly set even though the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is in a state where imaging at a lower dose is possible. Become. The reason for this is that, for example, the user has introduced the post-treatment of the type "F" even though the post-treatment of the type "F" that can reduce the dose has newly appeared. I don't know.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 does not use the type "F" post-treatment, although the dose can be reduced by using the type "F" post-treatment. Since the post-processing of the type "F" is not used, the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 6 are set so that the dose is higher than that of the case of using the post-processing of the type "F". There is. Therefore, when affirmative judgments are made in steps S115 and S116, the imaging conditions are such that the X-ray CT apparatus 5 can generate image data of image quality required for diagnosis with a smaller dose. Will not be set properly.

The evaluation function 15a proceeds to step S122 when it is determined that there is no type of post-treatment capable of reducing the dose of X-rays received by the subject (step S116: No).

On the other hand, when the evaluation function 15a determines that there is a type of post-processing capable of reducing the dose of X-rays received by the subject (step S116: Yes), the evaluation function proceeds to step S117.

The generation function 15b changes the type of post-treatment included in the imaging plan 50 to a type of post-treatment capable of reducing the dose of X-rays received by the subject (step S117). Thus, in step S117, the generation function 15b modifies the imaging plan 50 so that the dose can be reduced.

In step S117, when the generation function 15b includes post-treatment conditions that are not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 even though the dose can be reduced among the post-treatment conditions included in the performance information. Generates the imaging plan 50 by changing the post-processing conditions included in the copy of the imaging plan 6 (imaging plan 50) to the post-processing conditions not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5.

The processing of steps S114 to S117 may be omitted. Further, the processing of steps S110 to S113 may be omitted. For example, when the processing of steps S110 to S113 is performed, the processing of steps S114 to S117 may be omitted. Further, for example, when the processing of steps S114 to S117 is performed, the processing of steps S110 to S113 may be omitted.

Then, the evaluation function 15a executes an image quality estimation simulation based on the shooting plan 50, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 (step S118). In the image quality estimation simulation executed in step S118, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7 photographs the subject indicated by the subject model to satisfy the inspection purpose 8 under the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 50. , CT image data is generated based on the reconstruction conditions included in the imaging plan 50, image data is generated from the CT image data based on the post-processing conditions included in the imaging plan 50, and the image quality of the generated image data is improved. It is a simulation for estimation. The subject model is stored in the memory 12, and the evaluation function 15a acquires the subject model from the memory 12 and uses the subject model when executing the image quality estimation simulation. The image quality estimation simulation in step S118 estimates the image quality based on the shooting plan 50. The image quality includes, for example, at least one of SD (Standard Diviation) and CNR (Contrast to Noise Ratio) of an image.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the image quality estimated by the image quality estimation simulation in step S118 is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (predetermined image quality) (step S119).

When it is determined that the estimated image quality is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value (step S119: Yes), it is possible to generate high-quality image data such that the image quality is equal to or higher than the predetermined threshold value. Nevertheless, it is considered that there is room for reducing the dose because the imaging plan 6 is not properly set. Further, in this case, it is considered necessary to improve the shooting plan 6.

As described above, in steps S118 and S119, the evaluation function 15a is not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5 even though the dose can be reduced, when there is a reconstruction condition that is not used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Estimates the image quality of the image data obtained by taking a picture using the picture taking plan 50. Then, the evaluation function 15a evaluates that the dose of X-rays received by the subject exceeds the range of the dose stored in the memory 12 when the estimated image quality is equal to or higher than the threshold value.

Therefore, in this case (step S119: Yes), the generation function 15b generates an evaluation result “improvement required <excessive dose>” for display on the display 14 (step S120). The evaluation result "improvement required <excessive dose>" indicates that the imaging plan 6 needs to be improved and there is room for reducing the dose. Then, the generation function 15b proceeds to step S128.

In step S120, the generation function 15b may generate a score or an achievement rate as an evaluation result. For example, the case where the SD of the image is estimated as the image quality in step S118 will be described as an example. First, a case where the generation function 15b generates points as an evaluation result will be described. For example, the generation function 15b first determines whether or not the estimated SD is included in the range (first range) of "target SD-α" or more and "target SD + α" or less. The target SD is a target SD. Further, α is a positive predetermined value.

When the estimated SD is included in the first range, the generation function 15b produces a relatively high score S1. On the other hand, when the estimated SD is not included in the first range, the generation function 15b has the estimated SD in the range of "target SD-α-β" or more and less than "target SD-α" (second). Range) and whether or not it is included in any one of the range (third range) larger than "target SD + α" or "target SD + α". When the estimated SD is included in either the second range or the third range, the generation function 15b generates a medium score S2 lower than the score S1.

On the other hand, if the estimated SD is not included in either the second range or the third range, the generation function 15b produces a relatively low score S3. The score S3 is a score lower than the score S2.

Next, a case where the generation function 15b generates an achievement rate as an evaluation result will be described. For example, the generation function 15b first calculates a value “estimated SD / target SD” obtained by dividing the estimated SD by the target SD. Then, the generation function 15b generates a relatively high achievement rate A1 when the "estimated SD / target SD" is included in the range of "0.95" or more and "1.05" or less (fourth range). do.

Further, the "estimated SD / target SD" is either in the range of "0.90" or more and less than "0.95", or in the range of more than "1.05" and "1.10" or less. When included in the range, the generation function 15b produces a moderate achievement rate A2 that is lower than the achievement rate A1.

Further, when the "estimated SD / target SD" is smaller than "0.90" or larger than "1.10", the generation function 15b produces a relatively low achievement rate A3. The achievement rate A3 is a lower achievement rate than the achievement rate A2.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the estimated image quality is less than a predetermined threshold value (step S119: No), the reconstruction condition and the post-processing condition are set to higher image quality CT image data and higher image quality image data. Even when the conditions are set so that they can be generated, it is considered that the image quality does not reach a predetermined threshold because the dose is low. That is, it is considered that the subject is exposed to radiation even though information useful for diagnosis cannot be obtained from the image data generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Further, in this case, it is considered necessary to improve the shooting plan 6.

When the estimated image quality is less than the threshold value (step S119: No), the evaluation function 15a evaluates that the X-ray dose received by the subject is below the range of the dose stored in the memory 12. ..

Therefore, in this case, the generation function 15b generates the evaluation result “improvement required <dose underdose>” for display on the display 14 (step S121). The evaluation result "improvement required <low dose>" indicates that the imaging plan 6 needs to be improved and the dose is insufficient to obtain useful information for diagnosis. Then, the generation function 15b proceeds to step S139.

Further, if a negative determination is made in any of the steps S111, S112, S115, and S116, the evaluation function 15a executes a dose estimation simulation (step S122).

The dose estimation simulation is performed when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7 photographs the subject indicated by the subject model under the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 6 and satisfies the inspection purpose 8. This is a simulation for estimating the X-ray dose received by the subject shown by the sample model. The evaluation function 15a estimates the dose based on the imaging plan 6 by executing the dose estimation simulation.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation in step S122 is within the range of the dose registered in the guideline database 12a (step S123). For example, the evaluation function 15a acquires a dose range corresponding to the inspection purpose 8 from the guideline database 12a. Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation is within the range of the acquired dose.

If the estimated dose is within the dose range (step S123: Yes), the X-ray dose received by the subject is considered appropriate.

Here, in step S122 described above, the evaluation function 15a estimates the dose when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 uses the imaging plan 6. Then, when the estimated dose is within the range of the dose stored in the memory 12 (step S123: Yes), the evaluation function 15a stores the X-ray dose received by the subject in the memory 12. Evaluate within the range of the dose.

Therefore, when the estimated dose is within the range of the dose (step S123: Yes), the generation function 15b generates the evaluation result “appropriate dose” for displaying on the display 14 (step S124). The evaluation result "appropriate dose" indicates that the dose is appropriate. Then, the generation function 15b proceeds to step S128.

If the estimated dose is not within the dose range, that is, outside the dose range, the X-ray dose received by the subject is not appropriate and it is considered necessary to improve imaging plan 6. Therefore, in the evaluation function 15a, when the estimated dose is out of the dose range stored in the memory 12 (step S123: No), the X-ray dose received by the subject is stored in the memory 12. Evaluate out of range of dose.

If the estimated dose is not within the dose range (step S123: No), the evaluation function 15a determines whether the estimated dose exceeds the upper limit of the dose range (step S125). .. If the estimated dose exceeds the upper limit of the dose range (step S125: Yes), it is considered that the X-ray dose received by the subject is higher than the recommended dose range. Therefore, in this case (step S125: Yes), the generation function 15b generates an evaluation result “improvement required <excessive dose>” for display on the display 14 (step S126). Then, the generation function 15b proceeds to step S128.

On the other hand, if the estimated dose does not exceed the upper limit of the dose range (step S125: No), that is, if the estimated dose is below the lower limit of the dose range, X-ray CT It is considered that the subject is exposed to radiation even though information useful for diagnosis cannot be obtained from the image data generated by the apparatus 5. In this case, it is considered that the subject is unnecessarily exposed. Therefore, in this case (step S125: No), the generation function 15b generates an evaluation result “improvement required <dose underdose>” for display on the display 14 (step S127). Then, the generation function 15b proceeds to step S139.

As shown in FIG. 8C, the evaluation function 15a executes an image quality estimation simulation for estimating the image quality based on the photographing plan 6 based on the photographing plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 (step S128).

In the image quality estimation simulation executed in step S128, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7 photographs the subject indicated by the subject model to satisfy the inspection purpose 8 under the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 6. , CT image data is generated based on the reconstruction conditions included in the imaging plan 6, image data is generated from the CT image data based on the post-processing conditions included in the imaging plan 6, and the image quality of the generated image data is improved. It is a simulation for estimation. The image data whose image quality is estimated in step S128 is an example of the first image data.

Then, the generation function 15b adjusts the value of the tube current included in the photographing plan 50 (step S129). For example, the generation function 15b lowers the value of the tube current included in the imaging plan 50 by a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 mA) so that the dose is lowered. In step S129, the generation function 15b sets at least one of the tube current and tube voltage values included in the imaging plan 50 to predetermined values (the tube current and the tube current are different) so that the dose is lowered. Value) may be lowered. Further, in step S129, the generation function 15b may be set to use AEC for the imaging plan 50 so that the dose is lowered.

Then, the evaluation function 15a executes an image quality estimation simulation for estimating the image quality of the image data based on the shooting plan 50 based on the shooting plan 50, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 modified in step S129 (step S130). The image data whose image quality is estimated in step S130 is an example of the second image data.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the difference between the image quality estimated in step S128 and the image quality estimated in step S130 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S131). When the difference between the image quality estimated in step S128 and the image quality estimated in step S130 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the image quality of the image data obtained based on the shooting plan 50 and the image quality estimated based on the shooting plan 6 are used. It is considered that the image quality of the obtained image data is substantially the same.

When the difference between the image quality estimated in step S128 and the image quality estimated in step S130 is larger than a predetermined threshold value (step S131: No), the image quality of the image data obtained based on the shooting plan 50 and the shooting plan 6 are used. It can be considered that the image quality of the obtained image data is significantly different. Therefore, in this case (step S131: No), the evaluation function 15a returns to step S129 and performs the processing after step S129 again.

On the other hand, when the difference between the image quality estimated in step S128 and the image quality estimated in step S130 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value (step S131: Yes), the evaluation function 15a performs a dose estimation simulation based on the imaging plan 50. Is executed (step S132).

The dose estimation simulation in step S132 is a case where the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7 photographs the subject indicated by the subject model under the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 50 and satisfies the inspection purpose 8. In addition, it is a simulation for estimating the X-ray dose received by the subject shown by the subject model. The evaluation function 15a estimates the dose based on the imaging plan 50 by executing the dose estimation simulation in step S132.

Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation in step S132 is within the range of the dose registered in the guideline database 12a (step S133). For example, the evaluation function 15a acquires a dose range corresponding to the inspection purpose 8 from the guideline database 12a. Then, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation is within the range of the acquired dose.

If the estimated dose is not within the dose range (step S133: No), the X-ray dose received by the subject is not appropriate and it is considered necessary to improve the imaging plan 50. Therefore, in this case (step S133: No), the evaluation function 15a returns to step S129 and performs the processing after step S129 again.

On the other hand, if the estimated dose is within the dose range (step S133: Yes), the X-ray dose received by the subject is considered appropriate. In this case (step S133: Yes), the generation function 15b proceeds to step S134.

In steps S128 to S133, the generation function 15b is a copy of the imaging plan 6 (imaging plan 50) so that the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation is within the range of the acquired dose based on the evaluation result by the evaluation function 15a. ) Is changed to generate a shooting plan 50. That is, the generation function 15b generates a shooting plan 50 according to the guideline from the shooting plan 6 based on the evaluation result by the evaluation function 15a. Therefore, the evaluation server 10 according to the first embodiment can obtain a shooting plan 50 that does not depend on the skill or experience of the user. That is, the evaluation server 10 can obtain a more appropriate shooting plan 50.

Further, in steps S128 to S133, when the generation function 15b has the dose value estimated by the dose estimation simulation within the recommended dose range and the X-ray CT apparatus 5 takes an image using the imaging plan 6. The imaging plan 50 is generated so that the difference between the image quality of the image data obtained in the above and the image quality of the image data obtained when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 captures the image using the imaging plan 50 is equal to or less than the threshold value. The image data obtained when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 photographs using the imaging plan 6 is an example of the first image data. Further, the image data obtained when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 photographs using the imaging plan 50 is an example of the second image data.

Here, in steps S128 to S133, the generation function 15b captures the image quality of the image data obtained when the X-ray CT device 5 shoots using the shooting plan 6 and the X-ray CT device 5 uses the shooting plan 50. Instead of generating the photographing plan 50, the following processing may be performed so that the difference from the image quality of the image data obtained in this case is equal to or less than the threshold value. For example, the generation function 15b is an image obtained when the X-ray CT device 5 shoots using the shooting plan 50 rather than the image quality of the image data obtained when the X-ray CT device 5 shoots using the shooting plan 6. The imaging plan 50 may be generated so that the image quality of the data is higher.

The generation function 15b executes an image data estimation simulation for estimating image data based on the shooting plan 50 based on the shooting plan 50, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 (step S134).

In the image data estimation simulation in step S134, the X-ray CT device 5 indicated by the model ID 7 photographs the subject indicated by the subject model under the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 50, and photographs the subject to satisfy the inspection purpose 8. Simulation for estimating image data by generating CT image data based on the reconstruction conditions included in the plan 50 and generating image data from the CT image data based on the post-processing conditions included in the imaging plan 50. Is. The image data estimated in step S134 is an example of the first image data.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation server 10 according to the first embodiment. For example, in step S134, the generation function 15b generates the image data of the image 60 shown in FIG. 9 by the image data estimation simulation.

Then, the generation function 15b executes an image data estimation simulation for estimating image data based on the shooting plan 6 based on the shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 (step S135).

In the image data estimation simulation in step S135, the X-ray CT device 5 indicated by the model ID 7 photographs the subject indicated by the subject model under the imaging conditions included in the imaging plan 6 to satisfy the inspection purpose 8. Simulation for estimating image data by generating CT image data based on the reconstruction conditions included in plan 6 and generating image data from CT image data based on the post-processing conditions included in imaging plan 6. Is. The image data estimated in step S135 is an example of the second image data. For example, in step S135, the generation function 15b generates the image data of the image 55 shown in FIG. 9 by the image data estimation simulation.

In steps S134 and S135, the generation function 15b captures the first image data obtained when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 photographs using the imaging plan 6, and the X-ray CT apparatus 5 captures images using the imaging plan 50. The second image data obtained in this case is estimated.

Then, the generation function 15b generates the image data of the triangular mark 57 shown in FIG. 9 (step S136). Then, the generation function 15b stores the evaluation result group 74 (see FIG. 10), the image data group 70 (see FIG. 10), and the shooting plans 6 and 50 in the memory 12 (step S137).

Here, the evaluation result group 74 includes the evaluation result 71 (see FIG. 9) generated in any one of step S120, step S121, step S124, step S126, and step S127. Further, the evaluation result group 74 includes the evaluation result 72 (see FIG. 9) and the evaluation result 73 (see FIG. 9).

The evaluation result 72 will be described. If affirmatively determined in step S123 above, the dose based on imaging plan 6 is within the dose range recommended by the guidelines. In this case, in step S137, the generation function 15b generates the evaluation result “guideline: ◯” indicating that the dose based on the imaging plan 6 is within the range of the dose recommended by the guideline as the evaluation result 72. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S123, the dose based on the imaging plan 6 is not within the dose range recommended by the guideline. In this case, in step S137, the generation function 15b generates the evaluation result “guideline: ×” indicating that the dose based on the imaging plan 6 is not within the dose range recommended by the guideline as the evaluation result 72.

The evaluation result 73 will be described. The dose based on the imaging plan 50 at the time of step S137 is within the range of the dose recommended by the guideline because it was positively determined in the previous step S133. Therefore, in step S137, the generation function 15b generates the evaluation result “guideline: ◯” indicating that the dose based on the imaging plan 50 is within the range of the dose recommended by the guideline as the evaluation result 73.

The image data group 70 includes the image data of the image 55 generated in step S134, the image data of the image 60 generated in step S135, and the image data of the mark 57 generated in step S136.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation server 10 according to the first embodiment. Then, the transmission function 15c transmits the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, the image data group 70, the model ID 7 and the inspection purpose 8 to the terminal device 4 (step S138), and ends the process. That is, the transmission function 15c outputs the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, the image data group 70, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8. Explaining by giving a specific example, the transmission function 15c is a communication interface so as to transmit the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, the image data group 70, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to the terminal device 4. 11 is controlled. As a result, the communication interface 11 transmits the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, the image data group 70, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to the terminal device 4 via the network 2.

Further, the evaluation function 15a executes each of the plurality of processes of steps S139 to S144 similar to the plurality of processes of steps S128 to S133. However, in step S140, the generation function 15b raises the value of the tube current included in the imaging plan 50 by a predetermined value (for example, 0.1 mA) so that the dose increases. In step S140, the generation function 15b sets at least one of the tube current and tube voltage included in the imaging plan 50 to a predetermined value (the tube current and the tube current are different) so that the dose increases. Value) may be increased. Further, in step S140, the generation function 15b may be set to use AEC for the imaging plan 50 so that the dose is increased.

The processes shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C have been described above. Steps S102 to S105, S107, S108, S110 to S112, S114 to S116, S118, S119, S122, S123, S125, S128, S130 to S133, and S139 to S144 in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are processed. This is a step realized by the circuit 15 reading a program corresponding to the evaluation function 15a from the memory 12 and executing the program. Further, in steps S101, S106, S109, S113, S117, S120, S121, S124, S126, S127, S129, and S134 to S137 in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the processing circuit 15 has a function of generating from the memory 12. This is a step realized by reading and executing the program corresponding to 15b. Further, step S138 in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C is a step realized by the processing circuit 15 reading a program corresponding to the transmission function 15c from the memory 12 and executing the program.

As shown in FIG. 10, the terminal device 4 receives the evaluation result group 74, the photographing plan 6, the photographing plan 50, the image data group 70, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 transmitted from the evaluation server 10. Then, the terminal device 4 displays the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, and the image data group 70 so that the user can confirm them. Then, the terminal device 4 updates the shooting plan 6 registered in the shooting plan database 42a with the shooting plan 50 after the shooting plan 50 is modified by the user as necessary. Further, the terminal device 4 controls the X-ray CT device 5 so that the photographing plan 6 stored in the memory of the X-ray CT device 5 is updated by the photographing plan 50.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the terminal device 4 according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 11 is executed when the terminal device 4 receives the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, the image data group 70, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 transmitted from the evaluation server 10. To.

As shown in FIG. 11, the display control function 45d displays the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, and the image data group 70 on the display 44 (step S201). For example, the display control function 45d has the evaluation result group 74 and the imaging so that the positional relationship between the evaluation result group 74, the imaging plan 6, the imaging plan 50 and the image data group 70 has the positional relationship as shown in FIG. The plan 6, the shooting plan 50, and the image data group 70 are displayed on the display 44.

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control function 45d displays the shooting plan 6 and the shooting plan 50 side by side on the display 44 so that they can be compared. Therefore, the terminal device 4 allows the user to easily compare the shooting plan 6 and the shooting plan 50.

Further, the display control function 45d displays the image 55 based on the shooting plan 6 and the image 60 based on the shooting plan 50 side by side on the display 44 so as to be comparable. Therefore, the terminal device 4 allows the user to easily compare the image 55 and the image 60.

In the case shown in FIG. 9, the shooting mode is changed from "helical scan" to "conventional scan". Further, the number of rows of X-ray detection elements has been changed from "16" to "80". Further, the thickness of the collected slices has been changed from "1.0" mm to "0.5" mm. Also, the tube voltage of "500" mA has been changed to "AEC". Further, the rotation speed is changed from "1.0" seconds / rotation to "0.5" seconds / rotation. Further, the type of the reconstruction process has been changed from "A" to "C". Further, the state in which the post-processing is not performed is changed from the state in which the post-processing is performed to the state in which the post-processing of the type "F" is performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control function 45d associates the evaluation result 71 and the evaluation result 72 with the shooting plan 6 and displays them on the display 44. Therefore, in the case shown in the example of FIG. 9, the terminal device 4 provides the user with a recommended dose range of the X-ray dose received by the subject when the X-ray CT device 5 uses the imaging plan 6. It is possible to grasp that it exceeds. Further, the terminal device 4 can make the user understand that the shooting plan 6 needs to be improved.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the display control function 45d associates the evaluation result 73 with the shooting plan 50 and displays it on the display 44. Therefore, in the case shown in the example of FIG. 9, the terminal device 4 provides the user with a recommended dose range of the X-ray dose received by the subject when the X-ray CT device 5 uses the imaging plan 50. It is possible to grasp that it is inside.

Then, the setting function 45e determines whether or not the correction instruction of the shooting plan 50 has been received from the user via the input interface 43 (step S202). The correction instruction includes how to correct the shooting plan 50.

When it is determined that the correction instruction of the shooting plan 50 has been accepted (step S202: Yes), the setting function 45e corrects the shooting plan 50 based on the correction instruction (step S203). Then, the setting function 45e updates the shooting plan 6 registered in the shooting plan database 42a in the shooting plan 50 (step S204).

Then, the setting function 45e transmits the imaging plan 50 to the X-ray CT apparatus 5 indicated by the model ID 7 in order to update the imaging plan 6 stored in the memory of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 with the imaging plan 50 (step). S205), the process is terminated. When the processing circuit of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 receives the imaging plan 50, the processing circuit of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 updates the imaging plan 6 stored in the memory of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 with the imaging plan 50. As a result, the imaging plan 50 is stored in both the imaging planning database 42a and the memory of the X-ray CT apparatus 5.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the correction instruction of the shooting plan 50 is not accepted (step S202: No), the setting function 45e determines whether or not the information indicating that the correction is unnecessary is received from the user via the input interface 43. (Step S206). When it is determined that the information indicating that the correction is unnecessary is not accepted (step S206: No), the setting function 45e returns to step S202 and executes the processing after step S202 again. When it is determined that the information indicating that the correction is unnecessary has been received (step S206: Yes), the setting function 45e proceeds to step S204.

The process shown in FIG. 11 has been described above. Steps S201 to S205 in FIG. 11 are steps realized by the processing circuit 45 reading a program corresponding to the setting function 45e from the memory 42 and executing the program.

The first embodiment has been described above. According to the first embodiment, in steps S106, S109, S113, S117, S129 and S140 described above, the evaluation server 10 modifies the imaging plan 50 based on the performance information, the recommended dose range and the like. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, a more suitable photographing plan 50 can be obtained. Further, according to the first embodiment, the imaging plan is evaluated by the evaluation server 10 instead of the user who manages the imaging plan in each hospital 3. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to improve the awareness of the user who manages the imaging plan in each hospital 3 such as dose management. According to the first embodiment, it is possible to obtain an imaging plan 50 capable of exerting the performance of the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Therefore, a better test can be provided to the subject.

(First modification of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, in step S133 and step S144, the case where the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation is within the range of the acquired dose has been described. However, the evaluation server 10 may bring the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation closer to the value of a specific dose within the range of the acquired dose. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a first modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the first modification of the first embodiment, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

For example, in the first modification, the evaluation function 15a is the dose estimated in step S132 or step 143, and the dose when affirmatively determined in step S133 or step S144 is stored in the memory 12 for each hospital 3. Remember. The evaluation function 15a performs such processing every time the photographing plan 6 to be evaluated is transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the evaluation server 10. Then, a plurality of doses are stored in the memory 12 for each hospital 3. That is, the memory 12 stores a plurality of doses corresponding to each hospital 3. Since the plurality of doses stored in the memory 12 for each hospital 3 are the doses when affirmatively determined in step S133 or step S144, they are doses within the recommended dose range.

Here, the dose stored in the memory 12 is unique to each hospital 3. For example, in the case of hospital 3 where image quality is important, the dose is relatively high. On the other hand, in the case of hospital 3 where the emphasis is on reducing the dose, the dose is relatively low. Therefore, the evaluation server 10 according to the first modification does not simply keep the estimated dose within the recommended dose range, but makes the characteristics of each hospital 3 within the recommended dose range. The process described below is performed to bring the dose closer to the correct dose.

For example, in step S133 and step S144, the evaluation function 15a acquires a plurality of doses corresponding to the hospital 3 from which the imaging plan 6 is transmitted from the memory 12. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of processing executed by the evaluation server 10 according to the first modification of the first embodiment. For example, the evaluation function 15a acquires a plurality of doses 75 to 77 corresponding to the hospital 3 from which the imaging plan 6 is transmitted from the memory 12.

Then, in step S133 and step S144, the evaluation function 15a calculates a representative value 78 of the plurality of doses 75 to 77. For example, the evaluation function 15a calculates the average value or the median value of a plurality of doses 75 to 77 as the representative value 78. The representative value 78 is an example of a specific value. Further, since the doses 75 to 77 are within the recommended dose range, the representative value 78 is also within the recommended dose range.

Then, in step S133 and step S144, the evaluation function 15a determines whether or not the difference between the representative value 78 and the dose estimated by the dose estimation simulation in step S132 or step S143 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. .. When it is determined that the difference between the representative value 78 and the estimated dose is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value, the evaluation function 15a proceeds to step S134. On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference between the representative value 78 and the estimated dose is larger than the predetermined threshold value, the evaluation function 15a returns to step S129 or step S140.

As described above, in the first modification, the estimated dose in the case of affirmative determination in steps S133 and S144 is brought closer to the representative value 78. Specifically, the difference between the estimated dose and the representative value 78 is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. Therefore, in step S129 and step S140, the generation function 15b generates the imaging plan 50 so that the difference between the estimated dose value and the representative value 78 within the recommended dose range is equal to or less than the threshold value. do. Therefore, the evaluation server 10 according to the first modification can generate an imaging plan 50 that matches the characteristics of each hospital 3.

In the first modification, the evaluation function 15a may calculate a representative value from a plurality of doses corresponding to the specific hospital 3 and use the calculated representative value instead of the representative value 78. Here, the specific hospital 3 is, for example, a hospital famous for its high image quality.

(Second variant of the first embodiment)
In step S138, when the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 6 and the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 50 are different, the transmission function 15c is a program of the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 50. May be transmitted to the terminal device 4. Further, in step S138, when the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 6 and the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 50 are different, the transmission function 15c provides a program of the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 50. It may be transmitted to the terminal device 4. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a second modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the second modification of the first embodiment, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

For example, in the second modification, the memory 12 stores all kinds of reconstruction processing programs that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Further, the memory 12 stores all kinds of post-processing programs that can be used by the X-ray CT apparatus 5.

Then, in step S138, when the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 6 and the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 50 are different from each other, the transmission function 15c is the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 50. Program is acquired from the memory 12. Then, in step S138, the transmission function 15c transmits the acquired program to the terminal device 4.

Further, in step S138, when the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 6 and the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 50 are different, the transmission function 15c provides a program of the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 50. Obtained from memory 12. Then, in step S138, the transmission function 15c transmits the acquired program to the terminal device 4.

When the terminal device 4 receives the program transmitted from the evaluation server 10, the terminal device 4 transmits the program to the X-ray CT device 5. Upon receiving the program transmitted from the terminal device 4, the X-ray CT device 5 installs the program.

For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 may not have the reconstruction processing program included in the imaging plan 50 and the post-processing program included in the imaging plan 50 installed. In such a case, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 installs a program. Therefore, the evaluation server 10 according to the second modification can install the program on the X-ray CT apparatus 5 without having the user prepare the program.

If such a process is executed when the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is installed, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 can use many programs at the time of installation. As a result, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 can use many preset imaging plans. The shooting plan is also referred to as a protocol.

Here, when a certain period (for example, one year) has passed since the X-ray CT device 5 was installed, the X-ray CT device 5 or the terminal device 4 is a program and an imaging plan in which the X-ray CT device 5 can be used. It is preferable to separate the necessary programs and the necessary ones into the necessary ones and keep the necessary programs and shooting plans in a usable state.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 displays a plurality of preset imaging plans corresponding to the portions designated by the user when performing imaging. Then, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 causes the user to specify an imaging plan to be used for imaging from among a plurality of imaging plans.

Here, when displaying the preset plurality of imaging plans, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 may change the order of the plurality of imaging plans according to the frequency of use. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 may display a plurality of imaging plans in order from the top in descending order of frequency of use.

Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 displays an imaging plan known to be used in a specific cycle (for example, every Friday) so as to be ranked higher in the order on the corresponding day (for example, Friday). May be.

It is also conceivable that the cloud server performs the reconstruction process and the post-process, and the X-ray CT apparatus 5 receives the process result by the cloud server. In this case, the memory 12 does not store the program. In step S138, when the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 6 and the type of the reconstruction process included in the shooting plan 50 are different, the transmission function 15c reconfigures the type included in the shooting plan 50 in the cloud server. The usage procedure for executing the process is transmitted to the terminal device 4. Further, in step S138, when the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 6 and the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 50 are different, the transmission function 15c has the type of post-processing included in the shooting plan 50 in the cloud server. The usage procedure for executing the above is transmitted to the terminal device 4. In this case, the evaluation server 10 according to the second modification can make the user grasp the usage procedure of the cloud server without having to check the usage procedure.

Further, a reconfiguration server that performs reconfiguration processing and a post-processing server that performs post-processing may be provided in the same intranet separately from the X-ray CT apparatus 5.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the processing circuit 15 executes a plurality of functions, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of processing circuits may be provided so that each processing circuit executes its own function.

(Third variant of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, the contents registered in the guideline database 12a and the performance information database 12b are updated to the latest contents. Here, the evaluation server 10 may control the user to know that the content registered in the guideline database 12a or the performance information database 12b has been updated to the latest content. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a third modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the third modification of the first embodiment, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the guideline database 12a according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database 12b according to the third modification of the first embodiment.

The evaluation server 10 according to the third modification uses the guideline database 12a shown in FIG. 13A and the performance information database 12b shown in FIG. 13B in place of the guideline database 12a shown in FIG. 6 and the performance information database 12b shown in FIG. It is different from the evaluation server 10 according to the first embodiment in that various processes are performed.

As shown in FIG. 13A, in the third modification, in the guideline database 12a, the item of "inspection purpose", the item of "dose range", the item of "presence or absence of update", and the item of "updated year" are displayed. A plurality of records having the item of "month and day" are registered. That is, in the guideline database 12a, the item of "inspection purpose", the item of "dose range", the item of "presence / absence of update", and the item of "updated date" are associated with each other as one record. It is registered. A plurality of such records are registered in the guideline database 12a.

Similar to the first embodiment, the inspection purpose is registered in the "inspection purpose" item, and the dose range corresponding to the inspection purpose is registered in the "dose range" item, which is recommended in various guidelines. The range of doses to be given is registered.

Information indicating whether or not the dose range registered in the "dose range" item has been updated is registered in the "presence / absence of update" item. For example, when the processing circuit 15 updates the dose range registered in the “dose range” item, the value “1” indicating that the dose range has been updated in the “updateed / not updated” item. To register. On the other hand, when the processing circuit 15 has not updated the dose range registered in the "dose range" item, the value indicating that the dose range has not been updated in the "presence / absence of update" item. Register "0".

In the item of "updated date", the date in which the dose range registered in the item of "dose range" was updated is registered. For example, when the processing circuit 15 updates the dose range registered in the "dose range" item, the processing circuit 15 registers the updated date in the "updated date" item. do. If the dose range has not been updated, the null value is registered in the "updated date" item.

As shown in FIG. 13B, in the third modification, the performance information database 12b has an item of "model ID", an item of "performance information", an item of "presence / absence of update", and "updated". A plurality of records having the item of "date" are registered. That is, in the performance information database 12b, the item of "model ID", the item of "performance information", the item of "presence / absence of update", and the item of "updated date" are associated with each other as one record. It is registered. A plurality of such records are registered in the performance information database 12b.

Similar to the first embodiment, the model ID is registered in the "model ID" item, and the performance information is registered in the "performance information" item.

In the item of "whether or not there is an update", information indicating whether or not the performance information registered in the item of "performance information" has been updated is registered. For example, when the processing circuit 15 updates the performance information registered in the item of "performance information", the processing circuit 15 registers a value "1" in the item of "presence / absence of update" indicating that the performance information has been updated. do. On the other hand, when the processing circuit 15 has not updated the performance information registered in the "performance information" item, the value "0" indicating that the performance information has not been updated in the "update / not updated" item. Is registered.

In the item of "updated date", the date when the performance information registered in the item of "performance information" was updated is registered. For example, when the processing circuit 15 updates the performance information registered in the item of "performance information", the processing circuit 15 registers the date of updating the performance information in the item of "updated date". If the performance information has not been updated, the null value is registered in the "updated date" item.

Then, in step S136 (see FIG. 8C) of the third modification, the generation function 15b performs the same processing as the processing of the first embodiment, and the evaluation function 15a further executes the following processing. do. For example, the evaluation function 15a identifies a record in which the inspection purpose 8 transmitted from the terminal device 4 is registered in the item of "inspection purpose" from all the records of the guideline database 12a. Then, the evaluation function 15a acquires the value registered in the item of "presence / absence of update" of the specified record.

If the acquired value is "1", the dose range has been updated. Therefore, when the acquired value is "1", the evaluation function 15a acquires the date registered in the "updated date" of the specified record. Here, the acquired date is the date when the dose range was updated.

Further, in step S136, the evaluation function 15a further executes the following processing. For example, the evaluation function 15a identifies a record in which the model ID 7 transmitted from the terminal device 4 is registered in the "model ID" item from all the records in the performance information database 12b. Then, the evaluation function 15a acquires the value registered in the item of "presence / absence of update" of the specified record.

If the acquired value is "1", the performance information has been updated. Therefore, when the acquired value is "1", the evaluation function 15a acquires the date registered in the "updated date" of the specified record. Here, the acquired date is the date when the performance information was updated.

Then, in step S137, the generation function 15b performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and further executes the following processing. For example, when the date when the dose range is updated is acquired in step S136, the generation function 15b stores the date when the dose range is updated in the memory 12. Further, when the date when the performance information is updated is acquired in step S136, the generation function 15b stores the date when the performance information is updated in the memory 12.

Then, in step S138, the transmission function 15c performs the same processing as in the first embodiment, and further performs the following processing. For example, when the date when the dose range is updated is acquired in step S136, the transmission function 15c transmits the date when the dose range is updated to the terminal device 4. When the date when the performance information is updated is acquired in step S136, the transmission function 15c transmits the date when the performance information is updated to the terminal device 4.

That is, when at least one of the dose range and the performance information is updated, the transmission function 15c outputs information indicating that at least one of them has been updated.

In the third modification, the terminal device 4 has the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, the image data group 70, the model ID 7, and the inspection transmitted from the evaluation server 10, as in the first embodiment. Receive the purpose 8. Further, when the date when the dose range is updated is acquired in step S136, the terminal device 4 receives the date when the dose range is updated. Further, when the date when the performance information is updated is acquired in step S136, the terminal device 4 receives the date when the performance information is updated.

Then, the terminal device 4 displays the evaluation result group 74, the shooting plan 6, the shooting plan 50, and the image data group 70 and asks the user to confirm them, as in the first embodiment. In addition to this, when the terminal device 4 receives the date when the dose range is updated, the terminal device 4 displays the date when the received dose range is updated. Further, when the terminal device 4 receives the date when the performance information is updated, the terminal device 4 displays the date when the received performance information is updated.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The example of FIG. 14 shows a case where the terminal device 4 does not receive the date when the dose range is updated, but receives the date “Y1 / M1 / D1” where the performance information is updated. .. As shown in FIG. 14, the terminal device 4 displays the evaluation result group 74, the photographing plan 6, the photographing plan 50, and the image data group 70, as in the first embodiment. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the terminal device 4 displays a message “Performance information update: Y1 / M1 / D1” indicating the date when the performance information was updated. This allows the user to know that the performance information has been updated to Y1 / M1 / D1.

(Fourth modification of the first embodiment)
In the third modification, the case where the evaluation server 10 outputs the evaluation result based on the dose range and the performance information after at least one of them is updated has been described. However, the evaluation server 10 outputs the evaluation result based on the dose range and performance information before at least one is updated, in addition to the evaluation result based on the dose range and performance information after at least one is updated. May be good. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a fourth modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the fourth modification, the points different from the third modification will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as the third modification may be omitted.

FIG. 15A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the guideline database 12a according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 15B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database 12b according to the fourth modification of the first embodiment.

The evaluation server 10 according to the fourth modification uses the guideline database 12a shown in FIG. 15A and the performance information database 12b shown in FIG. 15B in place of the guideline database 12a and the performance information database 12b shown in FIG. 13B. It is different from the evaluation server 10 according to the third modification in that various processes are performed.

As shown in FIG. 15A, in the fourth modification, in the guideline database 12a, the item of "inspection purpose", the item of "dose range", the item of "presence or absence of update", and the item of "updated year" are displayed. A plurality of records having an item of "month and day" and an item of "dose range before update" are registered. That is, in the guideline database 12a, there are an item of "inspection purpose", an item of "dose range", an item of "presence / absence of update", an item of "updated date", and an item of "dose range before update". Items are associated with each other and registered as one record. A plurality of such records are registered in the guideline database 12a.

Of these items, the items of "inspection purpose", "dose range", "presence / absence of update", and "updated date" have the same contents as the third modification. Is registered.

In the item of "dose range before update", the range of dose before update is registered. For example, when the dose range registered in the "dose range" item is updated, the evaluation function 15a of the processing circuit 15 sets the dose range before the update in the "dose range before update" item. Register the range. If the dose range has not been updated, the null value is registered in the "dose range before update" item.

As shown in FIG. 15B, in the fourth modification, the performance information database 12b has an item of "model ID", an item of "performance information", an item of "presence / absence of update", and "updated". A plurality of records having an item of "date", an item of "performance information before update", and an item of "update content" are registered. That is, in the performance information database 12b, there are an item of "model ID", an item of "performance information", an item of "presence / absence of update", an item of "updated date", and an item of "performance information before update". The item and the item of "updated content" are associated and registered as one record. A plurality of such records are registered in the performance information database 12b.

Of these items, the "model ID" item, "performance information" item, "updated / not updated" item, and "updated date" item have the same contents as the third modification. Is registered.

The performance information before the update is registered in the item of "performance information before the update". For example, when the performance information registered in the "performance information" item is updated, the evaluation function 15a registers the performance information before the update in the "performance information before update" item. If the performance information has not been updated, the null value is registered in the item of "performance information before update".

The updated content is registered in the "updated content" item. When the performance information registered in the "performance information" item is updated, the evaluation function 15a registers the updated content in the "updated content" item. The updated content is information indicating how the performance information has been updated. For example, the updated content is information indicating how and which of the shooting conditions, the reconstruction conditions, and the post-processing conditions included in the performance information has been updated. For example, when the post-processing type "F" is updated to the post-processing type "G", the evaluation function 15a has the post-processing type "F" as the post-processing type. The updated content indicating that it has been updated to "G" is registered in the "updated content" item.

If the performance information has not been updated, a null value is registered in the "updated content" item.

Then, in step S136 (see FIG. 8C), the generation function 15b performs the same processing as the processing of the third modification.

Then, in the fourth modification, the evaluation server 10 executes the following processing in the step between steps S136 and S137. Hereinafter, the step between step S136 and step S137 is referred to as "step S301".

In step S301, for example, in the evaluation function 15a, when the value acquired in step S136 (the value registered in the item of "presence / absence of update" of the guideline database 12a) is "1", the "dose range before update" is set. Get the range of dose before renewal registered in the item.

Further, in step S301, when the value acquired in step S136 (the value registered in the item of "presence / absence of update" of the performance information database 12b) is "1", the evaluation function 15a is "performance before update". Acquires the performance information before updating registered in the "Information" item. Further, when the value acquired in step S136 (the value registered in the item of "presence / absence of update" of the performance information database 12b) is "1", the evaluation function 15a is registered in the item of "update content". Get the updated contents.

Here, in step S301, the following four cases can be considered. In the first case, since both the dose range and the performance information have been updated, the dose range before the update and the performance information before the update are acquired. The second case is a case where the dose range before the update is acquired because the dose range is updated in the dose range and the performance information. The third case is a case in which the performance information before the update is acquired because the performance information is updated in the dose range and the performance information. The fourth case is the case where both the dose range and the performance information have not been updated.

In the case of the fourth case, the evaluation server 10 proceeds to step S137 and executes the processes after step S137 in the same manner as in the third modification.

On the other hand, in the case of the first case, the evaluation server 10 processes in steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 by using the dose range before the update and the performance information before the update in step S301. Perform the same process. That is, the evaluation server 10 uses the dose range before the update and the performance information before the update instead of the performance information acquired in step S102 and the dose range corresponding to the inspection purpose 8. Execute the process. Then, the evaluation server 10 proceeds to step S137.

In step S137, the generation function 15b stores various information obtained in the processes of steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 in the memory 12, and further performs the following processing, as in the third modification. Execute. For example, the generation function 15b similarly stores various information obtained in the process of step S301 in the memory 12. Here, the various information obtained in the process of step S301 includes the photographing plan 50a (see FIG. 16), the evaluation result 73a (see FIG. 16), the image data of the image 60a (see FIG. 16), and the updated contents. Is included.

Then, in step S138, the transmission function 15c transmits various information obtained in the processes of steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 to the terminal device 4 as in the third modification, and further, as follows. Perform processing. For example, the transmission function 15c similarly transmits various information obtained in the process of step S301 to the terminal device 4.

In the fourth modification, the terminal device 4 receives various information transmitted from the evaluation server 10. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 16, the display control function 45d of the terminal device 4 displays the shooting plan 50, the evaluation result 73, and the image 60 on the display 44 in association with the text data “after update”. In the fourth modification, the display control function 45d further displays the shooting plan 50a, the evaluation result 73a, and the image 60a on the display 44 in association with the text data “before update”.

Here, when the update content indicates that the post-processing type "F" has been updated to the post-processing type "G", the display control function 45d has the post-processing type "F" as shown in FIG. ] And the type of post-processing "G" are highlighted. This makes it possible for the user to easily understand that the post-processing type "F" has been updated to the post-processing type "G".

After at least one of the dose range and performance information is updated, the imaging plan, evaluation result and image (hereinafter referred to as imaging plan, etc.) based on the dose range and performance information after at least one is updated are always used. ), And the imaging plan based on the dose range and performance information before at least one of them is updated may not be displayed on the terminal device 4. For example, from after at least one of the dose range and performance information is updated to a predetermined period, at least one is updated, such as an imaging plan based on the dose range and performance information after at least one is updated. An imaging plan or the like based on the previous dose range and performance information may be displayed on the terminal device 4. Then, after the predetermined period has elapsed, the terminal device 4 may display an imaging plan or the like based on the dose range and performance information after at least one of them has been updated.

In this case, for example, in step S138, the transmission function 15c of the evaluation server 10 has either the date when the dose range acquired in step S136 was updated or the date when the performance information was updated. During the period from the day to the predetermined period, various information obtained in the processes of steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 and various information obtained in the process of step S301 may be transmitted to the terminal device 4. Further, in step S138, the transmission function 15c may transmit various information obtained in the processes of steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 to the terminal device 4 after a predetermined period has elapsed.

In the case of the second case and the case of the third case, the evaluation server 10 executes the same processing as the processing in the case of the fourth case.

However, in the second case, the evaluation server 10 executes the same processing as the processing of steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 in step S301 using the dose range before the update. That is, the evaluation server 10 executes the process using the dose range before the update instead of the dose range corresponding to the inspection purpose 8.

Further, in the case of the third case, the evaluation server 10 executes the same processing as the processing of steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 in step S301 using the performance information before the update. That is, the evaluation server 10 executes the process using the performance information before the update instead of the performance information acquired in step S102.

As described above, when at least one of the performance information and the dose range is updated, the evaluation server 10 according to the fourth modification takes an image based on the performance information and the dose range before at least one is updated. The data of the plan 50a, the evaluation result 73a, the image 60a, and the data of the imaging plan 50, the evaluation result 73, and the image 60a based on the performance information and the dose range after at least one of them is updated are output.

Further, when at least one of the performance information and the dose range is updated, the evaluation server 10 updates at least one of the performance information and the dose range for a predetermined period after the update of at least one of the performance information and the dose range. Imaging plan 50a, evaluation result 73a and image 60a data based on performance information and dose range, and imaging plan 50, evaluation result 73 and image 60a based on performance information and dose range after at least one is updated. Data is output.

Further, when at least one of the performance information and the dose range is updated, the evaluation server 10 has the performance information and the dose range before at least one is updated, and the performance after at least one is updated. The above-mentioned updated contents are output as information that can compare the range of information and dose. For example, in the fourth modification, the evaluation server 10 outputs to the terminal device 4 the update content indicating that the post-processing type “F” has been updated to the post-processing type “G”, thereby outputting the terminal device. In 4, the post-processing type “F” and the post-processing type “G” are highlighted and displayed in a comparable manner. Therefore, the update content indicating that the post-processing type "F" has been updated to the post-processing type "G" is information that can compare the performance information before the update and the performance information after the update. be.

(Fifth modification of the first embodiment)
In the fourth modification, as described above, the case where the evaluation server 10 outputs the updated contents to the terminal device 4 as comparable information between the performance information before the update and the performance information after the update will be described. did. In this case, regardless of whether or not the conditions (shooting conditions, reconstruction conditions, or post-processing conditions) that the user wants to grasp, the terminal device 4 compares the conditions before the update with the conditions after the update. Displayed as possible.

Therefore, the conditions displayed in comparison may not be the conditions that the user wants to understand. Therefore, the evaluation server 10 may output the condition that the user wants to grasp that the update has been made to the terminal device 4, and display the condition that the user wants to grasp before and after the update so that the terminal device 4 can be compared. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a fifth modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the fifth modification, the points different from the fourth modification will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as the fourth modification may be omitted.

In the fifth modification, the evaluation request function 45c of the terminal device 4 adds to the shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to be evaluated shown in FIG. 4 in order to cause the evaluation server 10 to evaluate the shooting plan 6. The search key is transmitted to the evaluation server 10.

The search key is information indicating a condition specified by the user among the shooting condition, the reconstruction condition, and the post-processing condition. Here, the user wants to know that a certain condition has been updated. Such conditions vary from user to user. Therefore, the user inputs the information indicating the condition to be grasped to the processing circuit 45 via the input interface 43 as a search key. That is, information indicating the conditions specified by the user is input to the processing circuit 45 as a search key via the input interface 43. For example, when the user wants to know that the type of post-processing has been updated, information indicating the type of post-processing is input as a search key.

In the fifth modification, in step S138, the transmission function 15c transmits various information obtained in the processes of steps S101 to S135 and S139 to S144 to the terminal device 4 in the same manner as in the fourth modification. Further, in step S138, the transmission function 15c transmits various information obtained in the process of step S301 to the terminal device 4, as in the fourth modification.

Further, in the fifth modification, in step S138, the transmission function 15c determines whether or not the two conditions of the updated condition indicated by the updated content and the condition indicated by the search key match. For example, when it is shown that the type of post-processing is updated by the update content and the search key indicates the type of post-processing, the transmission function 15c determines that the two conditions are matched. When it is determined that the two conditions are matched, in step S138, the transmission function 15c transmits an instruction to display how the type of post-processing indicated by the update content is updated to the terminal device 4. .. For example, the transmission function 15c transmits an instruction to display that the post-processing type “F” has been updated to the post-processing type “G” to the terminal device 4.

That is, when the performance information is updated, the transmission function 15c outputs the updated condition when the updated condition included in the performance information and the designated condition match.

As a result, the terminal device 4 displays the shooting plans 50, 50a, the evaluation results 73, 73a, the images 60, 60a, etc. on the display 44, and the post-processing type “F” is post-processed based on the above-mentioned instructions. The message "Post-processing type" F "has been updated to the post-processing type" G ". Is also displayed on the display 44. This makes it possible for the user to easily grasp how the condition specified by the user has been updated.

Since the display 44 shows how the conditions specified by the user have been updated, the terminal device 4 does not have to display the shooting plan 50a, the evaluation result 73a, the image 60a, and the like on the display 44. In this case, in step S138, the transmission function 15c does not have to transmit various information other than the update contents obtained in the process of step S301 to the terminal device 4.

(Sixth modification of the first embodiment)
In the fourth modification, the evaluation server 10 uses a recommended dose range (hereinafter, “first dose range”) and certain performance information (hereinafter, “first performance information”). Then, consider the case of evaluating the shooting plan 6. In this case, the evaluation server 10 subsequently updates the first dose range and the recommended dose range after at least one of the first performance information has been updated (hereinafter referred to as “the recommended dose range”). The imaging plan 6 may be evaluated using "second dose range") and performance information (hereinafter, "second performance information").

Then, the evaluation server 10 has an imaging plan 50a based on the first dose range and the first performance information, an evaluation result 73a, an image 60a, and an imaging plan based on the second dose range and the second performance information. 50, the evaluation result 73, and the image 60 may be output.

Therefore, such a modification will be described as a sixth modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the sixth modification, the points different from the fourth modification will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as the fourth modification may be omitted.

In the sixth modification, the evaluation function 15a stores the image data of the imaging plan 50a, the evaluation result 73a, and the image 60a based on the first dose range and the first performance information in the memory 12.

Then, the evaluation function 15a sets the imaging plan 50 and the evaluation result 73 based on the second dose range and the second performance information at the timing when at least one of the first dose range and the first performance information is updated. And the data of the image 60 is obtained.

Then, the transmission function 15c transmits the image data of the photographing plan 50a, the evaluation result 73a and the image 60a, and the data of the photographing plan 50, the evaluation result 73 and the image 60 to the terminal device 4 as in the fourth modification. Therefore, the user can use the recommended dose range before at least one is updated and the imaging plan 50a, evaluation result 73a and image 60a based on performance information, and the recommended dose range after at least one is updated. And the shooting plan 50, the evaluation result 73, and the image 60 based on the performance information can be easily compared.

As described above, when at least one of the recommended dose range and the performance information is updated, the transmission function 15c takes an image based on the recommended dose range and the performance information before the at least one is updated. Output the image data of the plan 50a, the evaluation result 73a and the image 60a, and the data of the imaging plan 50, the evaluation result 73 and the image 60 based on the recommended dose range and performance information after at least one of them has been updated. ..

(7th modification of the 1st embodiment)
As described above, the user manages the imaging plan according to the function of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the situation of the facility such as the hospital 3. Here, for example, an expert who manages the imaging plan determines the imaging conditions, reconstruction conditions, post-processing conditions, etc. included in the imaging plan according to the function of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the situation of the facility such as the hospital 3. May be adjusted. In this way, an expert may manually adjust the shooting conditions, reconstruction conditions, post-processing conditions, and the like. Such specialists are also referred to as application specialists.

As described above, when the expert manually adjusts the imaging plan, it is considered that the adjusted imaging plan is suitable for the function of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the situation of the facility such as the hospital 3. Therefore, the evaluation server 10 may not evaluate the manually adjusted shooting plan. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a seventh modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the seventh modification, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the photographing plan database 42a according to the seventh modification of the first embodiment.

According to the first embodiment, the evaluation server 10 according to the seventh modification performs various processes using the photography plan database 42a shown in FIG. 17 instead of the photography plan database 42a shown in FIG. It is different from the evaluation server 10.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the seventh modification, in the photographing plan database 42a, the item of "model ID", the item of "inspection purpose", the item of "imaging plan", and "presence or absence of manual adjustment" are present. A plurality of records having an item of "" and an item of "manually adjusted date" are registered. That is, in the shooting plan database 42a, there are an item of "model ID", an item of "inspection purpose", an item of "shooting plan", an item of "presence or absence of manual adjustment", and an item of "manually adjusted date". Is associated with and registered as one record. A plurality of such records are registered in the shooting plan database 42a.

Among these items, the same contents as those in the first embodiment are registered in the item of "model ID", the item of "inspection purpose", and the item of "shooting plan".

In the item of "presence or absence of manual adjustment", information indicating whether or not the shooting plan registered in the item of "shooting plan" has been manually adjusted (manually) is registered. For example, an expert or the like manually adjusts the shooting plan to be adjusted among a plurality of preset shooting plans. Specifically, an expert or the like inputs an instruction for adjusting a shooting plan to the processing circuit 15 via the input interface 13. The processing circuit 15 adjusts the shooting plan registered in the item of "shooting plan" based on the input instruction. At this time, the processing circuit 15 registers a value “1” indicating that the photographing plan has been manually adjusted in the item “presence / absence of manual adjustment”. On the other hand, when the shooting plan is not adjusted, the processing circuit 15 registers a value "0" indicating that the shooting plan is not manually adjusted in the "presence / absence of manual adjustment" item.

In the item of "manually adjusted date", the date in which the shooting plan registered in the item of "shooting plan" is adjusted is registered. For example, when the processing circuit 15 adjusts the shooting plan registered in the "shooting plan" item, the processing circuit 15 registers the adjusted shooting date in the "manually adjusted date" item. .. If the shooting plan is not adjusted, the null value is registered in the item of "manually adjusted date".

In the seventh modification, the evaluation request function 45c of the terminal device 4 adds to the shooting plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to be evaluated shown in FIG. 4 in order to cause the evaluation server 10 to evaluate the shooting plan 6. The value (0 or 1) registered in the item of "presence or absence of manual adjustment" is transmitted to the evaluation server 10. Further, the evaluation request function 45c adjusts the shooting plan registered in the item of "manually adjusted date" when the value registered in the item of "presence or absence of manual adjustment" is "1". The date is transmitted to the evaluation server 10.

The evaluation function 15a of the evaluation server 10 has the same as the first embodiment when the value registered in the item of "presence or absence of manual adjustment" is "0", that is, when the shooting plan 6 is not manually adjusted. Similarly, the shooting plan 6 is evaluated and various processes are executed.

On the other hand, the evaluation function 15a does not evaluate the shooting plan 6 when the value registered in the item of "presence / absence of manual adjustment" is "1", that is, when the shooting plan 6 is manually adjusted. As described above, in the seventh modification, the evaluation function 15a does not evaluate the adjusted shooting plan 6 when the shooting plan 6 is manually adjusted.

In this case, the transmission function 15c of the evaluation server 10 transmits the message "The shooting plan is not evaluated because the shooting plan is manually adjusted." To the terminal device 4. Then, the terminal device 4 displays the message "The shooting plan is not evaluated because the shooting plan is manually adjusted" on the display 44. This makes it possible for the user to understand the reason why the shooting plan 6 is not evaluated.

However, the evaluation function 15a may evaluate the shooting plan 6 depending on the conditions when the value registered in the item of "presence / absence of manual adjustment" is "1". For example, the evaluation function 15a has at least one of the shooting conditions, the reconstruction conditions, and the post-processing conditions included in the shooting plan 6 after the date when the shooting plan 6 transmitted from the terminal device 4 is adjusted. Determine if the condition has been updated.

If at least one of the conditions is updated before the date when the shooting plan 6 transmitted from the terminal device 4 is adjusted, the evaluation function 15a does not evaluate the shooting plan 6. Also in this case, the transmission function 15c transmits the message "The shooting plan is not evaluated because the shooting plan is manually adjusted." To the terminal device 4.

On the other hand, when the at least one condition is updated after the shooting plan 6 transmitted from the terminal device 4 is adjusted, the evaluation function 15a takes a picture as in the first embodiment. Plan 6 is evaluated and various processes are performed. In this case, the transmission function 15c of the evaluation server 10 evaluates the shooting plan because the message "The shooting plan has been manually adjusted, but the conditions included in the shooting plan have been updated after the shooting plan was manually adjusted. "Is done." Is transmitted to the terminal device 4 together with various information shown in FIG. Then, the terminal device 4 evaluates the shooting plan because the message "The shooting plan is manually adjusted, but the conditions included in the shooting plan are updated after the shooting plan is manually adjusted," along with various information. Was displayed on the display 44. This makes it possible for the user to understand the reason for evaluating the shooting plan 6.

As described above, when the shooting plan 6 is manually adjusted, the evaluation function 15a determines the timing at which the shooting plan 6 is manually adjusted, and the shooting conditions, reconstruction conditions, and post-processing conditions included in the shooting plan 6. It controls whether or not to evaluate the adjusted shooting plan 6 according to the timing when at least one of them is updated.

(Eighth modification of the first embodiment)
As described above, an expert who manages the shooting plan may manually adjust the shooting conditions, the reconstruction conditions, the post-processing conditions, and the like included in the shooting plan.

Here, there are a plurality of types (models) of the X-ray CT apparatus 5. Experts tend to adjust the imaging plan corresponding to a specific type of X-ray CT apparatus 5 among a plurality of types of X-ray CT apparatus 5. That is, it is highly likely that the imaging plan corresponding to the specific type of X-ray CT apparatus 5 is adjusted by an expert. Therefore, it is highly possible that the imaging plan corresponding to the specific type of X-ray CT apparatus 5 is an imaging plan suitable for the function of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 and the situation of the facility such as the hospital 3. Therefore, the evaluation server 10 may not evaluate the imaging plan corresponding to the specific type of X-ray CT apparatus 5. Therefore, such a modification will be described as an eighth modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the eighth modification, the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as that of the first embodiment may be omitted.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the performance information database 12b according to the eighth modification of the first embodiment.

According to the first embodiment, the evaluation server 10 according to the eighth modification performs various processes using the performance information database 12b shown in FIG. 18 instead of the performance information database 12b shown in FIG. 7. It is different from the evaluation server 10.

As shown in FIG. 18, in the eighth modification, the performance information database 12b has a record having an item of "model ID", an item of "performance information", and an item of "necessity of evaluation execution". Are registered more than once. That is, in the performance information database 12b, the item of "model ID", the item of "performance information", and the item of "necessity of evaluation execution" are associated and registered as one record. A plurality of such records are registered in the performance information database 12b.

Among these items, the same contents as those in the first embodiment are registered in the "model ID" item and the "performance information" item.

In the "necessity of evaluation execution" item, a value indicating whether or not the evaluation server 10 evaluates the imaging plan 6 corresponding to the type of X-ray CT apparatus 5 registered in the "model ID" item is registered. Has been done. For example, when the X-ray CT device 5 of the type registered in the item of "model ID" is the specific CT device described above, the imaging plan 6 is evaluated in the item of "necessity of evaluation execution". "1" indicating that the server 10 is not evaluated is registered. On the other hand, if the type of X-ray CT device 5 registered in the "model ID" item is not the specific CT device described above, the imaging plan 6 is set in the evaluation server in the "necessity of evaluation execution" item. "0" indicating that 10 is to be evaluated is registered.

In the eighth modification, the evaluation request function 45c of the terminal device 4 is registered in the item of "necessity of evaluation execution" in addition to the shooting plan 6, model ID 7 and inspection purpose 8 of the evaluation target shown in FIG. The value (0 or 1) is transmitted to the evaluation server 10.

When the value registered in the item of "necessity of evaluation execution" is "0", the evaluation function 15a of the evaluation server 10 evaluates the photographing plan 6 and performs various processes as in the first embodiment. To execute.

On the other hand, the evaluation function 15a does not evaluate the photographing plan 6 when the value registered in the item of "necessity of evaluation execution" is "1". As described above, in the eighth modification, the evaluation function 15a does not evaluate the imaging plan 6 when the X-ray CT device 5 is a specific CT device.

In this case, the transmission function 15c of the evaluation server 10 terminals the message "The X-ray CT device is a specific CT device, and the shooting plan is likely to be adjusted manually, so the shooting plan is not evaluated." It is transmitted to the device 4. Then, the terminal device 4 displays the message "The X-ray CT device is a specific CT device and the shooting plan is likely not adjusted manually, so the shooting plan is not evaluated." On the display 44. This makes it possible for the user to understand the reason why the shooting plan 6 is not evaluated.

(Ninth modification of the first embodiment)
In the first embodiment, in step S202 shown in FIG. 11, the user considers whether or not to modify the presented shooting plan 50, and if the user modifies the shooting plan 50, how to modify it. think of. Then, the user considers how to correct the photographing plan 50, and then inputs the correction instruction to the processing circuit 45 via the input interface 43.

Here, in step S202, the user may modify the photographing plan 50 by receiving advice from an expert. Therefore, the evaluation system 1 that can realize such a thing will be described as the evaluation system 1 according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a part of the evaluation system 1 according to the ninth modification of the first embodiment. Note that, in FIG. 19, the devices and servers shown in FIG. 1 other than the terminal device 4 and the terminal device 80 are not shown.

As shown in FIG. 19, the evaluation system 1 according to the ninth modification includes a terminal device 4, a terminal device 80, and various devices and servers (not shown) shown in FIG. 1 above.

Here, the terminal device 4 is a terminal used by the user, and the terminal device 80 is a terminal used by an expert. The terminal device 4 and the terminal device 80 are connected via a network. In this modification, the terminal device 4 and the terminal device 80 display a chat screen on a display so that a user and an expert can have a conversation by chatting. Therefore, in step S202 shown in FIG. 11, the user can think about how to modify the photographing plan 50 while receiving advice from an expert. Therefore, the user can easily determine how to modify the shooting plan 50.

The terminal device 80 may perform video chat between the terminal device 4 and the terminal device 80 while the terminal device 80 remotely accesses the terminal device 4. In this case, the expert can modify the shooting plan 50 displayed on the terminal device 4 simply by operating the terminal device 80. That is, in this case, not only the user but also an expert who is far away from the terminal device 4 can modify the photographing plan 50.

Further, with the phantom installed in the X-ray CT device 5, the terminal device 4 receives an operation by the user, remotely operates the X-ray CT device 5, and performs phantom imaging on the X-ray CT device 5. The image data based on the imaging plan 50 and the image data based on the imaging plan 6 may be generated. In this case, a radiological technologist is present on the X-ray CT apparatus 5 side.

Then, the terminal device 4 acquires the image data based on the shooting plan 50 and the image data based on the shooting plan 6 from the X-ray CT device 5, and displays 44 so that the two images based on the two acquired image data can be compared. It may be displayed in.

Further, the terminal device 4 remotely controls the X-ray CT device 5 and controls the X-ray CT device 5 so as to perform a reconstruction retry using the reconstruction conditions included in the imaging plans 50 and 6. You may. Then, the terminal device 4 may acquire the result of the reconstruction retry and display the result of the reconstruction retry on the display 44.

(10th modification of the first embodiment)
In the second modification, in step S138, the case where the transmission function 15c transmits the reconstruction processing program and the post-processing program to the terminal device 4 has been described. Here, the transmission function 15c may transmit a program suitable for the situation of a facility such as a hospital 3 provided with the terminal device 4 to the terminal device 4. Therefore, such a modification will be described as a tenth modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the tenth modification, the points different from the second modification will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as the second modification may be omitted.

FIG. 20A is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the program database 81a according to the tenth modification of the first embodiment. In the tenth modification, the memory 12 stores the program database 81a shown in FIG. 20A.

As shown in FIG. 20A, a plurality of records having an item of "hospital type", an item of "site", and an item of "program" are registered in the program database 81a. That is, in the program database 81a, the item of "hospital type", the item of "site", and the item of "program" are associated and registered as one record. A plurality of such records are registered in the program database 81a.

The type of hospital is registered in the "Hospital type" item. Examples of the type of hospital include a type that specializes in a specific diagnosis (examination) and relatively often performs a specific examination, a type that performs a wide range of diagnosis, and the like.

A site to be diagnosed (tested) is registered in the "site" item.

In the "Program" item, the reconstruction processing program and post-processing program corresponding to the part registered in the "Part" item that match the hospital type registered in the "Hospital type" item are registered. Will be done.

In the tenth modification, when the evaluation server 10 evaluates the imaging plan 6, the user inputs the type of the hospital 3 and the site to be diagnosed into the processing circuit 45 via the input interface 43. Then, in the tenth modification, the evaluation request function 45c of the terminal device 4 has the type and diagnosis of the hospital 3 input by the user in addition to the imaging plan 6, the model ID 7, and the inspection purpose 8 to be evaluated shown in FIG. The target part is transmitted to the evaluation server 10.

Then, in step S138, the transmission function 15c acquires the reconstruction processing program and the post-processing program corresponding to the type of the hospital 3 and the site to be diagnosed from the program database 81a. Then, the transmission function 15c transmits the acquired reconfiguration processing program and post-processing program to the terminal device 4. Thereby, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 can execute a program suitable for the situation (type) of the hospital 3.

(Eleventh modification of the first embodiment)
In the tenth modification, in step S138, the case where the transmission function 15c transmits the reconstruction processing program and the post-processing program suitable for the hospital type to the terminal device 4 has been described. Here, there are various types of the X-ray CT apparatus 5. For example, in a general hospital or the like having many X-ray CT devices 5, there are various types of X-ray CT devices 5, such as a type used specifically for a specific diagnosis (examination) and a type not specialized in a specific diagnosis. There is a type used for various diagnoses. As described above, different types of X-ray CT devices 5 have different programs to be executed.

Therefore, the transmission function 15c may transmit a program suitable for the type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to the terminal apparatus 4. Therefore, such a modification will be described as an eleventh modification of the first embodiment. In the description of the eleventh modification, the points different from the tenth modification will be mainly described, and the description of the same configuration as the tenth modification may be omitted.

FIG. 20B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of the program database 81b according to the eleventh modification of the first embodiment. In the eleventh modification, the memory 12 stores the program database 81b shown in FIG. 20B.

As shown in FIG. 20B, a plurality of records having an item of "device type" and an item of "program" are registered in the program database 81b. That is, in the program database 81b, the item of "device type" and the item of "program" are associated and registered as one record. A plurality of such records are registered in the program database 81b.

The type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 is registered in the item of "device type". Examples of the type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 include, as described above, a type used specifically for a specific diagnosis, a type not specialized in a specific diagnosis, and used for various diagnoses.

In the "program" item, a reconstruction processing program and a post-processing program that match the type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 registered in the "device type" item are registered.

In the eleventh modification, when the evaluation server 10 evaluates the imaging plan 6, the user inputs the type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 to the processing circuit 45 via the input interface 43. Then, in the eleventh modification, the evaluation request function 45c of the terminal device 4 is the X-ray CT device 5 input by the user in addition to the imaging plan 6, the model ID 7 and the inspection purpose 8 to be evaluated shown in FIG. Send the type to the evaluation server 10.

Then, in step S138, the transmission function 15c acquires the reconstruction processing program and the post-processing program corresponding to the type of the X-ray CT apparatus 5 from the program database 81b. Then, the transmission function 15c transmits the acquired reconfiguration processing program and post-processing program to the terminal device 4. Thereby, the X-ray CT apparatus 5 can execute a program suitable for the situation (type) of the X-ray CT apparatus 5.

(Other variants)
Other modifications will be described. In the first embodiment and each modification described above, the evaluation server 10 automatically evaluates the imaging plan 6 and automatically generates the imaging plan 50 so that the X-ray dose received by the subject is appropriate. The case was explained. However, the above-mentioned expert evaluates the imaging plan 6 received by the evaluation server 10, the expert creates an imaging plan so that the X-ray dose received by the subject is appropriate, and the evaluation server 10 is the expert. The shooting plan created by the above may be transmitted to the terminal device 4.

Further, even if the evaluation server 10 estimates the imaging plan 50 by inputting the imaging plan 6 into the trained model that outputs the imaging plan in which the dose received by the subject is appropriate when the imaging plan is input. good. Then, the evaluation server 10 may transmit the estimated shooting plan 50 to the terminal device 4.

Further, the usage fee of the evaluation system 1 may be charged. For example, when the presentation of the photographing plan 50 is considered as one process for the transmission of the photographing plan 6, the usage fee may be charged for each process. Further, the photography plan 50 may be presented as many times as necessary for the transmission of the photography plan 6 for a certain amount of money and for a certain period of time.

Each component of each device illustrated in the above-described embodiment is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or part of them may be functionally or physically distributed / physically in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Further, each processing function performed by each device is realized by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a program whose analysis and execution is executed by the CPU, or hardware by wired logic. Can be realized as.

Further, among the processes described in the above-described embodiment, a part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be performed manually, or all the processes described as being manually performed can be performed. Alternatively, a part thereof can be automatically performed by a known method. In addition, the processing procedure, control procedure, specific name, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above document and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

The word "processor" used in the above description is, for example, a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an integrated circuit for a specific application (Application Specific Integrated Circuit: ASIC), or a programmable logic device (for example, simple programmable logic). It means a circuit such as a device (Simple Programmable Logic Device: SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program stored in the memory. Instead of storing the program in the memory, the program may be directly embedded in the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes the function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. It should be noted that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to the case where each processor is configured as a single circuit, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to form one processor to realize its function. good. Further, a plurality of components in each figure may be integrated into one processor to realize the function.

Here, the method described in the above-described embodiment can be realized by executing a program (evaluation program) prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is provided in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory), a memory, or the like. This program is a file in a format that can be installed or executed on these devices, such as CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, FD (Flexible Disk), CD-R (Recordable), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), etc. It may be stored and provided on a non-transient storage medium that can be read by a computer. Further, this program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and may be provided or distributed by being downloaded via the network. For example, this program is composed of modules including each of the above-mentioned functions. As actual hardware, the CPU reads a program from a storage medium such as a ROM and executes the program, so that each module is loaded on the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

According to at least one embodiment described above, a more suitable imaging plan 50 can be generated.

Although some embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and variations thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof, as are included in the scope and gist of the invention.

10 Evaluation server 15 Processing circuit 15a Evaluation function 15b Generation function 15c Transmission function

Claims (27)

Evaluation to evaluate the first imaging plan used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus based on the performance information regarding the performance of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and the numerical information regarding at least one evaluation item in accordance with the guideline regarding the imaging plan. Department and
Based on the evaluation result, a generation unit that generates a second shooting plan according to the guideline from the first shooting plan, and a generation unit.
An output unit that outputs the second shooting plan and
Equipped with an evaluation device. The numerical information is a range of numerical values relating to the evaluation item.
In the generation unit, the numerical value related to the evaluation item falls within the range of the numerical value related to the evaluation item, and the first image data obtained when the medical image diagnostic apparatus takes an image using the first imaging plan. The second imaging plan is generated so that the difference between the image quality and the image quality of the second image data obtained when the medical image diagnostic apparatus photographs using the second imaging plan is equal to or less than the threshold value. , The evaluation device according to claim 1. The numerical information is a range of numerical values relating to the evaluation item.
In the generation unit, the numerical value related to the evaluation item falls within the range of the numerical value related to the evaluation item, and the first image data obtained when the medical image diagnostic apparatus takes an image using the first imaging plan. The second imaging plan is generated so that the image quality of the second image data obtained when the medical image diagnostic apparatus photographs using the second imaging plan is higher than the image quality. The evaluation device according to 1. 2. The evaluation device described. The generation unit captures the first image data obtained when the medical image diagnostic apparatus uses the first imaging plan, and the medical image diagnostic apparatus uses the second imaging plan. Estimate the second image data obtained in the case of
The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output unit outputs the evaluation result, the first image data, and the second image data. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output unit outputs the first photographing plan. The evaluation item is the dose of X-rays received by the subject.
The numerical information is in the range of the dose.
The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The first imaging plan includes the first imaging conditions used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus.
The performance information includes a second imaging condition in which the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus can be used.
When the generation unit has a second imaging condition that is not used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus even though the dose can be reduced in the second imaging condition. A claim for generating the second imaging plan by changing the first imaging condition included in the first imaging plan to the second imaging condition not used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus. Item 7. The evaluation device according to item 7. The first imaging plan includes the first reconstruction condition used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus.
The performance information includes a second reconstruction condition that can be used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus.
When the generation unit has a second reconstruction condition in the second reconstruction condition, which is not used by the medical image diagnostic apparatus even though the dose can be reduced. By changing the first reconstruction condition included in the first imaging plan to the second reconstruction condition not used by the medical image diagnostic apparatus, the second imaging plan is obtained. The evaluation device according to claim 7 or 8, which is generated. The first imaging scheme includes the first post-processing conditions used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus.
The performance information includes a second post-processing condition that the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus can use.
When the generation unit includes a second post-treatment condition in the second post-treatment condition, which is not used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus even though the dose can be reduced. By changing the first post-processing condition included in the first imaging plan to the second post-processing condition not used by the medical image diagnostic apparatus, the second imaging plan can be obtained. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, which is generated. When the evaluation unit has the second reconstruction condition that is not used by the medical image diagnostic device even though the dose can be reduced, the medical image diagnosis device is used for the second. The image quality of the image data obtained by photographing using the imaging plan of is estimated, and if the estimated image quality is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the X-ray dose received by the subject exceeds the range of the dose. The evaluation device according to claim 9, wherein the evaluation device is evaluated as being present. When the evaluation unit has the second post-processing condition that is not used by the medical image diagnostic device even though the dose can be reduced, the medical image diagnosis device is used for the second post-processing condition. The image quality of the image data obtained by photographing using the imaging plan is estimated, and if the estimated image quality is equal to or higher than the threshold value, the X-ray dose received by the subject exceeds the range of the dose. The evaluation device according to claim 10. The evaluation device according to claim 12, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates that the dose of X-rays received by the subject is below the range of the dose when the estimated image quality is less than the threshold value. The evaluation unit estimates the dose when the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus uses the first imaging plan to image, and if the estimated dose is within the range of the dose, the subject receives the dose. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the dose of X-rays is evaluated to be within the range of the dose. The evaluation device according to claim 14, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates that the dose of X-rays received by the subject is out of the range of the dose when the estimated dose is out of the range of the dose. .. The output unit according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein when at least one of the performance information and the numerical information is updated, the output unit outputs information indicating that at least one of the performance information has been updated. Evaluation device. When at least one of the performance information and the numerical information is updated, the output unit has a second photographing plan based on the performance information and the numerical information before the at least one is updated, and the said. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which outputs a second photographing plan based on the performance information and the numerical information after at least one of them has been updated. When at least one of the performance information and the numerical information is updated, the output unit updates at least one of the performance information and the numerical information for a predetermined period after the at least one of the performance information and the numerical information is updated. 1. The second shooting plan based on the performance information and the numerical information before the calculation, and the second shooting plan based on the performance information and the numerical information after at least one of them is updated, claim 1. The evaluation device according to any one of 17 to 17. When at least one of the performance information and the numerical information is updated, the output unit has the performance information before the update, the at least one of the numerical information, and the performance information and the numerical information after the update. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, which outputs information capable of comparing at least one of the above. The output unit outputs the updated condition when the updated condition included in the performance information matches the specified condition when the performance information is updated. The evaluation device according to any one of 19. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the evaluation unit does not evaluate the adjusted first imaging plan when the first imaging plan is manually adjusted. When the first imaging plan is manually adjusted, the evaluation unit is adjusted according to the timing when the first imaging plan is manually adjusted and the timing when the performance information is updated. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, which controls whether or not to evaluate the first imaging plan. The evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the evaluation unit does not evaluate the first imaging plan when the medical image diagnosis device is a specific medical image diagnosis device. The output unit outputs a program that is included in the second imaging plan and is not included in the first imaging plan and that matches the type of facility in which the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is installed. Item 2. The evaluation device according to any one of Items 1 to 23. The output unit is a program included in the second imaging plan and not included in the first imaging plan, and outputs a program suitable for the type of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus, according to claims 1 to 23. The evaluation device according to any one. On the computer
The first imaging plan used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus is evaluated based on the performance information regarding the performance of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and the numerical information regarding at least one evaluation item in accordance with the guidelines regarding the imaging plan.
Based on the evaluation result, a second shooting plan according to the guideline is generated from the first shooting plan.
Controlled to output the second shooting plan,
An evaluation program for executing processing. An evaluation system equipped with an evaluation device and a terminal device.
The evaluation device is
Evaluation to evaluate the first imaging plan used by the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus based on the performance information regarding the performance of the medical diagnostic imaging apparatus and the numerical information regarding at least one evaluation item in accordance with the guideline regarding the imaging plan. Department and
Based on the evaluation result, a generation unit that generates a second shooting plan according to the guideline from the first shooting plan, and a generation unit.
An output unit that outputs the second shooting plan and
Equipped with
The terminal device is
An evaluation system including a display control unit for displaying the second shooting plan on a display device.

Images