JP2023139755A - Medical image diagnostic apparatus, pseudo image generation display method and pseudo image generation display program - Google Patents

Abstract

To generate an image in which the state of the entire body of a subject in a bore can be observed by an operator.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment comprises: a frame; a plurality of cameras; a pseudo image generation unit; and a display control unit. The frame includes a bore to which a top plate on which a subject is placed is inserted. The plurality of cameras can image the subject in the bore from a plurality of positions, and images the subject within an imaging range including a portion of the subject closest from each of the plurality of positions. The pseudo image generation unit generates a pseudo image in which the subject in the bore is looked down along the vertical direction from immediately above the top plate on the basis of video data output from the plurality of cameras. The display control unit causes a display to display the pseudo image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and an image projection apparatus.

Conventionally, in a medical image diagnostic apparatus having a stand installed in an examination room, a camera (hereinafter referred to as a ceiling camera) is installed on the ceiling of the examination room as a means for the operator to observe a subject placed on the top plate. is sometimes used. The ceiling camera allows the operator to observe the whole body of the subject to be imaged. However, the ceiling camera has a problem in that the operator cannot observe the subject inserted into the bore in the mount.

Further, a camera for observing a subject (hereinafter referred to as a patient camera) is sometimes installed on the wall of the examination room or the like. At this time, the patient camera photographs the subject from outside the bore of the gantry. For this reason, the patient camera has a problem in that the operator cannot observe the entire body of the subject to be imaged.

JP 2020-44032 Publication

One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to generate an image that allows an operator to observe the whole body of a subject inside a bore. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes a pedestal, a plurality of cameras, a pseudo image generation section, and a display control section. The pedestal has a bore into which the top plate on which the subject is placed is inserted. The plurality of cameras are capable of photographing the subject inside the bore from a plurality of positions, and photograph the subject in a photographing range that includes a part of the subject closest to each of the plurality of positions. The pseudo image generation unit generates a pseudo image looking down on the subject inside the bore along a vertical direction from directly above the top plate, based on the video data output from the plurality of cameras. The display control section causes the pseudo image to be displayed on the display.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of two head-side cameras and two foot-side cameras provided on the top plate according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a camera is provided on the wall of the examination room instead of the head camera according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which two ceiling cameras are provided as a head side camera and a foot side camera according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship between the bore and the photographing range of the ceiling camera and an example of an external image displayed on the display before the top plate is inserted into the bore, according to the embodiment. . FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a subject in a pseudo image displayed on a display as the top moves, and changes in images surrounding the subject, according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a combined image and a state in which the subject has been moved outside the photographing range of the ceiling camera, according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in pseudo image generation and display processing according to the embodiment.

Hereinafter, a medical image diagnostic apparatus, a pseudo image generation and display method, and a pseudo image generation and display program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be given if necessary. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment may be any apparatus as long as it can image the subject P using the pedestal 11 in which a bore is formed.

Specifically, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) apparatus, an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus, and a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) apparatus. release The present invention is applicable to a single modality such as a single photon emission computed tomography (computed tomography) device and a single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) device. That is, the pedestal in this embodiment can accommodate an MRI device, an X-ray CT device, a PET device, a SPECT device, an MR/PET device, a CT/PET device, an MR/SPECT device, and a CT/SPECT device. It is a pedestal for any of these devices. In order to specifically provide the following description, it is assumed that the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

(Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 includes a pedestal 11, a bed 13, and an imaging control unit 17. For example, the pedestal 11 and the bed 13 are installed in an examination room, and the imaging control unit 17 is installed in a control room adjacent to the examination room. A camera (hereinafter referred to as a ceiling camera) CEC may be provided on the ceiling CE of the examination room.

The ceiling camera CEC photographs the subject P placed on the top plate 131, looking down from directly above the top plate 131 along the vertical direction (downward in the Y direction). The ceiling camera CEC outputs video data (hereinafter referred to as bird's-eye view data) to the console 27 wirelessly or by wire. The ceiling camera CEC is realized, for example, by an optical camera, but is not limited thereto, and may be realized by a camera that detects invisible light, such as an infrared camera. The pedestal 11 is equipped with a mechanism for realizing medical imaging. A bore 53 having a hollow shape is formed in the pedestal 11 . A bed 13 is installed in front of the pedestal 11. That is, the pedestal 11 has a bore 53 into which the top plate 131 on which the subject P to be imaged is placed is inserted.

The bed 13 movably supports a top plate 131 on which the subject P is placed. The bed 13 moves the top plate 131 under the control of the pedestal 11, the console 27, and the like. A plurality of cameras are attached to the top plate 131. For example, a plurality of cameras are provided at an end of the top plate 131 along the long axis direction (Z direction) of the top plate 131.

In FIG. 1, two types of cameras (hereinafter referred to as head side camera HC and foot side camera FC) are provided at the end of the top plate 131 at a predetermined distance upward from the top plate 131. The predetermined distance is a distance at which the upper surface side of the subject P can be photographed by the head camera HC and the foot camera FC. The plurality of cameras image a surface of the top plate 131 opposite to the surface on which the subject P is placed, that is, a surface of the inner wall of the bore 53 that faces the subject P (hereinafter referred to as the opposing surface). . Therefore, the photographing range of each of the plurality of cameras is directed toward the facing surface of the subject P, rather than around the subject P.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of two head-side cameras HC and two foot-side cameras FC provided on the top plate 131. As shown in FIG. 2, a first foot-side camera FC1 and a second foot-side camera FC2 are provided at the end of the top plate 131 on the foot side. As shown in FIG. 2, the photographing range of the first foot camera FC1 is indicated by a region FC1R, and the photographing range of the second foot camera FC2 is indicated by a region FC2R. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a first head-side camera HC1 and a second head-side camera HC2 are provided at the end of the top plate 131 on the head side. As shown in FIG. 2, the photographing range of the first head-side camera HC1 is indicated by a region HC1R, and the photographing range of the second head-side camera HC2 is indicated by a region HC2R.

As shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of cameras provided on the top plate 131 can photograph the subject P inside the bore 53 from a plurality of positions, and from each of the plurality of positions where the plurality of cameras are installed. The subject P is photographed in an imaging range that includes a part of the closest subject P. The part of the subject P closest to each of the plurality of positions where the plurality of cameras are installed is, for example, the end of the subject P. When the subject P is in a supine position, the ends of the subject P closest to each of the plurality of positions will be described with reference to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the end of the subject P closest to the first foot camera FC1 is the tip of the toe of the subject P's right foot. Further, the end of the subject P closest to the second foot camera FC2 is the tip of the toe of the subject P's left foot. Further, the end of the subject P closest to the first head camera HC1 is near the temporal region on the right side of the subject P. Further, the end of the subject P closest to the second head camera HC2 is near the temporal region on the left side of the subject P.

The plurality of cameras capable of photographing the subject P inside the bore 53 from a plurality of positions and photographing the subject P in a photographing range that includes a part of the subject P closest to each of the plurality of positions are as follows: The arrangement is not limited to that shown in FIG. 2, but can be arranged arbitrarily. For example, the plurality of cameras are not limited to being arranged on the top plate 131; for example, the head side camera HC or the foot side camera FC may be placed on the wall side of the examination room. Each of the plurality of cameras outputs video data of the subject P to the console 27 wirelessly or by wire. The plurality of cameras are realized by, for example, optical cameras, but are not limited thereto, and may be realized by, for example, cameras that detect invisible light, such as an infrared camera and an ultraviolet camera.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example in which a camera (hereinafter referred to as wall camera) WC is provided on the wall of the examination room instead of the head camera HC. As shown in FIG. 3, on the foot side of the subject P, that is, on the end of the top plate 131 opposite to the side to be inserted into the bore 53, a foot side camera FC is arranged as in FIG. There is. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a wall camera WC is provided at a position where the top plate 131 is inserted into the bore 53. FCR shown in FIG. 3 indicates the photographing range of the foot camera FC. Further, WCR shown in FIG. 3 indicates the photographing range of the wall camera WC.

Further, the head side camera HC and the foot side camera FC may be respectively provided on the ceiling of the examination room directly above the central axis of the bore 53 with the gantry housing 51 in between. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example in which two ceiling cameras (a foot side ceiling camera CCF and a head side ceiling camera CCH) are provided as the head side camera HC and the foot side camera FC. As shown in FIG. 4, a foot-side ceiling camera CCF is provided on the ceiling CEF of the examination room on the foot side of the subject P. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a head side ceiling camera CCH is provided on the ceiling CEH of the examination room where the top plate 131 is inserted into the bore 53. CCR shown in FIG. 4 indicates the photographing range of the foot-side ceiling camera CCF. Further, CHR shown in FIG. 4 indicates the photographing range of the head side ceiling camera CCH.

The imaging control unit 17 includes a gradient magnetic field power supply 21 , a transmitting circuit 23 , a receiving circuit 25 , and a console 27 . The console 27 includes an imaging control circuit 31 , a processing circuit 30 , a communication interface 34 , a display 35 , an input interface 36 , and a memory 37 . The imaging control circuit 31, the processing circuit 30, the communication interface 34, the display 35, the input interface 36, and the memory 37 are communicably connected to each other via a bus. The gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, and the receiving circuit 25 are provided separately from the console 27 and the pedestal 11.

The pedestal 11 includes a static magnetic field magnet 41, a gradient magnetic field coil 43, and an RF (Radio Frequency) coil 45. Further, the static magnetic field magnet 41 and the gradient magnetic field coil 43 are housed in a casing 51 of the pedestal 11 (hereinafter referred to as pedestal casing). The RF coil 45 is disposed within the bore 53 of the gantry housing 51 .

The static magnetic field magnet 41, the gradient magnetic field coil 43, the RF coil 45, etc. correspond to a medical imaging mechanism. In addition, when the medical image diagnostic apparatus 10 is various modalities such as a CT apparatus, a PET apparatus, a SPECT apparatus, a CT/PET apparatus, an MR/PET apparatus, an MR/SPECT apparatus, and a CT/SPECT apparatus, the medical imaging mechanism is It corresponds to a set of various imaging devices installed on a mount in a modality.

The static magnetic field magnet 41 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape, and generates a static magnetic field substantially inside the cylinder. As the static field magnet 41, for example, a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet, a normal conducting magnet, or the like is used. Here, the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 41 is defined as the Z-axis, the axis vertically orthogonal to the Z-axis is called the Y-axis, and the axis horizontally orthogonal to the Z-axis is called the X-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis constitute an orthogonal three-dimensional coordinate system.

The gradient magnetic field coil 43 is a coil unit that is attached inside the static magnetic field magnet 41 and formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape. The gradient magnetic field coil 43 receives current from the gradient magnetic field power supply 21 and generates a gradient magnetic field.

The gradient magnetic field power supply 21 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 43 under the control of the imaging control circuit 31 . The gradient magnetic field power supply 21 supplies a current to the gradient magnetic field coil 43, thereby causing the gradient magnetic field coil 43 to generate a gradient magnetic field.

The RF coil 45 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 43 and generates a high-frequency magnetic field upon receiving RF pulses from the transmitting circuit 23. Further, the RF coil 45 receives a magnetic resonance signal (hereinafter referred to as an MR signal) emitted from a target atomic nucleus existing in the subject P under the action of a high frequency magnetic field. The received MR signal is supplied to the receiving circuit 25 via wire or wirelessly. Although the above-mentioned RF coil 45 is a coil having a transmitting and receiving function, a transmitting RF coil and a receiving RF coil may be provided separately.

The transmitting circuit 23 transmits a high frequency magnetic field for exciting target atomic nuclei, such as protons, present in the subject P to the subject P via the RF coil 45. Specifically, the transmission circuit 23 supplies a high frequency signal (RF signal) for exciting the target atomic nucleus to the RF coil 45 under the control of the imaging control circuit 31 . The high-frequency magnetic field generated by the RF coil 45 vibrates at a resonance frequency specific to the target atomic nucleus and excites the target atomic nucleus. An MR signal is generated from the excited target atomic nucleus and detected by the RF coil 45. The detected MR signal is supplied to the receiving circuit 25.

The receiving circuit 25 receives the MR signal generated from the excited target atomic nucleus via the RF coil 45. The receiving circuit 25 processes the received MR signal and generates a digital MR signal (hereinafter referred to as MR data). The MR data is output to the processing circuit 30 via the imaging control circuit 31.

A bed 13 is installed adjacent to the pedestal 11. The bed 13 has a top plate 131 and a base 133. A subject P is placed on the top plate 131. The base 133 supports the top plate 131 so as to be slidable along each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. A bed driving device 135 is housed in the base 133 . The bed driving device 135 moves the top plate 131 under control from the imaging control circuit 31. As the bed driving device 135, any motor such as a servo motor or a stepping motor may be used. These allow the top plate 131 to be inserted into the bore 53.

The imaging control circuit 31 controls the gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, the receiving circuit 25, etc. according to the imaging protocol output from the processing circuit 30, and performs imaging of the subject P. The imaging protocol has a pulse sequence depending on the type of examination. The imaging protocol includes the magnitude of the current supplied to the gradient magnetic field coil 43 by the gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the timing at which the current is supplied to the gradient magnetic field coil 43 by the gradient magnetic field power supply 21, and the timing at which the current is supplied to the gradient magnetic field coil 45 by the transmission circuit 23. The magnitude and time width of the high frequency pulse, the timing at which the high frequency pulse is supplied to the RF coil 45 by the transmitting circuit 23, the timing at which the RF coil 45 receives the MR signal, etc. are defined. The imaging control circuit 31 synchronously controls the gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, and the receiving circuit 25 based on the pulse sequence supplied from the system control function 301, and receives the pulse sequence according to the pulse sequence information. The specimen P is imaged.

When the imaging control circuit 31 receives MR data from the receiving circuit 25 as a result of driving the gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, the receiving circuit 25, etc. to image the subject P, the imaging control circuit 31 transmits the received MR data to the processing circuit 30, etc. Transfer to. The imaging control circuit 31 implements the various processes described above by executing a program related to imaging the subject P. The imaging control circuit 31 corresponds to an imaging control section.

The imaging control circuit 31 is realized by, for example, a processor. The term "processor" refers to, for example, a CPU, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a simple programmable logic device) ammable logic device (SPLD) , a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

When the processor is, for example, a CPU, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 37. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing the program in the memory 37, the functionality is directly incorporated into the processor's circuitry as a logic circuit. Note that each processor of this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, but may also be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its functions. good. Furthermore, although the description has been made assuming that a single storage circuit stores programs related to imaging control, it is also possible to arrange a plurality of storage circuits in a distributed manner and have the processing circuit 30 read out the corresponding programs from the individual storage circuits. I do not care.

For example, the communication interface 34 communicates with external devices such as a server of a medical image archiving and communication system (PACS) or a hospital information system (HIS) via a network or the like. data communication between the two.

The display 35 displays various information under the control of the display control function 309 in the processing circuit 30. For example, the display 35 displays an MR image reconstructed by the reconstruction function 303 or an MR image subjected to image processing by the image processing function 305. Further, the display 35 displays pseudo images generated by a pseudo image generation function 307, which will be described later, various GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces), and the like. Further, the display 35 displays imaging parameters related to the main scan and prescan, various information related to image processing, and the like.

Display 35 is realized by a display device such as, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, or any other display or monitor known in the art. For example, the display 35 may be realized by a monitor of various tablet terminals used by the operator.

The input interface 36 accepts various commands from the operator. As the input interface 36, a keyboard, a mouse, various switches, etc. can be used. The input interface 36 supplies input signals input according to instructions from an operator to the processing circuit 30 via the bus. Note that the input interface 36 is not limited to one that includes physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device provided separately from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 and outputs the received electrical signals to various circuits is also input. Included in interface 36.

The memory 37 is implemented as a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. Further, the memory 37 may be realized by a drive device or the like that reads and writes various information to/from a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or a flash memory. For example, the memory 37 stores MR images, control programs for the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10, and the like.

The processing circuit 30 is realized by the above-mentioned processor or the like. The processing circuit 30 includes a system control function 301, a reconstruction function 303, an image processing function 305, a pseudo image generation function 307, a display control function 309, and the like. A processing circuit 30 that realizes a system control function 301, a reconstruction function 303, an image processing function 305, a pseudo image generation function 307, and a display control function 309 includes a system control section, a reconstruction section, an image processing section, a pseudo image generation This corresponds to the display control section and the display control section. Each function, such as the system control function 301, the reconstruction function 303, the image processing function 305, the pseudo image generation function 307, and the display control function 309, is stored in the memory 37 in the form of a computer-executable program.

For example, the processing circuit 30 reads programs from the memory 37 and executes them to realize functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 30 in a state where each program has been read has various functions such as a system control function 301, a reconstruction function 303, an image processing function 305, a pseudo image generation function 307, and a display control function 309. .

The processing circuit 30 controls the entire magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 using a system control function 301 . Specifically, the system control function 301 reads a control program stored in the memory 37, expands it onto the memory, and controls each part of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to the expanded control program. For example, the system control function 301 reads the imaging protocol from the memory 37 based on the imaging conditions input by the operator via the input interface 36. The system control function 301 transmits an imaging protocol to the imaging control circuit 31 and controls imaging of the subject P.

The processing circuit 30 uses the reconstruction function 303 to reconstruct an MR image regarding the subject P based on the MR data from the reception circuit 25 . For example, the reconstruction function 303 generates an MR image defined in real space by subjecting MR data arranged in k-space or frequency space to Fourier transformation or the like.

The processing circuit 30 uses an image processing function 305 to perform various image processing on the reconstructed MR image. Note that the image processing function 305 may be realized by ASIC, FPGA, CPLD, or SPLD.

The processing circuit 30 uses the pseudo image generation function 307 to generate a pseudo image looking down on the subject P inside the bore 53 from directly above the top plate 131 along the vertical direction, based on the video data output from the plurality of cameras. generate. Specifically, the pseudo image generation function 307 generates a pseudo image showing the whole body of the subject P based on the video data. The pseudo image is, for example, an image in which the whole body of the subject P is viewed down from a position directly above the subject P. That is, the pseudo image corresponds to a bird's-eye view image (or a bird's-eye view image) of the whole body of the subject P viewed from directly above the subject P. The pseudo image generation function 307 generates a pseudo image at a predetermined frame rate according to the movement of the top plate 131 inserted into the bore 53. In a plurality of pseudo images generated at a predetermined frame rate, the position of the subject P is constant, and the image around the subject P changes. Since a known technique can be used as appropriate to generate the pseudo image, a description thereof will be omitted.

For example, the processing circuit 30 uses the pseudo image generation function 307 to generate an external image based on, for example, overhead view data output from the ceiling camera CEC. The external image corresponds to an image looking down on the subject P along the vertical direction outside the bore 53 (overhead image). The external image generated based on the bird's-eye view data is used to generate a pseudo image based on video data output from a plurality of cameras while at least a portion of the subject P is inserted into the bore 53. This corresponds to a reference image (hereinafter referred to as a reference image). That is, the pseudo image generation function 307 may generate a pseudo image based on the reference image. Since known techniques can be used as appropriate for the process of generating a pseudo image based on a reference image, the description thereof will be omitted.

Note that if the ceiling camera CEC is not installed in the examination room, the pseudo image generation function 307 generates a pseudo image based on the video data output from a plurality of cameras capable of photographing the subject P located outside the bore 53. An external image may also be generated. At this time, the external image corresponds to a pseudo image looking down on the subject P outside the bore 53 along the vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 1, generation of external images based on video data output from multiple cameras such as the head camera HC and the foot camera FC can be done using known techniques as appropriate, so explanations will be omitted. do. The reference image generated by the pseudo image generation function 307 is stored in the memory 37. Note that the generation of the reference image may be realized by the image processing function 305.

The processing circuit 30 uses the pseudo image generation function 307 to generate an image of the outside of the subject P looking down on the subject P along the vertical direction outside the bore 53 over the period of movement of the top plate 131 from the outside of the bore 53 to the inside of the bore 53. A combined image is generated by seamlessly combining an image and a pseudo image. Specifically, when a part of the subject P in the external image is shielded by the gantry housing 51, the pseudo image generation function 307 generates a part of the subject P that is shielded in the external image (hereinafter referred to as the shielded part). A pseudo image is used to complement the area containing the image.

That is, the processing circuit 30 uses the pseudo image generation function 307 to replace the occluded portion in the external image with an image (hereinafter referred to as a pseudo partial image) in a region corresponding to the occluded portion in the pseudo image. Thereby, the pseudo image generation function 307 seamlessly combines the other portions of the external image excluding the occluded portion and the pseudo image in the occluded portion to generate a combined image. The region showing the whole body of the subject P in the combined image is a region obtained by combining the region corresponding to the photographing range of the subject P in the reference image and the pseudo partial image in the occluded portion.

The processing circuit 30 causes the display control function 309 to display the generated pseudo image on the display 35. The display control function 309 causes the display 35 to display the combined image generated by the pseudo image generation function 307 over the period of movement of the top plate 131. The display control function 309 causes the display 35 to display an external image (reference image) before the subject P is inserted into the bore 53.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the relative positional relationship between the bore 53 and the photographing range PR of the ceiling camera and the external image OI displayed on the display 35 before the top plate 131 is inserted into the bore 53. It is a diagram. As shown in FIG. 5, before being inserted into the bore 53, the processing circuit 30 uses the display control function 309 to display the external image OI generated based on the video data output from the ceiling camera CC. 35. As shown in FIG. 5, the external image OI displayed on the display 35 is an overhead image of the subject P viewed from directly above the top plate 131.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the subject P in the pseudo image PI displayed on the display 35 as the top plate 131 moves, and images surrounding the subject P (hereinafter referred to as surrounding images). It is. The surrounding image in FIG. 6 corresponds to an image of the outside of the top plate 131, for example, the gantry housing 51. In FIG. 6, compared to FIG. 5, the subject P placed on the top plate 131 is inserted into the bore 53. As the top plate 131 moves from FIG. 5 to FIG. 6, the surrounding image moves in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the top plate 131, along the arrow shown in FIG.

At this time, the processing circuit 30 uses the display control function 309 to fix the image of the subject P on the display 35 and move the surrounding image in the opposite direction to the moving direction of the top plate 131 to display a pseudo image. . In other words, when the top plate 131 is moved, the display control function 309 changes the image around the top plate 131 to display an external image or a pseudo image on the display 35.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the subject P is moved outside the photographing range of the ceiling camera CC and a combined image CI. As shown in FIG. 7, when the subject P is moved outside the photographing range of the ceiling camera CC, a combined image CI is generated and displayed on the display 35. The leg portion of the subject P shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to an external image generated based on video data output from the ceiling camera CC.

Furthermore, in the combined image CI shown in FIG. 7, the shielded portion SP is an area that is not seen by the ceiling camera CC, and is replaced by a pseudo partial image PPI. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the pseudo partial image PPI corresponding to the shielded portion SP is replaced with the shielded portion SP in the external image, and a combined image CI is generated in which the external image and the pseudo image are combined, and the display 35 will be displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, the regions indicating the subject P in the combined image CI are seamlessly combined.

The overall configuration of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment has been described above. The process of generating and displaying a pseudo image regarding the subject P (hereinafter referred to as pseudo image generation and display process) will be described below with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure in pseudo image generation and display processing.

(Pseudo image generation display processing)
(Step S801)
The processing circuit 30 uses the pseudo image generation function 307 to generate an external image OI based on the video data output from the ceiling camera CEC or a plurality of cameras (head side camera HC and foot side camera FC). The generated external image OI is an image before the subject P is inserted into the bore 53.

At this time, the processing circuit 30 causes the display control function 309 to display the generated external image OI on the display 35. As a result, the external image OI shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 35, for example. Note that the generation and display of the external image OI, that is, the processing of this step, is performed when, for example, an instruction to insert the subject P into the bore 53 (an instruction to move the top plate 131) is input by the operator via the input interface 36. It is executed when the timing is set.

(Step S802)
The processing circuit 30 uses the pseudo image generation function 307 to acquire video data at a predetermined frame rate as the top plate 131 moves, and generates an external image OI based on the acquired video data. The processing circuit 30 uses the display control function 309 to update the generated external image OI and display it on the display 35. At this time, the external image OI shown in FIG. 6, for example, is displayed on the display 35.

(Step S803)
If a part of the subject P is inserted into the bore 53 (Yes in step S803), the process in step S804 is executed. If part of the subject P is not inserted into the bore 53 (No in step S803), the process in step S802 is repeated. The determination as to whether or not a part of the subject P is inserted into the bore 53 is determined by, for example, whether or not the area of the subject P in the external image OI is missing using the pseudo image generation function 307 or the image processing function 305. This corresponds to detecting. It is possible to determine whether the area of the subject P is missing in the external image OI by known image processing (for example, comparing the external image OI frame by frame of the area of the subject P using segmentation processing). , the explanation is omitted.

(Step S804)
The processing circuit 30 uses a pseudo image generation function 307 to generate a pseudo image based on video data from a plurality of cameras (head side camera HC, foot side camera FC, etc.) capable of photographing the inside of the bore 53. Next, the pseudo image generation function 307 combines the generated pseudo image and the external image OI to generate a combined image.

(Step S805)
The processing circuit 30 causes the display control function 309 to display the generated combined image CI on the display 35. At this time, the operator can observe the condition of the subject P inside the bore 53 from a bird's-eye view using the combined image CI.

(Step S806)
If the whole body of the subject P is retracted outside the bore 53 (Yes in step S806), the pseudo image generation and display process ends. If the whole body of the subject P is not retracted outside the bore 53 (No in step S806), the process in step S807 is executed. The determination as to whether the whole body of the subject P is retracted outside the bore 53 is made by, for example, using the pseudo image generation function 307 or the image processing function 305 to determine whether the area of the subject P in the external image OI is missing. This corresponds to detecting. It is possible to determine whether the area of the subject P is missing in the external image OI by known image processing (for example, comparing the external image OI frame by frame of the area of the subject P using segmentation processing). , the explanation is omitted.

(Step S807)
If the whole body of the subject P is inserted into the bore 53 (Yes in step S807), the process in step S808 is executed. If the whole body of the subject P is not inserted into the bore 53 (No in step S807), the process in step S804 is executed. To determine whether or not the whole body of the subject P is inserted into the bore 53, for example, the pseudo image generation function 307 or the image processing function 305 detects the presence or absence of the whole body of the subject P in the external image OI. It corresponds to doing. Determining the presence or absence of the whole body region of the subject P in the external image OI can be realized by known image processing (for example, comparing the external image OI frame by frame of the region of the subject P by segmentation processing). Explanation will be omitted.

(Step S808)
The processing circuit 30 causes the display control function 309 to display the pseudo image on the display 35. At this time, the operator can observe the state of the subject P inside the bore 53 from a bird's-eye view using the pseudo image.

(Step S809)
If a part of the subject P is retracted outside the bore 53 (Yes in step S809), the process in step S804 is executed. If a part of the subject P is not retreated to the outside of the bore 53 (No in step S809), the process in step S808 is executed. The determination as to whether or not a part of the subject P is retracted outside the bore 53 is made by, for example, using the pseudo image generation function 307 or the image processing function 305 to determine whether a region of the subject P exists in the external image OI. This corresponds to detecting whether or not. Determination of whether or not the region of the subject P exists in the external image OI can be realized by known image processing (for example, comparing the external image OI for each frame of the region of the subject P by segmentation processing). Therefore, the explanation will be omitted.

The medical image diagnostic apparatus (for example, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10) according to the embodiment described above allows the subject P to be inspected from a plurality of positions inside the bore 53 into which the top plate 131 on which the subject P is placed is inserted. A plurality of cameras capable of photographing (for example, a head camera HC and a foot camera FC) photograph the subject P in a photographing range that includes a part of the subject P closest to each of the plurality of positions. A pseudo image (bird's eye image) looking down on the subject P inside the bore 53 from directly above the top plate 131 along the vertical direction is generated based on the video data output from the display 35. to be displayed. In this medical image diagnostic apparatus, a plurality of cameras are attached to the top plate 131, for example. The medical image diagnostic apparatus also generates a pseudo image showing the whole body of the subject P.

For these reasons, the magnetic resonance imaging device 10, the X-ray CT device, the PET device, the SPECT device, the MR/PET device, the CT/PET device, the MR/SPECT device, and the CT/SPECT device According to the present medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment having a pedestal in any one of the apparatuses, cameras are arranged, for example, at the four corners of the top plate 131 on which the subject P is placed. At this time, according to the main image diagnostic apparatus, images of the subject P to be imaged are acquired from four directions with respect to the subject P, and a pseudo image corresponding to a bird's view of the subject P is generated. It can be displayed on the display 35. Therefore, according to the standard image diagnostic apparatus, by generating and displaying an image (pseudo image) as seen from the ceiling CE of the subject P, the operator can see the image of the object to be imaged (the subject P) at a glance. can be observed. That is, according to the image diagnostic apparatus for use in this application, the operator can easily grasp the movement of the subject P who is the imaging target.

Further, according to the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment, an image photographed by the ceiling camera CC before entering the bore 53 can be used as the original image (reference image) of the pseudo image. Thereby, according to the present medical image diagnostic apparatus, a more accurate pseudo image can be generated and displayed. Further, according to the present medical image diagnostic apparatus, a foot-side ceiling camera CCF and a head-side ceiling camera CCH may be provided. In this case, since the camera and the bore 53 are separated by a predetermined distance, noise caused by the camera is reduced compared to the case where the head camera HC and the foot camera FC shown in FIG. The possibility of contamination with MR images can be reduced.

Further, according to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, a wall camera WC may be provided at a position where the top plate 131 is inserted into the bore 53. At this time, compared to the case where the head camera HC shown in FIG. , the possibility that the head camera HC will affect the RF magnetic field, gradient magnetic field, and static magnetic field can be reduced.

Further, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the embodiment is configured to move the top plate 131 from the outside of the bore 53 to the inside of the bore 53 along the vertical direction outside the bore 53. A combined image CI is generated by seamlessly combining the external image OI looking down on the subject P and the pseudo image, and the combined image CI is displayed on the display 35 over the movement period of the top plate 131. As a result, according to the present medical image diagnostic apparatus, when the top plate 131 moves from the outside of the bore 53 to the inside of the bore 53, the external image OI from the ceiling camera CC outside the bore 53 and the inside of the bore 53 are By seamlessly connecting the pseudo images of the whole body of the subject P, the operator can seamlessly check the state of the subject P to be imaged even when the top plate 131 is moved.

From the above, according to the present medical image diagnostic apparatus, the operator can check the movement of the subject P inside the bore 53 from a bird's-eye view at a glance, and can make a decision to start imaging and in case of unforeseen situations. can be dealt with quickly. Therefore, according to the present medical image diagnostic apparatus, safety for the subject P can be improved.

(Modified example)
In this modification, multiple cameras simultaneously obtain video data regarding the subject P to be imaged, for example, by obtaining information on the top, bottom, left, and right of the subject P from four directions, thereby creating an image as seen from the ceiling CE. In addition, the purpose is to generate pseudo images of the whole body of the subject P from various angles. For example, the processing circuit 30 uses the pseudo image generation function 307 to generate a pseudo image of an image of the subject P inside the bore 53 from a direction different from the vertical direction, based on video data output from a plurality of cameras. Generate as. The display control function 309 causes the display 35 to display pseudo images of the subject P viewed from various angles.

According to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present modification, for example, by disposing a plurality of cameras at the four corners of the top plate 131, movement of the subject P in the front-back direction (AP (Anterior-Posterior) direction) In addition, the movement of the subject P in the head-foot direction (HF (Head-Foot) direction) and the movement of the subject P in the left-right direction (LR (Left-Right) direction), that is, the short axis direction of the top plate 131 ( (X direction) and vertical direction (Y direction) can be reproduced in the pseudo image.

That is, according to this medical image diagnostic apparatus, pseudo images of the whole body of the subject P can be generated and displayed from various angles. It can be understood even more easily. As a result, according to this modification, the operator can make a decision to start imaging and deal with unforeseen situations even more quickly, so that safety for the subject P can be further improved. Other effects in this modified example are similar to those in the embodiment, so descriptions thereof will be omitted.

(Application example)
This application example is to perform respiration-gated imaging synchronized with the respiration of the subject P based on a pseudo image. For example, the imaging control circuit 31 performs respiratory gated imaging based on the pseudo image. For example, the imaging control circuit 31 executes imaging of the subject P when a time-series change in the pseudo image (for example, movement of the chest) exceeds a predetermined threshold. That is, according to the medical image diagnostic apparatus 10 according to the present application example, video data regarding the subject P to be imaged can be obtained simultaneously from a plurality of cameras by, for example, obtaining information on the top, bottom, left and right sides of the subject P from four directions. The accuracy of respiratory synchronization can be improved by the output from Therefore, according to this application example, it is possible to improve the accuracy of medical images generated by respiratory gated imaging.

Further, as a further application of this application example, body motion correction can be performed in the generated medical image by considering the technical features of the modification example. The body movement correction is realized by, for example, the image processing function 305. Body motion correction based on images can be performed using known techniques, so the description thereof will be omitted.

When the technical idea of the present embodiment is realized by a pseudo image generation and display method, the pseudo image generation and display method is to A plurality of cameras capable of photographing from different positions photograph the subject P in a photographing range that includes a part of the subject P closest to each of the plurality of positions, and based on the video data output from the plurality of cameras, A pseudo image looking down on the subject P inside the bore 53 along the vertical direction from directly above the plate 131 is generated, and the pseudo image is displayed on the display 35. The processing procedure and effects of the pseudo image generation and display processing according to the present pseudo image generation and display method are the same as those in the embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

When the technical idea of this embodiment is realized by a pseudo-image generation/display program, the pseudo-image generation/display program allows a computer to detect the subject inside the bore 53 into which the top plate 131 on which the subject P is placed is inserted. From a plurality of cameras capable of photographing P from a plurality of positions, image data of the subject P is acquired in a photographing range that includes a part of the subject P closest to each of the plurality of positions, and image data is obtained from directly above the top plate 131. A pseudo image looking down on the subject P inside the bore 53 along the vertical direction is generated, and the pseudo image is displayed on the display 35.

At this time, a program that can cause a computer to execute the pseudo image generation and display processing must be stored and distributed in a storage medium such as a magnetic disk (hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), semiconductor memory, etc. is also possible. The processing procedure and effect of the pseudo image generation/display processing by the pseudo image generation/display program are the same as those in the embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to generate an image that allows the operator to observe the whole body of the subject P within the bore 53.

Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

10 Medical image diagnostic equipment (magnetic resonance imaging equipment)
11 Frame 13 Bed 17 Imaging control unit 21 Gradient magnetic field power source 23 Transmission circuit 25 Receiving circuit 27 Console 30 Processing circuit 31 Imaging control circuit 34 Communication interface 35 Display 36 Input interface 37 Memory 41 Static magnetic field magnet 43 Gradient magnetic field coil 45 RF coil 51 Frame Housing 53 Bore 131 Top plate 133 Base 135 Bed driving device 301 System control function 303 Reconfiguration function 305 Image processing function 307 Pseudo image generation function 309 Display control function

Claims (9)

a pedestal having a bore into which a top plate for placing a subject is inserted;
a plurality of cameras capable of photographing the subject inside the bore from a plurality of positions and photographing the subject in a photographing range that includes a portion of the subject closest to each of the plurality of positions;
a pseudo image generation unit that generates a pseudo image looking down on the subject inside the bore from directly above the top plate along the vertical direction, based on video data output from the plurality of cameras;
a display control unit that displays the pseudo image on a display;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus comprising: the plurality of cameras are attached to the top plate;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1. the pseudo image generation unit generates the pseudo image showing the whole body of the subject;
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The pseudo image generation unit generates an external image looking down on the subject along the vertical direction outside the bore and the pseudo image during a period of movement of the top plate from the outside of the bore to the inside of the bore. Generates a combined image that seamlessly combines images,
The display control unit displays the combined image on the display over a period of time when the top plate is moved.
A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The pseudo image generation unit generates, as the pseudo image, an image of the subject inside the bore from a direction different from the vertical direction, based on the video data.
A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. further comprising an imaging control unit that executes respiration-gated imaging synchronized with respiration of the subject based on the pseudo image;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The mount includes a magnetic resonance imaging device, an X-ray computed tomography device, a positron emission computed tomography device, a monatomic emission computed tomography device, a magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission computed tomography device, and an X-ray computer. A pedestal for any one of a tomography/positron emission computed tomography device, a magnetic resonance imaging/monoatomic emission computed tomography device, and an X-ray computed tomography/monatom emission computed tomography device;
A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A photographing range that includes a part of the subject closest to each of the plurality of positions by a plurality of cameras capable of photographing the subject from a plurality of positions inside a bore into which a top plate on which the subject is placed is inserted. photographing the subject with
generating a pseudo image looking down on the subject inside the bore along the vertical direction from directly above the top plate, based on video data output from the plurality of cameras;
displaying the pseudo image on a display;
A pseudo image generation and display method comprising: to the computer,
A photographing range that includes a part of the subject closest to each of the plurality of positions from a plurality of cameras capable of photographing the subject from a plurality of positions inside a bore into which a top plate for placing the subject is inserted. obtain video data of the subject,
generating a pseudo image looking down on the subject inside the bore along the vertical direction from directly above the top plate;
displaying the pseudo image on a display;
A pseudo image generation and display program that realizes.

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