JP7224783B2 - Medical diagnostic imaging equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a medical imaging diagnostic apparatus.

Conventionally, in image diagnosis using medical image diagnostic equipment such as X-ray CT equipment (CT; Computed Tomography) and MRI equipment (MRI; Magnetic Resonance Imaging), collection of patient images, interpretation of the collected images, preparation of reports, etc. Various operations such as preparation and explanation of diagnosis results and treatment policies based on reports are performed. These operations are performed by specialists such as a doctor in charge and a technician in charge.

For example, the doctor in charge prepares an examination order based on an interview with the patient, etc., and transmits it to the technician in charge. Based on the examination order received from the doctor in charge, the technician in charge performs an examination on the patient using a predetermined medical image diagnostic apparatus, and collects images of the affected area. After that, a radiologist in the radiology department prepares a report corresponding to the examination order. Here, the radiologist confirms the points to be interpreted by referring to the request contents included in the examination order, the report and images of the previous examination, and creates a report. The doctor in charge judges the result of the image diagnosis by referring to the created report, decides the treatment policy, and explains it to the patient.

JP 2012-179447 A

A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a medical image diagnostic apparatus that enables image diagnosis to be performed efficiently.

A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a reception unit and a display control unit. The reception unit receives an operation for selecting an examination for a subject. The display control unit causes the display unit to display, in chronological order, information indicating elements constituting the examination, including operations by the operator, for the examination received by the reception unit.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an authentication screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a patient selection screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen for examination protocols displayed on the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example (1) of a scanning screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example (2) of a scanning screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example (3) of a scanning screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (4) of a scanning screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (5) of a scanning screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image review screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an end option screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an imaging operation screen displayed on the display according to the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation screen displayed by a display according to the second embodiment; FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a patient selection screen displayed by the display according to the second embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image diagnostic apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. An X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus will be described below as an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the present application.

(First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has a gantry device 10, a bed device 20, and a console device 30. As shown in FIG. Here, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is connected to other apparatuses via an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) installed in the hospital, for example, so that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can directly or indirectly communicate with each other. . For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) server for storing and processing medical images, other medical image diagnostic apparatuses, and a device for the doctor in charge to refer to images. Connected to a terminal device or the like, each device mutually transmits and receives medical images and the like in accordance with, for example, the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

In addition, in a system having the devices described above, a HIS (Hospital Information System), a RIS (Radiology Information System), etc. are introduced to manage various types of information. For example, an examination order created by a terminal device by the system described above is transmitted to each medical image diagnostic device. Each medical image diagnostic apparatus acquires patient information from an examination order received directly from a terminal device or a patient list for each modality (modality worklist) created by a PACS server that has received an examination order.

The gantry device 10 is a device that irradiates the subject P with X-rays, detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject P, and outputs the X-rays to the console device 30, and includes an X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 and an X-ray generator. 12 , a detector 13 , a data acquisition circuit 14 , a rotating frame 15 and a gantry drive circuit 16 .

The rotating frame 15 supports the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 so as to face each other with the subject P interposed therebetween, and is rotated at high speed in a circular orbit around the subject P by a gantry drive circuit 16, which will be described later. It is an annular frame that

The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 controls a high voltage generator (not shown) to supply a high voltage to the X-ray tube 12a. The X-ray tube 12a uses a high voltage supplied from the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 to generate X-rays. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the X-ray dose with which the subject P is irradiated by adjusting the tube voltage and tube current supplied to the X-ray tube 12a.

The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 also switches the wedge 12b. Further, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the X-ray irradiation range (fan angle and cone angle) by adjusting the aperture of the collimator 12c. Note that this embodiment may also be a case in which the operator manually switches between a plurality of types of wedges.

The X-ray generator 12 is a device that generates X-rays and irradiates the subject P with the generated X-rays, and has an X-ray tube 12a, a wedge 12b, and a collimator 12c.

The X-ray tube 12a is a vacuum tube that irradiates the subject P with an X-ray beam using a high voltage supplied by a high voltage generator (not shown). irradiate against. The X-ray tube 12a produces an X-ray beam diverging with a fan angle and a cone angle. For example, under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the X-ray tube 12a continuously emits X-rays all around the subject P for full reconstruction, or half-reconfigurable exposure for half reconstruction. It is possible to continuously irradiate X-rays in an irradiation range (180 degrees + fan angle). Further, under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the X-ray tube 12a can intermittently emit X-rays (pulse X-rays) at a preset position (tube position). The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 can also modulate the intensity of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. For example, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 increases the intensity of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a at a specific tube position, and increases the intensity of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a at ranges other than the specific tube position. Decrease the intensity of the emitted X-rays.

The wedge 12b is an X-ray filter for adjusting the dose of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a. Specifically, the wedge 12b transmits X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a so that the X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. It is an attenuating filter. For example, the wedge 12b is a filter made of aluminum so as to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness. A wedge is also called a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter.

The collimator 12c is a slit for narrowing down the X-ray irradiation range whose X-ray dose is adjusted by the wedge 12b under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, which will be described later.

The gantry drive circuit 16 rotates the X-ray generator 12 and the detector 13 on a circular orbit centered on the subject P by rotationally driving the rotating frame 15 .

The detector 13 is a two-dimensional array type detector (area detector) that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject P. are arranged in a plurality of rows along the body axis direction (the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the detector 13 in the first embodiment has X-ray detection elements arranged in multiple rows such as 320 rows along the body axis direction of the subject P. It is possible to detect X-rays that have passed through the subject P over a wide range, such as a range including the heart and heart.

The data acquisition circuit 14 is a DAS (Data Acquisition System) and acquires projection data from X-ray detection data detected by the detector 13 . For example, the data acquisition circuit 14 performs amplification processing, A/D conversion processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, etc. on the X-ray intensity distribution data detected by the detector 13 to generate projection data. The projected data thus obtained is transmitted to the console device 30, which will be described later. For example, when X-rays are continuously emitted from the X-ray tube 12a while the rotating frame is rotating, the data acquisition circuit 14 acquires projection data groups for the entire circumference (360 degrees). The data acquisition circuit 14 also associates each acquired projection data with the tube position and transmits the data to the console device 30, which will be described later. The tube position is information indicating the projection direction of the projection data. Note that the sensitivity correction processing between channels may be performed by the preprocessing circuit 34, which will be described later.

The bed device 20 is a device on which the subject P is placed, and has a bed driving device 21 and a tabletop 22 as shown in FIG. The bed driving device 21 moves the top plate 22 in the Z-axis direction to move the subject P into the rotating frame 15 . The top plate 22 is a plate on which the subject P is placed.

Note that the gantry device 10 performs helical scanning, for example, by rotating the rotation frame 15 while moving the table 22 to scan the subject P spirally. Alternatively, after moving the table 22, the gantry 10 rotates the rotation frame 15 while fixing the position of the subject P to perform conventional scanning in which the subject P is scanned in a circular orbit. Alternatively, the gantry device 10 performs a step-and-shoot method in which the position of the top board 22 is moved at regular intervals and conventional scanning is performed in a plurality of scan areas.

The console device 30 is a device that receives an operator's operation of the X-ray CT apparatus and reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the projection data acquired by the gantry device 10 . As shown in FIG. 1, the console device 30 includes an input circuit 31, a display 32, a scan control circuit 33, a preprocessing circuit 34, a projection data storage circuit 35, an image reconstruction circuit 36, and an image storage circuit. 37 and a control circuit 38 .

The input circuit 31 has a mouse, a keyboard, etc., which are used by the operator of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to input various instructions and various settings, and transfers instructions and setting information received from the operator to the control circuit 38 . For example, the input circuit 31 receives, from the operator, imaging conditions for X-ray CT image data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing X-ray CT image data, image processing conditions for X-ray CT image data, and the like. The input circuit 31 also receives an operation for selecting an examination for the subject. In addition, the input circuit 31 further receives an operation for selecting information indicating the scans arranged and displayed in chronological order.

The display 32 is a monitor that is referred to by the operator. Under the control of the control circuit 38, the display 32 displays X-ray CT image data to the operator, and receives various instructions and settings from the operator via the input circuit 31. It displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for accepting such as. Also, the display 32 displays a plan screen of a scan plan, a screen during scanning, and the like. Details of the plan screen of the scan plan and the screen during scanning will be described later.

The scan control circuit 33 controls the operations of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the gantry drive circuit 16, the data acquisition circuit 14, and the bed drive device 21 under the control of a control circuit 38, which will be described later. Controls the acquisition process of projection data.

The preprocessing circuit 34 performs logarithmic conversion processing and correction processing such as offset correction, sensitivity correction, and beam hardening correction on the projection data generated by the data acquisition circuit 14, and outputs the corrected projection data. Generate.

A projection data storage circuit 35 stores the projection data generated by the preprocessing circuit 34 . The image reconstruction circuit 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data using projection data stored in the projection data storage circuit 35 . There are various reconstruction methods, for example, back projection processing. Further, as the back projection processing, for example, there is a back projection processing by the FBP (Filtered Back Projection) method. Alternatively, the image reconstruction circuit 36 may reconstruct the X-ray CT image data using a successive approximation method.

The image reconstruction circuit 36 also generates image data by performing various image processing on the X-ray CT image data. The image reconstruction circuit 36 stores the reconstructed X-ray CT image data and the image data generated by various image processing in the image storage circuit 37 . The image storage circuit 37 stores image data generated by the image reconstruction circuit 36 .

The control circuit 38 performs overall control of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by controlling operations of the gantry device 10 , the bed device 20 and the console device 30 . Specifically, the control circuit 38 controls the CT scan performed by the gantry device 10 by controlling the scan control circuit 33 . The control circuit 38 also controls the generation of projection data by controlling the preprocessing circuit 34 . Further, the control circuit 38 controls image reconstruction processing and image generation processing in the console device 30 by controlling the image reconstruction circuit 36 . Further, the control circuit 38 controls various image data stored in the image storage circuit 37 to be displayed on the display 32 .

The overall configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. With such a configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment enables image diagnosis to be performed efficiently. Here, a case where image diagnosis cannot be performed efficiently in the conventional technique will be described. As described above, in image diagnosis using a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus, an operator (for example, a technician in charge, a radiologist, etc.) who operates the medical image diagnostic apparatus receives information sent from a doctor in charge. The inspection contents are determined based on the obtained inspection order, and the inspection is carried out.

For example, in diagnostic imaging using an X-ray CT apparatus, an operator selects an examination protocol according to an examination order from a plurality of preset examination protocols, and scans included in the selected examination protocol are executed. be done. Here, the examination protocol includes, for example, scanning for positioning, non-contrast scanning for each part, contrast scanning for each part, and the like. That is, when X-ray CT image data is acquired based on one examination protocol, multiple scans are performed and X-ray CT image data corresponding to each scan is acquired. The X-ray CT image data acquired by one scan is also called series data.

Here, when an examination is performed according to the examination protocol as described above, in the conventional X-ray CT apparatus, detailed parameter information when acquiring X-ray CT image data is displayed on the display. For example, in a conventional X-ray CT apparatus, scanning conditions, reconstruction conditions, editing screens for each condition, etc. are displayed on the display. That is, in the conventional X-ray CT apparatus, since parameter information about each scan is simply listed, the operator can easily grasp the examination flow, the current state, the operation to be performed next, and the like. In some cases, the image diagnosis could not be performed efficiently. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment facilitates understanding of the examination flow, the current state, the operation to be performed next, etc. by controlling the control circuit 38, which will be described in detail below. It enables image diagnosis to be performed efficiently.

Specifically, the control circuit 38 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment arranges and displays the information indicating the elements constituting the examination in chronological order, thereby enabling the flow of the examination, the current state, This makes it possible to perform image diagnosis efficiently by allowing the user to grasp the next operation at a glance. An example of acquisition of X-ray CT image data by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below in order with reference to FIGS. 2 to 12. FIG.

First, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 authenticates an operator when collecting X-ray CT image data. Specifically, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display an authentication screen for authenticating the operator. Then, the input circuit 31 accepts an input operation of the authentication information by the operator and transmits the accepted authentication information to the control circuit 38 . The control circuit 38 compares the authentication information received from the input circuit 31 with pre-registered operator information to determine whether or not the operator currently operating is authorized to operate the device itself. judge. Here, if the input authentication information is included in the pre-registered operator information, the control circuit 38 determines that the operator who is currently operating is a person who is permitted to operate the own device. judge. On the other hand, if the input authentication information is not included in the pre-registered operator information, the control circuit 38 determines that the operator currently operating is not authorized to operate the device itself. do.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an authentication screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in (A) of FIG. 2, the control circuit 38 has functions such as "Enter your username" to prompt the operator to enter a user name, "Password" to prompt the operator to enter a password, and "Role" to prompt the operator to select a role. Display the area on the display 32 . In addition, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a "Login" button for starting authentication processing after each information is input.

The operator performs input operation and selection operation of each information through the input circuit 31 on the authentication screen (login screen) shown in (A) of FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the operator enters "user A" in the "Enter your username" area and enters "12345678" in the "Password" area. Then, the operator selects his or her own role in the "Role" area. Here, the roles selected in the "Role" area are, for example, working hours such as "Day duty" and "Night duty", as shown in FIG. It includes obi, specific individuals such as "Prof. Mike", and uses such as "Research". Note that the "Role" option shown in FIG. 2B is merely an example, and the role displayed as an option can be set arbitrarily. For example, a job type such as "radiological technologist" may be set, or a case such as "service maintenance" may be set.

In this way, the control circuit 38 selects the user name and password input areas for user authentication and the role of the operator on the login screen, so that the information to be displayed on the display 32 is displayed according to the selected role. can be changed based on An example of changing the information displayed on the display 32 based on the selected role will be described later.

When the operator enters authentication information such as a user name and password on the login screen as shown in FIG. . Here, if the authentication succeeds, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a screen including a GUI for performing various settings for operating the device itself. Specifically, the control circuit 38 provides a GUI related to scanning for acquiring X-ray CT image data and a GUI related to imaging for displaying and processing image data generated from the acquired X-ray CT image data. etc. is displayed on the display 32 .

For example, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display the patient selection screen shown in FIG. 3 as a GUI related to scanning. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a patient selection screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, the control circuit 38 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. number", birthday "DOB", age "Age", weight "Weight", height "Height", sex "Gender", etc. for each patient.

Here, the information on the patient selection screen (patient list) shown in FIG. 3 is acquired from, for example, a modality worklist (MWM) created based on an examination order. That is, the control circuit 38 accesses the PACS server after the operator is authenticated, acquires information from the current modality worklist, and causes the display 32 to display the patient selection screen. Note that the patient selection screen may be displayed based on the directly received examination order.

Further, the control circuit 38 according to the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 51 and an "Imaging" tab 52 for displaying a screen related to imaging for displaying and processing image data. Accordingly, the operator can easily switch between the operation screen for scanning and the operation screen for imaging by selecting a tab, and can easily perform an input operation.

Control circuit 38 also displays a GUI for filtering the patient list by "All/Today." That is, the control circuit 38 provides an "All" patient list in which information on all subjects (patients) currently registered and information on only the subjects (patients) to be examined today are described. Displays a GUI for switching between the "Today" patient list and the "Today" patient list. As a result, the operator can concentrate only on the information on the day of the examination and carry out the examination.

Furthermore, the control circuit 38 provides patient name "Name", patient ID "Patient ID", examination date "Exam Date", affected area "Organ", access number "Accession Number", birthday "DOB", age "Age", GUI for sorting by weight "Weight", height "Height", sex "Gender", etc., GUI for searching by keyword, "Emergency" button for shortcut in case of emergency, registration of new patients not on the list A “New Patient” button etc. is displayed on the screen.

The operator selects a patient to be examined next using each GUI displayed on the patient selection screen via the input circuit 31 . For example, the operator selects "WILLIAMS Zachary Edward" as the patient to be examined next from the patient selection screen, and presses the "Next" button arranged at the lower right. The "Close" button at the bottom left of the screen is pressed to close the patient selection screen. After that, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a screen according to the operation by the operator.

It should be noted that the control circuit 38 causes the flow under inspection to be displayed within the screen as shown in the area 53 of FIG. For example, the control circuit 38 may, as shown in FIG. Display the flow on the screen. Here, the control circuit 38 emphasizes and displays the current process in the examination flow. For example, on the screen of FIG. 3 for patient selection, the control circuit 38 causes the patient registration "Patient Registration" portion to be displayed in an emphasized manner in comparison with the other portions.

When a patient to be examined next is selected on the patient selection screen shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a selection screen for selecting an examination protocol. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an examination protocol selection screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, when a patient is selected on the patient selection screen shown in FIG. 3 and the "Next" button is pressed, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display the examination protocol selection screen shown in FIG. In the examination protocol selection screen, the control circuit 38 highlights the "Protocol Selection" area as indicated by the arrow 54 in FIG.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the control circuit 38 displays a selection area "Preset Protocols" in the examination protocol selection screen for selecting an examination protocol to be executed from the preset examination protocols. Let The operator selects an examination protocol for an examination to be performed on the current patient (eg, WILLIAMS Zachary Edward) on the examination protocol selection screen displayed on the display 32 . For example, the operator selects the examination protocol "Chest and Abdomen CE" via the input circuit 31, as shown in FIG. 4B.

When an inspection protocol is selected by the operator, the control circuit 38, as shown in FIG. 4B, scan information "3D Scano", "Sure Start", "Arterial Chest" and "Portal Abdomen" are displayed on the display 32. This allows the operator to confirm the content of the examination protocol selected by him/herself. Note that the examination protocol displayed here is set and registered in advance so that an optimum scan can be performed according to the contents of the examination. Also, these inspection protocols can be arbitrarily set and registered by an authorized operator.

Further, the examination protocol options displayed on the examination protocol selection screen may be changed depending on the role of the operator. That is, the control circuit 38 can change the options displayed by clicking the selection area "Preset Protocols" for selecting an examination protocol according to the operator's role selected on the login screen. For example, if the role selected by the operator is "Day duty", control circuit 38 causes all examination protocols corresponding to the affected areas included in the examination order to be displayed as options. On the other hand, if the role selected by the operator is "Night duty", the control circuit 38 selects the mainly selected examination protocol among the examination protocols corresponding to the affected area included in the examination order. Display as an option.

In this way, the "day duty" operator, who is familiar with the equipment, is presented with all options and selects the most suitable test protocol, while the less familiar operator can For potential “Night Duty” operators, select the test protocol to be performed from among the most commonly used test protocols to avoid unnecessary time spent on protocol selection. can be made The selection of inspection protocols displayed on the inspection protocol selection screen can be arbitrarily set for each role, such as for specific individuals, for research, and for service maintenance.

In this manner, when an examination protocol to be performed is selected on the examination protocol selection screen and the "Next" button is pressed, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a screen regarding scanning. Here, the control circuit 38 according to the first embodiment arranges information indicating elements constituting an examination performed on a subject (patient) in chronological order and causes the display 32 to display the flow of the examination. , the current state, the next operation, etc., can be grasped at a glance, making it possible to perform image diagnosis efficiently.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example (1) of a scanning screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display, in chronological order, information indicating elements constituting the examination including operations by the operator for the examination protocol received by the input circuit 31 . Here, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display the information indicating the operation by the operator and the information indicating the scan included in the elements constituting the examination, distinguishing them.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the control circuit 38 displays an icon 55 indicating ON operation of an exposure switch, which is an operation by the operator, and a scan included in the selected examination protocol "Chest and Abdomen CE". Icons 56 representing '3D Scano', 'Sure Start', 'Arterial Chest' and 'Portal Abdomen' are displayed in chronological order. At this time, the control circuit 38 displays the icons 55 and 56 in different forms as shown in FIG. 5A, thereby distinguishing between the information indicating the operation by the operator and the information indicating the scan. Note that in FIG. 5A, information indicating operations by the operator is indicated by circular icons, and information indicating scanning is indicated by rectangular icons. It can be shown in any shape.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the control circuit 38 displays an icon 55 indicating ON operation of the exposure switch and an icon 56 indicating scanning, arranged from left to right in order of execution. By referring to this screen, the operator can grasp the flow of the examination, the current state, the operation to be performed next, and the like at a glance, which makes it possible to perform image diagnosis efficiently. When an inspection protocol is selected and the scanning screen is displayed, the "Scanning" area in the inspection flow is highlighted as indicated by arrow 54 in FIG. 5A.

Here, in FIG. 5A, the case where the ON operation of the exposure switch and the scan are displayed as the elements constituting the examination has been described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and other may be displayed in chronological order, or various information may be displayed on a scanning screen. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example (2) of the scanning screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, the control circuit 38 displays an icon 55 indicating the ON operation of the exposure switch and an icon 56 indicating scanning, as well as an icon 57 indicating the standby time and an icon 57 indicating the second exposure switch depression. An icon 58 indicating the time from when each scan is started to the start of each scan, an icon 59 indicating injection of a contrast agent, etc. are arranged in chronological order and displayed on the scanning screen.

By referring to the scanning screen shown in FIG. 5B, the operator first presses the exposure button in the examination protocol currently being executed to collect a scanning positioning image (scanogram). 3D Scano” scans for “6 seconds”, positioning is performed based on the collected scanogram, and then pressing the exposure button again starts scanning the affected area. can be grasped by Furthermore, by referring to the scanning image shown in FIG. 5B, the operator injects the contrast agent at the same timing as when the exposure switch is pressed for the second time. A scan "Sure Start" to check the flow is performed "40.25 seconds (40.25 sec)", and after "10 seconds (10.0 S)", "4.5 seconds (4.5 sec)" It can be seen at a glance that a thoracic artery scan "Arterial Chest" and a "7.3 sec" abdominal pulse scan "Portal Abdomen" are performed in sequence.

Furthermore, in the scanning image shown in FIG. 5B, by referring to the icon 58 indicating the time from pressing of the exposure switch to the start of each scan, the time until the start of each scan can be visualized. It is possible to grasp the Control circuit 38 then causes the scan currently being performed to be displayed differently from the other scans. For example, the control circuit 38 causes the icon 56 representing the scan of "3D Scano" to be highlighted, as shown in FIG. 5B. This allows the operator to grasp the current state at a glance.

Note that the example described above is merely an example, and other information may be arranged in chronological order and displayed. For example, information indicating sounds generated by the device at the start and end of scanning may be displayed in chronological order. In addition, each icon may include various information (for example, a scanning method such as helical scanning) to be displayed.

In the scanning screen, in addition to the above-described elements constituting the examination, the control circuit 38 also displays information indicating the scan range on the human body model, positional information of the subject (Patient Position), detailed information about the scan currently being executed (Scan Details), etc. can be displayed at the same time. Furthermore, the control circuit 38 can display the electrocardiographic waveform of the subject indicated by the arrow 60 in FIG. 5B and the exposure dose information indicated by the arrow 61 on the scanning screen. By referring to such a scanning screen, the operator can carry out the examination while comprehensively confirming the details of the scan, the condition of the subject, etc. in addition to the progress of the examination and information on his/her own operation. can be done.

Furthermore, the control circuit 38 can also display images acquired by scanning, scanning results, and the like on the scanning screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example (3) of the scanning screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, when the scan "Sure Start" is being performed, the control circuit 38 displays the image generated from the three-dimensional X-ray CT image data acquired by "3D Scano" on the upper part of the scanning screen as shown in FIG. The image data is displayed, and the position of the ROI 1 for observing the state of the CT value in "Sure Start" is displayed on the image data. Then, the control circuit 38 displays a TDC (Time Density Curve) 62 next to the icon 56, which indicates the time change of the CT value in the ROI1, as shown in FIG.

The control circuit 38 can also display parameter information corresponding to each scan included in the inspection protocol. Specifically, the input circuit 31 further receives an operation for selecting information (for example, icons) indicating the scans arranged and displayed in chronological order. The control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display the information arranged in chronological order, the scan conditions corresponding to the information selected by the input circuit 31, and the information for editing the scan. That is, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display detailed parameter information of the selected scan while displaying the elements constituting the examination (contents included in the examination) in chronological order.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (4) of the scanning screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the control circuit 38 displays the scanning parameter information 63 along with the information arranged in chronological order on the scanning screen. For example, the icons of each scan arranged in chronological order are configured as push buttons, and the input circuit 31 receives a push operation on the push buttons of each scan. The control circuit 38 causes the scanning screen to display the parameter information corresponding to the scan for which the pressing operation is accepted. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the button for the currently executed scan "Arterial Chest" is pressed, the control circuit 38 causes the currently executed scan "Arterial Chest" to Display the parameter information for "Adv. Scan", "Reconstruction" and "Adv. Reconstruction".

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the control circuit 38 displays the parameter information while maintaining the display of the constituent elements of the examination arranged in chronological order. This allows the operator to check the parameters of each scan as well as the progress of the examination. The operator can also edit detailed parameters.

In addition, the control circuit 38 can display information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time in each scan together with the display information in which the elements constituting the examination are arranged in chronological order. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (5) of the scanning screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit 38 plots the X-ray dose (mA) included in the examination protocol "Chest and Abdomen CE" on a graph with real time (seconds) on the horizontal axis and X-ray dose (mA) on the vertical axis. Display information about the X-ray dose and run time for each of the scans "3D Scano", "Sure Start", "Arterial Chest" and "Portal Abdomen", respectively.

Here, these pieces of information are displayed in conjunction with the display information arranged in chronological order. For example, the control circuit 38 highlights the information (for example, icon) of the scan currently being executed in the display information arranged in chronological order, and in the information on the X-ray dose and the execution time, Highlight the X-ray dose of the scan currently being performed.

The display information arranged in chronological order and the information on the X-ray dose and execution time can be switched by the button indicated by the arrow 64 in FIG. For example, when the display information arranged in chronological order is displayed, when the button indicating the graph indicated by the arrow 64 is pressed through the input circuit 31, the control circuit 38 changes as shown in FIG. to display information on the X-ray dose and run time on the scanning screen. On the other hand, when the rectangular button above the button indicating the graph indicated by the arrow 64 is pressed via the input circuit 31 while the information about the X-ray dose and execution time is displayed, the control circuit 38 displays the display information arranged in chronological order on the scanning screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 5B.

Here, the display form of the display information arranged in chronological order and the information on the X-ray dose and execution time is not limited to switching display as shown in FIG. 8, but may be displayed side by side on the same screen. For example, information on the X-ray dose and execution time may be displayed below the display information arranged in chronological order. Further, for example, it is also possible to display corresponding icons above the graph of each scan in the information on the X-ray dose and the execution time.

Further, the display information arranged in chronological order, the information on the X-ray dose, and the execution time may be automatically switched according to the examination protocol (or type of scan) to be performed. In such a case, for each examination protocol and scan type, whether to display the display information arranged in chronological order or to display the information on the X-ray dose and the execution time is stored in the image storage circuit 37 in association with each other. The control circuit 38 automatically switches the information to be displayed based on the stored information. In one example, the control circuitry 38 causes information regarding x-ray dose and run time to be displayed when scanning for perfusion analysis of the brain.

As described above, the control circuit 38 according to the first embodiment can arrange and display icons representing elements constituting an examination in chronological order, and can also display various information. Here, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the scans included in the examination protocol selected first and the operations performed by the operator at that time are displayed in chronological order. In such an X-ray CT apparatus 1, it is possible to add examination protocols and scans during scanning. In such a case, the control circuit 38 arranges and displays the information indicated by the elements constituting the examination in chronological order for the added examination protocol in the same manner as in the above example. In addition, the control circuit 38 additionally displays an icon corresponding to the added scan to the chronological order display information indicating the examination protocol currently being executed.

Then, when the scanning according to the selected inspection protocol is completed, the control circuit 38 displays an operation screen for selecting whether to continue scanning or proceed to the next process. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit 38 displays a push button 65 for continuing scanning at the end of the information in chronological order of the completed examination protocol.

Here, when further scanning is to be performed, the operator presses the press button 65 via the input circuit 31 . When the operator presses the push button 65, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display, for example, an examination protocol selection screen shown in FIG. Then, when an additional inspection protocol is selected, control circuit 38 performs a scan for the selected inspection protocol in the same manner as in the above example.

On the other hand, to end the scanning, the operator presses the "Next" button arranged at the lower right of the scanning screen via the input circuit 31. FIG. When the operator presses the "Next" button, the control circuit 38 generates image data from the X-ray CT image data acquired by the scanning of the examination protocol executed so far, and causes the display 32 to display the image data. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image review screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment.

For example, the control circuit 38 controls the image reconstruction circuit 36 to reconstruct X-ray CT image data from the acquired projection data, and to perform various image processing on the X-ray CT image data. Generate image data for display. For example, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display various image data as shown in FIG. Here, the control circuit 38 automatically selects and generates the type of image data based on the attribute information (role) of the operator or doctor in charge, the affected area, and the selected examination protocol.

For example, the image storage circuit 37 stores correspondence information in which an application for generating image data is associated in advance with a specific individual, an affected area, and an examination protocol. When the scan is finished, the control circuit 38 refers to the correspondence information stored in the image storage circuit 37 to determine the attribute of the person (operator or doctor in charge who issued the examination order) who performed the scan that has been executed so far. It acquires information, diseased part, and application information corresponding to the examination protocol, and controls the image reconstruction circuit 36 so as to generate image data using the application.

The control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display various image data generated by the image reconstruction circuit 36 . At this time, the control circuit 38 can also selectably display the image data acquired in the past of the same patient for each series data, as shown in the left end of FIG. The operator observes the image review displayed on the display 32, past series data, and the like, and confirms the currently collected image data. When the image review screen is displayed, the "Image Review" area in the inspection flow is highlighted as indicated by arrow 66 in FIG.

When the image review is finished, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display an option screen before the end of scanning. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an end option screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment. For example, as indicated by an arrow 67 in FIG. 11, the control circuit 38 highlights the "Finishing Options" area in the inspection flow and displays options for subsequent processing. For example, the control circuitry 38 may include a push button "Perform Another Scan for the Current Patient" to perform another scan for the current patient, or to add the current patient to the imaging, as shown in FIG. , a push button "Add Current Patient to Imaging (and Scan a New Patient)" to scan a new patient, a push button "Scan a New Patient" to scan a new patient and a push button " Finish Scanning", etc.

The operator presses the press button displayed on the display 32 to perform subsequent processing. Note that the options displayed on the end option screen shown in FIG. 11 are merely examples, and the embodiment is not limited to these. That is, the options displayed on the end option screen can be arbitrarily set by the operator.

An example of displaying a GUI related to scanning for acquiring X-ray CT image data has been described above. Next, a case where a screen including a GUI related to imaging is displayed on the display 32 will be described. For example, when the operator presses the "Imaging" tab 52 via the input circuit 31, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display an operation screen regarding imaging. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging operation screen displayed by the display 32 according to the first embodiment.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the control circuit 38 displays an operation screen displaying various image data on the "Imaging" tab 52. FIG. Here, the control circuit 38 displays a selection area 68 for patient selection on the "Imaging" tab 52, as shown in FIG. The operator can operate the selection area 68 via the input circuit 31 to select the patient whose image data is to be displayed. The control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display image data of the patient selected by the operator.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the input circuit 31 receives an operation for selecting an examination for the subject. The control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display, in chronological order, information indicating elements constituting the examination including operations by the operator for the examination received by the input circuit 31 . Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment allows the operator to easily grasp the flow of the examination, the current state, the operation to be performed next, and the like, thereby efficiently performing image diagnosis. make it possible.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display the information indicating the operation by the operator and the information indicating the scan included in the elements constituting the examination, distinguishing them. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to grasp the operator's operation (action) in the examination at a glance.

Moreover, according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 38 further displays the waiting time as information indicating the elements constituting the examination. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment enables the operator to perform examinations efficiently. For example, the operator can accurately grasp the waiting time, and when the waiting time is long, it is possible to generate image data from the collected X-ray CT image data and perform confirmation work.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the information indicating the operation by the operator includes information indicating that the operator presses a button and information indicating that the operator injects a contrast medium. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment enables the operator to grasp the timing of operation.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 38 compares the information indicating the scan currently being executed among the information indicating the scans displayed in chronological order with the information indicating other scans. display with emphasis. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to grasp the scan currently being performed at a glance.

Further, according to the first embodiment, the input circuit 31 further receives an operation for selecting information indicating scans displayed in chronological order. The control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display the information arranged in chronological order, the scan conditions corresponding to the information selected by the input circuit 31, and the information for editing the scan. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to confirm detailed information of the scan at the same time.

The control circuit 38 further causes the display 32 to display information regarding the X-ray dose and run time for each scan in conjunction with the information indicating the components that make up the examination. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to simultaneously check information on the X-ray dose over time.

(Second embodiment)
Now, although the first embodiment has been described so far, it may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described first embodiment.

In the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which buttons for screen transition (for example, "Back" button, "Next" button, etc.) are displayed at the lower left and lower right of the screen. Since these buttons are arranged at approximately the same position even when the screen is changed, the operator is designed so as not to spend time and effort searching for the button. Therefore, when the operator is accustomed to the operation screen displayed by the display 32, the operator will naturally see the positions of the buttons. Therefore, what is displayed on the lower left and lower right of the screen may be a case where other items are displayed in addition to buttons for screen transition.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed by the display 32 according to the second embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the control circuit 38 according to the second embodiment displays a message area 69 at the lower right position of the screen and displays various messages in the message area 69. FIG. The message displayed in the message area can be set arbitrarily. For example, a specific message may be set and displayed for each type of operation screen (login screen, protocol selection screen, scanning screen, etc.).

Also, in the first embodiment described above, the case where only the patient list is displayed on the patient selection screen has been described. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, various information may be displayed in association with each patient. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a patient selection screen displayed by the display 32 according to the second embodiment. For example, when the operator selects a patient via the input circuit 31, the control circuit 38 according to the second embodiment simultaneously displays thumbnails of series data collected in the past by the selected patient, as shown in FIG. display. By selecting a thumbnail of series data, the operator can display the corresponding image data. By referring to the series data collected in the past, the operator can easily select the optimal examination protocol for the examination to be performed this time.

Here, for the thumbnails of the series data shown in FIG. 14, the data can be referred to in the form of thumbnails. For example, the series data indicated by the leftmost thumbnail includes 600 image data collected from the chest to the abdomen. The operator can sequentially display 600 images in a thumbnail state by performing a mouse operation on the leftmost thumbnail. That is, the control circuit 38 sequentially displays cross-sectional images from the chest to the abdomen based on the operation information of the mouse as the input circuit 31 . In other words, the control circuit 38 sequentially displays the image data at different positions in thumbnail form based on the mouse operation information.

Furthermore, it is also possible to arbitrarily set the range of images to be displayed in the form of thumbnails. For example, a bar for setting the range is displayed beside the thumbnail shown in FIG. The operator can also set the range of the image by operating the bar via the input circuit 31 . For example, the input circuit 31 performs an operation to set the range from the 100th image to the 500th image for the 600 image data included in the series data indicated by the leftmost thumbnail in FIG. accept. After that, when the mouse is operated on the leftmost thumbnail, the control circuit 38 displays the image data of the 100th to 500th thumbnails.

The range setting described above can be performed separately for each thumbnail, or can be set collectively for desired thumbnails. For example, after setting the range from 100th to 500th thumbnail for the leftmost thumbnail, the 2nd thumbnail from the left and the 3rd thumbnail from the left are selected and the range is applied to them. By doing so, the range from the 100th to 500th thumbnails is set for the second and third thumbnails as well. Application of the range described above may be performed when a dedicated push button is provided and is pressed, or may be performed by mouse operation.

In the above-described embodiment, the case of using an X-ray CT apparatus as a medical image diagnostic apparatus has been described. However, the embodiments are not limited to this, and may be applied to MRI devices, PET devices, SPECT devices, X-ray diagnostic devices, and ultrasonic diagnostic devices. That is, the control circuit of each medical image diagnostic apparatus performs control similar to that of the control circuit 38 described above.

Also, each component of each device illustrated in the first embodiment is functionally conceptual, and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads and usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured. Further, each processing function performed by each device may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or implemented as hardware based on wired logic.

Also, the control method described in the first embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared control program on a computer such as a personal computer or a work station. This control program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. In addition, this control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, DVD, etc., and can be executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer.

As described above, according to each embodiment, it is possible to perform image diagnosis efficiently.

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

1 X-ray CT apparatus 31 input circuit 32 display 38 control circuit

Claims (7)

a reception unit that receives an operation for selecting an examination for a subject;
a display control unit that arranges information indicating elements constituting the examination including operations by an operator for the examination received by the reception unit in chronological order and displays the information on the display unit;
with
The display control unit displays a first scan display indicating a scan started triggered by an operation by the operator and an operation display indicating the operation, among the elements constituting the examination, and also displays a preceding scan display . Identifiably displaying a second scan display indicating a scan that automatically starts after the end of a scan and a preceding scan display indicating the preceding scan, and performing a period from the operation by the operator to the start of the scan. Displaying a first waiting time display indicating a waiting time and a second waiting time display indicating a waiting time from the end of the preceding scan to the automatic start of the scan, wherein the operation , the first waiting time display, and the first scanning display are displayed side by side in this order, and the preceding scanning display, the second waiting time display, and the second scanning A medical image diagnostic apparatus in which the displays are arranged and displayed in this order . 2. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said display control unit causes said display unit to distinguish between an operation display indicating an operation by said operator and a scan display included in elements constituting said examination. 3. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the operation display indicating the operation by the operator includes information indicating that the operator is to inject a contrast medium. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein said display control section further displays an electrocardiographic waveform of said subject on said display section. 5. The display control unit, among the scan displays arranged in chronological order, emphasizes and displays the scan display indicating the scan currently being performed in comparison with information indicating other scans. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of . The receiving unit further receives an operation for selecting the scan display displayed in chronological order,
2. The display control unit causes the display unit to display, together with the information arranged in chronological order, scan conditions corresponding to the information selected by the reception unit and information for editing the scan. 6. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5 . 7. The display control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the display control unit further displays information on the X-ray dose and execution time in each scan on the display unit in conjunction with information indicating elements constituting the examination. The medical imaging diagnostic device described.

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