JP7498252B2 - Medical image diagnostic device and method - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, image diagnosis using medical imaging diagnostic devices such as X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) involves a variety of tasks, such as collecting images of the patient, interpreting the collected images, creating reports, and explaining diagnostic results and treatment plans based on the reports. These tasks are performed by various specialists, such as the doctor in charge and the technician in charge.

For example, the doctor in charge creates an examination order based on the patient's medical history, etc., and passes it on 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 specified medical image diagnostic device and collects images of the affected area. A radiologist then creates a report corresponding to the examination order. Here, the radiologist refers to the request details included in the examination order, the report and images from the previous examination, etc., to confirm the points that need to be interpreted, and creates a report. The doctor in charge refers to the created report, judges the results of the image diagnosis, decides on a treatment plan, and explains it to the patient.

JP 2012-179447 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a medical imaging diagnostic device that enables efficient image diagnosis.

The medical image diagnostic device of the 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 displays, on the display unit, information indicating elements constituting the examination, including operations by an operator, for the examination received by the reception unit, in chronological order.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing 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 showing an example of an examination protocol selection screen 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. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image review screen displayed by the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of an end option screen displayed on the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging operation screen displayed on the display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing 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 a display according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments of a medical image diagnostic device will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that, in the following, an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) device will be used as an example of the medical image diagnostic device according to the present application.

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

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

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

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

The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 controls a high voltage generating unit (not shown) to supply a high voltage to the X-ray tube 12a. The X-ray tube 12a generates X-rays using the high voltage supplied from the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 adjusts the amount of X-rays irradiated to the subject P 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. The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 also adjusts the aperture of the collimator 12c to adjust the X-ray irradiation range (fan angle and cone angle). Note that in this embodiment, the operator may manually switch between multiple 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 generating unit (not shown), and irradiates the subject P with the X-ray beam as the rotating frame 15 rotates. The X-ray tube 12a generates an X-ray beam that spreads 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 can continuously irradiate X-rays around the entire subject P for full reconstruction, or continuously irradiate X-rays in an exposure range (180 degrees + fan angle) that allows half reconstruction for half reconstruction. Under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the X-ray tube 12a can also intermittently irradiate X-rays (pulsed X-rays) at a preset position (tube position). The X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 can also modulate the intensity of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 12a. For example, the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 increases the intensity of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a at a specific tube position, and decreases the intensity of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 12a in a range other than the specific tube position.

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

The collimator 12c is a slit that narrows the irradiation range of the X-rays whose amount is adjusted by the wedge 12b under the control of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11 described later.

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

The detector 13 is a two-dimensional array detector (surface detector) that detects X-rays that have passed through the subject P, and multiple rows of detector elements, each consisting of multiple channels of X-ray detector elements, are arranged along the body axis direction of the subject P (the Z-axis direction shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, the detector 13 in the first embodiment has X-ray detector elements arranged in multiple rows, such as 320 rows, along the body axis direction of the subject P, and is capable of detecting X-rays that have passed through the subject P over a wide area, such as an area including the lungs and heart of the subject P.

The data acquisition circuit 14 is a DAS (Data Acquisition System) and collects projection data from the detection data of X-rays detected by the detector 13. For example, the data acquisition circuit 14 performs amplification processing, A/D conversion processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, etc. on the X-ray intensity distribution data detected by the detector 13 to generate projection data, and transmits the generated projection data to the console device 30 described later. For example, when X-rays are continuously irradiated from the X-ray tube 12a during rotation of the rotating frame, the data acquisition circuit 14 collects a group of projection data for the entire circumference (360 degrees). In addition, the data acquisition circuit 14 associates each collected projection data with a tube position and transmits it to the console device 30 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 pre-processing circuit 34 described later.

The bed device 20 is a device on which the subject P is placed, and as shown in FIG. 1, has a bed driving device 21 and a tabletop 22. The bed driving device 21 moves the tabletop 22 in the Z-axis direction to move the subject P into the rotating frame 15. The tabletop 22 is a plate on which the subject P is placed.

For example, the gantry device 10 performs a helical scan in which the rotating frame 15 is rotated while the top plate 22 is moved to scan the subject P in a spiral shape. Alternatively, the gantry device 10 performs a conventional scan in which the subject P is scanned in a circular orbit by rotating the rotating frame 15 while keeping the position of the subject P fixed after moving the top plate 22. Alternatively, the gantry device 10 performs a step-and-shoot method in which the position of the top plate 22 is moved at regular intervals to perform a conventional scan in multiple scan areas.

The console device 30 is a device that accepts operations of the X-ray CT device by an operator and reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the projection data collected by the gantry device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the console device 30 has 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, an image storage circuit 37, and a control circuit 38.

The input circuitry 31 has a mouse, keyboard, etc. that the operator of the X-ray CT device 1 uses to input various instructions and settings, and transfers the instruction and setting information received from the operator to the control circuitry 38. For example, the input circuitry 31 receives from the operator the shooting conditions for X-ray CT image data, the reconstruction conditions for reconstructing the X-ray CT image data, the image processing conditions for the X-ray CT image data, etc. The input circuitry 31 also receives an operation to select an examination for the subject. The input circuitry 31 also receives an operation to select information indicating the scans displayed in chronological order.

The display 32 is a monitor viewed by the operator, and under the control of the control circuit 38, displays X-ray CT image data to the operator and displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various instructions and settings from the operator via the input circuit 31. The display 32 also displays a planning screen for the scan plan, a screen during scanning, etc. Details of the planning screen for the scan plan and the screen during scanning will be described later.

The scan control circuit 33, under the control of the control circuit 38 described later, controls the operation of the X-ray irradiation control circuit 11, the gantry driving circuit 16, the data collection circuit 14, and the bed driving device 21, thereby controlling the projection data collection process in the gantry device 10.

The pre-processing circuitry 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 circuitry 14 to generate corrected projection data.

The projection data storage circuitry 35 stores the projection data generated by the preprocessing circuitry 34. The image reconstruction circuitry 36 reconstructs X-ray CT image data using the projection data stored in the projection data storage circuitry 35. There are various reconstruction methods, such as back projection processing. In addition, an example of the back projection processing is back projection processing using the FBP (Filtered Back Projection) method. Alternatively, the image reconstruction circuitry 36 may reconstruct the X-ray CT image data using an iterative 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 then stores the reconstructed X-ray CT image data and the image data generated by the various image processing in the image storage circuit 37. The image storage circuit 37 stores the image data generated by the image reconstruction circuit 36.

The control circuit 38 controls the operation of the gantry device 10, the bed device 20, and the console device 30, thereby controlling the overall X-ray CT device 1. Specifically, the control circuit 38 controls the scan control circuit 33, thereby controlling the CT scan performed by the gantry device 10. The control circuit 38 also controls the pre-processing circuit 34, thereby controlling the generation of projection data. The control circuit 38 also controls the image reconstruction circuit 36, thereby controlling the image reconstruction processing and image generation processing in the console device 30. The control circuit 38 also controls the 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 device 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the X-ray CT device 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to perform image diagnosis efficiently. Here, a case where image diagnosis cannot be performed efficiently in the conventional technology will be described. As described above, in image diagnosis using a medical image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT device, an operator (e.g., a technician or radiologist) who operates the medical image diagnostic device determines the contents of the examination based on an examination order sent by the doctor in charge, and performs the examination.

For example, in image diagnosis using an X-ray CT device, an operator selects an examination protocol according to an examination order from among multiple preset examination protocols, and executes a scan included in the selected examination protocol. Here, the examination protocol includes, for example, a positioning scan, a non-contrast scan for each part, or a contrast scan for each part. That is, when X-ray CT image data is collected based on one examination protocol, multiple scans are performed to collect X-ray CT image data corresponding to each scan. Note that X-ray CT image data collected by one scan is also called series data.

Here, when an examination is performed according to the examination protocol as described above, in a conventional X-ray CT device, detailed parameter information when collecting X-ray CT image data is displayed on the display. For example, in a conventional X-ray CT device, scan conditions, reconstruction conditions, an editing screen for each condition, etc. are displayed on the display. That is, in a conventional X-ray CT device, since parameter information for each scan is only listed, the operator cannot easily grasp the flow of the examination, the current state, the next operation, etc., and there are cases where image diagnosis cannot be performed efficiently. Therefore, the X-ray CT device 1 according to the first embodiment makes it easy to grasp the flow of the examination, the current state, the next operation, etc., by the control of the control circuit 38 described in detail below, and enables efficient image diagnosis.

Specifically, the control circuit 38 in the X-ray CT device 1 according to the first embodiment displays information indicating the elements that make up the examination in chronological order, allowing the user to grasp at a glance the flow of the examination, the current state, the next operation to be performed, and the like, thereby enabling efficient image diagnosis. Below, an example of collection of X-ray CT image data by the X-ray CT device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in order using Figures 2 to 12.

First, the X-ray CT device 1 authenticates the operator when collecting X-ray CT image data. Specifically, the control circuit 38 displays an authentication screen for authenticating the operator on the display 32. Then, the input circuit 31 accepts the input operation of the operator's authentication information 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 the operator currently operating the device is a person authorized to operate the device. Here, if the input authentication information is included in the pre-registered operator information, the control circuit 38 determines that the operator currently operating the device is a person authorized to operate the device. 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 the device is not a person authorized to operate the device.

Figure 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 Figure 2, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display areas such as "Enter your username" for the operator to input a username, "Password" for the operator to input a password, and "Role" for the operator to select a role. The control circuit 38 also causes the display 32 to display a "Login" button for starting the authentication process after each piece of information has been input.

On the authentication screen (login screen) shown in FIG. 2A, the operator performs input and selection operations for each piece of information via the input circuit 31. For example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the operator inputs "User A" in the "Enter your username" field and inputs "12345678" in the "Password" field. Then, the operator selects his/her role in the "Role" field. Here, the role selected in the "Role" field includes, for example, a work time period such as "Day duty" or "Night duty", a specific individual such as "Prof. Mike", and a purpose such as "Research", as shown in FIG. 2B. Note that the "Role" options shown in FIG. 2B are merely examples, and the roles displayed as options can be set arbitrarily. For example, a job type such as "radiography technician" may be set, or "service maintenance" may be set.

In this way, the control circuit 38 allows the operator to select the role of the operator on the login screen along with an input area for the user name and password for user authentication, and can change the information displayed on the display 32 thereafter based on the selected role. An example of changing the information displayed on the display 32 based on the selected role will be described later.

When an operator inputs authentication information such as a user name and password on a login screen such as that shown in FIG. 2, the control circuit 38 performs authentication by comparing the input information with preregistered operator information. If authentication is successful, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a screen including a GUI for performing various settings for operating the device. Specifically, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a screen including a GUI related to scanning for collecting X-ray CT image data and a GUI related to imaging for displaying and processing image data generated from the collected X-ray CT image data.

For example, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display a patient selection screen shown in FIG. 3 as a GUI for 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 causes the display 32 to display a patient selection image that displays, for each patient, the patient name "Name", patient ID "Patient ID", examination date "Exam Date", affected area "Organ", access number "Accession Number", date of birth "DOB", age "Age", weight "Weight", height "Height", gender "Gender", and the like, as shown in FIG. 3.

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

The control circuit 38 according to the first embodiment also displays, on the screen displayed on the display 32, a "Scan" tab 51 that displays a screen related to scanning for collecting X-ray CT image data, and an "Imaging" tab 52 that displays a screen related to imaging for displaying and processing image data, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. This allows the operator to easily switch between the operation screen related to scanning and the operation screen related to imaging by selecting a tab, simplifying input operations.

The control circuit 38 also displays a GUI for filtering the patient list by "All/Today." That is, the control circuit 38 displays a GUI for switching between an "All" patient list that lists information on all subjects (patients) currently registered, and a "Today" patient list that lists information on only subjects (patients) undergoing testing today. This allows the operator to focus only on information for the day of the test while performing the test.

In addition, the control circuit 38 displays on the screen a GUI for sorting by patient name (Name), patient ID (Patient ID), examination date (Exam Date), affected area (Organ), access number (Accession Number), date of birth (DOB), age (Age), weight (Weight), height (Height), gender (Gender), etc., a GUI for searching by keywords, an "Emergency" button for a shortcut in an emergency, and a "New Patient" button for registering a new patient not on the list.

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

The control circuit 38 displays the flow during the examination on the screen, as shown in area 53 in FIG. 3. For example, the control circuit 38 displays the examination flow including "Patient Registration", "Protocol Selection", "Scanning", "Image Review", "Finishing Options", and the like, on the screen, as shown in FIG. 3. Here, the control circuit 38 highlights the current process in the examination flow. For example, on the screen in FIG. 3 where patient selection is performed, the control circuit 38 displays the "Patient Registration" portion so that it is highlighted compared to the other portions.

When the next patient to be examined 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. 4. In addition, on the examination protocol selection screen, the control circuit 38 highlights the "Protocol Selection" area, as indicated by the arrow 54 in FIG. 4.

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 performed from among preset examination protocols. The operator selects the examination protocol for the examination to be performed on the current patient (e.g., WILLIAMS Zachary Edward) on the examination protocol selection screen displayed on the display 32. As an example, the operator selects the examination protocol "Chest and Abdomen CE" via the input circuit 31 as shown in FIG. 4B.

When an examination protocol is selected by the operator, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display the scan information "3D Scano," "Sure Start," "Arterial Chest," and "Portal Abdomen" contained in the selected examination protocol "Chest and Abdomen CE," as shown in FIG. 4B. This allows the operator to confirm the contents of the examination protocol he or she has selected. Note that the examination protocols displayed here are preset and registered so that the optimal scan can be performed according to the contents of the examination. Furthermore, these examination protocols can be arbitrarily set and registered by authorized operators.

Furthermore, 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 role of the operator selected on the login screen. For example, if the role selected by the operator is "Day duty", the control circuit 38 displays all examination protocols corresponding to the affected area included in the examination order as options. On the other hand, if the role selected by the operator is "Night duty", the control circuit 38 displays the examination protocols that are mainly selected from among the examination protocols corresponding to the affected area included in the examination order as options.

In this way, all options are displayed to "day duty" operators who are familiar with the device and they can select the most suitable examination protocol from there, while "night duty" operators who may not be very familiar with the device can select the examination protocol to be performed from the commonly used examination protocols so that they do not waste unnecessary time selecting an examination protocol. Note that the examination protocol options displayed on the examination protocol selection screen can be set arbitrarily for each role, such as for specific individuals, for research, or for service and maintenance.

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

Figure 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 information indicating elements constituting the examination, including operations by the operator, arranged in chronological order for the examination protocol accepted by the input circuitry 31. Here, the control circuit 38 causes the display 32 to display information indicating operations by the operator and information indicating scans included in the elements constituting the examination, separately.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the control circuit 38 displays an icon 55 indicating the ON operation of the exposure switch, which is an operation by the operator, and icons 56 indicating the scans "3D Scano," "Sure Start," "Arterial Chest," and "Portal Abdomen" included in the selected examination protocol "Chest and Abdomen CE," in chronological order. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5A, the control circuit 38 displays the icons 55 and 56 in different shapes, thereby distinguishing between information indicating an operation by the operator and information indicating a scan. Note that in FIG. 5A, information indicating an operation by the operator is displayed as a circular icon, and information indicating a scan is displayed as a rectangular icon, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and each piece of information can be displayed in any shape.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the control circuit 38 displays an icon 55 indicating the ON operation of the exposure switch and an icon 56 indicating a scan, arranged from left to right in the order in which they will be performed. By referring to this screen, the operator can grasp at a glance the flow of the examination, the current status, the next operation to be performed, etc., enabling efficient image diagnosis. When an examination protocol is selected and the scanning screen is displayed, the "Scanning" area in the examination flow is highlighted, as shown by arrow 54 in FIG. 5A.

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

For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, in addition to an icon 55 indicating the ON operation of the exposure switch and an icon 56 indicating a scan, the control circuit 38 displays, in chronological order on the scanning screen, an icon 57 indicating a waiting time, an icon 58 indicating the time from when the exposure switch is pressed for the second time until each scan is started, and an icon 59 indicating the injection of a contrast agent.

By referring to the scanning screen shown in FIG. 5B, the operator can see at a glance that in the currently executed examination protocol, first, the operator presses the exposure button to perform a "3D Scano" scan for "6 seconds (6 sec)" to collect a positioning image (scanogram) for the scan, and then, by pressing the exposure button again, positioning is performed based on the collected scanogram, and then, by pressing the exposure button again, scanning of the affected area is started. Furthermore, by referring to the scanning image shown in FIG. 5B, the operator can see at a glance that contrast medium is injected at the same timing as the second exposure switch is pressed, and a "Sure Start" scan to check the flow of contrast medium is performed at "40.25 seconds (40.25 sec)" after "10 seconds (10.0 S)," and further, after "10 seconds (10.0 S)," a chest artery scan "Arterial Chest" is performed at "4.5 seconds (4.5 sec)" and an abdominal pulse scan "Portal Abdomen" is performed in this order.

Furthermore, in the scanning image shown in FIG. 5B, by referring to icon 58 which indicates the time from when the exposure switch is pressed until each scan starts, it is possible to visually grasp the time until each scan starts. Then, control circuit 38 displays the scan currently being performed in a state different from other scans. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, control circuit 38 highlights icon 56 which indicates the "3D Scano" scan. This allows the operator to grasp the current state at a glance.

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

In addition to the elements constituting the examination described above, on the scanning screen, the control circuit 38 can simultaneously display information showing the scan range on a human body model, position information of the subject (Patient Position), detailed information on the scan currently being performed (Scan Details), and the like, as shown in FIG. 5B. Furthermore, the control circuit 38 can display on the scanning screen the subject's electrocardiogram waveform shown by arrow 60 in FIG. 5B, and radiation exposure dose information shown by arrow 61. By referring to such a scanning screen, the operator can perform the examination while comprehensively checking the details of the scan and the subject's condition, in addition to the progress of the examination and information on the operator's own operation.

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

The control circuit 38 can also display parameter information corresponding to each scan included in the examination protocol. Specifically, the input circuitry 31 further accepts an operation to select information (e.g., an icon) indicating a scan displayed in chronological order. The control circuitry 38 causes the display 32 to display, together with the chronological information, the scan conditions corresponding to the information selected by the input circuitry 31 and information for editing the scan. That is, the control circuitry 38 causes the display 32 to display detailed parameter information of the selected scan with the elements constituting the examination (contents included in the examination) displayed in chronological order.

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

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

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

Here, these pieces of information are displayed in conjunction with the display information arranged in chronological order. As an example, the control circuit 38 highlights the information (e.g., an icon) of the scan currently being performed in the chronologically arranged display information, and highlights the X-ray dose of the scan currently being performed in the information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time.

The display information arranged in chronological order and the information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time can be switched by the button indicated by the arrow 64 in FIG. 8. For example, when the display information arranged in chronological order is displayed, if the button indicating the graph indicated by the arrow 64 is pressed via the input circuitry 31, the control circuitry 38 causes the information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time to be displayed on the scanning screen as shown in FIG. 8. On the other hand, when the information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time is displayed, if the rectangular button above the button indicating the graph indicated by the arrow 64 is pressed via the input circuitry 31, the control circuitry 38 causes the display information arranged in chronological order to be displayed on the scanning screen as shown in FIG. 5B, for example.

The display format of the chronologically arranged display information and the information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time may not only be a switching display as shown in FIG. 8, but may also be a display format of side-by-side display on the same screen. For example, the information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time may be displayed below the display information arranged in chronological order. Also, for example, corresponding icons may be displayed above the graphs of each scan in the information regarding the X-ray dose and execution time.

The display information arranged in chronological order and the information on the X-ray dose and execution time may be automatically switched depending on the examination protocol (or type of scan) being performed. In such a case, whether to display the display information arranged in chronological order or the information on the X-ray dose and execution time is associated with each examination protocol and type of scan and stored in the image storage circuitry 37, and the control circuitry 38 automatically switches the information to be displayed based on the stored information. As an example, when performing a scan for brain perfusion analysis, the control circuitry 38 displays the information on the X-ray dose and execution time.

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

When all scans according to the selected examination protocol have been 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 chronological information of the completed examination protocol.

If further scanning is to be performed, the operator presses the push button 65 via the input circuitry 31. When the operator presses the push button 65, the control circuitry 38 causes the display 32 to display, for example, an examination protocol selection screen as shown in FIG. 4. Then, when an additional examination protocol is selected, the control circuitry 38 executes a scan for the selected examination protocol in the same manner as in the above example.

On the other hand, when the operator wishes to end the scan, he or she presses the "Next" button located at the bottom right of the scanning screen via the input circuitry 31. When the operator presses the "Next" button, the control circuitry 38 generates image data from the X-ray CT image data collected by the scans of the examination protocol executed up to this point, and displays the image data on the display 32. 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 collected projection data, and generates image data for display by performing various image processing on the X-ray CT image data. For example, the control circuit 38 displays various image data on the display 32, as shown in FIG. 10. Here, the control circuit 38 automatically selects and generates the type of image data based on the attribute information (role) of the operator or attending physician, the affected area, and the selected examination protocol.

For example, correspondence information that pre-associates an application for generating image data with a specific individual, affected area, and examination protocol is stored in the image storage circuitry 37. When the scan is completed, the control circuitry 38 refers to the correspondence information stored in the image storage circuitry 37, acquires attribute information of the person who performed the scan that has been performed (the operator or the doctor who placed the examination order), and information on the application that corresponds to the affected area and examination protocol, and controls the image reconstruction circuitry 36 to generate image data using the application.

The control circuit 38 then 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 display image data previously collected for the same patient in a selectable manner for each series of data, as shown at the left end of FIG. 10. The operator checks the image data collected this time by observing the image review and past series data displayed on the display 32. When the image review screen is displayed, the "Image Review" area in the examination flow is highlighted, as shown by arrow 66 in FIG. 10.

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

The operator presses the push button displayed on the display 32 to carry out 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. In other words, the options displayed on the end option screen can be set arbitrarily by the operator.

Above, an example of displaying a GUI related to a scan for collecting X-ray CT image data has been described. 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 circuitry 31, the control circuitry 38 causes an operation screen related to imaging to be displayed on the display 32. 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 on which various image data are displayed in the "Imaging" tab 52. Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the control circuit 38 displays a selection area 68 for selecting a patient on the "Imaging" tab 52. The operator can operate the selection area 68 via the input circuit 31 to select a patient for which image data is to be displayed. The control circuit 38 displays the image data of the patient selected by the operator on the display 32.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the input circuitry 31 accepts an operation for selecting an examination for a subject. The control circuitry 38 displays, on the display 32, information indicating the elements constituting the examination, including the operations by the operator, for the examination accepted by the input circuitry 31, in chronological order. 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 next operation, etc., and enables efficient image diagnosis.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 38 distinguishes between information indicating the operation by the operator and information indicating the scan included in the elements that make up the examination, and displays them on the display 32. Therefore, the X-ray CT device 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to grasp at a glance the operation (action) of the operator during the examination.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the control circuit 38 further displays the waiting time as information indicating the elements that make up the examination. Therefore, the X-ray CT device 1 according to the first embodiment enables the operator to perform the examination efficiently. For example, the operator can accurately grasp the waiting time, and in cases where the waiting time is long, it is also possible to generate image data from the collected X-ray CT image data and perform confirmation work.

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the information indicating the operation by the operator includes information indicating that the operator should press a button and information indicating that the operator should inject a contrast agent. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment allows the operator to understand the timing of the operation.

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

Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the input circuitry 31 further accepts an operation to select information indicating a scan displayed in chronological order. The control circuitry 38 causes the display 32 to display, together with the information arranged in chronological order, the scan conditions corresponding to the information selected by the input circuitry 31 and information for editing the scan. Therefore, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment makes it possible to simultaneously check detailed information about the scan.

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

Second Embodiment
Although the first embodiment has been described above, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms other than the first embodiment described above.

In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which buttons related to screen transitions (for example, a "Back" button and a "Next" button) were displayed at the bottom left and bottom right of the screen. These buttons are arranged in approximately the same position even when the screen transitions, and are designed to eliminate the operator's need to take the time to search for the buttons. Therefore, once the operator becomes accustomed to the operation screen displayed by the display 32, he or she will naturally look at the position of the buttons. Therefore, what is displayed at the bottom left and bottom right of the screen is not limited to buttons related to screen transitions, and other items may also be displayed.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed by the display 32 according to the second embodiment. For example, the control circuit 38 according to the second embodiment displays a message area 69 in the lower right position of the screen as shown in Figure 13, and displays various messages in the message area 69. Note that the messages displayed in the message area are 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.).

In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the case where only a list of patients 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 circuitry 31, the control circuitry 38 according to the second embodiment simultaneously displays thumbnails of series data previously collected by the selected patient, as shown in FIG. 14. The operator can display the corresponding image data by selecting a thumbnail of the series data. The operator can easily select the optimal examination protocol for the examination to be performed this time by referring to the series data previously collected.

Here, the thumbnails of the series data shown in FIG. 14 allow data to be referenced in thumbnail form. For example, the series data shown by the leftmost thumbnail includes 600 pieces of image data collected from the chest to the abdomen. The operator can display the 600 images in thumbnail form in sequence by performing mouse operations 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 image data from different positions in thumbnail form based on the operation information of the mouse.

Furthermore, it is also possible to arbitrarily set the range of images to be displayed in thumbnail form. For example, a bar for setting the range is displayed next to the thumbnail shown in FIG. 14. The operator can also set the range of images by operating the bar via the input circuit 31. As an example, the input circuit 31 accepts an operation for setting the range from the 100th to the 500th image data of the 600 images contained in the series data shown by the thumbnail on the left side of FIG. 14. Thereafter, when the mouse is operated on the thumbnail on the left side, the control circuit 38 displays the image data from the 100th to the 500th images in thumbnail form.

The above-mentioned range setting can be performed separately for each thumbnail, or the range can be set for desired thumbnails all at once. For example, after the range from 100th to 500th is set for the leftmost thumbnail, the second and third thumbnails from the left are selected and range application is performed for them, so that the range from 100th to 500th is also set for the second and third thumbnails. The above-mentioned range application can be performed by pressing a dedicated push button, or by operating the mouse.

In the above-described embodiment, an X-ray CT device is used as the medical image diagnostic device. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and may be applied to an MRI device, a PET device, a SPECT device, an X-ray diagnostic device, or an ultrasonic diagnostic device. In other words, the control circuit of each medical image diagnostic device executes the same control as the control circuit 38 described above.

In addition, each component of each device illustrated in the first embodiment is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that illustrated, and all or part of it can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads and usage conditions. Furthermore, each processing function performed by each device can be realized in whole or in any part by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

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 workstation. This control program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. This control program can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer.

As explained above, each embodiment makes it possible to perform image diagnosis efficiently.

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

1 X-ray CT device 31 Input circuit 32 Display 38 Control circuit

Claims (9)

a display control unit that causes a display unit to display an examination protocol selection screen for selecting an examination protocol, a scan execution screen when executing a scan, a display screen for displaying medical images acquired by the scan , and an operation screen after executing multiple scans ;
a reception unit that receives operations from an operator on at least the examination protocol selection screen and the operation screen after the execution of the plurality of scans ;
Equipped with
The display control unit is
When the reception unit receives a selection of an examination protocol on the examination protocol selection screen, a plurality of scans included in the selected examination protocol are displayed side by side;
When the reception unit receives a press of a screen transition button displayed on the examination protocol selection screen while the plurality of scans are displayed, the scan execution screen is displayed in which scan icons indicating the plurality of scans are arranged from left to right in the order of scan execution, and start condition icons indicating start conditions of each scan are arranged together with the scan icons in a display form different from that of the scan icons and combined with the scan icons,
When the reception unit receives a press of a continue scan button displayed on an operation screen after the execution of the plurality of scans, the reception unit redisplays the examination protocol selection screen;
When the reception unit receives a press of an end scan button displayed on an operation screen after the multiple scans have been executed, the medical image diagnostic device displays medical images collected by the executed scans on the scan execution screen. The medical image diagnostic device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit displays an icon indicating an operation by the operator as the start condition icon. The medical image diagnostic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display control unit displays an icon indicating a waiting time as the start condition icon. The medical image diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the display control unit further displays an icon indicating to the operator to inject a contrast agent. The medical image diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display control unit further displays the subject's electrocardiogram waveform on the scan execution screen. The medical image diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the display control unit displays the scan icon indicating the scan currently being performed in emphasis in comparison with the scan icons indicating other scans, among the scan icons displayed in order of execution. the accepting unit further accepts an operation for selecting a scan icon displayed in order of execution,
The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the display control unit causes the display unit to display, together with the scan icons arranged in the order of execution, scan conditions corresponding to the scan icon selected by the reception unit and information for editing the scan. The medical image diagnostic device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the display control unit further displays information on the X-ray dose and execution time of each scan on the display unit in conjunction with the scan icons arranged in the order of execution. receiving an operation from an operator on at least the examination protocol selection screen and the operation screen after the execution of multiple scans out of an examination protocol selection screen for selecting an examination protocol, a scan execution screen when executing a scan, a display screen for displaying medical images acquired by the scan, and an operation screen after the execution of multiple scans ;
When the selection of an examination protocol is accepted on the examination protocol selection screen, a plurality of scans included in the selected examination protocol are displayed side by side;
When a screen transition button displayed on the examination protocol selection screen is pressed while the plurality of scans are displayed, the scan execution screen is displayed in which scan icons indicating the plurality of scans are arranged from left to right in the order of scan execution, and start condition icons indicating start conditions of each scan are arranged together with the scan icons in a display form different from that of the scan icons and combined with the scan icons;
when a pressing of a continue scan button displayed on an operation screen after the execution of the plurality of scans is accepted, the examination protocol selection screen is redisplayed;
when a pressing of a scan end button displayed on an operation screen after the execution of the plurality of scans is accepted, displaying medical images acquired by the executed scans on the scan execution screen;
The method includes:

Images