JPH06277210A - Image diagnostic device and its examination time shortening scan condition setting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide such a scan control method as a usual advance of an examination is suspended and the examination of a patient can be finished in the shortest time, at the time of emergency, in the image diagnostic device. CONSTITUTION:When it is instructed to select an examination time shortening scan mode by a selection switch, it is instructed to interrupt a usual examination at its point of time from an examination time shortening scan mode instructing part 11 to a scan control part 13, and simultaneously, it is instructed to generate the shortest scan condition in an examination condition to a shortest scan condition generating part 12. The scan control part 13 which obtains the interrupting instruction interrupts a scan by controlling a bed control part 14 and an X-ray control part 15. The shortest scan condition generating part 12 generates automatically the shortest scan condition. Subsequently, the scan control part 13 restarts and executes the scan by controlling the bed control part 4 and the X-ray control part 15, based on the generated shortest scan condition, after generation of the shortest scan condition by the shortest scan condition generating part 12 is completed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image diagnostic apparatus in the medical field and a scan condition setting method for reducing the inspection time thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a patient is examined by an image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI (nuclear magnetic resonance) CT apparatus in a hospital,
The imaging conditions (for example, X-ray conditions) of the image diagnostic apparatus, image reconstruction conditions, scan control mode, for example, scan (scanning) -image display-scanning (S & V mode) and scan operation are repeated depending on the examination site and examination item. The scan operation is different from the continuous scan operation (S & S mode), but these are currently patterned into dozens of patterns.

In the scan control mode, an appropriate time interval (interval) is set between a normal scan and an image display scan, or a scan and a scan, and an instruction to a patient (for example, an instruction by voice or a display) is given before and after. Is set (see FIG. 3 (A) and FIG. 4 (A)).

Usually, when an examination X is performed on a patient, an operator inputs an instruction using a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse on the operation panel of the image diagnostic apparatus, and the imaging condition of the image diagnostic apparatus and the reconstruction condition of the image, etc. Setting and preparation for the examination of the patient are completed, and then the operator sets the number of images to be taken for the examination.

In response to the operator's instructions and settings, the image processing apparatus selects a pattern x for inspection X (pattern setting for the scan plan table) as shown in FIG. 4A from the storage device and sets it in the working memory. (Neither is shown). When the scan is started, the image diagnostic apparatus performs scan control according to the pattern x and performs a scan for capturing the set number of images.

[0006] In the case of the examination that normally progresses (meaning that the examination progresses without delay according to the pattern), taking the case of scanning the lung field as an example, the imaging time is about 10 seconds per time in the S & V mode. , 3-4 in S & S mode
Seconds, a voice instruction time of 3 to 5 seconds, and an interval of 20 seconds to 30 (with an allowance) (see FIG. 3).
(A) and FIG. 4 (A)).

However, there are cases where it is difficult to proceed with the examination as in the normal case described above (for example, when the condition of the patient under examination deteriorates). It is necessary to stop the inspection or shorten the inspection time to complete the inspection.

In such a case, the inspection needs to be stopped in the worst case, but when it does not reach that level, it is desirable to finish the required number of images in the shortest possible time.

In the prior art, the inspection is temporarily interrupted, the scan mode set for the number of images and the inspection X is cleared (CLEAR), and then the inspection time reduction scan mode selection / adjustment unit 10 shown in FIG. Of the several patterns of examination time reduction scan plans that are preset in the apparatus (often registered in the storage device of the image diagnostic apparatus in a table format as shown in FIG. 4), the examination time reduction scan plan Select a pattern y in the scan time reduction scan mode that seems appropriate in the pattern (for example, select the selection switch on the operation panel or select a menu on the screen with the mouse), and further, scan time reduction scan mode for the inspection X After the pattern y was adjusted so as to obtain the pattern y ′, the scan control unit 13 controlled the scan.

Further, the scan control unit 13 controls the bed control unit 14 and the X-ray control unit 15 according to the given examination time reduction scan plan (pattern y ') to restart and execute the scan (FIG. 3). (A) and FIG. 4 (A)).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the scan plan table.
FIG. 3A shows a case in which the inspection that is normally proceeding with the pattern x is interrupted at the end of two steps (two images have been captured) of the pattern x due to the occurrence of a reason for interruption.

FIG. 4B shows a scan plan when the inspection time reduction scan mode is newly started in the inspection time reduction scan mode y'adjusted by the conventional method in order to complete the interrupted inspection in the shortest possible time. Shows the table.

Although the scanning time can be shortened by reducing the number of inspection sheets, if the emergency is not enough to stop the inspection, it is shorter than the number of inspection sheets for the purpose of'inspection '. It is said that it is desirable to take all the required numbers.

[0014]

The above-mentioned conventional scan control method is as follows: (a) interruption of inspection (b) pattern selection and setting of scan time reduction scan plan (c) set scan time reduction scan plan pattern Adjustment to the pattern for inspection X (d) Setting of the number of inspections (e) Scan control start instruction (f) Adjustment of hardware conditions is required, but the above steps (a) to (f) are all on the operation panel. Operator intervention such as an instruction by operating a switch is required, and as shown in FIG. 3B, it takes time from the interruption of step (a) to the restart (RE-START) of the scan in step (e).

Further, even after the scan is restarted, a complicated procedure is required, such as resetting other imaging conditions (for example, rescanning (FIG. 3B)) accompanying a change in the scan plan. was there.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in an image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus or an MRI apparatus, in an emergency, the normal progress of the examination is interrupted and the patient can be treated in the shortest time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a scan control method capable of ending the inspection of.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, the image diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a scan control according to a first scan condition which is selectively set according to a predetermined inspection item for a subject. In an image diagnostic apparatus having a scan control means for performing the above, further, a time reduction instruction for sending a scan control operation interruption command to the scan control section and sending a shortened scan condition generation start command to the shortened scan condition generation means. Means and the generation start command of the shortened scan condition from the time shortening instruction means, each parameter constituting the first scan condition is analyzed, and the shortest time corresponding condition of each parameter is set to each parameter. Reconfigure scan condition 1
And a shortened scan condition generating unit that generates a shortened scan condition, wherein the scan control unit restarts the scan control according to the generated shortened scan condition.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of setting a scan condition for shortening an inspection time of an image diagnostic apparatus, wherein in the image diagnostic apparatus of the first aspect, the shortened scan condition generating means comprises the following steps (1) to (4). Characterize.

(1) When the scan mode parameter forming the first scan condition does not correspond to the continuous scan mode, the scan mode parameter corresponds to the continuous scan mode.

(2) When the operation instruction parameter for the subject constituting the first scan condition is significant, the operation instruction parameter is changed so as not to be significant.

(3) If the value of the interval parameter indicating the interval defining the scan interval that constitutes the first scan condition is not the minimum value, the value of the interval is changed to the minimum value.

(4) If the rated conditions of the components that define the scan execution among the components that make up the image diagnostic apparatus do not match the values of the interval parameters changed in step (3) above, the values of the interval parameters To meet the rated conditions of the components.

[0023]

With the above construction, the image diagnostic apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention sends a scan control operation interruption command to the scan control unit by the time shortening instruction means, and at the same time issues a shortened scan condition generation start command to the scan condition generation means. And the short scan condition generation means analyzes each of the parameters forming the first scan condition in response to a short scan condition generation start command from the time reduction instruction means, and determines the shortest time corresponding condition of each parameter. Each parameter is set to reconfigure the first scan condition to generate the short scan condition. Then, the scan control unit restarts the scan control according to the generated short scan condition.

As a result, the scan control operation interruption command and the generation start command of the shortened scan condition are sent, the first scan condition is analyzed by the shortened scan condition generation means based on the generation start command of the shortened scan condition, and the first scan is performed. Reconstruction of conditions, resulting in generation of short scan conditions,
The process of restarting the scan control based on the shortened scan condition generated by the scan control unit is automatically performed according to the instruction from the time shortening instruction unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image diagnostic apparatus of the first aspect, the shortened scan condition generating means generates the shortened scan condition by the following steps.

(1) When the scan mode parameter constituting the first scan condition does not correspond to the continuous scan mode, the scan mode parameter corresponds to the continuous scan mode.

(2) When the motion instruction parameter for the subject constituting the first scan condition is significant, the motion instruction parameter is changed so as not to be significant.

(3) If the value of the interval parameter indicating the interval defining the scan interval forming the first scan condition is not the minimum value, the value of the interval is changed to the minimum value.

(4) If the rated conditions of the components that define the scan execution among the components that make up the image diagnostic apparatus do not match the value of the interval parameter changed in step (3) above, the value of the interval parameter To meet the rated conditions of the components.

[0030]

1 is a block diagram of an embodiment in which an inspection time shortening scan control method for an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an X-ray CT apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the shortest scan condition generation unit 11.

In FIG. 1, 11 is an inspection time reduction scan mode instructing unit, 12 is a shortest scanning condition generating unit, and 13 is a shortest scanning condition generating unit.
Is a scan control unit, 14 is a bed control unit, and 15 is an X-ray control unit.

When an emergency (for example, deterioration of the patient's condition) occurs during the process of inspecting the patient by the X-ray CT apparatus to obtain a tomographic image, and it is not so much as to stop the inspection, it is possible. It is necessary to collect and reconstruct the required number of image data in a short time to finish the process and release the patient from the X-ray CT apparatus.

Therefore, when the operator instructs the selection of the inspection time reduction scan mode with the selection switch of the operation panel (for example, the switch 5 is set to the inspection time reduction scan mode) according to the doctor's instruction, the inspection time reduction scan mode instruction unit 11 instructs the scan control unit 13 to suspend the normal inspection at that time, and at the same time, instructs the shortest scan condition generation unit 12 to generate the shortest scan condition (scan plan) in the inspection condition.

The scan controller 13 that has received the interrupt instruction controls the bed controller 14 and the X-ray controller 15 to interrupt the scan. In this case, the number of captured images is not cleared at the time of interruption,
The number of completed images up to the time of interruption is set in the imaged counter. Further, the position of the patient (the position of the bed) is maintained at the position at the time of interruption.

As a result, the operator can instruct the interruption of the scan and the selection of the inspection time shortening scan mode by only one touch operation (ON operation) of the predetermined switch on the operation panel.

The shortest scan condition generator 12 automatically generates the shortest scan condition as described later (see FIG. 2). After the generation of the shortest scan condition by the shortest scan condition generation unit 12, the scan control unit 13 notifies the bed control unit 14 and the X-ray control unit 15 based on the generated shortest scan condition by the generation completion notification of the shortest scan condition. Etc. are controlled to restart and execute the scan (FIG. 3C,
(See FIG. 4C). In this case, the number of captured images N is not reset, and the image capturing from the (N + 1) th image is restarted.

In the above case, the scan control unit 13 notifies the bed control unit 14 and the X-ray control unit according to the shortest scan condition by the completion notification of the shortest scan condition after the shortest scan condition generation unit 12 completes the generation of the shortest scan condition. 1
5 is controlled to restart and execute the scan, but not limited to this, for example, after the generation of the shortest scan condition by the shortest scan condition generation unit 12, the changed condition is displayed on the monitor and operated by the operator. After the confirmation information is input from the selection switch on the panel or the keyboard, the scan control unit 13 controls the bed control unit 14 and the X-ray control unit 15 according to the shortest scan condition by the shortest scan condition generation unit 12 to restart the scan. And execution may be performed.

In the above, selection of the inspection time reduction scan mode and input of confirmation information of the shortest scan condition may be performed by selecting a menu or icon (not shown) on the monitor with a mouse or the like. it can.

The operation of the inspection time reduction scan mode condition generating unit 11 will be described below with reference to FIG. 2 by taking the X-ray CT apparatus as an example.

As described above, when the operator instructs the selection of the inspection time reduction scan mode using the selection switch on the operation panel, the inspection time reduction scan mode instruction unit 11 instructs the scan control unit 13 to interrupt the normal inspection at that time. At the same time, the shortest scan condition generation unit 12 is instructed to generate the shortest scan condition in the inspection condition. In this case, the number of captured images is not cleared at the time of interruption, and the number of completed images up to the time of interruption is set in the imaged counter. Then, the shortest scan condition generating unit 12 generates the shortest scan condition in the inspection condition by the following steps.

[Step 1] Scan mode is S & S
It is determined whether or not the mode (continuous scan mode). When the examination X is performed on the patient, the pattern x for the examination X is set, so the scan plan table of the pattern x (see FIG. 4A) is checked and the number of scans completed at the time when the scan is interrupted ( Equal to the number N of captured images) +1
It is checked whether the second scanning operation (mode) is the S & S mode.

If it is not the S & S mode, step 32 is executed, and if it is the S & S mode, step 3 is executed.
In the S & S mode, scan, scan, and so on are repeated, so the shortest time (scan 1
Imaging can be performed in 3 to 4 seconds per time + interval).

[Step 2] All scan modes are changed to S & S. For example, when the scan mode is the S & V mode, scan, image display, scan, and image display are repeated as image display, scan, ... It takes about 10 seconds + interval in one cycle of "." Therefore, all scan modes of the pattern x for the inspection X are changed to the S & S mode, which has the shortest time.

[Step 3] It is determined whether or not there is an instruction to the patient such as voice. Check the instruction column of the scan plan table of the pattern x for the inspection X to determine whether there is an instruction (for example, voice) or not (for example, no voice), and if there is an instruction, execute step 4 to give an instruction. If there is not, execute step 5.

[Step 4] All the instruction contents are turned off so as not to give the instruction. For the patient lying on the bed by the X-ray CT apparatus, the value of the scan control parameter (the value of the control operation contents (scan mode, presence / absence of voice, interval, etc.) for each stage of the scan plan table) The patient is instructed by voice, display, or the like about predetermined patient actions such as inhalation (breathing) and exhalation (breathing).

For example, since it takes 3 to 5 seconds for voice display, the "none" flag is set in all the instruction columns of the pattern x for the inspection X so that no instruction by voice or display is given in an emergency.

[Step 5] It is determined whether the scan interval is the shortest. If the scan interval is not the shortest, step 6 is executed, and if it is the shortest, step 7 is executed.

[Step 6] Minimize the scan interval. As described above, the physical action time (for example, the heat capacity of the X-ray tube is determined by a predetermined amount) that accompanies the patient's action time for the instruction (for example, voice instruction) and the repetition of the scan stop-start operation between the scans as described above. The interval is provided as an adjustment time for maintaining the time, mechanical correction time for stopping and moving the bed, etc.). Since the normal interval is set with a margin (20 to 30 seconds), it may be the minimum time for clearing the hard condition in an emergency.

[Step 7] It is checked whether the current hardware condition matches the shortest scan condition. If they do not match, step 8 is executed. Hard conditions include short-term rated voltage and heat capacity of the tube.

[Step 8] The interval is changed / adjusted to meet the hardware conditions. For example, the interval is changed so as to minimize the heat load on the X-ray tube.

[Step 9] Generation end notification of the shortest scan condition. The shortest scan condition generation unit 12 generates the shortest scan condition by the above steps 1 to 7 (or steps 1 to 8), and the required number of images (the required number of images-the number of images already captured).
When the generation of the shortest scan condition is completed, the scan control unit 13 is notified of the end of the generation of the shortest scan condition.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the flow of the inspection.
In FIG. 3A, the scan control by the scan controller 13 and the carry-in 31 to the inspection mechanism by the patient's bed, the scano 32, and the scan control are shown in FIG. 3A. Scan in scan mode set in plan table 36
And a predetermined time 37 consisting of voice instructions and intervals
The above-mentioned group is repeated for the number of captured images, and the required inspection is completed.

FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of the flow of the entire inspection including the flow of the time-reduced scan according to the conventional method when an emergency occurs during the normal progress of the inspection. The shortest scan mode and the number of images to be picked up are set by the operation, and the scan control is executed after repeating the scanning.

As is apparent from FIG. 3B, the time 39 required for the scan mode and the time 40 required for the instruction and the interval are shorter than those in the case of FIG. 3A, but the time required for the operator's operation is indefinite. Yes, and it takes time to re-execute the scano.

FIG. 3C is an explanatory diagram of the flow of the whole inspection including the flow of the time-reduced scan by the scan control method of the present invention when an emergency occurs during the normal progress of the inspection, and the shortest scan condition. The interval 41 from the interruption of the scan control by the scan control unit 13 to the restart of the scan under the new condition is short in order to automatically set the setting, and the required time 42 of the scan mode and the required time 43 of the instruction and the interval are also shown in FIG. It becomes shorter than the case of 3 (B).

Further, unlike the conventional case, since the set value is not cleared, the scano re-execution time is not required, and the scan restart for the next image pickup of the imaged number is smoothly performed.

Furthermore, since the bed can be continuously driven and controlled from the position at the time of interruption, no mechanical movement time is required to set it to the position before the interruption.

Furthermore, since the scan interval for maintaining the hard condition (minimum condition) is automatically maintained, the consistency with the hard condition is maintained.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a scan plan table for examining the abdomen, and FIG. 4 (A) shows a case where the examination which has normally proceeded is interrupted after the second imaging is completed.

FIG. 4B shows a time-reduced scan plan table newly set by the conventional method.

FIG. 4C shows a scan plan table based on the condition before interruption and the new shortened scan condition after interruption by the scan control method of the present invention.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made.

[0063]

As described above, according to the present invention, the shortest scan condition can be automatically generated.
In an image diagnostic apparatus such as an X-ray CT apparatus, in an emergency, the normal progress of the examination can be interrupted and the examination of the patient can be completed in the shortest time.

In addition, according to the above, the operator does not need to perform the operation of selecting / adjusting the shortened scan mode for the scan control for shortening the inspection time by the operator for the control of the scan for shortening the inspection time unlike the prior art. The scan time can be instructed to reduce the inspection time with one touch using a switch or a mouse.

Therefore, the scanning can be completed in a shorter time while securing the required number of images.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment when an inspection time reduction scan control method for an image diagnostic apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an X-ray CT apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a shortest scan condition generation unit in the block diagram of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow of inspection.

FIG. 4 is an example of a scan plan table when examining the abdomen.

FIG. 5 is a conventional example of a scan control method for shortening the inspection time of the image diagnostic apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 time reduction scan mode instruction unit (time reduction instruction means) 12 shortest scan condition generation unit (shortened scan condition generation means) 13 scan control unit

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image diagnostic apparatus having scan control means for performing scan control according to a first scan condition selectively set by a predetermined inspection item for a subject, further comprising scan control for the scan control section. The operation stop command is transmitted, and at the same time, the time reduction instruction means for transmitting the generation start instruction of the shortened scan condition to the shortened scan condition generation means, and the generation start instruction of the shortened scan condition from the time reduction instruction means Each of the parameters constituting one scan condition is analyzed, and the shortest time corresponding condition of each parameter is set to each of the parameters to reconfigure the first scan condition to generate the shortened scan condition. And a scan unit that scans according to the generated short scan conditions. An image diagnostic apparatus characterized by restarting scanning control. 2. The image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An inspection time shortening scan condition setting method for an image diagnostic apparatus, characterized in that the shortening scan condition generating means comprises the following steps (1) to (4). (1) When the scan mode parameter that constitutes the first scan condition does not correspond to the continuous scan mode, the scan mode parameter corresponds to the continuous scan mode. (2) When the motion instruction parameter for the subject forming the first scan condition is significant, the motion instruction parameter is changed so as not to be significant. (3) If the value of the interval parameter indicating the interval defining the scan interval forming the first scan condition is not the minimum value, the value of the interval is changed to the minimum value. (4) When the rated condition of the component that defines the scan execution among the components that configure the image diagnostic apparatus does not match the value of the interval parameter changed in step (3), the value of the interval parameter is set as described above. Meet the rated conditions of the part.