JPH07275237A - Image photographing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an image photographing device for a speedy image diagnosing work with the aid of photograph judging doctor working at the time of planning of photographing plans. CONSTITUTION:This image photographing device is provided with an X-ray CT1 photographing tomographic images and further photographing a scannogram for setting the photographing positions of tomographic images, a work station 4 taking in the scannogram from the X ray CT1 while being connected through the X ray CT1 and a network circuit 7, and setting the photographing positions on the scannogram and sending information of the photographic positions previously set.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus for capturing a positioning image before capturing a continuous tomographic image or a single slice tomographic image of a patient.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional relatively large-scale hospital, work is being subdivided. For example, in image diagnosis work,
Previously, doctors who performed diagnosis and treatment also read images taken by radiologists who were qualified to handle radiation, but in recent years, specialist image interpreters have taken images taken by radiographers. After reading an image, doctors have come to perform diagnosis and treatment by looking at an image reading result (image reading report) by the image reading doctor.

A series of work flows relating to conventional image diagnosis will be described below. In the case of an X-ray computer tomography apparatus (X-ray CT), this work is started by the doctor issuing an imaging request form to the radiologist. In the imaging request form, in addition to patient-specific information such as patient name and patient age, information regarding imaging conditions such as an imaging site is written. The radiologist receives this imaging request form and makes an imaging plan. First, a projection image for positioning called a scanogram is taken. And the radiologist alone,
Or set each position of the continuous section through the scan console while observing the scanogram according to the doctor's instruction. As a result, the CPU in the console automatically sets conditions such as each position on the continuous step and the tilt angle (tilt angle) of the gantry. In addition to this position information, conditions such as X-ray tube voltage, X-ray tube current, distance between X-ray tube and subject (X-ray shift amount), reconstruction function, and number of imaging pulses are set. .

After such an imaging plan, imaging (scanning) is actually executed, and projection data in all angles is collected for each cross section. A CT image (tissue tomographic image) of each cross section is reconstructed by a computer using the projection data collected in this way, and these CT images are sent to a workstation for image reading in an image reading room and used for image reading. The result of this image interpretation is put together in an image interpretation report and conveyed to the doctor who made the imaging request. The doctor refers to this interpretation report to make a diagnosis and determine a treatment policy. Such a series of flows is the same even in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

[0005]

In such a conventional flow of image diagnosis, the scan plan is changed and the image is re-acquired again due to the lack of information due to the displacement between the lesion and the imaging section in the image reading stage. Sometimes things have to happen. It is considered that this is mainly due to the fact that the interpreting doctor did not intervene in the planning of the scan plan.
Re-imaging leads to increased patient throughput. It is the current situation that an image capturing apparatus configured according to a work flow that realizes a quick image diagnosis work while intervening an image interpreting doctor in drafting a scan plan has not been established. The purpose of the present invention is to allow a radiogram interpretation doctor to intervene in the planning of an imaging plan,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image capturing apparatus that realizes a quick image diagnosis work.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image photographing means for photographing a tomographic image and a positioning image for setting a photographing position of the tomographic image, and the image photographing means. It is connected to the shooting means via a line,
A photographing position setting means for fetching the positioning image from the image photographing means, setting the photographing position on the positioning image, and sending information on the set photographing position to the image photographing means. This is an image capturing device provided.

The invention according to claim 4 is provided with an image photographing means for photographing a tomographic image, and an operating means connected to the image photographing means via a line for remotely controlling the image photographing means. It is an image capturing device.

[0008]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the photographing position setting means can be installed in the reading room remote from the photographing room.
This allows the image interpretation doctor to set the imaging position of the tomographic image.
Therefore, the number of times the patient imaging instruction is issued again in the image interpretation stage is reduced, so that the patient throughput can be shortened. Further, since the image interpretation doctor can change the image capturing position through the image capturing position setting means while the image interpreting doctor is in the image reading room, the image capturing can be performed quickly even when the patient is imaged again.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the operating means can be installed in the image reading room remote from the imaging room. This allows the image interpretation doctor to remotely operate the image capturing means. Therefore, the number of times the patient imaging instruction is issued again in the image interpretation stage is reduced, so that the patient throughput can be shortened.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image capturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of X-ray computer tomography apparatuses (X-ray CT) 1, 2 and 3 are installed in radiography rooms of different hospitals A, B and C, respectively. A plurality of image reading workstations 4, 5 and 6 are installed in the image reading rooms remote from the imaging room. The plurality of image reading workstations 4, 5, 6 are often provided with a plurality of X-ray CTs 1, 2, 3 via a network line 7 such as a LAN (local area network) constructed as a client-server model. Connected to.

The X-rays CT1, CT2, CT3 are used for capturing a continuous tomographic image (continuous sectional tomographic image) of a patient, or a single slice tomographic image, and at the stage of planning an imaging plan before executing this imaging. Positioning image (scanogram) for setting each imaging position of the cross section
In the configuration of FIG. 1, one or more of the plurality of X-ray CTs may be replaced with a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. Each position of the tomographic image is
At any position and angle on the scanogram, for example FIG.
It is specified by specifying a plurality of parallel line cursors such as. In addition to information on each position of this tomographic image,
In the imaging plan, various conditions such as the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, the X-ray tube shift amount (distance between the X-ray tube and the subject), the selection of the reconstruction function, and the number of imaging pulses are set. These conditions are
It is needless to say that it can be displayed overlaid on a positioning image (scanogram) and can be corrected to any value by matching the cursor to any condition with a mouse or the like.

Multiple interpretation workstations 4, 5, 6
Is the same as the conventional one, in addition to the monitor display for the radiogram interpretation doctor to interpret the tomographic images taken by the X-ray CTs 1, 2, and 3,
It has a unique function of the present invention. That is, the image interpretation workstations 4, 5 and 6 have a function of remotely planning a photographing plan, that is, setting a photographing condition by remote control. X-ray CT is available at the interpretation workstations 4, 5 and 6.
The scanograms 1, 2 and 3 are taken in via the network line 7, and the position of the radiographic cross section is set on the scanogram via an input device such as a mouse or keyboard that is manually operated by an image interpretation doctor. From the image interpretation workstations 4, 5 and 6, in addition to the position of the imaging cross section, the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, the distance between the X-ray tube and the subject (X-ray shift amount), and reconstruction. Each condition such as a function and the number of imaging pulses is set. The imaging conditions set in the image interpretation workstations 4, 5 and 6 are X-ray CT1, 2 and
3 is transferred. The X-ray CTs 1, 2, and 3 perform imaging according to the imaging conditions transferred from the image interpretation workstations 4, 5, and 6.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the X-ray CT1 and the image interpretation workstation 4 of FIG. Descriptions of the X-ray CTs 2 and 3 and the image interpretation workstations 5 and 6 having the same configurations as those shown in FIG. 2 will be omitted. The X-ray CT1 is roughly divided into a pedestal 10, a console 11, and a high voltage generator 12
Consists of. A gantry 10, which is a structure for collecting all-angle projection data of an imaging cross section, has a ring-shaped gantry (not shown) supported by a pedestal mechanism so as to be tiltable and rotatable with respect to a vertical axis. , Gantry drive control device 1
3, imaging system 14, bed (not shown), bed drive controller 1
5, a data collection device 16 is included. The gantry drive control device 13 rotationally drives the rotary gantry. The imaging system 14 is composed of an X-ray tube and a multi-channel type X-ray detector array that are opposed to each other across the imaging region and are mounted on a rotary mount. When the tube power is supplied from the high voltage generator 12 to the X-ray tube, the X-ray tube receives X
The line is fan-shaped. The bed drive control device 15 drives the bed and inserts or removes the subject into or from the imaging region.
The data acquisition device 16 individually amplifies the detection signal detected by each channel of the multi-channel type X-ray detector array and converts it into a digital signal.

When scanning a scanogram, the rotary gantry is stopped and the bed continuously moves the subject along the body axis during continuous operation of the X-ray tube and the multi-channel type X-ray detector array. As a result, a scanogram such as an X-ray projection image viewed from one direction is captured. On the other hand, in the case of imaging in which all-angle projection data is collected, the rotary gantry is rotated, and the bed is used to move the subject along the body axis during continuous or intermittent operation of the X-ray tube and the multi-channel X-ray detector array. It is moved intermittently at the slice pitch. As a result, all-angle projection data for each cross-section that is planned to be captured is collected.

The console 11 includes an image reconstructing device 17,
An image filing device 18, an image display device 19, a CPU 20 for controlling the entire X-ray CT, an input device 21, and a LAN interface 22 for the network line 7 are included. The digital signal from the data acquisition device 16 is processed by the image reconstruction device 17. As a result, an image, that is, a tomographic image is reconstructed. The data of the tomographic image is once stored in a large-capacity storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk of the image file device 18, and the image file device 1 is appropriately used.
8 is read out and displayed on the image display device 19. The input device 21 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a joystick (or a trackball), and the like.
Via the imaging conditions, that is, the position of the imaging cross section, the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, the distance between the X-ray tube and the subject (X-ray shift amount), the reconstruction function, the number of imaging pulses, etc. Conditions are set. A radiographer performs a scanogram imaging operation via the input device 21.

The scanogram data photographed by the photographing system 14 is sent to the network line 7 via the CPU 20 and the LAN interface 22. The image interpretation workstation 4 includes a CPU 23, an image display device 24, a LAN interface 25 for the network line 7, and an input device 26 including a mouse and a keyboard. The scanogram sent from the X-ray CT1 via the network line 7 is displayed on the image display device 24 via the CPU 23. On the scanogram, the position of the imaging section is set as a plurality of parallel line cursors via the input device 21 by the operation of the radiogram interpreter. The plurality of line cursors are located at arbitrary positions along the body axis of the subject and desired by the interpreter, and at arbitrary tilt angles (of the gantry) desired by the interpreter with respect to the vertical axis orthogonal to the body axis of the subject. (Corresponding to the tilt angle) and an arbitrary interval (corresponding to the slice pitch) desired by the image interpretation doctor. In addition to the position of the above-mentioned imaging cross section, the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, and the distance between the X-ray tube and the subject (X-ray shift) as required, via the input device 21 by the operation of the radiologist. Amount), reconstruction function, number of imaging pulses, etc. are set.

The radiographing conditions are X-ray CT through the CPU 23, LAN interface 25, and network line 7.
Forwarded to 1. The CPU 20 of the X-ray CT1 has the high voltage generator 12 and each unit 1 of the gantry 10 according to the imaging conditions.
The control of 3, 14, 15 and 16 is performed in an integrated manner to execute the photographing of each cross section according to the photographing plan.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram of FIG. 3 viewed from the movement of a person. FIG. 5 is a view showing a display screen of the image display device of the image interpretation workstation.

First, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Before the actual scanning of the continuous section is started, a scantographic imaging operation is performed by the radiologist via the input device 21 of the console 11. That is, the rotary gantry is stopped, and the subject continuously moves along the body axis direction by the bed during continuous operation of the X-ray tube and the multi-channel type X-ray detector array. As a result, a scanogram such as an X-ray projection image viewed from one direction is captured. The data of this scanogram is the CPU 20 of the console 11, LAN
It is sent to the image interpretation workstation 4 (or 5 or 6) waiting for the image interpretation doctor via the interface 22 and the network line 7. The scanogram is displayed on the image display device 24 via the CPU 23 of the image interpretation workstation 4. The radiologist looks at this scanogram and makes a scan plan. That is, each position of the continuous cross section is set on the scanogram as a plurality of parallel line cursors through the input device 21 by the operation of the image interpretation doctor, as shown in FIG. The plurality of line cursors are located at arbitrary positions along the body axis of the subject and desired by the interpreter, and at arbitrary tilt angles (of the gantry) desired by the interpreter with respect to the vertical axis orthogonal to the body axis of the subject. Equivalent to the tilt angle),
And it is set to an arbitrary interval (corresponding to the slice pitch) desired by the image interpreting doctor.

In addition to the position of this radiographic cross section, an X-ray tube voltage, an X-ray tube current, a distance between the X-ray tube and the subject (X-ray shift amount) by an image reading doctor via the input device 21 of the image reading workstation 4. ), Reconstruction function, number of imaging pulses, etc. are set. The image capturing conditions set in the image interpretation workstations 4, 5 and 6 are the CPU 23 and the LAN interface 2
5, CPU2 of X-ray CT1 via network line 7
Is transferred to 0. CPU20 according to these shooting conditions
Under the integrated control of the above, the high voltage generator 12 and the respective units 13, 14, 15, 16 of the gantry 10 operate in association with each other. That is, the rotary mount is set to be tilted by the tilt angle with respect to the vertical axis, the rotary mount is continuously driven to rotate, and the X-ray tube and the multi-channel X-ray detector array are operated continuously or intermittently. The bed moves the subject intermittently along the body axis direction at a slice pitch. As a result, all-angle projection data for each cross-section that is planned to be captured is collected. The projection data collected in this way is sent to the image reconstruction device 17, and a tomographic image of each cross section of the continuous cross section is reconstructed.

The tomographic image data of each of these cross-sections is stored in the CPU 20 of the console 11, the LAN interface 22,
Then, the image data is transferred via the network line 7 to the image interpretation workstation 4 (or 5 or 6) waiting for the image interpretation doctor who has set the imaging conditions. The data of the tomographic image of each of these cross sections is stored in the CPU 23 of the image interpretation workstation 4.
And is displayed via the image display device 24 one at a time or collectively at a time. The radiologist interprets the displayed image. This image interpretation result is summarized in an image interpretation report and is reported to the doctor who requested the imaging as an image interpretation result report.

Next, referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 3 will be described from the viewpoint of the movement of a person. The doctor (physician) explains to the patient about radiography, instructs the nurse to take care of the radiography, and issues a radiographing request form to the radiological technologist to take radiographs to the radiogram interpreter. Ask for the interpretation.

The nurse who receives the instruction from the doctor places the patient on the bed in the radiographing room and fixes the patient to the bed in order to avoid the movement as much as possible in preparation for the radiography. The radiologist who received the imaging request form from the doctor first operates the X-ray CT1 to image the scanogram. The scanogram data is transferred from the X-ray CT1 to the image interpretation workstation 4 in which the image interpretation doctor who is requested by the doctor waits. The radiologist
The input device 26 is operated to set shooting conditions. That is,
A plurality of line cursors are operated on the scanogram through the input device 21 by the operation of the radiogram interpreter, at any position desired by the radiogram interpreter along the body axis of the subject, with respect to the vertical axis orthogonal to the body axis of the subject. Is set to an arbitrary tilt angle (corresponding to the tilt angle of the gantry) desired by the radiologist, and an arbitrary interval (corresponding to the slice pitch) desired by the radiologist. Also, a plurality of plans can be made as the same plan by changing arbitrary pitches and other conditions.

In addition to the position of the radiographic cross section, the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, the distance between the X-ray tube and the subject (X-ray) can be set by the image reading doctor via the input device 21 of the image reading workstation 4. Each condition such as the shift amount), the reconstruction function, and the number of imaging pulses is set.

The radiographing conditions set in this way are X-ray CT.
1 is transferred to the CPU 20 in the console 11 and the CPU
Imaging is performed under the overall control of 20, and a tomographic image of each cross section is reconstructed.

When the radiographer finishes the radiographing, the radiographer notifies the nurse who has been waiting in a place not exposed to the radiation during the radiographing to the end of the radiographing. The nurse releases the patient from X-ray CT1.
The image interpreting doctor interprets each tomographic image transferred to the image interpretation workstation 4 and reports the image interpretation result to the doctor as an image interpretation report.

The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the tomographic image and the interpretation result, and makes a treatment plan. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image interpretation doctor can easily intervene in the setting of the imaging conditions, that is, the planning of the imaging plan. Therefore, the number of times of re-imaging due to lack of information at the image interpretation stage is reduced, so that the patient throughput can be shortened. In addition, since the image interpreting doctor can set the imaging conditions while staying in the image reading room, it is possible to prevent the series of image diagnosis processes from becoming long even if the image interpreting doctor intervenes in setting the imaging conditions. Further, since the image interpreting doctor can set the image capturing condition while staying in the image capturing room, the image capturing can be performed promptly even when the patient is imaged again. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. Figure 6
FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of an image capturing device according to a second embodiment.
In FIG. 6, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof will not be repeated. In this embodiment, the imaging operation input device 3 which is the same as the input device 21 in the console 11 of the X-ray CT1 is used.
0 is installed in the image reading workstation 4 so that a radiographing doctor who is qualified to handle radiation can remotely control the scanning of the scanogram and the tomographic image from the reading room. . This photographing operation input device 3
Like 0, the input device 21 includes a mouse, a keyboard, a joystick (or a trackball), and the like. That is, the imaging conditions such as the X-ray tube voltage, the X-ray tube current, the distance between the X-ray tube and the subject are set through the imaging operation input device 30, and the scanning operation of the scanogram is performed, and the imaging operation is performed. Done.

In order to enable remote control, a TV camera 31 for monitoring the imaging room and an imaging room for monitoring the subject is installed in the imaging room. The video signal picked up by the TV camera 31 for monitoring the photographing room is controlled by the CPU 20 and the image display device 24 of the image interpretation workstation 4 via the LAN interface 22 and the network line 7.
Sent to and displayed.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram of FIG. 7 viewed from the movement of a person. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen of the image display device of the image interpretation workstation.

First, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Before actually starting the radiography, the radiogram interpreter performs a scanogram radiography operation on the X-ray CT1 by remote control via the radiography operation input device 30 of the radiogram interpretation workstation 4. The radiogram interpreter performs a scanogram imaging operation while observing the monitoring monitor (see FIG. 9) displayed on the image display device 24. That is, the rotary gantry is stopped, and the subject continuously moves along the body axis direction by the bed during continuous operation of the X-ray tube and the multi-channel type X-ray detector array. As a result, a scanogram such as an X-ray projection image viewed from one direction is captured by the X-ray CT1.
The data of this scanogram is CP of console 11.
An image interpreting doctor is sent to the image interpretation workstation 4 via the U 20, the LAN interface 22, and the network line 7. Scanogram is Interpretation Workstation 4
It is sent to the image display device 24 through the CPU 23 and displayed. The radiologist sets the imaging conditions while looking at this scanogram. That is, the input device 2 is operated by the interpretation doctor.
As shown in FIG. 9, each position of cross-sectional imaging is set via 1 as a plurality of parallel line cursors on the scanogram. The plurality of line cursors are located at arbitrary positions along the body axis of the subject and desired by the interpreting doctor, and at arbitrary tilt angles (of the gantry) desired by the interpreting doctor with respect to a vertical axis orthogonal to the body axis of the subject. (Corresponding to the tilt angle) and an arbitrary interval (corresponding to the slice pitch) desired by the image interpretation doctor. The X-ray tube voltage, X-ray tube current, distance between the X-ray tube and the subject (X-ray shift) as well as the position of the above-mentioned imaging cross section are input through the input device 21 by the operation of the radiologist. Amount), reconstruction function, number of imaging pulses, etc. are set.

The radiographing conditions are X-ray CT through the CPU 23, the LAN interface 25, and the network line 7.
1 is transferred to the CPU 20. At the arbitrary timing after these preparations are completed, the image interpretation doctor inputs an instruction to start imaging through the image capturing operation input device 30 of the image interpretation workstation 4. The instruction to start the shooting is issued by the CPU 23 and LA.
X via N interface 25 and network line 7
It is transferred to the CPU 20 of the line CT1. X-ray CT1 CP
U20 is a high voltage generator 12, each part 13 of the gantry 10,
14, 15 and 16 control the operation in relation to each other, and start photographing (scanning). That is, the rotary mount is set to be tilted by the tilt angle with respect to the vertical axis, the rotary mount is continuously driven to rotate, and the X-ray tube and the multi-channel X-ray detector array are operated continuously or intermittently. The bed moves the subject intermittently along the body axis direction at a slice pitch.
This collects full-angle projection data for each cross section of the continuous cross section. The projection data collected in this way is sent to the image reconstruction device 17, and a tomographic image of each cross section of the continuous cross section is reconstructed.

The tomographic image data of each of these cross-sections is stored in the CPU 20 of the console 11, the LAN interface 22,
Then, it is transferred to the image interpretation workstation 4 waiting for the image interpretation doctor via the network line 7. The data of the tomographic image of each of these cross sections is C
The image data is received via the PU 23 and is multi-displayed on the image display device 24 one by one or collectively. The radiologist interprets the displayed image. This image interpretation result is summarized in an image interpretation report and is reported to the doctor who requested the imaging as an image interpretation result report.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, FIG. 7 will be described from the viewpoint of the movement of a person. The doctor (the attending physician) explains to the patient about the radiography, instructs the nurse to take care of the radiography, and issues the radiographing request document and the image interpretation request to the radiology doctor who is qualified to handle radiation. As a result, the image interpretation doctor is requested to take an image, and the image interpretation is also requested.

The nurse who receives the instruction from the doctor places the patient on the bed in the radiographing room and fixes the patient to the bed in order to avoid the movement as much as possible in preparation for the radiography. The radiogram interpretation doctor who has received the imaging request form from the doctor first remotely operates the X-ray CT1 by the operation input device 30 of the image interpretation workstation 4 to image the scanogram. At this time, the image of the TV camera 31 for monitoring the radiographing room is displayed on the image display device 24 of the radiogram reading workstation 4, and the radiogram interpreter is safe in the radiographing environment (the nurse has left the radiographing room, the subject is stationary). Used to confirm.

The scanogram data is transferred from the X-ray CT1 to the image interpretation workstation 4 on which the image interpreting doctor who remotely operates the X-ray CT1 waits for the image interpretation doctor. The image interpretation doctor operates the input device 26 to set imaging conditions. That is, a plurality of line cursors are operated on the scanogram via the input device 21 by the operation of the radiogram interpreter, along the body axis of the subject, at any position desired by the radiogram interpreter, and the vertical axis orthogonal to the body axis of the subject. With respect to an arbitrary inclination angle (corresponding to the tilt angle of the gantry) desired by the interpreting doctor and an arbitrary interval (corresponding to the slice pitch) desired by the interpreting doctor.
Is set to. In addition, the input device 21 is operated by the interpretation doctor.
In addition to the position of the above-mentioned imaging cross section, X
Each condition such as a tube voltage, an X-ray tube current, a distance between the X-ray tube and the subject (X-ray shift amount), a reconstruction function, and an imaging pulse number is set.

These radiographing conditions are transferred to the CPU 20 in the console 11 of the X-ray CT1, and the radiographing doctor inputs an instruction to start radiographing via the radiographing operation input device 30 of the radiology workstation 4 to the X-ray CT1. Console 1
When the data is transferred to the CPU 20 in the CPU 1, the CPU 2
Imaging of each cross section of the continuous cross section is executed under the overall control of 0, and a tomographic image of each cross section of the continuous cross section is reconstructed.

When the radiographing is completed, the diagnosing reading doctor informs the nurse, who has been waiting during the radiographing, of the end of the radiographing through a voice remote transmitting means such as a telephone. The nurse releases the patient from X-ray CT1.

The image interpreting doctor interprets the tomographic images of the respective continuous sections transferred to the image interpretation workstation 4 and reports the image interpretation result to the doctor as an image interpretation report. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the tissue tomographic image and the interpretation result, and makes a treatment plan.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image interpretation doctor who is also qualified to handle radiation can image a scanogram by X-ray CT and execute a scan by remote control. As a result, the number of re-imaging cases for the same patient due to lack of information at the image interpretation stage is reduced, so that the patient throughput can be shortened. In addition, the radiogram interpreter can perform the scanogram imaging, the scan execution, and the tomographic image interpretation while staying in the image interpretation room.

In the second embodiment, the radiologist may be entrusted to confirm the imaging environment, and the movement of the person in this case is shown in FIG. Further, in the second embodiment, the scanning operation may be entrusted to the radiologist, and the operation in this case and the person's movement in this operation are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, respectively. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, but can be implemented with various modifications.

[0041]

According to the invention described in claim 1, an image photographing means for photographing a tomographic image and a positioning image for setting the photographing position of the tomographic image, the image photographing means and the line. Is connected via the image capturing means, the positioning image is taken in, the photographing position is set on the positioning image, and information on the set photographing position is sent to the image photographing means. The image capturing apparatus includes a capturing position setting unit.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the invention, the photographing position setting means can be installed in the reading room remote from the photographing room. This allows the image interpretation doctor to set the imaging position of the tomographic image. Therefore, the number of times the patient imaging instruction is issued again in the image interpretation stage is reduced, so that the patient throughput can be shortened. Further, since the image interpretation doctor can change the image capturing position through the image capturing position setting means while the image interpreting doctor is in the image reading room, the image capturing can be performed quickly even when the patient is imaged again.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided image capturing means for capturing a tomographic image, and operating means connected to the image capturing means via a line for remotely operating the image capturing means. It is an image capturing device.

Therefore, according to the invention described in claim 4, the operating means can be installed in the image reading room remote from the imaging room. This allows the image interpretation doctor to remotely operate the image capturing means. Therefore, the number of times the patient imaging instruction is issued again in the image interpretation stage is reduced, so that the patient throughput can be shortened.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image capturing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the X-ray CT apparatus and the image interpretation workstation of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining FIG. 3 from the movement of a person.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of an image interpretation workstation.

FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of an image capturing apparatus according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the operation of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining FIG. 7 from the movement of a person.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen of an image interpretation workstation.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another operation of FIG. 6 from the movement of a person.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining still another operation of FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of FIG. 11 from the movement of a person.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 2, 3 ... X-ray CT, 4, 5, 6 ... Interpretation workstation, 7 ... Network line.

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. An image photographing means for photographing a tomographic image and photographing a positioning image for setting a photographing position of the tomographic image, and the image photographing means connected to the image photographing means via a line. Means for capturing the positioning image from the means, setting the photographing position on the positioning image, and transmitting information on the set photographing position to the image photographing means. An image capturing device characterized by. 2. The image capturing means collects all-angle projection data for a cross section, reconstructs the tomographic image from the all-angle projection data, and captures a scanogram image as the positioning image. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image capturing apparatus is an X-ray computer tomography apparatus. 3. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the photographing position setting means is installed in a radiological reading room remote from a photographing room in which the image photographing means is installed. 4. An image photographing apparatus comprising: an image photographing means for photographing a tomographic image; and an operating means connected to the image photographing means via a line for remotely controlling the image photographing means. apparatus. 5. The image capturing means is an X-ray computer tomography apparatus that collects all-angle projection data for a cross section and reconstructs it as the tomographic image from the all-angle projection data. From the imaging position, the X-ray tube voltage required by the X-ray computer tomography apparatus as imaging conditions,
The image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein at least one of an X-ray tube current, an X-ray tube shift amount, a reconstruction function, a gantry tilt angle, and an imaging pulse number is set. 6. The image photographing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the operation unit is installed in a radiogram reading room remote from a photographing room in which the image photographing unit is installed.