JP5484964B2 - Medical imaging device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to parameter setting in a medical image photographing apparatus.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, various medical image photographing apparatuses such as an X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus perform an imaging operation according to imaging conditions set by an operator. However, in the medical image photographing apparatus, there are many types of photographing conditions to be set, and the setting work becomes complicated and takes time. In this regard, for example, Patent Document 1 stores the presence / absence of relevance for a parameter used for each process, and when a change command is issued for a certain parameter, the parameter related to that parameter is read and displayed. A supervisory control device is described that facilitates changing relevant parameters in the process.
Further, in the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus (MRI apparatus) shown in Patent Document 2, the settable range of each parameter is calculated and displayed based on the correlation of a plurality of mutually related parameters, and the operator can easily set the parameters. I can do it.

JP-A-9-114517 Japanese Patent No. 3335381

  However, in Patent Document 1, the relationship between the parameters to be changed is displayed, but the settable range of the related parameters has not been presented. Accordingly, there is a problem that the operator needs to consider appropriate setting values for related parameters, which requires skill, a heavy work load, and is prone to human error. Further, as in Patent Document 2, it is desired to provide an operation screen that is easy for the operator to view and operate when displaying the parameter setting range based on the parameter to be changed and the relevance of the parameter. Yes.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the complexity of parameter value setting operations in a medical image photographing apparatus and provide an operation environment that is easy to operate.

In order to achieve the above-described object, the first invention is a medical image photographing apparatus for photographing, generating, and displaying a medical image according to a plurality of parameters set by an operator. Group-specific parameter setting means for displaying a parameter setting field for accepting the input of the value of each parameter, and when any parameter is selected as a selection parameter, setting related parameters related to the selected parameter A related parameter display means for displaying a field on the same display screen as the parameter setting field, a candidate value of the related parameter, a settable range, or a recommended value considering the value of the selected parameter as a reference, and the related parameter Candidate value, settable range, or recommended value of the selected parameter considering the value as a reference , And demonstrates the candidate value display means is a medical imaging apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a.
A second invention is a medical image photographing apparatus for photographing, generating, and displaying medical images according to a plurality of parameters set by an operator, classifying the plurality of parameters into a plurality of groups, Group-specific parameter setting means for displaying a parameter setting field for accepting input of a value, and when any parameter is selected as a selection parameter, the setting field for the related parameter related to the selected parameter is the same as the parameter setting field A related parameter display means to be displayed in the display screen, a determination means for determining whether or not to generate generator overload based on a parameter value set by the group-specific parameter setting means, and generator overload Generator overloads the value of a given parameter And correction means for correcting a value to avoid a medical imaging apparatus according to claim modified parameter and a notifying means for notifying the value, further comprising a by the correction means.
A third invention is a medical image photographing apparatus for photographing, generating, and displaying medical images according to a plurality of parameters set by an operator, classifying the plurality of parameters into a plurality of groups, Group-specific parameter setting means for displaying a parameter setting field for accepting input of a value, and when any parameter is selected as a selection parameter, the setting field for the related parameter related to the selected parameter is the same as the parameter setting field Related parameter display means for displaying within the display screen, sound output means for outputting a predetermined sound pattern as the photographing progresses based on the parameters set by the group-specific parameter setting means, and pre-shooting , Indicating the output timing, output time, and output message of the voice pattern And the time chart display means for displaying a chart, a medical imaging apparatus which further comprising a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the complexity of the parameter value setting operation in the medical image photographing apparatus and provide an operation environment that is easy to operate.

Hardware block diagram of the entire X-ray CT apparatus 1 Example of scan protocol management table 5 Example of group-specific parameter table 6 Example of related parameter table 7 Example of parameter management table 8 Example of parameter value candidate definition file 9 Flowchart explaining the flow of shooting condition setting processing Examples of display screens displayed at each stage of shooting condition setting Flowchart for explaining the flow of imaging condition setting processing in consideration of exposure dose An example of the candidate data display screen 21 in consideration of the exposure dose Flowchart for explaining the flow of imaging condition setting processing considering generator overload An example of a time chart 41 for indicating automatic audio output timing displayed when shooting conditions are set

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the following embodiments, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described as an example of a medical image photographing apparatus according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention can be applied to various medical imaging apparatuses such as an MRI apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, a fluoroscopic imaging apparatus, a SPECT apparatus, and a PET apparatus.

[First Embodiment]
First, the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a scanner 2, a bed 3, and a console 4.
The X-ray CT apparatus 1 acquires X-ray dose data transmitted through the subject 60 as projection data by carrying the object 60 fixed on the bed 3 into the opening 204 of the scanner 2 and scanning it.

  The scanner 2 includes a gantry unit 200 and a system control unit 220. The gantry unit 200 includes an X-ray tube 201, an X-ray control device 202, a collimator 203, an opening 204, an X-ray detector 205, a data collection device 206, a rotating plate 207, a bed control device 301, and a gantry control device 209. Is done. The system control unit 220 includes a system control device 221, an image calculation device 222, and a storage device 223.

  The X-ray tube 201 is an X-ray source, and is controlled by the X-ray control device 202 to irradiate the subject 60 with X-rays continuously or intermittently. The X-ray control device 202 controls the X-ray tube voltage (kV) and the X-ray tube current (mA) applied or supplied to the X-ray tube 201 in accordance with a control signal from the system control device 221. The collimator 203 irradiates the subject 60 with X-rays radiated from the X-ray tube 201 as X-rays such as a cone beam (conical or pyramidal beam), for example. Controlled by X-rays transmitted through the subject 60 enter the X-ray detector 205.

  The X-ray detector 205 includes, for example, about 1000 X-ray detection element groups configured by, for example, a combination of a scintillator and a photodiode in the channel direction (circumferential direction), for example, about 1-320 in the column direction (body axis direction). They are arranged and arranged to face the X-ray tube 201 with the subject 60 interposed therebetween. The X-ray detector 205 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 201 and transmitted through the subject 60, and outputs the detected transmitted X-ray data to the data acquisition device 206.

The data collection device 206 is connected to the X-ray detector 205, collects the transmitted X-ray dose detected by the individual X-ray detection elements of the X-ray detector 205, converts it into digital data, and converts it into projection data as a system control device. The data is sequentially output to 221.
An X-ray tube 201, a collimator 203, an X-ray detector 205, and a data collection device 206 are mounted on the rotating plate 207. The rotating plate 207 is rotated by the driving force transmitted from the rotating plate driving device controlled by the gantry control device 209 through the drive transmission system.

  The bed 3 includes a top plate on which the subject 60 is placed, a vertical movement device, and a top plate driving device, and is connected to the bed control device 301. The bed control device 301 controls the vertical movement device so that the height of the bed 3 is appropriate. Further, the top plate driving device is controlled to move the top plate back and forth in the body axis direction, or to move in the direction perpendicular to the body axis and parallel to the top plate (left and right direction). Thereby, the subject 60 is carried into and out of the X-ray irradiation space of the scanner 2.

The system control device 221 of the system control unit 220 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.
The system controller 221 includes an X-ray controller 202, a couch controller 301, a gantry controller 209, an image arithmetic device 222, and an operator console controller according to the imaging conditions (parameters) input by the operator in the operator console controller 401. Each unit 401 is controlled to perform various processes related to acquisition of projection data, generation and display of medical images. The setting of shooting conditions in the present embodiment will be described later.

The image calculation device 222 performs preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion and sensitivity correction on the projection data 224 collected by the data collection device 206, and regenerates a tomographic image of the subject 60 using the preprocessed projection data 224. Configure. The tomographic image reconstructed by the image arithmetic unit 222 is sent to the console 4, stored in the console storage device 403, and displayed on the console display device 407.
The storage device 223 is configured by a hard disk or the like, and is connected to the system control device 221. The storage device 223 stores projection data 224 collected by the data collection device 206.

  The console 4 includes a console control device 401, a console storage device 403, a console display device 407, and a console device 408.

The console control device 401 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and controls each unit of the operation device 408, the console display device 407, and the console storage device 403. The console control device 401 is connected to the system control device 221 in the scanner 2.
The console control device 401 displays a shooting condition setting screen 12 (see FIG. 8C) for setting shooting conditions on the console display device 407, and accepts setting / change of shooting conditions. When parameter values are input to the parameter setting fields of the shooting condition setting screen 12 by the operating device 408, the console control device 401 transmits the input parameter values to the system control device 221 as shooting conditions. A specific example of the shooting condition setting screen 12 of the present embodiment will be described later.

The console display device 407 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal panel and a CRT monitor, and a logic circuit for executing display processing in cooperation with the display device, and is connected to the console control device 401. The console display device 407 displays a reconstructed image output from the image calculation device 222 of the system control unit 220 and various information handled by the console control device 401.
The operation device 408 includes, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, an input device such as a numeric keypad, and various switch buttons. The operation device 408 outputs various instructions and information input by the operator to the console control device 401. . The operator operates the X-ray CT apparatus 1 interactively using the console display device 407 and the operation device 408.

The console storage device 403 stores imaging protocol data 404. The imaging protocol data 404 is a data group in which initial parameter values and the like are set for each imaging protocol executed by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 and is stored in advance. Each data of the imaging protocol data 404 may be a value input from the operation device 408.
The imaging protocol data 404 includes a scan protocol management table 5 (FIG. 2), a group parameter table 6 (FIG. 3), a related parameter table 7 (FIG. 4), a parameter management table 8 (FIG. 5), and parameter value candidate definitions. A file 9 (FIG. 6), a configurable control management file (not shown), and the like are included.
The system control device 401 reads out imaging protocol data 404 relating to a desired imaging protocol from the console storage device 403 according to an instruction input from the operation device 408, and parameter values are read from the X-ray control device 202, the bed control device 301, and the gantry control. The data is output to the device 209, the image calculation device 222, the console display device 407, and the like.

Next, imaging protocol data 404 held by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The photographing protocol is roughly classified into a scan protocol and a scan protocol, and the protocol name and the main photographing condition (parameter) values are preset for each protocol. For example, in the scan protocol management table 5 shown in FIG. A plurality of parameter values such as tube current (mA), tube voltage (kV), number of scans, number of images, FOV, collimation, and image slice thickness are set for each protocol. Similarly, for the scano protocol, main imaging conditions are set for each protocol.

Further, the photographing protocol data 404 of the present embodiment includes a group parameter table 6 shown in FIG.
The group parameter table 6 is a table that manages all parameters handled by the X-ray CT apparatus 1 by classifying them into groups. It is assumed that the group classifies a plurality of parameters according to, for example, the purpose of change. Specifically, each parameter is classified into a plurality of groups such as “scan”, “imaging range”, “X-ray”, “contrast”, “recon”, and “user”. Each group has one or more parameters. It may be preferable to set the parameters in the group to be the same for each protocol, or it may be preferable to set the parameters to be different. Therefore, it is desirable to set the parameters in the group for each protocol. Further, since parameters in the same group are displayed on the same page (display screen) at the time of parameter setting, it is desirable to consider the operability at the time of parameter setting for group classification.

For example, the group-specific parameter table 6 shown in FIG. 3 is prepared for each group g2, g3, g4,. When the group g1 is an “X-ray” group, the content is the type of parameters such as tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), scan time (sec) and the recommended value or default setting value. It is memorized every time. Similarly, for the other groups g2, g3, g4,..., The parameter types and their recommended values or default setting values are stored for each protocol.
Note that the operator may freely set which parameter belongs to which group. In this case, it is desirable to accept registration of a new group, change of parameters in the group, and the like on the group registration screen.

  The related parameter table 7 in FIG. 4 is a table that defines parameters related to a certain parameter. For each parameter, the number of related parameters 72 and the related parameters 73, 74, 75,... Are set in order of magnitude of relevance. The data contents of the related parameters 73 to 75 are parameter No. Is a numerical value indicating Parameter No. Is an identification number of each parameter, and is managed in the parameter management table 8 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. Regarding the parameter “1” “recon pitch”, the number of related parameters is “4”, and the related parameters are “2 (slice thickness)”, “3 (contrast information)”, “5 (collimation)”, and the like. It is. Parameter No. For the parameter “slice thickness” of “2”, the number of related parameters is “4”, and the related parameters are “1 (recon pitch)”, “3 (contrast information)”, “5 (collimation)”, and the like. It is.

FIG. 6 shows the parameter value candidate definition file 9. In the parameter value candidate definition file 9, a tag name and a value (one value or values separated by commas) are defined for each parameter. In the imaging condition setting process described later, the parameter value candidate definition file 9 is read, and candidate values that can be set using the tag name as a key are acquired.
For example, “tag name ns_ma080 = 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200,...” Indicates that the candidate value of the tube current (mA) when the tube voltage is 80 kV in the normal scan is “10, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, ... ".

Next, the operation of the medical image photographing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
The console control device 401 of the medical image photographing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment executes the photographing condition setting process according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the console control device 401 reads a program and data related to the shooting condition setting process from the console storage device 403, and executes processing based on the program and data.

  The console control device 401 reads the imaging protocol data 404 from the console storage device 403 (step S101). Then, a list of imaging protocols for each examination region is displayed on the subject registration screen 11 and a selection operation is accepted (step S102).

FIG. 8A shows an example of the subject registration screen 11.
The subject registration screen 11 displays subject information 11a, a test site list 11b, a protocol list 11c, and main parameter values 11d for the selected protocol.
The display contents on the subject registration screen 11 are set, for example, in the scan protocol management table 5 shown in FIG. 2, and the contents of the scan protocol management table 5 are displayed in, for example, the display format shown in FIG. Is displayed.

When the desired shooting protocol is selected from the protocol list 11c, the console control device 401 displays the shooting condition setting screen 12 showing the detailed contents of the selected shooting protocol (step S103).
FIGS. 8B and 8C are display examples of the shooting condition setting screen 12. The imaging condition setting screen 12 is displayed in a separate window on the subject registration screen 11 as shown in FIG. 8B, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the shooting condition setting screen 12 is provided with a plurality of parameter setting fields 12c, 12e, 12g, 12i, 12k, 12m, and 12n for each group. Parameter values can be input to 12e, 12g, 12i, 12k, 12m, and 12n.
The names of the parameters are displayed together with the parameter setting fields 12c, 12e, 12g, 12i, 12k, 12m, and 12n. In the example of FIG. 8C, the parameter value names are displayed on the parameter buttons 12b, 12d, 12f, 12h, 12j, and 12l. The parameter buttons 12b, 12d, 12f, 12h, 12j, and 12l are buttons that are operated to make a transition to the parameter value candidate data display screen 13.

A tab 12a on the shooting condition setting screen 12 indicates a group. In the example of FIG. 8C, tabs 12a for “user”, “recon”, “contrast”, “X-ray”, “imaging range”, and “scan” are provided. When each tab 12a is selected, a plurality of parameters classified into the group of each tab 12a are displayed.
The parameter group is set in the group-specific parameter table 6 shown in FIG.

When any one of the parameter buttons 12b, 12d, 12f, 12h, 12j, and 12l is selected by a click operation on the shooting condition setting screen 12 (step S104; Yes), the console control device 401 selects the selected parameter ( (Selection parameter) candidate data, related parameters related to the selection parameter, and the candidate data are acquired and displayed (step S105, step S106).
Related parameters for the selected parameter are defined in the related parameter table 7 of FIG. In the related parameter table 7, not only the group to which each parameter belongs but also parameters of other groups are associated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8D, parameters related to the selected parameter are displayed in the same display screen even if the parameters belong to different groups.

The candidate data for each parameter is defined in the parameter value candidate definition file 9 in FIG.
In addition, it is assumed that the recommended values of each parameter and the settable range are defined in advance in a settable control management file (not shown) and read into the console control device 401.

FIG. 8D is a display example of the candidate data display screens 13 and 14.
As shown in FIG. 8D, the candidate data for the selected parameter is displayed on the candidate data display screen 13 (right area), and the related parameters and the candidate data are displayed on the candidate data display screen 14 (left area). .
The console control device 401 displays the candidate data defined in the parameter value candidate definition file 9 for the selected parameter and the related parameter in the form of a numerical list, a pull-down list, or a button.
When there are a plurality of candidate data, or when a settable range is determined, the recommended value of the candidate data is displayed in an identifiable manner. It is also desirable to specify candidate data that can be selected for other parameters based on the value of a certain parameter, or to specify a recommended value from selectable candidate data.

  In the example of FIG. 8D, candidate data indicated by dots within the frame indicates that selection is in progress, and candidate data indicated by bold lines indicates recommended values. An arrow 15 from the left area 14 to the right area 13 indicates selection parameter candidate data that takes into consideration the value during selection of the related parameter. An arrow 16 from the right area 13 to the left area 14 indicates candidate data of related parameters that are considered on the basis of the selected parameter.

That is, in FIG. 8D, when A is selected from the candidate data A, B, and C of the related parameter “slice thickness”, D or E can be selected from the candidate data of the selection parameter “collimation”. , D are recommended values.
In addition, when the related parameter “slice thickness” is considered from the candidate data E of the selection parameter “collimation”, it is possible to select A or B, which indicates that A is a recommended value.

  In FIG. 8D, the relationship between the candidate data of the selected parameter and the related parameter is indicated by arrows 15 and 16, but may be displayed in different colors. For example, if the candidate data that can be selected for the related parameter based on the selected parameter is displayed in green, and the candidate data that can be selected for the selected parameter based on the related parameter is displayed in yellow. Regardless of the display positions of parameters and related parameters, the relationship between candidate data can be clearly shown with a simple screen configuration.

  When the “required time” button 17 is clicked on the candidate data display screens 13 and 14 in FIG. 8D, the console control device 401 determines the required time for the inspection based on the set parameter value (imaging condition). Is calculated. When the “close” button 18 is clicked, the console control device 401 closes the candidate data display screens 13 and 14 and displays the original screen (such as the imaging condition setting screen 12 or the subject registration screen 11). To do. When the “set” button 19 is clicked (step S107; Yes), the console control device 401 transmits the set parameter value to the system control device 221 (step S108), and the photographing condition setting process is terminated. To do.

As described above, the medical image photographing apparatus (X-ray CT apparatus) 1 of the present embodiment displays the photographing condition setting screen 12 displaying the parameter setting column for each group, and sets each parameter value for the setting column. Accept input. When one parameter is selected from the parameter setting fields, the related parameter setting fields related to the selected parameter are displayed in the same display screen (right area 13 and left area 14 of the candidate data display screen).
For this reason, since the parameters to be set are classified and displayed in groups, there is no need to perform operations such as page turning for searching for parameters from among many parameters, and the work becomes easy. Thereby, working time can be shortened.
Furthermore, if a parameter is selected from the displayed parameters, related parameters are called from other groups and displayed on the same display screen. It is possible to prevent forgetting to change the parameters that must be set. Further, since related parameters can be changed on the same display screen, the setting operation is simple.

In addition, related parameter candidate data (candidate value, possible setting range, or recommended value) considering the value of the selected parameter as a reference, and selected parameter candidate data (candidate value, settable) considering the value of the related parameter as a reference Both the range and the recommended value) are displayed as a guide, so that the operator only has to select the parameter value presented according to the displayed guide (arrows 15 and 16) and the like, and the parameter value setting operation is easy. Become.
In particular, when an inexperienced doctor or the like is forced to take a sudden action, the occurrence of human error can be minimized.

In addition, each display screen in the above-mentioned embodiment is an example, and this invention is not limited to this. For example, each group on the shooting condition setting screen 12 can be selected on the tab 12a, but the present invention is not limited to this. A group selection area displaying a list of groups and an area displaying parameters in the selected group are displayed. It is good also as a screen structure provided with.
Further, the classification and names of parameters in the group, the contents of candidate data, and the like are examples, and are not limited to these.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the same components as those of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the second embodiment calculates the exposure dose from the set imaging conditions, presents the target value of each parameter value for reducing the exposure dose, or the exposure dose exceeds the upper limit. If so, present a warning. For this purpose, the console control device 401 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes an exposure dose management table in addition to the configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

  The exposure dose management table is a table in which an upper limit value of exposure dose and a reduction target value of a parameter related to each exposure dose are defined for each examination region. The parameters related to the exposure dose include, for example, tube current (mA), tube voltage (kV), and scan time. The upper limit of the exposure dose may take into account the age, sex, physique, occupation, etc. of the subject.

  Further, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment starts the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 after performing the same processing as Step S101 to Step S104 of the imaging condition setting processing shown in FIG.

  That is, the console control device 401 reads the imaging protocol data 404 from the console storage device 403 (step S101), and displays a list of imaging protocols for each examination site on the subject registration screen 11 (see FIG. 8A). The selection operation is accepted (step S102). When the desired shooting protocol is selected from the protocol list 11c, the console control device 401 displays the shooting condition setting screen 12 (see FIG. 8C) showing the detailed contents of the selected shooting protocol (step 8c). S103). When the parameter button is operated on the imaging condition setting screen 12 and parameters (mA, kV, scan time, etc.) related to the exposure dose are selected (step S104; Yes), the process proceeds to step S201 in FIG.

  The console control device 401 first calculates the exposure dose from the imaging conditions (parameter values) set at this stage (step S201). The calculated exposure dose may be an index value such as CTDIvol (Computed Tomography Does Index) or DLP (Does-Length Product for a Complete Examination). Further, the operator may be able to select which index value is used to calculate the exposure dose.

  Further, the upper limit value and the reduction target value of the exposure dose are acquired from the exposure dose management table (step S202). Then, the console control device 401 reads out candidate data of parameter values in a range that can be changed according to the selected imaging protocol from the parameter value candidate definition file 9 shown in FIG. 6, and the candidate data as shown in FIG. Displayed on the display screen 21 (step S203), and for parameters related to the exposure dose, recommended parameter values are displayed in recommended colors (step S204). The recommended parameter value is determined by the reduction target value in the exposure dose management table.

  Further, the console control device 401 determines whether or not the exposure dose calculated in step S201 is larger than the upper limit value set in the exposure dose management table (step S205). Step S205; Yes), the parameter value (mA, kV, scan time, etc.) related to the exposure dose is changed to a warning color (Step S206).

As shown in FIG. 10, the candidate data display screen 21 in the second embodiment includes a “CTDIvol” button 21a, a “DLP” button 21b, and button 21c for each parameter that are clicked when calculating the exposure dose. , 21d, 21e and one or more candidate data for each parameter are displayed.
The candidate data surrounded by the thick line 22 indicates that it is recommended data, and the hatched line 23 indicates that it is a warning color. The candidate data 24 displayed in dots indicates data being selected.

By referring to the candidate data display screen 21, it is possible to confirm candidate data recommended when the exposure dose is taken into account and candidate data (indicated by a warning color) that should be avoided.
When the parameter value is set on the candidate data display screen 21 (step S207; Yes), the console control device 401 recalculates the exposure dose (step S208). At this time, a desired exposure dose index value may be selected by clicking the “CTDIvol” button 21a or the “DLP” button 21b. The console control device 401 determines again whether or not the calculated exposure dose is larger than the upper limit value (step S205). If the calculated exposure dose exceeds the upper limit value (step S205; Yes), the parameter value related to the exposure dose (Yes) (mA, kV, scan time, etc.) is changed to a warning color (step S206), and if it is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the set parameter value is transmitted to the system controller 221 (step S209). The photographing condition setting process of the form is terminated.

  In addition, you may make it display the related parameter of parameters (mA, kV, scan time, etc.) regarding an exposure dose in the same display screen as the candidate data display screen 21. FIG. The processing in this case is performed in the same manner as steps S105 to S106 in FIG.

As described above, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, when a parameter related to the exposure dose is selected, other parameters related to the exposure dose are displayed in the same display screen. Then, the exposure dose is calculated based on the set parameter value, and based on the calculated exposure dose, the exposure dose reduction target value of each parameter is presented, or the calculated exposure dose exceeds a predetermined upper limit value. In case of warning.
Therefore, when setting the imaging conditions, the operator can be always aware of reducing the exposure dose, and the examination burden on the subject can be reduced.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the third embodiment has a function of automatically correcting generator overload.
Generator overloading is exceeding the upper limit that the power supply can withstand. The occurrence of generator overload depends on values such as tube current (mA), tube voltage (kV), and scan time. The upper limit values of these parameters vary depending on the intensity of the X-ray that hits one point of the anode of the X-ray tube. That is, when the X-ray focal point is changed from a large focal point to a small focal point, generator overload may occur even with the same tube current and tube voltage.

  For example, when the focal point size is changed and the generator is overloaded, it is necessary for the operator to easily understand which parameter value should be changed to what extent. Also, in order to avoid generator overload, changing the value of one parameter may require changing the value of another parameter. At this time, if all the parameters to be changed are automatically corrected, the parameter setting operation by the operator becomes very easy.

For this reason, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the third embodiment executes the automatic correction process shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, the console control device 401 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has the focal point size changed from large to small on the imaging condition setting screen 12 (FIG. 8C) or the like. Then (step S301; Yes), the scan time and tube voltage set at this stage are acquired (step S302). Further, the generator overload limit tube current X _small (maximum tube current value that does not cause generator overload) when the focal spot size is small (Small) is acquired (step S303), and the tube current X _new set by the operator is obtained. Obtain (step S304).

The console control device 401 determines X _small <X _new (step S305).
If X _small <X _new (step S305; Yes), X _new is changed to X _small (step S306), and notification that the tube current has been changed is notified (step S307).
When X _small <X _new is not satisfied (step S305; No), since the generator overload does not occur with the tube current value set by the operator, the process is terminated without automatic correction.

  In the above-described automatic correction process, the automatic correction of the tube current value accompanying the change of the focus size is described as an example. However, the tube current value may be fixed and the tube voltage value may be automatically corrected. In addition, the value of the parameter that needs to be changed may be modified along with the change of the tube current value or the tube voltage value. The correction candidate data in this case is assumed to be set in the parameter value candidate definition file 9 shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the third embodiment, it is determined whether or not generator overload occurs in accordance with the change of the parameter value, and it is determined that generator overload occurs. If so, the value of the related parameter is corrected to a value that avoids generator overload, and the corrected parameter and its value are notified.
Therefore, in order to avoid the generator overload accompanying the change of the parameter value, the other parameter values are automatically corrected, so that the operation for changing the parameter value is facilitated.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, with reference to FIG. 12, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes an audio output timing notification function.
Some X-ray CT apparatuses 1 output an automatic guide voice for a subject at each timing during imaging, and what kind of audio is output at which timing during imaging is operated. It was sometimes difficult for operators in the room to grasp. The content of the guide voice to be output and the output timing are determined in accordance with the shooting protocol, and therefore, the operator sets ON / OFF of the automatic guide voice when setting the shooting conditions.

  Therefore, in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment, when setting the imaging conditions, a time chart 41 indicating the progress of imaging is displayed on the console display device 407, and further, an automatic guide voice is displayed on the time chart 41. Displays the output timing and output message.

  Specifically, the console control device 401 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 sets the imaging conditions as in the first to third embodiments, but the automatic guide voice is set to “ON”. Acquires the output timing, output time, and message content of the automatic guide voice based on other set shooting conditions. Then, the output timing, output time, and message content of the acquired automatic guide voice are displayed on the time chart 41 indicating the progress of photographing.

  FIG. 12 is an example of the time chart 41. In the time chart 41, a mark 43 indicating an automatic guide voice and its output timings 42, 46, and 48 are displayed, and message contents 45 at each output timing are displayed. For example, the message content 45 at the output timing 42 is displayed as “Inhale and stop”.

  According to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment, the contents and timing of the automatic guide voice reproduced during imaging are displayed on the console display device 407 when imaging conditions are set. . Therefore, the operator can grasp the audio content being shot before shooting.

  The preferred embodiment of the medical imaging apparatus (X-ray CT apparatus) according to the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. A rotation-rotation method (Rotate-Rotate method) in which the X-ray tube and the X-ray detector rotate together while irradiating a wide fan beam covering the entire subject, and the electron beam is electrically deflected to the target electrode There are an electron beam scanning system (Scanning Electron Beam system) and other systems, but the present invention is applicable to any system of X-ray CT apparatus. In the above-described embodiment, the gantry type X-ray CT apparatus has been described, but a C-arm type X-ray CT apparatus may be used. In addition, it is obvious for those skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea disclosed in the present application, and these naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood.

1 X-ray CT system (medical imaging system)
2. Scanner 200 ... Gantry part 201 ... X-ray tube (X-ray source)
202 ... X-ray control device 204 ... opening 205 ... X-ray detector 206 ... data collection device 207 ... rotary plate 209 ... gantry control device 220 ... system control unit 221 ... System controller 222 ... Image arithmetic unit 223 ... Storage device 3 ... Bed 301 ... Bed controller 4 ... Console console 401 ... Console controller 403 ... Operating console storage device 407 ... Operating console display device 408 ... Operating device 5 ... Scan protocol management table 6 ... Group parameter table 7 ... Related parameter table 8 ... Parameter management table 9 ... Parameter value candidate definition file 11 ... Subject registration screen 12 ... Imaging condition setting screen 13 ... Candidate data Display screen (selected parameter)
14 .... Candidate data display screen (related parameters)
21 ... Candidate data display screen (candidate value considering exposure dose)
41 ... Time chart

Claims (5)

A medical image photographing device for photographing, generating, and displaying a medical image according to a plurality of parameters set by an operator,
Group-specific parameter setting means for classifying the plurality of parameters into a plurality of groups and displaying a parameter setting field for accepting input of the value of each parameter;
When any parameter is selected as a selection parameter, a related parameter display means for displaying a related parameter setting field related to the selected parameter in the same display screen as the parameter setting field;
Candidate value, settable range, or recommended value of the related parameter considering the value of the selected parameter as a reference, and the candidate value, settable range, or recommended value of the selected parameter considering the value of the related parameter as a reference Candidate value display means for clearly indicating
A medical image photographing apparatus comprising: Based on the parameter value set by the group-specific parameter setting means, determination means for determining whether or not the generator is overloaded;
In the case of generator overload, correction means for correcting the value of a predetermined parameter to a value that avoids generator overload;
A notification means for notifying the parameter corrected by the correction means and its value;
The medical image photographing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A sound output means for outputting a predetermined sound pattern as the shooting is performed based on the parameters set by the group-specific parameter setting means;
Time chart display means for displaying a time chart indicating the output timing, output time, and output message of the sound pattern before shooting;
Medical imaging apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a. A medical image photographing device for photographing, generating, and displaying a medical image according to a plurality of parameters set by an operator,
Group-specific parameter setting means for classifying the plurality of parameters into a plurality of groups and displaying a parameter setting field for accepting input of the value of each parameter;
When any parameter is selected as a selection parameter, a related parameter display means for displaying a related parameter setting field related to the selected parameter in the same display screen as the parameter setting field;
Based on the parameter value set by the group-specific parameter setting means, determination means for determining whether or not the generator is overloaded;
In the case of generator overload, correction means for correcting the value of a predetermined parameter to a value that avoids generator overload;
A notification means for notifying the parameter corrected by the correction means and its value;
A medical image photographing apparatus further comprising: A medical image photographing device for photographing, generating, and displaying a medical image according to a plurality of parameters set by an operator,
Group-specific parameter setting means for classifying the plurality of parameters into a plurality of groups and displaying a parameter setting field for accepting input of the value of each parameter;
When any parameter is selected as a selection parameter, a related parameter display means for displaying a related parameter setting field related to the selected parameter in the same display screen as the parameter setting field;
A sound output means for outputting a predetermined sound pattern as the shooting is performed based on the parameters set by the group-specific parameter setting means;
Time chart display means for displaying a time chart indicating the output timing, output time, and output message of the sound pattern before shooting;
A medical image photographing apparatus further comprising:

Images