Medical image acquisition device and image generation system

Abstract

The invention provides a medical image acquisition apparatus and an image generation system, and the medical image acquisition apparatus can avoid the influence of one imaging device on the other imaging device in the case of imaging a radiation image and an ultrasonic image of a breast in a state of being pressed by a pressing member. A medical image acquisition device (10) that captures a radiation image by means of a radiation image acquisition device and captures an ultrasonic image by means of an ultrasonic image acquisition device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves on a breast in a state in which the breast is compressed by a compression member (40), the element group of the ultrasound image acquisition device is configured so that at least a part thereof does not overlap the element group of the radiation image acquisition device in the incident direction of radiation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical image acquisition device and an image generation system. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the main methods for detecting breast cancer include mammography using radiation and ultrasound.

[0003] Due to differences in imaging principles, radiographic mammography often tends to reveal calcified lesions, while ultrasound tends to reveal the boundaries of soft tissues such as tumors. Consequently, attempts have been made to combine radiographic mammography with ultrasound, but while sensitivity improves compared to radiographic mammography alone, specificity decreases. This is believed to be due to the introduction of false positives from both medical imaging techniques, leading to an increased need for detailed examinations.

[0004] It is believed that in combined examinations using radiographic mammography and ultrasound, since diagnosis is performed by comparing radiographic images taken with the breast compressed with ultrasound images acquired in the supine position, and since the patient's posture and breast shape differ when the images are acquired, it is difficult to identify and compare the location of suspected lesions, further reducing specificity.

[0005] Therefore, it is believed that in examinations based on radiographic mammography, ultrasound examinations can be performed without changing the patient's position while the breast is compressed, and ultrasound images can be acquired through a compression member such as a compression plate, thereby improving specificity. In this case, the process is usually to first perform radiographic examinations, and then scan suspicious areas with ultrasound examinations.

[0006] However, in imaging based on ultrasound waves passing through a compression member, since the ultrasound waves are scanned through the compression member that attenuates or refracts the ultrasound waves, the compression member may cause a decrease in sensitivity or resolution, thereby taking an excessive amount of time to obtain an image of the entire breast and increasing individual dependency on the operation.

[0007] As a technology that can be applied to solve these problems, Patent Document 1 discloses a medical imaging device, which aims to shorten the time used to obtain ultrasonic images by using a two-dimensional ultrasonic transducer array and to obtain good radiographic images even when radiography is performed with the array fixed.

[0008] The medical imaging device includes: a radiation generating unit that generates radiation; a radiation detecting unit that detects radiation; an ultrasonic transducer array that includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a two-dimensional shape and is arranged between the radiation generating unit and the radiation detecting unit; a radiation image data generating unit that generates radiation image data based on the detection results of the radiation detecting unit; and an image processing unit that removes the image of the ultrasonic transducer array from the radiation image represented by the radiation image data by performing image processing on the radiation image data generated based on the detection results of the radiation generated by the radiation generating unit and transmitted through the subject and the ultrasonic transducer array.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a medical imaging device that uses radiation and ultrasound to image the mammary gland / breast. The purpose of the device is to use ultrasound to capture the process of the breast being compressed by a compression plate, or to perform ultrasound imaging simultaneously with radiation imaging to shorten imaging time.

[0010] The medical imaging device includes: a radiation generating unit that generates radiation; a photographing table that has a radiation detection mechanism configured therein for detecting the radiation generated by the radiation generating unit and passing through a subject; an ultrasonic transducer array that is configured between the radiation generating unit and the photographing table, allows a portion of the radiation passing through the subject to pass therethrough, transmits ultrasonic waves toward the subject based on a plurality of drive signals, receives ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject, and outputs a plurality of detection signals; and an ultrasonic inspection unit that supplies a plurality of drive signals to the ultrasonic transducer array and generates an image signal based on the plurality of detection signals output from the ultrasonic transducer array.

[0011] Prior art literature

[0012] Patent Literature

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-279111

[0014] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-173291 Summary of the Invention

[0015] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0016] The techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 acquire ultrasound images without a compression element, thus avoiding the aforementioned reductions in sensitivity and resolution caused by the compression element. However, in these techniques, the ultrasound image acquisition device (hereinafter referred to as the "ultrasonic image acquisition device") is located closer to the breast than the radiographic image acquisition device (hereinafter referred to as the "radiographic image acquisition device"). Therefore, in these techniques, the ultrasound image acquisition device physically affects the radiographic images acquired by the radiographic image acquisition device, resulting in reduced radiographic image quality.

[0017] In order to avoid the reduction in the quality of the radiographic image, it is also possible to consider placing the radiographic image acquisition device closer to the breast than the ultrasonic image acquisition device. However, in this case, the radiographic image acquisition device will physically affect the ultrasonic image obtained by the ultrasonic image acquisition device, resulting in a reduction in the quality of the ultrasonic image.

[0018] The present invention has been completed in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a medical image acquisition device and an image generation system. The medical image acquisition device can avoid the influence of one imaging device on the other imaging device when capturing a radiographic image and an ultrasonic image of a breast in a state of being compressed by a compression member.

[0019] Means for solving problems

[0020] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the medical image acquisition device of the first embodiment of the present invention captures a radiographic image of a breast in a state of being compressed by a compression member by means of a radiographic image acquisition device, and captures an ultrasonic image by means of an ultrasonic image acquisition device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, wherein the element group of the ultrasonic image acquisition device is configured so as not to overlap with the element group of the radiographic image acquisition device in at least a portion in the incident direction of the radiation.

[0021] In the medical image acquisition apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the medical image acquisition apparatus according to the first aspect, the element group of the ultrasonic image acquisition device and the element group of the radiographic image acquisition device are arranged on the same substrate.

[0022] Regarding the medical image acquisition apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, in the medical image acquisition apparatus of the first aspect or the second aspect, the image acquisition area by the ultrasonic image acquisition device and the image acquisition area by the radiographic image acquisition device are substantially the same.

[0023] In the medical image acquisition apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medical image acquisition apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, the ultrasonic image acquisition device is manufactured using a manufacturing process for silicon semiconductor devices.

[0024] A medical image acquisition apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the medical image acquisition apparatus according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein the ultrasonic image acquisition device transmits and receives ultrasonic signals in a capacitance-type manner.

[0025] Regarding the medical image acquisition device of the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in the medical image acquisition device of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic image acquisition device are arranged at a spacing calculated based on the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves and the beam steering so as not to produce reflections of virtual images in the ultrasonic images obtained by shooting.

[0026] A medical image acquisition apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the medical image acquisition apparatus according to the sixth aspect, wherein elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic imaging device are arranged at a random arrangement density.

[0027] To achieve the above-mentioned object, an image generation system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes the medical image acquisition apparatus according to the present invention and a console for controlling the medical image acquisition apparatus.

[0028] Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, when capturing a radiographic image and an ultrasonic image of a breast in a state compressed by a compression member, it is possible to avoid the influence of one imaging device on the other imaging device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image generation system according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a side view showing an example of the appearance of the medical image acquisition apparatus according to the embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a three-view diagram showing an example of a schematic structure of a pressing member according to the embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an example of the schematic configuration of a conventional radiation detector using an indirect conversion method.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of an image detector according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing another example of a partial configuration of an image detector according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 7This is a diagram showing another example of a partial configuration of an image detector according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image detector according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the console according to the embodiment.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a console according to the embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11 This is a flowchart showing an example of image display processing according to the embodiment.

[0041] Explanation of symbols

[0042] 1- Image generation system, 6- RIS, 10- Medical image acquisition device, 12- Arm, 14- Base, 15- Axis, 16- Shooting table, 16A- Shooting surface, 17- Radiation irradiation unit, 17R- Radiation source, 20- Control unit, 22, 52- Storage unit, 24, 56- I / F unit, 26, 55- Operation unit, 28- Image detector, 40- Compression member, 42- Compression unit, 43- Bottom, 43A- Upper surface, 43B- Contact Surface, 44-wall, 46-support part, 47-installation part, 48-compression unit, 49-arm, 50-console, 51-CPU, 53-memory, 54-display, 57-image display program, 58-bus, 60-element, 62-PD, 64-TFT switch for PD, 70-element, 72-cMUT, 74-TFT switch for cMUT, 80-generation part, 82-distortion correction part, 84-display control part, R-radiation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] First, refer to Figure 1 , the structure of the image generation system 1 to which the technology of the present invention is applied will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image generation system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the image generation system 1 includes a medical image acquisition device 10 and a console 50. The medical image acquisition device 10 and the console 50, and the console 50 and an external RIS (Radiology Information System) 6 are connectable via a wired or wireless network.

[0046] In the image generation system 1 according to this embodiment, the console 50 receives imaging commands and the like from the RIS 6 and controls the medical image acquisition device 10 based on the imaging commands and user instructions. The medical image acquisition device 10 irradiates the breast, which is compressed between the imaging table 16 and the compression member 40 (described later), with radiation R to capture radiographic images. Furthermore, the medical image acquisition device 10 captures ultrasonic images of the breast, which is compressed by the compression member 40.

[0047] Next, refer to Figure 2 , a schematic structure of the medical image acquisition device 10 involved in this embodiment is described. Figure 2 1 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of the medical image acquisition device 10 according to the present embodiment, and is a view when the medical image acquisition device 10 is viewed from the right side of the subject. Figure 2 As shown, the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 includes a radiation source 17R, an image detector 28, an imaging platform 16 disposed between the radiation source 17R and the image detector 28, and a compression member 40 for compressing the breast between the imaging platform 16 and the imaging platform 16. In the medical image acquisition apparatus 10, a user such as a doctor or a technician positions the subject's breast on an imaging surface 16A of the imaging platform 16.

[0048] The medical image acquisition device 10 includes an arm 12, a base 14, and a shaft 15. The arm 12 is held by the base 14 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). The shaft 15 connects the arm 12 to the base 14. The arm 12 is rotatable relative to the base 14 about the shaft 15 as the rotation axis. Furthermore, the arm 12 can also be rotatable relative to the base 14 about the shaft 15 as the rotation axis at the upper portion having the radiation irradiation portion 17 and the lower portion having the imaging platform 16.

[0049] The arm 12 includes a radiation irradiation unit 17 and an imaging platform 16. The radiation irradiation unit 17 includes a radiation source 17R, and is configured to change the irradiation field of radiation (e.g., X-rays) irradiated from the radiation source 17R. The irradiation field can be changed, for example, by a user operating the operation unit 26 or by the control unit 20 depending on the type of compression member 40 installed.

[0050] The imaging platform 16 includes a control unit 20, a storage unit 22, an interface (I / F) unit 24, an operating unit 26, and an image detector 28. The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the medical image acquisition device 10 under the control of the console 50. The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown). The ROM pre-stores various programs executed by the CPU, including programs for controlling the generation of radiographic and ultrasonic images. The RAM temporarily stores various data.

[0051] The storage unit 22 stores data of radiographic images and ultrasonic images, and various other information. The storage unit 22 is implemented by a storage medium such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory.

[0052] The I / F unit 24 communicates various information with the console 50 via wired or wireless communication. Specifically, the I / F unit 24 receives information related to the control of the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 from the console 50. Furthermore, the I / F unit 24 transmits radiographic and ultrasonic image data to the console 50.

[0053] The operation unit 26 is a component provided on the imaging platform 16 or the like and operable by the user with the hands or feet, and is, for example, a switch, a button, a touch panel, or the like.

[0054] Furthermore, a compression unit 48 is connected to the arm 12. A support portion 46 that supports the compression member 40 is detachably mounted on the compression unit 48. The support portion 46 (compression member 40) is moved in the vertical direction (Z direction) by a driving unit (not shown) included in the compression unit 48.

[0055] The compression member 40 is disposed between the radiation source 17R and the imaging platform 16 , and puts the breast into a compressed state by sandwiching the breast between the radiation source 17R and the imaging platform 16 . Figure 3 3D views of an example of the pressing member 40 are shown in FIG. Figure 3 The three views include a top view of the compression member 40 viewed from the upper side (radiation irradiation unit 17 side), a side view viewed from the subject side, and a side view viewed from the right side of the subject. Figure 3 As shown, the pressing member 40 includes a pressing portion 42 and a supporting portion 46 .

[0056] The support portion 46 includes a mounting portion 47 and an arm 49. The mounting portion 47 mounts the compression member 40 to the medical image acquisition apparatus 10, specifically, to the driving portion of the compression unit 48. The arm 49 supports the compression portion 42.

[0057] The compression part 42 has a concave cross-sectional shape, with a substantially flat bottom 43 surrounded by a wall 44 of substantially uniform height. To facilitate positioning and confirm the compression status during breast compression, the compression part 42 is preferably formed from an optically transparent or translucent material. Furthermore, the compression part 42 is preferably formed from a material with excellent transparency to radiation R. Furthermore, the compression part 42 is preferably formed from a material with excellent strength, such as drop resistance and compression strength.

[0058] As such a material, for example, resins such as polymethylpentene (PMP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic acid, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be used.

[0059] Furthermore, the medical image acquisition device 10 may be configured to be capable of being replaced with a variety of different compression members 40. Specifically, compression members 40 of different materials, sizes, and shapes may be installed, depending on the patient's physique (e.g., breast size), breast tissue composition (e.g., fat mass and mammary gland mass), and imaging type (e.g., magnification imaging and point imaging). For example, compression members corresponding to the size of the breast, compression members for axillary imaging, compression members for magnification imaging, and so-called point imaging compression members that only capture radiographic images of areas with lesions may be used. In other words, the compression member 40 is not limited to compressing the entire breast and may also be a compression member smaller than the breast that compresses a portion of the breast.

[0060] On the other hand, the medical image acquisition device 10 according to this embodiment captures a radiographic image of the breast being compressed by the compression member 40 using the radiographic image acquisition device, and also captures an ultrasonic image using the ultrasonic image acquisition device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. Furthermore, in the medical image acquisition device 10 according to this embodiment, the element group of the ultrasonic image acquisition device is arranged so that at least a portion of the element group of the radiographic image acquisition device does not overlap with the element group of the radiographic image acquisition device in the incident direction of radiation R.

[0061] In particular, in the medical image acquisition device 10 according to this embodiment, the element group of the ultrasonic image acquisition device and the element group of the radiographic image acquisition device are arranged on the same substrate (in this embodiment, the substrate of the image detector 28). The "same substrate" referred to herein is not limited to substrates formed in an identical state; any substrate that can be used as a single, integrated substrate may be used, including, for example, substrates having steps or substrates formed by joining multiple substrates.

[0062] The image detector 28 according to this embodiment is disposed within the imaging platform 16. It detects radiation R that has passed through the breast and the imaging platform 16, generates a radiographic image based on the detected radiation R, and outputs image data representing the generated radiographic image. Furthermore, the image detector 28 according to this embodiment irradiates ultrasound waves toward the breast, receives reflected waves from the breast, generates an ultrasound image based on the reflected waves, and outputs image data representing the generated ultrasound image.

[0063] Therefore, the image detector 28 involved in this embodiment is provided with an element group of a radiation image acquisition device for detecting radiation R that has passed through the breast and the imaging platform 16, and an element group of an ultrasound image acquisition device (ultrasound transducers in this embodiment) for irradiating ultrasound toward the breast and receiving reflected waves from the breast, on the imaging surface.

[0064] The type of radiation image acquisition device in the image detector 28 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be an indirect conversion device that converts radiation R into light and then converts the converted light into electric charge, or it may be a direct conversion device that directly converts radiation R into electric charge. The following describes a case where an indirect conversion device is used as the radiation image acquisition device.

[0065] In this structure, the ultrasonic imaging device must not suffer from cumulative damage due to radiation. Therefore, as the ultrasonic transducer that constitutes the ultrasonic imaging device, it is preferable to use an ultrasonic element, namely a capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT), which utilizes electrostatic materials rather than piezoelectric materials to transmit and receive ultrasonic signals in a capacitive manner and is manufactured using silicon semiconductor device manufacturing processes. Therefore, the image detector 28 according to this embodiment uses a cMUT as the ultrasonic transducer.

[0066] However, the ultrasonic transducer that constitutes an ultrasonic imaging device is not limited to a cMUT. For example, a bulk PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) type using piezoelectric materials or a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) that utilizes piezoelectric thin film displacement can be used as an ultrasonic transducer in an ultrasonic imaging device.

[0067] exist Figure 4 , a perspective view showing an example of a schematic structure of a radiation detector based on a conventional indirect conversion method is shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, in a conventional indirect conversion radiation detector, each element 60 includes a PD (PhotoDiode) 62 and a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) switch 64, forming an array structure of the elements 60. In the image detector 28 according to this embodiment, a portion of the imaging area of ​​the conventional radiation detector is replaced with an area of ​​an ultrasonic transducer serving as a cMUT.

[0068] Since the configuration spacing of the cMUT is determined by the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received, the wavelength is longer than that of radiation, etc. For example, if 7MHz ultrasonic waves are to be transmitted and received, a spacing of 200 to 300μm is sufficient, which is less than 1 / 2 to 1 / 3 of the configuration spacing of the element group of the radiation image acquisition device.

[0069] In particular, the elements in the ultrasonic imaging device according to this embodiment are arranged at a spacing calculated based on the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves transmitted and received by the elements and beam steering, so that no reflection of a virtual image occurs in the ultrasonic image obtained by imaging. This spacing is a spacing within a range of about half the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves to about one wavelength, so that no grating lobes are generated by the ultrasonic waves.

[0070] Figure 5 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a partial structure of the image detector 28 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, in the image detector 28 according to this embodiment, a basic structure is formed in which three radiation image acquisition device elements 60 and one ultrasonic image acquisition device element 70 are arranged in pixels of a 2×2 area in the imaging area of ​​the image detector 28. Figure 5 As shown, the element 70 includes a cMUT 72 and a cMUT TFT switch 74 .

[0071] Furthermore, in the image detector 28 according to this embodiment, the basic structure of the elements 60 is randomly arranged, unlike the array arrangement of conventional radiation detectors. This can suppress image unevenness in ultrasonic images and radiographic images.

[0072] In addition, the basic structure is not limited to Figure 5 The structure shown, such as Figure 6 As shown, the elements 60 and 70 may be arranged alternately every two, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, a configuration in which three elements 70 are arranged for one element 60 may also be employed.

[0073] And, as an example, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the arrangement density of the elements 70 may be changed for each partial area of ​​the imaging area of ​​the image detector 28. Figure 8 In the example shown, the image acquisition area by the ultrasonic imaging device and the image acquisition area by the radiographic imaging device are substantially the same.

[0074] Furthermore, the breast imaging method used by the medical image acquisition device 10 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be cranio-caudal (CC) imaging, medio-lateral oblique (MLO) imaging, magnified imaging of a portion of the breast, or point imaging. CC imaging involves clamping the breast in the vertical direction (Z direction) between the imaging platform 16 and the compression member 40 to capture the breast in a compressed state. MLO imaging involves clamping the breast between the imaging platform 16 and the compression member 40 with the arm 12 tilted at a rotation angle of 45 degrees or more and less than 90 degrees relative to the base 14 to capture the breast in a compressed state, including the axillary area.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, the medical image acquisition device 10 can also perform tomosynthesis. In tomosynthesis, radiation R is irradiated toward the breast from each of multiple irradiation positions at different irradiation angles via the radiation source 17R, thereby capturing multiple radiographic images of the breast. Specifically, in tomosynthesis, the angles of the imaging platform 16, the compression member 40, and the breast are fixed while the rotation angle of the radiation irradiation unit 17 relative to the base 14 is varied to perform imaging.

[0076] Furthermore, in the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 , the subject's breast can be positioned not only when the subject is standing (standing state) but also when the subject is sitting on a chair, wheelchair, or the like (sitting state).

[0077] The console 50 sets the upper limit of the compressive force applied to the breast by the compressing member 40 according to the type of the compressing member 40 attached to the medical image acquisition apparatus 10. Furthermore, the console 50 controls the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 to acquire radiographic images and ultrasonic images based on imaging instructions received from the RIS 6 and user instructions.

[0078] The medical image acquisition device 10 according to this embodiment can acquire both radiographic and ultrasonic images using a single image detector 28 while the breast is being compressed by the compression member 40. This facilitates alignment of these images, and by displaying the two images superimposed, the ability to identify and distinguish lesions can be improved.

[0079] Next, the console 50 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0080] refer to Figure 9 , an example of the hardware structure of the console 50 is described. Figure 9 As shown, the console 50 includes a CPU 51, a nonvolatile storage unit 52, and a memory 53 serving as a temporary storage area. Furthermore, the console 50 includes a display 54 such as a liquid crystal display, an operating unit 55 such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse, and an interface 56. The interface 56 communicates with the medical image acquisition device 10, the RIS 6, and other external devices, either wired or wirelessly. The CPU 51, storage unit 52, memory 53, display 54, operating unit 55, and interface 56 are interconnected via a bus 58 such as a system bus and a control bus, enabling the exchange of various information.

[0081] The storage unit 52 is implemented using a storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. An image display program 57 is stored in the storage unit 52. The CPU 51 reads the image display program 57 from the storage unit 52, expands it in the memory 53, and executes the expanded image display program 57. For example, a personal computer, a server computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, etc. can be appropriately used as the console 50.

[0082] The storage unit 52 also stores image data of radiographic images and ultrasonic images acquired by the medical imaging device 10, as well as various other information. The image data of radiographic images and ultrasonic images may be stored in association with at least one of an imaging instruction and imaging information. The imaging information may include, for example, at least one of the following: subject information and imaging items included in the imaging instruction; photographer information indicating the photographer who performed the imaging (e.g., a user such as a doctor or technician); and date and time information indicating the date and time the imaging was performed.

[0083] refer to Figure 10, an example of the functional structure of the console 50 is described. Figure 10 As shown, the console 50 includes a generating unit 80, a distortion correcting unit 82, and a display control unit 84. When the CPU 51 executes the image display program 57, the CPU 51 functions as the generating unit 80, the distortion correcting unit 82, and the display control unit 84.

[0084] The generator 80 of this embodiment generates a radiographic image and an ultrasonic image of the breast while the compression member 40 is in use. Furthermore, the display controller 84 of this embodiment displays the ultrasonic image generated by the generator 80 superimposed on the radiographic image. Thus, in this embodiment, the display controller 84 displays the ultrasonic image and the radiographic image generated by the generator 80 superimposed on each other, but this is not limiting. For example, the display controller 84 may display the ultrasonic image and the radiographic image side by side.

[0085] On the other hand, the distortion correcting unit 82 according to the present embodiment performs distortion correction on at least one of the ultrasonic image and the radiographic image (both in the present embodiment) when the display control unit 84 performs the above-mentioned display.

[0086] That is, when the compression portion 42 of the compression member 40 compresses the breast, distortion corresponding to the compression force occurs. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distortion correction unit 82 performs distortion correction on both the ultrasonic image and the radiographic image.

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 11 The function of the console 50 according to this embodiment will be described. In the console 50, the CPU 51 executes the image display program 57 to execute the image display program 57. Figure 11 The image display process is shown. For example, the image display process is executed when a user issues an instruction to start the process via the operation unit 55. To avoid complication, the following description assumes that a user, such as a doctor or a technician, positions the subject's breast on the imaging surface 16A of the imaging table 16 and compresses the breast using the compression member 40.

[0088] In step S10 , the CPU 51 controls the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 to capture radiographic images. In step S12 , the CPU 51 controls the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 to capture ultrasonic images.

[0089] In step S14, the CPU 51 performs distortion correction on the radiographic image and ultrasonic image obtained through the above processing. In step S16, the CPU 51 controls the display 54 to overlay the processed radiographic image and ultrasonic image. In step S18, the CPU 51 waits until pre-set information is input. This overlaid image is hereinafter referred to as the "overlay image." By referring to the overlay image, the user can more easily understand the presence or condition of breast lesions.

[0090] After referring to the superimposed image, the user designates an end button displayed on the screen displaying the superimposed image using the operation unit 55. Based on this designation, the determination in step S18 is affirmative, and this image display process is terminated.

[0091] As described above, in the medical imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, the element group of the ultrasonic imaging device is arranged so that at least a portion of the element group of the radiographic imaging device does not overlap with the element group of the radiographic imaging device in the direction of radiation incidence. Therefore, when capturing both radiographic and ultrasonic images of a breast compressed by a compression member, it is possible to prevent one imaging device from affecting the other.

[0092] Furthermore, in the medical imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, the component group of the ultrasonic imaging device and the component group of the radiographic imaging device are arranged on the same substrate. Therefore, compared to a case where the component group of the ultrasonic imaging device and the component group of the radiographic imaging device are arranged on separate substrates, it is possible to more reliably prevent one imaging device from affecting the other imaging device.

[0093] Furthermore, with the medical imaging apparatus of this embodiment, the image acquisition area acquired by the ultrasonic imaging device is substantially the same as the image acquisition area acquired by the radiographic imaging device. Therefore, compared to acquiring ultrasonic images using an ultrasonic probe, ultrasonic images of the same area as radiographic images can be acquired more reliably.

[0094] Furthermore, in the medical imaging device according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic imaging device is manufactured using a process typically used to manufacture silicon semiconductor devices. Therefore, compared to processes that use a process for manufacturing ultrasonic elements by slicing piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric single crystals, cumulative damage to the ultrasonic imaging device caused by radiation exposure can be suppressed.

[0095] Furthermore, in the medical imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, the ultrasonic imaging device transmits and receives ultrasonic signals using a capacitive method. Therefore, compared to transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals using ultrasonic elements made of piezoelectric ceramics or piezoelectric single crystals, cumulative damage to the ultrasonic imaging device caused by radiation exposure can be suppressed.

[0096] Furthermore, in the medical imaging apparatus according to this embodiment, the elements that transmit and receive ultrasound waves in the ultrasonic imaging device are arranged at a spacing calculated based on the wavelength of the ultrasound waves and beam steering, so that no reflection of a virtual image occurs in the acquired ultrasound image. This prevents the reflection of a virtual image from occurring in the ultrasound image.

[0097] Furthermore, the medical imaging apparatus according to this embodiment arranges the ultrasonic transceiver elements in the ultrasonic imaging device at a random arrangement density, thereby further suppressing image unevenness compared to arrangements of the ultrasonic transceiver elements at a regular arrangement density.

[0098] Furthermore, the image generation system according to this embodiment includes the medical image acquisition device described above and uses the medical image acquisition device to generate radiographic images and ultrasonic images. Therefore, similar to the medical image acquisition device, when capturing radiographic and ultrasonic images of a breast compressed by a compression member, it is possible to prevent one imaging device from affecting the other.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the element group of the radiation image acquisition device and the element group of the ultrasonic image acquisition device are arranged on the same substrate of the image detector 28 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a method may be adopted in which the element group of the radiation image acquisition device and the element group of the ultrasonic image acquisition device are arranged on separate substrates, and these substrates are overlapped so that the element group of the ultrasonic image acquisition device does not overlap the element group of the radiation image acquisition device at least partially in the incident direction of radiation.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, various processors described below can be used as the hardware configuration of the processing unit that executes various processes, such as the generation unit 80, the distortion correction unit 82, and the display control unit 84. As described above, these various processors include general-purpose processors, i.e., CPUs, that execute software (programs) and function as various processing units. These processors also include processors whose circuit configuration can be modified after manufacture, such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and processors with circuit configurations specifically designed to execute specific processes, i.e., dedicated circuits, such as programmable logic devices (PLDs) and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0101] A single processing unit may be composed of one of these various processors, or a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., a combination of multiple FPGAs or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Furthermore, a single processor may constitute multiple processing units.

[0102] As examples of multiple processing units composed of a single processor, there are two approaches: first, a combination of one or more CPUs and software constitutes a single processor, as exemplified by computers such as clients and servers, and this processor functions as multiple processing units. Second, a processor that implements the functions of the entire system, including multiple processing units, on a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as exemplified by system-on-chip (SoC) systems, is used. In this manner, various processing units are configured as hardware using one or more of these various processors.

[0103] Furthermore, as the hardware configuration of these various processors, more specifically, a circuit (circuitry) formed by combining circuit elements such as semiconductor elements can be used.

[0104] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image display program 57 is pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 52 of the console 50, but the present invention is not limited to this. The image display program 57 may also be provided by recording it on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory device. Furthermore, the image display program 57 may be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0105] Based on the above description, the invention described in the following supplementary notes can be grasped.

[0106] [Note 1]

[0107] A medical image acquisition device captures a radiographic image of a breast compressed by a compression member using a radiographic image acquisition device and captures an ultrasonic image using an ultrasonic image acquisition device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, wherein:

[0108] The element group of the ultrasonic imaging device is arranged so as not to overlap with the element group of the radiographic imaging device at least partially in the incident direction of radiation.

[0109] [Note 2]

[0110] The medical image acquisition device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein:

[0111] The element group of the ultrasonic imaging device and the element group of the radiation imaging device are arranged on the same substrate.

[0112] [Note 3]

[0113] The medical image acquisition device according to Supplement 1 or 2, wherein:

[0114] An image acquisition region based on the ultrasonic image acquisition device is substantially the same as an image acquisition region based on the radiation image acquisition device.

[0115] [Note 4]

[0116] The medical image acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein:

[0117] The ultrasonic image acquisition device is manufactured using a silicon semiconductor device manufacturing process.

[0118] [Note 5]

[0119] The medical image acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein:

[0120] The ultrasonic imaging device transmits and receives ultrasonic signals in an electrostatic capacitance type.

[0121] [Note 6]

[0122] The medical image acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein:

[0123] The elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic imaging device are arranged at a pitch calculated based on the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves and beam steering, which is equal to or smaller than a pitch that does not cause reflection of a virtual image in an ultrasonic image obtained by imaging.

[0124] [Note 7]

[0125] The medical image acquisition device according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein:

[0126] The elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic imaging device are arranged at a random arrangement density.

[0127] [Note 8]

[0128] An image generation system comprising:

[0129] The medical image acquisition device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7; and

[0130] A control console controls the medical image acquisition device.

Claims

1. A medical image acquisition device that captures a radiographic image of a breast compressed by a compression member using a radiographic image acquisition device and captures an ultrasonic image using an ultrasonic image acquisition device that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, wherein: The element group of the ultrasonic imaging device is arranged so as not to overlap with the element group of the radiographic imaging device at least partially in the incident direction of radiation.

2. The medical image acquisition device according to claim 1, wherein: The element group of the ultrasonic imaging device and the element group of the radiation imaging device are arranged on the same substrate.

3. The medical image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The image acquisition region of the ultrasonic imaging device and the image acquisition region of the radiation imaging device are substantially the same region.

4. The medical image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ultrasonic image acquisition device is manufactured using a silicon semiconductor device manufacturing process.

5. The medical image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The ultrasonic image acquisition device transmits and receives ultrasonic signals in an electrostatic capacitance manner.

6. The medical image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic imaging device are arranged at a pitch equal to or smaller than a pitch calculated based on the wavelength of the ultrasonic waves and beam steering so as not to cause a virtual image to appear in the captured ultrasonic image.

7. The medical image acquisition device according to claim 6, wherein: The elements for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic imaging device are arranged at a random arrangement density.

8. An image generation system comprising: The medical image acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2; and A console controls the medical image acquisition device.

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