Medical image diagnostic device and video projection device

Abstract

To reduce a feeling of pressure and a cooped-up feeling in a bore.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic device includes a moving body, a top plate, a screen, a first frame, a second frame, a posture estimation part, a rotation amount determination part, and a projector control part. The moving body can move in a bore along a central axis of the bore formed on a trestle equipped with a medical imaging mechanism for imaging a subject. The top plate can be inserted into the bore. The screen is provided in the moving body, and a video from a projector is projected on it. The first frame is connected to the moving body, and is disposed on a projector side with respect to the screen. The second frame supports a reflection plate, and is movable along the first frame. The posture estimation part estimates the posture of the subject on the basis of the position of the reflection plate with respect to the screen or the direction of the head of the subject. The rotation amount determination part determines a rotation amount of the video on the basis of the posture. The projector control part controls the projector so as to rotate the video according to the rotation amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical imaging device and a video projection device.

Background Art

[0002] A magnetic resonance imaging device has a gantry equipped with an imaging mechanism such as a magnet. A substantially hollow bore is formed in the gantry. MR (Magnetic Resonance) imaging is performed with the patient inserted into the bore. Although gantries with a relatively large bore diameter have been developed, due to the long MR imaging time, noise during gantry driving, and the feeling of pressure and constriction inside the bore, there are not a few patients who feel stressed during the MR examination.

[0003] In order to reduce the feeling of pressure and constriction inside the bore, a device has been proposed that projects an image from a projector onto a screen and allows the image to be viewed through a mirror. However, in this device, the direction in which the image is projected is fixed, and the mirror is arranged according to that direction, so the patient can only view the image in a supine state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to reduce the feeling of pressure and constriction inside the bore. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be regarded as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The medical imaging diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment includes a mobile body, a top plate, a screen, a first frame, a second frame, a posture estimation unit, a rotation amount determination unit, and a projector control unit. The mobile body is movable within a bore formed in a stand equipped with a medical imaging mechanism for imaging a subject, along the central axis of the bore. The top plate is insertable into the bore. The screen is provided on the mobile body, and an image from a projector is projected onto it. The first frame is connected to the mobile body and positioned on the projector side relative to the screen. The second frame supports a reflector and is movable along the first frame. The posture estimation unit estimates the posture of the subject based on the position of the reflector relative to the screen or the orientation of the subject's head. The rotation amount determination unit determines the amount of rotation of the image based on the posture. The projector control unit controls the projector to rotate the image according to the amount of rotation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of a medical imaging diagnostic system including a medical imaging diagnostic device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the installation environment for a magnetic resonance imaging system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a mobile screen device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of the mobile screen device shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a front view of the mobile screen device shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment, showing a connected mobile screen device and a top plate. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a mobile screen device relating to an embodiment, showing the movement of a reflector along a first frame. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the fixing operation by the fixing mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in video rotation processing according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The medical imaging diagnostic apparatus according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations will be given only when necessary.

[0009] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a medical imaging diagnostic system 1 including a medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the medical imaging diagnostic system 1 includes a medical imaging diagnostic device 10, a projector 100, and a projector control device 200, all of which are connected to each other via wired or wireless communication. The medical imaging diagnostic device 10 has a stand 11, a patient 13, a movable screen device 15, and an imaging control unit 17. For example, the stand 11, the patient 13, and the movable screen device 15 are installed in the examination room, and the imaging control unit 17 is installed in a control room adjacent to the examination room. The stand 11 is equipped with a mechanism for realizing medical imaging. The stand 11 has a bore with a hollow shape. The patient 13 is installed in front of the stand 11. The patient 13 movably supports a top plate on which the subject P is placed. The patient 13 moves the top plate according to control from the stand 11 and a console, etc. A movable screen device 15 is movably installed within the bore of the frame 11. A projector 100 is installed in front of or behind the frame 11. Images from the projector 100 are projected onto the movable screen device 15.

[0010] The projector control device 200 is a computer device that controls the projector 100. The projector control device 200 supplies data related to the image to be projected to the projector 100. The projector 100 projects the image corresponding to the data from the projector control device 200 onto the screen of the mobile screen device 15. The projector 100 is equipped with at least a display device and a light source. The display device displays the image corresponding to the data from the projector control device 200. The light source irradiates the display device with light directly or indirectly via an optical system. The light transmitted or reflected from the display device (hereinafter referred to as projected light) is emitted outside the projector 100 directly or indirectly via an optical system. When the projected light irradiates the mobile screen device 15, the image corresponding to the projected light is projected onto the mobile screen device 15.

[0011] The imaging control unit 17 functions as the central hub of the medical imaging diagnostic device 10. For example, the imaging control unit 17 controls the stand 11 for medical imaging. The imaging control unit 17 also reconstructs a medical image of the subject P based on the raw data collected by the stand 11 during medical imaging. The imaging control unit 17 may also be configured to control the projector 100 via the projector control device 200. The configuration of the medical imaging diagnostic system 1 in this embodiment is not limited to the above.

[0012] The medical imaging diagnostic system 1 according to this embodiment utilizes a projector 100 and a mobile screen device 15 to improve the habitability within the bore during medical imaging by the medical imaging diagnostic device 10. The medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to this embodiment may be any device capable of imaging a subject P using a stand 11 with a bore formed therein. Specifically, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to this embodiment is applicable to a single modality such as an MRI device, an X-ray computed tomography (CT) device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, and a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device. Alternatively, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to this embodiment may be applied to a composite modality such as an MR / PET device, a CT / PET device, an MR / SPECT device, or a CT / SPECT device. However, in order to provide a detailed explanation below, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to this embodiment will be assumed to be a magnetic resonance imaging device 10. Furthermore, the medical imaging diagnostic system 1, which includes the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10, the projector 100, and the projector control device 200, will be referred to as the magnetic resonance imaging system 1.

[0013] Figure 2 shows the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 includes an imaging control unit 17, a stand 11, a patient bed 13, and a movable screen device 15. The imaging control unit 17 includes a gradient magnetic field power supply 21, a transmitting circuit 23, a receiving circuit 25, and a console 27. The console 27 includes an imaging control circuit 31, a processing circuit 30, a communication interface 34, a display 35, an input interface 36, and a memory 37. The imaging control circuit 31, processing circuit 30, communication interface 34, display 35, input interface 36, and memory 37 are connected to each other via a bus so as to be able to communicate with each other. The gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, and the receiving circuit 25 are provided separately from the console 27 and the stand 11.

[0014] The gantry 11 has a static magnetic field magnet 41, a gradient magnetic field coil 43, and an RF coil 45. The static magnetic field magnet 41 and the gradient magnetic field coil 43 are housed in a housing of the gantry 11 (hereinafter referred to as the gantry housing) 51. The RF coil 45 is disposed in the bore 53 of the gantry housing 51. Also, the mobile screen device 15 according to the present embodiment is disposed in the bore 53 of the gantry housing 51.

[0015] The static magnetic field magnet 41, the gradient magnetic field coil 43, the RF coil 45, etc. correspond to a medical imaging mechanism. When the medical imaging diagnostic apparatus 10 is various modalities such as a CT apparatus, a PET apparatus, a SPECT apparatus, a CT / PET apparatus, a MR / PET apparatus, a MR / SPECT apparatus, a CT / SPECT apparatus, etc., the medical imaging mechanism corresponds to a set of various imaging devices equipped on the gantry in these modalities.

[0016] The static magnetic field magnet 41 has a hollow substantially cylindrical shape and generates a static magnetic field inside the substantially cylinder. As the static magnetic field magnet 41, for example, a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet, a normal conducting magnet, or the like is used. Here, the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 41 is defined as the Z axis, the axis perpendicular to the Z axis vertically is called the Y axis, and the axis perpendicular to the Z axis horizontally is called the X axis. The X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis constitute an orthogonal three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0017] The gradient magnetic field coil 43 is attached inside the static magnetic field magnet 41 and is a coil unit formed in a hollow substantially cylindrical shape. The gradient magnetic field coil 43 generates a gradient magnetic field by receiving the supply of current from the gradient magnetic field power source 21.

[0018] The gradient magnetic field power source 21 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 43 in accordance with the control by the imaging control circuit 31. The gradient magnetic field power source 21 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 43 to generate a gradient magnetic field in the gradient magnetic field coil 43.

[0019] The RF coil 45 is positioned inside the gradient magnetic field coil 43 and generates a high-frequency magnetic field by receiving RF pulses from the transmitting circuit 23. The RF coil 45 also receives magnetic resonance signals (hereinafter referred to as MR signals) emitted from target atomic nuclei present in the subject P under the influence of the high-frequency magnetic field. The received MR signals are supplied to the receiving circuit 25 via wired or wireless connection. Although the RF coil 45 described above is a coil with transmitting and receiving functions, a transmitting RF coil and a receiving RF coil may be provided separately.

[0020] The transmitting circuit 23 transmits a high-frequency magnetic field to the subject P via the RF coil 45 to excite target atomic nuclei, such as protons, present in the subject P. Specifically, the transmitting circuit 23 supplies a high-frequency signal (RF signal) to the RF coil 45 to excite the target atomic nuclei, in accordance with the control of the imaging control circuit 31. The high-frequency magnetic field generated from the RF coil 45 oscillates at a resonance frequency unique to the target atomic nuclei, exciting them. An MR signal is generated from the excited target atomic nuclei and detected by the RF coil 45. The detected MR signal is supplied to the receiving circuit 25.

[0021] The receiving circuit 25 receives the MR signal generated from the excited target atomic nucleus via the RF coil 45. The receiving circuit 25 processes the received MR signal to generate a digital MR signal (hereinafter referred to as MR data). The MR data is output to the processing circuit 30 via the imaging control circuit 31.

[0022] A bed 13 is installed adjacent to the frame 11. The bed 13 has a top plate 131 and a base 133. The subject P is placed on the top plate 131. The base 133 supports the top plate 131 so that it can slide along the X, Y, and Z axes. The bed drive device 135 is housed in the base 133. The bed drive device 135 moves the top plate 131 under control from the imaging control circuit 31. Any motor such as a servo motor or a stepping motor may be used as the bed drive device 135. With these, the top plate 131 can be inserted into the bore 53.

[0023] The imaging control circuit 31 controls the gradient power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, and the receiving circuit 25, etc., according to the imaging protocol output from the processing circuit 30, and performs imaging of the subject P. The imaging protocol has a pulse sequence according to the type of examination. The imaging protocol defines the magnitude of the current supplied to the gradient coil 43 by the gradient power supply 21, the timing of the current supplied to the gradient coil 43 by the gradient power supply 21, the magnitude and duration of the high-frequency pulse supplied to the RF coil 45 by the transmitting circuit 23, the timing of the high-frequency pulse supplied to the RF coil 45 by the transmitting circuit 23, and the timing of the MR signal received by the RF coil 45. Based on the pulse sequence supplied from the system control function 301, the imaging control circuit 31 synchronously controls the gradient power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, and the receiving circuit 25, and images the subject P with a pulse sequence corresponding to the pulse sequence information.

[0024] The imaging control circuit 31 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the transmitting circuit 23, and the receiving circuit 25 to image the subject P. As a result, when it receives MR data from the receiving circuit 25, it transfers the received MR data to the processing circuit 30, etc.

[0025] The imaging control circuit 31 is implemented by, for example, a processor. The term "processor" refers to circuits such as a CPU, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and Programmable Logic Device (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)).

[0026] If the processor is a CPU, for example, it implements its functions by reading and executing a program stored in memory 37. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, instead of storing the program in memory 37, the function is directly incorporated as a logic circuit within the processor's circuitry. In this embodiment, each processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; multiple independent circuits may be combined to form a single processor and implement its functions. Furthermore, although it has been described as a single memory circuit storing programs corresponding to each processing function, multiple memory circuits may be distributed and arranged, and the processing circuit may read the corresponding program from the individual memory circuits.

[0027] The communication interface 34 communicates data with the projector control device 200 or the projector 100 via a wired or wireless connection (not shown). The communication interface 34 may also communicate data with external devices connected via a network (not shown), such as a server for a medical image management system (PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems)) or a server for a hospital information system (HIS (Hospital Information System)). Furthermore, the communication interface 34 may communicate data with equipment attached to the mobile screen device 15, as described later.

[0028] The display 35 displays various types of information. For example, the display 35 displays MR images reconstructed by the reconstruction function 303 or MR images processed by the image processing function 305. The display 35 may also display images projected by the projector 100.

[0029] The input interface 36 receives various commands from the user. The input interface 36 can include a keyboard, mouse, various switches, etc. The input interface 36 supplies the input signals received by the user to the processing circuit 30 via a bus. Note that the input interface 36 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse or keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives electrical signals corresponding to input operations from an external input device separate from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 and outputs the received electrical signals to various circuits is also included in the input interface 36.

[0030] The memory 37 can be implemented as a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), or integrated circuit memory device that stores various types of information. Alternatively, the memory 37 may be implemented as a drive device that reads and writes various types of information to and from a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, DVD drive, or flash memory. For example, the memory 37 stores MR images and control programs for the magnetic resonance imaging device 10.

[0031] The processing circuit 30 is implemented by the processor described above. The processing circuit 30 includes a system control function 301, a reconstruction function 303, an image processing function 305, a posture estimation function 307, a rotation amount determination function 309, and a projector control function 311. The processing circuits 30 that implement the system control function 301, the reconstruction function 303, the image processing function 305, the posture estimation function 307, the rotation amount determination function 309, and the projector control function 311 correspond to the system control unit, the reconstruction unit, the image processing unit, the posture estimation unit, the rotation amount determination unit, and the projector control unit, respectively. Each of these functions, such as the system control function 301, the reconstruction function 303, the image processing function 305, the posture estimation function 307, the rotation amount determination function 309, and the projector control function 311, are stored in the memory 37 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer.

[0032] For example, the processing circuit 30 reads a program from the memory 37 and executes it, thereby realizing the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 30, in the state where each program has been read, will have functions such as the system control function 301, the reconstruction function 303, the image processing function 305, the posture estimation function 307, the rotation amount determination function 309, and the projector control function 311.

[0033] The processing circuit 30 controls the entire magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 using the system control function 301. Specifically, the system control function 301 reads the control program stored in the memory 37, loads it into the memory, and controls each part of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 according to the loaded control program. For example, the system control function 301 reads the imaging protocol from the memory 37 based on the imaging conditions input by the operator via the input interface 36. The system control function 301 transmits the imaging protocol to the imaging control circuit 31 and controls imaging for the subject P.

[0034] The processing circuit 30, using the reconstruction function 303, reconstructs an MR image of the subject P based on the MR data from the receiving circuit 25. For example, the reconstruction function 303 applies a Fourier transform or the like to the MR data arranged in k-space or frequency space to generate an MR image defined in real space.

[0035] The processing circuit 30 applies various image processing to the reconstructed MR image using the image processing function 305. The image processing function 305 may be implemented using an ASIC, FPGA, CPLD, or SPLD. The processing details of the attitude estimation function 307, rotation amount determination function 309, and projector control function 311 implemented by the processing circuit 30 will be explained later.

[0036] The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0037] First, the installation environment of the magnetic resonance imaging system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the installation environment of the magnetic resonance imaging system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 3, the installation environment of the magnetic resonance imaging system 1 includes an examination room 300 where MR imaging is performed and a control room 400 adjacent to the examination room 300. A stand 11 and a patient bed 13 are installed in the examination room 300. The patient bed 13 is positioned in front of the stand 11. A movable screen device 15 is installed in the bore 53 of the stand 11.

[0038] The examination room 300 is a shielded room capable of shielding against leakage magnetic fields from the frame 11 and electromagnetic fields from the outside. The examination room 300 is provided with a door D1 for entry and exit. A door D2 is provided between the examination room 300 and the control room 400 for passage between the two rooms. The control room 400 houses a console 27, a projector 100, and a projector control device 200. The projector 100 is installed behind the frame 11, separated from the examination room 300 by a wall 500. Cameras capable of photographing the subject P and cameras capable of photographing the reflector 67 on the mobile body 61 (described later) may also be provided on the walls and ceiling of the examination room 300. The camera capable of photographing at least one of the subject P and the reflector 67 may be installed on the inner wall of the frame housing 51. In this case, the camera photographs the inside of the bore 53. The data output from the camera (hereinafter referred to as "shooting data") is output from the camera to the processing circuit 30 via wireless or wired connection.

[0039] A window 510 is provided in the part of the wall 500 through which the projection light LP propagates from the projector 100 to the mobile screen device 15. Through the window 510, the projection light LP can be propagated from the projector 100 installed in the control room 400 to the mobile screen device 15 in the inspection room 300. It would be preferable to also provide a door D3 for entry and exit in the control room 400.

[0040] The above layout is merely an example and is not limited to it. For example, although the projector 100, projector control device 200, and console 27 are installed in the control room 400, the console 27 and projector control device 200 may be installed in a different room from the projector 100. Also, if the projector 100 can be made of a material that is not affected by magnetic fields, the projector 100 may be installed in the inspection room 300. In addition to the inspection room 300 and the control room 400, a machine room for installing the gradient magnetic field power supply 21 and the receiving circuit 25 may also be provided.

[0041] A rail 55 is formed at the lower part of the bore 53 of the frame housing 51, parallel to the central axis Z of the bore 53. The rail 55 is a structure that guides the sliding of the top plate 131 and the movable screen device 15 along the central axis Z. The rail 55 is provided on the inner wall of the frame housing 51 that is in contact with the bore 53. The rail 55 is made of a non-magnetic material that does not act on the magnetic field used for magnetic resonance imaging. Here, with respect to the Z axis, the direction from the bed side toward the projector side is defined as the +Z axis direction, and the direction from the projector side toward the bed side is defined as the -Z axis direction.

[0042] Next, the structure of the mobile screen device 15 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mobile screen device 15 according to this embodiment. Figure 5 is a side view of the mobile screen device 15. Figure 6 is a front view of the mobile screen device 15. Figure 7 is a perspective view of adjacent mobile screen devices 15 and the top plate 131.

[0043] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the mobile screen device 15 includes a mobile body 61, a screen 63, a first frame 651, a second frame 653, and a reflector 67. The mobile body 61 is a structure (mobile trolley) that moves along rails 55 provided on the inner wall 57 of the frame housing 51. Wheels (not shown) that roll on the rails 55 are attached to the lower part of the mobile body 61 to improve its mobility on the rails 55. Note that if the mobile body 61 can move along the rails 55, it is not necessary to provide wheels; the surface that contacts the rails 55 should be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction. Alternatively, guides such as linear bearings may be provided instead of rails 55 and wheels. With these configurations, the mobile body 61 can move within the bore 53 along the central axis Z of the bore 53 formed in the frame 11 equipped with a medical imaging mechanism for imaging the subject P. The mobile body 61 supports the screen 63 and the first frame 651. The moving body 61 is made of a non-magnetic material that does not act on a magnetic field, such as resin.

[0044] As shown in Figure 7, for example, the movable body 61 and the top plate 131 may be adjacent to each other. In this case, the movable body 61 can move within the bore 53 along the central axis Z of the bore 53 together with the top plate 131. That is, the movable body 61 can move within the bore 53 along the central axis Z of the bore 53 formed in the stand 11 equipped with a medical imaging mechanism for imaging the subject P. A subject fixing device 137 is attached to the front part (+Z axis direction side) of the top plate 131. The subject fixing device 137 fixes the head of the subject P placed on the top plate 131. The subject fixing device 137 has a curved shape so that it can cover the back of the head without obstructing the view of the subject P when the subject P is placed face up on the top plate 131. That is, the front side of the subject fixing device 137 is open.

[0045] Furthermore, the subject restraint device 137 connected to the mobile body 61 is not limited to restraining the head of a subject P in a supine position. For example, the subject restraint device 137 connected to the mobile body 61 may restrain the head of a subject P placed on the tabletop 131 in a prone or lateral position. For example, if the subject restraint device 137 restrains the head of a subject placed on the tabletop 131 in a prone position, the mobile body 61 or the tabletop 131 is provided with a reflector (hereinafter referred to as a downward mirror) that allows the subject in a prone position to see the image projected onto the screen 63. As a result, the subject in a prone position can see the image projected onto the screen 63 via the downward mirror provided on the mobile body 61 or the tabletop 131.

[0046] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the screen 63 is mounted on the mobile body 61. Images from the projector 100 are projected onto the screen 63. Specifically, the images from the projector 100 are projected onto the screen 63 from the side opposite to the insertion side of the top plate 131 into the bore 53. That is, the projector 100 is positioned on the opposite side of the bed 13, with the screen 63 in between. Here, the side of the screen 63 facing the projector 100 will be called the back surface, and the side facing the bed 13 will be called the front surface. In order to project images onto the surface, the screen 63 is preferably made of a translucent material. Suitable translucent materials include translucent plastic or frosted glass. Because the screen 63 is made of a translucent material, the projection light emitted from the projector 100 is irradiated onto the back surface of the screen 63, and the image corresponding to the projection light is projected onto the surface. As a result, the subject P, etc., can see the image projected onto the surface from the bed 13 side via the reflector 67.

[0047] The screen 63 may have a flat or curved shape. If it has a curved shape, it is preferable that the concave surface faces the bed 13, that is, that is, that it forms the surface. By having the concave surface face the bed 13, it becomes possible to cover the area behind the head of the subject P, who is placed on the top plate 131, with the screen 63. This fills the subject P's field of vision with the image projected on the screen 63, allowing them to become immersed in the image.

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the first frame 651 has an outer diameter RS ​​that is smaller than the diameter RB of the inner wall 57 that contacts the bore 53 of the frame housing 51. By designing the outer diameter RS ​​to be smaller than the inner diameter RB in this way, the movable screen device 15 can be inserted into the bore 53. Air flows into the bore 53 from a ventilation fan (not shown) provided on the frame 11. By providing a gap G1 between the edge of the screen 63 and the inner wall 57, it is possible to prevent the air sent out from the ventilation fan from being blocked by the screen 63.

[0049] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the two connection points 66 between the first frame 651 and the mobile body 61 are positioned on the projector side relative to the screen 63, in a state where the subject P placed on the top plate 131 can view the image through the reflector 67. Furthermore, the connection points 66 between the first frame 651 and the mobile body 61 are positioned on the mobile body 61 in a location that does not obstruct the image projected from the projector 100 onto the screen 63.

[0050] The first frame 651 is connected to the mobile body 61. The first frame 651 is mounted on the mobile body 61 so as to be movable along the central axis Z. In addition to the above, the first frame 651 also supports the second frame 653 so as to be movable in the outer direction along the outer shape of the first frame 651 (in other words, in the outer direction along the outer circumference). The structure of the second frame 653 will be described in detail later. At least one of the first frame 651 and the second frame 653 may be made of a transparent material. More preferably, the first frame 651 and the second frame 653 are made of a transparent material. This makes it possible to reduce the feeling of pressure on the subject P caused by the first frame 651 and the second frame 653.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 7, the first frame 651 is connected to the mobile body 61 at connection point 66 and positioned on the projector side relative to the screen 63. At this time, the position of the first frame 651 is outside the field of view of the subject P placed on the top plate 131. The first frame 651 has a curved shape, for example, along the inner wall 57 of the bore 53. The shape of the first frame 651 is not limited to the above-mentioned arc, as long as it does not obstruct the image projected from the projector 100 onto the screen 63.

[0052] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the second frame 653 is supported on the first frame 651 via a connecting frame 655 so as to be movable along the first frame 651. The second frame 653 supports a reflector 67 that reflects the image projected onto the screen 63. The second frame 653 passes through the gap between the outer edge of the screen 63 and the inner wall 57 of the bore 53. That is, the second frame 653 supports the reflector 67 from the first frame 651 beyond the screen 63.

[0053] For example, the second frame 653 supports the reflector 67 by passing through the gap between the outer edge of the screen 63 and the inner wall 57 of the bore 53. Specifically, the second frame 653 is composed of two arms parallel to the central axis Z of the bore 53 in the gap between the inner wall 57 of the bore 53 and the screen 63. The second frame 653 supports the reflector 67 so that it can rotate around an axis perpendicular to the Z axis using these two arms. In this case, the cross-sectional shape of each of the two arms is, for example, curved along the inner wall 57 of the bore 53. This allows the angle of the reflector 67 to be adjusted as appropriate around the axis of rotation.

[0054] The second frame 653 may be supported by the first frame 651 so as to be movable toward the projector along the central axis Z of the bore 53. In this case, a linear bearing, for example, is provided between the second frame 653 and the connecting frame 655. In this case, the second frame 653 is provided with a guide rail that guides a block in the linear bearing along the central axis Z of the bore 53. In this case, the block is provided on the connecting frame 655. The linear bearing is made of a non-magnetic material.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the connecting frame 655 supports the second frame 653 so that it can move along the outer circumference of the first frame 651 (i.e., the outer edge of the first frame 651). As shown in Figures 4 to 7, one end of the connecting frame 655 is movable up to the connection point 66. Between the connecting frame 655 and the first frame 651, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism is provided. In this case, the first frame 651 is provided with a rack gear along its outer circumference. The connecting frame 655 is also provided with a pinion gear that engages with the rack gear. Note that the connection between the first frame 651 and the connecting frame 655 is not limited to a rack and pinion mechanism and may be achieved by other mechanisms such as linear bearings. In this case, the first frame 651 is provided with a guide rail in an arc shape to guide the block in the linear bearing. In addition, the block is provided on the connecting frame 655. The rack-and-pinion mechanism and linear bearings described above are made of non-magnetic materials.

[0056] Figure 8 is a schematic front view of a mobile screen device 15 relating to the movement of a reflector 67 along the first frame 651. For the sake of clarity, the second frame 653 and the connecting frame 655 are omitted in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the reflector 67, which is in a predetermined position, can be moved along the outer circumference of the first frame 651 to the end positions 673 and 675 by the movement of the connecting frame 655. The movement of the connecting frame 655 is achieved, for example, by manual operation by the user or by driving a pinion gear or block provided on the connecting frame 655. The driving of the pinion gear or block can be controlled by various known motors, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0057] The connecting frame 655 is provided with a fixing mechanism 657 for fixing the connecting frame 655 to the first frame 651. As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the fixing mechanism 657 includes, for example, a pressing member 658 that presses against the first frame 651 and a lever 659 that can be operated by the user. At the contact portion between the pressing member 658 and the first frame 651, an elastic member, such as rubber, is provided, which can fix the connecting frame 655 to the first frame 651 by frictional force when the pressing member 658 presses against the first frame 651. The pressing member 658 may be able to fit into a plurality of holes provided in the first frame 651. In this case, the elastic member is not necessary. The fixing mechanism 657 is made of a non-magnetic material.

[0058] Figure 9 shows an example of the fixing operation by the fixing mechanism 657. As shown in Figure 9, when the lever 659 is moved away from the first frame 651, the pressing member 658 is pressed against the first frame 651. As a result, the connecting frame 655 is fixed to the first frame 651. Note that the means for fixing the connecting frame 655 to the first frame 651, as shown in Figure 9 and the above description, is just one example, and other configurations can be used as appropriate.

[0059] The reflector 67 is supported by the second frame 653 at a distance from the surface of the mobile body 61 so as not to strike the head of the subject P placed on the top plate 131 when the mobile body 61 and the top plate 131 are connected. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the reflector 67 is provided at approximately the end of the second frame 653. The reflector 67 reflects the image projected onto the surface of the screen 63. The reflector 67 is made of a non-magnetic material and may be made of any material that can optically reflect an object. For example, the reflector 67 may be a mirror made of acrylic with aluminum vapor deposition treatment or a half mirror with a dielectric film attached. The subject P, whose head is positioned on the subject fixing device 137, can see the image projected onto the surface through the reflector 67.

[0060] The reflector 67 is rotatably mounted on the second frame 653 to allow manual adjustment of its angle. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the reflector 67 is mounted on the second frame 653 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis RR1 by a rotation mechanism (not shown) provided on the second frame 653. The rotation axis RR1 is provided on the second frame 653, for example, so as to allow adjustment of the orientation of the reflector 67 relative to the surface of the screen 63. More specifically, the second frame 653 is preferably provided so as to be switchable between at least a first angle for a first projection format, which will be described later, and a second angle for a second projection format. The first projection format is one in which the subject P views the image on the screen 63 from outside the stand 11 without going through the reflector 67. For this reason, the first angle of the reflector 67 in the first projection format should be set to an angle that does not obstruct the view of the subject P, etc., outside the stand 11, for example, parallel to the second frame 653. At this time, the second frame 653 moves toward the projector along the central axis Z, or moves toward the connection point 66 along the first frame 651.

[0061] The second projection format is one in which the subject P views the image through a reflector 67 within the bore 53. When switching from the first projection format to the second projection format, the second frame 653 is moved as shown in Figures 4 to 7, for example, so that the reflector 67 is positioned directly above the subject fixing device 137 if the subject P is in a supine position. If the subject P is not in a supine position, such as in a lateral position, the reflector 67 is moved to the front of the subject P manually or automatically. If the subject P is in a prone position, the reflector 67 remains stationary because the movable body 61 or the lower mirror provided on the top plate 131 is positioned in front of the subject P. The second angle of the reflector 67 or the lower mirror in the second projection format may be set to any angle between horizontal and vertical, depending on the physique of the observer, the subject P. The reflector 67 may be made of a prism mirror. Furthermore, the reflector 67 may have a Fresnel structure.

[0062] The process of rotating the image according to the posture (or position) of subject P (hereinafter referred to as the image rotation process) will be explained below using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure in the image rotation process.

[0063] (Image rotation processing) (Step S101) The processing circuit 39 estimates the posture of subject P based on the position of the reflector 67 relative to the screen 63 or the orientation of subject P's head, using the posture estimation function 307. Specifically, if a camera is installed on at least one of the following in the examination room 300: the wall intersecting the central axis (Z-axis) of the static magnetic field magnet 41, the ceiling of the examination room 300, and the inner wall 57 of the stand housing 51, the posture estimation function 307 estimates the posture of subject P using the captured data output from the camera capable of capturing at least one of the reflector 67 and subject P. For example, if the camera is a patient camera (and / or ceiling camera) that photographs subject P, the posture estimation function 307 uses the captured data output from the patient camera to determine the orientation of subject P's head and estimates subject P's posture.

[0064] Specifically, the processing circuit 39 performs image recognition processing on the captured data using the posture estimation function 307 to estimate the posture of the subject P. More specifically, the posture estimation function 307 identifies the positional relationship between the orientation of the subject P's head and the screen 63 in the captured data, and the orientation of the subject P's head relative to the reflector 67 at a predetermined position, using various segmentation processes, and estimates the posture of the subject P. The posture of the subject P may be, for example, supine, lateral, or prone. The above description corresponds to detecting the posture of the subject P by capturing images of the subject P with a camera. Furthermore, for example, after estimating the posture of the subject P, the reflector 67 is moved to the front of the subject P.

[0065] The above explanation requires that the image of subject P be captured in the captured data, but the method for estimating subject P's posture is not limited to the above explanation. For example, if only a part of subject P is captured in the captured data, or if the camera is a camera that captures the reflector 67 (and / or a ceiling camera), the processing circuit 39 uses the posture estimation function 307 to determine the position of the reflector 67 relative to the screen 63 in the captured data through various segmentation processes. Next, the posture estimation function 307 estimates subject P's posture, taking the determined position of the reflector 67 as the subject P's front (frontal plane). For example, if, after the reflector 67 moves from a predetermined position to the front of subject P, the reflector 67 is positioned at a 90° angle to the mounting surface of the top plate 131, the posture estimation function 307 determines subject P's posture as a lateral recumbent position.

[0066] Furthermore, the estimation of the subject P's posture is not limited to data captured by the camera described above. For example, if a tilt sensor is provided on the reflector 67, the second frame 653, or the connecting frame 655, the processing circuit 39 uses the tilt data output from the tilt sensor to estimate the subject P's posture using the posture estimation function 307. Specifically, after the reflector 67 moves from a predetermined position to the front of the subject P, the posture estimation function 307 uses the tilt data output from the tilt sensor to the processing circuit 30 wirelessly or via a wired connection to estimate the subject P's posture. For example, if the tilt information is 90°, the posture estimation function 307 estimates the subject P's posture as a lateral recumbent position.

[0067] Furthermore, the estimation of the subject P's posture is not limited to the above description. For example, the processing circuit 39 may use the posture estimation function 307 to determine the orientation of the subject P's head using the imaging conditions set for the subject P (e.g., imaging protocol and / or sequence, etc.) and estimate the subject P's posture. The posture estimation function 307 may also use the examination purpose in the examination order for the subject P output from the Radiology Information System (RIS) via the communication interface 34 to estimate the subject P's posture. At this time, the subject P is placed on the top plate 131 in the posture corresponding to the imaging conditions, i.e., the estimated posture. Subsequently, the reflector 67 is moved to the front of the subject P.

[0068] For example, when imaging conditions for subject P are input via the input interface 36, the posture estimation function 307 estimates the posture of subject P corresponding to the input imaging conditions using a correspondence table that associates imaging conditions with the posture of subject P. However, if the input of the imaging conditions specifies the posture of subject P during imaging, such as prone, supine, or lateral, the posture estimation function 307 may estimate the posture of subject P according to the input without using the correspondence table.

[0069] (Step S102) The processing circuit 30, using the rotation amount determination function 309, determines the amount of rotation of the image projected onto the screen 63 based on the posture of the subject P estimated in step S101. The reference for the amount of rotation is that the angle when the vertical direction in the image is equal to the Y-axis is set to 0°. For example, if the posture of the subject P is prone, the rotation amount determination function 309 determines the amount of rotation to be 180°. In this case, the image projected onto the screen 63 will be an image that is inverted vertically. Also, if the posture of the subject P is lying on their side facing right with the positive direction of the X-axis, the rotation amount determination function 309 determines the amount of rotation to be 270°. In this case, the image projected onto the screen 63 will be an image that is tilted 90° to the right.

[0070] (Step S103) The processing circuit 30 controls the projector 100 so that the image projected onto the screen 63 rotates according to a determined amount of rotation, as determined by the projector control function 311. For example, if the projector 100 is rotatable along its axis by a rotation drive mechanism, the projector control function 311 controls the rotation drive mechanism according to the determined amount of rotation. Also, if the projector 100 has an application program that rotates the image, the projector control function 311 causes the application program to execute so that the image rotates according to the determined amount of rotation. As a result, the image projected onto the screen 63 rotates around its axis by the determined amount of rotation.

[0071] (Step S104) The imaging control circuit 31 executes the imaging protocol for subject P. This performs MR imaging on subject P. Subsequently, the processing circuit 30, using the reconstruction function 303, reconstructs an MR image of subject P based on the MR data from the receiving circuit 25. The processing circuit 30, using the system control function 301, stores the reconstructed MR image in the memory 37.

[0072] (Step S105) If there is another MR imaging for the same subject (Yes in step S105), the process in step S106 is executed. If there is no further MR imaging for the same subject (No in step S105), the image rotation process is terminated.

[0073] (Step S106) If there is a change in the posture of the subject P for the next MR imaging (Yes in step S106), the process in step S101 is executed. If there is no change in the posture of the subject P for the next MR imaging (No in step S106), the process in step S104 is executed. The determination in this step is made, for example, by the posture estimation function 307 based on the change in the relative positional relationship between the subject P and the reflector 67 as seen by the camera. Note that this step may be omitted, and the processes from step S101 onwards may be executed after step S105.

[0074] As a modification of this embodiment, the processing circuit 30 may estimate the positional relationship of the front of the subject P with respect to the screen 63 based on the shooting data output from the camera, the tilt data output from the tilt sensor, or the imaging conditions related to the subject P, using the posture estimation function 307. In this case, the rotation amount determination function 309 determines the amount of rotation based on the positional relationship of the front of the subject P with respect to the screen 63.

[0075] The medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to the embodiment described above estimates the posture of the subject P based on the position of the reflector 67 relative to the screen 63 or the orientation of the subject P's head, determines the amount of rotation of the image projected onto the screen 63 based on the estimated posture, and controls the projector 100 to rotate the image projected onto the screen 63 according to the determined amount of rotation. For example, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to the embodiment estimates the posture of the subject P using imaging data output from a camera capable of photographing at least one of the reflector 67 and the subject P. Alternatively, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 may estimate the posture of the subject P using tilt data output from a tilt sensor provided on the reflector 67 or the second frame 653. Alternatively, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 may determine the orientation of the subject P's head using imaging conditions for the subject P and estimate the posture of the subject P. Furthermore, the top plate 131 or the movable body 61 of the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 is provided with a reflector (downward mirror) that allows the subject P, who is lying face down, to see the image projected onto the screen 63. In other words, according to the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 of this embodiment, the position of the mirror can be aligned with the face of the subject P.

[0076] Based on these considerations, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to the embodiment can project an image rotated according to the posture of the subject P placed on the top plate 131 onto the screen 63. In other words, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to the embodiment can allow the subject P to view an image in which the vertical direction of the image coincides with the head-to-tail direction of the subject P, regardless of the posture of the subject P (i.e., regardless of the direction of the subject P's face). For this reason, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to the embodiment can reduce the subject P's awareness of the pressure and discomfort of being attached to the movable screen device 15 in the second projection mode during MR imaging, for example, and can provide the subject P with a relaxing image projected onto the screen 63 in a wide and immersive state. As a result, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 according to the embodiment can reduce the pressure and discomfort inside the bore and improve the subject P's immersion in the image. In other words, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 can provide the subject P with an examination environment in which they can relax sufficiently.

[0077] Based on the above, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 reduces anxiety for the subject P placed in the bore and makes the subject P perceive the examination time as shorter than it actually is, allowing the subject P to remain still during imaging. Therefore, the medical imaging diagnostic device 10 can stably acquire images, improve the quality of images related to the subject P, and improve the throughput of examinations for the subject P.

[0078] When the technical concept in the embodiment is realized in the image projection device 700, the image projection device 700 includes, for example, a movable screen device 15, a projector 100, and a projector control device 200. The projector control device 200 has various functions capable of performing image rotation processing. The projector control device 200 is implemented, for example, by a computer. The processing circuit in the computer includes, for example, a posture estimation function 307, a rotation amount determination function 309, and a projector control function 311. The image projection device 700 may also be composed of the movable screen device 15 and the projector control device 200. Furthermore, if the processing circuit in the projector 100 is equipped with various functions capable of performing image rotation processing, the image projection device 700 may be composed of the movable screen device 15 and the projector 100.

[0079] For example, the video projection device 700 includes a movable body 61 that can move within the bore 53 along the central axis Z of the bore 53 formed in a frame 11 equipped with a medical imaging mechanism for imaging a subject P, a screen 63 on which an image is projected, a projector 100 that projects the image onto the screen 63, a first frame 651 connected to the movable body 61 and positioned on the projector 100 side relative to the screen 63, a second frame 653 that supports a reflector 67 and is movable along the first frame 651, a posture estimation unit that estimates the posture of the subject P based on the position of the reflector 67 relative to the screen 63 or the orientation of the subject P's head, a rotation amount determination unit that determines the amount of rotation of the image based on the estimated posture, and a projector control unit that controls the projector 100 to rotate the image according to the determined amount of rotation. The components and the procedure and effects of the image rotation processing in this video projection device 700 are the same as in the embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0080] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to reduce the feeling of pressure and confinement inside the bore.

[0081] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 1. Medical imaging diagnostic system (magnetic resonance imaging system) 10. Medical imaging diagnostic equipment (magnetic resonance imaging equipment) 11. Stand 13 berths 15 Mobile screen device 17. Imaging control unit 21 Gradient magnetic field power supply 23 Transmitter Circuit 25 Receiving Circuit 27 Console 30 Processing Circuits 31 Imaging control circuit 34 Communication Interfaces 35 displays 36 Input Interfaces 37 memory 41 Static magnetic field magnet 43. Gradient field coil 45 RF coils 51. Stand enclosure 53 Bore 55 rails 57 Inner wall 61 Mobile Unit 63 screens 66 connection points 67 Reflector 100 projector 131 Top plate 133 Base 135 Bed drive mechanism 137 Subject fixation device 200 Projector control device 300 laboratory rooms, 301 System Control Function 303 Reconfiguration function 305 Image Processing Functions 307 Pose Estimation Function 309 Rotation Amount Determination Function 311 Projector control function 400 Control Room 500 Wall 510 windows 651 First Frame 653 2nd Frame 655 Connection Frames 657 Fixing mechanism 658 Pressing member 659 Lever D1 Door D2 Door D3 Door G1 Gap RR1 Rotation axis

Claims

1. a movable body that is movable within a bore along a central axis of the bore formed in a gantry that is equipped with a medical imaging mechanism for imaging an object; a top plate insertable into the bore; a screen provided on the moving body and onto which an image from a projector is projected; a first frame connected to the moving body and disposed on the projector side with respect to the screen; a second frame supporting a reflector and movable along the first frame; a posture estimation unit that estimates a posture of the subject based on a position of the reflector relative to the screen or a direction of the head of the subject; a rotation amount determination unit that determines a rotation amount of the image based on the posture; a projector control unit that controls the projector to rotate the image according to the rotation amount; Equipped with the attitude estimation unit estimates the attitude by using tilt data output from a tilt sensor provided on the reflector or the second frame. Medical imaging diagnostic equipment.

2. the posture estimation unit estimates the posture using imaging data output from a camera capable of imaging at least one of the reflector and the subject. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. A reflector is provided on the tabletop or the moving body, so that the image projected on the screen can be viewed by the subject in a prone position.

3. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1.

4. a movable body that is movable within a bore along a central axis of the bore formed in a gantry that is equipped with a medical imaging mechanism for imaging an object; a screen provided on the moving body and onto which an image is projected; a projector for projecting the image onto the screen; a first frame connected to the moving body and disposed on the projector side with respect to the screen; a second frame supporting a reflector and movable along the first frame; a posture estimation unit that estimates a posture of the subject based on a position of the reflector relative to the screen or a direction of the head of the subject; a rotation amount determination unit that determines a rotation amount of the image based on the posture; a projector control unit that controls the projector to rotate the image according to the rotation amount; Equipped with the attitude estimation unit estimates the attitude by using tilt data output from a tilt sensor provided on the reflector or the second frame. Video projection equipment.

Images