Video generation device and medical image diagnostic system

Abstract

To provide a video generation device for effectively reducing a psychological burden of a subject when the subject looks at a medical image diagnostic device.SOLUTION: A video generation device includes: a detection part for detecting a position of a subject; a video generation part for generating at least a first video to be projected onto an exterior of a gantry with a bore into which the subject is inserted and a second video to be projected onto an inner area of the bore, the video generation part configured to generate the first video and the second video based on the position of the subject detected by the detection part, such that there is a correlation and / or continuity between the first video and the second video; and a video output part for outputting the first video to the exterior of the gantry and outputting the second video to an inner region of the bore.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an image generating device and a medical image diagnostic system. [Background technology]

[0002] In an examination using a medical imaging diagnostic device having a cylindrical bore, a patient may feel a sense of claustrophobia when looking at the medical imaging diagnostic device, which may cause psychological stress. In particular, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device has a long bore and a small bore diameter. This creates a strong claustrophobia, which can easily cause psychological stress to the patient.

[0003] To address this issue, there are known designs that utilize the Savannah effect to reduce the sense of claustrophobia inside the bore by making the inner side brighter than the inner side, and designs that utilize the Delboeuf illusion to make the bore diameter appear larger. However, these methods only change the appearance of a part of the medical imaging diagnostic device, and the expected effects are limited.

[0004] There is also a technology called MR theater that projects images in the field of vision of the subject being imaged, i.e., the subject introduced into the bore, to reduce the sense of obstruction in the bore, but this technology does not reduce the psychological burden on the patient from the time the subject enters the examination room until the time he or she lies down on the bed. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can effectively reduce the psychological burden on the subject when the subject looks at the medical imaging diagnostic device from the time the subject enters the examination room until the time the subject lies down on the bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-093949 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-080300 A [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2016-532531 [Patent Document 4] Special Publication No. 2016-530976 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to effectively reduce the psychological burden on a subject when the subject looks at a medical image diagnostic device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image generating device according to an embodiment includes a detection unit that detects the position of a subject, an image generating unit that generates at least a first image projected onto the exterior of a gantry having a bore into which the subject is inserted and a second image projected onto an inner area of ​​the bore, the image generating unit generating the first image and the second image so that there is correlation and / or continuity between the first image and the second image based on the position of the subject detected by the detection unit, and an image output unit that outputs the first image to the exterior of the gantry and outputs the second image to the inner area of ​​the bore. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a medical image diagnostic system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an example of setting a range in which a first video image and a second video image are displayed. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image projected onto a pedestal. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an examination room in which a gantry and a bed device are arranged. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a 3D model simulating an examination room in which a gantry and a bed device are arranged. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for generating an image projected on a pedestal. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a method for generating an image projected on the pedestal. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the image generated in FIG. 8 projected onto a stand. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of an image generation process executed by the image generation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the state of an examination room in which the gantry is arranged. [Figure 13] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining generation of a first video and a second video. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a video output device outputs a video. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generating device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating images and how the image generating device of the third embodiment projects the images. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generating device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a video output device included in an image generating device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generating device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] 13 is a diagram for explaining an area in which an image output device included in an image generation device according to a fifth embodiment projects an image. [Figure 21] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a video output device included in an image generating device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generating device according to a sixth embodiment. [Diagram 23] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a video output device included in an image generating device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image generating device and a medical image diagnostic system will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be given only when necessary.

[0010] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a medical image diagnostic system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the medical image diagnostic system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 and an image generating apparatus 3.

[0011] The medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 is an apparatus for acquiring a tomographic image of the subject P as a medical image. In the following description, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and the medical image diagnostic system 1 is a magnetic resonance imaging system, but the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 is not limited to a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, and may be a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus, a PET (Positron Emission Computed Tomography) apparatus, or the like. When the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 is a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, the bore has a longer depth and a smaller bore diameter compared to a CT apparatus, etc., and therefore the subject P is more likely to feel a psychological burden.

[0012] The image generating device 3 is a device for generating and outputting an image that reduces the psychological burden that the subject P places on the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2.

[0013] <Medical imaging diagnostic equipment 2> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 according to this embodiment includes a gantry 10, a data processing device 20, and a bed device 30. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the subject P is, for example, a human body, and is shown merely for ease of understanding. Therefore, the subject P is not included in the configuration of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the subject P is placed in a supine position on a top board 301 included in the bed device 30, but the subject P does not have to be on the top board 301.

[0014] The gantry 10 is a device having an imaging system for imaging the subject P. The gantry 10 is placed in an examination room R, which will be described later. The gantry 10 is substantially cylindrical, and has a bore B into which the subject P is inserted. Here, the substantially cylindrical shape includes not only a shape in which the cross section perpendicular to the central axis is a perfect circle, but also a shape in which the cross section is an ellipse. The area inside the bore B is the imaging space in which the subject P is placed when capturing a tomographic image. In this embodiment, the gantry 10 is a gantry for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the gantry 10 according to this embodiment includes, for example, a static magnetic field magnet 101, a static magnetic field power supply 102, a gradient magnetic field coil 103, a gradient magnetic field power supply 104, a transmitting coil 105, a transmitting circuit 106, a receiving coil 107, a receiving circuit 108, and a sequence control circuit 109.

[0016] The gantry 10 accommodates a static magnetic field magnet 101, a gradient magnetic field coil 103, a transmitting coil 105, and a receiving coil 107 so as to surround the bore B. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the static magnetic field power supply 102, the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmitting circuit 106, the receiving circuit 108, and the sequence control circuit 109 are provided outside the gantry 10, but may be provided inside the gantry 10.

[0017] The static magnetic field magnet 101 is a magnet formed in a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape, and generates a static magnetic field in the internal space. The static magnetic field magnet 101 is, for example, a superconducting magnet, and is excited by receiving a current from a static magnetic field power supply 102. The static magnetic field magnet 101 may be a permanent magnet.

[0018] The static magnetic field power supply 102 supplies a current to the static magnetic field magnet 101. When the static magnetic field magnet 101 is a permanent magnet, the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 does not need to include the static magnetic field power supply 102. The static magnetic field power supply 102 may be provided separately from the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2.

[0019] The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is a coil formed in a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape, and is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 101. The gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 103. The gradient magnetic field coil 103 is formed by combining three coils corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and these three coils are individually supplied with current from the gradient magnetic field power supply 104 to generate gradient magnetic fields whose magnetic field strength changes along each of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The gradient magnetic fields of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis generated by the gradient magnetic field coil 103 are, for example, a slice gradient magnetic field Gs, a phase encoding gradient magnetic field Ge, and a readout gradient magnetic field Gr.

[0020] The transmitting coil 105 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and generates a high-frequency magnetic field upon receiving an RF pulse from a transmitting circuit 106. The transmitting circuit 106 supplies the transmitting coil 105 with an RF pulse corresponding to a Larmor frequency determined by the type of atom of interest and the magnetic field strength.

[0021] The receiving coil 107 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 103, and receives a magnetic resonance signal emitted from the subject P due to the influence of the high frequency magnetic field. When the receiving coil 107 receives a magnetic resonance signal, the receiving coil 107 outputs the received magnetic resonance signal to a receiving circuit .

[0022] The above-mentioned transmitting coil 105 and receiving coil 107 are merely examples. The coils may be configured by combining one or more of a coil having only a transmitting function, a coil having only a receiving function, or a coil having a transmitting and receiving function.

[0023] The receiving circuit 108 detects the magnetic resonance signal output from the receiving coil 107, and generates magnetic resonance data based on the detected magnetic resonance signal. Specifically, the receiving circuit 108 generates magnetic resonance data by digitally converting the magnetic resonance signal output from the receiving coil 107. The receiving circuit 108 also transmits the generated magnetic resonance data to the sequence control circuit 109.

[0024] The sequence control circuit 109 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmission circuit 106, and the reception circuit 108 based on sequence information transmitted from the data processing device 20, thereby imaging the subject P. Here, the sequence information is information that defines a procedure for performing imaging. The sequence information defines the strength of the current that the gradient magnetic field power supply 104 supplies to the gradient magnetic field coil 103 and the timing of supplying the current, the strength of the RF pulse that the transmission circuit 106 supplies to the transmission coil 105 and the timing of applying the RF pulse, the timing at which the reception circuit 108 detects a magnetic resonance signal, and the like.

[0025] Furthermore, when the sequence control circuit 109 drives the gradient magnetic field power supply 104, the transmission circuit 106, and the reception circuit 108 to image the subject P, and receives magnetic resonance data from the reception circuit 108, the sequence control circuit 109 transfers the received magnetic resonance data to the data processing device 20.

[0026] The data processing device 20 is a device that performs overall control of the medical image diagnostic device 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the data processing device 20 according to this embodiment includes a memory 201, a display 202, an input device 203, and a processing circuit 204. In the first embodiment, the data processing device 20 is described as being separate from the gantry 10, but the gantry 10 may include some or all of the components of the data processing device 20.

[0027] The memory 201 stores various data and various programs input and output by the processing circuitry 204. For example, the memory 201 stores magnetic resonance data received by the processing circuitry 204 having an interface function 2042, k-space data arranged in the k-space by the processing circuitry 204 having a system control function 2041, image data generated by the processing circuitry 204 having an image generation function 2043, and the like.

[0028] The memory 201 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. These data may be stored in an external memory with which the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 can communicate, instead of or in addition to the memory 201. The external memory is controlled by, for example, a cloud server that manages the external memory, by the cloud server accepting a read / write request.

[0029] The display 202 displays, for example, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving input of imaging conditions under the control of the system control function 2041, etc., and MR images generated by the image generation function 2043, etc. The display 202 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, etc. The display 202 may be provided on the stand 10. The display 202 may be a desktop type, or a display device capable of wireless communication with the main body of the data processing device 20. The display 202 may be, for example, a tablet terminal.

[0030] The input device 203 accepts various input operations by a user and outputs an electric signal indicating the content of the accepted input operation to the processing circuit 204. For example, the input device 203 accepts an input operation for setting imaging conditions and a region of interest. For example, the input device 203 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a drag ball, a switch, a button, a joystick, or the like. The input device 203 may be provided on the pedestal 10. The input device 203 may also be realized by a display 202 capable of wireless communication with the main body of the data processing device 20. The input device 203 may be a touch command screen formed on the display 202.

[0031] The processing circuitry 204 controls the overall operation of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2, the operation of the gantry 10, and the operation of the bed device 30. The processing circuitry 204 includes, for example, a system control function 2041, an interface function 2042, and an image generation function 2043. The system control function 2041 corresponds to a system control unit according to this embodiment, the interface function 2042 corresponds to an interface unit according to this embodiment, and the image generation function 2043 corresponds to an image generation unit according to this embodiment.

[0032] In the embodiment in Fig. 2, each processing function performed by the system control function 2041, the interface function 2042, and the image generation function 2043 is stored in the memory 201 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 204 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading the program from the memory 201 and executing it. Note that, in Fig. 2, the system control function 2041, the interface function 2042, and the image generation function 2043 are described as being realized by a single processing circuit 204, but the processing circuit 204 may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may realize these functions by executing a program.

[0033] The system control function 2041 performs overall control of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2, and controls imaging, image generation, image display, etc. For example, the system control function 2041 accepts input of imaging conditions on a GUI, and generates sequence information according to the accepted imaging conditions. In addition, the system control function 2041 transmits the generated sequence information to the sequence control circuit 109 via the interface function 2042.

[0034] The interface function 2042 transmits sequence information to the sequence control circuit 109 and receives magnetic resonance data from the sequence control circuit 109. The interface function 2042 also receives magnetic resonance data and stores the received magnetic resonance data in the memory 201. The interface function 2042 also acquires data and images for image processing by the image generation function 2043 from the memory 201.

[0035] In addition, the system control function 2041 generates k-space data by arranging the magnetic resonance data stored in the memory 201 in k-space, and stores the k-space data in the memory 201 .

[0036] The image generation function 2043 reads out the k-space data from the memory 201, and performs reconstruction processing such as Fourier transform on the read out k-space data to generate an MR image.

[0037] The bed apparatus 30 is an apparatus for placing the subject P and introducing the subject P into an imaging space. As shown in Fig. 2, the bed apparatus 30 according to this embodiment includes a tabletop 301, a base 302, and a tabletop driving device 303. The bed apparatus 30 is installed such that the longitudinal direction is approximately parallel to the central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 101, i.e., the Z-axis.

[0038] The top board 301 is a plate-shaped member on which the subject P is placed. The base 302 supports the top board 301. The top board driving device 303 moves the top board 301, on which the subject P is placed, in the Z-axis direction and inserts it into the bore B. Note that the top board 301 may be of a type that is manually inserted into the bore B by a user.

[0039] <Image Generation Device 3> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the image generating device 3. The image generating device 3 is a device for generating an image that reduces the psychological burden of the subject P based on the position of the subject P in an examination room R described later, and outputting the generated image to the gantry 10 and the examination room R. The image generating device 3 includes a camera 40, a control device 50, and an image output device 60. Note that the gantry 10 and the subject P are shown merely for ease of understanding. For this reason, the gantry 10 and the subject P are not included in the configuration of the image generating device 3.

[0040] The camera 40 is a device for capturing images of the inside of the examination room R. The camera 40 captures, i.e., acquires, images of the inside of the examination room R and outputs the images to the control device 50. The camera 40 is disposed at an arbitrary position in the examination room R. The camera 40 according to this embodiment is, for example, an optical camera such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) camera, an infrared camera (thermo camera), or a combination thereof.

[0041] The control device 50 is a device that controls the entire image generation device 3. As shown in FIG.

[0042] The input device 501 accepts various input operations by a user, and outputs an electrical signal indicating the content of the accepted input operation to the processing circuit 503. For example, the input device 501 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a drag ball, a switch, a button, a joystick, or the like.

[0043] The memory 502 is a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or an integrated circuit storage device that stores various information. The memory 502 may also be a drive device that reads and writes various information to and from a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM drive, a DVD drive, or a flash memory. The memory 502 stores a program executed by the processing circuit 503, data for image generation, and the like. The data for image generation is, for example, data on the interior of the examination room R and data on a 3D model of the examination room R.

[0044] The processing circuit 503 controls the overall operation of the image generation device 3. The processing circuit 503 includes, for example, an acquisition function 5031, a detection function 5032, an image generation function 5033, and an image output function 5034. The acquisition function 5031 corresponds to the acquisition section according to this embodiment, the detection function 5032 corresponds to the detection section according to this embodiment, the image generation function 5033 corresponds to the image generation section according to this embodiment, and the image output function 5034 corresponds to the output section according to this embodiment.

[0045] In the embodiment in Fig. 3, each processing function performed by the acquisition function 5031, the detection function 5032, the image generation function 5033, and the image output function 5034 is stored in the memory 502 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 503 is a processor that realizes a function corresponding to each program by reading the program from the memory 502 and executing it. Note that, in Fig. 3, it has been described that the acquisition function 5031, the detection function 5032, the image generation function 5033, and the image output function 5034 are realized by a single processing circuit 503, but it is also possible to configure the processing circuit 503 by combining a plurality of independent processors, and realize these functions by each processor executing a program.

[0046] The acquisition function 5031 acquires the captured image output from the camera 40. The detection function 5032 detects the position of the subject P. Specifically, the detection function 5032 detects the position of the subject P based on the captured image output from the camera 40. Here, the position of the subject P detected by the detection function 5032 is, for example, the position of the head of the subject P, the position of the eyes of the subject P, or the position of the face of the subject P.

[0047] The image generating function 5033 generates at least a first image projected onto the exterior of the gantry 10 having a bore B into which the subject P is inserted, and a second image projected onto the inner area of ​​the bore B. Furthermore, based on the position of the subject P detected by the detection function 5032, the image generating function 5033 generates the first image and the second image so that there is correlation and / or continuity between the first image and the second image.

[0048] Here, the first image and the second image being related to each other means that both the first image and the second image are images that evoke the same thing in the subject P. For example, the related first image and the second image are both the background of the gantry 10. In this way, by projecting the background of the gantry 10 as the first image and the second image, the subject P who sees the first image and the second image can recall the background of the gantry 10. Note that the related first image and the second image may be, for example, both the first image and the second image and may be an image of a blue sky or an image of fish swimming in an aquarium.

[0049] Having continuity between the first and second images means that the first and second images appear to be images that are continuous in time and / or space when viewed from the position of the subject P. For example, the first and second images having continuity are images in which the wall of the examination room R shown in the first image and the wall of the examination room R shown in the second image appear to be continuous. Note that the first and second images having continuity may be images of a blue sky in which the first and second images are images of clouds that are shown in the first image and move over time and are also shown in the second image, or images of fish swimming in an aquarium in which the fish swimming in the aquarium shown in the first image move over time and are also shown in the second image.

[0050] The first image and the second image may be any image content. In the following description, the first image and the second image are images of the background of the gantry 10, that is, the walls, ceiling, and floor of the examination room R.

[0051] The video output function 5034 outputs the video generated by the video generation function 5033 to the video output device 60.

[0052] The video output device 60 is a device for outputting a video to the gantry 10. The video output device 60 outputs the first video output by the video output function 5034 to the exterior of the gantry 10, and outputs the second video to the inner area of ​​the bore B. The range in which the first video is output to the exterior of the gantry 10 and the range in which the second video is output to the inner area of ​​the bore B of the gantry 10 by the video output device 60, that is, the range in which the first video is projected on the exterior of the gantry 10 and the range in which the second video is projected in the inner area of ​​the bore B of the gantry 10, are set in advance. The video output device 60 according to this embodiment includes at least a first projector 61 that projects the first video onto the exterior of the gantry 10 and a second projector 62 that projects the second video onto the inner area of ​​the bore B. The first video may be projected onto the exterior of the gantry 10 by the second projector 62. In this case, the video output device 60 may not include the first projector 61. Also, the second video may be projected by the first projector 61 onto the inner region of the bore B. In this case, the video output device 60 may not include the second projector 62. The video output device 60 corresponds to the video output unit in this embodiment.

[0053] <Example of image projection range settings> Here, an example of setting the range in which the first image and the second image are projected by the video output device 60 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of setting the range in which the first image and the second image are projected. Fig. 4 shows the gantry 10 placed in the examination room R as viewed from the position of the subject P shown in Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the exterior of the gantry 10 includes the side surface S, and the inner area of ​​the bore B includes the inner wall T of the bore B. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 4, the bed device 30 is omitted from the illustration.

[0054] First, in order to set the range in which the first and second images are projected, the axial length of the gantry 10 that is desired to be shown to the subject P when the subject P looks at the gantry 10, that is, the depth of the gantry 10 that is desired to be shown to the subject P, is set. Specifically, when the subject P looks at the gantry 10, the gantry 10 looks long if its actual depth L1, so the subject P feels a strong sense of obstruction with respect to the gantry 10, and the subject P is likely to feel psychological stress. Therefore, the depth of the gantry 10 that is desired to be shown to the subject P is set to a depth shorter than the actual depth L1 of the gantry 10. Then, the range in which the first and second images are projected is set by setting the depth of the gantry 10 that is desired to be shown to the subject P. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the depth of the gantry 10 that is desired to be shown to the subject P is set to a depth L2 that is shorter than the actual depth L1 of the gantry 10. In order to make the stand 10 appear as if it has a depth L2, the first image is output to a second side surface S2, which corresponds to the depth L3, among the side surfaces S included in the exterior of the stand 10, and the second image is output to a second inner wall T2, which corresponds to the depth L3, among the inner walls T of the bore B.

[0055] <An example of an image projected on the pedestal 10> Next, an example of an image projected on the gantry 10 will be described. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an image projected on the gantry 10. Fig. 5 shows the gantry 10 placed in an examination room R as viewed from the position of the subject P shown in Fig. 3. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 5, the bed device 30 is omitted from the illustration.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the first image IM1 is reflected on the second side S2 of the exterior of the gantry 10, and the second image IM2 is reflected on the second inner wall T2 of the inner region of the bore B. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are the background of the gantry 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the second side S2 of the exterior of the gantry 10 reflects an image of the wall and floor of the examination room R, and the second inner wall T2 of the inner region of the bore B reflects the wall of the examination room R. In this way, since the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 reflect the background of the gantry 10, that is, an image related to the interior of the examination room R, there is a relationship and / or continuity between the first image IM1 and the second image IM2. In other words, the image generating device 3 generates the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 so that there is a relationship and / or continuity between the first image IM1 and the second image IM2, and displays the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 on the gantry 10.

[0057] 5, since the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are the background of the gantry 10, the second side surface S2 of the gantry 10 and the second inner wall T2 of the bore B appear to blend into the background from the subject P, and the depth of the gantry 10 appears to be a depth L2 shorter than the actual depth L1. This effectively reduces the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10, and effectively reduces the psychological burden of the subject P. In this case, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 only need to be images related to the interior of the examination room R and for assimilating the second side surface S2 of the gantry 10 and the second inner wall T2 of the bore B into the background, and the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 do not need to represent the actual interior of the examination room R.

[0058] <An example of generating the first image IM1 and the second image IM2> Next, an example of a series of steps for generating the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 10. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an examination room R in which the gantry 10 and the bed device 30 are arranged. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a 3D model simulating the examination room R in which the gantry 10 and the bed device 30 are arranged. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a method for generating an image to be projected on the gantry 10. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a method for generating an image to be projected on the gantry 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the image generated in Fig. 8 being projected on the gantry 10.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 6, an example of a series of flows for generating the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 will be described using an example in which the subject P is at the subject's position PO1 in the examination room R. When the subject P enters the examination room R, the camera 40 captures the examination room R and captures the subject P. The camera 40 then outputs the captured image to the control device 50. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the image generating device 3 is provided with two cameras 40 in the examination room R, but the number of cameras 40 is not limited to two. That is, the number of cameras 40 provided in the examination room R is arbitrary, and for example, one camera may be provided, or three or more cameras may be provided. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the subject P is also illustrated at positions PO2 and PO3 for convenience of explanation, but in the actual examination room R, the subject P is only present at position PO1.

[0060] Next, the detection function 5032 detects the position PO1 of the subject P based on the image captured by the camera 40. Then, the image generation function 5033 acquires the 3D model MO of the examination room R shown in FIG. 7 from the memory 502, and reflects the position PO1 of the subject P detected by the detection function 5032 in the 3D model MO. This 3D model MO is created in advance for each examination room R in which the gantry 10 is arranged, and is stored in the memory 502. As shown in FIG. 7, the depth L2 of the gantry 10 is set as the depth of the gantry 10 to be shown to the subject P, so that the depth of the gantry model MO10 on the 3D model MO is a depth L2 that is shorter than the actual depth L1 of the gantry 10 shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, a cabinet CA is created on the 3D model MO on the opposite side of the bed device model MO30 across the gantry model MO10. This cabinet CA does not exist in the actual examination room R shown in FIG. 6, but exists only on the 3D model MO. The position PO1 of the subject P in this 3D model MO is also called the camera position.

[0061] Next, the image generating function 5033 generates a first image IM1 and a second image IM2 based on an image of the gantry model MO10 viewed from the position PO1 of the subject P reflected in the 3D model MO. Specifically, the image generating function 5033 generates the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 based on a model of the second side surface S2 and the second inner wall T2 viewed from the position PO1 of the subject P reflected in the 3D model MO.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 8, the image generating function 5033 generates a 2D first image IM1 and a second image IM2 to be projected on the gantry 10 shown in FIG. 8(b) from the 3D model MO of the second side surface S2 and the second inner wall T2 viewed from the position PO1 of the subject P reflected in the 3D model MO shown in FIG. 8(a). Therefore, the generated first image IM1 and the second image IM2 become optimal images when viewed from the position PO1 of the subject P. Here, optimal images mean images that are consistent and do not cause discomfort to the subject P. In other words, when the generated first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are projected on the gantry 10, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 projected on the gantry 10 look distorted when viewed from the position PO2 or the position PO3 other than the position PO1 of the subject P shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, for example, when the position of the subject P moves from the position PO1 to the position PO3, the 3D model is viewed from the position PO3 as shown in FIG. 9(a), and the viewing direction of the 3D model MO changes. 9(b), the first and second 2D images IM1 and IM2 to be projected onto the gantry 10 also change. That is, the image generating function 5033 generates an image every time the position of the subject P changes so that the image is an optimal image when viewed from the position of the subject P.

[0063] 10, the video output function 5034 displays the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 generated by the video generation function 5033 on the gantry 10 via the video output device 60. As described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 generates the first image IM1 and the second image IM2.

[0064] <Flowchart of video generation process> 11 is a flow chart for explaining the contents of the image generation process executed by the image generation device 3 according to the first embodiment. In this image generation process, the position of the subject P is detected, an image is generated based on the position of the subject P, and the image is output. For example, this image generation process is a process that is executed when the subject P enters the examination room R.

[0065] 11, the image generating device 3 acquires a captured image (step S10). Specifically, the acquisition function 5031 in the processing circuit 503 acquires a captured image of the inside of the examination room R captured by the camera 40.

[0066] 11, the image generating device 3 detects the position of the subject P (step S12). Specifically, the detection function 5032 in the processing circuit 503 detects the position of the subject P by identifying the position of the subject P from the captured image based on the captured image of the examination room R acquired by the acquisition function 5031 in step S10. This position of the subject P is, for example, the position of the head H of the subject P. More specifically, the detection function 5032 performs image processing on the captured image of the examination room R acquired by the acquisition function 5031 to determine that a human body is included in the captured image, and identifies the position of the subject P, thereby detecting the position of the subject P.

[0067] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the state inside the examination room R in which the gantry 10 is placed. As shown in Fig. 12, for example, a camera 40 placed on the ceiling of the examination room R captures an image of the state inside the examination room R as shown in Fig. 12. A door D shown in Fig. 12 is an entrance for the subject P to enter the examination room R. The detection function 5032 detects the position of the subject P by identifying the position of the subject P from the captured image shown in Fig. 12 acquired by the camera 40.

[0068] The detection function 5032 may identify the position of the head H of the subject P from landmarks such as the eyes of the subject P. In addition, when the camera 40 is a thermal camera, the detection function 5032 may identify the position of the subject P from the temperature distribution of an image captured by the thermal camera.

[0069] Next, as shown in Fig. 11, the image generating device 3 generates an image (step S14). Specifically, the image generating function 5033 in the processing circuit 503 generates the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 so that there is correlation and / or continuity between the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 based on the position of the subject P detected by the detection function 5032 in step S12. More specifically, the image generating function 5033 acquires the 3D model MO of the examination room R from the memory 502, reflects the position of the subject P, more specifically, the position of the head H, in the 3D model MO, and generates the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 as shown in Fig. 5 from a model image when the gantry model MO10 is viewed from the position of the subject P in the 3D model MO.

[0070] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the generation of the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 13, the image generating function 5033 reflects the position of the subject P in the 3D model MO of the examination room R. Then, when the gantry model MO10 is viewed from the position of the subject P in the 3D model MO, the background BG1 is viewed on the second side surface S2. Also, the background BG2 is viewed on the second inner wall T2. That is, the image generating function 5033 generates the first image IM1 based on the position of the subject P detected by the detection function 5032 in step S12 and the orientation θ1 when the exterior, specifically the second side surface S2 of the side surface S, is viewed from the position of the subject P, and generates the second image IM2 based on the position of the subject P and the orientation θ2 when the inner region of the bore B, specifically the second inner wall T2 of the inner wall T, is viewed from the position of the subject P.

[0071] 11, the image generating device 3 outputs images (step S16). Specifically, the image output function 5034 in the processing circuit 503 outputs the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 generated in step S14 via the image output device 60.

[0072] Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining how the video output device 60 outputs a video. As shown in Fig. 14, the first projector 61 and the second projector 62 included in the video output device 60 are disposed in any positions in the examination room R where the first video IM1 and the second video IM2 can be projected. As shown in Fig. 14, the first projector 61 projects the first video IM1 onto the exterior of the gantry 10, specifically onto the second side surface S2 of the side surface S, thereby outputting the first video IM1 onto the exterior of the gantry 10, and the second projector 62 projects the second video IM2 onto the inner region of the bore B, specifically onto the second inner wall T2 of the inner wall T, thereby outputting the second video IM2 to the inner region of the bore B.

[0073] The first image IM1 and the second image IM2 may be projected at least in a range that can be seen from the position of the subject P. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the subject P enters the examination room R through the door D. Since the subject P is expected not to move to the right side in the figure, the first image IM1 does not need to be projected on the side surface of the gantry 10 on the right side in the figure, and the second image does not need to be projected on the inner wall of the gantry 10 on the left side in the figure. The range in which the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 are projected is the second side surface S2 and the second inner wall T2, but the images do not need to be projected on the entire range of the second side surface S2 and the second inner wall T2. Based on the position and orientation of the subject P, the first image and the second image may be projected in an area of ​​the second side surface S2 and the second inner wall T2 that can be seen from the subject P.

[0074] This image generation process according to this embodiment is repeatedly executed from the time the subject P enters the examination room R until he lies down on the bed device 30, and ends when the subject P lies down on the bed device 30 or when imaging by the medical image diagnostic device 2 begins.

[0075] Note that steps S10 to S16 may be executed in parallel with other steps. For example, even while the image generating function 5033 is generating an image in step S14, the acquiring function 5031 may continue to acquire the image of the inside of the examination room R captured by the camera 40 in step S10, and the detecting function 5032 may continue to identify the position of the subject P, thereby detecting the position of the subject P.

[0076] Furthermore, the detection function 5032 may detect the position of the subject P in real time based on the captured image captured in real time by the camera 40 acquired by the acquisition function 5031, and the image generation function 5033 may update the generation of the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 in real time based on the position of the subject P detected in real time by the detection function 5032. The image output device 60 may output in real time the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 generated and updated in real time output from the image output function 5034. In this way, by detecting the position of the subject P in real time and updating the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 in real time, it is possible to show an optimal image of the subject P even if the subject P moves.

[0077] Furthermore, when the detection function 5032 determines that the amount of movement of the position of the subject P per unit time is less than an arbitrary threshold, the image generation function 5033 may be configured not to generate an image. This can reduce the amount of processing performed by the processing circuitry 503.

[0078] As described above, according to the image generating device 3 of the first embodiment, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 having correlation and / or continuity can be projected on the exterior and inner area of ​​the gantry 10 of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2. This effectively reduces the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10, and effectively reduces the psychological burden on the subject P.

[0079] In addition, since the appearance of the gantry 10 is changed as a whole, the psychological burden on the subject P when looking at the gantry 10 can be reduced more effectively than when only a part of the appearance of the gantry 10 is changed.

[0080] Furthermore, even if the medical image diagnostic device 2 is a magnetic resonance imaging device in which the bore B is deep and has a small bore diameter, which makes the subject P prone to feel psychological stress, the overall appearance of the gantry 10 changes, so that the psychological stress on the subject P can be effectively reduced.

[0081] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the detection function 5032 detects the position of the subject P by identifying the position of the subject P from the captured image captured by the camera 40. However, for example, if the subject P is a child, there is a possibility that the position of the subject P, specifically the position of the head H of the subject P, cannot be accurately detected. In such a case, the position of the subject P may be detected by attaching a marker to the subject P and identifying the position of the marker. By attaching a marker to the subject P, the position of the subject P can be detected more reliably and accurately. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an image generating device 3 that detects the position of the subject P by attaching a marker to the subject P and detecting the position of the marker will be described. Hereinafter, the parts different from the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0082] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generating device 3 according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 15, the image generating device 3 according to this embodiment is configured by adding a marker 70 to the image generating device 3 according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, since the function of the detection function 5032 is different from that in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, it is represented as a detection function 5032a. Note that the configuration and functions other than the marker 70 and the detection function 5032a are the same as those in Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0083] The marker 70 is attached to the subject P in order to indicate the position of the subject P. The marker 70 has the shape of, for example, a hat or glasses, and is attached to the head H of the subject P. The marker 70 may be attached to a part other than the head H. In other words, the part where the marker 70 is attached is arbitrary, and for example, the marker 70 may be a wristband attached to the wrist of the subject P.

[0084] The detection function 5032a detects the position of the subject P based on the position of the marker attached to the subject P. Specifically, the detection function 5032a detects the position of the subject P by identifying the position of the marker 70 from the captured image captured by the camera 40. For example, if the marker 70 is a hat, the detection function 5032a can detect the position of the head H of the subject P by identifying the position of the hat, which is the marker 70, from the captured image captured by the camera 40. Also, if the marker 70 is a wristband, the detection function 5032a can identify the position of the wristband, which is the marker 70, from the captured image captured by the camera 40, and detect the position of the head H of the subject P from the relative positional relationship between the wristband and the head H.

[0085] As described above, according to the second embodiment, by attaching the markers 70 to the subject P, the position of the subject P can be detected more reliably and accurately.

[0086] Moreover, the image generating device 3 according to the second embodiment can also project the first image IM1 and the second image IM2, which are related and / or continuous, onto the exterior and inner area of ​​the gantry 10 of the medical image diagnostic device 2, thereby effectively reducing the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10 and effectively reducing the psychological burden on the subject P. Furthermore, since the appearance of the gantry 10 changes overall, the psychological burden on the subject P when looking at the gantry 10 can be effectively reduced compared to when only a part of the appearance of the gantry 10 is changed.

[0087] Third Embodiment In the first and second embodiments described above, the second image IM2 is projected onto the second inner wall T2 of the bore B in the inner region of the bore B. In order to reduce the psychological burden on the subject P during imaging, a screen is placed in the bore B, and the image projected onto the screen by a projector is projected onto a mirror in front of the face of the subject P placed in a supine position on a bed device, so that the subject P can be examined while watching the image. In this way, when the medical image diagnostic device 2 has a screen in the bore B, the second image IM2 may be projected onto the screen. Therefore, in the third embodiment, an image generating device 3 that projects the second image IM2 onto a screen placed in the bore B will be described. Below, the parts different from the first embodiment described above will be described. Note that the third embodiment will be described as a modified example of the first embodiment, but the third embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment.

[0088] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining how a projector of an image generating device 3 according to the third embodiment projects a first image IM1 and a second image IM2, and corresponds to Fig. 14 in the above-mentioned first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 16, a medical image diagnostic device 2 according to this embodiment is configured by adding a screen SC to the medical image diagnostic device 2 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment. Note that the configuration and functions other than the screen SC are similar to those in Fig. 14 in the above-mentioned first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] The screen SC projects an image output from the video output device 60. The screen SC according to this embodiment projects a second image IM2 projected from the second projector 62. This screen SC is disposed in the bore B of the gantry 10 so as to close the bore B. In other words, the inner region includes the screen SC disposed so as to close the bore B. Moreover, the screen SC according to this embodiment is disposed at a position corresponding to a preset depth L2 of the gantry 10. Furthermore, the screen SC according to this embodiment is provided between the bed device 30 and the second projector 62 of the video output device 60.

[0090] Therefore, the screen SC according to this embodiment reflects an image projected from the surface of the screen SC facing the second projector 62 of the video output device 60 (hereinafter referred to as the back surface) on the surface of the screen SC facing the bed device 30 (hereinafter referred to as the front surface). Therefore, the screen SC according to this embodiment is preferably made of a translucent material. As such a translucent material, translucent plastic, frosted glass, etc. are used.

[0091] Then, the image generating function 5033 in the processing circuit 503 generates a second image IM2 based on the position of the subject P and the orientation θ2 when the screen SC is viewed from the position of the subject P, as shown in Fig. 16. Then, the second projector 62 projects the second image IM2 onto the screen SC. Note that when the second projector 62 projects the second image IM2 onto the screen SC, the second projector 62 does not need to project the second image IM2 onto the second inner wall T2.

[0092] In this way, even when the second image IM2 is projected onto the screen SC arranged in the bore B, the subject P can see an appropriate image.

[0093] As described above, according to the image generating device 3 of the third embodiment, the second image IM2 can be projected onto the screen SC arranged in the bore B. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 having correlation and / or continuity can be projected onto the exterior and inner area of ​​the gantry 10 of the medical image diagnostic device 2, so that the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10 can be effectively alleviated, and the psychological burden of the subject P can be effectively alleviated. In addition, since the appearance of the gantry 10 changes overall, the psychological burden of the subject P when looking at the gantry 10 can be effectively alleviated, compared to the case where only a part of the appearance of the gantry 10 is changed.

[0094] [Fourth embodiment] In the first to third embodiments, the first and second images are projected onto the gantry 10, but the images may also be projected onto the wall surface of the examination room R in which the gantry 10 is placed (i.e., the background of the gantry 10). By projecting the image onto the wall surface of the examination room R, when the gantry 10 is viewed from the position of the subject P, the boundary between the gantry 10 and the background becomes difficult to distinguish, and it is expected that the gantry 10 will be seen to blend in more with the background. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, an image generating device 3 that projects an image onto the wall surface of the examination room R will be described. Here, the wall surface of the examination room R includes the wall, floor, and ceiling of the examination room R. Below, the parts that differ from the first embodiment described above will be described. Note that the fourth embodiment will be described as a modified example of the first embodiment, but the fourth embodiment can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.

[0095] Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generation device according to the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 17, the image generation function and the configuration of the image output device are different from those in the first embodiment, and therefore, in this embodiment, they are written as an image generation function 5033a and an image output device 60a. Note that the configuration and functions other than the image generation function 5033a and the image output device 60a are the same as those in Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0096] The image generating function 5033a in the processing circuit 503 according to this embodiment generates the first image IM1 and the second image IM2, and also generates a third image that is projected onto the wall of the examination room R in which the gantry 10 of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2 is installed and that has relevance and / or continuity with the first image IM1 and the second image IM2. The image generating function 5033a may generate the third image based on the position of the subject P, or may generate the third image such that the third image is projected onto a predetermined location on the wall of the examination room R regardless of the position of the subject P.

[0097] The video output device 60a according to this embodiment outputs the third video onto a wall surface of the examination room R. In addition, the video output device 60a according to this embodiment includes a third projector 63 that projects the third video onto the wall surface of the examination room R.

[0098] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an operation example of the video output device 60a included in the video generation device 3 according to the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 14 according to the first embodiment described above. In the example shown in FIG. 18, the third projector 63 is arranged on the opposite side of the second projector 62 across the stand 10 of the examination room R, and projects the third image IM3 onto the wall, ceiling, floor, etc. of the examination room R. Note that the first projector 61 or the second projector 62 may project the third image IM3 onto the wall surface of the examination room R. In that case, the video output device 60a may not include the third projector 63. The third projector 63 may be arranged at any location, and may be arranged at a predetermined position in the examination room R.

[0099] As described above, according to the image generating device 3 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to project an image (third image IM3) having relevance and / or continuity not only on the exterior and inner area of ​​the gantry 10 of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2, but also on the wall surface of the examination room R. This makes it difficult to distinguish the boundary between the gantry 10 and the background, and the gantry 10 appears to blend in more with the background, thereby more effectively reducing the psychological burden on the subject P. In addition, since the appearance of the gantry 10 changes overall, it is possible to more effectively reduce the psychological burden on the subject P when looking at the gantry 10 than when only a part of the appearance of the gantry 10 is changed.

[0100] Fifth embodiment In the first to fourth embodiments, an image is not projected on the edge of the bore B on the side where the subject P is inserted, but an image may be projected on the edge of the bore B. By projecting an image on the edge of the bore B, the inner diameter of the bore B can be made to look larger, and the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10 can be further reduced. In the fifth embodiment, an image generating device 3 that projects an image on the edge of the bore B as well will be described. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment. The fifth embodiment will be described as a modified example of the first embodiment, but the fifth embodiment can also be applied to the second to fourth embodiments.

[0101] Fig. 19 is a block diagram showing an example of an image generation device according to the fifth embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 19, the image generation function and the configuration of the image output device are different from those in the first embodiment, and therefore, in this embodiment, they are written as an image generation function 5033b and an image output device 60b. Note that the configurations and functions other than the image generation function 5033b and the image output device 60b are the same as those in Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0102] The image generating function 5033b in the processing circuit 503 according to this embodiment generates the first image IM1 and the second image IM2, and also generates a fourth image that is reflected on the edge of the bore B on the side where the subject P is inserted and has relevance and / or continuity with the first image IM1 and the second image IM2. The image generating function 5033b may generate the fourth image based on the position of the subject P, or may generate the fourth image so that the fourth image is projected at a predetermined location on the wall of the examination room R regardless of the position of the subject P. The image generating function 5033b may also generate the fourth image based on the detected position of the subject P and the direction when the edge U is viewed from the position of the subject P. Furthermore, when the fifth embodiment is applied as a modified example of the fourth embodiment, the image generating function 5033b in the processing circuit 503 generates a fourth image that has relevance and / or continuity with the first image IM1, the second image IM2, and the third image IM3.

[0103] The video output device 60b according to the present embodiment outputs the fourth video to the edge of the bore B on the side where the subject P is inserted. The video output device 60b according to the present embodiment also includes a fourth projector 64 that outputs the fourth video to the edge of the bore B on the side where the subject P is inserted.

[0104] Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining an area in which an image is projected by the image output device 60b included in the image generating device 3 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 20, the external appearance of the gantry 10 includes an edge U of the bore B on the side where the subject P is inserted, i.e., on the side of the bed device 30. As shown in Fig. 20, the edge U according to this embodiment is the range indicated by diagonal lines.

[0105] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an operation example of the image output device 60b included in the image generating device 3 according to the fifth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 14 in the first embodiment described above. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the fourth projector 64 is disposed on the opposite side of the second projector 62 across the gantry 10 in the examination room R, and projects a fourth image IM4 onto the edge of the bore B on the side where the subject P is inserted. In the example shown in FIG. 21, the fourth image IM4 according to this embodiment is, for example, an image of the background BG4 shown in FIG. 21 or an image related to the background BG4. The background BG4 is the background of the gantry 10 that is seen from the position of the subject P in the absence of the edge U. By projecting the background of the gantry 10 onto the edge U, the inner diameter of the bore B can be made to look larger to the subject P.

[0106] The first projector 61 and the second projector 62 may project the fourth image IM4 onto a wall surface of the examination room R. In that case, the image output device 60b may not include the fourth projector 64. The fourth projector 64 may be placed anywhere, and may be placed at a predetermined position in the examination room R as long as it can project the fourth image IM4 onto the edge of the bore B on the side where the subject P is inserted.

[0107] As described above, according to the image generating device 3 of the fifth embodiment, the fourth image IM4 can be projected onto the edge U of the bore B. This allows the inner diameter of the bore B to appear larger to the subject P, and the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10 can be further alleviated. Therefore, the psychological burden on the subject P can be further alleviated.

[0108] Also, similarly to the first embodiment, the first image IM1 and the second image IM2 having correlation and / or continuity can be projected on the exterior and inner area of ​​the gantry 10 of the medical image diagnostic apparatus 2. This effectively reduces the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10, and effectively reduces the psychological burden on the subject P. Also, since the appearance of the gantry 10 changes overall, the psychological burden on the subject P when looking at the gantry 10 can be effectively reduced compared to when only a part of the appearance of the gantry 10 is changed.

[0109] Sixth Embodiment In the first to fifth embodiments, the video output device 60 has been described as a projector, but the video output device 60 may be a display disposed on the exterior and / or inside area of ​​the pedestal 10. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, an image generation device 3 will be described in which the video output device 60 is a display instead of a projector. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0110] Fig. 22 is a block diagram showing an example of a video generation device according to the sixth embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 22, the configuration of the video output device is different from that in the first embodiment, and therefore, in this embodiment, it is referred to as a video output device 60c. Note that the configuration other than the video output device 60c is the same as that in Fig. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore the description will be omitted.

[0111] The video output device 60 according to this embodiment includes a first display 65 that displays a first image IM1 on the exterior of the pedestal 10, and a second display 66 that displays a second image IM2 in the inner area of ​​the bore B. The first display 65 and the second display 66 are flexible display devices such as organic electro-luminescence (EL) devices, and are arranged to fit the shape of the pedestal 10.

[0112] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an operation example of the video output device 60c included in the video generation device 3 according to the sixth embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 14 in the first embodiment described above. In the example shown in Fig. 23, the first display 65 is disposed on the second side surface S2 of the side surfaces S of the frame 10, and the second display 66 is disposed on the second inner wall T2 which is the inner region of the bore B. That is, the first display 65 and the second display 66 are disposed in a region where the first projector 61 and the second projector 62 in the first embodiment can project the first image IM1 and the second image IM2.

[0113] 23, in the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the image generating function 5033 generates a first image IM1 based on the position of the subject P (more specifically, the position of the head H) and an orientation θ1 when the exterior is viewed from the position of the subject P, and generates a second image IM2 based on the position of the subject P and an orientation θ2 when the inner region of the bore B is viewed from the position of the subject P. Then, the first display 65 displays the first image IM1, and the second display 66 displays the second image IM2.

[0114] As described above, the image generating device according to the sixth embodiment can also project the first image IM1 and the second image IM2, which are related and / or continuous, onto the exterior and inner area of ​​the gantry 10 of the medical image diagnostic device 2. This can effectively reduce the claustrophobic feeling of the gantry 10, and can effectively reduce the psychological burden on the subject P. In addition, since the appearance of the gantry 10 changes overall, the psychological burden on the subject P when looking at the gantry 10 can be effectively reduced compared to when only a part of the appearance of the gantry 10 is changed.

[0115] Although the sixth embodiment has been described as a modified example of the first embodiment, the sixth embodiment may be applied to the second to fifth embodiments. For example, when the sixth embodiment is applied to the third embodiment, the video output device 60 may include a first display 65 instead of the first projector 61, and a second display 66 arranged at the position of the screen SC instead of the second projector 62 and the screen SC. When the sixth embodiment is applied to the fourth embodiment, the video output device 60 may include a first display 65 and a second display 66 instead of the first projector 61 and the second projector 62, and a third display that displays a third image IM3 on a wall surface of the examination room R instead of the third projector 63. This third display is arranged on a wall surface of the examination room R, for example. Furthermore, when the sixth embodiment is applied to the fifth embodiment, the video output device 60 may include a first display 65 and a second display 66 instead of the first projector 61 and the second projector 62, and may include a fourth display that displays a fourth image on the edge U of the bore B instead of the fourth projector 64. This fourth display is disposed, for example, on the edge of the bore B. In other words, similarly, when the sixth embodiment is applied to the second to fifth embodiments, the first display 65 to the fourth display may be disposed in place of the first projector 61 to the fourth projector 64 in an area where the first projector 61 to the fourth projector 64 can project the first image IM1 to the fourth image IM4.

[0116] [Modifications of the First to Sixth Embodiments] In the first to sixth embodiments described above, the video output devices 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c are configured to include either a projector or a display, but the video output devices 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c may be configured to include both a projector and a display. In other words, taking the first embodiment described above as an example, the video output device 60 may include the second display 66 instead of the second projector 62, thereby including the first projector 61 and the second display 66.

[0117] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the camera 40 for capturing an image of the subject P is provided on the ceiling, but the location where the camera 40 is provided is not limited to the ceiling. That is, the camera 40 may be provided at any location, and may be provided on the gantry 10 or a wall of the examination room R, for example.

[0118] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the image captured by the camera 40 is used to identify the position of the subject P, but the method of identifying the position of the subject P is not limited to using the camera 40. For example, the position of the subject P may be identified using a sensor that identifies the position of the subject P. This sensor is, for example, a distance sensor.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above-described second embodiment, when a sensor is used instead of the camera 40, the marker 70 may be a terminal capable of wireless communication with the sensor. For example, the terminal is a terminal capable of transmitting a beacon signal, which is a wireless signal that notifies the terminal of its own position. The sensor may include, for example, an antenna that receives the beacon signal, and the detection function 5032 may perform propagation path estimation based on the received beacon signal to identify the direction of arrival of the beacon signal and identify the position of the terminal, thereby detecting the position of the subject P.

[0120] In the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the depth L2 of the gantry 10 is set in advance to set the areas in which the video output devices 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c project the first and second images, but the depth L2 of the gantry 10 does not have to be set in advance. That is, the entire area of ​​the exterior of the gantry 10 and the inner area of ​​the bore B of the gantry 10 may be set as the area in which the first and second images IM1 and IM2 are projected by the video output devices 60, 60a, 60b, and 60c. By setting the entire area of ​​the exterior and inner area of ​​the gantry 10 as the area in which the first and second images IM1 and IM2 are projected, the subject P is less likely to feel a sense of obstruction with respect to the gantry 10, and the subject P can reduce his or her psychological burden.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above-described first to sixth embodiments, the second projector 62 is arranged on the opposite side of the gantry 10 from the bed apparatus 30, but the position of the second projector 62 is arbitrary, and it may be arranged on the side of the bed apparatus 30.

[0122] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes a function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory 201 or the memory 502. Instead of storing a program in the memory 201 or the memory 502, the processor may be configured so that the program is directly embedded in the circuit. In this case, the processor realizes a function by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. The processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, and may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into one processor to realize each function. Similarly, the sequence control circuit 109, the transmission circuit 106, the reception circuit 108, the processing circuit 204, the processing circuit 503, and the like are also configured by electronic circuits such as the above-mentioned processors.

[0123] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel device and method described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the device and method described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] Reference Signs List 1... medical image diagnostic system, 2... medical image diagnostic device, 3... image generating device, 10... stand, 101... static magnetic field magnet, 102... static magnetic field power supply, 103... gradient magnetic field coil, 104... gradient magnetic field power supply, 105... transmitting coil, 106... transmitting circuit, 107... receiving coil, 108... receiving circuit, 109... sequence control circuit, 20... data processing device, 201... memory, 202... display, 203... input device, 204... processing circuit, 2041... system control function, 2042... interface function, 2043... image generating function, 30... bed device, 301... tabletop , 302... base, 303... top plate driving device, 40... camera, 50... control device, 501... input device, 502... memory, 503... processing circuit, 5031... acquisition function, 5032... detection function, 5033... image generation function, 5034... image output function, 60... image output device, 61... first projector, 62... second projector, 63... third projector, 64... fourth projector, 65... first display, 66... ​​second display, 70... marker (terminal), B... bore, P... subject, R... examination room, S... side, SC... screen, T... inner wall, U... edge

Claims

1. A detection unit that detects the position of the subject; an image generating unit that generates at least a first image projected onto an exterior of a mount having a bore into which the subject is inserted and a second image projected onto an inner area of ​​the bore, the image generating unit generating the first image and the second image so that there is correlation and / or continuity between the first image and the second image based on the position of the subject detected by the detection unit; an image output unit that outputs the first image to an exterior of the pedestal and outputs the second image to an inner region of the bore; An image generating device comprising:

2. the image generating unit generates the first image based on a position of the subject detected by the detecting unit and an orientation of an exterior of the gantry when viewed from the position of the subject; generating the second image based on a position of the subject detected by the detection unit and a direction of the inner region of the bore as viewed from the position of the subject; 2. The image generating device according to claim 1.

3. The detection unit detects the position of the subject in real time, The image generation unit updates the generation of the first image and the second image in real time based on a position of the subject detected in real time by the detection unit.

2. The image generating device according to claim 1.

4. The video output unit includes at least a first projector that projects the first video onto the exterior of the stand or a first display that displays the first video on the exterior of the stand, and a second projector that projects the second video onto the inner region of the bore or a second display that displays the second video on the inner region of the bore.

4. An image generating device according to claim 1.

5. the inner region includes an inner wall of the bore; The second projector projects the second image onto an inner wall of the bore.

5. An image generating device according to claim 4.

6. the inner region includes a screen disposed to block the bore; The second projector projects the second image onto the screen.

5. An image generating device according to claim 4.

7. The image generating unit further generates a third image that is projected onto a wall surface of an examination room in which the gantry is installed and has relevance and / or continuity with the first image and the second image; The image output unit outputs the third image to a wall surface of the examination room.

4. An image generating device according to claim 1.

8. The image output unit includes a third projector that projects the third image onto a wall surface of the examination room or a third display that displays the third image on the wall surface of the examination room.

8. An image generating device according to claim 7.

9. The image generating unit generates a fourth image that is reflected on an edge of the bore on a side where the subject is inserted and has relevance and / or continuity with the first image and the second image; The image output unit outputs the fourth image to an edge of the bore on a side where the subject is inserted.

4. An image generating device according to claim 1.

10. The image output unit includes a fourth projector that projects the fourth image onto an edge of the bore on the side where the subject is inserted, or a fourth display that displays the fourth image on an edge of the bore on the side where the subject is inserted.

10. An image generating device according to claim 9.

11. The detection unit detects a position of a head of the subject, The image generating unit is generating the first image based on a position of the subject's head detected by the detection unit and an orientation when an exterior of the gantry is viewed from the position of the subject's head; generating the second image based on the position of the subject's head detected by the detection unit and an orientation of the inner region of the bore as viewed from the position of the subject's head; 2. The image generating device according to claim 1.

12. The detection unit detects the position of the subject P by identifying the position of the subject based on an image captured by a camera that captures an image of the examination room in which the gantry is installed.

2. The image generating device according to claim 1.

13. The detection unit detects a position of the subject based on a position of a marker attached to the subject.

2. The image generating device according to claim 1.

14. The first image and the second image are images related to the interior of an examination room in which the gantry is installed.

2. The image generating device according to claim 1.

15. The gantry is a gantry for a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.

2. The image generating device according to claim 1.

16. A medical image diagnostic apparatus including a gantry; A detection unit that detects the position of the subject; an image generating unit that generates at least a first image projected onto an exterior of the gantry having a bore into which the subject is inserted and a second image projected onto an inner area of ​​the bore, the image generating unit generating the first image and the second image so that there is correlation and / or continuity between the first image and the second image based on the position of the subject detected by the detection unit; an image output unit that outputs the first image to an exterior of the pedestal and outputs the second image to an inner region of the bore; An image generating device comprising: A medical image diagnostic system comprising:

Images