Medical imaging system, imaging control device, medical imaging method, and program

Abstract

To provide an imaging control device or the like capable of reducing a burden on a patient while positioning efficiently in taking radiograph.SOLUTION: A medical imaging system 10A comprises: an acquisition unit which acquires imaging order information including information on positioning; a determination unit which determines whether the acquired imaging order information meets a predetermined condition; and a reporting unit which reports imaging support information 9a before the start of the positioning in a case where the imaging order information meets the predetermined condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical image acquisition system, an acquisition control device, a medical image acquisition method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in the medical field, diagnosis based on radiographic images obtained by radiographic imaging has been performed. In radiographic imaging, positioning of a patient is performed based on the imaging direction of the input order information. In order not to fail in radiographic imaging, it is important to appropriately position the patient.

[0003] Here, radiographic imaging is imaging that projects a three-dimensional subject image onto a two-dimensional plane. The distance between the subject and the detector in radiographic imaging varies depending on the position of the subject. Therefore, depending on the imaging direction, a part of the subject may be magnified and imaged. Therefore, the imaging direction at the time of radiographic imaging is often basically determined for each imaging site.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a radiographic imaging apparatus that determines the orientation of a subject. The radiographic imaging apparatus determines the orientation of the subject based on a visible image of the subject acquired by an image acquisition unit. Next, when the radiographic imaging apparatus determines that the orientation of the subject is different from the protocol, it issues a warning and prohibits radiographic imaging of the subject.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, in the prior art, after the patient positioning is completed, it is determined whether the patient positioning is correct with respect to the protocol. Therefore, when it is determined to change the patient's orientation, there is a problem that a significant amount of time is wasted and the burden on the patient increases. In particular, in the case of radiographic imaging in a non-general imaging direction, there may be a case where the patient is positioned in a general imaging direction due to a misunderstanding by the radiologic technologist.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a medical image imaging system, an imaging control device, a medical image imaging method, and a program that can efficiently perform positioning and reduce the burden on the patient in radiographic imaging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The medical image imaging system according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires imaging order information including information related to positioning, a determination unit that determines whether the acquired imaging order information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a notification unit that notifies imaging support information before the start of positioning when the imaging order information satisfies the predetermined condition. It is provided with.

[0009] The imaging control device according to the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires imaging order information including information related to positioning, a determination unit that determines whether the acquired imaging order information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a notification unit that notifies imaging support information before the start of positioning when the imaging order information satisfies the predetermined condition. It is provided with.

[0010] The medical image imaging method according to the present invention includes an acquisition step of acquiring imaging order information including information related to positioning, A determination step of determining whether the acquired imaging order information satisfies a predetermined condition; When the imaging order information satisfies the predetermined condition, a notification step of notifying imaging support information before the start of positioning; It has.

[0011] The program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as an acquisition unit that acquires imaging order information including information related to positioning, a determination unit that determines whether the acquired imaging order information satisfies a predetermined condition, and a notification unit that notifies imaging support information before the start of positioning when the imaging order information satisfies the predetermined condition. to function as.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, since the user is notified of the imaging support information before the start of the patient's positioning, the user can prevent mistakes in positioning according to the imaging direction and the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] [Configuration Example of Medical Image Imaging System 10A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a medical imaging system 10A. The medical imaging system 10A includes a radiation imaging device 1, an imaging control device 2, a radiation generator 3, an image management device 4, and a HIS / RIS 5. Hereinafter, the radiation imaging device may be referred to as the imaging device 1, and the radiation generator may be referred to as the generator 3. HIS is an abbreviation for Hospital Information System and is a hospital information system. RIS is an abbreviation for Radiology Information System and is a radiology department information system. In the present embodiment, the imaging device 1 and the generator 3 are arranged in the imaging room. The imaging control device 2, the image management device 4, and the HIS / RIS 5 are arranged in the diagnosis room.

[0016] The imaging device 1, the imaging control device 2, the generator 3, and the image management device 4 are communicably connected to each other via a network N. Examples of the network N include a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet. LAN is an abbreviation for Local Area Network. WAN is an abbreviation for Wide Area Network. The communication method of the network N may be wired or wireless.

[0017] The generator 3 includes a generator 31, a switch 32, and a radiation source 33.

[0018] Based on the operation of the switch 32, the generator 31 applies a voltage corresponding to preset imaging conditions to the radiation source 33 including, for example, an X-ray tube. The generator 31 may have an operation unit that receives inputs such as radiation irradiation conditions.

[0019] When a voltage is applied from the generator 31, the radiation source 33 generates radiation R with a dose corresponding to the applied voltage. The radiation R is, for example, X-ray.

[0020] The radiation generator 3 generates radiation R in a manner corresponding to the type of radiation image, for example, a still image or a dynamic image. Specifically, in the case of a still image, the radiation generator 3 irradiates the radiation R only once for each depression of the switch 32. In the case of a dynamic image, for example, the radiation generator 3 repeatedly irradiates pulsed radiation R a plurality of times per predetermined time for each depression of the switch 32.

[0021] The imaging device 1 generates digital image data in which the imaging region of the subject is imaged. For example, a portable FPD is used for the imaging device 1. FPD is an abbreviation for Flat Panel Detector.

[0022] Although not shown in the figure, the imaging device 1 includes, for example, an imaging element, a sensor substrate, a scanning unit, a reading unit, a control unit, and a communication unit. The imaging element generates charges corresponding to the dose by receiving the radiation R. In the sensor substrate, switch elements are arranged two-dimensionally (in a matrix), and accumulate and release charges. The scanning unit switches the on / off states of the respective switch elements. The reading unit reads the amount of charges released from each pixel as a signal value. The control unit generates a radiation image from a plurality of signal values read by the reading unit. The communication unit transmits the data of the generated radiation image, various signals, etc. to other devices such as the imaging control device 2, and receives various information and various signals from other devices.

[0023] The imaging device 1 accumulates and releases charges and reads signal values in synchronization with the timing at which the radiation R is irradiated from the radiation generator 3. The imaging device 1 generates still image data or dynamic image data based on the read signal values and the like. The imaging device 1 outputs the generated image data to the imaging control device 2. Note that the imaging device 1 may be integrally configured with the radiation generator 3.

[0024] The imaging control device 2 sets imaging conditions for the imaging device 1, the generating device 3, etc., and controls the reading operation of the radiation image captured by the imaging device 1. The imaging control device 2 is also called a console and is constituted by, for example, a personal computer or the like. When the imaging direction of the order information (imaging order information) is different from the normal imaging direction, the imaging control device 2 notifies the imaging support information 9a before the start of the patient positioning. That is, when the imaging direction of the order information is an imaging direction with a low imaging frequency, the imaging control device 2 notifies the imaging support information 9a before the start of the patient positioning. Here, the imaging support information 9a is information for assisting the positioning of the patient during imaging by a user such as a radiological technologist. Specifically, the imaging support information 9a is information for alerting the user that the imaging direction of the order information is different from the normal imaging direction.

[0025] The imaging conditions include, for example, patient conditions regarding the subject S, irradiation conditions regarding the irradiation of the radiation R, and image reading conditions regarding the image reading of the imaging device 1. The patient conditions are, for example, the imaging site, imaging direction, body build, etc. The irradiation conditions are, for example, tube voltage (kV), tube current (mA), irradiation time (ms), tube current-time product (mAs value), etc. The image reading conditions are, for example, image size and frame rate, etc. The imaging control device 2 may automatically set the imaging conditions based on the order information obtained from the HIS / RIS 5 or the like. Further, the imaging control device 2 may be configured such that the imaging conditions are manually set by a user such as a radiological technologist by operating the operation unit 21.

[0026] A display device 26 is connected to the imaging control device 2. The display device 26 is connected to the imaging control device 2 using an interface such as HDMI (registered trademark). HDMI is an abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. The communication method may be wired or wireless. The display device 26 is arranged in the imaging room so that it can be visually recognized by a user or the like in the imaging room. The display device 26 is composed of a general-purpose monitor such as a liquid crystal display, for example, as will be described later. On the screen of the display device 26, for example, the same image as the image displayed on the display unit 22 of the imaging control device 2 can be displayed. Specifically, on the screen of the display device 26, in addition to the imaging screen, imaging support information 9a for alerting the user when the imaging direction of the order information is different from the normal imaging direction is displayed. Thereby, a user in the imaging room can also recognize that the imaging direction specified by the current order information is a rare imaging direction with a low usage frequency. In the present embodiment, the display device 26 functions as an external device and an imaging device that displays the imaging support information 9a output from the imaging control device 2. Note that in the medical imaging system 10A, a configuration may be adopted in which the display device 26 is not arranged depending on the facilities, space, etc. of the facility.

[0027] The image management device 4 manages the image data generated by the imaging device 1. The image management device 4 is an image storage communication system, an image diagnosis workstation, or the like. The image storage communication system may be referred to as PACS. PACS is an abbreviation for Picture Archiving and Communication System.

[0028] The HIS / RIS 5 receives order information regarding radiation imaging of a patient from, for example, a doctor or the like, and transmits the received order information to the imaging control device 2. The order information includes various information such as, for example, the patient ID, imaging site, imaging direction, and physique.

[0029] [Block Diagram of Imaging Control Device 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the imaging control device 2. The imaging control device 2 includes a control unit 20, an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a communication unit 24. The control unit 20, the operation unit 21, the display unit 22, the storage unit 23, and the communication unit 24 are communicably connected via, for example, a bus 25.

[0030] The control unit 20 includes at least a processor such as a CPU and a memory such as a RAM. The CPU expands various programs stored in the storage unit 23 into the RAM and realizes various functions by executing the programs. The CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. The RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory. Note that the CPU may be composed of a single processor or a plurality of processors.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the control unit 20 functions as an acquisition unit, a determination unit, a setting unit, a specifying unit, and a notification unit. Each function of the acquisition unit, the determination unit, the setting unit, the specifying unit, and the notification unit is realized by the processor of the control unit 20 executing a program stored in the storage unit 23 or the like.

[0032] The acquisition unit acquires imaging order information including information regarding the patient's positioning. Examples of the information regarding the positioning include the imaging site and the imaging direction included in the order information. The information regarding the imaging direction is the irradiation direction of the radiation R in a predetermined imaging direction. Specifically, when one side of the subject S is in contact with the imaging device 1, the direction from the other side of the subject S in the imaging direction to the one side coincides with the irradiation direction of the radiation R. The determination unit determines whether the acquired imaging order information satisfies a predetermined condition. The setting unit enables the setting of the information regarding the imaging direction and the notification necessity information indicating whether to notify the imaging support information 9a in association with each other as a predetermined condition. The information regarding the imaging direction and the notification necessity information indicating whether to notify the imaging support information 9a are stored in the storage unit 23 as a table 23a. The specific unit specifies notification necessity information corresponding to the shooting direction information stored in Table 23a based on the shooting direction information of the acquired shooting order information. When the determined notification necessity information is information indicating that shooting support information 9a is to be notified (ON), the determination unit determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the shooting order information satisfies a predetermined condition, the notification unit notifies the shooting support information 9a before the start of positioning.

[0033] The operation unit 21 receives an instruction corresponding to various input operations from the user, converts the received instruction into an operation signal, and outputs it to the control unit 20. The operation unit 21 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a switch, a button, etc. The operation unit 21 may be, for example, a touch panel integrally combined with a display. The operation unit 21 may be, for example, a user interface that receives voice input such as a microphone. The operation unit 21 of the present embodiment receives the notification necessity information of the shooting support information 9a according to the shooting direction, etc. and the setting of the shooting support information 9a, etc. according to the notification necessity information.

[0034] The display unit 22 displays a radiation image based on the image data received from the imaging device 1 and a GUI for receiving various input operations from the user. GUI is an abbreviation for Graphical User Interface. The display unit 22 is, for example, a display such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. EL is an abbreviation for Electro Luminescence. When the shooting direction of the order information is different from normal, the display unit 22 of the present embodiment displays shooting support information 9a, etc. for alerting the user on the shooting screen.

[0035] The storage unit 23 stores, for example, system programs, application programs, various data, and the like. The storage unit 23 includes an arbitrary storage module including, for example, an HDD, an SSD, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. HDD is an abbreviation for Hard Disk Drive. SSD is an abbreviation for Solid State Drive. ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory. The storage unit 23 of the present embodiment stores a table 23a in which notification necessity information indicating whether to notify the user of the shooting support information 9a according to the shooting direction and the shooting direction is associated.

[0036] The communication unit 24 includes, for example, a communication module including a NIC, a receiver, a transmitter, and the like. NIC is an abbreviation for Network Interface Card. The communication unit 24 communicates various data such as image data with the imaging device 1, the image management device 4, and the like via the network N.

[0037] Note that the imaging control device 2 may be configured not to include the operation unit 21 and the display unit 22. In this case, the imaging control device 2 may receive a control signal from an operation unit provided in an external device connected via the communication unit 24. Further, the imaging control device 2 may output an image signal to a display unit provided in the external device to display a radiation image or the like. The external device may be the image management device 4 or the like, or may be another device.

[0038] [Regarding the general shooting directions of typical shooting sites] Next, the general shooting directions for typical shooting sites will be described. FIG. 3 shows a list showing typical shooting sites, the shooting directions that can be specified at those shooting sites, the normal shooting directions, and the reasons for those shooting directions.

[0039] First, the terms of the shooting directions used in the figure will be explained. AP is an abbreviation for Anterior-Posterior. AP shooting is to shoot with the back side of the patient's body in contact with the imaging device 1 so that radiation passes from the front side to the back side of the patient. PA is an abbreviation for Posterior - Anterior. PA imaging is to take an image with the abdominal side of the patient's body in contact with the imaging device 1 so that the radiation passes from the posterior side to the anterior side of the patient. LR is an abbreviation for Left - Right. LR imaging is to take an image with the right side of the patient's body in contact with the imaging device 1 so that the radiation passes from the left side to the right side of the patient. RL is an abbreviation for Right - Left. RL imaging is to take an image with the left side of the patient's body in contact with the imaging device 1 so that the radiation passes from the right side to the left side of the patient. A routine is a general imaging at that site.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, when the imaging site is "standing frontal view of the chest", two directions, "AP" and "PA", can be specified as the imaging direction. However, when the imaging site is "standing frontal view of the chest", generally "PA" is specified. The reason for specifying "PA" is to prevent the enlargement imaging of the heart. Also, in the survey results of the specification rates of PA and AP for "standing frontal view of the chest" in multiple hospitals, it was confirmed that "PA" was overwhelmingly specified as the imaging direction.

[0041] For other imaging sites, in order to accurately take a radiographic image and reduce the burden during positioning, the specified imaging direction is usually determined. For example, when the imaging site is "sitting frontal view of the chest", "AP" is specified as the imaging direction. The reason for specifying "AP" is, for example, that it is difficult to take an image with "PA" in the case of wheelchair imaging.

[0042] However, depending on the patient's condition, a rarely used imaging direction may sometimes be specified. For example, when the imaging region is "frontal standing position of the chest", the case where "AP" is specified as the imaging direction. In such a case, there is a possibility that a user such as a responsible radiological technologist may overlook the imaging direction ordered by the doctor and perform imaging in an imaging direction different from the order. This is because the user looks at the input imaging direction and misidentifies the ordered imaging direction as "PA", which has a high imaging frequency and is the normal imaging direction. In particular, when the user has circumstances such as being busy, it is easy to misrecognize the imaging direction.

[0043] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when an order specifying a specific imaging direction different from the normal imaging direction is input, in order to alert the user that it is different from the normal imaging direction, it is notified before the start of patient positioning that the order is different from the normal imaging direction. Note that when the imaging region is "lateral view of the head" or the like, each of the two directions of "LR" and "RL" is generally specified, and there may be cases where the routine imaging is not determined. In the present embodiment, for such an imaging region, it may be controlled not to alert the user using the imaging support information 9a. Also, when any one of the above two directions is specified, it may be controlled to notify the user of the imaging support information 9a.

[0044] [Configuration example of the setting screen 70] FIG. 4 shows an example of a setting screen 70 for setting notification necessity information or the like for notifying the imaging support information 9a according to the imaging region and the imaging direction. The control unit 20 causes the display unit 22 to display a setting screen 70 that enables setting by associating the information on the imaging direction with the notification necessity information on whether to notify the imaging support information 9a. The setting screen 70 may be displayed, for example, in response to a selection of a setting button or the like displayed on the display unit 22 by the user.

[0045] The setting screen 70 is provided with a site setting section 71, a direction setting section 72, and a notification necessity setting section 73. The site setting section 71 has an input field for inputting the shooting site. The direction setting section 72 has an input field for inputting the shooting direction. The notification necessity setting section 73 has an input field for inputting ON or OFF of the notification necessity information as to whether to notify the shooting support information 9a.

[0046] Specifically, when "chest upright position" is input to the site setting section 71 and "AP" is input to the direction setting section 72, the user inputs "ON" as the notification of the shooting support information 9a. This is because in the "chest upright position", "AP" has a low shooting frequency and is different from the normal shooting direction, so it is necessary to arouse the user's attention. On the other hand, when "chest upright position" is input to the site setting section 71 and "PA" is input to the direction setting section 72, the user inputs "OFF" as the notification of the shooting support information 9a. This is because in the "chest upright position", "PA" has a high usage frequency and is a routine shooting, so it is not necessary to arouse the user's attention.

[0047] All patterns of combinations of the assumed shooting sites and shooting directions may be pre-input to the site setting section 71 and the direction setting section 72. In this case, the user inputs, from the notification necessity setting section 73, the notification of the shooting support information 9a corresponding to the shooting site and the shooting direction. Note that, by using the statistics of the shooting frequency of the shooting direction, etc., the notification (ON or OFF) of the shooting support information 9a may be pre-input to the notification necessity setting section 73. For example, in the case of a shooting direction with a high shooting frequency, OFF is pre-set to the notification necessity setting section 73. In the case of a shooting direction with a low shooting frequency, ON is pre-set to the notification necessity setting section 73. At least one of the shooting site, the shooting direction, and the notification of the shooting support information 9a may be in a pull-down method in which the user selects a specific item from a plurality of pre-prepared items. Also, the user may be allowed to directly input character information such as the shooting direction.

[0048] [Configuration example of Table 23a] Next, a description will be given of table 23a in which various pieces of information set on the setting screen 70 are reflected. FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of table 23a stored in the storage unit 23. In table 23a, the imaging site, the imaging direction, the notification of the notification required information, and the imaging support information 9a are associated with each other. The imaging site, imaging direction, notification of the notification required information, and imaging support information 9a in table 23a can be configured by the input information set on the above-described setting screen 70. When the notification of the notification required information is ON, the user may be able to input and select the text that constitutes the imaging support information 9a on the setting screen 70. For example, on the setting screen 70, a plurality of fixed texts that constitute the imaging support information 9a may be prepared in advance so that the user can select a specific text.

[0049] Specifically, when the imaging site is "chest standing position", the imaging direction is "AP", and the notification of the notification required information is "ON", the following imaging support information 9a is associated and stored. The imaging support information 9a is, for example, a text for calling the user's attention such as "The imaging direction is different from normal. Please pay attention to the imaging direction." On the other hand, when the imaging site is "chest standing position", the imaging direction is "PA", and the notification of the notification required information is "OFF", the imaging support information 9a is not associated.

[0050] Note that the setting of the notification of the imaging support information 9a may be performed using a machine learning model (trained model) without using the setting screen 70 and table 23a. The machine learning model may be, for example, a regression model such as polynomial regression, multiple regression, support vector regression, or random forest regression. Also, the machine learning model may be another model such as a neural network. The machine learning model is a model learned based on certain training data. The training data is a data set in which information including an imaging direction different from the normal imaging direction of each imaging site is used as input data, and the imaging support information 9a output when the imaging direction is different from the normal imaging direction is used as correct output data. Thereby, when an imaging direction different from the normal imaging direction at the imaging site is input, the machine learning model outputs the imaging support information 9a corresponding to the imaging direction as estimated data.

[0051] [Operation Example of Imaging Control Device 2] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the imaging control device 2 when taking a radiation image of the subject S.

[0052] Order information input by a doctor or the like is transmitted from the HIS / RIS 5 to the imaging control device 2. The communication unit 24 of the imaging control device 2 receives the order information. The user selects predetermined order information by operating the operation unit 21 from among the inspection lists displayed on the screen of the display unit 22. The control unit 20 acquires the order information selected by the user (step S1).

[0053] When the control unit 20 acquires the predetermined order information, it causes the display unit 22 to display the imaging screen 80 (step S2).

[0054] FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of the imaging screen 80 displayed on the display unit 22 of the imaging control device 2. The imaging screen 80 is provided with an imaging selection unit 81, a condition setting unit 82, an image display area 83, a patient information display unit 84, and an output button 85. In the imaging selection unit 81, for example, the order information selected in the inspection list is displayed respectively. The order information includes, for example, imaging contents such as the imaging site and imaging direction, and a thumbnail image indicating the taken radiation image. Note that in FIG. 7, since it is before taking the radiation image, no thumbnail image is displayed in the imaging selection unit 81. The condition setting unit 82 is provided with, for example, buttons for setting the imaging conditions of the radiation image, buttons for adjusting the image of the taken radiation image, and the like. In the image display area 83, a radiation image taken by the imaging device 1 based on the set imaging conditions and the like is displayed.

[0055] When step S2 ends, it branches to step S3 and step S6. In this embodiment, the processes from step S3 to step S5 and the process of step S6 are processed in parallel respectively. Note that the processes from step S3 to step S6 may be serial processes processed in order.

[0056] First, the process of step S3 will be described. The control unit 20 acquires the imaging site and imaging direction included in the order information selected by the imaging selection unit 81 (step S3). The patient enters the imaging room, for example, in response to a call from a user who is a radiological technologist. At this stage, the patient is before the start of positioning. Note that the timing of the patient's entry into the room is not limited to after the process of step S3, and may be a timing prior to the process of step S3 as long as the waiting time of the patient does not become long.

[0057] Based on the acquired imaging site and imaging direction, the control unit 20 specifies notification permission information as to whether to notify the imaging support information 9a (step S4). For example, the control unit 20 refers to the table 23a and acquires the notification permission information as to whether to notify the imaging support information 9a associated with the imaging site and imaging direction.

[0058] The control unit 20 determines whether the acquired notification permission information is ON (step S5). That is, the control unit 20 determines whether a predetermined condition for displaying the imaging support information 9a is satisfied. If the acquired notification permission information is not ON, that is, if it is determined that the notification permission information is OFF, the control unit 20 proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the control unit 20 determines that the acquired notification permission information is ON, it proceeds to step S7.

[0059] Next, step S6 branched from step S2 will be described. When predetermined order information is selected by the imaging selection unit 81 or the like, the control unit 20 sets imaging conditions for each of the imaging device 1 and the generator 3 (step S6). The imaging conditions include image reading conditions set for the imaging device 1 and irradiation conditions set for the generator 3. For example, the control unit 20 sets the image reading conditions for the imaging device 1 based on the imaging site and imaging direction of the selected order information. Further, the control unit 20 sets the irradiation conditions for the generator 3 based on the imaging site and imaging direction of the selected order information.

[0060] Note that the shooting conditions may be manually set by the user. Specifically, the control unit 20 may set the image reading conditions received by the input operation of the condition setting unit 82 by the user in the imaging device 1. The control unit 20 may set the radiation irradiation conditions received by the input operation of the operation panel of the generator 3 by the user in the generator 3. When step S6 ends, proceed to step S7. Note that the shooting conditions may be set immediately before shooting after the notification of the shooting support information 9a described later depending on conditions such as the physique of the patient.

[0061] When the shooting conditions are set and the notification permission information is ON, the control unit 20 notifies the shooting support information 9a (step S7). For example, the control unit 20 refers to the table 23a and acquires the shooting support information 9a associated with the shooting site, shooting direction, and notification permission information. Before starting positioning, the control unit 20 displays the acquired shooting support information 9a on the shooting screen 80 of the display unit 22. In practice, the control unit 20 can display the shooting support information 9a on the shooting screen 80 of the display unit 22 immediately after transitioning to the shooting screen 80. After the user confirms the shooting support information 9a on the shooting screen 80, the user starts positioning the patient. Note that the shooting support information 9a may be displayed on the screen of the display device 26 in the shooting room in addition to the display unit 22.

[0062] FIG. 8 shows an example of the shooting support information 9a displayed on the shooting screen 80 of the display unit 22. When the notification permission information is ON, the control unit 20 displays the shooting support information 9a in a part of the image display area 83. That is, when the shooting direction of the order information is different from the normal shooting direction, the control unit 20 displays the shooting support information 9a on the display unit 22 before starting the patient positioning.

[0063] Specifically, when order information is input where the imaging site is "chest upright" and the imaging direction is "LR", the following imaging support information 9a is displayed on the imaging screen 80. The imaging support information 9a is, for example, a text such as "Chest L→R: This is an imaging direction different from the normal one. Please pay attention to the imaging direction." As a result, the user can recognize before starting the patient positioning that an imaging direction different from the normal one is input as the order information.

[0064] In addition, in FIG. 8, the imaging support information 9a is displayed at the lower left side of the imaging screen 80, but the display position is not limited to this. In addition to displaying the imaging support information 9a in the image display area 83, it may be made to function as imaging support information 9b by changing the display of the order information in the imaging selection unit 81. The imaging support information 9b is, for example, displayed with the color and size of the characters "Chest L→R" in the order information of the imaging selection unit 81 being different from those of the order information for normal imaging. Note that the imaging support information 9b may be displayed with the font, brightness, etc. being different from those of the order information for normal imaging. Also, the imaging support information 9a may be other than the display by the display unit 22. For example, a speaker that functions as a notification unit may be provided in the imaging control device 2. The control unit 20 may output, as the imaging support information 9a, an effect sound or voice indicating that the imaging direction is different from the normal imaging direction from the speaker. The notification of the imaging support information 9a may be either the display unit 22 or the speaker.

[0065] In this embodiment, after the imaging support information 9a is displayed, the patient positioning is performed. The user can determine the correct positioning according to the imaging direction of the order information by visually recognizing the imaging support information 9a displayed on the imaging screen 80. Specifically, when order information is input where the imaging site is "chest upright" and the imaging direction is "LR", the positioning is performed as follows. The user guides the patient so that the right side of the patient, who is the subject S, contacts the imaging device 1 between the radiation source 33 of the generating device 3 and the imaging device 1. Note that when the imaging support information 9a is not displayed (step S5: NO), since it is the normal imaging direction, the normal positioning is performed.

[0066] The control unit 20 determines whether the switch 32 has been turned on by the user (step S8). If the control unit 20 determines that the switch 32 has not been turned on by the user, it returns to step S8. In this case, the control unit 20 waits until the switch 32 is turned on. On the other hand, if the control unit 20 determines that the switch 32 has been turned on by the user, it proceeds to step S9. When displaying the imaging support information 9a on the imaging screen 80, for example, a confirmation button for the user to answer whether they have confirmed the imaging support information 9a may be provided. In this case, the control unit 20 may proceed to the next operation, for example, turning on the switch 32, when the confirmation button is selected by the user.

[0067] The control unit 20 controls the imaging device 1, the generating device 3, etc. to capture a radiation image of the subject S (step S9). The generating device 3 irradiates the imaging part of the subject S with radiation R. The imaging device 1 detects the radiation R transmitted through the subject S from the generating device 3, and generates image data showing the imaging part based on the detected radiation R. The imaging device 1 transmits the generated image data to the imaging control device 2. The control unit 20 of the imaging control device 2 causes a radiation image based on the image data received from the imaging device 1 to be displayed in the image display area 83 of the imaging screen 80.

[0068] The control unit 20 adds patient information, examination information, etc. to the image data based on the final radiation image and outputs it to the image management device 4 (step S10). The examination information includes, for example, examination ID, examination date, imaging part, imaging direction, etc. The final radiation image may include, for example, predetermined image adjustment. Through such a series of processes, the imaging control process of the patient's radiation image is completed. When the imaging of the radiation image is completed, the patient exits the imaging room under the guidance of the user.

[0069] According to this embodiment, before starting the patient positioning, imaging support information 9a indicating that the imaging direction of the order information is different from the normal imaging direction is displayed on the imaging screen 80. Thereby, the user can recognize before starting the patient positioning that an imaging direction different from the normal one is input as the order information. As a result, it is possible to surely prevent an error in the imaging direction during positioning, and it is possible to shorten the working time compared with the case of performing the positioning again. Further, the burden on the patient can be reduced compared with the case of performing repositioning.

[0070] Also, in the conventional technology, when the imaging direction of the order information is different from the normal imaging direction, the user may mistake the imaging direction for the normal imaging direction. When performing a radiation imaging with an incorrect positioning, re-imaging in the correct positioning according to the imaging direction of the order information is required. In this case, there is a problem that the exposure dose of the patient increases. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, even when the imaging direction of the order information is different from the normal imaging direction, the user can confirm that it is an imaging direction with a low frequency by the imaging support information 9a. Thereby, by performing a radiation imaging in the correct positioning, re-imaging can be reduced and the exposure dose of the patient can be reduced.

[0071] [Another Embodiment 1] Next, a case where the imaging site of the input order information is an imaging site with a very low frequency will be described. Note that the description will focus on the differences from the above embodiment, and the description of the points common to the above embodiment will be omitted. Also, in the description of Another Embodiment 1, the parts common to the above embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and described.

[0072] FIG. 9 shows an example of the configuration of a photographing screen 80 displayed on the display unit 22 when the photographing site included in the order information is a photographing site with a very low frequency. When the photographing site included in the order information is a photographing site with a very low frequency, the control unit 20 causes the photographing support information 9a to be displayed on the photographing screen 80. Specifically, when order information 81a in which the photographing site with a low frequency is the "side of the abdomen" is input, the following photographing support information 9a is displayed on the photographing screen 80. The photographing support information 9a is, for example, a sentence such as "Side of the abdomen: This is a procedure with a low photographing frequency. Please pay attention to positioning." Also, as the photographing support information 9a, the color, font, size, brightness, etc. of the characters of "side of the abdomen" in the order information 81a selected by the photographing selection unit 81 may be displayed differently from other order information. That is, the characters of "side of the abdomen" in the selected order information 81a may be highlighted so as to be more conspicuous than the characters of other order information.

[0073] Whether it corresponds to a photographing site with a very low frequency may be determined as follows. The control unit 20 obtains the photographing ratio of each photographing site based on the photographing sites of the radiation images photographed in the past. The photographing ratio of each photographing site may be set for each facility, each radiological technologist, and each requesting department. Next, the control unit 20 obtains the photographing ratio of the photographing site of the calculated order information, and determines whether the obtained photographing ratio of the photographing site is equal to or less than a preset threshold value. Next, the control unit 20 determines the photographing site that has become equal to or less than the threshold value as a photographing site with a low frequency, and causes the above-described photographing support information 9a to be displayed on the photographing screen 80. Note that it may be determined whether the frequency of the photographing site of the order information is low using a learned model capable of estimating a photographing site with a low frequency obtained by machine learning.

[0074] Next, the case where the photographing support information 9c is displayed on the inspection list 100 will be described. When the photographing site of the order information is a photographing site with a low frequency, the control unit 20 causes the photographing support information 9c to be displayed not only on the photographing screen 80 but also on the inspection list 100.

[0075] FIG. 10 shows an example of the imaging support information 9c displayed in the inspection list 100 of the display unit 22. In the inspection list 100, the imaging order information on hold for inspection is displayed in a list. In the inspection list 100, at least the patient information 101 including the patient ID etc., the imaging site information 102, and the number of imaging information 103 are displayed in association with each other. In the present embodiment, in the inspection list 100, the imaging site with a very low frequency is set as the order information 105.

[0076] The control unit 20 causes the imaging support information 9c to be displayed at a position adjacent to the patient ID of the order information 105 including the imaging site with a very low frequency. The imaging support information 9c is, for example, an icon indicating a caution mark. Note that the imaging support information 9c may be other than an icon, such as characters. By changing the color, size, or brightness of the icon and characters etc., the order information 105 may be highlighted with respect to other order information. Also, the imaging support information 9c may output a voice or a sound effect indicating that the imaging site of the order information 105 has a very low frequency from the speaker.

[0077] [Other Embodiment 2] Next, there may be a case where the technician in charge of taking the radiographic image and the technician in charge of image adjustment of the taken radiographic image work using the same imaging control device 2. Such imaging is also called double-focus imaging.

[0078] FIG. 11 shows an example of the imaging screen 80 displayed on the display unit 22 during double-focus imaging. In the imaging selection section 81 of the imaging screen 80, for example, three imaging order information of the same patient are displayed. Among these, the order information 81b with the imaging site being "chest upright position" and the imaging direction being "AP" has completed the radiographic imaging. The radiographic image for which the imaging has been completed is displayed in the image display area 83 of the imaging screen 80. Also, a thumbnail image of the taken radiographic image is displayed in the order information 81b of the imaging selection section 81.

[0079] When a shooting direction different from the normal shooting direction is specified, as described above, shooting support information 9a is displayed on the shooting screen 80 of the display unit 22. Therefore, the engineer in charge of shooting can recognize that the current shooting direction is different from the normal shooting direction. On the other hand, since the engineer in charge of adjustment is in charge of image adjustment, there may be a case where the shooting support information 9a on the shooting screen 80 at the time of shooting has not been confirmed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 20 continuously displays the shooting support information 9a in the image display area 83 even during image adjustment after shooting the radiation image. In this case, the control unit 20 may make the shooting support information 9a non-displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to image adjustment. As another method, the control unit 20 may make the shooting support information 9a non-displayed when a click on a window or the like of the shooting support information 9a is received.

[0080] Also, in the case of double focus shooting, there are the following problems. On the shooting screen 80, there may be a case where the engineer in charge of adjustment is performing image adjustment of the previous order information. Therefore, even when the shooting direction of the next order information 81c is different from the normal shooting direction, the shooting support information 9a cannot be displayed on the shooting screen 80. Therefore, the control unit 20 causes the shooting support information 9d indicating that attention is required for the shooting direction in the next order information 81c to be displayed in the display area 86 above the shooting selection unit 81. The shooting support information 9d is, for example, the text "Attention to shooting direction".

[0081] [Other Embodiment 3] The medical image shooting system 10B according to Other Embodiment 3 controls the display and non-display of the shooting support information 9a using the detection result of the movement of the patient who has entered the shooting room. In Other Embodiment 3, the description will focus on the differences from the medical image shooting system 10A of the above embodiment, and the description of the points common to the above embodiment will be omitted. Also, in the description of Other Embodiment 3, the parts common to the above embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0082] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a medical imaging system 10B. The medical imaging system 10B includes a radiation imaging device 1, an imaging control device 2, a radiation generator 3, an image management device 4, a HIS / RIS 5, and a detection unit 6.

[0083] The detection unit 6 is arranged in the imaging room, for example, at a position adjacent to the radiation source 33 of the generator 3. The detection unit 6 is connected to the imaging control device 2 etc. via a network N. The detection unit 6 detects the movement of a patient who has entered the imaging room and supplies the detected detection signal to the imaging control device 2. For example, an optical camera or a human sensor etc. is used for the detection unit 6. Specifically, the detection unit 6 detects the movement when the patient moves from entering the examination room to the imaging position, the movement when changing the positioning, etc. The control unit 20 of the imaging control device 2 acquires information regarding the movement of the patient based on the detection result of the detection unit 6. Thereby, the control unit 20 can recognize whether it is in a state before starting the positioning or in a state of changing the positioning.

[0084] After the end of the previous radiation imaging and after transitioning to the imaging screen 80 of the next radiation image, the control unit 20 causes the imaging support information 9a to be displayed on the imaging screen 80 etc. In this case, the control unit 20 may confirm whether it is before starting the positioning based on the detection result of the detection unit 6 and then display the imaging support information 9a on the imaging screen 80 etc. Thereby, the control unit 20 can alert the user that the imaging direction of the order information is different from the normal imaging direction before the start of the patient's positioning. Also, when the control unit 20 determines, based on the detection result of the detection unit 6, that the positioning is being changed, the imaging support information 9a on the imaging screen 80 etc. may be made non-displayed. This is because after the start of the patient's positioning, in many cases, the imaging support information 9a for alerting about the positioning is not required.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 10A, 10B Medical imaging system 20 Control unit 23 Storage unit 23a table 26 Display device (external device, imaging device)

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires radiography order information including information regarding patient positioning; a determination unit that determines whether information regarding the positioning of the patient included in the acquired radiography order information satisfies a predetermined condition; a detection unit that detects the movement of the patient; a notification unit that notifies the patient of imaging support information based on the determination result of the determination unit if positioning of the patient has not yet started based on the detection result of the detection unit, and does not notify the patient of imaging support information based on the determination result of the determination unit if positioning of the patient has already started; A medical imaging system comprising:

2. The radiography order information includes information on the radiography direction of the radiographed region. The medical imaging system according to claim 1 .

3. The imaging support information is information for calling attention to the imaging direction of the imaging region.

3. The medical imaging system according to claim 1.

4. a setting unit that enables setting of the information related to the positioning of the patient that is stored in advance as the predetermined condition; 3. The medical imaging system according to claim 1.

5. the setting unit can set, as the information, information on a photographing direction and notification necessity information on whether or not to notify the photographing support information in association with each other. The medical imaging system according to claim 4 .

6. The information on the imaging direction is an X-ray irradiation direction in a predetermined imaging direction. The medical imaging system according to claim 2 .

7. a storage unit that stores information about the photographing direction and notification necessity information indicating whether or not the photographing support information should be notified in association with each other; a specifying unit that specifies notification necessity information corresponding to the information on the photographing direction stored in the storage unit based on the information on the photographing direction acquired by the acquisition unit as the photographing order information, The determination unit determines whether the predetermined condition is satisfied based on the specified notification necessity information, the notification unit notifies the photographing support information based on the specified notification necessity information when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

3. The medical imaging system according to claim 1.

8. An acquisition unit that acquires radiography order information including information regarding patient positioning; a determination unit that determines whether information regarding the positioning of the patient included in the acquired radiography order information satisfies a predetermined condition; a detection unit that detects the movement of the patient; a notification unit that notifies the patient of imaging support information based on the determination result of the determination unit if positioning of the patient has not yet started based on the detection result of the detection unit, and does not notify the patient of imaging support information based on the determination result of the determination unit if positioning of the patient has already started; An imaging control device comprising:

9. The notification unit outputs the shooting support information to an external device. The imaging control device according to claim 8 .

10. the external device is an imaging device; The imaging control device according to claim 9 .

11. a setting unit that enables setting of the information related to the positioning of the patient that is stored in advance as the predetermined condition; the setting unit can set, as the information, information on a photographing direction and notification necessity information on whether or not to notify the photographing support information in association with each other. The imaging control device according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

12. the photographing order information includes photographing direction information, The information on the imaging direction is an irradiation direction of radiation in a predetermined imaging direction. The imaging control device according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

13. An acquisition step of acquiring radiography order information including information regarding patient positioning; a determining step of determining whether information regarding the positioning of the patient included in the acquired radiography order information satisfies a predetermined condition; detecting movement of the patient; a notification step of notifying, based on the result of the detection, imaging support information based on the determination result of the determination if the patient has not yet started being positioned, and not notifying, based on the result of the determination if the patient has already started being positioned; A medical image capturing method comprising:

14. Computer, an acquisition unit that acquires imaging order information including information regarding patient positioning; a determination unit that determines whether information regarding the positioning of the patient included in the acquired radiography order information satisfies a predetermined condition; a detection unit that detects the movement of the patient; a notification unit that notifies imaging support information based on the determination result of the determination unit if positioning of the patient has not yet started based on the detection result of the detection unit, and does not notify imaging support information based on the determination result of the determination unit if positioning of the patient has already started; A program to function as a

15. The notification unit outputs the shooting support information to an external device. The program according to claim 14.

16. the external device is an imaging device; The program according to claim 15.

17. a setting unit that enables setting of the information related to the positioning of the patient that is stored in advance as the predetermined condition; the setting unit can set, as the information, information on a photographing direction and notification necessity information on whether or not to notify the photographing support information in association with each other.

17. The program according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. the photographing order information is information on a photographing direction, The information on the imaging direction is an irradiation direction of radiation in a predetermined imaging direction.

17. The program according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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