Medical image processing apparatus and x-ray computer tomography apparatus

Abstract

To display information associating a medical image generated by scanning with information on a posture of a subject in the scanning.SOLUTION: A medical image processing apparatus includes a determination unit, a specification unit, a generation unit, and an output control unit. The determination unit determines a body posture of a subject in scanning on the basis of an imaging condition related to the scanning of the subject. The specification unit specifies a body posture image corresponding to the body posture of the subject determined by the determination unit from a storage apparatus for storing body posture images showing the body posture associated with each type of the body postures. The generation unit generates subject information on the subject, associating the medical image acquired by the scanning with the body posture image specified by the specification unit. The output control unit outputs the subject information generated by the generation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical image processing apparatus and an X-ray computed tomography apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an X-ray computed tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus) capable of scanning a subject has been developed. In such an X-ray CT apparatus, it is possible to scan in various body positions such as standing, sitting, and lying (hereinafter also referred to as imaging modes) by changing the posture of the subject or deforming the gantry.

[0003] By the way, in an X-ray CT apparatus, when the subject's posture is imaged in a standing or sitting position and when the subject's posture is imaged in a lying position, the direction of gravity acting on the subject is different, so the way the organs are imaged in the medical image is different.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary for a doctor to correctly grasp the posture of the subject at the time of imaging and to perform a diagnosis after grasping the imaging mode in which the image was taken. This is because due to the influence of the direction of gravity, the positional relationship between organs may shift, and depending on the posture of the imaged subject, the organ to be diagnosed may be in a position hidden by other organs. Also, the imaging mode may be stored in the attached information of the medical image in some cases.

[0005] In an X-ray CT system having an X-ray CT apparatus, since the imaging mode can be confirmed on the X-ray CT apparatus, it is easy to determine the imaging mode in the medical image. However, when the medical image is transferred to an external device outside the X-ray CT system, the imaging modes may be mixed, and it may be difficult to determine the imaging mode of the medical image.

[0006] For example, it may be difficult to view the attached information of the medical image, or a tag storing the imaging mode may not be displayed on a viewer outside the X-ray CT system, making it difficult to determine the imaging mode.

[0007] For example, when there are a large number of medical images to be displayed and the display size of the attached information is relatively small, it is difficult to view the attached information and determine the imaging mode. Therefore, when determining the imaging mode using a viewer outside the X-ray CT system, it may be difficult to determine the imaging mode, and there is room for further improvement.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to display a medical image generated by scanning and information associated with information regarding the posture of the subject in the scan. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. It is also possible to position the problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The medical image processing apparatus according to this embodiment includes a determination unit, a specification unit, a generation unit, and an output control unit. The determination unit determines the posture of the subject during scanning based on the imaging conditions related to the scanning of the subject. The specification unit specifies a posture image representing the posture for each type of posture from a storage device that stores the posture images in association with each other, corresponding to the posture of the subject determined by the determination unit. The generation unit generates subject information regarding the subject, in which the medical image obtained by scanning and the posture image specified by the specification unit are associated with each other. The output control unit outputs the subject information generated by the generation unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of a medical image processing apparatus and an X-ray computed tomography apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an X-ray CT (computed tomography) apparatus) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts denoted by the same reference numerals perform the same operations, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0013] (Embodiment) Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes a gantry device 10 also called a gantry, a bed device 30, and a console device 40.

[0014] In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the rotation axis of the rotation frame 13 in the non-tilt state is defined as the Z-axis direction, the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis direction and toward the support column that supports the rotation frame 13 from the rotation center is defined as the X-axis, and the direction orthogonal to the Z-axis and the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis, respectively. In Figure 1, for convenience of explanation, the gantry device 10 is drawn a plurality of times, but in the actual configuration of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, there is only one gantry device 10.

[0015] Note that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a bed apparatus 30 so that the subject P can be scanned in a lying position. However, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in the first embodiment may not have the bed apparatus 30.

[0016] For example, when the opening of the gantry apparatus 10 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, the subject P will be scanned in a standing position, so the bed apparatus 30 becomes unnecessary. The X-ray CT apparatus at this time is called a standing CT apparatus.

[0017] Also, the state of the gantry apparatus 10 may be deformable, for example, between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the rotation axis of the rotary frame 13 so that the subject P can be scanned in any state such as a lying position or a standing position. At this time, the bed apparatus 30 is retracted, for example, according to the deformation of the state of the gantry apparatus 10 during the standing position and the deformation period, and is moved to the position shown in FIG. 1 in the lying position.

[0018] Also, the state of the gantry apparatus 10 may be deformable, for example, between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction of the rotation axis of the rotary frame 13 so that the subject P can be scanned even in an oblique position where the body is inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal plane. At this time, the bed apparatus 30 can be appropriately tilted without interfering with the gantry apparatus 10, for example, according to the deformation of the state of the gantry apparatus 10. As described above, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in the present embodiment may have the gantry apparatus 10 in any form.

[0019] The gantry apparatus 10 and the bed apparatus 30 operate based on an operation from an operator via the console apparatus 40, or an operation from an operator via an operation unit provided in the gantry apparatus 10 or the bed apparatus 30. The gantry apparatus 10, the bed apparatus 30, and the console apparatus 40 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0020] The gantry device 10 is a device having an imaging system that irradiates a subject P with X-rays and collects projection data from detection data of the X-rays transmitted through the subject P. The gantry device 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high-voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and a DAS (Data Acquisition System) 18.

[0021] The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from a cathode (filament) toward an anode (target) by applying a high voltage from the X-ray high-voltage device 14 and supplying a filament current. X-rays are generated when the thermoelectrons collide with the target. The X-rays generated at the tube focus in the X-ray tube 11 pass through the X-ray radiation window in the X-ray tube 11 and are shaped, for example, into a cone beam shape via the collimator 17 and irradiated onto the subject P. The X-ray tube 11 includes, for example, a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons onto a rotating anode.

[0022] The X-ray detector 12 detects the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 and passed through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the X-ray dose to the DAS 18. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a plurality of detector element arrays in which a plurality of detector elements are arranged in the channel direction along an arc centered on the focus of the X-ray tube 11.

[0023] The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of the detector element arrays are arranged in the slice direction (column direction, row direction). Note that the X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes, for example, a Rotate / Rotate-Type (third-generation CT) in which the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 rotate integrally around the subject P, a Stationary / Rotate-Type (fourth-generation CT) in which a large number of X-ray detector elements arranged in a ring are fixed and only the X-ray tube 11 rotates around the subject P, and various types such as these, and any type can be applied to the present embodiment.

[0024] The X-ray detector 12 is, for example, an indirect conversion type detector having a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators, and each scintillator has a scintillator crystal that outputs light in an amount of photons corresponding to the incident X-ray dose. The grid is disposed on the X-ray incident side surface of the scintillator array and has an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays.

[0025] Note that the grid may also be referred to as a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array has a function of converting the amount of light from the scintillator into an electrical signal and has, for example, an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). Note that the X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts the incident X-ray into an electrical signal. Further, the X-ray detector 12 may be a photon counting type X-ray detector. Also, the X-ray detector 12 is an example of an X-ray detection unit.

[0026] The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that oppositely supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 by a control device 15 described later. Note that the rotating frame 13 further supports an X-ray high voltage device 14 and a DAS 18 in addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12.

[0027] The rotating frame 13 is rotatably supported by a non-rotating portion of the gantry device 10 (for example, a fixed frame; illustration in FIG. 1 is omitted). The rotation mechanism includes, for example, a motor that generates a rotational driving force and a bearing that transmits the rotational driving force to the rotating frame 13 to rotate it. The motor is provided, for example, on the non-rotating portion, and the bearing is physically connected to the rotating frame 13 and the motor, and the rotating frame 13 rotates according to the rotational force of the motor.

[0028] A non-contact or contact communication circuit is provided in each of the rotating frame 13 and the non-rotating part, whereby communication is carried out between the unit supported by the rotating frame 13 and the non-rotating part, or between an external device of the gantry device 10. For example, when optical communication is adopted as the non-contact communication method, the detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted from a transmitter having a light-emitting diode (LED) provided in the rotating frame 13 to a receiver having a photodiode provided in the non-rotating part of the gantry device 10 by optical communication, and further transferred from the non-rotating part to the console device 40 by the transmitter.

[0029] In addition to non-contact data transmission methods such as capacitive coupling and radio wave methods, a contact-type data transmission method using a slip ring and an electrode brush may also be adopted as the communication method. Further, the rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating part.

[0030] The X-ray high voltage device 14 has an electric circuit such as a transformer and a rectifier, and has a function of generating a high voltage applied to the X-ray tube 11 and a filament current supplied to the X-ray tube 11, and an X-ray control device for controlling the output voltage according to the X-ray irradiated by the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generating device may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. Note that the X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 or may be provided on the fixed frame side of the gantry device 10. Further, the X-ray high voltage device 14 is an example of an X-ray high voltage part.

[0031] The control device 15 has a processing circuit having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or the like and a drive mechanism such as a motor and an actuator. The control device 15 has a function of receiving an input signal from an input interface attached to the console device 40 or the gantry device 10 and controlling the operations of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 30.

[0032] For example, the control device 15 performs control to rotate the rotating frame 13 upon receiving an input signal, control to tilt the gantry device 10, and control to operate the bed device 30 and the top plate 33. Note that the control to tilt the gantry device 10 is realized by the control device 15 rotating the rotating frame 13 about an axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on the inclination angle (tilt angle) information input by an input interface attached to the gantry device 10.

[0033] Note that the control device 15 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or may be provided in the console device 40. Note that the control device 15 may be configured to directly incorporate the program into the circuit of the processor instead of storing the program in the memory. Also, the control device 15 is an example of a control unit.

[0034] The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the X-ray dose of the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. The wedge 16 is, for example, a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, and is a filter obtained by processing aluminum to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

[0035] The collimator 17 is a lead plate or the like for narrowing down the X-rays transmitted through the wedge 16 to the X-ray irradiation range, and forms a slit by a combination of a plurality of lead plates or the like. Note that the collimator 17 may also be called an X-ray aperture.

[0036] The DAS 18 includes an amplifier that performs amplification processing on the electrical signals output from each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 12, and an A / D converter that converts the electrical signals into digital signals, and generates detection data. The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transferred to the processing circuit 44. The detection data may also be referred to as raw data. Also, the DAS 18 is an example of a data acquisition unit.

[0037] The bed apparatus 30 is an apparatus for placing and moving a subject P to be scanned, and includes a base 31, a bed driving device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so as to be movable in the vertical direction. The bed driving device 32 is a motor or an actuator that moves the top plate 33 on which the subject P is placed in the major axis direction of the top plate 33. The top plate 33 provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. Note that the bed driving device 32 may move the support frame 34 in the major axis direction of the top plate 33 in addition to the top plate 33.

[0038] The console device 40 has a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Data communication between the memory 41, the display 42, the input interface 43, and the processing circuit 44 is performed via, for example, a bus (BUS). Note that the console device 40 is described as a separate body from the gantry device 10, but the gantry device 10 may include the console device 40 or a part of each component of the console device 40.

[0039] The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like. The memory 41 stores, for example, detection data output from the DAS 18, projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442, data of a medical image reconstructed by the reconstruction processing function 443, data of an image image-processed by the image processing function 444, shooting conditions related to scanning of the subject P, and the like.

[0040] The data of the medical image is, for example, three-dimensional CT image data, and is also referred to as reconstructed image data or volume data. Further, the data before preprocessing (detection data or raw data) by the preprocessing function 442 and the projection data are collectively referred to as raw data. That is, the raw data may be raw data or projection data.

[0041] The memory 41 stores programs related to the execution of each of the system control function 441, preprocessing function 442, reconstruction processing function 443, and image processing function 444 executed by the processing circuit 44. The memory 41 is an example of a storage unit.

[0042] The display 42 displays various types of information. For example, the display 42 outputs a medical image (CT image) generated by the processing circuit 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations such as setting of imaging conditions and reconstruction retry from the operator, and the like.

[0043] For example, as the display 42, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL display (OELD), a plasma display, or any other display can be appropriately used.

[0044] Also, the display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10. Further, the display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the console device 40 main body. The display 42 is an example of a display unit.

[0045] The input interface 43 receives various input operations from the operator, converts the received input operations into electrical signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 44. For example, the input interface 43 receives imaging conditions when collecting projection data, reconstruction conditions when reconstructing CT image data, image processing conditions related to post-processing of CT image data, and the like from the operator.

[0046] The post-processing may be performed either by the console device 40 or an external workstation. Alternatively, it may be performed simultaneously by both the console device 40 and the workstation. The post-processing defined herein refers to the concept of processing the image reconstructed by the reconstruction processing function 443.

[0047] For example, it includes Multi Planar Reconstruction (MPR) display of medical images, rendering of volume data, etc. As the input interface 43, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touch pad, touch panel display, etc. can be used as appropriate.

[0048] Note that in this embodiment, the input interface 43 is not limited to those equipped with physical operation components such as a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touch pad, and touch panel display. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 44 is also included in the examples of the input interface 43.

[0049] Also, the input interface 43 may be provided on the gantry device 10. Alternatively, the input interface 43 may be configured by a tablet terminal or the like that can communicate wirelessly with the console device 40 main body. The input interface 43 is an example of an input unit.

[0050] The processing circuit 44 controls the operation of the entire X-ray CT apparatus 1, for example, according to the electrical signal of the input operation output from the input interface 43. For example, as hardware resources, the processing circuit 44 has processors such as a CPU, MPU, and GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and memories such as a ROM and a RAM.

[0051] The processing circuit 44 executes a system control function 441, a preprocessing function 442, a reconstruction processing function 443, and an image processing function 444 by a processor that executes a program developed in the memory 41. Note that each of the functions 441 to 444 is not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. It is also possible to configure a processing circuit by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each of the functions 441 to 444 may be realized by each processor executing a program.

[0052] The system control function 441 controls each function of the processing circuit 44 based on an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 43. Further, the system control function 441 reads out a control program stored in the memory 41, develops it on the memory in the processing circuit 44, and controls each part of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the developed control program. The system control function 441 is an example of a control unit.

[0053] The preprocessing function 442 generates data obtained by performing preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, sensitivity correction processing between channels, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from the DAS 18. As described above, the data before preprocessing is referred to as raw data, and the data after preprocessing is referred to as projection data. The preprocessing function 442 is an example of a preprocessing unit.

[0054] The reconstruction processing function 443 executes a reconstruction process on the raw data generated by scanning the subject P, and reconstructs a medical image. Specifically, the reconstruction processing function 443 performs a reconstruction process using, for example, the filtered back projection method (FBP method) on the projection data generated by the preprocessing function 442 to generate medical image data.

[0055] The reconstruction process includes various correction processes such as scatter correction and beam hardening correction, and application of a reconstruction function under reconstruction conditions. The reconstruction processing function 443 stores the reconstructed medical image data in the memory 41. The reconstruction processing function 443 is an example of a reconstruction processing unit.

[0056] The image processing function 444 converts the data of medical images into tomographic image data of an arbitrary cross-section or three-dimensional image data by a known method based on an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 43. Note that the generation of the three-dimensional image data may be directly performed by the reconstruction processing function 443. Further, the image processing function 444 is an example of an image processing unit.

[0057] Next, it is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the X-ray CT system 2 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the X-ray CT system 2 includes an X-ray CT apparatus 1 and a medical image processing apparatus 5. The medical image processing apparatus 5 may be incorporated into, for example, a medical image management system (hereinafter referred to as PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems)) or a hospital system (hereinafter referred to as HIS (Hospital Information System)), or may be realized as a terminal device connected to a PACS server or an HIS server. For example, the medical image processing apparatus 5 may function as a reading terminal.

[0058] The medical image processing apparatus 5 includes a memory 51, a display 52, an input interface 53, and a processing circuit 54. Data communication between the memory 51, the display 52, the input interface 53, and the processing circuit 54 is performed via, for example, a bus (BUS). The hardware configurations of the memory 51, the display 52, the input interface 53, and the processing circuit 54 are the same as those of the memory 41, the display 42, the input interface 43, and the processing circuit 44 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1, respectively, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Further, the processing content in the image processing function 444 of the processing circuit 44 has the same function as that of the X-ray CT apparatus 1.

[0059] The memory 51 stores a plurality of medical images generated by the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The plurality of medical images are attached with additional information such as the software version information in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 regarding the generation of the medical image, the model number of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, and the name of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The memory 51 is an example of a storage device.

[0060] The processing circuit 54 executes an image processing function 444, a determination function 445, a specification function 446, a generation function 447, and an output control function 448 by a processor that executes a program developed in the memory. Note that each of the functions 444 to 448 is not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. It may be configured that a plurality of independent processors are combined to form a processing circuit, and each processor executes a program to realize each of the functions 444 to 448.

[0061] The determination function 445 determines imaging conditions for the subject P based on an examination order output from a radiology information system (hereinafter referred to as RIS (Radiology Information System)) or HIS. Specifically, the determination function 445 determines the imaging conditions according to the examination order based on an instruction from an operator via the input interface 53. In determining the imaging conditions, the posture or position of the subject P during scanning may be input based on an instruction from the operator via the input interface 53.

[0062] In addition, when the examination order describes the posture or position of the subject P during the scan, the determination function 445 may determine the position of the subject during the scan using the posture or position described in the examination order. At this time, the display 52 displays the determined imaging conditions together with the information regarding the position in the examination order.

[0063] The determination function 445 determines the position of the subject P during the scan based on the imaging conditions related to the scan of the subject P. The position of the subject P during the scan is, for example, a standing position, a sitting position, a lying position, or the like.

[0064] Specifically, when the scan using the imaging conditions is a scan in the standing position (hereinafter referred to as the standing scan), the determination function 445 determines that the posture of the subject P is the standing position. Also, when the scan using the imaging conditions is a scan in the lying position (hereinafter referred to as the lying scan), the determination function 445 determines that the posture of the subject P is the lying position. Further, when the scan using the imaging conditions is a scan in the sitting position (hereinafter referred to as the sitting scan), the determination function 445 determines that the posture of the subject P is the sitting position.

[0065] The imaging conditions are, for example, settings for each scan such as dose, tube voltage, tube current, scan speed, slice thickness, imaging mode, etc., and in addition, a pre-scan for setting the imaging range and a phase indicating the imaging order for performing this scan such as helical scan / step-and-shoot scan are described, and it is also referred to as an imaging protocol.

[0066] The imaging mode corresponds to various scan modes such as helical scan (H), step-and-shoot scan (S&S), scan and view (S&V), dynamic scan, etc. Note that the imaging conditions may have information on the posture described in the examination order.

[0067] Also, the determination function 445 may determine the imaging conditions and the above-mentioned posture according to an instruction from the operator via the input interface 43. The determination function 445 is an example of a determination unit. Note that the posture of the subject P during the scan may be estimated by the determination function 445 by collating a combination of various items related to the posture in the imaging conditions with a posture correspondence table for the combination.

[0068] The identification function 446 identifies a body position image corresponding to the body position of the subject P. Specifically, the identification function 446 identifies a body position image corresponding to the body position of the subject P determined by the determination function 445 from the memory 51 that stores and associates body position images representing the body position for each type of body position. The identification function 446 is an example of an identification unit.

[0069] The memory 51 stores, in association with each type of body position, a body position image representing the body position. Information that associates a body position image representing the body position with each type of body position is referred to as body position information. Here, the body position information includes the name of the body position and the body position image corresponding to the body position. Here, the body position information will be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0070] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the body position information 60 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the body position information has a body position 61 and a body position image 62. The body position 61 is identification information capable of identifying each body position. For example, information indicating the name of the body position is stored in the body position 61. The body position image 62 is image data representing the body position corresponding to the body position 61. For example, the body position image 62 is an icon schematically showing the name of the body position 61. In FIG. 3, icons indicating the standing position and the sitting position of the body position 61, and the standing state and the sitting state are shown.

[0071] Returning to FIG. 2, the generation function 447 generates subject information regarding the subject P, in which the medical image reconstructed by scanning and the body position image are associated. Specifically, the generation function 447 generates subject information regarding the subject P, in which the medical image reconstructed by the reconstruction processing function 443 and the body position image specified by the specifying function 446 are associated. The generation function 447 is an example of a generation unit. Here, the subject information will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0072] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the subject information according to the embodiment. In FIG. 4, the subject information 70 shows a plurality of medical images reconstructed by the reconstruction processing function 443 and the body position image 62. The plurality of medical images are, for example, images schematically arranged for each series or volume.

[0073] The subject information shown in FIG. 4 is generated by the generation function 447 so that the body position image can be handled in the same manner as the plurality of medical images by arranging the plurality of medical images and the body position image in the same way.

[0074] Returning to FIG. 2, the output control function 448 outputs subject information. Specifically, the output control function 448 outputs the subject information generated by the generation function 447 to the display 52. The output control function 448 is an example of an output control unit. Thereby, the output control function 448 displays information associating the medical image generated by the scan with the body position image 62 regarding the posture of the subject in the scan. Further, the output control function 448 displays the body position image 62 as an icon. Also, the doctor can easily grasp the body position and shooting conditions at the time of shooting compared to the conventional case by checking the subject information output by the output control function 448.

[0075] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the control process of the medical image processing apparatus 5 according to the embodiment. First, the determination function 445 determines the imaging conditions for the subject P based on the examination order output from the RIS or HIS (step S91). Subsequently, the determination function 445 determines the body position of the subject P at the time of scan based on the imaging conditions related to the scan of the subject P determined in step S301 (step S92).

[0076] Subsequently, the specifying function 446 specifies the body position image corresponding to the body position of the subject P determined by the determination function 445 from the memory 51 that stores and associates the body position image representing the body position for each type of body position (step S93). Subsequently, the reconstruction processing function 443 performs reconstruction processing on the raw data generated by the scan of the subject P transferred from the X-ray CT apparatus 1 to reconstruct a medical image (step S94).

[0077] Subsequently, the generation function 447 generates subject information regarding the subject P, which associates the medical image reconstructed by the reconstruction processing function 443 with the body position image specified by the specifying function 446, from the body position information specified by the specifying function 446 (step S95). Subsequently, the output control function 448 outputs the subject information generated by the generation function 447 to the display 52 (step S96). When this process ends, the process performed by the processing circuit 54 of the medical image processing apparatus 5 ends.

[0078] As described above, according to the embodiment, the medical image processing apparatus 5 determines the position of the subject P during scanning based on the imaging conditions related to the scan of the subject P, and from a storage device that stores, in association with each type of position, a position image representing the position, identifies a position image corresponding to the determined position of the subject P, generates subject information related to the subject P by associating the medical image obtained by the scan with the identified position image, and outputs the subject information.

[0079] Thereby, the medical image processing apparatus 5 can display information associated with the medical image generated by the scan and the position image corresponding to the position of the subject in the scan. Also, for example, when a doctor checks subject information including a medical image transferred to an external device outside the X-ray CT system, since the subject information has the medical image and the position image associated therewith, it is possible to easily determine the imaging mode in the medical image and, compared to the prior art, easily grasp the position and imaging situation at the time of imaging.

[0080] Note that the above-described embodiment can be appropriately modified and implemented by changing a part of the configuration or function of each device. Therefore, some modification examples according to the above-described embodiment will be described below as other embodiments. In the following, the points different from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the points common to the already described content and the detailed description will be omitted. Also, the other embodiments described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0081] (First Modification Example) The image processing function 444, determination function 445, identification function 446, generation function 447, and output control function 448 in the processing circuit 54 described in the above-described embodiment are not limited to the processing circuit of the medical image processing apparatus 5, and may be realized by the processing circuit 44 of the console device 40. Since the content of the processing of the image processing function 444, determination function 445, identification function 446, generation function 447, and output control function 448 in the processing circuit 44 is the same as that in the embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] (Second Modification Example) In the above-described embodiment, the body position of the subject P has been described for the standing position, sitting position, lying position, etc., but it is not limited thereto. For example, the body position of the subject P in the lying position may be the supine position, lateral lying position, prone position, etc.

[0083] For example, in the lying position imaging of the X-ray CT apparatus 1, most of the imaging is in the supine position, but there are also cases where imaging is performed in the lateral lying position or the prone position. In that case, since the direction of gravity with respect to the subject P changes, the doctor needs to make a diagnosis after correctly grasping the body position information. Therefore, the specific function 446 of the medical image processing apparatus 5 may create a body position image corresponding to the supine position / lateral lying position / prone position and store it in the memory 51. That is, the body position image includes images corresponding to the standing position, sitting position, supine position, lateral lying position, and prone position.

[0084] In addition, there is also an imaging mode in which the imaging location changes, such as in a 2RoomCT system. Even in this case, since the shape of the bed apparatus changes like a CT bed apparatus or an angiography bed apparatus, the specific function 446 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may create a imaging mode image associated with the imaging conditions and store it in the memory 41 as a display of the imaging situation, together with the body position image.

[0085] (Third Modification Example) For example, in X-ray CT examinations, there are cases where imaging is performed while synchronizing signals of medical devices that measure the state of the subject, such as an injector, an electrocardiograph, and a respirator. Even in such a case, in order to show the imaging situation, the specific function 446 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may create a imaging mode image that illustrates the external device in combination with the body position image and store it in the memory 41. That is, the body position image includes an image corresponding to an external device that measures the state of the subject used during scanning.

[0086] (Fourth Modification Example) For example, the specific function 446 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can determine the body position and imaging situation of the subject P from information such as the position coordinates, body thickness, attached information of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 that can be obtained from the raw data generated by scanning the subject P, and external signals (such as electrocardiogram information and respiration information, etc.) embedded in other raw data, and can also create a imaging mode image corresponding to the imaging conditions in conjunction with image reconstruction. The position coordinates of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 are internal information regarding the detection of mechanical angles by an acceleration sensor or the like provided in the gantry apparatus 10, or positioning imaging (positioning scan) with respect to the subject P.

[0087] In addition, the specific function 446 can also create a imaging mode image corresponding to the imaging conditions by judging from the information of the raw data without being linked to image reconstruction. That is, the specific function 446 of the medical image processing apparatus 5 may specify a body position image from the output information (information of raw data) output by an external device that measures the state of the subject P during scanning. Here, the external device is a modality such as the X-ray CT apparatus 1.

[0088] (Fifth Modification Example) For example, as a method for storing the imaging position and imaging mode as an imaging mode image corresponding to the imaging conditions in an external device (for example, the medical image processing apparatus 5) other than during the execution of an examination, the specific function 446 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 may create an imaging mode image in conjunction with the transfer of the medical image to the external device and transfer it to the external device.

[0089] (Sixth Modification Example) For example, the medical image processing apparatus 5 may create a body position image. In that case, the specific function 446 of the medical image processing apparatus 5 may create an imaging mode image indicating the imaging position and imaging mode based on the information obtained from the image when the medical image processing apparatus 5 receives medical image data and store it in the memory 41. That is, the specific function 446 of the medical image processing apparatus 5 may specify a body position image based on the medical image.

[0090] (Seventh Modification Example) For example, the generation function 447 of the medical image processing apparatus 5 may associate the position image with a part of the examination summary. Specifically, the generation function 447 may generate medical information by associating the position image with information regarding the subject examination summary that summarizes the examinations performed on the subject P at a plurality of time points.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of medical information according to the seventh modification. The medical information 80 shown in FIG. 6 shows a plurality of medical images 81, 83, 84, a position image 82, and a subject examination summary 85 that summarizes the examinations performed at a plurality of time points. Thereby, the doctor can grasp the medical images and the position image together with the examination summary.

[0092] (Eighth Modification) For example, the generation function 447 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 or the medical image processing apparatus 5 may embed information regarding the imaging mode indicating the imaging mode in the reconstructed medical image. This is different from the attached information, and is to create a medical image in which a specific image or character is embedded in the form of stamping on the medical image. That is, the generation function 447 may generate a superimposed medical image in which the position image is superimposed on the medical image. Note that the generation function 447 may generate information indicating the position of the position image as attached information.

[0093] (Ninth Modification) For example, the specific function 446 of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 or the medical image processing apparatus 5 may automatically specify the position and posture of the subject P based on the output information from external devices such as various cameras provided in the examination room where the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is installed.

[0094] For example, when using an external device such as a camera, it is also possible to recognize the shooting situation and the silhouette of the patient from the camera image and automatically generate a shooting mode image. In this case, it is also possible to register as an image even in a special body position or shooting situation that is not stored in the memory 51 in advance. Further, the camera image may be registered as it is without generating the shooting mode image. That is, the specific function 446 of the medical image processing apparatus 5 may specify the body position image from the captured image that has captured the state of the subject P during scanning.

[0095] Furthermore, the specific function 446 may determine from specific information such as shooting conditions, and use the image data stored in the memory 51 in advance to store it in the memory 51 as a shooting mode image. Also, the specific function 446 may determine the shooting situation using an external device such as a camera, determine the one that matches the image data stored in the memory 51 in advance, and store it in the memory 51 as a shooting mode image.

[0096] According to at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to display the medical image generated by scanning and the information associated with the information regarding the posture of the subject in the scan.

[0097] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 1…X-ray CT apparatus, 2…X-ray CT system, 5…Medical image processing apparatus, 10…Gantry device, 11…X-ray tube, 12…X-ray detector, 13…Rotating frame, 14…X-ray high voltage device, 15…control device, 16…wedge, 17…collimator, 18…DAS (Data Acquisition System), 30…bed device, 31…base, 32…bed drive device, 33…ceiling panel, 34…support frame, 40…console device, 41…memory, 42…display, 43…input interface, 44…processing circuit, 441…system control function, 442…preprocessing function, 443…reconfiguration processing function, 444…image processing function, 445…decision function, 446…specification function, 447…generation function, 448…output control function

Claims

1. A determination unit that determines the position of the subject during scanning based on imaging conditions related to scanning of the subject; An identification unit that identifies a position image corresponding to the position of the subject determined by the determination unit from a storage device that stores and associates position images representing the position for each type of position; A generation unit that generates subject information related to the subject, associating a medical image obtained by the scanning with the position image identified by the identification unit; An output control unit that outputs the subject information generated by the generation unit; A medical image processing apparatus comprising the above.

2. The identification unit identifies the position image from output information output by an external device that scans the subject. The medical image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. The identification unit identifies the position image based on the medical image. The medical image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The identification unit identifies the position image from an imaging image that captures the state of the subject during the scanning. The medical image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

5. The generation unit generates information associating the position image with medical information regarding a subject examination summary that summarizes examinations performed on the subject at a plurality of time points. The medical image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

6. The generation unit generates a superimposed medical image in which the position image is superimposed on the medical image. The medical image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

7. The position images are prepared for each position type of standing position, sitting position, supine position, lateral position, and prone position. The medical image processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 6.

8. The position image includes an image corresponding to an external device that measures the state of the subject used during the scanning. The medical image processing apparatus according to Claim 7.

9. The output control unit displays the position image as an icon. The medical image processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

10. A reconstruction processing unit that performs reconstruction processing on raw data generated by scanning a subject to reconstruct a medical image; A determination unit that determines the position of the subject during scanning based on imaging conditions related to scanning of the subject; An identification unit that identifies a position image corresponding to the position of the subject determined by the determination unit from a storage device that stores and associates position images representing the position for each type of position; A generation unit that generates subject information regarding the subject, associating the medical image obtained by the scan with the body position image specified by the specifying unit; An output control unit that outputs the subject information generated by the generation unit; An X-ray computed tomography apparatus comprising the above.

Images