Medical image acquisition guide apparatus, medical image acquisition guide system, and program

Abstract

To provide a medical image acquisition guide apparatus, a medical image acquisition guide system, and a program capable of performing ultrasonic imaging in a state where a breast is compressed by a compression member in a shorter time than a conventional technique.SOLUTION: A console 50 serving as a medical image obtaining and guiding device includes a projecting processor 51D that performs a process of projecting a guide image for guiding at least one of a scanning region and a scanning direction of an ultrasound probe on a side opposite to a breast compression side of a compression member in accordance with an effective range which is a region in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received in the ultrasound probe used for capturing an ultrasound image in a case in which a radiographic image and an ultrasound image are captured with respect to a breast compressed by the compression member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical image acquisition guidance device, a medical image acquisition guidance system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In radiological images from mammography, both breast cancer lesions (masses, calcifications, etc.) and breast tissue appear white, making it difficult to detect breast cancer lesions hidden in the breast tissue in breasts with high breast density. On the other hand, ultrasound images from ultrasound examinations are suitable for capturing images of breasts with high breast density, but breast density varies from person to person.

[0003] Therefore, the following techniques have been used in the past to combine mammography and ultrasound results.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a medical image diagnostic system that uses a combination of radiation and ultrasound to diagnose mammary glands and breasts, and aims to associate radiation images with ultrasound images to make them easier to visually recognize.

[0005] This medical image diagnostic system includes a medical imaging device that irradiates the subject with radiation to obtain a radiological image of the subject projected on a projection plane, and that transmits ultrasound toward the subject and receives ultrasound echoes reflected by the subject to obtain ultrasound slice images of the subject along slice planes that are approximately perpendicular to the projection plane, thereby generating first image data representing a plurality of ultrasound slice images along the plurality of slice planes, second image data representing at least one radiological image, and position data representing the positions of the plurality of slice planes on the projection plane; a medical image storage device that stores the first image data, second image data, and position data generated by the medical imaging device in association with each other; and a medical image display device that displays at least one ultrasound slice image along at least one slice plane based on the first image data read from the medical image storage device, and displays at least one radiological image with a marker indicating the position of the at least one slice plane on the projection plane based on the second image data and position data read from the medical image storage device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-82402 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When radiological and ultrasonic images are taken while the breast is compressed using a compression member, the time for which the breast is compressed by the compression member must be as short as possible, taking into consideration the burden on the subject.

[0008] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the problem that scanning is performed manually using an ultrasonic probe, which takes a relatively long time.

[0009] This is because, typically, when manually capturing ultrasound images using an ultrasound probe, the ultrasound image acquired in one scan is limited to an image of a small area of ​​the entire breast, so multiple scans are required.

[0010] In particular, in examinations that use both radiological and ultrasound images, there is a need to superimpose these images as a whole and interpret them. In this case, an ultrasound image of the entire breast is required, but if ultrasound images are taken multiple times for this purpose, some areas may be missed from the image capture, and in this case, it will be necessary to take images of the missed areas again.

[0011] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a medical image acquisition guidance device, a medical image acquisition guidance system, and a program that can perform ultrasound imaging when the breast is compressed by a compression member in a shorter time than conventional techniques. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, the medical image acquisition guidance device of the first aspect of the present disclosure includes at least one processor, and when radiological images and ultrasound images are taken of a breast compressed by a compression member, the processor performs processing to project a guide image that guides at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image on the side opposite the compression member compressing the breast, depending on the effective width, which is the area in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received in the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image.

[0013] A medical image acquisition guidance device of a second aspect of the present disclosure is the medical image acquisition guidance device of the first aspect, wherein the processor further performs processing to associate and store an ultrasound image obtained by scanning with an ultrasound probe with at least one of a scanning area and a scanning direction in the scan to obtain the ultrasound image.

[0014] A medical image acquisition guidance device of a third aspect of the present disclosure is a medical image acquisition guidance device of the second aspect, in which a processor identifies at least one of an actual scanning area and a scanning direction using a detection result from a position sensor that detects the position of an ultrasound probe.

[0015] A medical image acquisition guidance device of a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the medical image acquisition guidance device of the second or third aspect, in which, when the processor associates a scanning area with an ultrasound image and saves it, further performs a first display process to display a radiological image corresponding to the ultrasound image together with a scanning area image that is an image showing the scanning area, and when the scanning area shown in the scanning area image displayed by the first display process is specified by the user, further performs a second display process to display an ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning area.

[0016] A medical image acquisition guidance device of a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a medical image acquisition guidance device of the first or second aspect, in which, when a processor performs multiple scans using an ultrasound probe to capture a single ultrasound image, the processor determines scanning areas corresponding to adjacent scans so that the adjacent areas overlap within a predetermined range.

[0017] A sixth aspect of the medical image acquisition guidance device of the present disclosure is a medical image acquisition guidance device of the first or second aspect, in which the guidance image is an image including at least one of lines, figures, marks, and characters.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the medical image acquisition guidance device of the present disclosure is a medical image acquisition guidance device of the first or second aspect, in which a processor projects a guidance image onto the side opposite the breast compression side of the compression member, and onto an area excluding the area scanned by the ultrasound probe.

[0019] A medical image acquisition guidance device of an eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a medical image acquisition guidance device of the first or second aspect, wherein the processor determines the scanning area based on at least one of the width of the housing of the ultrasonic probe, the effective width of the ultrasonic probe, the width of the compression member, and the acquisition area of ​​the image showing the breast in the radiological image.

[0020] A medical image acquisition guidance device of a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a medical image acquisition guidance device of the first or second aspect, in which a processor acquires the effective width at any one of the timings when the medical image acquisition guidance device is turned on, when an ultrasound probe is attached, and when a preset for acquiring an image showing the breast is selected.

[0021] In addition, in order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a medical image acquisition guidance system according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a medical image acquisition guidance device according to the present disclosure, and a display unit that displays radiological images and ultrasound images acquired in accordance with processing by the medical image acquisition guidance device.

[0022] In addition, in order to achieve the above object, the program of the eleventh aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to execute a process in which, when radiological images and ultrasound images are taken of a breast compressed by a compression member, a guide image that guides at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasound probe used to take the ultrasound image is projected on the side opposite the compression member from the side compressing the breast, depending on the effective width, which is the area in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received in the ultrasound probe used to take the ultrasound image. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, ultrasound imaging in a state in which the breast is compressed by a compression member can be performed in a shorter time than with conventional techniques. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a medical image acquisition guidance system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of a medical image acquisition apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are three-view diagrams illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a compression member according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a console according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of a console according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a probe information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a registration information database according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a projection process according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams illustrating a method for deriving a scanning region according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a guide image according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of a scanning state of an ultrasound probe according to a guide image according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a guide image according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a guide image according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of a guide image according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display state of a body mark according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an image display process according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display state of a radiation image display screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a display state of an ultrasound superimposed image display screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 19]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating synthesis of ultrasound images according to an embodiment. [Figure 20A] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view illustrating synthesis of ultrasound images according to an embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view illustrating synthesis of ultrasound images according to an embodiment. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating another method for deriving a scanning region and the number of scans according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0026] First, the configuration of a medical image acquisition guidance system 1 to which the technology of the present disclosure is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the medical image acquisition guidance system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0027] 1, the medical image acquisition guidance system 1 includes a medical image acquisition device 10 and a console 50. The medical image acquisition device 10 and the console 50, and the console 50 and an external RIS (Radiology Information System) 6 are configured to be connectable via a wired or wireless network. The console 50 corresponds to the medical image acquisition guidance device in the technology of the present disclosure.

[0028] In the medical image acquisition guidance system 1 according to this embodiment, the console 50 acquires imaging orders and the like from the RIS 6 and controls the medical image acquisition device 10 in accordance with the imaging orders and user instructions. The medical image acquisition device 10 captures radiological images by irradiating radiation R onto a breast compressed between an imaging table 16 and a compression member 40, both of which will be described later. The medical image acquisition device 10 also captures ultrasound images of the breast compressed by the compression member 40.

[0029] Next, a schematic configuration of a medical image acquisition apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a side view showing an example of the appearance of the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 according to this embodiment, as viewed from the right side of the subject. As shown in Fig. 2, the medical image acquisition apparatus 10 includes a radiation source 17R, a radiation detector 28, an imaging table 16 disposed between the radiation source 17R and the radiation detector 28, and a compression member 40 that compresses the breast between the imaging table 16. In the medical image acquisition apparatus 10, a user such as a doctor or technician positions the subject's breast on an imaging surface 16A of the imaging table 16.

[0030] The medical image acquisition device 10 includes an arm unit 12, a base 14, and a shaft unit 15. The arm unit 12 is held by the base 14 so as to be movable in the vertical direction (Z direction). The shaft unit 15 connects the arm unit 12 to the base 14. The arm unit 12 is rotatable relative to the base 14 around the shaft unit 15 as a rotation axis. Furthermore, the arm unit 12 may have an upper portion including a radiation irradiation unit 17 and a lower portion including an imaging table 16 that are rotatable relative to the base 14 around the shaft unit 15 as a rotation axis, separately.

[0031] The arm 12 includes a radiation irradiator 17 and an imaging table 16. The radiation irradiator 17 includes a radiation source 17R and is configured to be able to change the irradiation field of radiation (e.g., X-rays) irradiated from the radiation source 17R. The irradiation field may be changed, for example, by a user operating the operation unit 26, or may be changed by the control unit 20 depending on the type of compression member 40 attached.

[0032] The imaging stand 16 includes a control unit 20, a memory unit 22, an I / F (Interface) unit 24, an operation unit 26, and a radiation detector 28. The control unit 20 controls the overall operation of the medical image acquisition device 10 in accordance with the control of the console 50. The control unit 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (not shown). The ROM stores various programs in advance, including programs executed by the CPU for controlling the generation of radiographic images and ultrasound images. The RAM temporarily stores various data.

[0033] Radiation image and ultrasound image data, various other information, etc. are stored in the storage unit 22. The storage unit 22 is realized by a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory.

[0034] The I / F unit 24 communicates various types of information with the console 50 via wired or wireless communication. Specifically, the I / F unit 24 receives information related to the control of the medical image acquisition device 10 from the console 50. The I / F unit 24 also transmits radiographic image and ultrasound image data to the console 50.

[0035] The operation unit 26 is a part provided on the imaging stand 16 or the like that can be operated by the user with the hands or feet, and is, for example, a switch, a button, a touch panel, or the like.

[0036] The radiation detector 28 is disposed inside the imaging table 16, detects radiation R that has passed through the breast and the imaging table 16, generates a radiographic image based on the detected radiation R, and outputs image data representing the generated radiographic image. The type of radiation detector 28 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, an indirect conversion type radiation detector that converts radiation R into light and then converts the converted light into electric charges, or a direct conversion type radiation detector that directly converts radiation R into electric charges.

[0037] A compression unit 48 is connected to the arm 12. A support part 46 that supports the compression member 40 is detachably attached to the compression unit 48. A drive part (not shown) provided in the compression unit 48 moves the support part 46 (compression member 40) in the up-down direction (Z direction).

[0038] The compression member 40 is disposed between the radiation source 17R and the imaging table 16, and compresses the breast by sandwiching it between the radiation source 17R and the imaging table 16. FIG. 3 shows three views of an example of the compression member 40. The three views in FIG. 3 include a top view of the compression member 40 seen from above (the radiation irradiation unit 17 side), a side view seen from the subject side, and a side view seen from the right side of the subject. As shown in FIG. 3, the compression member 40 includes a compression portion 42 and a support portion 46.

[0039] The support part 46 includes an attachment part 47 and an arm 49. The attachment part 47 attaches the compression member 40 to the medical image acquisition device 10, specifically to a drive part of a compression unit 48. The arm 49 supports the compression part 42.

[0040] The compression unit 42 has a generally flat bottom 43 surrounded by walls 44 of generally uniform height, and has a concave cross-sectional shape. The compression unit 42 is preferably made of an optically transparent or translucent material so that positioning and the state of compression can be confirmed during breast compression. The compression unit 42 is also preferably made of a material that is highly transmissive to radiation R and ultrasound. The compression unit 42 is also preferably made of a material that has excellent strength, such as drop strength and compression strength.

[0041] Examples of such materials that can be used include resins such as polymethylpentene (PMP), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic, polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polymethylpentene, in particular, has an acoustic impedance that affects the transmittance and reflectance of ultrasound waves, which is closer to that of the human body (breast) than other materials, and can reduce the proportion of noise imparted to ultrasound images. Therefore, polymethylpentene is a suitable material for the compression portion 42.

[0042] Furthermore, the medical image acquisition device 10 may be configured to allow a plurality of different types of compression members 40 to be attached interchangeably. Specifically, compression members 40 of different materials, sizes, and shapes may be attached depending on the subject's physique (e.g., breast size), breast tissue composition (e.g., fat mass and mammary gland mass), and type of imaging (e.g., magnification imaging and spot imaging). For example, a compression member according to the size of the breast, a compression member for axillary imaging, a compression member for magnification imaging, and a compression member for so-called spot imaging, which captures a radiographic image of only the area where a lesion is present, may be used. In other words, the compression member 40 is not limited to one that compresses the entire breast, but may also be one that is smaller than the breast and compresses only a portion of the breast.

[0043] The upper surface 43A and / or the contact surface 43B of the bottom portion 43 of the compression member 40 may be coated with a gel or liquid ultrasonically transparent medium. For example, a known ultrasound examination jelly having an acoustic impedance similar to that of the human body (breast) may be used as such a medium. That is, the medical image acquisition device 10 may acquire, via the compression member 40, an ultrasound image of a breast compressed by the compression member 40 coated with a gel or liquid ultrasonically transparent medium. In this case, air can be prevented from entering the interface between the ultrasound emitting surface of the ultrasonic probe 30 and the upper surface 43A and / or the interface between the contact surface 43B and the breast. This reduces the difference in acoustic impedance at each interface, thereby reducing the proportion of noise in the ultrasound image.

[0044] On the other hand, in the medical image acquisition guidance system 1 according to this embodiment, an ultrasound probe 30 is prepared in addition to the medical image acquisition device 10. Note that in the medical image acquisition guidance system 1 according to this embodiment, the ultrasound probe 30 is connected to the medical image acquisition device 10 by a wire (not shown), but this is not limiting. The ultrasound probe 30 may have a wireless communication function and be connected to the medical image acquisition device 10 by this wireless communication function.

[0045] The ultrasonic probe 30 is used to obtain an ultrasonic image of the breast compressed by the compression member 40, and is used to manually scan the upper surface 43A of the bottom part 43 of the compression member 40, as well as to irradiate the breast with ultrasonic waves via the compression member 40 and receive waves reflected from the breast. The ultrasonic probe 30 also contains a converter (not shown) that converts the waves received from the breast into an ultrasonic image, and the ultrasonic image is obtained by the converter.

[0046] Specifically, the ultrasonic probe 30 includes an ultrasonic transducer array. The ultrasonic transducer array has a configuration in which a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. The ultrasonic transducer may be formed by forming electrodes on both ends of a piezoelectric body, such as a piezoelectric ceramic typified by lead zirconate titanate (PZT: Lead Zirconate Titanate), a piezoelectric single crystal typified by lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT: Lead Magnesium Niobate-Lead Titanate), or a polymer piezoelectric element typified by polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). Alternatively, for example, the ultrasonic transducer may be a capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT).

[0047] Furthermore, the medical image acquisition guidance system 1 according to this embodiment is configured to allow a plurality of different types of ultrasound probes 30 to be attached interchangeably. Specifically, ultrasound probes 30 with different performance and dimensions are attached depending on the subject's physique (e.g., breast size), breast tissue composition (e.g., fat mass and mammary gland mass), and type of imaging (e.g., magnification imaging and spot imaging). For example, a linear probe (for superficial imaging, etc.) with a center frequency of approximately 7.5 MHz, a convex probe (for abdominal imaging, etc.) with a center frequency of approximately 3.5 MHz, and a sector probe (for cardiac imaging, etc.) with a center frequency of approximately 2.5 MHz may be used.

[0048] Meanwhile, a projector 80 having a projection unit 80A is built into the upper part of the arm unit 12 near the radiation outlet of the radiation irradiation unit 17. The projector 80 is designed to mainly project an image (hereinafter also referred to as a "projected image") showing various information onto the upper surface of the compression member 40, but when the compression member 40 is removed, it can also project a projected image onto the upper surface of the imaging table 16 or onto the breast in a state where it is not compressed by the compression member 40. As the projector 80, a known projector such as a liquid crystal projector, a DLP (Digital Light Processing) (registered trademark) projector, or a laser projector can be used.

[0049] The method of imaging the breast using the medical image acquisition device 10 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be craniocaudal (CC) imaging, mesolateral oblique (MLO) imaging, magnification imaging that images a portion of the breast, or spot imaging. CC imaging is a method of imaging the breast in a compressed state by sandwiching the breast between the imaging table 16 and the compression member 40 in the vertical direction (Z direction). MLO imaging is a method of imaging the breast in a compressed state, including the axillary region, by sandwiching the breast between the imaging table 16 and the compression member 40 while tilting the arm unit 12 so that the rotation angle with respect to the base 14 is equal to or greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the medical image acquisition device 10 may be one that performs tomosynthesis imaging. In tomosynthesis imaging, radiation R is irradiated from the radiation source 17R toward the breast from multiple irradiation positions with different irradiation angles, and multiple radiation images of the breast are captured. That is, in tomosynthesis imaging, the angles of the imaging table 16, compression member 40, breast, etc. are kept fixed, and imaging is performed by changing the rotation angle of the radiation irradiator 17 relative to the base 14.

[0051] Furthermore, the medical image acquisition device 10 may be capable of positioning the subject's breasts not only when the subject is standing (standing position), but also when the subject is sitting in a chair, wheelchair, etc. (sitting position).

[0052] The console 50 sets an upper limit of the compression force that the compression members 40 apply to the breast depending on the type of compression members 40 attached to the medical image acquisition device 10. The console 50 also controls the medical image acquisition device 10 so that radiographic images and ultrasound images are acquired in accordance with the imaging order acquired from the RIS 6 and instructions from the user.

[0053] The medical image acquisition device 10 according to this embodiment can acquire both radiographic images and ultrasound images while the breast is compressed by the compression members 40. This facilitates the alignment of these images, and by displaying both images superimposed, the ability to differentiate and diagnose lesions can be improved.

[0054] Next, the console 50 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0055] First, an example of the hardware configuration of the console 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the console 50 includes a CPU 51 as a processor, a non-volatile storage unit 52, and a memory 53 as a temporary storage area. The console 50 also includes a display 54 as a display unit such as a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 55 such as a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse, and an I / F unit 56. The I / F unit 56 communicates with the medical image acquisition device 10, the RIS 6, and other external devices via wired or wireless communication. The CPU 51, the storage unit 52, the memory 53, the display 54, the operation unit 55, and the I / F unit 56 are connected via a bus 58 such as a system bus and a control bus so as to be able to exchange various information with each other.

[0056] The storage unit 52 is realized by a storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. A projection processing program 52A and an image display processing program 52B are stored in the storage unit 52. The CPU 51 appropriately reads out each of the projection processing program 52A and the image display processing program 52B from the storage unit 52, loads them into the memory 53, and executes the loaded programs. For example, a personal computer, a server computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, or the like can be appropriately used as the console 50.

[0057] Furthermore, a probe information database 52C and a registration information database 52D are stored in the storage unit 52. The probe information database 52C and the registration information database 52D will be described in detail later.

[0058] Next, an example of the functional configuration of the console 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 5, the console 50 includes a probe information acquisition unit 51A, a scanning information derivation unit 51B, a guide image creation unit 51C, a projection processing unit 51D, an identification unit 51E, a storage processing unit 51F, a first display processing unit 51G, and a second display processing unit 51H. When the CPU 51 executes a projection processing program 52A, the CPU 51 functions as the probe information acquisition unit 51A, the scanning information derivation unit 51B, the guide image creation unit 51C, the projection processing unit 51D, the identification unit 51E, and the storage processing unit 51F. When the CPU 51 executes an image display processing program 52B, the CPU 51 functions as the first display processing unit 51G and the second display processing unit 51H.

[0059] The probe information acquisition unit 51A according to this embodiment acquires information including the effective width of the ultrasonic probe 30 (hereinafter referred to as "probe information") when capturing an ultrasonic image in a case where a radiographic image and an ultrasonic image are captured for a breast compressed by the compression member 40. Here, the "effective width" refers to the width of the area in the ultrasonic probe 30 where ultrasonic waves can be transmitted and received.

[0060] Furthermore, the scanning information derivation unit 51B according to this embodiment derives information indicating at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasonic probe 30 (hereinafter referred to as "scanning information") according to the effective width in the acquired probe information. Note that the scanning information derivation unit 51B according to this embodiment derives both the scanning area and the scanning direction, but is not limited to this. For example, the scanning information derivation unit 51B may derive only one of the scanning area and the scanning direction.

[0061] Furthermore, the guide image creating unit 51C according to this embodiment uses at least one of the scanning area and the scanning direction indicated by the derived scanning information to create a guide image that provides guidance in at least one of the scanning area and the scanning direction.

[0062] Then, the projection processing unit 51D according to this embodiment performs processing to project the created guide image onto the side of the compression member 40 opposite to the side compressing the breast, that is, onto the upper surface 43A of the bottom part 43 of the compression member 40.

[0063] Furthermore, the specifying unit 51E according to this embodiment specifies at least one of the actual scanning area and scanning direction using the detection result of a position sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the ultrasonic probe 30. Then, the saving processing unit 51F according to this embodiment performs processing to associate and save the ultrasonic image obtained by scanning with the ultrasonic probe 30 with at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction specified by the specifying unit 51E in the scan to obtain the ultrasonic image.

[0064] In this embodiment, a magnetic sensor formed by combining a magnetic generator and a magnetic position sensor is used as the position sensor, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an optical position sensor or an electrical position sensor may be used as the position sensor.

[0065] In this way, in this embodiment, at least one of the scanning area and the scanning direction stored by the storage processing unit 51F is detected by a position sensor, but this is not limited to this. For example, an optical camera may be provided to capture an image of the upper surface side of the compression member 40, and at least one of the scanning area and the scanning direction may be detected by image analysis technology for the image captured by the optical camera.

[0066] Furthermore, an ultrasound image obtained when the ultrasound probe 30 is in contact with the compression member 40 is a normal image, but an ultrasound image obtained when the ultrasound probe 30 is separated from the compression member 40 is an image in which multiple echoes are repeated from the upper surface 43A of the bottom 43 of the compression member 40. Therefore, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which a change in the state of the ultrasound image obtained by scanning with the ultrasound probe 30 is used to detect whether the ultrasound probe 30 has separated from the compression member 40, and the detection result is used to detect at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction.

[0067] On the other hand, the first display processing unit 51G according to this embodiment performs a first display process to display a radiographic image corresponding to the ultrasound image together with a scanning region image which is an image showing the scanning region when the ultrasound image is stored in association with the scanning region. Then, the second display processing unit 51H according to this embodiment performs a second display process to display an ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning region when the scanning region shown in the scanning region image displayed by the first display process is designated by the user.

[0068] Here, when the ultrasound probe 30 performs multiple scans to capture a single ultrasound image, the scan information derivation unit 51B according to this embodiment determines the scan regions corresponding to adjacent scans so that the adjacent regions overlap within a predetermined range. The overlap range is preferably between approximately 5 mm and 10 mm. This is because an overlap of about 5 mm is necessary to ensure reliable scanning with the ultrasound probe 30 during the procedure, and about 10 mm is necessary for greater safety. However, an overlap exceeding 10 mm results in an excessive increase in the number of scans. The width of the probe of the ultrasound probe 30 (corresponding to the aforementioned effective width) is generally about 35 mm to 50 mm, and the range of 5 mm to 10 mm corresponds to about 10% to 30% of the probe width.

[0069] In this embodiment, an image including lines, marks, and characters is applied as the guide image, but is not limited to this. For example, an image including a figure may also be applied as the guide image, or an image including one of the lines, figures, marks, and characters, or an image including a combination of multiple elements excluding all of them, may also be applied as the guide image.

[0070] In this embodiment, the probe information acquiring unit 51A acquires the above-mentioned effective width at the timing when the ultrasound probe 30 is attached to the medical image acquisition device 10, but this is not limited to this. For example, the effective width may be acquired at the timing when the medical image acquisition device 10 or the console 50 is turned on, or when a preset for acquiring an image showing the breast is selected.

[0071] Next, the probe information database 52C according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the probe information database 52C according to this embodiment.

[0072] The probe information database 52C according to this embodiment is a database in which the above-mentioned probe information, which is information about the sizes of predetermined types of ultrasound probes that are applicable to the medical image acquisition device 10, is registered. As shown in Fig. 6 as an example, the probe information database 52C according to this embodiment stores a probe ID (Identification) and each piece of probe information in association with each other.

[0073] The probe ID is information that is assigned in advance as a unique ID for each ultrasonic probe in order to identify each ultrasonic probe that is applicable to the medical image acquisition device 10. The probe information is information that indicates the size of the corresponding ultrasonic probe, and includes two sizes: the probe width and the housing width. Here, the probe width is information that indicates the above-mentioned effective width of the corresponding ultrasonic probe, and the housing width is information that indicates the width of the housing itself of the corresponding ultrasonic probe.

[0074] 6 shows that the probe width (effective width) of the ultrasonic probe assigned the probe ID "P001" is 50 mm and the housing width is 52 mm. Therefore, this ultrasonic probe has a housing area of ​​1 mm on each side of the area where ultrasonic waves can be transmitted and received in the ultrasonic probe.

[0075] Next, the registration information database 52D according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the registration information database 52D according to this embodiment.

[0076] The registration information database 52D according to this embodiment is a database in which radiological images and ultrasound images acquired by the medical image acquisition device 10 are registered. As shown in Fig. 7 as an example, the registration information database 52D according to this embodiment stores information on radiological images and registered images in association with each other.

[0077] The radiological image is information indicating the radiological image itself acquired by imaging using the medical image acquisition device 10. The registration information is information regarding an ultrasound image acquired by imaging using the ultrasound probe 30 under the same conditions as when the corresponding radiological image was captured, and includes information regarding the probe ID of the ultrasound probe 30, the ultrasound image, the scanning area, and the scanning direction.

[0078] That is, the ultrasonic probe applicable to the medical image acquisition device 10 according to this embodiment has an effective width that is shorter than the width in the depth direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2) of the upper surface 43A of the bottom 43 of the compression member 40. For this reason, multiple scans are required to acquire ultrasonic images corresponding to the entire area of ​​the upper surface 43A.

[0079] The ultrasound image, scanning area, and scanning direction in the registration information are information registered for each of the multiple scans. In the example shown in Fig. 7, ultrasound images corresponding to the capture of radiation image A were captured four times using ultrasound probe 30 assigned with probe ID "P001".

[0080] In this embodiment, a moving ultrasound image is used as the ultrasound image registered in the registration information database 52D, but this is not limiting. For example, a still ultrasound image may be registered in the registration information database 52D as the ultrasound image.

[0081] Next, the operation of the medical image acquisition guidance system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 18. First, the operation of the console 50 when executing the projection process will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 15. In the console 50, the CPU 51 executes the projection process program 52A, thereby executing the projection process shown in FIG. 8. The projection process according to this embodiment is executed when, after a radiographic image is captured in the medical image acquisition device 10 with the breast compressed by the compression members 40, a user such as a doctor or technician connects the ultrasound probe 30 to the medical image acquisition device 10 and issues an instruction to start execution via the operation unit 55 in order to capture an ultrasound image corresponding to the radiographic image. Note that, to avoid confusion, the following description will be given assuming that a probe information database 52C has already been constructed and that radiographic images obtained by the capture have already been registered in the registration information database 52D.

[0082] In step S100, the CPU 51 receives information (in this embodiment, a probe ID) that identifies the ultrasound probe 30 currently connected from the medical image acquisition device 10. Then, the CPU 51 obtains the probe information corresponding to the received probe ID by reading it from the probe information database 52C.

[0083] In step S102, the CPU 51 derives the above-mentioned scanning information (information indicating the scanning area and scanning direction in this embodiment). First, a specific method for deriving the scanning area according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the method for deriving the scanning area according to this embodiment.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, first, the CPU 51 virtually sets the area division line 60, which is a line indicating the end of the area scanned by the ultrasound probe 30 and is the line closest to the chest wall of the subject, as the 0th (zeroth) area division line 60, and sets the position of the 0th area division line 60 to 0 mm.

[0085] Next, the CPU 51 calculates the position of the region dividing line 60 corresponding to the first scanning region by the ultrasonic probe 30 using the following equation (1): In equation (1), PW represents the width (effective width) of the probe of the ultrasonic probe 30, HW represents the width of the housing of the ultrasonic probe 30, and L1 represents the position of the region dividing line 60 corresponding to the first scanning region.

[0086] L1=PW+(HW-PW) / 2 (1)

[0087] Then, the CPU 51 calculates the position of the region dividing line 60 corresponding to the second or subsequent scanning region of the ultrasonic probe 30 using the following formula (2), on the condition that the calculated position does not exceed the width W in the depth direction on the upper surface 43A of the bottom 43 of the compression member 40. In formula (2), BL represents the position of the region dividing line 60 corresponding to the previous scanning region, DW represents the overlap width with adjacent scanning regions when scanning with the ultrasonic probe 30, and Ln represents the position of the region dividing line 60 corresponding to the scanning region for the nth scan.

[0088] Ln=BL+(PW-DW) (2)

[0089] For example, if the depth width W of the top surface 43A of the bottom 43 of the compression member 40 is 240 mm, the width PW of the probe of the ultrasonic probe 30 is 50 mm, the width HW of the housing of the ultrasonic probe 30 is 52 mm, and the overlap width DW with adjacent scanning areas when scanning with the ultrasonic probe 30 is 5 mm, the position of each area division line 60 will be as shown in Table 1 below.

[0090] [Table 1]

[0091] In this embodiment, the scanning direction is prepared in three patterns: a first pattern in which the scanning direction is switched for each scan; a second pattern in which the scanning direction is from the left end to the right end in FIG. 9 for all scans; and a third pattern in which the scanning direction is from the right end to the left end in FIG. 9 for all scans. In this embodiment, the user specifies in advance which of the three patterns to apply. However, this is not limiting, and a configuration in which the CPU 51 determines and applies a suitable scanning direction depending on the purpose of ultrasound imaging, the condition of the subject, etc. may also be used.

[0092] In step S104, CPU 51 uses the scanning information obtained by the above processing to create information indicating a guide image having a predetermined configuration. In step S106, CPU 51 controls projector 80 to project the guide image indicated by the created information onto upper surface 43A of bottom portion 43 of compression member 40. By this control, the guide image is projected onto upper surface 43A of bottom portion 43 of compression member 40. FIG. 10 shows an example of a guide image according to this embodiment. Note that FIG. 10 illustrates an example in which the number of area division lines 60, i.e., the number of scans, is four.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 10, in the guide image according to this embodiment, the scanning area for each of the multiple scans by the ultrasonic probe 30 is projected in a state where it is divided by area dividing lines 60 (four sections in the example shown in Fig. 10). Furthermore, in this guide image, a number 62 indicating the operation order and an arrow 64 indicating the scanning direction are projected for each section. Therefore, by referring to the guide image, the user can grasp the scanning area and scanning direction to be performed by the ultrasonic probe 30, and as a result, scans are performed by the ultrasonic probe 30, as shown in Fig. 11 as an example. Note that Fig. 11 illustrates a case where the ultrasonic probe 30 is in the middle of the first scan.

[0094] 10 and 11 show an example of a guide image when the second pattern is selected as the scanning direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the first pattern is selected as the scanning direction, the guide image shown in Fig. 12 is projected as an example. This guide image shows an example in which the scanning direction for odd-numbered scans is from the left end to the right end, and the scanning direction for even-numbered scans is from the right end to the left end.

[0095] 13, a guide image may be projected that includes a scanning start line 66 indicating the scanning start position of the ultrasound probe 30 and a scanning end line 68 indicating the scanning end position. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, a guide image may be projected that does not include a region dividing line 60 between the scanning start line 66 and the scanning end line 68. This configuration can avoid the region dividing line 60 interfering with the user's view. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, a guide image may be projected that includes a scanning start line 66 and a scanning end line 68 in addition to those shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

[0096] In step S108, the CPU 51 waits until one scan by the ultrasonic probe 30 is completed based on the position of the ultrasonic probe 30 obtained by the position sensor described above.

[0097] In step S110, the CPU 51 derives information indicating the actual scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasonic probe 30 from the position of the ultrasonic probe 30 obtained by the position sensor. Then, the CPU 51 stores (registers) the derived information and the ultrasonic image obtained by scanning with the ultrasonic probe 30 in the corresponding storage area of ​​the registration information database 52D together with the probe ID of the ultrasonic probe 30. Note that the registration of the probe ID here needs to be performed only at the end of the first scan.

[0098] In step S112, the CPU 51 determines whether or not all scanning by the ultrasonic probe 30 has been completed, and if the determination is negative, the process returns to step S108.

[0099] By the above processing of steps S108 to S112, information about the ultrasound image in the substantially same region as the corresponding radiographic image is registered in the registration information database 52D.

[0100] On the other hand, if the determination in step S112 is affirmative, that is, if all scanning by the ultrasound probe 30 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S114, and the CPU 51 stops the projection of the guide image and then ends this projection process.

[0101] During the above-described projection process, the display 54 of the console 50 displays the ultrasound images acquired in response to scanning by the ultrasound probe 30 as moving images in real time at a rate of approximately 10 images per second. Examples of display formats for the overlapping area of ​​adjacent ultrasound images include displaying only one of the images, or displaying a weighted average image of both images. In this format, an image similar to the projected guide image may be displayed on the display 54 superimposed on the ultrasound image.

[0102] On the other hand, the medical image acquisition device 10 or the console 50 may be provided with a freeze key that is pressed to switch the display state of the ultrasound image displayed on the display 54 between a moving image and a still image. In this case, when performing a scan with the ultrasound probe 30, the operation of switching the display state of the ultrasound image using the freeze key is generally as follows.

[0103] When starting a scan, change the display state of the ultrasound image to a moving image by using the default or by operating the freeze key. → Execute the first scan. → At the end of the scan, change the display state of the ultrasound image to a still image by operating the freeze key. → Interpret the still image. → At the end of the interpretation, change the display state of the ultrasound image to a moving image by operating the freeze key. → Execute the second scan. Thereafter, repeat the freeze key operation in the same way until the scan is completed.

[0104] 15, a body mark 54A may be displayed on a portion of the display 54 of the console 50 in parallel with the above-described projection process, and an area division line 70, a number 72, an arrow 74, and a scanning start line 76, which have roles similar to those of the area division line 60, the number 62, and the arrow 64, may be displayed on the body mark 54A. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the number 72, the arrow 74, and the scanning start line 76 relating to the corresponding scan may be displayed for each of a plurality of scans at the timing when the corresponding scan is performed.

[0105] Next, the operation of the console 50 when executing image display processing will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 18. In the console 50, the CPU 51 executes the image display processing program 52B, thereby executing the image display processing shown in Figure 16. The image display processing according to this embodiment is executed when a user such as a doctor or technician issues an instruction to start execution via the operation unit 55 in order to display radiographic images and ultrasound images acquired by the medical image acquisition device 10. Note that, in order to avoid confusion, the description here will be given of a case in which the registration information database 52D has already been constructed and information indicating the radiographic images to be displayed by this image display processing has already been specified.

[0106] In step S200, the CPU 51 reads out the radiographic image indicated by the designated information (hereinafter referred to as the "radiographic image to be displayed") and the registered information corresponding to the radiographic image to be displayed from the registered information database 52D.

[0107] In step S202, the CPU 51 uses the read information to control the display 54 to display a radiation image display screen having a predetermined configuration, and in step S204, the CPU 51 waits until the predetermined information is input. Fig. 17 shows an example of the display state of the radiation image display screen according to this embodiment.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 17, on the radiographic image display screen according to this embodiment, the radiographic image to be displayed is displayed, and also a scanning region image 54B indicating the corresponding scanning region is displayed.

[0109] Therefore, if the user wishes to display an ultrasound image corresponding to any of the scanning regions in the displayed radiation image to be displayed, the user designates the corresponding scanning region, and if the user wishes to end the image display, the user presses the end button 54D, both via the operation unit 55. When the user designates any of the scanning regions or the end button 54D, an affirmative determination is made in step S204, and the process proceeds to step S206.

[0110] In step S206, the CPU 51 determines whether any scanning region has been designated by the user, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the CPU 51 controls the display 54 to display, in place of the previous screen, an ultrasound superimposed image display screen that displays an ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning region designated by the user (hereinafter referred to as a "designated ultrasound image") superimposed on the designated scanning region of the radiation image to be displayed, and then returns to step S204. Fig. 18 shows an example of the display state of the ultrasound superimposed image display screen according to this embodiment.

[0111] 18, on the ultrasound superimposed image display screen according to this embodiment, a designated ultrasound image corresponding to a scanning region designated by a user is displayed superimposed on the corresponding region of a radiological image. Therefore, by referring to the ultrasound superimposed image display screen, the user can visually compare the designated ultrasound image with the radiological image of the region adjacent to the designated ultrasound image.

[0112] On the other hand, if the judgment in step S206 is negative, it is assumed that the user has selected the end button 54D, and the process proceeds to step S210, where the CPU 51 ends the display of the image currently being displayed, and then ends this image display process.

[0113] Note that a composite ultrasound image may be generated by combining ultrasound images for each scanning region registered in the registration information database 52D. A method for generating a composite ultrasound image will be described below with reference to Fig. 19 and Figs. 20A and 20B. Fig. 19 is a diagram for explaining the composition of ultrasound images according to this embodiment, and Figs. 20A and 20B are partial enlarged views for explaining the composition of ultrasound images according to this embodiment.

[0114] 19, when scanning is performed multiple times with the ultrasonic probe 30, the timing at which ultrasonic images are obtained often differs between scans due to differences in scanning speed, etc. Therefore, in this embodiment, pattern matching is performed between ultrasonic images in overlapping regions between adjacent scans, and the ultrasonic image corresponding to the overlapping region with the highest degree of match is determined as the ultrasonic image to be synthesized.

[0115] For example, as shown in Fig. 20A, when the other ultrasonic image 90A corresponding to the overlapping region has the highest degree of matching in its overlapping region, the ultrasonic image 90A and the ultrasonic image 92A are combined. Also, as shown in Fig. 20B, when the other ultrasonic image 90A has the highest degree of matching in its overlapping region, the ultrasonic image 92B and the ultrasonic image 90A are combined, even if the ultrasonic image 90A has been used in combination with another ultrasonic image.

[0116] The composite ultrasound image obtained by the above synthesis can be used to generate an image of any cross section of the breast, a three-dimensional image, or the like.

[0117] As described above, according to this embodiment, when radiographic images and ultrasound images are taken of a breast compressed by a compression member, a guide image that guides at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasound probe is projected on the side opposite the compression member from the side compressing the breast, depending on the effective width, which is the area in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received, of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image. Therefore, ultrasound imaging of a breast compressed by a compression member can be performed in a shorter time than with conventional techniques.

[0118] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a process is further performed in which an ultrasound image obtained by scanning with an ultrasound probe is associated with at least one of a scanning area and a scanning direction in the scan for obtaining the ultrasound image, and the associated data is saved. Therefore, an ultrasound image corresponding to a specified position on a radiographic image can be displayed.

[0119] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the actual scanning area and / or scanning direction is determined using the detection result of the position sensor that detects the position of the ultrasound probe, thereby eliminating the need for the user to input the actual scanning area and / or scanning direction.

[0120] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when an ultrasound image is stored in association with a scanning region, a first display process is further performed to display a radiographic image corresponding to the ultrasound image together with a scanning region image which is an image showing the scanning region, and when a scanning region shown in the scanning region image displayed by the first display process is designated by a user, a second display process is further performed to display an ultrasound image corresponding to the scanning region. Therefore, an ultrasound image corresponding to the radiographic image can be displayed from the radiographic image.

[0121] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the scanning regions corresponding to adjacent scans are determined so as to overlap within a predetermined range for the adjacent regions, thereby making it possible to more reliably obtain a single ultrasound image compared to when the overlapping is not performed.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, an image including at least one of a line, a figure, a mark, and a character is applied as the guide image, and therefore, a guide image of the applied type of image can be projected.

[0123] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the guide image is projected on the side opposite to the breast compression side of the compression member and in an area other than the area scanned by the ultrasound probe, thereby preventing the guide image from being blocked by the ultrasound probe scan.

[0124] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the scanning area is determined by at least one of the width of the housing of the ultrasonic probe, the effective width of the ultrasonic probe, and the width of the compression member, and therefore the scanning area can be determined using a physical quantity that can be obtained in advance.

[0125] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the effective width is acquired at any one of the timings of when the medical image acquisition guidance device (console 50) is turned on, when the ultrasound probe is attached, and when a preset for acquiring an image showing the breast is selected. Therefore, the guide image can be projected at the applied timing.

[0126] In the above embodiment, the CPU 51 provided in the console 50 is used as the processor of the technology of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the CPU of the control unit 20 provided in the medical image acquisition device 10 may be used as the processor of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0127] In the above embodiment, the case where the scanning area and the number of scans by the ultrasonic probe 30 are determined in accordance with the width W in the depth direction of the upper surface 43A of the bottom 43 of the compression member 40 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the scanning area and the number of scans by the ultrasonic probe 30 may be determined in accordance with the area of ​​the breast identified from the radiographic image. Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating another method of deriving the scanning area and the number of scans according to this embodiment.

[0128] As shown in Fig. 21, in this case, the scanning area and the number of scans are determined so that only the area where the breast is present is scanned, rather than scanning the entire area of ​​width W. In the example shown in Fig. 21, the number of scans is three.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the case where scan information is registered in the registration information database 52D has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, scan information may be registered in a private tag of an image defined by DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine), a common standard for medical images.

[0130] In the above embodiment, the following various processors can be used as the hardware structure of processing units that perform various processes, such as the probe information acquisition unit 51A, the scan information derivation unit 51B, the guide image creation unit 51C, the projection processing unit 51D, the identification unit 51E, the storage processing unit 51F, the first display processing unit 51G, and the second display processing unit 51H. As described above, the various processors include a CPU, which is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units, as well as dedicated electrical circuits that are processors having a circuit configuration specifically designed to perform specific processes, such as a programmable logic device (PLD), a processor whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacture, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0131] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (for example, a combination of multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Also, multiple processing units may be configured with a single processor.

[0132] Examples of configuring multiple processing units with a single processor include, first, a form in which one processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units, as typified by computers such as client and server. Second, a form in which a processor is used to realize the functions of the entire system including multiple processing units with a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, as typified by systems on chips (SoCs). In this way, various processing units are configured using one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0133] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the projection processing program 52A and the image display processing program 52B are pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 52 of the console 50, but this is not limiting. The above programs may be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory. The above programs may also be downloaded from an external device via a network.

[0135] From the above description, the invention described in the following appendix can be understood.

[0136] [Appendix 1] at least one processor; The processor: When radiographic images and ultrasound images are taken of a breast compressed by a compression member, a guide image for guiding at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image is projected on the side opposite to the compression side of the breast by the compression member, in accordance with an effective width, which is an area in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received in the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image. Medical image acquisition guidance device. [Appendix 2] The processor: further performing a process of storing an ultrasound image obtained by scanning with the ultrasound probe in association with at least one of the scanning region and the scanning direction in the scan for obtaining the ultrasound image; 2. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1. [Appendix 3] The processor: identifying at least one of the actual scanning area and the scanning direction using a detection result from a position sensor that detects the position of the ultrasonic probe; 3. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 2. [Appendix 4] The processor: When the ultrasound image is stored in association with the scanning region, a first display process is further performed to display the radiographic image corresponding to the ultrasound image together with a scanning region image which is an image showing the scanning region; When the scanning region indicated by the scanning region image displayed by the first display process is designated by a user, a second display process is further performed to display the ultrasound image corresponding to the designated scanning region. 4. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 2 or 3. [Appendix 5] The processor: When scanning using the ultrasonic probe is performed multiple times to capture a single ultrasonic image, the scanning regions corresponding to adjacent scans are determined so as to overlap within a predetermined range. 5. A medical image acquisition guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Appendix 6] The guide image is an image including at least one of a line, a figure, a mark, and a character. 6. A medical image acquisition guide device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5. [Appendix 7] The processor: the guide image is projected on a side opposite to the compression side of the compression member that compresses the breast, and in an area other than an area scanned by the ultrasound probe; 7. A medical image acquisition guide device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6. [Appendix 8] The processor: The scanning area is determined by at least one of a width of a housing of the ultrasonic probe, an effective width of the ultrasonic probe, a width of the compression member, and an acquisition area of ​​an image showing the breast in the radiation image. 8. A medical image acquisition guide device according to any one of supplements 1 to 7. [Appendix 9] The processor: The effective width is acquired at any one of the timings of when the power of the medical image acquisition guiding device is turned on, when the ultrasound probe is attached, and when a preset for acquiring an image showing a breast is selected. 9. A medical image acquisition guide device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8. [Appendix 10] A medical image acquisition guide device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9; a display unit that displays radiographic images and ultrasound images acquired in accordance with processing by the medical image acquisition guiding device; A medical image acquisition guidance system comprising: [Appendix 11] When radiographic images and ultrasound images are taken of a breast compressed by a compression member, a guide image is projected on the side opposite to the compression member compressing the breast, the guide image indicating at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image, depending on an effective width, which is an area in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received, of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image. A program that causes a computer to perform a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 1 Medical image acquisition guidance system 6 RIS 10 Medical image acquisition device 12 Arm section 14 Foundation 15 Shaft 16. Photo stand 16A Shooting surface 17 Radiation Irradiation Unit 17R radiation source 20 Control Unit 22, 52 storage section 24, 56 I / F section 26, 55 Operation section 28 Radiation detector 30 Ultrasound Probe 40 Compression member 42 Compression area 43 Bottom 43A Top 43B Contact surface 44 Wall 46 Support part 47 Mounting part 48 Compression Unit 49 Arms 50 console 51 CPU 51A Probe information acquisition unit 51B Scanning information derivation unit 51C Guide Image Creation Department 51D Projection Processing Unit 51E Specific part 51F Preservation Processing Department 51G First display processing section 51H Second display processing section 52 Storage section 52A Projection Processing Program 52B Image display processing program 52C Probe Information Database 52D Registration Information Database 53 Memory 54 Display 54A Body Mark 54B Scanned area image 57 Image display program 58 Bus 60 area dividing line 62 numbers 64 Arrow 66 Scan start line 68 End of scan line 70 Area dividing line 72 numbers 74 Arrow 76 Scan start line 80 Projector 80A projection section 90A Ultrasound Image 90B Ultrasound image 92A Ultrasound Image 92B Ultrasound image DW overlap width HW width L1 position Ln position PW width R Radiation

Claims

1. at least one processor; The processor: When radiographic images and ultrasound images are taken of a breast compressed by a compression member, a guide image for guiding at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image is projected on the side opposite to the compression side of the breast by the compression member, in accordance with an effective width, which is an area in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received in the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image. Medical image acquisition guidance device.

2. The processor: further performing a process of storing an ultrasound image obtained by scanning with the ultrasound probe in association with at least one of the scanning region and the scanning direction in the scan for obtaining the ultrasound image; The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor: identifying at least one of the actual scanning area and the scanning direction using a detection result from a position sensor that detects the position of the ultrasonic probe; The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: When the ultrasound image is stored in association with the scanning region, a first display process is further performed to display the radiographic image corresponding to the ultrasound image together with a scanning region image that is an image showing the scanning region; When the scanning region indicated by the scanning region image displayed by the first display process is designated by a user, a second display process is further performed to display the ultrasound image corresponding to the designated scanning region.

4. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The processor: When scanning using the ultrasonic probe is performed multiple times to capture a single ultrasonic image, the scanning regions corresponding to adjacent scans are determined so as to overlap within a predetermined range.

3. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1.

6. The guide image is an image including at least one of a line, a figure, a mark, and a character.

3. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1.

7. The processor: the guide image is projected on a side opposite to the compression side of the compression member that compresses the breast, and in an area other than an area scanned by the ultrasound probe; 3. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1.

8. The processor: The scanning area is determined by at least one of a width of a housing of the ultrasonic probe, an effective width of the ultrasonic probe, a width of the compression member, and an acquisition area of ​​an image showing the breast in the radiation image.

3. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1.

9. The processor: The effective width is acquired at any one of the timings of when the power of the medical image acquisition guiding device is turned on, when the ultrasound probe is attached, and when a preset for acquiring an image showing a breast is selected.

3. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1.

10. The medical image acquisition guidance device according to claim 1 or 2; a display unit that displays radiographic images and ultrasound images acquired in accordance with processing by the medical image acquisition guiding device; A medical image acquisition guidance system comprising:

11. When radiographic images and ultrasound images are taken of a breast compressed by a compression member, a guide image is projected on the side opposite to the compression member compressing the breast, the guide image indicating at least one of the scanning area and scanning direction of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image, depending on an effective width, which is an area in which ultrasound can be transmitted and received, of the ultrasound probe used to capture the ultrasound image. A program that causes a computer to perform a process.

Images