Information processing device, imaging system, method for updating program, and program updating program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that is facilitated in updating a program, and to provide an imaging system, a method for updating a program, and a program updating program.SOLUTION: A console 10 includes at least one processor. The processor transmits update information relating to a program to be executed by a gantry to the gantry via a network and controls such that the gantry updates the program using the update information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, an image capturing system, a program update method, and a program update program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, advances in imaging systems such as CT (Computed Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) have enabled diagnostic imaging using higher quality medical images. In general, an imaging system includes a gantry equipped with a detector and a console for controlling the gantry.

[0003] As imaging systems have advanced, software control in not only the console but also the gantry has become more sophisticated. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gantry that includes a display that presents information about a person interacting with the imaging device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2013-514824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As gantry software becomes more sophisticated, the frequency of program updates is increasing, and the burden of these updates is also increasing. Therefore, there is a need for technology in imaging systems that can facilitate the updating of gantry programs.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an information processing device, an image capturing system, a program update method, and a program update program that allow easy program updates. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device comprising at least one processor, the processor transmitting update information regarding a program executed in a gantry to the gantry via a network and controlling the gantry to update the program using the update information.

[0008] In the above aspect, the program may be an application program executed in the gantry.

[0009] In the above aspect, the program may be an application program related to display control of a display provided in the gantry.

[0010] In the above aspect, the processor may acquire information regarding accompanying information accompanying the program, and if the information regarding the accompanying information satisfies a predetermined condition, control the gantry to store the accompanying information in a non-volatile memory unit, update the program, and after the program update is complete, read the accompanying information from the memory unit and sequentially execute a process of applying the read accompanying information to the updated program.

[0011] In the above aspect, the processor may obtain the update information from an external device via a network.

[0012] In the above aspect, the processor may read the update information from a recording medium.

[0013] In the above aspect, the processor may determine whether the recording medium remains connected to the information processing device after the program update is completed in the gantry, and may provide an alert if the recording medium remains connected to the information processing device.

[0014] In the above aspect, the processor may control the gantry to update the program in accordance with a specified update timing.

[0015] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an image capturing system comprising an information processing device having at least one first processor and a gantry having at least one second processor, wherein the first processor transmits first update information regarding a program executed in the gantry to the gantry via a network, and the second processor updates the program using the received first update information.

[0016] In the above aspect, the second processor may read second update information related to the program from the recording medium, and update the program using the second update information in addition to the first update information.

[0017] In the above aspect, the second processor may determine whether the recording medium remains connected to the gantry after the program update is completed, and may report if the recording medium remains connected to the gantry.

[0018] In the above aspect, the imaging system may be a computed tomography system.

[0019] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a program update method in which update information regarding a program executed in a gantry is transmitted to the gantry via a network, and a computer executes a process of controlling the gantry to update the program using the update information.

[0020] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a program update program for a computer to execute a process of transmitting update information regarding a program executed in a gantry to the gantry via a network and controlling the gantry to update the program using the update information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the above aspects, the information processing device, image capturing system, program update method, and program update program of the present disclosure can easily update a program. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overview of an image capturing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system of a CT apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a CT apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a process related to updating a program. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a program update process. [Figure 6] 10 shows experimental data of actual working time according to an example and a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] An example of an embodiment of the disclosed technology will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or equivalent components and parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted. Also, the dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0024] An example of the configuration of an imaging system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The imaging system 100 according to this embodiment is a computed tomography system. The imaging system 100 includes a CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus 1 for capturing a tomographic image of a subject H, and an update server 8.

[0025] The CT device 1 includes a gantry 2, a bed 3, and a console 10. In the CT device 1, an operator such as a technician inputs data into the console 10 to drive the gantry 2 and the bed 3, thereby capturing CT images. The console 10, the gantry 2, and the bed 3 are configured to be connectable via a wired or wireless network 9A. The console 10 may be located remotely from the gantry 2 and the bed 3 (for example, in a separate room).

[0026] The gantry 2 has a tunnel-like structure with an opening 5 in its center. Inside the gantry 2, there are a radiation source 6 that emits radiation toward the subject H, and a detector 7 that detects the radiation that has passed through the subject H to generate a radiological image (see FIG. 2). The radiation source 6 and the detector 7 can rotate along the annular shape of the gantry 2 while maintaining a mutually opposing positional relationship.

[0027] The subject H is placed on the bed 3. The bed 3 includes a bed section 3A on which the subject H lies, a base section 3B that supports the bed section 3A, and a drive section 3C that moves the bed section 3A back and forth in the direction of arrow A. The bed section 3A can be slid in the direction of arrow A relative to the base section 3B by the drive section 3C. When a CT image is to be taken, the subject H lying on the bed section 3A is transported into the opening 5 of the gantry 2 by sliding the bed section 3A.

[0028] The gantry 2 also includes a display 94, such as a liquid crystal display or an EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The display 94 displays various types of information for the operator of the CT apparatus 1 and / or the subject H before, during, and after capturing a CT image.

[0029] The update server 8 is a server computer that provides the console 10 with update information 85A (described in detail below) related to the program 99 executed in the gantry 2 (see FIG. 2). The console 10 and the update server 8 are configured to be connectable via a wired or wireless network 9B. The update server 8 may be a remote server. The update server 8 is an example of an external device of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the imaging system 100 according to this embodiment, for example, update information 85A is provided to the gantry 2 via the console 10. The gantry 2 updates the program 99 based on this update information 85A, etc., thereby enabling addition, change, and modification of software functions and specifications in the gantry 2. Hereinafter, the process related to updating the program 99 executed in the gantry 2 will be referred to as the "program update process."

[0031] An example of the hardware configuration of the electrical system of the CT device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The console 10 includes a processor 11, a storage unit 12, a memory 13, a display 14, an input unit 15, an external I / F (Interface) 16, and a communication I / F 17. Each of these units is connected to a bus 18 such as a system bus and a control bus, and can communicate with each other.

[0032] The storage unit 12 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory. The storage unit 12 stores a program update program 19 for updating (i.e., executing a program update process) a program 99 executed in the gantry 2. The storage unit 12 also stores various application programs related to CT image capture and system programs such as an operating system (OS) (not shown).

[0033] The memory 13 is a memory that temporarily stores information, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM), etc. The memory 13 is used by the processor 11 as a work memory.

[0034] The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 11 reads the program update program 19 from the storage unit 12, loads it into the memory 13, and executes the loaded program update program 19 to perform a program update process.

[0035] The display 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an EL display, etc., and displays various information. The input unit 15 includes a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc., and is used to input various information to the device itself. The display 14 may be configured as a touch panel and may also serve as the input unit 15.

[0036] The external I / F 16 is, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. The external I / F 16 is used to connect to a recording medium 81 on which update information 85B (details of which will be described later) is recorded, and to peripheral devices (not shown) such as a printer. Examples of the recording medium 81 include a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), and a USB memory.

[0037] The communication I / F 17 is connected to networks 9A and 9B, such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and / or a WAN (Wide Area Network), and performs transmission control in accordance with communication protocols defined by various wired or wireless communication standards. The console 10 communicates with external devices, including the gantry 2 and the update server 8, via the communication I / F 17.

[0038] For example, a personal computer, a server computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wearable terminal, etc. can be appropriately applied as the console 10. The console 10 is an example of an information processing device of the present disclosure. The processor 11 is an example of a processor and a first processor of the present disclosure.

[0039] The gantry 2 includes a processor 91, a storage unit 92, a memory 93, a display 94, an input unit 95, an external I / F 96, a communication I / F 97, a radiation source 6, and a detector 7. Each of these units is connected to a bus 98 such as a system bus and a control bus, and can communicate with each other.

[0040] The storage unit 92 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory. The storage unit 92 stores a program 99 for controlling each part of the gantry 2, and associated information 80 associated with the program 99. The program 99 includes a system program such as an OS, and an application program that runs on the OS.

[0041] For example, the program 99 may include an application program related to display control of the display 94 provided in the gantry 2. Furthermore, for example, the program 99 may include various application programs related to capturing CT images, such as drive control processing of the radiation source 6, the detector 7, etc., and image processing.

[0042] The accompanying information 80 is data accompanying the program 99, such as data incorporated into or associated with the program 99. For example, the accompanying information 80 may be specific data (application data) used in various application programs, calibration data, etc. Furthermore, for example, the accompanying information 80 may be a program such as a plug-in, add-in, or add-on for adding an extended function to a certain piece of software (program 99).

[0043] The accompanying information 80 may be data that can be arbitrarily set (customized) by a user. The term "user" as used herein includes an operator of the CT device 1 such as a technician, an administrator of the CT device 1, an operator who updates the program 99, a manufacturer, etc.

[0044] The memory 93 is a memory that temporarily stores information and is used as a work memory by the processor 91. The memory 93 may be, for example, a DRAM or an SRAM.

[0045] The processor 91 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 91 reads a program 99 from a storage unit 92, loads it into a memory 93, and executes the loaded program 99 to perform various processes defined in the program 99. The processor 91 is an example of a second processor of the present disclosure.

[0046] The input unit 95 includes buttons and switches provided on the housing of the gantry 2, a pointing device such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc., and is used to input various types of information to the device itself. The display 94 may be configured as a touch panel and may also be used as the input unit 95.

[0047] The external I / F 96 is, for example, a USB interface. The external I / F 96 is used to connect to a recording medium 82 on which update information 86 (details of which will be described later) is recorded, and peripheral devices (not shown) such as a mouse, keyboard, and other temporarily used input unit 95. Examples of the recording medium 82 include a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a USB memory.

[0048] The communication I / F 97 is connected to a network 9A such as a LAN and / or WAN, and performs transmission control in accordance with communication protocols defined by various wired or wireless communication standards. The gantry 2 communicates with external devices including the console 10 via the communication I / F 97.

[0049] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the functions of the console 10 and the gantry 2 regarding the program update process will be described.

[0050] 3, the console 10 includes an acquisition unit 30, a control unit 32, a determination unit 34, and a notification unit 36. The processor 11 executes the program update program 19, thereby functioning as the acquisition unit 30, the control unit 32, the determination unit 34, and the notification unit 36.

[0051] The acquisition unit 30 acquires update information related to the program 99 executed in the gantry 2. The update information may be held by the update server 8 or may be recorded on the recording medium 81, for example. Hereinafter, the update information held by the update server 8 will be referred to as "update information 85A," and the update information held on the recording medium 81 will be referred to as "update information 85B," and when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will be simply referred to as "update information 85." Update information 85A and 85B are examples of the update information and first update information, respectively, disclosed herein.

[0052] The update information 85 includes information such as programs, patches, scripts, commands, files, and parameters for updating the program 99 executed in the gantry 2. For example, the update information 85 may include an installation program (installer) and image file related to the program 99. Furthermore, for example, the update information 85 may include auxiliary programs used in the program update process, such as boot-related scripts, drive creation scripts, and backup and restore programs. Furthermore, for example, the update information may include a control script that controls the overall procedure of the program update process.

[0053] Specifically, the acquiring unit 30 acquires update information 85 related to the program 99 executed in the gantry 2 from at least one of the update server 8 and the recording medium 81. For example, the acquiring unit 30 may acquire update information 85A from the update server 8 via the network 9B. Alternatively, for example, the acquiring unit 30 may acquire update information 85B by reading it from the recording medium 81 via the external I / F 16.

[0054] The update information 85A held by the update server 8 and the update information 85B held by the recording medium 81 may be the same or different. For example, the acquisition unit 30 may acquire update information 85 having the same content from the recording medium 81 in the development and manufacturing processes, and from the update server 8 in the operation and maintenance processes. Also, for example, the acquisition unit 30 may acquire a portion of the update information 85A required for the program update process from the update server 8, and acquire the remaining update information 85B (i.e., the content of which is different from that of the update information 85A acquired from the update server 8) from the recording medium 81.

[0055] The control unit 32 transmits the update information 85 to the gantry 2 via the network 9A. The control unit 32 also controls the gantry 2 to update the program 99 using the update information 85.

[0056] During the program update process, the gantry 2 may be initialized. In this case, the associated information 80 that has been set (customized) in the gantry 2 may be erased. Therefore, the console 10 may control the gantry 2 so that the associated information 80 that may be erased during the program update process is saved (backed up) before the program update process and restored after the program update process.

[0057] Specifically, first, the acquisition unit 30 acquires information relating to the accompanying information 80 that has been set in the gantry and that accompanies the program 99. Specifically, the information relating to the accompanying information 80 is information that can identify the accompanying information 80 that will be deleted during the program update process. An example of such information is the system configuration relating to the program 99.

[0058] For example, in a system configuration in which a portion of program 99 is rewritten by associated information 80, and in a system configuration in which associated information 80 is located in a subdirectory of program 99, associated information 80 may be erased during the program update process. On the other hand, in a system configuration in which program 99 and associated information 80 are recorded on different recording media and program 99 calls associated information 80 only when necessary, associated information 80 is not usually erased during the program update process. In this way, it is possible to determine whether associated information 80 may be erased during the program update process based on the system configuration.

[0059] The information regarding the accompanying information 80 may be generated by the gantry 2 by referring to the system configuration of its own device in response to a request from the acquisition unit 30, for example. In this case, the acquisition unit 30 acquires the information regarding the accompanying information 80 from the gantry 2. Alternatively, for example, the acquisition unit 30 may specify the system configuration of the gantry 2 in advance and store it in the storage unit 12 of the console 10, for example. In this case, the acquisition unit 30 acquires the information regarding the accompanying information 80 from the storage unit 12, for example.

[0060] Next, the determination unit 34 determines whether the information related to the associated information 80 satisfies a predetermined condition. Specifically, the predetermined condition is a condition for determining whether the associated information 80 can be erased during the program update process. For example, the determination unit 34 may determine whether the associated information 80 can be erased during the program update process based on the system configuration described above.

[0061] If the determination unit 34 determines that the information regarding the accompanying information 80 satisfies a predetermined condition (i.e., the accompanying information 80 may be erased during the program update process), the control unit 32 controls the gantry 2 to save and restore the accompanying information 80. Specifically, the control unit 32 controls the gantry 2 to execute the following processes in order.

[0062] First, the control unit 32 controls the gantry 2 to store (i.e., save) the accompanying information 80 in a non-volatile storage unit. The storage unit here may be an area of ​​the storage unit 92 included in the gantry 2 that is not used for the program update process, or may be a recording medium connected via the external I / F 96 (i.e., a recording medium separate from the storage unit 92).

[0063] Next, the control unit 32 controls the gantry 2 to update the program 99. After the gantry 2 has completed updating the program 99, the control unit 32 controls the gantry 2 to read the associated information 80 from the storage unit. Then, the control unit 32 controls the gantry 2 to apply (i.e., restore) the read associated information 80 to the updated program 99.

[0064] In this way, by saving the accompanying information 80 before the program update process, even if the gantry 2 is initialized during the program update process, the accompanying information 80 can be prevented from being erased. Furthermore, compared to when an operator manually saves and restores the accompanying information 80, rework due to operational mistakes or forgetting to perform a task can be prevented, which contributes to reducing the effort and time and improving the quality (accuracy) of the work.

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, the console 10 can read the update information 85B from the recording medium 81. In this case, the console 10 may notify the user if the recording medium 81 remains connected to the console 10 even after the program update process is completed.

[0066] Specifically, the determination unit 34 may determine whether or not the recording medium 81 remains connected to the console 10 after the update of the program 99 is completed in the gantry 2. Then, if the determination unit 34 determines that the recording medium 81 remains connected to the console 10, the notification unit 36 ​​may issue a notification.

[0067] The means of notification is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a notification by displaying images, characters, symbols, etc. using the display 14, or may be a notification by using an audio device such as a speaker or a light-emitting device such as a pilot lamp. Alternatively, for example, a notification may be made by telephone or e-mail to a predetermined contact point (for example, the worker's smartphone). Furthermore, these notification means may be combined as appropriate.

[0068] In this way, by notifying that the recording medium 81 remains, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the recording medium 81. Therefore, for example, at the next startup, it is possible to prevent unintended program update processing from being executed by the remaining recording medium 81.

[0069] Furthermore, the console 10 may instruct the gantry 2 on the timing to start execution of the program update process (hereinafter referred to as "update timing"). Specifically, the control unit 32 may control the gantry 2 to update the program 99 in accordance with the specified update timing.

[0070] For example, the control unit 32 may accept a user's designation of the update timing via the input unit 15. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 32 may designate the update timing based on a schedule preset by the user. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 32 may designate the timing of a predetermined operation, such as a shutdown operation of the console 10, as the update timing. The term "user" as used herein includes an operator of the CT device 1 such as a technician, an administrator of the CT device 1, a worker who performs the update work of the program 99, a manufacturer, etc.

[0071] Alternatively, for example, the control unit 32 may not immediately start the program update process when the update timing arrives, but may instead use the display 14 or the like to inquire of the user whether or not to start the program update process when the update timing arrives. In this case, if the user does not permit the start of the program update process, the user may be prompted to specify an alternative update timing. The alternative update timing may be proposed by the control unit 32 or may be arbitrarily set by the user. Furthermore, in this case, if the user does not permit the start of the program update process and does not specify an alternative update timing, it may be determined as appropriate whether or not to present similar information when the next update timing arrives.

[0072] In this way, by making it possible to specify the update timing, the program update process can be executed at a time that is convenient for the user, thereby improving convenience. The update timing is preferably a time when the CT device 1 will not be used for a while, such as at night or on a holiday.

[0073] 3, the gantry 2 includes an acquisition unit 40, a control unit 42, a determination unit 44, and a notification unit 46. The processor 91 executes a program (not shown) related to updating the program 99, thereby functioning as the acquisition unit 40, the control unit 42, the determination unit 44, and the notification unit 46.

[0074] The acquisition unit 40 acquires the update information 85 by receiving the update information 85 from the console 10 via the network 9A. The control unit 42 updates the program 99 using the received update information 85.

[0075] When the control unit 42 receives an instruction from the console 10 to save and restore the associated information 80, the control unit 42 executes the following processes in order. First, the control unit 42 stores (i.e., saves) the associated information 80 in a non-volatile storage unit. Next, the control unit 42 updates the program 99 using the update information 85. Next, after the update of the program 99 is complete, the control unit 42 reads out the associated information 80 from the storage unit. Next, the control unit 42 applies (i.e., restores) the read-out associated information 80 to the updated program 99.

[0076] Furthermore, when the control unit 42 receives an instruction from the console 10 to update the program 99 according to a specified update timing, the control unit 42 starts updating the program 99 when the update timing arrives.

[0077] Furthermore, the gantry 2 may update the program 99 using update information 86 read from the recording medium 82. The update information 86 is the same as the update information 85A held by the update server 8 and the update information 85B held by the recording medium 81. Note that the update information 85A, 85B, and 86 may be the same or different from each other. The update information 86 is an example of the second update information of the present disclosure.

[0078] Specifically, the acquisition unit 40 acquires update information 86 related to the program 99 executed in the gantry 2 by reading it from the recording medium 82 via the external I / F 96. The control unit 42 updates the program 99 using the update information 86 (second update information) in addition to the update information 85 (first update information) acquired from the console 10.

[0079] In this case, the gantry 2 may issue a notification if the recording medium 82 remains connected to the gantry 2 even after the update of the program 99 has been completed. Specifically, the determination unit 44 may determine whether the recording medium 82 remains connected to the gantry 2 after the update of the program 99 has been completed in the gantry 2. Then, if the determination unit 44 determines that the recording medium 82 remains connected to the gantry 2, the notification unit 46 may issue a notification.

[0080] The means of notification is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a notification by displaying images, characters, symbols, etc. using the display 94, or may be a notification by using an audio device such as a speaker or a light-emitting device such as a pilot lamp. Alternatively, for example, the notification unit 46 may notify the console 10, and the console 10 may notify the worker using the display 14, etc. Alternatively, for example, a phone call, email, etc. may be sent to a predetermined contact point (for example, the worker's smartphone). These notification means may also be combined as appropriate.

[0081] In this way, by notifying that the recording medium 82 remains, it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the recording medium 82. Therefore, for example, at the next startup, it is possible to prevent unintended updating of the program 99 from being performed by the remaining recording medium 82.

[0082] Furthermore, convenience is improved by making it possible to provide update information 85 and 86 required for updating the program 99 by a variety of means, such as the update server 8, the recording medium 81 connected to the console 10, and the recording medium 82 connected to the gantry 2. For example, the program update process can be performed by an appropriate means depending on the installation status of the gantry 2, the availability of work space, the status of the networks 9A and 9B, the process (for example, a manufacturing process, a maintenance process, etc.), the contents of the update information 85 and 86, etc.

[0083] Next, the process of the operator, console 10, and gantry 2 related to the program update process will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The operator here refers to a person who performs the update work of the program 99, and may be, for example, a maintenance person or manufacturer, or an operator (technician, etc.) or manager of the CT device 1.

[0084] 4, first, the operator operates the input unit 15 of the console 10, for example, to turn on the power to the gantry 2. In response to this operation, the console 10 controls the power to be turned on for the gantry 2. In response to this control, the gantry 2 executes various processes, such as boot processing, that are predetermined to be executed after power is turned on.

[0085] Next, the worker performs an operation to acquire the update information 85. For example, the worker operates the input unit 15 of the console 10 to access the update server 8 and select the desired update information 85A. Also, for example, the worker connects the recording medium 81 on which the update information 85B is recorded to the external I / F 16 of the console 10. In response to these operations, the console 10 acquires the update information 85.

[0086] Next, the operator performs an operation to start the program update process. In response to this operation, the console 10 first transmits update information 85 to the gantry 2 via the network 9A. The gantry receives the update information 85.

[0087] Next, the console 10 acquires information about the accompanying information 80 that accompanies the program 99. The console 10 determines whether or not the information about this accompanying information 80 satisfies a predetermined condition. If the information about the accompanying information 80 satisfies the predetermined condition, the console 10 controls the gantry 2 to save the accompanying information 80. In response to this control, the gantry 2 stores (i.e., saves) the accompanying information 80 in a non-volatile storage unit. Note that if the information about the accompanying information 80 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, these processes are not performed.

[0088] Next, the console 10 controls the gantry 2 to start the program update process. That is, the console 10 controls the gantry 2 to update the program 99 using the update information 85. In response to this control, the gantry 2 updates the program 99 using the update information 85. Furthermore, when the update of the program 99 is complete, the gantry 2 notifies the console 10 of this fact.

[0089] Furthermore, if the information relating to the accompanying information 80 satisfies the predetermined conditions, at this point the console 10 controls the gantry 2 to apply the accompanying information 80. In response to this control, the gantry 2 reads out the accompanying information 80 saved in the storage unit, and applies (i.e., restores) the read accompanying information 80 to the updated program 99. Note that if the information relating to the accompanying information 80 does not satisfy the predetermined conditions, these processes are not performed.

[0090] Next, the console 10 notifies the operator that the program update process has been completed. In response to this notification, the operator performs various operations required for completion, such as removing the recording medium 81 from the console 10.

[0091] Next, the console 10 determines whether the recording medium 81 remains in (connected to) the console 10. For example, the console 10 may make this determination when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since notifying the operator that the program update process has been completed. Alternatively, for example, the console 10 may inquire using the display 14 or the like as to whether the operator has finished operating the console 10, and may make this determination when the operator inputs that the operation has been completed.

[0092] If it is determined that the recording medium 81 remains in the console 10, the console 10 notifies the operator of this fact. Note that if the recording medium 81 does not remain in the console 10, this notification is not made.

[0093] As described above, in the imaging system 100 according to this embodiment, the operator can update the program 99 in the gantry 2 by simply performing the first and last few operations on the console 10 during the program update process. This reduces the amount of work required for the actual work, making it easier to update the program 99. Furthermore, reducing the amount of work required for the actual work also reduces uncertain factors that depend on the ability of the operator, etc. (for example, work time, accuracy, work errors, forgetting to perform, etc.), making it possible to update the program 99 with stable work time and quality.

[0094] Next, the operation of the console 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In the console 10, the processor 11 executes the program update program 19, thereby executing the program update process shown in Fig. 5. This process is executed, for example, when an operator issues an instruction to start execution via the input unit 15.

[0095] In step S10, the acquisition unit 30 acquires update information 85 related to the program 99 executed in the gantry 2. In step S12, the control unit 32 transmits the update information 85 acquired in step S10 to the gantry 2 via the network 9A. In step S14, the control unit 32 performs control to update the program 99 using the update information 85 transmitted in step S12, and then ends this processing.

[0096] As described above, the console 10 according to this embodiment includes at least one processor 11, and the processor 11 transmits update information 85 relating to the program 99 executed in the gantry 2 to the gantry 2 via the network 9A, and controls the gantry 2 to update the program 99 using the update information 85.

[0097] That is, the console 10 according to this embodiment makes it possible to update the program 99 in the gantry 2 via the network 9A. This reduces the amount of work required for the actual work, making it easier to update the program 99. Furthermore, reducing the amount of work required for the actual work also reduces uncertain factors that depend on the ability of the worker, etc. (for example, work time, accuracy, work mistakes, forgetting to perform, etc.), making it possible to update the program 99 with stable work time and quality.

[0098] Furthermore, by enabling easy updating of the program 99, it is possible to accommodate an increase in the frequency of updates to the program 99 and an increase in the complexity of the update procedure for the program 99, thereby providing a highly scalable image capturing system 100. In particular, the technology of the present disclosure is suitable for programs 99 that require frequent updates, such as application programs related to display control of the display 94.

[0099] 6 shows experimental data on the actual operation time according to the example and the actual operation time according to the comparative example. The example is an example in which the console 10 transmits update information 85 to the gantry 2 via the network 9A, and the gantry 2 updates the program 99 using the update information 85. The comparative example is an example in which a recording medium 82 on which update information 86 is recorded is connected to the gantry 2, and the gantry 2 updates the program 99 using only the update information 86 (i.e., the update information 85 is not provided via the network 9A).

[0100] In the comparative example, when connecting the recording medium 82 to the gantry 2, the connection process often takes time. This is because the CT apparatus 1 is a medical device that handles radiation, and its housing is robust, so opening and closing the cover of the connection section (external I / F 96) requires time. Naturally, the cover must be opened and closed and the connection process must be carried out carefully so as not to damage the housing, which tends to increase the time required. Furthermore, if input devices such as a keyboard and mouse are also connected for operations related to updating the program 99, the time required increases even further.

[0101] Furthermore, if the cable connecting the gantry 2 to the recording medium 82 or the like is lengthened due to limitations such as work space, careful work must be done to avoid damaging the casing and cable when handling the cable, which tends to further increase the time required. Also, depending on the installation environment of the gantry 2, it may be necessary to temporarily move the gantry 2 and surrounding equipment to secure work space, or to work in an uncomfortable position, which also contributes to an increase in the time required. Figure 6 also shows that a lot of time is spent removing the cover, connecting the cable, removing the cable, and attaching the cover before and after the program update process.

[0102] On the other hand, in the embodiment, the console 10 transmits the update information 85 to the gantry 2 via the network 9A, so there is no need to connect the recording medium 82 or the like to the gantry 2 via a cable. This reduces the time and effort required for opening and closing the cover and connecting the cable.

[0103] Furthermore, during the program update process, it may be necessary to perform operation inputs on both the gantry 2 and the console 10. If this operation input is performed manually, the operator will have to travel back and forth between the gantry 2 and the console 10, which is a burden. In particular, in the CT system 1, the gantry 2 and the console 10 are often located in separate rooms to prevent the operator from being exposed to radiation when capturing CT images, which tends to increase the amount of work required for the operator to travel back and forth. Furthermore, since the gantry 2 and the console 10 are located in separate rooms, it may be difficult to perform tasks that require careful timing, such as tasks that must be performed immediately after the gantry 2 and / or the console 10 are powered on.

[0104] On the other hand, in the embodiment, the console 10 can transmit update information 85, which includes a control script that controls the overall procedure of the program update process, to the gantry 2. Therefore, for example, by incorporating operation inputs by an operator in the course of the program update process into the update information 85 in advance, the console 10 can act as an operational input to the gantry 2 during actual work. Also, for example, an input device (input unit 15) already connected to the console 10 can be used to input operations to the gantry 2 via the console 10. This eliminates the need for travel back and forth between the gantry 2 and the console 10, and also makes it easier to perform work that requires careful timing.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, when the gantry 2 is initialized in response to an update of the program 99, the set incidental information 80 may be erased. If the save and restore processes in this case are to be performed manually, it may be time-consuming or the operator may forget to perform the process.

[0106] On the other hand, in the embodiment, the console 10 automatically saves and restores the associated information 80, which may be deleted during the program update process. This reduces the amount of work required by the worker, while preventing the worker from making mistakes or forgetting to perform tasks, thereby contributing to reducing the amount of work and time required and improving the quality (accuracy) of the work.

[0107] As described above, in the comparative example, updating the program 99 required a lot of work, making it difficult to reduce the work time. Furthermore, in the comparative example, the work procedures for the worker were complicated, requiring time for mastering them and increasing the frequency of work errors. On the other hand, in the embodiment, the console 10 transmits update information 85 related to the program 99 executed in the gantry 2 to the gantry 2 via the network 9A, thereby facilitating the work of updating the program 99 and solving the problems associated with the comparative example. As a result, the work time was reduced by approximately 38 minutes compared to the comparative example (see FIG. 6).

[0108] In the above embodiment, the information processing device (console 10) of the present disclosure is applied to a computed tomography system using the CT device 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The technology of the present disclosure can be applied to image capturing systems using various modalities, such as a plain X-ray device, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, an endoscope, and a fundus camera.

[0109] Furthermore, 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 functional units of the console 10 and the gantry 2. 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).

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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.

[0112] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the program update program 19 is pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. The program 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 program may also be downloaded from an external device via a network. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends to not only programs but also storage media that non-temporarily store programs.

[0114] The technology of the present disclosure can also be appropriately combined with the above-described exemplary embodiments and modified examples. The above-described description and illustrations are detailed descriptions of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely examples of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or new elements may be substituted from the above-described description and illustrations, within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0115] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment. [Appendix 1] at least one processor; The processor: transmitting updates to the gantry over a network regarding the program being executed in the gantry; Controlling the gantry to update the program with the update information. Information processing device. [Appendix 2] The program is an application program executed on the gantry. 10. The information processing device according to claim 1. [Appendix 3] The program is an application program for display control of a display provided on the gantry. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2. [Appendix 4] The processor: obtaining information relating to accompanying information accompanying the program; If the information about the associated information satisfies a predetermined condition, the gantry: storing the associated information in a non-volatile storage unit; updating the program; After the program update is completed, the accompanying information is read from the storage unit; The read accompanying information is applied to the updated program. Controlling the execution of processes in order 4. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. [Appendix 5] The processor: The update information is acquired from an external device via a network. 5. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Appendix 6] The processor: The update information is read from the recording medium. 6. An information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5. [Appendix 7] The processor: After the program update is completed in the gantry, it is determined whether the recording medium remains connected to the information processing device; When the recording medium remains connected to the information processing device, the information processing device notifies the user. 7. The information processing device according to claim 6. [Appendix 8] The processor: Controlling the gantry to update the program according to a designated update timing 8. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. [Appendix 9] An imaging system comprising: an information processing device having at least one first processor; and a gantry having at least one second processor, the first processor transmits first update information regarding a program executed in the gantry to the gantry via a network; The second processor updates the program using the received first update information. Image capture system. [Appendix 10] The second processor reading second update information relating to the program from a recording medium; The program is updated using the second update information in addition to the first update information. 10. The imaging system of claim 9. [Appendix 11] The second processor determining whether the recording medium remains connected to the gantry after the program update is completed; If the recording medium remains connected to the gantry, a notification is given. 11. The imaging system of claim 10. [Appendix 12] The imaging system is a computed tomography system. 12. An imaging system according to any one of claims 9 to 11. [Appendix 13] transmitting updates to the gantry over a network regarding the program being executed in the gantry; Controlling the gantry to update the program with the update information. A program update method in which processing is performed by a computer. [Appendix 14] transmitting updates to the gantry over a network regarding the program being executed in the gantry; Controlling the gantry to update the program with the update information. A program update that allows a computer to perform certain processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 CT device 2 Gantry 3 berths 3A Sleeper Section 3B base 3C Drive Unit 5 Opening 6 Radiation source 7. Detector 8 Update Server 9A, 9B Network 10 Console 11, 91 processor 12, 92 Memory section 13,93 memory 14,94 display 15, 95 Input section 16, 96 External I / F 17, 97 Communication I / F 18, 98 buses 19 Program Update Programs 30, 40 Acquisition Department 32, 42 Control section 34, 44 Judgment section 36, 46 Notification Department 80 Additional Information 81, 82 Recording media 85A, 85B, 86 update information 99 Programs H Subject

Claims

1. at least one processor; The processor: transmitting updates to the gantry over a network regarding the program being executed in the gantry; Controlling the gantry to update the program using the update information. Information processing device.

2. The program is an application program executed on the gantry. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The program is an application program for display control of a display provided on the gantry. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

4. The processor: obtaining information relating to accompanying information accompanying the program; If the information about the associated information satisfies a predetermined condition, the gantry: storing the associated information in a non-volatile storage unit; updating the program; After the program update is completed, the accompanying information is read from the storage unit; The read accompanying information is applied to the updated program. Controlling the execution of processes in order The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The processor: The update information is acquired from an external device via a network. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The processor: The update information is read from the recording medium. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

7. The processor: After the program update is completed in the gantry, it is determined whether the recording medium remains connected to the information processing device; When the recording medium remains connected to the information processing device, the information processing device notifies the user. The information processing device according to claim 6 .

8. The processor: Controlling the gantry to update the program according to a designated update timing The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. An imaging system comprising: an information processing device having at least one first processor; and a gantry having at least one second processor, the first processor transmits first update information regarding a program executed in the gantry to the gantry via a network; The second processor updates the program using the received first update information. Image capture system.

10. The second processor reading second update information relating to the program from a recording medium; The program is updated using the second update information in addition to the first update information. The imaging system according to claim 9 .

11. The second processor determining whether the recording medium remains connected to the gantry after the program update is completed; If the recording medium remains connected to the gantry, a notification is given. The imaging system according to claim 10.

12. The imaging system is a computed tomography system. The imaging system according to claim 9 .

13. transmitting updates to the gantry over a network regarding the program being executed in the gantry; Controlling the gantry to update the program using the update information. A program update method in which processing is performed by a computer.

14. transmitting updates to the gantry over a network regarding the program being executed in the gantry; Controlling the gantry to update the program using the update information. A program update that allows a computer to perform certain processes.

Images