Medical image diagnostic apparatus, bed control method, and bed control program

Abstract

To automatically control the height of a bed according to an appropriate height.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic apparatus includes a posture determination part, a lower thigh length estimation part, a seat height estimation part, and a bed control part. The processing circuitry is configured to determine a posture of a subject based on an optical image of the subject. The lower leg length estimator estimates a lower leg length of the subject based on the optical image when the posture is a standing position. The processing circuitry estimates a seat height of a carrier that carries the subject based on the optical image when the posture is a sitting position or a recumbent position. The bed control unit controls the height of the bed in accordance with the lower leg length or the seat height.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical image diagnostic apparatus, a bed control method, and a bed control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional medical image diagnostic devices, the operator visually determines the height at which the subject can safely ascend and descend from the bed, and then manually controls the bed height to match the determined height by continuously pressing the bed elevation button or foot switch.

[0003] However, the operator cannot perform other tasks, such as caring for the subject, while continuing to press the bed lift button or foot switch. Furthermore, if the operator misjudges the appropriate height, the subject cannot be safely raised or lowered on or off the bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-187422 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-16221 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to automatically control the height of the bed to an appropriate height. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a posture determination unit, a lower leg length estimation unit, a seat height estimation unit, and a bed control unit. The posture determination unit determines the posture of a subject based on an optical image of the subject. The lower leg length estimation unit estimates the lower leg length of the subject based on the optical image when the posture is standing. The seat height estimation unit estimates the seat height of a transport device that transports the subject based on the optical image when the posture is sitting or lying down. The bed control unit controls the height of the bed in accordance with the lower leg length or the seat height. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the shooting environment of the camera. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the height and lower leg length of the subject. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the height of the bed when the subject is in the standing position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the height of the bed when the subject is in a sitting position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the height of the bed when the subject is in a supine position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Parts with the same reference numerals are considered to be the same, and redundant description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 includes a gantry 11, a bed 13, a gradient magnetic field power supply 21, a transmission circuit 23, a reception circuit 25, a bed driving device 27, a sequence control circuit 29, and a console 50. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 is an example of a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

[0010] (Configuration of the gantry) The gantry 11 has a substantially cylindrical housing with a hollow bore formed therein. A static magnetic field magnet 41 and a gradient magnetic field coil 43 are disposed in the housing of the gantry 11. A transmitting coil 45 and a receiving coil 47 are disposed in the bore of the gantry 11.

[0011] The static magnetic field magnet 41 is a magnet formed in a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape. The static magnetic field magnet 41 generates a static magnetic field inside. The static magnetic field magnet 41 may be a permanent magnet, a superconducting magnet, or a normal-conducting magnet. The central axis of the static magnetic field magnet 41 is defined as the Z-axis. The axis perpendicular to the Z-axis is defined as the Y-axis. The axis horizontally perpendicular to the Z-axis is defined as the X-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis form an orthogonal three-dimensional coordinate system.

[0012] The gradient magnetic field coil 43 is a coil formed in a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape. The gradient magnetic field coil 43 is disposed inside the static magnetic field magnet 41. The gradient magnetic field coil 43 generates a gradient magnetic field based on a current supplied from the gradient magnetic field power supply 21.

[0013] Specifically, the gradient magnetic field coil 43 has three coils corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The three coils form gradient magnetic fields whose magnetic field strengths change along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The gradient magnetic fields along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are combined to form a frequency encoding gradient magnetic field Gr, a phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gp, and a slice selection gradient magnetic field Gs that are orthogonal to each other in desired directions. The frequency encoding gradient magnetic field Gr is used to change the frequency of a magnetic resonance signal (hereinafter referred to as "MR signal") depending on a spatial position. The phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gp is ​​used to change the phase of the MR signal depending on a spatial position. The slice selection gradient magnetic field Gs is used to determine an arbitrary imaging plane (slice). The gradient direction of the frequency encoding gradient magnetic field Gr is the X-axis. The gradient direction of the phase encoding gradient magnetic field Gp is ​​the Y-axis. The gradient direction of the slice selection gradient magnetic field Gs is the Z-axis.

[0014] The gradient magnetic field power supply 21 is a power supply that supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 43. The gradient magnetic field power supply 21 supplies current to the gradient magnetic field coil 43 in accordance with a sequence control signal from the sequence control circuit 29, thereby causing the gradient magnetic field coil 43 to generate gradient magnetic fields along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The gradient magnetic fields are superimposed on the static magnetic field generated by the static magnetic field magnet 41 and applied to the subject S.

[0015] The transmitting coil 45 is disposed inside the gradient magnetic field coil 43. The transmitting coil 45 generates a radio frequency pulse (hereinafter referred to as an "RF pulse") based on a current supplied from the transmitting circuit 23. The transmitting coil 45 may be a whole body coil (WB coil). The whole body coil may be used as a transmitting and receiving coil.

[0016] The transmission circuitry 23 supplies a current to the transmission coil 45 in order to apply an RF pulse to the subject S through the transmission coil 45, which pulse excites target protons in the subject S. The RF pulse oscillates at a resonance frequency specific to the target protons, exciting the target protons. An MR signal is generated from the excited target protons.

[0017] The receiving coil 47 receives MR signals generated from target protons in the subject S. The receiving coil 47 has a plurality of receiving coil elements capable of receiving MR signals. The receiving coil 47 outputs the MR signals to the receiving circuitry 25.

[0018] Specifically, the receive coil 47 has multiple receive channels arranged in parallel. Each receive channel has receive coil elements that receive MR signals and amplifiers that amplify the MR signals. MR signals are output for each receive channel. The total number of receive channels and the total number of receive coil elements may be the same or different.

[0019] The receiving circuitry 25 processes the MR signal from the receiving coil 47 to generate a digital MR signal (hereinafter referred to as "k-space data"). The k-space data is expressed in a k-space defined by spatial frequencies. The receiving circuitry 25 outputs the k-space data to a memory 53.

[0020] A transmission / reception coil having both transmission and reception functions may be used instead of the transmission coil 45 and the reception coil 47. The transmission coil 45, the reception coil 47, and the transmission / reception coil may be combined with each other.

[0021] The sequence control circuit 29 controls the gradient magnetic field power supply 21, the transmission circuit 23, and the reception circuit 25 based on the data acquisition conditions to acquire k-space data on the subject S. The data acquisition conditions include (1) a pulse sequence, (2) the magnitude and timing of the current supplied to the gradient magnetic field coil 43, (3) the magnitude and timing of the RF pulse supplied to the transmission coil 45, (4) the timing at which the MR signal is received by the reception coil 47, etc.

[0022] (Configuration of the Bed) The bed 13 is disposed adjacent to the gantry 11. The bed 13 has a top plate 131 and a base 133. The subject S is placed on the top plate 131. The base 133 supports the top plate 131 so that it can slide along the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0023] The bed driving device 27 drives the table 131 and the base 133 in accordance with a control signal from the sequence control circuit 29. The bed driving device 27 may include a motor such as a servo motor or a stepping motor. The bed driving device 27 may be housed in the base 133.

[0024] (Configuration of the Console) The console 50 is an information processing device such as a computer. The console 50 includes a processing circuit 51, a memory 53, a display device 55, an input device 57, and a communication device 59. The console 50 is also called a host PC.

[0025] The processing circuitry 51 is a circuit that comprehensively controls each component of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1. The processing circuitry 51 has at least one processor as a hardware resource. The processor may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), etc. The programmable logic device may be a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0026] If the processor is a CPU, the CPU reads and executes various programs stored in the memory 53 to realize various functions. If the processor is an ASIC, various functions are incorporated as logic circuits within the ASIC. The processor may be configured as a single circuit or may be configured by combining multiple circuits. The processor realizes an acquisition function 511, a person detection function 512, a posture determination function 513, a lower leg length estimation function 514, a seat height estimation function 515, and a bed control function 516.

[0027] The acquisition function 511 is a function for acquiring data or information. The acquisition function 511 acquires an optical image of the subject S from a camera. The acquisition function 511 acquires the height of the subject S from the console 50. The acquisition function 511 is an example of an acquisition unit.

[0028] The person detection function 512 is a function for detecting a person. The person detection function 512 detects a person (for example, a subject S, an operator, or an assistant) from an optical image. The person detection function 512 is an example of a person detection unit.

[0029] The posture determination function 513 is a function for determining a posture. The posture determination function 513 determines the posture (e.g., standing, sitting, lying) of the subject S based on an optical image of the subject S. The posture determination function 513 is an example of a posture determination unit.

[0030] The lower leg length estimation function 514 is a function that estimates the lower leg length. When the subject S is in an upright position, the lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length of the subject S based on an optical image of the subject S. The lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length of the subject S based on the height of the subject S acquired from the console 50. The lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates one-fourth of the height of the subject S as the lower leg length. The lower leg length estimation function 514 is an example of a lower leg length estimation unit.

[0031] The seat height estimation function 515 is a function for estimating the seat height. When the subject S is in a sitting or lying position, the seat height estimation function 515 estimates the seat height of a transport device (e.g., wheelchair, stretcher) transporting the subject S based on an optical image of the subject S. The seat height estimation function 515 is an example of a seat height estimation unit.

[0032] The bed control function 516 is a function that controls the bed 13. The bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 in accordance with the length of the lower leg of the subject S. The bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 in accordance with the seat height of the transport device that transports the subject S. The bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 when a button or switch that raises or lowers the bed 13 is pressed. The bed control function 516 is an example of a bed control unit.

[0033] The memory 53 is a device that stores data or information. The memory 53 is a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an integrated circuit storage device, or the like. The memory 53 may also be a drive device that reads and writes data or information from and to a portable storage medium (e.g., CD, DVD, flash memory). The memory 53 stores data acquisition conditions, k-space data, images, programs, and the like. The memory 53 is an example of a storage unit.

[0034] The display device 55 is a device that displays data or information. The display device 55 is a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, etc. The display device 55 is an example of a display unit.

[0035] The input device 57 is a device that receives input from an operator. The input device 57 is a keyboard, a mouse, a switch, a touch screen, a touch panel, or the like. The input device 57 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the received input to the processing circuit 51. The input device 57 is an example of an input unit.

[0036] The communication device 59 is a device that communicates data or information. The communication device 59 communicates data or information with a workstation, a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), an HIS (Hospital Information System), an RIS (Radiology Information System), etc. via a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication device 59 is an example of a communication unit.

[0037] 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 executes steps S1 to S7.

[0038] (Step S1) First, the acquisition function 511 acquires an optical image from a camera. Specifically, the acquisition function 511 acquires an optical image from a camera installed at the entrance, ceiling, or the like of the examination room in which the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 is placed. The camera captures an image of the inside of the examination room and transmits the captured optical image to the communication device 59. The communication device 59 stores the received optical image in the memory 53 (see FIG. 3).

[0039] (Step S2) Next, the person detection function 512 detects a person from the optical image. Specifically, the person detection function 512 detects a person (e.g., subject S, operator, assistant) from the optical image acquired in step S1. Known techniques may be applied to the detection of a person.

[0040] For example, the person detection function 512 detects whether a predetermined person appears in the optical image by using a face image registered in the memory 53. The person detection function 512 may detect whether a predetermined person appears in the optical image by comparing facial features in the face image with facial features in the optical image.

[0041] Similarly, the person detection function 512 may detect whether a predetermined person appears in the optical image by using a clothing image registered in the memory 53. The person detection function 512 may detect whether a predetermined person appears in the optical image by comparing the characteristics of the clothing in the clothing image with the characteristics of the clothing in the optical image. When the person detection function 512 detects the characteristics of work clothes in the optical image, it can recognize that an operator appears in the optical image.

[0042] Alternatively, the person detection function 512 may detect whether a predetermined person appears in an optical image based on the movement (e.g., the way the person walks) of the person appearing in the optical image. The person detection function 512 calculates time-series information of the person's joint points from multiple consecutive optical images. The person detection function 512 may detect whether a predetermined person appears in the multiple optical images by comparing the calculated time-series information with time-series information registered in the memory 53.

[0043] (Step S3) Subsequently, the person detection function 512 determines whether or not the subject S is detected. Specifically, the person detection function 512 determines whether or not the subject S is included in the people detected in step S2. If the subject S is detected (step S3-YES), the process proceeds to step S4A. If the subject S is not detected (step S3-NO), the process proceeds to step S4B.

[0044] (Step S4A) Subsequently, the posture determination function 513 determines the posture of the subject S. Specifically, the posture determination function 513 determines whether the posture of the subject S is standing, sitting, or lying down, based on the optical image acquired in step S1. If the posture of the subject S is "standing" (step S4A-standing), the process proceeds to step S5A. If the posture of the subject S is "sitting" or "lying down" (step S4A-sitting, lying down), the process proceeds to step S5B.

[0045] For example, the posture determination function 513 determines the posture of the subject S by determining the means of transportation of the subject S from the optical image. If the subject S is traveling on foot, the posture determination function 513 determines that the posture of the subject S is "standing." If the subject S is traveling in a wheelchair, the posture determination function 513 determines that the posture of the subject S is "sitting." If the subject S is traveling on a stretcher, the posture determination function 513 determines that the posture of the subject S is "supine."

[0046] (Step S5A) In this case, the lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length of the subject S. Specifically, the lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length of the subject S based on the optical image acquired in step S1. After step S5A, the process proceeds to step S6 (see FIG. 4).

[0047] For example, the lower leg length estimation function 514 calculates the number of pixels corresponding to the lower leg portion (the portion from the knee to the ankle) of the subject S from the optical image. The lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length by multiplying the calculated number of pixels by the length per pixel.

[0048] Alternatively, the lower leg length estimation function 514 calculates the number of pixels corresponding to the whole body part (part from the head to the ankles) of the subject S from the optical image. The lower leg length estimation function 514 calculates the number of pixels corresponding to the lower leg part by multiplying the calculated number of pixels by one-fourth (0.25). The lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length by multiplying the calculated number of pixels by the length per pixel.

[0049] (Step S5B) In this case, the seat height estimation function 515 estimates the seat height of the transportation device for the subject S. Specifically, the seat height estimation function 515 estimates the seat height of the transportation device for the subject S based on the optical image acquired in step S1. After step S5B, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0050] When the posture of the subject S is "sitting", the subject S is seated on a transport device such as a wheelchair. When the posture of the subject S is "supine", the subject S is lying on a transport device such as a stretcher. The seat height estimation function 515 calculates the number of pixels corresponding to the seat height of the transport device (height from the floor to the seat) from the optical image. The seat height estimation function 515 estimates the seat height by multiplying the calculated number of pixels by the length per pixel.

[0051] (Step S4B) In this case, the acquisition function 511 acquires the height of the subject S from the console 50. Specifically, the acquisition function 511 reads out the height of the subject S from the memory 53. The height of the subject S may be input by an operator via the input device 57, or may be received from the outside via the communication device 59.

[0052] (Step S5C) Subsequently, the lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length of the subject S. Specifically, the lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length of the subject S based on the height of the subject S acquired in step S4B. The lower leg length estimation function 514 estimates the lower leg length to be one-fourth of the height of the subject S. After step S5C, the process proceeds to step S6 (see FIG. 4).

[0053] (Step S6) Subsequently, the lower leg length estimation function 514 (or seat height estimation function 515) stores the lower leg length (or seat height). Specifically, the lower leg length estimation function 514 stores the lower leg length of the subject S estimated in step S5A or S5C in the memory 53. The seat height estimation function 515 stores the seat height of the transportation device estimated in step S5B in the memory 53.

[0054] (Step S7) Finally, the bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 according to the lower leg length (or seat height). Specifically, the bed control function 516 controls the height of the tabletop 131 from the floor by controlling the tabletop 131 and the base 133 according to the lower leg length (or seat height) saved in step S6 (see FIGS. 5, 6, and 7).

[0055] First, the bed control function 516 may automatically control the height of the bed 13 at any timing. The bed control function 516 may control the height of the bed 13 at the timing when step S5A, S5B, or S5C is completed. The bed control function 516 may control the height of the bed 13 at the timing when the operator presses a button (lift button) or a switch (foot switch) for raising or lowering the bed 13. The bed control function 516 may control the height of the bed 13 at the timing when the operator presses a button (examination end button) for ending the examination.

[0056] Second, the bed control function 516 may stop raising or lowering the bed 13 if an obstacle is detected interfering with (or contacting) the bed 13. This can prevent damage to the bed 13.

[0057] Third, when the height of the bed 13 is adjusted by the operator, the bed control function 516 may store the adjusted height of the bed 13 in the memory 53. The bed control function 516 may update the lower leg length (or seat height) estimated in step S5A, S5B, or S5C using the adjusted height of the bed 13.

[0058] Fourth, the bed control function 516 may determine whether the current timing is before the start of the examination or after the end of the examination based on the optical image acquired in step S1. The bed control function 516 may determine that the current timing is "before the start of the examination" when the subject S is not placed on the bed 13. The bed control function 516 may determine that the current timing is "after the end of the examination" when the subject S is placed on the bed 13.

[0059] 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the imaging environment of the camera C. FIG. 3A shows an imaging environment 300A when the subject S is in an "upright position." FIG. 3B shows an imaging environment 300B when the subject S is in a "sitting position." FIG. 3C shows an imaging environment 300C when the subject S is in a "supine position."

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3(A), in imaging environment 300A, subject S is walking while holding an IV stand T. Camera C, which is installed on the ceiling of the examination room, captures an optical image including subject S and IV stand T.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3(B), in an imaging environment 300B, a subject S is seated in a wheelchair W. A helper H is carrying the wheelchair W while holding the rear of the wheelchair W. A camera C placed on the ceiling of the examination room captures an optical image including the subject S, the wheelchair W, and the helper H.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3(C), in an imaging environment 300C, a subject S lies on a stretcher R. A helper H1 carries the stretcher R while holding the front part of the stretcher R. A helper H2 carries the stretcher R while holding the rear part of the stretcher R. A camera C placed on the ceiling of the examination room captures an optical image including the subject S, the stretcher R, and the helpers H1 and H2.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the height D1 and lower leg length D2 of a subject S. The height D1 is the length from the head to the ankle. The lower leg length D2 is the length from the knee to the ankle. One-fourth of the height D1 corresponds to the lower leg length D2.

[0064] The lower leg length estimation function 514 may correct the lower leg length D2 of the subject S. In particular, the lower leg length estimation function 514 may correct the lower leg length D2 of the subject S differently depending on whether the subject S is getting on the bed 13 (the former) or getting off the bed 13 (the latter). In the former case, the correction formula is "(corrected lower leg length D2) = (actual lower leg length D2) + α". In the latter case, the correction formula is "(corrected lower leg length D2) = (actual lower leg length D2) + β". α and β are correction terms.

[0065] For example, the lower leg length estimation function 514 sets β>0, and makes the corrected lower leg length D2 several centimeters longer than the actual lower leg length D2. In particular, the lower leg length estimation function 514 may set the value of β so that the heels are off the floor and the toes are in contact with the floor when the subject S is seated on the bed 13 (sitting posture). In other words, the lower leg length estimation function 514 may set the value of β so that the subject S stands on his / her tiptoes when getting off the bed 13. The bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 in accordance with the corrected lower leg length D2 corrected by the value of β. Therefore, the subject S can get off (or stand up) from the bed 13 more easily.

[0066] The smaller the contact area between the feet of the subject S and the floor surface, the easier it is for the subject S to get off the bed 13, but the easier it is for the subject S to fall when getting off the bed 13. The lower leg length estimation function 514 may set the value of β in consideration of the trade-off between the ease of getting off the bed 13 and the difficulty of the subject S to fall.

[0067] The leg length estimation function 514 may detect the walking style of the subject S from the optical image and set the values ​​of α and β. For example, if the walking style of the subject S is unstable, the leg length estimation function 514 may set β<0. The leg length estimation function 514 increases the contact area between the foot of the subject S and the floor surface by shortening the corrected leg length D2 by a few centimeters compared to the actual leg length D2. Therefore, the subject S can get off (or stand up) from the bed 13 more safely.

[0068] 5 is a diagram showing the height of the bed 13 when the subject S is in an upright position. When the subject S moves up and down on the bed 13, the bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 in accordance with the lower leg length D2 of the subject S. That is, the bed control function 516 controls the height from the floor surface FL to the top board 131 so that it matches the height from the floor surface FL to the knees of the subject S. The bed control function 516 may control the height of the top board 131 by sliding the base 133 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

[0069] 6 is a diagram showing the height of the bed 13 when the subject S is in a sitting position. The subject S is seated on the seat SE of a wheelchair W. When the subject S moves up and down relative to the bed 13, the bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 to match the seat height D3 of the wheelchair W. That is, the bed control function 516 controls the height from the floor surface FL to the tabletop 131 so that it matches the height from the floor surface FL to the seat SE. The bed control function 516 may control the height of the tabletop 131 by sliding the base 133 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

[0070] 7 is a diagram showing the height of the bed 13 when the subject S is in a supine position. The subject S lies on the seat SE of the stretcher R. When the subject S moves up or down relative to the bed 13, the bed control function 516 controls the height of the bed 13 to match the seat height D3 of the stretcher R. That is, the bed control function 516 controls the height from the floor surface FL to the top board 131 so that it matches the height from the floor surface FL to the seat SE. The bed control function 516 may control the height of the top board 131 by sliding the base 133 in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction).

[0071] According to the present embodiment described above, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 determines the posture of the subject S based on an optical image of the subject S. When the subject S is standing, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 estimates the lower leg length D2 of the subject S based on the optical image. When the subject S is sitting or lying down, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 estimates the seat height D3 of the transport device that transports the subject S based on the optical image. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 controls the height of the bed 13 in accordance with the lower leg length D2 or the seat height D3.

[0072] That is, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 estimates the height to which the subject S can safely ascend and descend relative to the bed 13, depending on the posture of the subject S (standing, sitting, lying down). The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 automatically controls the height of the bed 13 according to the estimated height. Since the operator does not need to keep pressing the lifting button or foot switch of the bed 13, the operator can perform other tasks such as caring for the subject S. Meanwhile, the subject S can ascend and descend safely relative to the bed 13.

[0073] This embodiment may be applied to other medical image diagnostic apparatuses (for example, X-ray computed tomography apparatuses) different from the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1.

[0074] (Variation 1) First, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 (particularly, the lower leg length estimation function 514) may compare the height of the subject S registered in the memory 53 with the height of the subject S estimated from the optical image. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 may output the result of this comparison to the display device 55 or the like. Based on the output result, the operator can determine whether the two heights match.

[0075] (Variation 2) Second, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 (particularly, the lower leg length estimation function 514) may estimate the height from the floor to the elbow of the operator who replaces the receiving coil 47 from the optical image. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 may estimate the height to the elbow of the operator in a standing position using a method similar to that of step S5A. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 may store the estimated height in the memory 53. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 (particularly, the bed control function 516) may control the height of the bed 13 according to the estimated height.

[0076] The operator replaces the receive coil 47 using a replacement coil placed on the bed 13. At this time, the height of the bed 13 matches the height of the operator's elbows. The operator does not need to bend down to lift the replacement coil, and the physical burden is small. Therefore, the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus 1 can reduce the physical burden on the operator when replacing the receive coil 47.

[0077] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the height of the bed can be automatically controlled to an appropriate height.

[0078] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1. Magnetic resonance imaging device 11 Mounting stand 13 berths 21 Gradient magnetic field power supply 23 Transmitting circuit 25 Receiving circuit 27 Bed drive unit 29 Sequence control circuit 41 Static magnetic field magnet 43 Gradient magnetic field coil 45 Transmitting coil 47 receiving coil 50 console 51 Processing circuit 53 Memory 55 Display equipment 57 Input Devices 59 Communication equipment 131 Top plate 133 Foundation 300A, 300B, 300C shooting environment 511 Acquisition Function 512 Person detection function 513 Posture determination function 514 Leg length estimation function 515 Seat height estimation function 516 Bed control function C Camera D1 Height D2 Leg length D3 seat height FL floor surface H Helper R stretcher S subject SE seat T IV Stand W wheelchair

Claims

1. a posture determination unit that determines the posture of the subject based on an optical image of the subject; a lower leg length estimation unit that estimates a lower leg length of the subject based on the optical image when the posture is an upright position; a seat height estimation unit that estimates a seat height of a transportation instrument that transports the subject based on the optical image when the posture is a sitting position or a lying position; a bed control unit that controls the height of the bed in accordance with the lower leg length or the seat height; A medical image diagnostic device comprising:

2. the lower leg length estimation unit estimates the lower leg length based on the body height of the subject acquired from a console; The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the lower leg length estimation unit estimates one-fourth of the subject's height as the lower leg length; The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the bed control unit controls the height of the bed when a button or switch for raising or lowering the bed is pressed. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

5. The computer determining a posture of the subject based on an optical image of the subject; If the posture is a standing position, estimating a lower leg length of the subject based on the optical image; If the posture is a sitting position or a lying position, estimating a seat height of a transportation instrument that transports the subject based on the optical image; The height of the bed is controlled in accordance with the lower leg length or the seat height. Bed control method.

6. On the computer, a posture determination function for determining the posture of the subject based on an optical image of the subject; a lower leg length estimation function that estimates a lower leg length of the subject based on the optical image when the posture is an upright position; a seat height estimation function that estimates a seat height of a transport instrument that transports the subject based on the optical image when the posture is a sitting position or a lying position; a bed control function for controlling the height of the bed in accordance with the lower leg length or the seat height; A bed control program that makes this possible.

Images