Medical information processing device, medical information processing method, program, and CT-equipped vehicle

Abstract

To transmit CT image data acquired from a site of dispatch destination at appropriate timing.SOLUTION: A medical information processing device includes an image acquisition unit, a priority determination unit and an instruction unit. The image acquisition unit acquires a subject state image. The priority determination unit determines priority in transmitting medical image data relating to the scanned subject to the outside on the basis of information relating to the state image. The instruction unit instructs transmission of the medical image data on the basis of the priority.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical information processing device, a medical information processing method, a program, and a CT-equipped vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, efforts have been made to reduce the burden on patients undergoing medical examinations and checkups by dispatching vehicles equipped with X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) devices (hereinafter referred to as "CT-equipped vehicles") to various sites. As one example of such an effort, dispatching CT-equipped vehicles to the sites of disasters, incidents, accidents, etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "dispatch sites") is being considered. Specifically, the CT-equipped vehicles will perform CT scans on patients at the dispatch site, and the acquired CT image data will be transmitted to the medical institution accepting the patient. This allows the medical institution to have time to prepare to accept the patient, making it possible to quickly provide appropriate treatment to the patient.

[0003] Because medical image data such as CT image data is large in volume, if it is not sent in order, the necessary medical image data may not arrive promptly. In addition, it is expected that doctors and other recipients will not be able to determine which data to check first if a large amount of medical image data is sent in random order. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-89571 A [Patent Document 2] Utility Model Registration No. 3027769 [Patent Document 3] JP 2002-306430 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to transmit medical image data acquired at the dispatch site at an appropriate timing. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The medical image processing device of the embodiment has an image acquisition unit, a priority determination unit, and an instruction unit. The image acquisition unit acquires a condition image of a subject. The priority determination unit determines a priority for transmitting medical image data of the scanned subject to an external device based on information on the condition image. The instruction unit instructs the transmission of the medical image data based on the priority. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of a CT-equipped vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of a CT-equipped vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of an X-ray CT apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a gantry device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of an operation panel according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the gantry device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing related to the transmission of CT image data in the first embodiment. [Figure 7A] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of control relating to transmission of CT image data in the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing an example of control relating to transmission of CT image data in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a control process related to the transmission of CT image data in the second embodiment. [Figure 9A] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of control relating to transmission of CT image data in the second embodiment. [Figure 9B] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing an example of control relating to transmission of CT image data in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a medical information processing device, a medical information processing method, a program, and a CT-equipped vehicle according to embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of a CT-equipped vehicle in the first embodiment. FIG. 1A shows a specific example of the exterior of a CT-equipped vehicle 100 in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the CT-equipped vehicle 100 is a container vehicle equipped with a container 110 that houses an X-ray CT device. The X-ray CT device housed in the container 110 includes a power source, an operation terminal, etc. (not shown), and is configured to be able to operate independently at the dispatch site. FIG. 1B shows a specific example of the interior of the container 110. For example, the inside of the container 110 is divided by a door 111 into a first space A, which is a radiation controlled area, and a second space B. A console device 30, which is an operation terminal, is installed in the first space A, and a gantry device 10 and a bed device 20 of the X-ray CT device 1 are installed in the second space B.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the X-ray CT apparatus 1 in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the gantry 10 in the first embodiment. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 includes, for example, a gantry 10, a bed 20, and a console 30. In FIG. 2, for convenience of explanation, both a view of the gantry 10 seen from the Z-axis direction and a view of the gantry 10 seen from the X-axis direction are shown, but in reality, there is only one gantry 10. In the following embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 18 in a non-tilted state or the longitudinal direction of the top plate 23 of the bed 20 is defined as the Z-axis direction. Also, an axis perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction. Also, a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0011] The gantry device 10 includes, for example, a gantry housing 11, a floodlight 12, an X-ray tube 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, an X-ray detector 15, a data acquisition system (hereinafter, DAS; Data Acquisition System) 16, a fixed frame 17, a rotating frame 18, and a control device 19. The floodlight 12 includes an internal floodlight 121 and an external floodlight 122 (see FIG. 5). In the following description, when the internal floodlight 121 and the external floodlight 122 are not distinguished from each other, they may be collectively referred to as the floodlight 12.

[0012] The gantry housing 11 is provided with a substantially cylindrical opening 61 into which the subject P can be inserted. For example, the top plate 23 of the bed device 20 on which the subject (examinee) P is placed is inserted into the opening 61. A projector 12, an X-ray tube 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, an X-ray detector 15, a DAS 16, a fixed frame 17, and a rotating frame 18 are built into the gantry housing 11.

[0013] In response to an instruction from the control device 19, the light projector 12 projects light (visible light), for example, laser light, for aligning the subject, toward the top board 23 inserted into the opening or the subject P placed on the top board 23. The color of the visible light emitted from the light projector 12 may be any color, for example, red, green, blue, or the like.

[0014] X-ray tube 13 generates X-rays by irradiating thermoelectrons from a cathode (filament) to an anode (target) when a high voltage is applied from X-ray high voltage device 14. X-ray tube 13 includes a vacuum tube. For example, X-ray tube 13 is a rotating anode type X-ray tube that generates X-rays by irradiating a rotating anode with thermoelectrons.

[0015] X-ray high voltage device 14 includes, for example, a high voltage generator and an X-ray control device. The high voltage generator includes an electric circuit including a transformer and a rectifier, and generates a high voltage to be applied to X-ray tube 13. The X-ray control device controls the output voltage of the high voltage generator according to the amount of X-rays to be generated by X-ray tube 13. The high voltage generator may be one that boosts the voltage using the above-mentioned transformer, or one that boosts the voltage using an inverter. The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on a fixed frame 17 of the gantry device 10 or on a rotating frame 18 .

[0016] The X-ray detector 15 detects the intensity of X-rays generated by the X-ray tube 13 and incident upon the subject P. The X-ray detector 15 outputs an electrical signal (which may be an optical signal, etc.) corresponding to the intensity of the detected X-rays to the DAS 16. The X-ray detector 15 includes, for example, multiple rows of X-ray detection elements. Each of the multiple rows of X-ray detection elements has multiple X-ray detection elements arranged in the channel direction along an arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 13. The multiple rows of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the slice direction (column direction, row direction).

[0017] The X-ray detector 15 is an indirect detector including, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and an optical sensor array. The scintillator array includes a plurality of scintillators. Each scintillator includes a scintillator crystal. The scintillator crystal emits an amount of light according to the intensity of the incident X-ray. The grid is disposed on the surface of the scintillator array on which the X-ray is incident, and includes an X-ray shielding plate having a function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid may also be called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The optical sensor array includes, for example, an optical sensor such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT). The optical sensor array outputs an electric signal according to the amount of light emitted by the scintillator. The X-ray detector 15 may be a direct conversion detector including a semiconductor element that converts the incident X-ray into an electric signal.

[0018] The DAS 16 includes, for example, an amplifier, an integrator, and an A / D converter. The amplifier performs an amplification process on the electrical signal output by each X-ray detection element of the X-ray detector 15. The integrator integrates the amplified electrical signal over a view period. The A / D converter converts the electrical signal indicating the integration result into a digital signal. The DAS 16 outputs detection data based on the digital signal to the console device 30.

[0019] The fixed frame 17 is attached in a fixed state to the pedestal housing 11. The fixed frame 17 supports a rotating frame 18 via a bearing so as to be continuously rotatable about the X-axis. By placing the subject P so that the height direction of the subject P is along the X-axis, the rotating frame 18 becomes freely rotatable approximately around the subject P introduced therein.

[0020] The rotating frame 18 is an annular member that supports the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 15 in opposing positions. The rotating frame 18 further supports the DAS 16. Detection data output by the DAS 16 is transmitted by optical communication from a transmitter equipped with a light-emitting diode (LED) provided on the rotating frame 18 to a receiver equipped with a photodiode provided on a non-rotating portion of the gantry device 10 (e.g., a fixed frame), and then transferred to the console device 30 by the receiver. The method of transmitting the detection data from the rotating frame 18 to the non-rotating part is not limited to the above-mentioned method using optical communication, and any non-contact transmission method may be adopted. The rotating frame 18 is not limited to an annular member, and may be an arm-like member as long as it can support and rotate the X-ray tube 13, etc. The arrangement and structure of the gantry device 10 will be described in further detail later.

[0021] The X-ray CT device 1 is, for example, a Rotate / Rotate-Type X-ray CT device (third generation CT) in which both the X-ray tube 13 and the X-ray detector 15 are supported by a rotating frame 18 and rotate around the subject P, but is not limited to this and may also be a Stationary / Rotate-Type X-ray CT device (fourth generation CT) in which multiple X-ray detection elements arranged in a circular ring are fixed to a fixed frame and the X-ray tube 13 rotates around the subject P.

[0022] The control device 19 includes, for example, a processing circuit having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a drive mechanism including a motor, an actuator, etc. The control device 19 receives an input signal from an input interface 43 attached to the console device 30 or an operation panel 430 attached to the gantry device 10, and controls the operations of the gantry device 10 and the bed device 20.

[0023] For example, the control device 19 controls the projector 12 to project visible light in order to align the subject P with respect to the gantry housing 11. Furthermore, the control device 19, for example, rotates the rotating frame 18, tilts the gantry device 10, and moves the top plate 23 of the bed device 20. When tilting the gantry device 10, the control device 19 rotates the rotating frame 18 around an axis parallel to the Z-axis direction based on an inclination angle (tilt angle) input to the input interface 43. The control device 19 grasps the rotation angle of the rotating frame 18 from the output of a sensor (not shown) or the like. Furthermore, the control device 19 provides the rotation angle of the rotating frame 18 to the console device 30 at any time. The control device 19 may be provided in the gantry device 10 or in the console device 30.

[0024] An operation panel 430 operated by a medical technician or the like is provided on the gantry housing 11. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the operation panel 430 in the first embodiment. The operation panel 430 includes switches 431 and a touch panel 432. For example, when the switches 431 are operated, an operation signal is transmitted to the control device 19. Similarly, when the touch panel 432 is operated, an operation signal is transmitted to the control device 19.

[0025] The operation signal includes, for example, a signal for turning on and off the projector 12, a signal for determining the supply of electricity to the light-adjusting sheet 71 (described later) to switch the light-adjusting sheet 71 between a transparent state and a non-transparent state, a signal for determining the projection state and projection position of the projector 12, and a signal for moving the bed device 20 to align the subject P. The control device 19 executes control according to the operation signal based on the operation signal transmitted by the operation panel 430. For example, when the control device 19 receives an operation signal for setting the projection state and projection position of the projector 12, the control device 19 sets the projection state and projection position of the projector 12 according to the operation signal. These operation signals may be transmitted from the console device 30 to the control device 19 by operating an input interface 43 provided in the console device 30.

[0026] The bed device 20 is a device that moves and introduces the subject P, who is to be subjected to a CT scan (hereinafter simply referred to as "scan"), into the rotating frame 18 of the gantry device 10. The bed device 20 includes, for example, a base 21, a bed driving device 22, a tabletop 23, and a support frame 24. The base 21 includes a housing that supports the support frame 24 so that the support frame 24 can move in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction). The bed driving device 22 includes a motor and an actuator. The bed driving device 22 moves the tabletop 23, on which the subject P is placed, in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 23 (Z-axis direction) along the support frame 24. The tabletop 23 is a plate-shaped member on which the subject P is placed.

[0027] The bed driving device 22 may move not only the tabletop 23 but also the support frame 24 in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 23. Conversely to the above, the gantry device 10 may be movable in the Z-axis direction, and the rotation frame 18 may be controlled to come to the periphery of the subject P by the movement of the gantry device 10. Alternatively, both the gantry device 10 and the tabletop 23 may be configured to be movable. The X-ray CT device 1 may be an apparatus of a type in which the subject P is scanned in a standing or sitting position. In this case, the X-ray CT device 1 includes a subject support mechanism instead of the bed device 20, and the gantry device 10 rotates the rotation frame 18 around an axial direction perpendicular to the floor surface.

[0028] The console device 30 includes, for example, a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 50 ("processing circuit" in FIG. 2). In the embodiment, the console device 30 is described as being separate from the gantry device 10, but the gantry device 10 may include some or all of the components of the console device 30.

[0029] The memory 41 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, etc. The memory 41 stores, for example, detection data, projection data, reconstructed image data, CT image data, etc. These data may be stored in an external memory with which the X-ray CT apparatus 1 can communicate, instead of the memory 41 (or in addition to the memory 41). The external memory is controlled by a cloud server that manages the external memory, for example, by the cloud server accepting a read / write request.

[0030] The display 42 displays various types of information. For example, the display 42 displays medical images (CT images) generated by a processing circuit, GUI (Graphical User Interface) images that accept various operations by an operator such as a medical technician (hereinafter referred to as "medical technician, etc."), and the like. The display 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like. The display 42 may be provided on the gantry device 10. The display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be a display device (for example, a tablet terminal) that can wirelessly communicate with the main body of the console device 30.

[0031] The input interface 43 accepts various input operations by an examiner or the like, and outputs an electrical signal indicating the content of the accepted input operation to the processing circuit 50. For example, the input interface 43 accepts input operations such as collection conditions when collecting detection data or projection data (described later), reconstruction conditions when reconstructing a CT image, and image processing conditions when generating a post-processed image from a CT image. For example, the input interface 43 is realized by a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a drag ball, a switch, a button, a joystick, a camera, an infrared sensor, a microphone, and the like. The input interface 43 may also be realized by a display device (for example, a tablet terminal) capable of wireless communication with the main body of the console device 30.

[0032] In this specification, the input interface is not limited to an interface having physical operation parts such as a mouse, a keyboard, etc. For example, an example of the input interface also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the device and outputs the electrical signal to a control circuit.

[0033] The wireless communication interface 44 transmits and receives data by wireless communication. For example, the wireless communication interface 44 includes an antenna for connecting to a mobile phone line such as 4G or 5G, and transmits and receives data to and from the outside via the line. The wireless communication interface 44 may use a wireless communication line other than a mobile phone line as long as it has the necessary band.

[0034] The imaging unit 40 includes an optical system mechanism such as a lens and an aperture, and an electronic system mechanism such as a light receiving element and a memory, and acquires image data of an object. The imaging unit 40 is installed in the first space A at a position and posture that allows it to image a subject (hereinafter also referred to as a "patient") placed on the bed device 20. The imaging operation of the imaging unit 40 is controlled by the processing circuitry 50, and the imaging unit 40 outputs acquired image data to the processing circuitry 50. In the following, the image acquired by the imaging unit 40 is referred to as a "status image" as an image showing the state of the patient, and is distinguished from a CT image acquired by a scan.

[0035] The processing circuitry 50 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The processing circuitry 50 includes, for example, a control function 51, a pre-processing function 52, a reconstruction processing function 53, an image processing function 54, and a data transmission function 55. The processing circuitry 50 realizes these functions by, for example, a hardware processor executing a program stored in a storage device (storage circuit).

[0036] The hardware processor means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD) or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). Instead of storing a program in a storage device, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the hardware processor. In this case, the hardware processor realizes a function by reading and executing the program built into the circuit. The hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, and may be configured as one hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize each function. The storage device may be a non-transitory (hardware) storage medium. Also, multiple components may be integrated into one hardware processor to realize each function.

[0037] Each component of the console device 30 or the processing circuit 50 may be distributed and realized by multiple pieces of hardware. The processing circuit 50 may be realized by a processing device capable of communicating with the console device 30, rather than being a component of the console device 30. The processing device is, for example, a workstation connected to one X-ray CT device, or a device (for example, a cloud server) connected to multiple X-ray CT devices and collectively executing processing equivalent to that of the processing circuit 50 described below.

[0038] The control function 51 controls various functions of the processing circuit 50 based on the input operation received by the input interface 43. Specifically, the control function 51 includes an imaging control function 511, a priority determination function 512, and an instruction function 513 in addition to a function of controlling the imaging unit 40 to acquire a condition image of the target patient.

[0039] The pre-processing function 52 performs pre-processing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, beam hardening correction, etc. on the detection data output by the DAS 16, generates projection data, and stores the generated projection data in the memory 41.

[0040] The reconstruction processing function 53 performs reconstruction processing using a filtered back projection method, an iterative reconstruction method, or the like on the projection data generated by the pre-processing function 52 to generate CT image data, and stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41.

[0041] The image processing function 54 converts the CT image data into three-dimensional image data or cross-sectional image data of an arbitrary cross section by a known method based on an input operation received by the input interface 43. The conversion into three-dimensional image data may be performed by the pre-processing function 52. The image processing function 54 also has a function of performing a predetermined image recognition process on the status image.

[0042] The data transmission function 55 transmits the CT image data acquired by the X-ray CT device 1 to the outside via the wireless communication interface 44. The outside here means, for example, a medical institution that has been determined as a place of admission for the patient. In addition, the data transmission function 55 can also transmit the condition image data of the patient acquired by the imaging unit 40 to the outside.

[0043] The imaging control function 511 controls the imaging unit 40 to obtain condition image data of the target patient. The imaging control function 511 records the condition image data output from the imaging unit 40 in the memory 41.

[0044] The priority determination function 512 determines the priority for the external transmission of the CT image data of the scanned patient based on the information on the status image. The priority determination function 512 notifies the instruction function 513 of the determined priority.

[0045] The instruction function 513 instructs the reconstruction processing function 53 to execute reconstruction processing of the projection data based on the priority notified by the priority determination function 512 .

[0046] The data transmission function 55 transmits the CT image data to the outside via the wireless communication interface 44 in response to an instruction from the instruction function 513 .

[0047] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the gantry 10 in the first embodiment. The cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 5 shows a cut surface including the Z-axis of the gantry 10. A fixed frame 17 and a rotating frame 18 are housed inside a gantry housing 11 of the gantry 10. An internal projector 121 is attached to the rotating frame 18, and an external projector 122 is attached to the fixed frame 17. A median line projector (not shown) is provided at an upper outer position of the gantry housing 11.

[0048] The internal projector 121 is attached to the rotating frame 18 so that the projected visible light is directed toward the opening 61. The internal projector 121 projects visible light for directly visually recognizing the reference line of the shooting range or the entire shooting range. The internal projectors 121 are provided at two points symmetrical with respect to the Z axis as the axis of symmetry.

[0049] The external projectors 122 are attached to the fixed frame 17 so that the projected visible light is directed toward the opening 61. The external projectors 122 project visible light for directly visually recognizing the reference line of the imaging range. Two external projectors 122 are provided on each of the front side (the side where the subject P is inserted) and rear side (four in total) with respect to the opening 61, and the external projector 122 on the rear side is a horizontal projector. The number of internal projectors 121 attached to the rotating frame 18 and the number of external projectors 122 attached to the fixed frame 17 are not limited.

[0050] An inner wall 101 of the opening 61 in the gantry housing 11 is provided with a gap 102 through which the visible light projected by the internal projector 121 and the X-rays irradiated by the X-ray tube 13 pass. An inner cover 70 that covers the gap 102 is attached to the inner surface of the gantry housing 11. The inner cover 70 is provided around the entire circumferential circumference of the inner wall of the opening 61. The gap 102 is an example of a transmission portion.

[0051] The internal cover 70 is, for example, a Mylar ring formed by shaping Mylar (registered trademark) into a ring shape, and is a translucent member that transmits visible light. The internal cover 70 is disposed at a position where it is irradiated with light projected by the internal projector 121. The internal projector 121 and the X-ray tube 13 are attached to a rotating frame 18, and the internal projector 121 and the X-ray tube 13 move their projection positions along the rotation direction to project visible light and X-rays, so that the gap 102 is provided around the entire circumference of the inner wall 101. The internal cover 70 covers the entire gap 102.

[0052] The peripheral inner wall 103 is provided with a hole 104 through which the visible light projected by the external projector 122 passes. The hole 104 is formed in a limited direction in which the visible light from the external projector 122 is emitted. A cover 75 is attached so as to cover the hole 104. The cover has translucency that allows the visible light projected by the external projector 122 to pass through.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing related to the transmission of CT image data in the first embodiment. Specifically, this flowchart controls the transmission of CT image data acquired for the same patient based on the priority related to the part of the patient. Hereinafter, such control related to the transmission of medical image data is referred to as "first control." This flowchart is started in a state where a patient to be scanned (hereinafter referred to as "target patient") is placed on the bed device 20 after the CT-equipped vehicle 100 arrives at the dispatch site. In addition, when there are multiple target patients, this flowchart is executed for each target patient.

[0054] In this state, first, the imaging control function 511 instructs the imaging unit 40 to perform an imaging operation, and acquires a status image of the target patient placed on the bed device 20 (step S101). Meanwhile, the control function 51 instructs the gantry device 10 to perform a scan of the target patient (step S102). In response to this instruction, the gantry device 10 performs a scan operation, and projection data is acquired for each predetermined part of the target patient. The acquired projection data and status image data are sent to the console device 30 via the network and recorded in the memory 41.

[0055] Next, the image processing function 54 performs image recognition processing on the acquired condition image data (step S103). For example, the image processing function 54 executes image recognition processing to identify injuries sustained by the target patient based on the condition image of the target patient. In this case, for example, the image processing function 54 may identify a human body part in the image and detect a red part (i.e., a part considered to be a bleeding part) in the human body region as an injury site. Also, for example, the image processing function 54 may detect a physical feature point of the patient by ALD (Anatomical Landmark Detection) and determine the presence or absence of an injury based on the magnitude of deviation between the position of the detected feature point and a reference position.

[0056] Also, for example, the image processing function 54 may be configured to detect the trauma site in the image using an estimation model that indicates a relationship between the condition image data and the trauma site in the condition image. For example, the estimation model may be generated by machine learning or may be constructed as a function of features extracted from the image. The image processing function 54 outputs the result of such image recognition processing to the priority determination function 512.

[0057] Next, the priority determination function 512 determines a priority for transmitting the CT image data of the target patient to the outside based on the presence or absence of the trauma identified by the image processing function 54 (step S104). The priority determination function 512 notifies the instruction function 513 of the determined priority. The instruction function 513 instructs the reconstruction processing function 53 to execute reconstruction processing on the projection data of each part based on the priority notified by the priority determination function 512 (step S105). The reconstruction processing function 53 executes reconstruction processing in response to this instruction, thereby generating CT image data of each part of the target patient. The reconstruction processing function 53 outputs the generated CT image data to the data transmission function 55. The data transmission function 55 sequentially transmits the CT image data output from the reconstruction processing function 53 to the outside (step S106). Specifically, the data transmission function 55 transmits the CT image data to the medical institution that will accept the target patient.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of control regarding the transmission of CT image data in the first embodiment. FIG. 7A shows that, in the case of acquiring projection data for the head, chest, abdomen, and legs of a target patient, abdominal trauma is detected for the patient from the status images acquired by the imaging units 40-1 and 40-2. FIG. 7B shows an example in which, in the case of FIG. 7A, the control function 51 controls the reconstruction processing function 53 to perform reconstruction processing of the projection data acquired for each part of the head, chest, abdomen, and legs in the order of abdomen, head, chest, and legs. By performing such control regarding the transmission of CT image data, the medical institution accepting the patient can give priority to preparing for abdominal treatment for the patient.

[0059] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment thus configured includes a priority determination function 512 that determines the priority of sending CT image data of a scanned patient to the outside based on information about the patient's condition image. With this configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment can send CT image data at an appropriate timing according to the situation at the dispatch site and the condition of the patient.

[0060] Specifically, according to the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, reconstruction processing of projection data is performed in the order of the sites with the highest treatment priority, so that CT image data can be provided to the medical institution accepting the patient in the order of the sites with the highest treatment priority. This allows the medical institution accepting the patient to prioritize preparations for treating the sites with the highest treatment priority for the target patient, making it possible to save more lives.

[0061] For simplicity, the case where the transmission order of CT image data is controlled by controlling the execution order of the reconstruction processes has been described here, but when multiple reconstruction processes are performed in parallel, the reconstruction processes do not necessarily end in the order in which they were started. Therefore, in such a case, if the transmission of CT image data was started in the order in which they were generated, the transmission of CT image data with a higher priority may be delayed until the transmission of CT image data with a lower priority is completed. Therefore, the instruction function 513 may be configured to instruct the data transmission function 55 to transmit CT image data based on the determined priority.

[0062] For simplicity, the case where the target patient has an injury on the abdomen has been described here, but the target patient may have injuries on multiple sites. In this case, the image processing function 54 may be configured to perform image recognition processing to estimate the severity of each injury detected on multiple sites. For example, the image processing function 54 may be configured to perform image recognition processing to detect the size and depth of the injury as the severity of the detected injury, or may be configured to estimate the severity of the injury based on the magnitude of the deviation from the reference position in the ALD. In this case, the priority determination function 512 may be configured to instruct the implementation of reconstruction processing based on the estimated severity of each injury. Also, in this case, the instruction function 513 may be configured to instruct the transmission of CT image data based on the estimated severity of each injury.

[0063] Second embodiment The X-ray CT device 1 in the first embodiment controls the function related to the transmission of CT image data based on the priority of the patient's body part. In contrast, the X-ray CT device 1 in the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it controls the function related to the transmission of CT image data based on the priority among multiple patients. Note that the functional configuration of the X-ray CT device 1 in the second embodiment and the configuration of the CT-equipped vehicle 100 that mounts it are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0064] 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of control processing related to the transmission of CT image data in the second embodiment. This flowchart is assumed to start in a state where the first patient to be scanned is placed on the bed device 20 after the CT-equipped vehicle 100 arrives at the dispatch site.

[0065] In this state, first, the imaging control function 511 instructs the imaging unit 40 to perform an imaging operation, and acquires a status image of the target patient placed on the bed device 20 (step S201). Meanwhile, the control function 51 instructs the gantry device 10 to perform a scan of the target patient (step S202). In response to this instruction, the gantry device 10 performs a scan operation, thereby acquiring projection data of the target patient. The acquired projection data and status image data are sent to the console device 30 via the network and recorded in the memory 41. Next, the image processing function 54 performs image recognition processing on the acquired status image data (step S203). The processing up to this point is similar to steps S101 to S103 in the first control.

[0066] Next, the priority determination function 512 judges whether or not there are multiple patients for whom the reconstruction processing of projection data has not been performed at that time (step S204). Hereinafter, multiple patients for whom the reconstruction processing has not been performed are referred to as "unprocessed patients." Hereinafter, if it is judged that there are no unprocessed patients (step S204-NO), the priority determination function 512 returns the process to step S201. As a result, steps S201 to S203 are sequentially executed for patients waiting to be scanned.

[0067] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that an untreated patient exists (step S204-YES), the priority determination function 512 determines the priority among the untreated patients regarding the transmission of CT image data based on the result of the image recognition process performed on the untreated patients at that time (step S205).To determine the priority, the image processing function 54 in this embodiment executes the image recognition process in step S203 to identify the severity of the target patient based on the condition image data.

[0068] For example, one of the pieces of information indicating the severity of a patient is a triage tag attached to the patient's body. The triage tag is a card with a color corresponding to the severity of the patient. For this reason, for example, the image processing function 54 may be configured to perform an image recognition process to detect the color of the triage tag attached to the patient from each state image data. The image processing function 54 may also be configured to determine the severity of the patient based on the degree of injury (size, depth, degree of deviation from a reference position, etc.) detected for each patient. The image processing function 54 outputs the result of such image recognition process to the priority determination function 512, and the priority determination function 512 notifies the instruction function 513 of the priority determined based on the result of the image recognition process.

[0069] Next, the instruction function 513 instructs the reconstruction processing function 53 to execute reconstruction processing on the projection data of the unprocessed patients based on the priority notified by the priority determination function 512 (step S206). In response to this instruction, the reconstruction processing function 53 executes reconstruction processing to generate CT image data of each target patient. The reconstruction processing function 53 outputs the generated CT image data to the data transmission function 55. The data transmission function 55 sequentially transmits the CT image data output from the reconstruction processing function 53 to the outside (step S207).

[0070] Next, the control function 51 judges whether or not the CT image data of all patients has been transmitted (step S208). If it is judged that the CT image data of all patients has been transmitted (step S208-YES), the control function 51 ends the series of processes of this flowchart. On the other hand, if it is judged that the CT image data of any patient has not been transmitted (step S208-NO), the control function 51 returns the process to step S201 and repeats the series of processes until the CT image data of all patients has been transmitted.

[0071] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of control regarding transmission of CT image data in the second embodiment. Fig. 9A shows a case where projection data is acquired for a plurality of target patients A, B, C, D, and E, and the severity of the plurality of target patients is identified as either category I or category II in triage by the status images acquired by the imaging units 40-1 and 40-2. Fig. 9B shows an example where the control function 51 controls the reconstruction processing function 53 to perform reconstruction processing of the projection data acquired in the order of patients A, B, C, D, and E in the order of patients A, B, C, E, and D in the case of Fig. 9A.

[0072] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the second embodiment thus configured includes a control function 51 that controls each function so that CT image data is transmitted in order from the patient with the highest priority among multiple patients. With such a configuration, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the second embodiment can transmit CT image data at an appropriate timing according to the situation at the dispatch site and the condition of the patient. Specifically, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 of the second embodiment can provide CT image data of patients with high severity on a priority basis to medical institutions that accept patients with high severity. This allows medical institutions that accept patients with high severity to make more sufficient preparations to accept the patients, making it possible to save more lives.

[0073] (Modification) In the above embodiment, the control function 51 controls each function related to the transmission of medical image data based on the priority determined based on the status image data, but the control function 51 may be configured to control related functions based on priority information provided from an external device. For example, the control function 51 may be configured to transmit status image data to a receiving medical institution under the control of the data transmission function 55, and to obtain priority information from the medical institution in response. In this case, the priority may be determined by a doctor at the medical institution who has confirmed the status image.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the case where the X-ray CT device 1 mounted on the vehicle has a wireless communication function with the outside has been described, but the wireless communication function with the outside does not necessarily have to be provided in the X-ray CT device 1. For example, the wireless communication function with the outside may be provided as a function of the vehicle part of the CT-equipped vehicle 100.

[0075] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which CT image data of a patient is transmitted from the CT-equipped vehicle 100 to a receiving medical institution, but the above-described transmission control method of CT image data can also be applied to transmission control of medical image data other than CT image data. For example, the transmission control method of the present embodiment may be applied to transmission and reception of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image data. Also, for example, the transmission control method of the embodiment may be applied to transmission and reception of medical image data within a hospital, or may be applied to transmission and reception between hospitals. Also, the medical image data transmitted by the transmission control method of the present embodiment may be projection data before CT image data is generated by reconstruction processing.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the case has been described where the transmission control function for medical image data is implemented inside the X-ray CT apparatus 1, but the transmission control function of the embodiment may be implemented in another information processing device capable of communicating with the X-ray CT apparatus 1. For example, the transmission control function may be implemented as a so-called cloud server capable of communicating via the Internet, or may be implemented in a system on the side of each medical institution to which the medical image data is to be transmitted.

[0077] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, by having an image acquisition unit that acquires a condition image of the subject, a priority determination unit that determines a priority for transmitting medical image data related to the scanned subject to the outside based on information about the condition image, and an instruction unit that instructs the transmission of the medical image data based on the priority, it is possible to transmit medical image data acquired at the dispatch site at an appropriate timing depending on the situation at the dispatch site and the condition of the patient.

[0078] Although some embodiments of the present invention 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, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 100...CT-equipped vehicle, 1...X-ray CT device, 10...mounting device, 101...inner wall, 102...gap, 103...peripheral inner wall, 104...hole, 11...mounting housing, 12...projector, 121...internal projector, 122...external projector, 13...X-ray tube, 14...X-ray high voltage device, 15...X-ray detector, 16...DAS, 17...fixed frame, 18...rotating frame, 19...control device, 20...bed device, 21...base, 22...bed drive device, 23...top plate, 24...support frame, 30...console device, 41...memory, 42...display, 43...input interface, 430...operation panel, 431...switches, 432...touch panel, 44...wireless communication interface, 40, 40-1, 40-2...imaging unit, 50...processing circuit, 51...control function, 511...imaging control function, 512...priority determination function, 513...instruction function, 52...preprocessing function, 53...reconstruction processing function, 54...image processing function, 55...data transmission function, 61...opening, 70...inner cover, 75...cover, 110...container, 111...door

Claims

1. an image acquisition unit for acquiring a state image of a subject; a priority determination unit that determines a priority for transmitting medical image data related to the scanned subject to an external device based on information related to the status image; an instruction unit that instructs transmission of the medical image data based on the priority; Equipped with the priority determination unit determines priorities for parts of the subject as priorities for transmission of the medical image data, and determines the priorities based on the presence or absence of trauma in each part of the subject; Medical information processing equipment.

2. the priority determination unit determines the priority based on the severity of the injury in each part of the subject. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. an image acquisition unit for acquiring a state image of a subject; a priority determination unit that determines a priority for transmitting medical image data related to the scanned subject to an external device based on information related to the status image; an instruction unit that instructs transmission of the medical image data based on the priority; Equipped with the image acquisition unit acquires the status images for a plurality of subjects; The priority determination unit determines priorities regarding transmission of the medical image data for the plurality of subjects based on status images of the plurality of subjects, and determines the priorities based on results of triage performed on the plurality of subjects. Medical information processing equipment.

4. The medical image data is CT image data generated by a reconstruction processor performing reconstruction processing on projection data acquired by scanning, The instruction unit instructs an execution order of the reconstruction processes based on the priority. The medical information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The computer Acquire a state image of the subject; determining a priority for an external transmission of medical image data relating to the scanned subject based on information relating to the status image; instructing transmission of the medical image data based on the priority; A medical information processing method, comprising: the computer determines priorities for the parts of the subject as priorities for transmitting the medical image data, and determines the priorities based on the presence or absence of trauma in each part of the subject; Medical information processing method.

6. The computer Acquire a state image of the subject; determining a priority for an external transmission of medical image data relating to the scanned subject based on information relating to the status image; instructing transmission of the medical image data based on the priority; A medical information processing method, comprising: The computer acquires the status images for a plurality of subjects; The computer determines priorities for transmitting the medical image data for the plurality of subjects based on status images of the plurality of subjects, and determines the priorities based on results of triage performed on the plurality of subjects. Medical information processing method.

7. On the computer, An image acquisition process for acquiring a state image of the subject; a priority determination process for determining a priority for an external transmission of medical image data relating to the scanned subject based on information about the status image; an instruction process for instructing transmission of the medical image data based on the priority; A program for executing the priority determination process determines priorities of parts of the subject as priorities for transmitting the medical image data, and determines the priorities based on the presence or absence of trauma in each part of the subject; program.

8. A wireless communication interface; an image acquisition unit for acquiring a state image of a subject; a priority determination unit that determines a priority for transmitting medical image data related to the scanned subject to an external device based on information related to the status image; a transmitting unit configured to transmit the medical image data via the wireless communication interface based on the priority; Equipped with The priority determination unit determines a priority for transmission of the medical image data based on the The priority of each part of the subject is determined based on the presence or absence of trauma in each part of the subject. determining the priority based on the CT equipped car.

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