Medical image diagnostic device and medical information display control device

Abstract

To improve the throughput of diagnostic imaging using a medical image diagnostic device.SOLUTION: A medical image diagnostic device according to an embodiment includes an imaging unit, an input unit, a display control unit, and an imaging control unit. The display control unit displays a protocol selection screen including a first display area for displaying multiple imaging protocols each including at least one scan, and a second display area in which multiple icons indicating multiple scans selected from the multiple imaging protocols are arranged and displayed in the order of execution. When scan conditions of the multiple scans in the second display area are modified, the display control unit changes the display of the multiple icons according to the modified scan conditions. The display control unit includes the second display area, and shifts it from the protocol selection screen to a scan execution screen for executing the multiple scans in an order corresponding to the multiple icons being displayed in the second display area as one imaging protocol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical information display control apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In a conventional medical image diagnostic apparatus, an imaging protocol for an examination may be selected from a list containing pre-created imaging protocols, each of which is created in advance as a general-purpose imaging protocol for a specific examination based on, for example, hospital regulations or dose guidelines.

[0003] However, depending on the examination order or the patient's condition, there are cases where the optimal imaging protocol is not available in the list. In such cases, the operator must load a base imaging protocol from the list and then optimize the imaging protocol by performing operations such as adding scans or editing each parameter. In such a situation, the time required to optimize the imaging protocol reduces the throughput of image diagnosis using a medical imaging diagnostic device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 090013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings aim to solve is to improve the throughput of image diagnosis using a medical image diagnostic apparatus. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings aim to solve are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the configurations shown in the embodiments described below can also be considered as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A medical image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes an imaging unit, an input unit, a display control unit, and an imaging control unit. The imaging unit images a subject. The input unit accepts an operation input from an operator. The display control unit causes the display unit to display a protocol selection screen including a first display area displaying a protocol list indicating multiple imaging protocols, each including at least one scan, and a second display area displaying multiple icons indicating multiple scans selected from the multiple imaging protocols in order of execution in response to the first operation input. When scan conditions for the multiple scans in the second display area are modified in response to a second operation input, the display control unit changes the display of the multiple icons in accordance with the modified scan conditions. In response to a third operation input, the display control unit transitions the display screen displayed by the display unit from the protocol selection screen to a scan execution screen including the second display area and for executing the multiple scans as a single imaging protocol in the order corresponding to the multiple icons displayed in the second display area. The imaging control unit modifies the scan conditions in response to the second operation input and controls imaging of the subject in accordance with the imaging protocol displayed in the second area of ​​the scan execution screen. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray computed tomography (CT) apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example (1) of a protocol selection screen displayed on a display according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example (1) of a scan execution screen displayed on a display according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example (2) of a protocol selection screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example (3) of a protocol selection screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example (4) of a protocol selection screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example (5) of a protocol selection screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example (2) of a scan execution screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example (6) of a protocol selection screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example (7) of a protocol selection screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a protocol selection screen (8) displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an examination reservation creation screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example (1) of a protocol creation screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example (2) of a protocol creation screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example (3) of a protocol creation screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example (4) of a protocol creation screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example (9) of a protocol selection screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example (3) of a scan execution screen displayed on the display according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a medical image diagnostic apparatus and a medical information display control apparatus according to each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or substantially the same functions as those described in the previous drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will be described only if necessary. Even when the same parts are shown, the dimensions and proportions may differ depending on the drawing. Components having the same or substantially the same functions as those described in the previous drawings may be distinguished by adding an "a," "b," "c," or "d" suffix. Furthermore, for example, to ensure the visibility of the drawings, reference numerals may be used only to the main components in the description of each drawing, and components having the same or substantially the same functions as those described in the previous drawings may not be used.

[0009] This embodiment illustrates an X-ray computed tomography (CT) device as a medical image diagnostic device and a medical information display control device. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an X-ray CT device 1 according to this embodiment. The X-ray CT device 1 irradiates X-rays from an X-ray tube 11 to a subject P and detects the irradiated X-rays with an X-ray detector 12. The X-ray CT device 1 generates CT image (medical image) data of the subject P based on an output from the X-ray detector 12.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 has a gantry 10, a bed 30, and a console 40. For convenience of explanation, a plurality of gantry 10 are depicted in FIG. 1. The gantry 10 is a scanning apparatus configured to perform X-ray CT imaging of a subject P. The bed 30 is a transport device on which the subject P to be subjected to X-ray CT imaging is placed and which positions the subject P. The console 40 is a computer that controls the gantry 10. For example, the gantry 10 and the bed 30 are installed in a CT examination room, and the console 40 is installed in a control room adjacent to the CT examination room. The gantry 10, the bed 30, and the console 40 are connected to each other by wire or wirelessly so that they can communicate with each other. Here, the gantry 10 and the bed 30 are an example of an imaging unit.

[0011] The console 40 does not necessarily have to be installed in a control room. For example, the console 40 may be installed in the same room as the gantry 10 and the bed 30. Alternatively, the console 40 may be incorporated into the gantry 10.

[0012] In this embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating frame 13 in the non-tilted state or the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 33 of the bed 30 is defined as the Z-axis direction, the axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and horizontal to the floor surface is defined as the X-axis direction, and the axis direction perpendicular to the Z-axis direction and perpendicular to the floor surface is defined as the Y-axis direction.

[0013] Here, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is connected to other apparatuses via, for example, an in-hospital LAN (Local Area Network) installed in a hospital, and is capable of direct or indirect mutual communication. For example, the X-ray CT apparatus 1 is connected to a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) server that stores and processes medical images, other medical image diagnostic apparatuses, and terminal devices on which doctors in charge refer to images. Each apparatus transmits and receives medical images to and from each other in accordance with, for example, the DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard.

[0014] In addition, in a system including the above-mentioned devices, a Hospital Information System (HIS) or a Radiology Information System (RIS) is introduced to manage various types of information. For example, an examination order created by a terminal device in the above-mentioned system is sent to each medical imaging diagnostic device. Each medical imaging diagnostic device acquires patient information from the examination order received directly from the terminal device or from a patient list for each modality (modality worklist) created by the PACS server that received the examination order.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the gantry 10 includes an X-ray tube 11, an X-ray detector 12, a rotating frame 13, an X-ray high voltage device 14, a control device 15, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, and a data acquisition system (DAS) 18.

[0016] The X-ray tube 11 is a vacuum tube having a cathode (filament) that generates thermoelectrons and an anode (target) that generates X-rays upon impact of the thermoelectrons. The X-ray tube 11 irradiates the subject P with X-rays by irradiating the subject P with thermoelectrons from the cathode toward the anode using a high voltage supplied from the X-ray high voltage device 14. Here, the X-ray tube 11 is an example of an X-ray generator. So-called dual-energy CT imaging can be achieved by switching the voltage supplied by the X-ray high voltage device 14 every predetermined number of views during X-ray irradiation. Note that in the embodiment, the X-ray CT device 1 does not necessarily have to be capable of dual-energy CT imaging, and may be an X-ray CT device 1 that can only perform normal single-energy CT imaging. Furthermore, the X-ray CT device 1 is not limited to dual-energy CT imaging, and may also be an X-ray CT device 1 that can perform multi-energy CT imaging that processes data from three or more types of energy.

[0017] The X-ray detector 12 detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube 11 and passing through the subject P, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the detected X-ray dose to the DAS 18. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, an X-ray detection element row in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the channel direction along an arc centered on the focal point of the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray detector 12 has, for example, a structure in which a plurality of X-ray detection elements are arranged in the slice direction (column direction, row direction) in the channel direction. Here, the X-ray detector 12 is an example of an X-ray detection unit.

[0018] The X-ray detector 12 is an indirect conversion type detector having, for example, a grid, a scintillator array, and a photosensor array. The scintillator array has a plurality of scintillators. The scintillator has scintillator crystals that output light with an amount of light corresponding to the amount of incident X-rays. The grid is arranged on the X-ray incident surface of the scintillator array and has an X-ray shielding plate that has the function of absorbing scattered X-rays. The grid is sometimes called a collimator (one-dimensional collimator or two-dimensional collimator). The photosensor array has the function of converting light from the scintillator into an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of light. For example, a photomultiplier tube (PMT) or the like is used as the photosensor.

[0019] The X-ray detector 12 may be a direct conversion type detector having a semiconductor element that converts incident X-rays into an electrical signal.

[0020] The rotating frame 13 is an annular frame that supports the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 so that they face each other, and rotates the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12 using a control device 15 (described later). An image field of view (FOV) is set in an opening 19 of the rotating frame 13. For example, the rotating frame 13 is a casting made of aluminum. Note that the rotating frame 13 can further support an X-ray high voltage device 14, a wedge 16, a collimator 17, a DAS 18, and the like, in addition to the X-ray tube 11 and the X-ray detector 12. The rotating frame 13 can also further support various components not shown in FIG. 1 . Here, the rotating frame 13 is an example of a rotating unit.

[0021] The X-ray high voltage device 14 has a high voltage generator and an X-ray control device. The high voltage generator has electrical circuits such as a transformer and a rectifier, and generates a high voltage to be applied to the X-ray tube 11 and a filament current to be supplied to the X-ray tube 11. The X-ray control device controls the output voltage according to the X-rays emitted by the X-ray tube 11. The high voltage generator may be of a transformer type or an inverter type. The X-ray high voltage device 14 may be provided on the rotating frame 13 in the gantry 10, or on a fixed frame (not shown) in the gantry 10. The fixed frame is a frame that rotatably supports the rotating frame 13. Here, the X-ray high voltage device 14 is an example of an X-ray high voltage unit.

[0022] The control device 15 includes a driving mechanism such as a motor and an actuator, and a processing circuit having a processor, memory, etc. that controls the driving mechanism. The control device 15 receives input signals from the input interface 43 and an input interface provided on the gantry 10, and controls the operation of the gantry 10 and the bed 30. For example, the control device 15 receives input signals and controls the rotation of the rotating frame 13, the tilt of the gantry 10, and the operation of the bed 30.

[0023] The control of tilting the gantry 10 is realized by the control device 15 rotating the rotation frame 13 around an axis parallel to the X-axis direction based on inclination angle (tilt angle) information input through an input interface attached to the gantry 10. The control device 15 may be provided in the gantry 10 or in the console 40.

[0024] The wedge 16 is a filter for adjusting the amount of X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11. Specifically, the wedge 16 is a filter that transmits and attenuates the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 so that the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray tube 11 to the subject P have a predetermined distribution. For example, the wedge 16 is a wedge filter or a bow-tie filter, and is made by processing aluminum or the like to have a predetermined target angle and a predetermined thickness.

[0025] The collimator 17 limits the irradiation range of the X-rays that have passed through the wedge 16. The collimator 17 slidably supports multiple lead plates that shield the X-rays, and adjusts the shape of the slits formed by the multiple lead plates. The collimator 17 is sometimes called an X-ray aperture.

[0026] The DAS 18 reads out from the X-ray detector 12 an electrical signal corresponding to the X-ray dose detected by the X-ray detector 12. The DAS 18 amplifies the read electrical signal and integrates (adds up) the electrical signal over a view period to collect detection data having a digital value corresponding to the X-ray dose over that view period. The detection data is called projection data. The DAS 18 is realized, for example, by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) equipped with circuit elements capable of generating projection data. The projection data is transmitted to the console 40 via a non-contact data transmission device or the like. Here, the DAS 18 is an example of a data acquisition unit.

[0027] The detection data generated by the DAS 18 is transmitted by optical communication from a transmitter having a light emitting diode (LED) provided on the rotating frame 13 to a receiver having a photodiode provided on a non-rotating part of the gantry 10 (for example, a fixed frame; not shown in FIG. 1), and then transferred to the console 40. The method of transmitting data from the rotating frame 13 to the non-rotating part of the gantry 10 is not limited to optical communication, and any non-contact data transmission method may be adopted, or a contact data transmission method may also be adopted.

[0028] The bed 30 is a device on which the subject P to be scanned is placed and moved, and includes a base 31, a bed drive device 32, a top plate 33, and a support frame 34. The base 31 is a housing that supports the support frame 34 so that it can move in the vertical direction. The bed drive device 32 is a drive mechanism that moves the top plate 33 in the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the top plate 33, and includes a motor, an actuator, and the like. The top plate 33 is a plate on which the subject P is placed. The top plate 33 is provided on the upper surface of the support frame 34. The top plate 33 can protrude from the bed 30 toward the gantry 10 so that the entire body of the subject P can be imaged. The top plate 33 is made of, for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which has good X-ray transparency and physical properties such as rigidity and strength. Furthermore, the interior of the top plate 33 is hollow, for example. The support frame 34 supports the tabletop 33 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the tabletop 33. The bed 30 is an example of a medical bed apparatus.

[0029] The console 40 has a memory 41, a display 42, an input interface 43, and a processing circuit 44. Data communication between the memory 41, the display 42, the input interface 43, and the processing circuit 44 is performed via a bus (BUS). Note that although the console 40 will be described as being separate from the gantry 10, the gantry 10 may include the console 40 or some of the components of the console 40.

[0030] 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. For example, the memory 41 stores projection data and reconstructed image data. The memory 41 also stores, for example, an imaging protocol according to the region and purpose of the examination. In the following description, the imaging protocol may be referred to as a scan plan. The imaging protocol may also be simply referred to as a protocol. For example, the memory 41 stores various programs. The storage area of ​​the memory 41 may be located within the X-ray CT device 1 or may be located in an external storage device connected via a network. Here, the memory 41 is an example of a storage unit.

[0031] The display 42 displays various types of information. For example, the display 42 outputs medical images (CT images) generated by the processing circuitry 44, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for receiving various operations from the operator, and the like. The GUI for receiving various operations from the operator includes various operation screens related to editing of the imaging protocol. In the following description, editing of the imaging protocol may be referred to as protocol editing. Any of a variety of displays can be used as the display 42, as appropriate. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), or a plasma display can be used as the display 42. Here, the display 42 is an example of a display unit.

[0032] The display 42 may be installed anywhere in the control room. Alternatively, the display 42 may be installed on the pedestal 10. The display 42 may be a desktop type, or may be configured as a tablet terminal or the like capable of wireless communication with the main body of the console 40. Alternatively, one or more projectors may be used as the display 42.

[0033] The input interface 43 accepts various input operations from the operator, converts the accepted input operations into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the processing circuitry 44. The input interface 43 accepts, for example, acquisition conditions for acquiring projection data, reconstruction conditions for reconstructing CT images, image processing conditions for generating post-processed images from CT images, and the like from the operator. The input interface 43 accepts, for example, various input operations from the operator to various operation screens related to protocol editing. Here, the input interface 43 is an example of an input unit.

[0034] As the input interface 43, for example, a mouse, keyboard, trackball, switch, button, joystick, touchpad, touch panel display, etc. can be used as appropriate. Note that in this embodiment, the input interface 43 is not limited to one having these physical operation components. For example, an example of the input interface 43 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 this electrical signal to the processing circuit 44. The input interface 43 may also be provided on the pedestal 10. The input interface 43 may also be configured as a tablet terminal or the like that is capable of wireless communication with the console 40 main body.

[0035] The processing circuitry 44 controls the overall operation of the X-ray CT apparatus 1. The processing circuitry 44 has a processor and memories such as ROM and RAM as hardware resources. The processing circuitry 44 executes a system control function 45, an image generation function 46, an image processing function 47, a display control function 48, and the like, by the processor executing a program expanded in the memory. Here, the processing circuitry 44 is an example of a processing unit.

[0036] In the system control function 45 , the processing circuit 44 controls various functions of the processing circuit 44 based on input operations received from an operator via the input interface 43 .

[0037] For example, the processing circuitry 44 controls creation, editing, deletion, etc. of a preset imaging protocol or an imaging protocol for an examination based on an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 43. For example, the processing circuitry 44 controls imaging of the subject P in accordance with a selected protocol displayed in a protocol display area of ​​a scan execution screen (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0038] In the image generation function 46, the processing circuitry 44 generates data by performing preprocessing such as logarithmic conversion processing, offset correction processing, inter-channel sensitivity correction processing, and beam hardening correction on the detection data output from the DAS 18. The processing circuitry 44 stores the generated data in the memory 41. Note that the data before preprocessing (detection data) and the data after preprocessing may also be collectively referred to as projection data. The processing circuitry 44 performs reconstruction processing using a filtered back projection method, an iterative reconstruction method, machine learning, or the like on the generated projection data (preprocessed projection data) to generate CT image data. The processing circuitry 44 stores the generated CT image data in the memory 41.

[0039] In the image processing function 47, the processing circuitry 44 converts the CT image data generated by the image generation function 46 into tomographic image data of an arbitrary cross section or three-dimensional image data using a known method, based on an input operation received from an operator via the input interface 43. For example, the processing circuitry 44 performs three-dimensional image processing such as volume rendering, surface rendering, image value projection processing, MPR (Multi-Planar Reconstruction) processing, and CPR (Curved MPR) processing on the CT image data to generate rendered image data of an arbitrary viewpoint direction. Note that the generation of three-dimensional image data such as rendered image data of an arbitrary viewpoint direction may be performed directly by the image generation function 46. The processing circuitry 44 stores the tomographic image data and three-dimensional image data in the memory 41.

[0040] In addition, in the image processing function 47, the processing circuitry 44 generates image data for displaying various display screens related to the selection of an imaging protocol. In the following description, the selection of an imaging protocol may also be referred to as protocol selection.

[0041] In the display control function 48, the processing circuitry 44 displays images on the display 42 based on various image data generated by the image processing function 47. The images displayed on the display 42 include CT images based on CT image data, cross-sectional images based on cross-sectional image data of an arbitrary cross section, and rendering images of an arbitrary viewpoint direction based on rendering image data of an arbitrary viewpoint direction. The images displayed on the display 42 include images for displaying an operation screen and images for displaying notifications and warnings to the operator. The operation screen includes various display screens related to protocol selection. Here, the processing circuitry 44 that realizes the display control function 48 is an example of a display control unit.

[0042] Note that the functions 45 to 48 are not limited to being realized by a single processing circuit. The processing circuit 44 may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and each processor may execute a program to realize each of the functions 45 to 48. Here, the functions 45 to 48 may be realized by being distributed or integrated as appropriate across a single or multiple processing circuits.

[0043] Although the console 40 has been described as a single console that executes multiple functions, multiple functions may be executed by separate consoles. For example, the functions of the processing circuit 44, such as the image generation function 46 and the image processing function 47, may be distributed.

[0044] The processing circuitry 44 is not limited to being included in the console 40, but may be included in an integrated server that collectively processes detection data acquired by a plurality of medical image diagnostic devices.

[0045] The post-processing may be performed by either the console 40 or an external workstation. It may also be performed simultaneously by both the console 40 and the workstation. As the workstation, for example, a computer having a processor that realizes the image generation function 46 and the image processing function 47, and memories such as ROM and RAM as hardware resources can be appropriately used.

[0046] Although not shown in FIG. 1, when imaging is performed while injecting a contrast agent in the X-ray CT device 1, the contrast agent injection device and the processing circuit 44 are communicatively connected, and imaging is performed by linking the timing of injection of the contrast agent by the injection device with the timing of imaging by the X-ray CT device 1.

[0047] In addition, in the reconstruction of X-ray CT image data, either a full scan reconstruction method or a half scan reconstruction method may be applied. For example, in the reconstruction processing function 444, in the full scan reconstruction method, the processing circuitry 44 uses projection data for 360 degrees around the circumference of the subject P. In addition, in the half scan reconstruction method, the processing circuitry 44 uses projection data for 180 degrees + fan angle. In this embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the processing circuitry 44 uses the full scan reconstruction method, which performs reconstruction using projection data for 360 degrees around the circumference of the subject P.

[0048] The technology according to this embodiment can also be applied to various types of X-ray CT apparatus 1, such as third-generation CT and fourth-generation CT. Here, the third-generation CT is a rotate / rotate-type in which the X-ray tube and detector rotate together around the subject. The fourth-generation CT is a stationary / rotate-type in which a large number of X-ray detection elements arranged in a ring shape are fixed and only the X-ray tube rotates around the subject.

[0049] The technology according to this embodiment can be applied to both single-tube X-ray computed tomography apparatuses and so-called multi-tube X-ray computed tomography apparatuses in which multiple pairs of X-ray tubes and detectors are mounted on a rotating ring.

[0050] In this embodiment, an X-ray CT device 1 equipped with an integral type X-ray detector 12 will be described as an example, but the technology according to this embodiment can also be realized as an X-ray CT device 1 equipped with a photon counting type X-ray detector.

[0051] The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment may be configured as a standing CT. In this case, instead of moving the tabletop 33, a support unit may be provided that supports the subject P in a standing position and is configured to be movable along the rotation axis of the rotating unit of the gantry 10, or the tabletop 33 or the bed 30 may not be provided. The X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to this embodiment may also be configured as a mobile CT or dental CT in which the gantry 10 and the bed 30 are movable.

[0052] In this embodiment, an X-ray CT apparatus 1 is used as a medical image diagnostic apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this. The technology according to the embodiment can be applied to other medical image diagnostic apparatuses, such as an MRI apparatus, a PET apparatus, a SPECT apparatus, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus, and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus. In this case, the control circuit of each medical image diagnostic apparatus realizes the same function as the processing circuitry 44 according to the present embodiment.

[0053] Furthermore, display control for protocol editing according to this embodiment is not limited to being realized by the console 40 of the X-ray CT scanner 1, but may also be realized by an external workstation, a PACS viewer, or a combination of these. Alternatively, the X-ray CT scanner 1 may be provided with a gantry 10 and a bed 30, and a common control device for multiple medical image diagnostic devices in a hospital, including the X-ray CT scanner 1, may implement some of the functions of the console 40. In this case, for example, the console 40 may have an input interface 43 and a display 42 that displays a screen display or GUI image from the control device. Input from the input interface 43 is sent to the control device via a communication circuit (not shown) of the console 40 over a communication network, where the control device processes the input. A GUI image updated in response to the input is output by the communication circuit of the control device and received by the communication circuit of the console 40. In this case, the GUI, described below, is partially implemented by the control device. The division of functions between the console 40 and the control device is not limited to this. The console 40 may update the GUI image in response to the input, and the control device may change or update the imaging conditions, scan plan, and protocol information in response to the input or the updated GUI image. The device that realizes the display control related to the protocol editing according to this embodiment is an example of a medical information display control device.

[0054] The selection of an imaging protocol for an examination in image diagnosis using a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0055] In image diagnosis using a medical image diagnostic apparatus such as the X-ray CT apparatus 1, an operator (e.g., a technician or radiologist) operating the medical image diagnostic apparatus determines the contents of the examination based on an examination order sent from a doctor in charge and then performs the examination. At this time, the operator may select an imaging protocol for the examination from a list containing pre-created imaging protocols. Each imaging protocol in the list is created in advance as a general-purpose imaging protocol for a specific examination based on, for example, hospital regulations or dose guidelines. Here, the imaging protocol may include, for example, a positioning scan, a non-contrast scan for each region, or a contrast scan for each region. In other words, when X-ray CT image data is collected based on one imaging protocol, multiple scans are performed and X-ray CT image data corresponding to each scan is collected.

[0056] If the list does not contain the optimal imaging protocol for the examination order or patient condition, the operator may optimize the imaging protocol by loading a base imaging protocol from the list and then performing operations such as adding scans or editing each condition.

[0057] To optimize an imaging protocol, after loading the imaging protocol, the operator must add scans and edit the conditions of each scan. That is, the operator edits the imaging conditions to set conditions suitable for the added scans and existing scans. However, when the imaging conditions are changed, the reconstruction conditions must also be optimized. Therefore, optimizing the imaging protocol increases the number of operations required for the operator to edit the imaging protocol.

[0058] For example, it may be possible to select an imaging protocol suitable for an examination by referring to the conditions of another imaging protocol or a scan used in the past. However, when referring to the conditions of another imaging protocol or a scan used in the past, a procedure is required in which the operator sets the conditions one by one while referring to those conditions, and simplification of the operational steps involved in editing an imaging protocol by an operator is desired.

[0059] In addition, there are cases where the elements that make up an imaging protocol cannot be grasped from the name given to the imaging protocol alone, making it impossible to determine whether the imaging protocol is suitable for the examination. In such cases, it is difficult for the operator to determine whether the imaging protocol is suitable for the examination until the operator edits the imaging protocol, moves to a display screen for executing a scan, and checks the conditions loaded on the display screen.

[0060] Furthermore, there may be multiple imaging protocols that include scans for which the same imaging conditions and reconstruction conditions are set. This is because each protocol is created depending on the difference in the number of time phases in contrast imaging, the presence or absence of subtraction, and so on. When multiple similar imaging protocols exist, managing the imaging protocols can be time-consuming. Of course, the management effort can be reduced by combining imaging protocols, but as mentioned above, condition setting is required after combining (editing) the imaging protocols. For this reason, simply combining imaging protocols is not enough; further simplification of the operation steps by the operator is required.

[0061] As described above, if selecting an imaging protocol suitable for an examination and managing the imaging protocol require a lot of effort, the throughput of image diagnosis using a medical image diagnostic device will decrease. In this embodiment, as described below, a medical image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT device 1 is disclosed that can reduce the number of steps an operator must take to select an imaging protocol suitable for an examination. In addition, this embodiment discloses a medical image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT device 1 that can reduce the effort required to manage the imaging protocol. In other words, this embodiment discloses a medical image diagnostic device such as an X-ray CT device 1 that can improve the throughput of image diagnosis.

[0062] 2 to 18, the display screens displayed on the display by the processing circuitry 44 will be described below. These display screens are screens for the user to set, for example, test conditions and the like, and can be operated in response to input from the input interface 43. The contents displayed on the screen correspond to the test information, and the contents displayed on the screen are changed in response to the user's operational input, and the test information is appropriately input, changed, added, deleted, and other settings are made in response to the changes.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example (1) of a protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment. The protocol selection screen 110 is a screen for selecting, editing, and adjusting a protocol to be used for an examination. The protocol selection screen 110 may be referred to as a protocol editing screen or a protocol adjustment screen. While detailed conditions for each scan included in the protocol are mainly adjusted in the next phase, i.e., the scan execution screen 130 (see, for example, FIG. 3 ), this screen is mainly used to set the overall flow of the protocol, such as the relationship between scans, the timing of pressing the irradiation switch, and the timing of contrast agent injection. Furthermore, settings related to the progress of the scan, such as the presence and content of audio guidance before and after each scan, and settings that are unlikely to change throughout the protocol, such as head-first or feet-first body position, are also set on this screen. Here, the head-first body position refers to a body position in which the patient enters the gantry 10 head-first. Furthermore, the feet-first body position refers to a body position in which the patient enters the gantry 10 feet-first. Furthermore, since the imaging protocol is mainly associated with the region, the region to be imaged is also selected on this screen.

[0064] On the protocol selection screen 110, the processing circuitry 44 displays the flow 210 of the examination in progress. The examination flow 210 includes multiple phases, for example, as shown in FIG. 2. For example, "Registration" indicates the patient registration phase. For example, "Protocol" indicates the protocol selection phase. For example, "Scan" indicates the scan execution phase. For example, "Review" indicates the image review phase. For example, "Finish" indicates the termination option phase. Here, the processing circuitry 44 highlights and displays the current phase of the examination in progress flow 210. For example, on the protocol selection screen 110 of FIG. 2 where the protocol is selected, the processing circuitry 44 highlights the "Protocol" portion indicating the protocol selection phase compared to other portions.

[0065] On the protocol selection screen 110, the processing circuitry 44 displays, for example, a "Back" button 221 and a "Next" button 222 as buttons related to screen transitions, as shown in Fig. 2. The "Back" button 221 instructs returning to the previous phase of the flow 210 under examination. The "Next" button 222 instructs proceeding to the next phase of the flow 210 under examination.

[0066] On the protocol selection screen 110, the processing circuitry 44 displays a protocol selection area 300 (first display area) and a protocol display area 500 (second display area), as shown in FIG.

[0067] In the protocol selection area 300, the processing circuitry 44 displays an attribute selection section 310 for setting a patient attribute, such as "Adult" or "Child," as shown in FIG. 2. The processing circuitry 44 also displays a region selection section 330 for setting an examination region, such as "Whole," "Head," "Neck," "Chest," "Abdomen," "Pelvis," "Leg," or "Arm," as shown in FIG. 2. The processing circuitry 44 highlights and displays the selected patient attribute or examination region. The processing circuitry 44 also displays a position icon 370 indicating the position information of the subject P, as shown in FIG. 2. The position icon 370 is an icon for setting the position of the subject. The operator can select the position icon 370 to set whether to perform head-first or feet-first examination.

[0068] In the protocol selection area 300, the processing circuitry 44 displays a list of multiple imaging protocols applicable to the region selected in the region selection unit 330 in the list display area 350. In the following description, the list of imaging protocols may be simply referred to as a protocol list. In the list display area 350, the processing circuitry 44 displays, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, icons 351 corresponding to at least one imaging protocol valid for the set patient attributes and examination region. "Spectral-H" is an icon 351 indicating a protocol for helical imaging using dual-energy CT or photon-counting multi-energy CT. "Helical" is an icon 351 indicating a protocol for performing a normal helical CT scan. "Subtraction" is an icon 351 indicating a protocol for obtaining a difference image between images obtained by two scans performed before and after injection of a contrast agent. "Contrast 3Phase" is an icon 351 indicating the arterial phase, portal venous phase, and equilibrium phase. For ease of explanation, the display of the imaging protocol as the displayed icon 351 may be simply referred to as the "imaging protocol" below. Also, the imaging protocol as imaging information corresponding to the icon 351 may be described as the icon 351.

[0069] In the protocol display area 500, the processing circuitry 44 displays an icon 510 indicating detailed information about the selected imaging protocol. In the following description, the selected imaging protocol may be simply referred to as a selected protocol. In other words, the icon 510 indicating the selected protocol indicates detailed information about the imaging protocol selected by the operator from the protocol list displayed in the list display area 350. The processing circuitry 44 displays, as the icon 510 indicating the detailed information about the selected protocol, information indicating elements constituting the imaging protocol, such as operations by the operator and scans included in the selected protocol, in chronological order (execution order), for example, from left to right on the screen as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0070] 2, for example, the processing circuitry 44 displays, as information indicating the operation by the operator, an exposure icon 511 indicating the ON operation of the exposure switch and an icon 515 indicating the injection of contrast medium for the imaging protocol indicated by the "Subtraction" icon 351. Below the exposure icon 511, a start mode icon 512 for setting the start mode is displayed. Setting the start mode means setting from which point the exposure switch can be pressed to start a scan, and involves selecting, for example, the "control pad," "gantry," or "hand switch" as the location where the exposure switch is pressed.

[0071] 2, the processing circuitry 44 displays scan icons 513 indicating each of the imaging protocols, "S-Helical," "Non CE," "Real Prep (CT fluoroscopic imaging with contrast agent monitoring)," and "Aterial (imaging in the arterial phase)," included in the imaging protocol indicated by the "Subtraction" icon 351, as information indicating the scans included in the selected protocol. In this way, each imaging protocol includes at least one scan.

[0072] Each scan icon 513 displays information about the scan in a specific format using text or image information. For example, in FIG. 2, within a substantially rectangular frame 531, the name of the scan is displayed in an upper area 532, and the type of scan is displayed using text and an icon in a lower, central area 533. In FIG. 2, examples of scan types displayed using text and icons in area 5133 include "S-Helical (helical imaging for positioning imaging or scanogram imaging)," "Sub-Helical (helical imaging for subtraction)," and "Reap-Prep." Below that, area 534 displays the word "Link," indicating that the settings are for synchronizing the conditions between scans, and an icon indicating the type of condition to be synchronized. For example, each "Non-CE" scan icon 513 displays an icon 5341 indicating that the imaging range in the Z direction is linked, and an icon 5342 indicating that the size of the imaging range (FOV: Field Of View) is linked. "S-Helical" is a scanogram, and "Link" is not displayed, meaning that the imaging conditions are not linked. Within the "Arterial" scan frame, "Link" is displayed, meaning that the imaging conditions are linked and icon 5341 is displayed, indicating that the Z-direction imaging range is the subject of linking. Next to the "Link" display for the "Real Prep" scan, icon 5343 is displayed, indicating a mode in which the subsequent scan (here, the "Arterial" scan) is executed under specific conditions so that it can be started as soon as possible after Prep.

[0073] Furthermore, the time required for the scan is displayed in the area 535 at the bottom.

[0074] There are triangle-shaped protrusions 536 on the left and right sides of the approximately rectangular frame 531, and a speaker icon 5361 is displayed at that position. The presence or absence of an announcement voice at the start of scanning (left side) and the end of scanning (right side) is displayed depending on the type of icon 5361.

[0075] Furthermore, the processing circuitry 44 displays a linking icon 517 between elements that are executed consecutively among elements included in an icon 510 of the selected protocol, as shown in Fig. 2, for example. The processing circuitry 44 also displays an icon 519 that indicates the range of the selected protocol. Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a rectangular frame as the icon 519. Note that the icon 519 that indicates the range of the selected protocol does not necessarily have to be displayed.

[0076] As an example, on the protocol selection screen 110, the operator can display an image capture protocol icon 351 (first image capture protocol) indicating an image capture protocol that the operator wants to select from among the icons 351 of multiple image capture protocols displayed in the list display area 350, by performing a drag-and-drop operation (first operation input) into the protocol display area 500. The drag-and-drop operation may be realized by an operation using a mouse or an operation using a touch panel.

[0077] At this time, the processing circuitry 44 displays the icon 351 of the selected imaging protocol in the protocol selection area 300 as a display indicating an active state, in a manner that is highlighted compared to other parts, based on an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43. Furthermore, the processing circuitry 44 displays the imaging protocol indicated by the selected icon 351 as the icon 510 of the selected protocol in the protocol display area 500.

[0078] Note that the operation by the operator to select an icon 351 of an arbitrary imaging protocol from the protocol selection area 300 and display it in the protocol display area 500 is not limited to a drag-and-drop operation and may be realized by another operation method (first operation input). As an example, the operator single-clicks the icon 351 of the imaging protocol to be selected in the list display area 350 displayed in the protocol selection area 300 on the protocol selection screen 110. Then, with the icon 351 of the imaging protocol to be selected being highlighted, the operator single-clicks the protocol display area 500. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 displays (highlights) the icon 351 of the single-clicked imaging protocol in the protocol selection area 300 in an active state based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43. Furthermore, when the protocol display area 500 is clicked, detailed information of the icon 351 of the imaging protocol in the active state, i.e., the icon 510 of the selected protocol, is displayed in the clicked protocol display area 500.

[0079] The above-mentioned scan icon 513, exposure icon 511, start mode icon 512, link icon 517, and various icons displayed within the frame of the scan icon 513 can be changed in response to a user's operation input for the icon, and various conditions related to the protocol are changed in response to the operation input. For example, clicking the "Real-Prep" link icon 517 displays a link between the "Real-Prep" scan and the "Non-CE" scan (similar to the link display between "Real-Prep" and "Arterial"). Pressing the exposure switch at the start of the Non-CE scan can automatically execute the linked scan as appropriate. The start timing of a subsequent scan among the linked scans can be set as the elapsed time from the preceding event. For example, the start timing of the subsequent scan can be set by setting the elapsed time from the pressing of the irradiation switch, the start or end of the "Non-CE" scan, etc. This setting can also be set in response to a user's operation input for the protocol display area 500.

[0080] Various conditions related to the contrast agent can be set on the protocol selection screen 110 or the scan execution screen 130 (see, for example, FIG. 3 ), but they can also be set on the contrast agent injector side (not shown). When the conditions set on the injector side differ from those set on the X-ray CT scanner 1 side, i.e., when there is a conflict, it is possible to determine in advance which conditions to use. That is, the processing circuitry 44 refers to the setting information stored in the memory 41 of the X-ray CT scanner 1 and determines whether to use the conditions of the X-ray CT scanner 1 or the conditions of the injector. When the conditions of the X-ray CT scanner 1 are used, the processing circuitry 44 transmits the conditions to the injector side. When the conditions of the injector are used, the processing circuitry 44 acquires the conditions set on the injector from the injector and also loads the conditions set in the X-ray CT scanner 1, and determines whether the two conditions match. If they do not match, a message to that effect may be displayed at a predetermined position on the display 42. Furthermore, the conditions obtained from the injection device are set in the X-ray CT device 1, and the information is displayed in the protocol display area 500 of the protocol selection screen 110 or the scan execution screen 130 in a manner that reflects the information. This makes it possible to avoid conflicts between conditions. Furthermore, since it is possible to set in advance which conditions will be used, the effort required for setting conditions can be reduced.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example (1) of a scan execution screen 130 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment.

[0082] On the scan execution screen 130, the processing circuitry 44 displays a protocol display area 500 used to set the protocol on the protocol selection screen 110, which is the display screen for the previous protocol selection phase, as shown in FIG. 3. The processing circuitry 44 also displays a scan information display area 700 including an imaging information display area 750 and a detailed condition display area 775. For example, on the scan execution screen 130 of FIG. 3 where a scan is performed, the processing circuitry 44 displays the "Scan" portion, which indicates the scan execution phase of the flow 210 under examination, so as to be highlighted compared to other portions. On the scan execution screen 130, the edited protocol is displayed, as well as the detailed conditions for the scan specified within the protocol, and the image obtained by the scan can also be confirmed.

[0083] In the imaging information display area 750, the processing circuitry 44 displays information indicating a scan range 791 (791a, 791b) on a human body image 790 such as a human body model or a subject image, as well as scan direction information 792 and body position information 793. The processing circuitry 44 also displays various types of scan-related information such as scan condition information and reconstruction condition information in a detailed condition display area 775. The scan information display area 700 displays an image obtained by scanogram imaging (positioning imaging) to allow the user to set the scan range, and also displays images obtained by scanning during or after the scan so that the user can check them.

[0084] As an example, when the operator selects the "Next" button 222 on the protocol selection screen 110 in Fig. 2, the screen can be transitioned to the scan execution screen 130 while maintaining the display of the protocol display area 500 in Fig. 2, as shown in Fig. 3. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 reads information to be displayed in the scan information display area 700, such as scan conditions, based on the operation of the "Next" button 222 (third operation input) received from the operator via the input interface 43. Thereafter, the processing circuitry 44 displays the scan execution screen 130 and transitions the screen from the protocol selection screen 110.

[0085] In this way, the operator operates the icon 351 indicating the imaging protocol he or she wants to select in the list display area 350 by an operation such as drag and drop (first operation input). This allows the operator to display detailed information of the selected imaging protocol, i.e., the icon 510, in the protocol display area 500. Furthermore, by displaying the icon 510 corresponding to the selected imaging protocol in the protocol display area 500, the operator can easily check the scans and the like included in each imaging protocol. Therefore, even if the operator cannot determine whether the imaging protocol is suitable for the examination based on the name alone, the operator can easily determine its suitability without switching to the scan execution screen 130.

[0086] Furthermore, the operator can check detailed parameter information for collecting X-ray CT image data on the scan execution screen 130 while keeping the elements constituting the imaging protocol selected on the protocol selection screen 110 displayed in the protocol display area 500. Therefore, the operator can easily understand the examination flow, the current status, the next operation, and the like on the scan execution screen 130 using the protocol display area 500. Furthermore, the operator can execute at least one scan in the order according to the scan icon 513 indicating at least one scan displayed in the protocol display area 500 as one imaging protocol.

[0087] The content displayed in the protocol display area 500 on the scan execution screen 130 does not necessarily have to be exactly the same as the content displayed in the protocol display area 500 on the protocol selection screen 110. In other words, it is sufficient that the protocol display areas 500 on both screens are substantially identical. One reason for this is that, due to the presence of other display areas displayed on the scan execution screen 130 and other display areas on the protocol selection screen 110, it may not always be possible to make the sizes of the display areas the same.

[0088] In this case, the protocol display area 500 of the scan execution screen 130 may display a reduced version of the protocol display displayed in the protocol display area 500 of the protocol selection screen 110. In particular, in the case of screen configurations such as those shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the protocol display area 500 of the scan execution screen 130 is smaller, so reducing the display size allows for a more clearly displayed overall image. Alternatively, the protocol display area 500 may be enlarged to more clearly display each scan. Whether on the protocol selection screen 110 or the scan execution screen 130, the protocol display area 500 can be scrolled horizontally to sequentially display protocol information. Alternatively, instead of or in combination with these enlargement / reduction methods, some information may not be displayed, or more information may be displayed. Alternatively, the protocol display area 500 may be hidden when no input is given, and may be displayed with an animation that slides in from the bottom of the screen in response to a specific input, such as positioning the mouse cursor in area 201 near the bottom center of the display. Furthermore, in response to another specific operation, such as moving the mouse cursor away from the displayed protocol display area 500, the protocol display area 500 may be hidden with an animation of the protocol display area 500 sliding out toward the center of the bottom edge. When employing such a pop-up display, for example, only part of the display content displayed in the protocol display area, for example, only the scan being performed, may be constantly displayed on the scan execution screen 130. By employing such a pop-up display, necessary information can be efficiently displayed in a limited display area, contributing to workflow efficiency.

[0089] As described above, slight changes are permitted regarding the display format on each of the protocol selection screen 110 and the scan execution screen 130. For each screen, it is sufficient that the user edits it on the protocol selection screen 110, and that what is displayed on the scan execution screen 130 is recognizable as the display that was displayed on the protocol selection screen 110.

[0090] Here, the function of adjusting the scan range 791 according to one embodiment will be described. For example, assume that the input interface 43 includes a mouse and the scan range is adjusted using the mouse. Note that the human body image 790 including the front image 790a and the side image 790b may use a human body model before scanogram imaging and a subject image obtained by the scanogram after scanogram imaging. When helical imaging or a conventional scan (volume scan) that does not involve movement of the bed 30 is performed as the scanogram, the processing circuitry 44 may generate front image data and side image data from the three-dimensional image obtained by the scan, and display the front image 790a and the side image 790b on the display 42.

[0091] In FIG. 3, size adjustment of scan ranges 791a and 791b is mainly performed in the Z and X directions for front image 790a, and in the Z and Y directions for side image 790b. On the other hand, when adjusting the position of the imaging area, it is convenient to make the frame indicating the imaging area movable in any direction. With the frame indicating the imaging area selected, while the first mouse button is being operated (e.g., right-clicking), the processing circuitry 44 moves the frame in any direction according to the direction of mouse movement. On the other hand, while the second mouse button is being operated (e.g., left-clicking), the processing circuitry 44 performs display control to move the frame only up and down or only left and right on the screen. This control is performed by extracting the up and down component or the left and right component from the direction of mouse movement and moving the frame according to that component.

[0092] The vertical and horizontal directions are selected by selecting the direction in which the first movement exceeds a predetermined amount after the second button operation is initiated, for example. For example, in response to the second button operation, vertical and horizontal displacements are accumulated separately during the button operation, and the direction in which the accumulated amount first exceeds a predetermined threshold is selected as the movement direction. When the vertical direction is selected, the movement of the frame corresponding to the mouse may be restricted (e.g., not moved) during the accumulation period. When the first movement direction (e.g., vertical) is selected, the processing circuitry 44 moves the frame in the first movement direction corresponding to the mouse operation direction while restricting movement of the frame in the second movement direction (horizontal). When the second movement direction is selected, the processing circuitry 44 moves the frame in the second movement direction corresponding to the mouse operation direction while restricting movement of the frame in the first movement direction. When the second button operation is terminated, the processing circuitry 44 releases the restriction on the movement direction. This control allows the scan ranges 791a and 791b to be adjusted more efficiently.

[0093] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example (2) of the protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment.

[0094] 2, a case has been described in which the contents of the imaging protocol can be confirmed on the protocol selection screen 110 in the same state as on the scan execution screen 130 by displaying the icon 510 indicating the selected protocol by a drag-and-drop operation or the like, but this is not limiting. There may also be a mode in which the contents of the imaging protocol indicated by the icon 351 are displayed by the following display.

[0095] In the protocol selection area 300, the processing circuitry 44 displays a scan list 353. The scan list 353 indicates scans included in the imaging protocol selected by the operator from the list display area 350. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the processing circuitry 44 displays icons indicating each scan included in the imaging protocol indicated by the "Contrast 3Phase" icon 351 as the scan list 353. In the example of FIG. 2, the scan list 353 includes icons indicating each of the scans: "S-Helical," "Real Prep," "Helical," "Helical," and "Helical."

[0096] As an example, while the icon 351 of the imaging protocol to be selected is highlighted, the operator single-clicks again (fourth operation input) the highlighted icon 351 of the imaging protocol. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 pops out and displays the scan list 353 of the imaging protocol indicated by the clicked active icon 351, based on the input operation (fourth operation input) received from the operator via the input interface 43. Furthermore, the operator can select a scan included in the imaging protocol indicated by the icon 351, i.e., a scan in the scan list 353, in the same way as the operation on the icon 351 in the list display area 350 (first operation input). The same applies to the processing of the processing circuitry 44.

[0097] In addition, the pop-up display of scan list 353 may display only the scan name as shown in FIG. 4, or may display in a format similar to that displayed in protocol display area 500 in FIGS.

[0098] In this way, the operator can pop up a scan list 353 by single-clicking twice on the icon 351 of the imaging protocol that the operator wants to check from the list display area 350, and can easily check the scan list 353 using this pop-up display.

[0099] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example (3) of a protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment.

[0100] It has been explained that when an imaging protocol icon 351 is selected by a drag-and-drop operation or the like, detailed information about that protocol is displayed, but during this display state, operations such as adding, inserting, replacing, and deleting another imaging protocol (second operation input) are also possible. Here, with reference to Fig. 5, an example will be described in which the imaging protocol icon 351 (second imaging protocol) of "Contrast 3Phase" is further selected on the protocol selection screen 110 of Fig. 2.

[0101] As an example, the operator drags and drops the icon 351 of the imaging protocol "Contrast 3Phase" that the operator wants to select into the protocol display area 500. When the processing circuitry 44 detects the start of the drag-and-drop operation for the icon 351 based on an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43, the processing circuitry 44 displays icons 521 (521a to 521d) in the protocol display area 500 indicating positions where an icon 510 showing detailed information about the imaging protocol can be inserted. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the icon 521 as a solid line. This allows the operator to easily grasp the positions where the icon 510 corresponding to the imaging protocol "Contrast 3Phase" can be inserted when starting the drag-and-drop operation.

[0102] For example, the operator drops the icon 351 of the "Contrast 3Phase" imaging protocol into the rear area (icon 521d and its right position in FIG. 5) of the protocol display area 500. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 adds and displays the icon 510b of "Contrast 3Phase" after (at the end of) the icon 510a of "Subtraction," as shown in FIG.

[0103] For example, the operator drops the icon 351 of the "Contrast 3Phase" imaging protocol into the top area (the position of the icon 521a in FIG. 5) of the protocol display area 500. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 adds and displays the "Contrast 3Phase" icon 510b at the top of the currently displayed selected protocol icon 510, i.e., before the "Subtraction" icon 510a.

[0104] For example, the operator drops the icon 351 of the "Contrast 3Phase" imaging protocol between the scan icons 513 (at the position of icon 521b or 521c in FIG. 5) included in the "Subtraction" icon 510a displayed in the protocol display area 500. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 adds and displays the "Contrast 3Phase" icon 510b between the scan icons 513 of the "Subtraction" icon 510a.

[0105] The operator can also drop the "Contrast 3Phase" icon 351 into the space 523 at the top of the protocol display area 500. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 replaces the currently displayed "Subtraction" icon 510a with the "Contrast 3Phase" icon 510b.

[0106] The operator can also drop the "Subtraction" icon 510a currently displayed in the protocol display area 500 onto an edge of the protocol selection screen 110 or onto the list display area 350. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 deletes the displayed "Subtraction" icon 510a from the protocol display area 500. The processing circuitry 44 can also separately display, on the protocol selection screen 110, an icon indicating the drop destination for deleting the icon 510 of the selected protocol from the protocol display area 500.

[0107] Furthermore, when a plurality of imaging protocols are combined, the operator can rearrange the icons 510 (icons 510a and 510b in FIG. 5) of the selected protocols being displayed in the protocol display area 500, for example, by a drag-and-drop operation. In this case, when the processing circuitry 44 detects the start of a drag-and-drop operation on an icon 510 in the protocol display area 500 based on an input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43, as described above, the processing circuitry 44 displays icons 521 (521a to 521d) in the protocol display area 500 indicating positions at which the icon 510 corresponding to the imaging protocol can be inserted.

[0108] Although the example shows a case where, when the start of a drag-and-drop operation is detected, icons 521 (521a to 521d) indicating positions where an icon 510 corresponding to an imaging protocol can be inserted are displayed in the protocol display area 500, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0109] For example, the processing circuitry 44 may indicate to the operator that an icon 521 can be inserted or added at that position when the icon 351 of the imaging protocol is dragged close to the target position in the protocol display area 500.

[0110] Furthermore, the processing circuitry 44 can also display an animation corresponding to the drag operation, for example, instead of the icon 521. As an example, when the imaging protocol icon 351 is brought closer to the target position in the protocol display area 500 by a drag operation, the processing circuitry 44 may display the icons 510 adjacent to the positions where insertion is possible by widening the spacing between the icons. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 does not change the spacing for positions where insertion or addition is not possible.

[0111] Furthermore, when the start of a drag-and-drop operation is detected, the processing circuitry 44 can also highlight and display replaceable icons 510 among the displayed icons 510. As an example, the processing circuitry 44 may highlight and display replaceable icons 510 with a border around them.

[0112] In addition, the processing circuit 44 may highlight and display the icon 510 of the selected protocol that can be replaced not only when the start of a drag-and-drop operation is detected, but also when the icon 351 of the shooting protocol is brought closer to the target position in the protocol display area 500 by a drag operation.

[0113] In addition, the processing circuitry 44 may cancel the display of the icon 519 indicating that it is within the icon 510 of the selected protocol in response to an operation input by the operator, and allow an icon 510 of another shooting protocol to be inserted between the scan icons 513 within the icon 510 of the selected protocol.

[0114] In this way, the operator can easily edit the icon 510 of the selected protocol in the protocol display area 500 by performing operations such as drag and drop. In other words, the number of operational steps required for the operator to edit the protocol can be reduced.

[0115] 5, protocol editing on a protocol-by-protocol basis, such as adding or inserting an imaging protocol to the protocol display area 500, or replacing, moving (rearranging), or deleting a selected protocol being displayed, has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, scans included in an imaging protocol can be added or inserted on a scan-by-scan basis in the protocol display area 500 by using an operation such as drag and drop. Similarly, icons of each scan included in the icons 510 (510a, 510b) being displayed in the protocol display area 500 can be replaced, moved (rearranged), or deleted on a scan-by-scan basis. Even in this embodiment, the same effects as those described above can be obtained.

[0116] In response to an operation input by the operator, the processing circuitry 44 may cancel the connection between scans set to be executed consecutively among the scan icons 513, for example, as shown by the connection icon 517 in Fig. 2. In this case, the operator can insert either a protocol unit or a scan unit at the position of the connection icon 517.

[0117] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example (4) of the protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment. Here, with reference to Fig. 6, an example will be described in which the icons 351 for the imaging protocols "Spectral" and "Helical" are further selected on the protocol selection screen 110 of Fig. 2.

[0118] 5, the operator drags and drops the icons 351 of the imaging protocols "Spectral" and "Helical" that the operator wants to select into the protocol display area 500. Based on the input operation received from the operator via the input interface 43, the processing circuitry 44 adds and displays icons 510b and 510c of the selected protocols at positions in the protocol display area 500 that correspond to the drop position of the operator.

[0119] In this way, when icons 510 of multiple selected protocols are displayed in the protocol display area 500, the processing circuitry 44 can also display an icon "<<" indicating a collapsed display or an icon ">>" indicating an expanded display of the icon 510 of the selected protocol in a collapsed state, together with the icon 510 of each selected protocol, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0120] As an example, the operator selects the icon "<<" to instruct a collapsed display. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 collapses and displays the icon 510 of the selected protocol, as shown by the icons 510a and 510b of the selected protocol in FIG. 6. The processing circuitry 44 also displays the names of the scans included in the collapsed selected protocol.

[0121] As an example, the operator selects the icon ">>" to instruct an expanded display. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 expands and displays the icon 510, as in the icon 510c of the selected protocol in Figure 6. Here, the expanded and displayed icon 510 is similar to the display of the icon 510 of the selected protocol illustrated in Figure 2, for example.

[0122] Therefore, for the selected protocol icon 510c in the expanded state, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the selected protocol can be edited on a protocol or scan basis by, for example, drag and drop operation.

[0123] On the other hand, for the icons 510a and 510b of the selected protocol in the collapsed state, the selected protocol can be edited on a protocol-by-protocol basis, for example, by a drag-and-drop operation. That is, icons of the imaging protocol, the scans included in the imaging protocol, other selected protocols, and the scans included in the selected protocol in the expanded state can be added or inserted before or after the icon 510 of the selected protocol in the collapsed state. Similarly, the icon 510 of the selected protocol in the collapsed state can be deleted as a whole protocol, added or inserted before or after the icon 510 of another selected protocol or between the scan icons 513 included in the icon 510 of the selected protocol in the expanded state, or replaced with the icon of the imaging protocol or the icons of the scans included in the imaging protocol.

[0124] In this way, when multiple selected protocol icons 510 are displayed in the protocol display area 500, the operator can arbitrarily switch the display of each selected protocol icon 510 between an expanded state and a collapsed state. This allows the operator to easily edit on a protocol-by-protocol basis. In addition, the number of scan icons 513 displayed in the protocol display area 500 can be reduced, making it easier to grasp the entire set of selected protocols being displayed.

[0125] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example (5) of the protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example (2) of the scan execution screen 130 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment.

[0126] By editing the icon 510 of the selected protocol being displayed by the drag-and-drop operation or the like as described above, it is possible to automatically optimize the scans in the selected protocol being displayed.

[0127] For example, the positioning shot is an examination element that is always present in each preset shooting protocol. Therefore, when icons 510 corresponding to multiple shooting protocols are added or inserted in the protocol display area 500, multiple positioning shots will exist in the selected protocol.

[0128] For example, an imaging protocol for a contrast examination may include examination elements such as an imaging protocol and a monitoring scan, which are generally examination elements that only need to be performed once per examination.

[0129] Therefore, the processing circuitry 44 can automatically optimize the combined selected protocol by, for example, automatically deleting one of the scan icons 513 (typically the second or subsequent scans) that indicate overlapping scans.

[0130] Fig. 7 illustrates an example in which the icon 351 of the "Spectral" imaging protocol is further selected on the protocol selection screen 110 of Fig. 2. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 deletes the "S-Helical" scan icon 513 included in the newly selected "Spectral" imaging protocol as an automatic optimization.

[0131] As described above, the scan icons 513 of the selected protocol icons 510 displayed in the protocol display area 500 can be rearranged. For this reason, in the protocol display area 500 of the protocol selection screen 110, the processing circuitry 44 may display the scan icons 513 of the scans to be deleted in a manner that indicates that the scan icons 513 are the scans to be deleted (indicated by dotted hatching in FIG. 7).

[0132] As an example, the processing circuitry 44 indicates that the scan is to be deleted by increasing the transparency of the scan icon 513, such as by displaying the scan icon 513 semi-transparently. As an example, the processing circuitry 44 indicates that the scan is to be deleted by displaying only the outline of the scan icon 513. Then, the processing circuitry 44 deletes the scan icon 513 indicating the scan to be deleted, for example, at the same time as the screen display transitions from the protocol selection screen 110 to the scan execution screen 130. FIG. 8 illustrates the scan execution screen 130 after transition from the protocol selection screen 110 of FIG. 7. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the processing circuitry 44 deletes the "S-Helical" scan icon 513 included in the "Spectral" imaging protocol as automatic optimization.

[0133] In addition, the processing circuitry 44 does not need to display the scan icon 513 of the scan to be deleted.

[0134] The processing circuitry 44 may indicate the presence of scans to be deleted in the icon 510 of the selected protocol in the collapsed state. As shown in FIG. 6, the processing circuitry 44 displays, for example, a filled-in box next to the name of a scan included in the selected protocol for the icon 510b of the selected protocol in the collapsed state. In the selected protocol icon 510b of FIG. 6, a filled-in box is displayed next to the scan name "S-Helical," indicating that the scan is to be deleted. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 6, a hollow box is displayed next to the name of a scan that is not to be deleted, i.e., a scan that is scheduled to be executed.

[0135] In addition, the processing circuitry 44 removes the scan to be deleted from the list of scans to be deleted or changes the scan to be deleted to another scan in accordance with a change in the icon 510 of the selected protocol being displayed. For example, when a positioning image to be deleted is changed to the first positioning image in the selected protocol being displayed, the processing circuitry 44 removes the scan of that positioning image from the list of scans to be deleted. At this time, if there is a subsequent positioning image that was not the target of deletion, the processing circuitry 44 sets that positioning image as the scan to be deleted.

[0136] When an imaging protocol or an individual scan within it is added or inserted from another imaging protocol, the set values ​​may differ between the imaging protocols. In this case, the operator must read the detailed conditions on the scan execution screen, then return to the setting screen to edit the conditions and adjust them to match the conditions of the reference imaging protocol or scan.

[0137] In this situation, the processing circuitry 44 in the X-ray CT apparatus 1 according to the embodiment is not limited to optimizing the entire selected protocol being displayed, but can also optimize conditions for individual scans. For example, the processing circuitry 44 can automatically set conditions such as the FOV, bed position, and imaging direction for the entire selected protocol being displayed in the protocol display area 500.

[0138] However, for example, when a selected protocol is configured by combining an imaging protocol for the head and an imaging protocol for the chest, matching the conditions may result in a failure to obtain the desired image in either protocol.On the other hand, there are many cases where there is no problem in using the same conditions for the imaging protocol for the chest and the imaging protocol for the abdomen.

[0139] Therefore, the processing circuitry 44 determines whether the imaging protocols are of a type that can be synchronized, and automatically sets (optimizes) conditions only for imaging protocols of a type that can be synchronized. For example, to determine the combination of imaging protocols, the processing circuitry 44 enables a setting to turn on / off condition synchronization on the protocol selection screen 110. As another example, the processing circuitry 44 determines the combination of imaging protocols by referring to determination data for making a determination according to the region of the imaging protocol. For example, this determination data is predetermined and stored, for example, in the memory 41, and includes a correspondence between the region and the scanning conditions and a threshold value related to whether synchronization is possible. As another example, the determination data is a machine learning model whose parameters have been trained to output whether synchronization is possible in response to input of the region and the scanning conditions. In this case, the parameters of the machine learning model are predetermined (trained) and stored, for example, in the memory 41.

[0140] For example, for imaging protocols in which the same part of the subject is to be imaged, the processing circuitry 44 automatically sets the conditions for subsequent scans to match the scan performed earlier (also referred to as the reference scan). For example, from the viewpoint of standardizing image quality, the processing circuitry 44 standardizes the FOV of subsequent scans to match the reference scan between imaging protocols in which the subject P has a different body shape. The processing circuitry 44 automatically sets (optimizes) the conditions between imaging protocols in which the subject P has a different body position, such as a different imaging direction or bed position.

[0141] On the other hand, the processing circuitry 44 does not automatically set (optimize) conditions between imaging protocols for different regions, such as between an imaging protocol for the head and an imaging protocol for the chest.

[0142] In this way, by automatically setting (optimizing) conditions between synchronized imaging protocols, it is possible to reduce the operator's operational steps and effort, such as checking each condition of the imaging protocol and adjusting it to the reference scan.

[0143] 9 is a diagram showing an example (6) of the protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 illustrates a case where conditions are set collectively on the protocol selection screen 110 of Fig. 5.

[0144] Note that, although we have explained the case where conditions are automatically set (optimized) between synchronized imaging protocols for each scan indicated by the icon 510 of the selected protocol displayed in the protocol display area 500, it is also possible to arbitrarily apply specific conditions all at once or by specifying them.

[0145] In the protocol display area 500, the processing circuitry 44 displays, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a collective setting list 525 for applying specific conditions collectively or by designating them as desired.

[0146] For example, the operator selects a range of the icons 510 of the currently displayed selected protocols in the protocol display area 500 to which specific conditions are to be applied collectively or by designation. For example, the operator single-clicks to select the icons 510 of the currently displayed selected protocols to be applied. Then, the operator pulls down the "Bulk Condition Setting" tab at the top of the protocol display area 500 to display the bulk setting list 525 and selects the conditions to be applied. At this time, when some or all of the currently displayed selected protocol icons 510 are active and the "Bulk Condition Setting" tab is selected, the processing circuitry 44 displays the bulk setting list 525. Furthermore, when a condition in the bulk setting list 525 is selected, the processing circuitry 44 applies (modifies) the selected condition to the currently displayed selected protocol icons 510 that are active.

[0147] FIG. 9 illustrates a case in which the conditions "Radiation Exposure Reduction (AiCE)," "Radiation Exposure Reduction (FIRST)," "AEC," and "Examination Condition Linkage" are displayed as a batch setting list 525. "Radiation Exposure Reduction (AiCE)" and "Radiation Exposure Reduction (FIRST)" are examples of conditions aimed at radiation exposure reduction, and indicate noise reduction processing such as Advanced Intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE) or FIRST, and reduction of tube voltage and tube current in accordance with the processing. "AEC" is an example of a condition aimed at radiation exposure reduction, and indicates the AEC (Automatic Exposure Control) function and its condition settings. Furthermore, "Examination Condition Linkage" indicates the collective application of ON / OFF of condition linkage (synchronization) in a batch, similar to the determination of the combination of the above-mentioned imaging protocols.

[0148] The collective setting list 525 may include a subtraction processing setting. For example, the operator selects and activates "Pre-scan (icon 510a in FIG. 9)" and "Post-scan (icon 510b in FIG. 9)" in the protocol display area 500. The operator then sets "Subtraction" in the collective setting list 525. This allows the operator to set any scan displayed in the protocol display area 500 to undergo subtraction processing in post-processing.

[0149] 9, both the "Subtraction" icon 510a and the subsequent "Contrast 3Phase" icon 510b include the "Real Prep" scan icon 513. In this case, when the application of subtraction processing is selected, the processing circuitry 44 determines that the "Real Prep" scan included in the selected protocol for "Contrast 3Phase" is a scan to be deleted, as described above.

[0150] When an imaging protocol is created in advance, the examination time may be predicted from the predicted radiation dose and the total scan time. However, as described above, the content of the protocol may change significantly, such as when imaging protocols are combined or partially deleted in the protocol display area 500. Therefore, the processing circuitry 44 calculates the radiation dose and examination time after protocol editing for the entire selected protocol displayed in the protocol display area 500, and displays them on the protocol selection screen 110, for example.

[0151] For example, the processing circuitry 44 can calculate and display predicted values ​​such as the total scan time, total radiation exposure, tube heat output, and time required for reconstruction when performed individually or in combination. For example, when some of the icons 510 of selected protocols displayed in the protocol display area 500 are in an active state selected by the operator, the processing circuitry 44 may perform calculations for the selected protocol indicated by the active icon 510.

[0152] This allows the operator to understand this information in advance without transitioning to the scan execution screen 130, and use it as a basis for deciding whether the selected or edited protocol is appropriate for the examination.

[0153] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example (7) of the protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example (8) of the protocol selection screen 110 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment. Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate an example in which the icon 391 of the imaging protocol "Helical" is further selected in the history list display area 390 on the protocol selection screens 110 of Figs. 2 and 4, respectively.

[0154] So far, we have described protocol selection by referencing the preset imaging protocols in the list display area 350 and displaying them as the selected protocol icon 510, but this is not limiting. It is also possible to use imaging protocols that have been used in the past as the selected protocol.

[0155] On the protocol selection screen 110, the processing circuitry 44 displays a history list display area 390. In the history list display area 390, the processing circuitry 44 displays a history list including an icon 391 of at least one imaging protocol that has been used in the past, as shown in FIG. 10, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the history list display area 390 includes icons 391 of the imaging protocols "Subtraction," "Contrast 3Phase," and "Helical." Furthermore, the processing circuitry 44 displays, as a scan list 393, icons indicating scans included in the imaging protocol of the icon 391 selected in the history list display area 390, as shown in FIG. 11, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the scan list 393 includes icons indicating each of the scans "S-Helical," "Real Prep," "Helical," "Helical," and "Helical," similar to the scan list 353 in FIG. 4.

[0156] In addition, when the imaging of the selected protocol displayed in the protocol display area 500 on the scan execution screen 130 is completed, the processing circuitry 44 stores the selected protocol used, for example in memory 41, as the imaging protocol in the history list display area 390.

[0157] The pop-up display of scan list 393 may display only the scan name, similar to scan list 353 in FIG. 4, or may display in the same format as that displayed in protocol display area 500.

[0158] For example, the operator can select an icon 391 of an imaging protocol in the history list display area 390 in the same manner as the operation on the icon 351 of an imaging protocol in the list display area 350 described with reference to Fig. 2 etc. Furthermore, the operator can select a scan included in the imaging protocol using each icon in the scan list 393 in the same manner as the operation on the icon of a scan in the scan list 353 described with reference to Fig. 4 etc. The same applies to the processing of the processing circuitry 44.

[0159] In this way, when editing a protocol in the protocol display area 500 by an operation such as drag and drop, it is possible to easily use an imaging protocol or its scan that has been used in the past.

[0160] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an examination reservation creation screen 150 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment.

[0161] Note that the technology related to protocol editing by operations such as drag and drop according to the embodiment can also be applied to creating the examination reservation 610. That is, the operator can create the examination reservation 610 by selecting the icon 351 of the imaging protocol in the same way as in the protocol editing according to the embodiment.

[0162] For example, the operator can transition the screen display from the protocol selection screen 110 to the examination appointment creation screen 150 by selecting examination appointment through mode settings in "Registration," which indicates the patient registration phase of the flow 210 during examination. Alternatively, the operator may be able to select examination appointment using a menu display that is opened by selecting a home button 219 displayed in the upper left corner of the protocol selection screen 110 or the scan execution screen 130. Similarly, the operator may be able to transition the screen display to the protocol selection screen 110 or the like by selecting protocol editing using a menu display that is opened by selecting the home button 219 displayed in the upper left corner of the examination appointment creation screen 150.

[0163] In the examination appointment creation screen 150, the processing circuitry 44 displays a protocol selection area 300 and an examination appointment display area 600, as shown in FIG. 12. The examination appointment display area 600 corresponds to the above-mentioned protocol display area 500. That is, in the examination appointment display area 600, the processing circuitry 44 displays icons of examination appointments 610a, 610b, 610c (610). The examination appointment icon 610 corresponds to the above-mentioned selected protocol icon 510. The processing circuitry 44 displays information indicating elements constituting the imaging protocol, such as operations by the operator and scans, included in the examination appointment, in chronological order. Here, the examination appointment creation screen 150 is an example of a protocol selection screen. Furthermore, the examination appointment display area 600 is an example of a second display area.

[0164] As an example, on the examination appointment creation screen 150, the operator can insert or add the icon 351 of the imaging protocol that the operator wants to select from the list display area 350 or the history list display area 390 displayed in the protocol selection area 300 by an operation such as drag and drop into the examination appointment display area 600, in the same way as in the protocol editing described above with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 6. The same applies to the processing of the processing circuitry 44.

[0165] In the example shown in Fig. 12, by using a drag-and-drop operation, for example, the imaging protocols represented by the three icons 351, "Substraction," "Spectral," and "Helical," are displayed as examination reservation icons 610a, 610b, and 610c, respectively, in the examination reservation display area 600. The examination reservation icons 610 are displayed in the order of execution, similar to the selected protocol icons 510. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the first examination reservation (icon 610a in Fig. 12) is executed as the first examination, and when the phase of the flow 210 during that examination is set to "Finish," the examination of the second examination reservation (icon 610b in Fig. 12) automatically starts.

[0166] Note that, in the examination appointment display area 600 of the examination appointment creation screen 150, automatic condition setting between examination appointments is not performed, unlike the automatic optimization of the combined selected protocols described above with reference to Figures 6 to 8. On the other hand, as described above with reference to Figure 9, it is possible to arbitrarily apply specific conditions collectively or by designating them between examination appointments.

[0167] As a result, even when it is desired to clearly distinguish between executed imaging protocols, it is possible to add imaging protocols and execute each protocol separately by the same operation as when executing a series of scans included in the displayed selected protocol icon 510 as one protocol. Also, although examination reservations are exemplified here as an example of when it is desired to clearly distinguish between executed imaging protocols, this can also be applied to cases where it is desired to execute each selected protocol displayed in the protocol display area 500 separately.

[0168] Note that protocol editing by operations such as drag and drop according to the embodiment may be applied not only to the protocol selection screen 110 but also to the scan execution screen 130. In this case, on the scan execution screen 130, the processing circuitry 44 may display, for example, an icon 351 of an imaging protocol and a scan list 353 for adding the scan. Alternatively, on the scan execution screen 130, after executing some or all of the scans of the selected protocol displayed in the protocol display area 500, the processing circuitry 44 transitions the screen display to the protocol selection screen 110 in response to, for example, the operator's selection of the "Back" button 221 (fifth operation input). Thereafter, on the protocol selection screen 110, the processing circuitry 44 can perform protocol editing, such as adding an imaging protocol (third imaging protocol) and its scan, in response to an operation such as drag and drop on the icon 351 by the operator, as described above.

[0169] 13 to 16 are diagrams showing examples (1) to (4) of a protocol creation screen 170 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment, respectively.

[0170] Furthermore, protocol editing by operations such as drag and drop according to the embodiment may be applied to a protocol creation screen 170 for presetting an imaging protocol. Here, the protocol creation screen 170 is an operation screen for creating or correcting an imaging protocol to be selected as a selected protocol to be executed for a subject P on the protocol selection screen 110 after registering information (patient information) of the subject P. Here, the protocol creation screen 170 is an example of a protocol selection screen.

[0171] FIG. 13 illustrates an initial state of the protocol creation screen 170. FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate an example of the state of the protocol creation screen 170 while a protocol is being displayed. FIG. 16 illustrates an example of the state of the protocol creation screen 170 after a protocol has been loaded. Here, FIGS. 13 to 15 each correspond to the protocol selection screen 110. In the protocol creation screens 170 of FIGS. 13 to 15, the processing circuitry 44 displays a protocol selection area 300 and a protocol display area 500. Also, FIG. 16 corresponds to the scan execution screen 130. In the protocol creation screen 170 of FIG. 16, the processing circuitry 44 displays a protocol display area 500 and a scan information display area 700. Note that the operator's operations and the processing of the processing circuitry 44 on the protocol creation screen 170 are similar to those of the protocol editing described above.

[0172] 13, an icon 355 indicating a new protocol is displayed in the list display area 350. The operator starts protocol creation by, for example, selecting the icon 355 indicating the new protocol. At this time, in response to the operator's selection of the icon 355 indicating the new protocol, the processing circuitry 44 specifies the icon 351 as the display position of the created imaging protocol after an imaging protocol is created by subsequent processing, for example.

[0173] As shown in Fig. 14, the processing circuitry 44 displays the imaging protocol or its scans of icon 351 selected by the operator's operation as icon 510 of the selected protocol in the protocol display area 500 in the order of execution, in the same manner as in the protocol editing described above. The processing circuitry 44 can also display a scan list 353 in response to the operator's operation, as shown in Fig. 15. The processing circuitry can also display icons 521a, 521b, 521c, and 521d at positions where each imaging protocol or its scan can be added or inserted.

[0174] When the operator selects the "Edit" button 225, the protocol creation screen 170 in Figures 14 and 15 transitions to the protocol creation screen 170 in Figure 16. In response to the operator selecting the "Edit" button 225 while the icon 510 of the selected protocol is displayed in the protocol display area 500, the processing circuitry 44 reads the selected protocol indicated by the icon 510 being displayed in the protocol display area 500, as shown in Figure 16.

[0175] 16, the operator can perform protocol editing operations such as adding, inserting, replacing, and deleting the imaging protocol icon 351, in the same way as when the above-mentioned protocol editing is performed on the scan execution screen 130. The processing circuitry 44 may display an icon 522 indicating a position where the scan icon 513 can be inserted. The icon 521 may be displayed instead of the icon 522. The icon 522 may also be displayed on the above-mentioned protocol selection screen 110.

[0176] As described above, the protocol display area 500 of the protocol creation screen 170 displays the contents of the protocol in the same manner as those displayed on the previously described protocol selection screen 110 and scan execution screen 130. Also, similar to the previously described protocol selection screen 110 and scan execution screen 130, the processing circuitry 44 changes the contents displayed in the protocol display area 500 in response to operational inputs to the protocol display area 500, and modifies the contents of the protocol displayed in the protocol display area 500. Alternatively, the processing circuitry 44 can create a new protocol in response to operational inputs that select one of the icons 355 and appropriately create and edit the display contents of the protocol display area 500.

[0177] In this way, protocols are visualized in the protocol display area 500 of the protocol creation screen 170 in the same manner as on the protocol selection screen 110 and the scan execution screen 130, which reduces setting errors and makes it easier to make corrections on the protocol creation screen 170, thereby improving overall workflow and throughput.

[0178] The operator selects the "Save" button 227 when registering a series of selected protocols indicated by the icons 510 currently displayed in the protocol display area 500 as presets of imaging protocols. At this time, in response to the selection of the "Save" button 227, the processing circuitry 44 registers the series of selected protocols indicated by the icons 510 currently displayed in the protocol display area 500 as presets of imaging protocols to be displayed as icons 351. Furthermore, when the operator wishes to end protocol creation, he or she selects the "Close" button 229. At this time, in response to the selection of the "Close" button 229, the processing circuitry 44 ends the display of the protocol creation screen 170.

[0179] In this way, the operator can easily edit the selected protocol in the protocol display area 500 by performing operations such as drag and drop. In other words, the number of operational steps required for the operator to create a protocol can be reduced.

[0180] 2 to 16 , a case has been illustrated in which the icon 510 of the selected protocol is displayed in the protocol display area 500 of the protocol selection screen 110, and then the screen transitions to the scan execution screen 130, but this is not limiting. For example, the operator can transition the display screen to the scan execution screen 130 by double-clicking the icon 351 of the imaging protocol to be selected or the icon 510 of the selected protocol being displayed on the protocol selection screen 110. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 transitions the display screen in response to the operator's double-click operation of the imaging protocol icon 351 or the selected protocol icon 510. This can further reduce the effort required for operational input when the operator does not need to display the protocol in the protocol display area 500, for example, when the operator already understands the content of the imaging protocol.

[0181] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example (9) of the protocol selection screen 120 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example (3) of the scan execution screen 140 displayed on the display 42 according to the embodiment.

[0182] In the protocol selection screen 120, the processing circuitry 44 displays a protocol selection area 300 as shown in FIG. 17. However, unlike the protocol selection screen 110 illustrated in FIG. 2 and other figures, the processing circuitry 44 does not display a protocol display area 500. Furthermore, in the scan execution screen 140, the processing circuitry 44 displays a protocol display area 500 and a scan information display area 700 as shown in FIG. 18. As an example, the processing circuitry 44 displays icons 231 and 233 for changing the display mode of the protocol display area 500 and the scan information display area 700 as shown in FIG. 18. When the "Scan Sequence" icon 231 is selected, the scans are displayed in the order in which they are executed, from top to bottom, as shown in FIG. 18. When the "Time Sequence" icon 233 is selected, a graph of the scan executed at a specific time is displayed at a specific time position on the timeline. In the display mode when the "Time Sequence" icon 233 is selected, a timeline is displayed in which the vertical and horizontal axes represent, for example, tube current [mA] and time, respectively. Each scan on this timeline is represented by the magnitude of the tube current.

[0183] The operator cannot check the scans and conditions included in each imaging protocol on the protocol selection screen 120 illustrated in FIG. 17 . Therefore, when the operator wants to check this information, the operator transitions the display screen to the scan execution screen 140 illustrated in FIG. 18 . Therefore, when the display screens illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 are displayed, it is not possible to reduce the number of steps required by the operator, as in the case of the protocol editing described above. However, some operators may prefer the display screens illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 because they are familiar with them, for example, because they have traditionally used them. Furthermore, some operators may find that editing a protocol using a display screen they are familiar with reduces errors and improves operability.

[0184] For this reason, the processing circuitry 44 according to the embodiment can switch between a protocol editing mode using a protocol selection screen 110 and a scan execution screen 130 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 and a protocol editing mode using a protocol selection screen 120 and a scan execution screen 140 as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, for example, in response to an input operation by an operator. As an example, the processing circuitry 44 transitions the display to the protocol selection screen 120 or the scan execution screen 140 while the protocol selection screen 110 is being displayed, i.e., during protocol selection, in response to an input operation by the operator. As an example, the processing circuitry 44 transitions the display to the protocol selection screen 120 or the scan execution screen 140 while the scan execution screen 130 is being displayed, i.e., during scan execution. As an example, the processing circuitry 44 transitions the display to the protocol selection screen 120 or the scan execution screen 140 during a reconstruction retry after scan execution. On the other hand, the processing circuitry 44 can also restrict mode switching during scan execution to reduce risk.

[0185] In the above-described embodiments, protocol editing such as adding, inserting, replacing, and deleting imaging protocols and scans on the protocol selection screens 110 and 120, the scan execution screens 130 and 140, the examination appointment creation screen 150, and the protocol creation screen 170 has been mainly described, but the present invention is not limited to this. Display control related to protocol editing in the above-described embodiments can also be applied to editing of reconstruction conditions. As described above, an imaging protocol includes scan conditions and reconstruction conditions related to each of a plurality of scans.

[0186] Here, editing of reconstruction conditions according to the embodiment will be described using the scan execution screen 130 in FIG. 3 as an example.

[0187] On the scan execution screen 130, the processing circuitry 44 displays a scan information display area 700 including a detailed condition display area 775, as shown in FIG. 3. The detailed condition display area 775 includes a reconstruction card 7751 indicating the reconstruction conditions. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the reconstruction card 7751 indicating the reconstruction conditions is "Brain A." The reconstruction card 7751 for "Brain A" indicates the reconstruction conditions corresponding to an imaging protocol named A related to the brain. The reconstruction card 7751 for "Brain A" indicates the reconstruction condition of "OFF," which does not include noise reduction processing.

[0188] FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the "Arterial" scan icon 513 among the multiple scan icons 513 displayed in the protocol display area 500 is selected by an operator's operation input (sixth operation input). This operation input is, for example, a single click, but may be another operation input. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 displays one reconstruction card 7751 associated with the selected "Arterial" scan icon 513, as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, in the state illustrated in FIG. 3, one reconstructed image is generated from raw data obtained by one scan using one reconstruction condition indicated by one reconstruction card 7751.

[0189] In this situation, depending on the imaging region, multiple anatomical structures may be included. For this reason, there is a demand for performing multiple reconstructions under multiple reconstruction conditions on one raw data obtained from a single scan to obtain multiple reconstructed images. For example, it may be desired to obtain a reconstructed image targeting soft tissues such as air bubbles in the lungs and a reconstructed image targeting hard tissues such as bones by performing multiple reconstructions on raw data obtained from a chest scan. However, manually inputting various conditions to add new reconstruction conditions is time-consuming and may reduce the throughput of image diagnosis using medical image diagnostic devices.

[0190] Therefore, in the detailed condition display area 775 (third display area), the processing circuitry 44 further displays a new reconstruction card 7752 "+", as illustrated below the reconstruction card 7751 for "Brain A" in Fig. 3. The operator can add new reconstruction conditions by using the new reconstruction card 7752 "+".

[0191] When the operator selects the new reconstruction card 7752 "+" on the scan execution screen 130, the processing circuitry 44 sets reconstruction conditions in accordance with subsequent operation input by the operator. In addition, the processing circuitry 44 displays a reconstruction card 7751 indicating the newly set reconstruction conditions at the position of the new reconstruction card 7752 "+".

[0192] As an example, the operator drags and drops the reconfiguration card 7751 displayed in the detailed condition display area 775 onto the new reconfiguration card 7752 (seventh operation input). The operator also edits the reconfiguration conditions indicated by the new reconfiguration card 7752. At this time, the processing circuit 44 copies the reconfiguration conditions indicated by the reconfiguration card 7751 dragged and dropped onto the new reconfiguration card 7752 onto the new reconfiguration card 7752. The processing circuit 44 also edits the reconfiguration conditions copied to the new reconfiguration card 7752 in accordance with subsequent operation inputs by the operator, and sets them as new reconfiguration conditions.

[0193] Note that the operation input by the operator is not limited to drag and drop. For example, the operator selects the new reconfiguration card 7752 "+" and the reconfiguration card 7751 displayed in the detailed condition display area 775 by single-clicking (seventh operation input), respectively. At this time, the processing circuitry 44 highlights the reconfiguration card 7751 selected by the single click, and copies the reconfiguration conditions indicated by the reconfiguration card 7751 to the new reconfiguration card 7752.

[0194] Note that, although an operation input (seventh operation input) for displaying the reconstruction card 7751 has been exemplified here, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the processing circuitry 44 may be configured to be able to execute editing of reconstruction conditions to add reconstruction conditions associated with an image obtained by scanogram imaging (positioning imaging) displayed in the scan information display area 700, in response to an operation input for the image, instead of the reconstruction card 7751.

[0195] Note that the image used in place of the reconstruction card 7751 is not limited to an image obtained by scanogram imaging (positioning imaging). For example, reconstruction conditions associated with various images obtained by other scans may be added in response to an operation input for the image. Furthermore, reconstruction conditions for the reconstructed image may be added in response to an operation input for the reconstructed image. Furthermore, reconstruction conditions associated with an image obtained in the past for the same subject P may be added in response to an operation input for the image. Furthermore, reconstruction conditions associated with the image may be added in response to an operation input for an image obtained for another subject P. The processing circuitry 44 displays these images in the scan information display area 700, for example.

[0196] Alternatively, reconstruction conditions associated with other imaging protocols or scans may be added in response to operation inputs for those imaging protocols or scans. In other words, reconstruction conditions may be set by simply applying the reconstruction conditions to other scans or imaging protocols.

[0197] Alternatively, the processing circuitry 44 may be configured to, for example, instead of the reconstruction card 7751, edit the reconstruction conditions to add reconstruction conditions associated with a part of a human body image 790 such as a human body model or a subject image in response to an operation input for that part.

[0198] 3 illustrates an example in which one reconstructed card 7751 associated with the "Arterial" scan icon 513 is displayed in the detailed condition display area 775. However, this is not limiting. The reconstructed card 7751 displayed in the detailed condition display area 775 may be two or more reconstructed cards 7751.

[0199] Incidentally, the editing of the reconstruction conditions according to the embodiment may be performed not only on the scan execution screen 130 in FIG. 3 but also on each of the protocol selection screens 110 and 120, the scan execution screens 130 and 140, the examination appointment creation screen 150, and the protocol creation screen 170.

[0200] As described above, the medical image diagnostic apparatus according to the embodiment includes an imaging unit, an input unit, a display control unit, and an imaging control unit.

[0201] The imaging unit captures an image of the subject, and the input unit receives an operation input from an operator.

[0202] The display control unit displays, on the display unit, a protocol creation screen 170 (protocol selection screen) that includes a protocol selection area 300 (first display area) that displays a protocol list (list display area 350) showing multiple imaging protocols (icons 351) each including at least one scan, and a protocol display area 500 (second display area) that displays multiple scan icons 513 indicating multiple scans selected from the multiple imaging protocols (icons 351) in accordance with a first operation input, arranged in order of execution.

[0203] In response to the third operation input, the display control unit transitions the display screen on the display unit from the protocol creation screen 170 (protocol selection screen) to a scan execution screen 130 that includes a protocol display area 500 (second display area) and is used to execute multiple scans in an order corresponding to the multiple scan icons 513 displayed in the protocol display area 500 (second display area) as a single imaging protocol (icon 510).

[0204] The scan execution screen 130 includes a detailed condition display area 775 (third display area) that displays a reconstruction card 7751 indicating the reconstruction conditions associated with the scan to be edited and a new reconstruction card 7752 indicating the addition of new reconstruction conditions in response to a sixth operation input that selects the scan to be edited from multiple scans in the protocol display area 500 (second display area).

[0205] The imaging control unit sets new reconstruction conditions based on the reconstruction conditions indicated by the reconstruction card 7751 in response to a seventh operation input to the reconstruction card 7751 and the new reconstruction card 7752 .

[0206] According to this configuration, the operator can easily add reconstruction conditions by editing the reconstruction conditions indicated on the copied reconstruction card 7751. In other words, by simply adjusting other reconstruction conditions, the operator can perform multiple reconstructions under multiple reconstruction conditions on raw data obtained by one scan, thereby obtaining multiple reconstructed images.

[0207] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU, a GPU, an ASIC, and a programmable logic device (PLD). PLDs include simple programmable logic devices (SPLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). A processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit. The memory circuit storing the program is a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium. Note that instead of storing a program in a memory circuit, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit. Alternatively, the function corresponding to the program may be realized by combining logic circuits rather than executing a program. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit. It is also possible to configure multiple independent circuits as a single processor and realize its functions. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0208] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the throughput of image diagnosis using a medical image diagnostic apparatus.

[0209] Although several 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 intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0210] 1 X-ray CT scanner (medical imaging diagnostic equipment) 10 Mount (imaging unit) 11 X-ray tube 12 X-ray detector 13 Rotating Frame 14 X-ray high voltage device 15 Control device 16 Wedge 17 Collimator 18 Data Collection Circuit 19 Opening 30 Bed (imaging unit) 31 Foundation 32 Bed drive unit 33 Top plate 34 Support frame 40 Console 41 memory 42 Display (display unit) 43 Input interface (input section) 44 Processing circuit 45 System control function (imaging control section) 46 Image generation function 47 Image processing functions 48 Display control function (display control section) 110,120 Protocol selection screen 130,140 Scan execution screen 150 Examination reservation creation screen (protocol selection screen) 170 Protocol creation screen (protocol selection screen) 300 Protocol selection area (first display area) 500 Protocol display area (second display area) 600 Examination reservation display area (first display area) 700 Scan information display area (third display area)

Claims

1. an imaging unit that images the subject; an input unit that accepts operation input from an operator; displaying, on a display unit, a protocol selection screen including a first display area displaying a protocol list showing a plurality of imaging protocols each including at least one scan, and a second display area displaying a plurality of icons showing a plurality of scans selected from the plurality of imaging protocols in response to a first operation input, arranged in order of execution; when scan conditions for the plurality of scans in the second display area are modified in response to a second operation input, changing display of the plurality of icons in accordance with the modified scan conditions; a display control unit that, in response to a third operation input, transitions the display screen of the display unit from the protocol selection screen to a scan execution screen that includes the second display area and is for executing, as one imaging protocol, the plurality of scans in an order corresponding to the plurality of icons displayed in the second display area; and an imaging control unit that modifies the scan conditions in response to the second operation input and controls imaging of the subject in response to the imaging protocol displayed in the second display area of ​​the scan execution screen; Equipped with The display control unit, while the protocol selection screen is being displayed, when the first operation input is performed for a first imaging protocol included in the protocol list in the first display area, an icon indicating a scan included in the first imaging protocol is displayed in the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen; when a fourth operation input for the first imaging protocol is performed, a scan list indicating scans included in the first imaging protocol is displayed in the first display area of ​​the protocol selection screen. Medical imaging diagnostic equipment.

2. The display control unit, while the protocol selection screen is being displayed, when the first operation input is performed for a first imaging protocol included in the protocol list in the first display area, an icon indicating a scan included in the first imaging protocol is displayed in the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen; when the third operation input for the first imaging protocol is performed, transitioning the display screen on the display unit to the scan execution screen for executing the first imaging protocol, and displaying an icon indicating a scan included in the first imaging protocol in the second display area of ​​the scan execution screen. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. 2. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when a first operation input is performed to select a scan from the scan list, the display control unit further displays an icon indicating the selected scan from the scan list in the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen.

4. 4. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when a first operation input for a second imaging protocol included in the protocol list in the first display area is performed while an icon indicating a scan included in a first imaging protocol included in the protocol list in the first display area is displayed in the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen, the display control unit further displays an icon indicating the scan included in the second imaging protocol at a position in the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen according to content of the first operation input.

5. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first operation input is a drag-and-drop operation.

6. the first operation input is a drag-and-drop operation, the content of the first operation input is a drop position in the drag-and-drop operation; The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4.

7. 7. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display control unit replaces an icon indicating a scan included in the first imaging protocol with an icon indicating a scan included in the second imaging protocol, in accordance with content of the first operation input.

8. 8. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging control unit collectively modifies scan conditions for each of the plurality of scans corresponding to the plurality of icons displayed in the second display area in response to the second operation input.

9. The display control unit transitioning the display screen of the display unit from the scan execution screen to the protocol selection screen in response to a fifth operation input while the scan execution screen is being displayed and before the imaging protocol displayed in the second display area is completed; when the first operation input is made for a third imaging protocol included in the protocol list in the first display area while the protocol selection screen is being displayed, an icon indicating a scan included in the third imaging protocol is further displayed in the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen at a position corresponding to the content of the first operation input; the imaging control unit further executes scans included in the third imaging protocol displayed in the second display area in an order according to the display positions in the second display area. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the display control unit displays a protocol creation screen for setting the content of the protocol to be displayed in the first display area; the protocol creation screen has a display area for displaying existing protocols in the same manner as the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen, the imaging control unit modifies the existing protocol in response to an operation input on the display area; The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the display control unit, in response to a sixth operation input for selecting a scan to be edited from the plurality of scans in the second display area, displays the scan execution screen on the display unit, the scan execution screen including a third display area for displaying a reconstruction card indicating a reconstruction condition associated with the scan to be edited and a new reconstruction card indicating addition of a new reconstruction condition; the imaging control unit sets new reconstruction conditions based on the reconstruction conditions indicated by the reconstructed card in response to a seventh operation input to the reconstructed card and the new reconstructed card. The medical image diagnostic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. an input unit that accepts operation input from an operator; a protocol selection screen including a first display area displaying a protocol list showing a plurality of imaging protocols each including at least one scan, and a second display area displaying a plurality of icons showing a plurality of scans selected from the plurality of imaging protocols in an order according to the operation input; a scan execution screen including the second display area for executing the plurality of scans as one imaging protocol in an order corresponding to the plurality of icons displayed in the second display area; a display control unit that displays the above on a display unit and transitions the display screen on the display unit between the protocol selection screen and the scan execution screen in response to the operation input; Equipped with The display control unit, while the protocol selection screen is being displayed, When the operation input is performed for a first imaging protocol included in the protocol list in the first display area, an icon indicating a scan included in the first imaging protocol is displayed in the second display area of ​​the protocol selection screen; when the operation input for the first imaging protocol is performed, a scan list indicating scans included in the first imaging protocol is displayed in the first display area of ​​the protocol selection screen. Medical information display control device.

Images