Simulation system, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a user with convenience.SOLUTION: An injection system includes an injection device that injects a contrast medium according to an injection protocol, and a display that displays a simulation result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection system having a display unit that displays simulation results. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an injection device that includes a generating device that generates an injection protocol for a contrast agent. The generating device has an imaging condition acquiring unit that acquires information on at least one of pixel values ​​and duration, and a protocol generating unit that generates an injection protocol based on the acquired pixel values ​​or the acquired duration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 021185 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need for an injection system that provides greater convenience to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an injection system as one example of the present invention includes an injection device that injects a contrast agent according to an injection protocol, and a display unit that displays simulation results.

[0006] This can provide convenience to the user.

[0007] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an injection system. [Figure 2] 10 is a setting screen displayed on a display unit. [Figure 3] 10 is a simulation screen displayed on a display unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments are arbitrary and can be changed depending on the configuration of the device to which the present invention is applied or various conditions. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, the term "contrast agent" includes both a contrast agent alone and a drug solution containing a contrast agent plus other solvents and additives. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the term "pixel value" includes the CT value of an imaging region being imaged with contrast, the sum or average of the CT values ​​of pixels included in a region of interest (ROI), or the SD value (standard deviation value) of the region of interest. Furthermore, the pixel value includes values ​​obtained by subtracting the value of an imaging region not being imaged with contrast (e.g., the CT value of an imaging region in a simple CT scan) from these values. The region of interest is either preset or can be selected by the user.

[0011] [First embodiment] 1, which is a schematic diagram of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130, the injection system 120 including a simulator (not shown) will be described. In this embodiment, at least one of the injection system 120 and the imaging system 130 includes a simulator that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time in the tissue of a subject.

[0012] 1, injection system 120 includes injection head 20, an example of an injection device that injects a contrast agent according to an injection protocol, and touch panel 26, an example of a display unit that displays simulation results. Injection head 20 injects medicinal liquids, such as saline and various contrast agents, filled in syringes into a subject. Injection system 120 also includes stand 22 that holds injection head 20 and console 23 that is connected to injection head 20 by wire or wirelessly.

[0013] The console 23 functions as a control device for controlling the injection head 20 and also as a simulator for predicting changes in pixel values ​​over time. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may further include an external device that also functions as the simulator and is connected to the injection head 20 via a wired or wireless connection. The console 23 also includes a touch panel 26 that functions as a display and input unit and can communicate with the injection head 20 and the imaging device 30 via a wired or wireless connection. The touch panel 26 can display the injection protocol, the input status of the device, the setting status, the injection results, and various other information. The user can also input drug solution information, the injection protocol, tissue information, subject information, and target values ​​(the target pixel value and the target duration for maintaining the target pixel value) via the touch panel 26. Alternatively, the injection system 120 may include a display as a display unit and a keyboard as an input unit instead of the touch panel 26.

[0014] Furthermore, instead of console 23, injection system 120 may include a control device connected to injection head 20 and a display (e.g., a touch panel) connected to the control device that displays the injection status of the medicinal solution. In this case, the control device functions as a simulator that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time. In addition, injection head 20 and the control device may be configured integrally with stand 22. Furthermore, instead of stand 22, a ceiling suspension member may be provided, and injection head 20 may be suspended from the ceiling via the ceiling suspension member.

[0015] The injection head 20 may also have a remote control device (e.g., a hand switch or foot switch) for remotely controlling the injection head 20. This remote control device can remotely control the injection head 20 to start or stop injection. The injection head 20 may also have a power source or battery. This power source or battery can be located in either the injection head 20 or the control device, or it can be located separately from them.

[0016] The injection head 20 includes a syringe holder that holds a syringe filled with a liquid medicine and a drive mechanism that pushes the liquid medicine from the syringe according to an injection protocol. The injection head 20 also includes an operation unit 28 for inputting the operation of the drive mechanism. The operation unit 28 includes, for example, a drive mechanism forward button, a drive mechanism reverse button, and a final confirmation button. The injection head 20 may also include a head display that displays the injection conditions, injection status, device input status, setting status, and various injection results. For example, the head display may be installed on the side of the injection head 20 or may be built into the injection head 20. The head display may also be a touch-panel display that can be operated by the user. In this case, the head display may display the screens shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, allowing the user to input various information from the displayed screen.

[0017] When the contrast medium is to be injected, an accessory such as an extension tube is connected to the tip of the syringe mounted on injection head 20. Then, when preparations for injection are complete, the user presses the final confirmation button on operation unit 28. This puts injection head 20 into a standby state ready to start injection. When injection begins, the contrast medium is pushed out of the syringe and injected into the subject's body via the extension tube.

[0018] In addition, injection head 20 can be equipped with various syringes, including prefilled syringes with data carriers such as RFID chips, IC tags, or barcodes. Therefore, injection head 20 is equipped with a reading unit that reads the data carriers attached to the syringes. The data carriers store information about the medicinal liquid. Furthermore, injection head 20 may have three or more syringe holders, or only one syringe holder.

[0019] The injection head 20 can receive information from and transmit information to a server (external storage device) (not shown). The imaging device 30 of the imaging system 130 can also receive information from and transmit information to a server. This server can be, for example, a Radiology Information System (RIS), a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), or a Hospital Information System (HIS).

[0020] The server stores an examination order in advance. This examination order includes subject information about the subject and examination information about the examination content. The server can also store information about the imaging results, such as image data transmitted from the imaging device 30, and information about the injection results transmitted from the injection head 20. An external imaging system or an image creation workstation can also be used to operate the injection head 20 and the imaging device 30.

[0021] Imaging system 130 includes an injection head 20 that injects a contrast agent and a medical imaging device 30 that is connected to injection head 20 by wire or wirelessly and captures an image of a subject. Examples of imaging device 30 include various medical imaging devices such as an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) device, a CT (Computed Tomography) device, an angio imaging device, a PET (Positron Emission Tomography) device, a SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) device, a CT angio device, an MR angio device, an ultrasound diagnostic device, and a vascular imaging device. An example in which imaging system 130 includes a CT device will be described below.

[0022] The imaging device 30 includes an imaging unit 31 that images a subject according to an imaging plan and a control device 32 that controls the entire imaging device 30. This imaging plan includes, for example, the imaging region, effective tube voltage, model name, manufacturer name, imaging time, tube voltage, imaging range, rotation speed, helical pitch, exposure time, dose, and imaging method. The control device 32 then controls the imaging unit 31 to image the subject according to the imaging plan. The control device 32 also functions as a simulator that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time. The control device 32 can communicate with the imaging unit 31, the injection head 20, and a server (external storage device) via wired or wireless communication. The simulator may perform a more accurate simulation by further considering information included in the imaging plan.

[0023] The imaging unit 31 has a bed, an X-ray source that irradiates the subject with X-rays, and an X-ray detector that detects the X-rays that have passed through the subject. The imaging unit 31 exposes the subject to X-rays and captures a fluoroscopic image of the subject by back-projecting the inside of the subject based on the X-rays that have passed through the subject.

[0024] The imaging device 30 has a display 33 that functions as a display unit that displays simulation results. This display 33 is connected to the control device 32 and displays the input state, setting state, imaging results, and various information of the device. Alternatively, the control device 32 and the display 33 can be configured integrally. Furthermore, the imaging device 30 has a user interface 34 such as a keyboard that functions as an input unit. A user can input information including drug solution information, injection protocol, tissue information, subject information, target values, etc. into the imaging device 30 through the user interface 34.

[0025] [Simulator] A simulator (perfusion simulator) that predicts changes in pixel values ​​over time in the tissue of a subject will be described below. An example will be described below in which at least one of injection system 120 and imaging system 130 includes a simulator that simulates changes in pixel values ​​over time in an examination region. However, if the simulator is provided externally, injection system 120 and imaging system 130 may not include a prediction unit. In this case, the simulation results obtained by the prediction unit are acquired by a result acquisition unit of injection system 120 and imaging system 130. This result acquisition unit may be included in the control device 32 or the control unit of console 23.

[0026] The control device 32 or console 23 functioning as a simulator includes a control unit consisting of a CPU or the like, and a storage unit (memory) that stores a control program. This control unit controls each unit of the simulator in accordance with the control program stored in the storage unit. The control unit also includes a result acquisition unit, a prediction unit, a subject information acquisition unit, a protocol acquisition unit, a tissue information acquisition unit, a drug solution information acquisition unit, and an examination information acquisition unit. The control unit also includes a target value acquisition unit. However, these multiple functional units may be provided externally, in which case the control unit includes only some of the multiple functional units.

[0027] The control unit executes various processes in accordance with the control program implemented in the storage unit, thereby logically realizing each unit as a variety of functions. Furthermore, the control unit controls the touch panel 26 or the display 33, which functions as a display unit, to display at least one input field for subject information related to the subject, drug solution information related to the drug solution, and site information. Note that if the prediction unit is provided outside the control device 32 or the console 23, the result acquisition unit of the control unit receives the simulation results from the prediction unit. The control unit then displays the simulation results received by the result acquisition unit on the touch panel 26 or the display 33.

[0028] The storage unit is a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium. The storage unit includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a system work memory for the control unit to operate, a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs or system software, or a hard disk drive. The storage unit also stores a simulation program that causes the computer (control unit) to predict changes in pixel values ​​in the subject's tissue over time. This simulation program can also be stored on another recording medium.

[0029] Alternatively, the control unit can control various processes according to a control program and a simulation program stored on a portable recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or CF (Compact Flash) card, or on an external storage medium such as a server connected to the Internet.

[0030] The subject information acquisition unit acquires subject information about the subject, including, for example, hemoglobin level, weight, height, body surface area, cardiac function, heart rate, stroke volume, cardiac output, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), creatinine level, age, sex, lean body mass, body mass index, circulating blood volume, subject number (subject ID), subject's disease and side effect history, subject's name, date of birth, blood volume, and blood flow velocity.

[0031] The subject information acquisition unit also acquires subject information input by the user via touch panel 26 or user interface 34. Furthermore, the subject information acquisition unit may acquire subject information from a storage unit or an external storage device. Examples of such external storage devices include RIS, PACS, HIS, image inspection systems, and image creation workstations. Furthermore, the subject information acquisition unit may acquire subject information from imaging device 30 or injection head 20 shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] The protocol acquisition unit acquires an injection protocol for a medicinal liquid containing a contrast agent. This protocol acquisition unit may generate and acquire the injection protocol based on the subject information acquired from the subject information acquisition unit. The protocol acquisition unit may also acquire an injection protocol input by a user via touch panel 26 or user interface 34. The injection protocol may include, for example, the injection time and injection rate of the medicinal liquid. The injection protocol may also include the injection method, the contrast agent injection site, the injection amount, the injection timing, the contrast agent concentration, the injection pressure, and the acceleration of the injection rate. The protocol acquisition unit may also acquire the injection protocol from a memory unit, an external storage device, or injection head 20.

[0033] The injection protocol may include information such as the injection time and injection rate of the contrast agent, the injection time and injection rate of the saline solution, whether or not to perform a boost injection of the contrast agent, whether or not to increase or decrease the injection rate, whether or not to perform a cross-injection, whether or not to perform a link speed setting, and the volume of the injection tube. Cross-injection is an injection method in which the contrast agent is injected at a rate faster than the injection rate of the saline solution for a set time from the start of injection, and then the contrast agent is injected so that the injection rate gradually decreases, while simultaneously injecting saline so that the injection rate gradually increases. Link speed setting is a setting in which the injection rates of the contrast agent and the saline solution are linked so that they are the same.

[0034] Furthermore, the protocol acquisition unit generates an infusion protocol based on the input target values. This protocol acquisition unit can also generate an infusion protocol corresponding to the simulation results (e.g., TDC) by the prediction unit. Furthermore, the protocol acquisition unit can also generate an infusion protocol based on test information, subject information, and medicinal solution information. Alternatively, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire an infusion protocol by reading out an infusion protocol that satisfies the conditions input by the user from among the infusion protocols stored in the memory unit.

[0035] The tissue information acquisition unit acquires tissue information of the subject. This tissue information includes, for example, the number of compartments in the tissue (the number of compartments divided into blood vessels and organs), the volume of the tissue (the volume of the vascular cavity), the volume of the capillaries, the volume of the extracellular fluid cavity, the blood flow rate per unit tissue (blood flow velocity), the seepage rate of the contrast agent in the tissue (the capillary permeable surface area), the seepage rate of the contrast agent in the tissue (the capillary permeable surface area), and the inherent pixel value of the tissue. The number of compartments may be set to be greater for tissues with larger volumes than for tissues with smaller volumes.

[0036] The tissue information acquisition unit also acquires tissue information input by the user via touch panel 26 or user interface 34. The tissues include the heart (right and left ventricles), blood vessels, kidneys, ureters, other organs, and muscles. For example, if the tissue information acquisition unit acquires the inherent pixel values ​​of the tissues, the prediction unit predicts the degree of contrast agent enhancement based on the inherent pixel values ​​of each tissue. The tissue information acquisition unit may also acquire the tissue information from a memory unit, an external storage device, or injection head 20.

[0037] The liquid medicine information acquisition unit acquires liquid medicine information, such as information about the contrast agent and saline solution, as liquid medicine information. This liquid medicine information acquisition unit acquires liquid medicine information input by the user via touch panel 26 or user interface 34. The liquid medicine information includes, for example, the amount of iodine, viscosity, osmolality ratio, amount of contrast agent, amount of saline solution, product ID, product name, chemical classification, contained ingredients, concentration, expiration date, syringe capacity, syringe pressure resistance, cylinder inner diameter, piston stroke, and lot number. Alternatively, the liquid medicine information acquisition unit may acquire the liquid medicine information from a memory unit, an external storage device, or injection head 20. Furthermore, the liquid medicine information acquisition unit may acquire the liquid medicine information from a reader built into injection head 20. This reader reads the liquid medicine information from a data carrier attached to a syringe mounted on injection head 20.

[0038] The examination information acquisition unit acquires information related to the examination, particularly site information that identifies the examination site. The user can input examination information from the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. This examination information includes, for example, site information that identifies the examination site to be imaged, a pressure limit, the amount of iodine used, the tube voltage (kV), the examination number (examination ID), the examination date and time, the type of liquid medicine, and the name of the liquid medicine. This site information is information that can identify the site (range) selected as the imaging target. For example, the site information includes the name of the examination site, the name of the imaging method, and the distance from the injection site of the liquid medicine to the examination site.

[0039] The target value acquisition unit acquires a target value (at least one of a target pixel value and a target duration). This target value acquisition unit can acquire a target value input by the user via the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34. Alternatively, the target value acquisition unit may acquire a pre-stored target value from a memory unit, an external storage device, or the injection head 20. The control unit causes the touch panel 26 or the user interface 34 to display an injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result of reaching the target value acquired by the target value acquisition unit. This injection protocol is acquired by the protocol acquisition unit.

[0040] The prediction unit generates a simulation result. As an example, the prediction unit generates a time density curve (hereinafter also referred to as a "TDC" (Time Density Curve)) showing the change in pixel values ​​over time as the simulation result. The prediction unit also simulates the change in pixel values ​​of the subject's tissues over time. That is, the prediction unit simulates the change in pixel values ​​of each tissue of the subject over time based on the acquired subject information, injection protocol, drug solution information, and examination information. Furthermore, the prediction unit calculates a predicted duration for which a predetermined pixel value, for example, a target pixel value, will be maintained. After the simulation, the prediction unit may store the pixel values ​​of each compartment for each time in the memory unit in association with each tissue.

[0041] As an example, the prediction unit receives body weight or lean body mass as subject information from the subject information acquisition unit. The protocol acquisition unit generates an injection protocol based on the subject information, medicinal solution information, and examination information, and passes the protocol to the prediction unit. For example, the protocol acquisition unit calculates the injection time and injection rate of the contrast agent and saline based on the examination site, the subject's body weight, and the amount of iodine in the contrast agent. The prediction unit then simulates the change in pixel values ​​over time in the subject's tissue for each of multiple compartments obtained by dividing the subject's tissue along the blood flow direction. This simulation is performed based on the subject information, the injection protocol, and the tissue information. As a result, the prediction unit generates a TDC indicating the change in pixel values ​​over time in the examination site.

[0042] Furthermore, the prediction unit acquires, from the subject information acquisition unit, the subject information such as hemoglobin level (g / dL), weight (kg), height (cm), cardiac function (%), heart rate (bpm), and body surface area (m 2), cardiac output (L / min), and eGFR. This allows the prediction unit to perform more accurate, high-precision simulations based on more information. As a result, higher-quality images can be captured or three-dimensional images can be created, for example, to perform surgical simulations or determine treatment strategies. Alternatively, the prediction unit may calculate at least one of body surface area, cardiac output, and estimated glomerular filtration rate. For example, the body surface area can be calculated using the Fujimoto formula, Dubois formula, or Shintani formula based on weight and height. The cardiac output can be calculated based on the body surface area, cardiac function, and heart rate. The eGFR can be calculated based on the creatinine level, age, and gender.

[0043] The result acquisition unit acquires, for example, a TDC, which is a time-dependent change in pixel values ​​at the examination site, as a simulation result. If the control unit includes a prediction unit, the result acquisition unit acquires the simulation result from the prediction unit. Alternatively, the result acquisition unit may acquire the simulation result from an external simulator.

[0044] When the prediction unit is provided externally, injection system 120 or imaging system 130 includes a subject information acquisition unit, a drug solution information acquisition unit, an examination information acquisition unit, and a target value acquisition unit, and the prediction unit can receive necessary information from each of these units. Then, the result acquisition unit of injection system 120 or imaging system 130 acquires the simulation results from the external prediction unit. In other words, each unit of injection system 120 or imaging system 130 and the external prediction unit work together to function as a simulator.

[0045] [Prediction of temporal changes in pixel values] An example of a simulation performed by the prediction unit will be described below. Each tissue of the subject is divided into multiple compartments along the blood flow direction according to the number of divided compartments of the tissue acquired from the tissue information acquisition unit. The prediction unit divides the volume of the tissue including the compartment to be predicted, the capillary volume of the tissue, and the extracellular fluid space volume of the tissue by the number of divided compartments, and predicts the change in pixel value over time for each compartment.

[0046] The tissues of interest include the right ventricle, aorta, veins, arteries, brain (head), upper limbs, myocardium (myocardium dominated by the right coronary artery, myocardium dominated by the anterior descending artery, and myocardium dominated by the circumflex artery), lungs, liver, stomach, spleen, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, ureters, lower limbs, left ventricle, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. Contrast medium injected through an upper limb vein travels to each organ via the right ventricle, lungs, left ventricle, and aorta (ascending aorta, descending aorta), and then reaches the right ventricle via a vein. The contrast medium injected into the body is then excreted from the body via the kidneys and ureters.

[0047] The prediction unit uses a differential equation such as the following Equation 1 to determine the change in pixel value in each tissue (blood vessel and organ) as a function of time. Here, the concentration of the contrast agent flowing into the compartment is C1, the concentration of the contrast agent flowing out of the compartment is C2, the volume of the compartment is V, and the blood flow rate (blood flow velocity) per unit tissue in the compartment is Q.

[0048]

number

[0049] Furthermore, in order to determine changes in pixel values ​​in tissues other than the right ventricle, left ventricle, and blood vessels, the prediction unit takes into account the seepage rate of the contrast agent when it permeates from the capillaries to the extracellular fluid space and the seepage rate when it permeates from the extracellular fluid space to the capillaries. Therefore, the prediction unit uses differential equations such as the following Equations 2 and 3. Here, the volume of the extracellular fluid space is Vec, the concentration of the contrast agent in the extracellular fluid space is Cec, the volume of the capillaries is Viv, the concentration of the contrast agent in the capillaries is Civ, the seepage rate is PS1, and the seepage rate is PS2.

[0050]

number

[0051]

number

[0052] The prediction unit solves the differential equation to determine the time elapsed since the start of injection and the change in pixel value (contrast agent concentration) as a time function. Furthermore, the prediction unit may calculate the amount of contrast agent discharged based on a predetermined excretion rate and perform a simulation by subtracting this discharged amount from the contrast agent in the kidney capillaries. This allows the simulation to be performed such that the portion of the contrast agent that reaches the kidney is subtracted from the total amount of contrast agent in the entire body (in the plasma). By simulating the excretion of the contrast agent, the total amount of contrast agent in the entire body decreases over time, allowing for a more accurate simulation.

[0053] When the simulation is completed, the prediction unit sequentially stores the simulation results in the storage unit. The simulation results include a TDC indicating the time-dependent change in pixel values ​​at the examination site, and may also include information on pixel values ​​at each time associated with the tissue. The control unit then displays the TDC on the touch panel 26 or the display 33. Alternatively, the prediction unit may perform the simulation using the prediction method described in Japanese Patent No. 3,553,968.

[0054] [Settings screen] 2 and 3, a setting screen that is first displayed on the display unit and a simulation screen that can be subsequently displayed on the display unit will be described. In the following, an example will be described in which the console 23 functions as a simulator and the touch panel 26 functions as a display unit.

[0055] The input screen in Figure 2 is a settings screen for entering various settings. A check button 11 is displayed in the upper right corner of this settings screen, which the user selects when they have completed the settings and confirmed them. A liquid medicine information input field 12 is displayed to the left of check button 11. In the example of Figure 2, the product name of the contrast agent and the iodine content of the contrast agent, 300 mg / mL, have been entered as liquid medicine information. Furthermore, the amount of liquid medicine filled in the syringe mounted on injection head 20 is displayed below check button 11. In the example of Figure 2, the amount of contrast agent filled in the contrast agent syringe is 140 mL, and the amount of saline filled in the saline syringe is 130 mL.

[0056] Below the liquid drug filling amount, a first examination information input field 16A is displayed for inputting part of the examination information. In the example of FIG. 2, the amount of iodine used in the contrast agent, 600 mg / kg, and a pressure limit of 300 PSI are entered in the first examination information input field 16A. Below the first examination information input field 16A, a reduced TDC is displayed in a result display field 15A showing the simulation results. In the reduced TDC displayed in the result display field 15A, the horizontal axis corresponds to the elapsed time (sec) from the start of injection, and the vertical axis corresponds to the pixel value (HU). In this way, the TDC can be confirmed on the setting screen, providing convenience to the user.

[0057] To the left of the result display field 15A, a protocol input field 14 for inputting an injection protocol is displayed. In the protocol input field 14, the user can input at least one piece of information, such as the injection rate, injection amount, injection time, and injection start timing of the medicinal liquid. The protocol input field 14 displays the input injection protocol using a graph whose horizontal axis indicates the elapsed time from the start of injection. In the example injection protocol of FIG. 2, after the start of injection, 90 mL of contrast medium is injected at an injection rate of 3.0 mL / sec (i.e., 30 seconds). Then, after the injection of the contrast medium (i.e., 30 seconds after the start of injection), 45 mL of saline is injected at an injection rate of 3.0 mL / sec (i.e., 15 seconds). Alternatively, the input injection protocol may be displayed using a graph whose vertical axis indicates the injection rate or injection amount.

[0058] An image of a test subject is displayed below the drug solution information input field 12, and a second test information input field 16B is displayed below the image. The user selects the test site from among multiple tissue names displayed in the second test information input field 16B. The example of FIG. 2 shows a state in which the liver is selected as the test site from among the liver and kidney. Alternatively, the site information may be input by selecting the test site from the image of the test subject. In addition, a subject information input field 17 is displayed below the second test information input field 16B. The user inputs the weight of the subject in the second test information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, a weight of 60 kg is input as subject information.

[0059] When the user wants to input a target value or check the details of the simulation result, the user touches and selects the result display field 15A. When the result display field 15A is selected, the simulation screen shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. Instead of or in addition to the result display field 15A, a display button for displaying the simulation screen may be displayed on the setting screen. On the displayed simulation screen, the TDC indicating the simulation result is displayed larger than on the setting screen. The simulation screen also displays the check button 11, the drug solution filling amount, the first test information input field 16A, the second test information input field 16B, and the subject information input field 17. Note that the first test information input field 16A, the second test information input field 16B, and the subject information input field 17 may or may not accept changes to the input content by the user's re-input.

[0060] An enlarged TDC is displayed in a result display field 15B at the bottom left of the simulation screen. The control unit causes this enlarged TDC to display a pixel value input field 18A for inputting a target pixel value as a target value, and a duration input field 18B for inputting a target duration as a target value. In the example of FIG. 3, a target pixel value of 400 HU and a target duration of 4 seconds have been input. Note that, before the user inputs any values, a preset target value is displayed, and the preset target value is stored in the memory unit. This allows the simulation results to be displayed even if the user does not input a target value. The control unit may display only a scale instead of the preset target value.

[0061] Furthermore, the enlarged TDC displays a timing display field 18C indicating the recommended imaging timing. This imaging timing is predicted by the control unit based on the simulation results and displayed on the touch panel 26. In the example of FIG. 3, the imaging timing is indicated by two vertical bars, ranging from a start point 20 seconds after the start of injection to an end point 25 seconds after the start of injection. This imaging timing is determined by prediction by the control unit so as to coincide with the range from when the target pixel value is reached to when it falls below the target pixel value. Alternatively, the start point may coincide with the time when the target pixel value is reached, and the end point may coincide with the time when the predicted pixel value again matches the target pixel value minus the imaging time (e.g., 1 second). This allows the imaging timing to indicate the range in which the target pixel value is exceeded throughout imaging.

[0062] A change button 19 is displayed above the result display field 15B to confirm the input or change of the target value. After inputting and confirming the target value, the user selects the change button 19. When the user inputs the target value, the prediction unit performs a re-simulation to generate a simulation result that reaches the input target pixel value or target duration. The result acquisition unit re-acquires the generated simulation result from the prediction unit. For example, in the re-simulation, the injection protocol is changed so as to generate a TDC that reaches the input target value, and a simulation is performed based on the changed injection protocol. However, if no change to the injection protocol is required, the simulation is performed based on the already set injection protocol.

[0063] If the user wishes to confirm the injection protocol used in the re-simulation or to change the input values, the user selects, for example, the weight input button 13. This causes the control unit to re-display the setting screen shown in FIG. 2. The user can confirm the injection protocol on the setting screen and change the input values ​​by re-entering them. Alternatively, the control unit may pop up the simulation screen so that it is superimposed on the setting screen. In this case, the user can touch the setting screen to bring it to the foreground.

[0064] The control unit may display a switching button on the simulation screen or the setting screen. As an example, a screen displaying a normal simulation mode in which a small amount of information can be input and a screen displaying a high-precision simulation mode in which a large amount of information can be input may be switched in response to the selection of the switching button. In the high-precision simulation mode, the prediction unit performs a high-precision simulation based on more information. Then, the control unit displays an injection protocol corresponding to the simulation result generated based on more information on the touch panel 26.

[0065] In this case, the result acquisition unit acquires simulation results generated based on normal information in the normal simulation mode. Furthermore, the result acquisition unit acquires simulation results generated based on more information than normal in the high-precision simulation mode. The high-precision simulation mode may be executed by an external device connected to the console 23. The result acquisition unit receives the simulation results from the external device, and the console 23 and the external device work together to function as a functionally integrated simulator. Alternatively, a screen displaying the normal simulation mode, which allows a large amount of information to be input, and a screen displaying the high-speed simulation mode, which allows a small amount of information to be input, may be switched in response to the selection of a switching button. In the high-speed simulation mode, the prediction unit can generate simulation results more quickly based on less information.

[0066] [Input Flow] When the user turns on the power of injection head 20 and then loads a syringe, the reading unit of injection head 20 reads the liquid medicine information (e.g., product ID) and sends it to the control unit. The liquid medicine information acquisition unit of the control unit then acquires the liquid medicine information read by the reading unit. The control unit also displays the product name and iodine content, etc., based on the product ID, in liquid medicine information input field 12. The liquid medicine information acquisition unit may also acquire the product name entered by the user in liquid medicine information input field 12 as liquid medicine information. The liquid medicine information acquisition unit temporarily stores the acquired product ID or product name in the memory unit as liquid medicine information.

[0067] The user then inputs the subject's weight as subject information in the subject information input field 17. The subject information acquisition unit then acquires the subject's weight as subject information and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. The control unit then displays the weight in the subject information input field 17. Next, the user inputs a pressure limit and an amount of iodine to be used in the first test information input field 16A. The test information acquisition unit then acquires the input pressure limit and amount of iodine to be used as test information and temporarily stores them in the memory unit. Alternatively, the amount of iodine to be used may be calculated by the control unit based on the subject's weight and automatically displayed in the first test information input field 16A.

[0068] Furthermore, the user selects and touches a desired examination site (e.g., the liver) from among the multiple sites displayed in the second examination information input field 16B. The examination information acquisition unit then acquires the input examination site as site information and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. The control unit also highlights the input examination site in the image of the subject and the second examination information input field 16B. In the example of FIG. 2, the input examination site is displayed in a color different from the other sites. The order of acquisition or input of the liquid medicine information, examination information, and subject information can be changed as appropriate.

[0069] The protocol acquisition unit generates and acquires an injection protocol including an injection rate and an injection time based on the test information, the subject information, and the medicinal solution information. The protocol acquisition unit then temporarily stores the acquired injection protocol in the memory unit, and the control unit displays the injection protocol in the protocol input field 14. Alternatively, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire an injection protocol entered by a user in the protocol input field 14. Furthermore, the protocol acquisition unit may acquire an injection protocol generated by an external computer.

[0070] The prediction unit performs a simulation based on the drug solution information, examination information, subject information, and injection protocol. The prediction unit then creates a TDC as a simulation result and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. The control unit displays the created TDC in the result display field 15A. The memory unit pre-stores target pixel values ​​for each examination region. The control unit then superimposes and displays the provisional target pixel value on the TDC. Furthermore, the control unit superimposes and displays the duration during which the provisional target pixel value is maintained as a provisional target duration on the TDC. In the example of FIG. 2, the control unit displays a provisional target pixel value of 400 HU and a provisional target duration of 4 seconds.

[0071] The user checks the display contents of the setting screen, particularly the TDC displayed in the result display field 15A, and if there are no changes, selects the check button 11. This completes preparation for injection, and the injection head 20 waits in an injection-ready state. Alternatively, the user may press the final confirmation button on the injection head 20. To change the information entered on the setting screen, the user re-enters the information in each input field. The protocol acquisition unit generates and acquires an injection protocol based on the changed information. The prediction unit automatically performs a simulation based on the changed information and the changed injection protocol. The prediction unit then recreates the TDC as the simulation result and temporarily stores it in the memory unit. The control unit displays the created TDC in the result display field 15A.

[0072] This allows the user to input and change each piece of information while checking the TDC on the setting screen. Alternatively, a change button may be displayed on the setting screen, and when the user selects the change button, the prediction unit may perform a simulation again in response to the user's operation. Furthermore, the prediction unit may perform a simulation again when the injection protocol is changed.

[0073] To input a target value or enlarge the TDC to view the simulation results in detail, the user touches the result display field 15A to display the simulation screen shown in FIG. 3. On the simulation screen, the user inputs a target pixel value or target duration as the target value in the pixel value input field 18A or duration input field 18B. When the user touches and selects the change button 19, the prediction unit re-simulates to generate a TDC that achieves the input target value and an injection protocol corresponding to the TDC. The protocol acquisition unit then acquires the injection protocol from the prediction unit and temporarily stores it in the memory unit.

[0074] The user then selects the weight input button 13 to confirm the injection protocol. When the weight input button 13 is selected, the control unit redisplays the settings screen and displays the generated injection protocol in the protocol input field 14. The user checks the contents displayed on the settings screen, particularly the injection protocol displayed in the protocol input field 14, and selects the check button 11 if there are no changes. This completes preparation for injection, and the injection head 20 waits in an injection-ready state. If no changes are required, the user may select the check button 11 on the simulation screen.

[0075] According to the invention relating to the first embodiment described above, the TDC can be checked when inputting various settings, thereby providing convenience to the user.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The present invention also includes inventions that have been modified without departing from the scope of the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form can be combined as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0077] For example, pixel value input field 18A and duration input field 18B may be displayed on the setting screen so that target values ​​can be entered on the setting screen. Alternatively, the simulator may be mounted on an external computer connected by wire or wireless to at least one of imaging device 30 and injection head 20. In this case, the simulator transmits the simulation results and the optimal injection protocol corresponding to the simulation results to imaging device 30 and injection head 20. Also, result display field 15A may be a pop-up screen. In this case, when the prediction unit terminates the simulation, the control unit pops up result display field 15A so that it is superimposed on the setting screen. This allows result display field 15A to be displayed without changing the layout of the setting screen currently being used by the user. This provides an opportunity to check the TDC without changing the user's setting environment.

[0078] Furthermore, the simulation screen shown in FIG. 3 may only display result display field 15B, which includes pixel value input field 18A, duration input field 18B, and timing display field 18C, and change button 19. Alternatively, a setting screen or simulation screen may be displayed on the head display of injection head 20, allowing information to be entered immediately before injection. For example, the subject's weight may be measured immediately before injection to obtain subject information, and the obtained subject information may then be entered. This allows for more accurate simulations based on more accurate subject information. This allows the user to more accurately grasp the imaging timing and obtain higher-quality imaging results.

[0079] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0080] (Appendix 1) an injection device for injecting a contrast agent according to an injection protocol; a subject information acquisition unit that acquires subject information related to a subject; a liquid medicine information acquisition unit that acquires liquid medicine information related to the liquid medicine; an examination information acquisition unit that acquires region information that identifies an examination region; a result acquisition unit that acquires a change in pixel value over time in the test region as a simulation result; a display unit that displays the simulation results; a control unit that controls the display unit and causes the display unit to display at least one input field for the subject information, the medicinal solution information, and the site information.

[0081] (Appendix 2) 2. The injection system of claim 1, further comprising a prediction unit that generates the simulation results.

[0082] (Appendix 3) 3. The injection system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit predicts an imaging timing from the simulation result and causes the display unit to display the imaging timing.

[0083] (Appendix 4) 4. The injection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an input field for a target pixel value or a target duration.

[0084] (Appendix 5) The injection system of claim 4, wherein when the target pixel value or the target duration is input, the result acquisition unit again acquires a simulation result that reaches the target pixel value or the target duration.

[0085] (Appendix 6) The injection system of claim 4, wherein the result acquisition unit acquires simulation results generated based on normal information and simulation results generated based on more information than the normal information.

[0086] (Appendix 7) The injection system of claim 6, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an injection protocol corresponding to the simulation results generated based on the more information.

[0087] (Appendix 8) a target value acquisition unit that acquires a target pixel value or a target duration; An injection system described in any one of Appendixes 1 to 7, wherein the control unit causes the display unit to display an injection protocol corresponding to a simulation result of reaching the target pixel value or the target duration acquired by the target value acquisition unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 20: injection device, 26: display unit, 33: display unit, 120: injection system

Claims

1. a display unit that displays a simulation result of the change in pixel value over time; a control unit that causes the display unit to display a time-density curve indicating a change in pixel value over time in tissue of the subject as a result of the simulation; The control unit controls the display unit so that a range from a start time to an end time of an imaging timing is displayed so as to be superimposed on the time density curve.

2. The simulation system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit predicts the image capture timing from the simulation result.

3. The simulation system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit predicts the range of the imaging timing so as to match a range from when a target pixel value is reached to when the target pixel value is not reached.

4. The simulation system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit controls the display unit so that the range of the imaging timing is displayed by a vertical bar indicating the start time and a vertical bar indicating the end time.

5. A control method for a simulation system including a computer and a display unit that displays a simulation result of a change in pixel value over time, the method comprising: The computer a control method for controlling the display unit so that a time-density curve indicating a change in pixel values ​​over time in the tissue of the subject is displayed as the simulation result, and a range from the start to the end of the imaging timing is displayed superimposed on the time-density curve.

6. A control program for a simulation system including a computer and a display unit that displays a simulation result of a change in pixel value over time, The computer, a control program that controls the display unit to display, as the simulation result, a time-density curve indicating a change in pixel values ​​over time in the tissue of the subject, and to display a range from the start to the end of the imaging timing superimposed on the time-density curve.

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